HC: What’s bringing new students to beginner bellydance classes? What are the most typical answers to the question: “Why do you want to study bellydance?”

Nadia Moussa:My beginner classes are some of my most well-attended classes. Most students say they want to get in shape and get toned, so we do some Pilates-based warm-ups as well. For many students, this is a goal that they set for themselves: to have the courage to do something that they don't think they can do, so it's very inspiring for me to work with them.

HC: What about your advanced students? Are they all aspiring dance professionals or do you also encounter advanced amateur/enthusiast
dancers?

Nadia Moussa: I get a combination of advanced students: those who are already out there performing professionally and those who want to learn as much as they can and aren't really concerned with performing as a professional cabaret dancer.

HC: Who are the target audience for your “BlissDance: The Ecstatic Bellydance Workout” video?

Nadia Moussa: This video is perfect for beginners as well as for those looking for an strengthening/lengthening workout that also helps improve belly dance technique. There is also a companion CD available ( on Ebay only) which features music from the video played by some of NYC's top musicians: Maurice Chedid, Richard Khuzami, and Jawaad Bohsina.

HC: You feature yoga, pilates, and bellydance in BlissDance: Are they compatible with one another? As a pilates, yoga, and bellydance
instructor, what do you think of the popular “fusion” workout trend?

Nadia Moussa: I think these forms are extremely compatible with each other: Pilates strengthens those core muscles which are so important to hip isolations and strong shimmies. My workout came out a couple of years ago and I have been amazed at the number of new ones to come out recently! I think it definitely is filling a niche: people want to get stronger but have fun doing it. Bellydance classes offered at gyms are designed to offer a fun,aerobic workout; those looking for pure technique can find great technique classes at the many belly dance studios around town.

HC: Is public interest in bellydance still growing? What are the factors that promote or deter this growth?

Nadia Moussa:I think we are still reaching new audiences. The recent crop of bellydance / fitness videos shows this continued demand so far. Of course the 'Bellydance Superstars' have done their part in promoting this growth. But I think it will inevitably level off as people move on to the next big thing. Once the "casual" bellydancer moves on, the rest of us will just keep on doing our thing!

HC: What are the dance styles/numbers presented by the Nadia Moussa Dance Company? What skills must dancers have in order to qualify to dance with your collective?

Nadia Moussa: We are pretty eclectic: we have a broad range of Middle Eastern folkloric dances, as well as classical Raks Sharki, Neo-Tribal fusion, jazz/bellydance fusion, Turkish Gypsy, an all-female drumming/dancing ensemble, Indian and Bollywood Dance to name a few. So a dancer must be extremely versatile. We also work very quickly and have limited time for rehearsals so a quick mind for choreography is a plus. The training concentrates on strengthening core muscles ( a la Pilates). A dancer can go over an over a step, but won't improve until strong enough internally to execute the movement properly.

HC: Is running a dance theater company a viable business?

Nadia Moussa:I think most people are happy to break even; we are looking into grants, etc. to try and make it more viable. We do this because we love it and we are trying to take it beyond the restaurant. In the meantime, those restaurants and commercial gigs help pay the bills! Calling all investors.....!!!

HC: As a dancer working on the commercial NYC circuit, what types of commercial gigs are most common in your work?

Nadia Moussa: On average, I work with a live band about three times a month. Sure wish it were more, as there's NOTHING that compares to working with a great live band. It is more common to work with a DJ. My work comes mostly through word of mouth, occasionally through agents and promoters.

HC: Is it possible to utilize any of your dance theater numbers in commercial gigs?

Nadia Moussa: Yes, we do this often, sometimes with modifications: we might shorten the number for instance. The dabkah number gets raves at Lebanese weddings for instance. The Saiidi number is also pretty versatile: we have done shorter versions of it in cabaret costume for commercial gigs.

HC: Tell us about your most recent costume choices! What styles are you selecting?

Nadia Moussa: I'm not a big fan of all the lycra/spandex stuff coming out of Egypt,especially the skirts that come without belts. I love the "butt-hugger" style belts that Pharonics of Egypt used to make a lot more of: they are much more flattering to most figures. I most recently purchased an antique gold metal costume that I can also wear for a more tribal look. I'm moving away from looking like the "top of a wedding cake" as someone once put it so perfectly. I do like some of the "retro' styles that have come out which tend to be much simpler with less fringe and fanfare. and I love pearls!( I think that will be my next costume....)

HC: How do you like living in NYC’s East Village? Does its vibe contribute to your creative direction?

Nadia Moussa: I LOVE my neighborhood, it is pretty quiet ( I live on a street without many bars) and has lot's of yummy, cheap places to eat! I have seen this neighborhood go through so many changes, not always for the better . The energy that the East Village used to have is pretty much gone, along with many of the artists who can no longer afford to live here. ( I guess you could say that for all of Manhattan) I am lucky to have rent control, for now anyway!