Aziza of Cairo is an Egyptian Raqs Sharqi dancer based in Cairo, internationally renowned for her refined technique, deep musicality, and unmistakable stage presence. Born in Alexandria, she built her professional career performing in prestigious five-star hotels, weddings, and major events across Egypt. Deeply rooted in the Egyptian tradition, her style combines emotional expression, grounded movement, and subtle elegance. Alongside her performance career, Aziza is a highly respected teacher who has taught and performed in numerous countries worldwide. For the first time in Portugal, audiences will have the opportunity to experience this iconic artist through exclusive workshops and a captivating Gala Show performance.

Aziza

Nasra Emam began her artistic journey with the prestigious Egyptian National Folklore Troupe, where she first performed as a dancer and later worked as a trainer. Over the years, she has travelled the world — from Europe to Asia and America — sharing the beauty of Egyptian folkloric and oriental arts. Her international teaching and performing career has taken her to countries such as Russia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and the United States, among many others. Nasra has also been part of numerous renowned festivals and productions in Egypt, including the Tito Seif Troupe, Crazy Night, Katia Keshta Festival, and the Nile Group Festival, sharing the stage with some of the brightest stars of oriental dance. With a career built on authenticity, passion, and deep cultural knowledge, Nasra Emam stands today as a leading figure in the preservation and transmission of Egyptian dance heritage.

Nasra Emam

Alessandra, a talented dancer from Rome, Italy, now residing in Spain since 2003! 🇮🇹🇪🇸 Her journey led her to Southern Egypt, where she honed her expertise in Oriental dance, learned from masters, and co-founded the D'Ambra Dance Project. She's behind renowned festivals like Madrid's Keda Aho, showcasing exceptional dance techniques! Experience Alessandra's exceptional skills at the Raks Noor Festival in Portugal!

Alessandra D'Ambra

Sonya of Cairo is a professional dancer and choreographer who has been devoted to Oriental dance since early childhood. She is the daughter of Marianne DS, founder of ADS, the largest dance school in Paris for the past 17 years. Sonya began her training under her mother’s guidance and continued her studies with the renowned Egyptian artist Randa Kamel. Recognized for her purely Egyptian style, Sonya stands out for her authenticity, stage presence, and deep understanding of the essence of Oriental dance. She is currently based in Cairo, where she performs nightly at the city’s most prestigious hotels. An international artist, Sonya travels the world to teach and perform at festivals across China, Brazil, Europe, the USA, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, South Korea, Argentina, Malaysia, and Thailand. She is also a teacher at Cairo’s largest festival, “Raks of Course.” ✨ Now, for the first time in Portugal, Sonya of Cairo joins the Raks Noor Festival 2026!

Sonya of Cairo

Nur Zahira is a renowned belly dancer, award-winning artist, and teacher from Buenos Aires, now based in Barcelona. She is the director of Estudio Zahraa and the professional Ballet Rahiaanah from Argentina, both of which continue under her direction online. Her unique style combines the emotional depth of Egyptian dance with the elegance and strength of Argentinean technique. A former instructor at Saida’s Bellydance School and performer with Ballet Rakkasah, she has shared her art through workshops and shows in over 15 countries worldwide. ✨ Nur Zahira will be teaching at the Raks Noor Festival for the first time — don’t miss her workshops!

Nur Zahira

Professional dancer and teacher based in Ukraine, with over 15 years of experience in Middle Eastern dance. Holds a degree in Dance Pedagogy and Choreography, combining deep technical knowledge with artistic expression and a refined teaching approach. Has been performing and competing internationally, earning recognition and awards in Greece, Spain, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Ukraine. For the past five years, she has focused on teaching, helping dancers of all levels develop their technique, confidence, and stage presence. ✨ She was the Absolute Winner of the Raks Noor Festival 2025!

Yana Holka

Cris Aysel is a Portuguese dancer, instructor, and choreographer with a deep passion for Oriental dance and its modern expressions. Starting her journey with ballet and later embracing Raqs Sharqi, she has developed a teaching style that blends technical precision, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation. As the founder of All For Dance in Lisbon, Cris leads workshops, courses, and events, inspiring dancers of all levels. Her background in psychology gives her a unique pedagogical approach, allowing her to connect deeply with her students and guide them in both body and mind. ✨ Don’t miss Cris Aysel’s workshops at the festival!

Cris Aysel