Toledo Center

Aegela

Staff Instructors

Schools and Instructors

Belly Dancing for Every Woman

Teaching with an entertaining style, Aegela and her instructors encourage students to think outside the box using traditional movements in unusual combinations or "Aegela-isms". Whether you want to dance on stage or just around your living room, the Aegela Centers offer the resources to attain your goals in a uniquely supportive and enjoyable environment.

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The Toledo Center
The Common Space Too (The Martin School)
10 South Holland-Sylvania, at Hill Ave.
Suites 305 and 307

click here for map

Step into the Middle Eastern decor of a dedicated belly dance studio complete with hardwood floors, a fully mirrored wall, and artifacts collected from Aegela's working dance tours in Egypt The studio ambience is a result Aegela's unique talent for creating space in Egyptian decor that just feels good, inspires women to leave the distractions of the outside world and enjoy "me" time.

The studio is suitable for other movement forms and is also available for special events and meetings, and has tables and chairs to accommodate large groups or small.

Also at the Toledo Center is the Belly Boutique , offering quality apparel for belly dancers at all levels. At the Belly Boutique dancers will find accessories from Egypt, Turkey, and all parts of the Middle East. You will also find belly dance costumes, hip scarves, jewelry and accessories from another side of the world - along with some of Aegela's own and unique additions: T-shirts, totes, and other fashionable ways to express your enthusiasm for belly dance. Previously available only at belly dance seminars where Aegala is frequently invited to show, this little taste of an Egyptian souk is now open to students and friends of belly dance right here in Toledo!

A music/video/DVD library is maintained for use by students.

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Introducing Aegela and The Centers' Teaching Staff

Aegela

Since 1978, Aegela’s love of Middle Eastern dance has taken her throughout the US and to the heart of the art---Egypt. She has engaged in several performing tours of Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt. It was on her first tour that Aegela was awarded the coveted Lifetime Performer’s license by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, an honor held by only 11 foreigners. While working in Egypt, Aegela enjoyed the privilege of studying with famed dancer/choreographer Mahmoud Reda, of the Reda Troupe, and with Madame Busi, principal dancer with the National Folkloric Company.

During her teaching career, Aegela has conducted classes for the deaf and hearing impaired, and devised a format for use in occupational therapy rehabilitation programs assisting women in regaining range of motion. Recently, she developed a dance program for women recovering from strokes. These experiences have enhanced her ability to articulate movement and discern what subtle changes are required for the desired effect.

Aegela frequently lectures in major universities on the topics of Middle Eastern art and music, as well as women’s roles in that society. Speaking engagements have included Emory University School of Near Eastern Studies, Georgia State University, and Mercer University. A television special, “Dance Atlanta,” highlighted Aegela as an artist of Middle Eastern dance. She was the featured performer in numerous Middle Eastern, Greek, and Turkish nightclubs, as well as studio director and coach to Atlanta’s premier dancers.

Conducting multi-level classes in her new hometown of Toledo, Ohio, and as a national seminar instructor, Aegela encourages participants to “think outside the box” using traditional movements in unusual combinations, or “Aegela-isms.” In her classroom, women celebrate their unique images and personalities discovered through the joy of dance.

Aegela is the recipient of the 2004 Stella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Middle Eastern Dance. In 2006, she and co-author, Chelydra (VA), were selected to present their Ghawazee Suite in the Choreographers' Showcase sponsored by Old Dominion University. She was Zaghareet Magaine's nominee for the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award and is a frequent guest author for that magazine.

She has been written about in books and referenced in academic theses. Now you can enjoy Aegela---a Middle Eastern dance experience!

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Aegela Centers' Staff of Instructors

The instructors Aegela has on staff are, of course, very skilled belly dancers. But these women all exceed that competancy in one very important way: they are effective teachers. They lead with contagious enthusiasm, a lot of patience, and more than a pinch of the entertaining presence that has become perhaps the most endearing "Aegela-ism" of all to the hundreds of women who have been Aegela students.

We know you are spending your hard-earned spare time with us, and our instructors all certainly believe you should enjoy it!

Cheryl Johnson

...is the newest addition to our teaching staff. Cheryl combines precision technique with fluid motion. She is a patient, encouraging instructor. Cheryl began her studies at the Aegela Centers and continues her studies under Aegela's direction.

Racheal Tafelski Wallace

...brings a background in aerobic movement to her classroom and infuses humor and enthusiasm for the dance in her teaching. She began and continues her study of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela. Racheal is a frequent performer at Toledo area events and in Mediterranean restaurants. She is the studio Media Director and is the Editor of the award-winning studio newsletter, Camel Tracks.

Jen Bak

..brings an extensive background in yoga to her classroom. Through Jen, tribal classes were introduced at the Aegela Centers. She enjoys exploring and researching the various styles of Middle Eastern dance. Jen began her studies at the Aegela Centers and continues her studies under Aegela's direction.

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