SAIDA - Argentinian Bellydancer
Okay, let me say she's THE BEST. Just look at her movements and you'll probably agree with me. You HAVE to.
Interesting info (extracted from her oficial website: www.odalisca.com)
Saida (Verónica Helou), was born in Argentina from sirian parents. Even though she obtained a degree in public relations and communication from Palermo University. Saida never worked in this field due to her deep interest in dance both professionally and as a teacher.
From 1983 until 1991 she studied ballet with great teachers such as Olga Ferri, Enrique Lomi, Rina Valver and Ricardo Rivas. From 1991 onwards she joined middle eastern dance (Raqs Sharky) both folk and artistic with teacher Amir Thaleb (director of Arabian Dance Company).
For over ten years Saida was this prestigous company`s primary dancer and dance partner to A.Thaleb; she was present at a huge amount of shows in the most known theatres of Argentina, diplomatic events and cultural Arabic events. In the year 2000, Saida performed with the dance company at the Guzmàn theatre in Miami, USA together with the Middle Eastern Dance Exchange featuring first dancer Tamalyn Dallal, in the Infinito show, directed by A.Thaleb.
Along her career, Saida has so far performed in well known hotels, restaurants, theatres, malls, cultural centres, theme parks, TV shows, radio shows and diplomatic events.
In 1994 she created her own Belly Dance school that today boasts over 500 students who receive a complete education in all aspects of Arabian dance.In 2000 she began her international work, being hired in many different countries to give workshops, together with musician and music writer Mario Kirlis. Countries include USA, Mèxico, Perù, Panamà, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, Brasil, Venezuela and Spain. Spectators attending these shows were always amazed and really enjoyed the dancing and musical extravaganza created for their enjoyment.
In 2002 Saida created the Raqs Sharki troupe named Rakkasah, integrated by students from her school that have been formed and carefully chosen by Saida over the years. Troupe Rakkasah is well known and popular in Argentina and they perform regularly in Buenos Aires and the interior of the country.
Among her theatrical tours to date worth mentioning are the ones made since 2003, with the show “Noches Arabes” (Arabic Nights) directed and produced by Mario Kirlis. In this tour Saida has been performing with different belly dancers such as Maiada, Shanan, Sarat and Yamila Alì. They have been touring around different cities from Colombia to Perù.
This performances are worth watching. Trust me.
Click to viewThis first video is dark, I think her dance would have looked better if the lighting was brighter. Despite that, AWESOME.