DANCE

Melissa Gamal is an internationally admired and renowned Raqs Sharqi (Bellydance) artist, sought after as a teacher, performer, and choreographer for her refined movement style, embodied musicality, and captivating stage presence.

 

Known for her meticulous attention to technique and her deep understanding of historical and cultural contexts, Melissa has been invited to teach and perform across multiple cities in Canada and the USA, as well as Australia, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, the UK, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. She also regularly travels to Cairo for her own continuous training, ensuring she brings the most informed and up-to-date teachings to her local and international students.

 

Melissa has been recognized for her proficiency in Sagat (finger cymbals), for which she was invited to play at the Cairo Opera House in 2021. In 2022, she was honoured to train Egyptian actress Nada Moussa for her role as the Sha‘abi singer/dancer Azza in the popular Ramadan series El Meshwar.

 

She is the Director of the Ya Amar School of Dance, and Ya Amar dance company, based in Toronto, where she aims to provide comprehensive training in Middle Eastern dance styles while instilling in her students a deep love and respect for the cultures behind these dances. Melissa has additionally earned a reputation as a top-tier event producer, known for bringing rising stars, scholars, and master instructors to the Canadian dance scene.