Ep 110. Eva Cernik: Studying with Khairiya Maazin, Interviewing Samia Gamal, and Figuring Out Turkish Romani Dance Style

After extensive training in gymnastics and ballet, at age 19 Eva Cernik was first introduced to belly dance by Anahid Sofian in New York. Eva worked as an Oriental dancer in London, Paris, Istanbul, and Cairo, and in-troupe in Baghdad and Spain. She also traveled in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Morocco and 14 other countries. Returning to Egypt 26 times, Eva developed a friendship with families in Upper Egypt, and studied with Khairiya Maazin, and So'ad Maazin. She also returned to Turkey 11 times, to really grasp the very strong contrast of the Turkish and Romani styles to the Egyptian and American styles. In 2008, Eva was presented by Denver Lyric Opera Guild in a performance of Strauss' "Dance of the Seven Veils" from his opera "Salome”. She also spent 14 years fully immersed in Sufi dance practices.In this episode you will learn about:- How Eva got involved into belly dance thinking that it was an Armenian folk dance class- Performing with injured knee- Studying Ghawazi dances from Khariya Maazin- Interviewing the legendary Samia Gamal- Where did the misconception of using big skirts in Turkish Romani Dance come from.Show Notes to this episode:Thank you for your support via Iana Dance Club: www.ianadanceCLUB.com.Follow Eva Cernik on FB, Instagram, and YouTube.Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, Youtube, website .Bellydance Evolution and information about their programs at www.JoinBDE.com.Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast