Sonia and the Snake Charmer

We are SNAKE CHARMER & THE BELLYDANCER a mother/daughter troupe.   We have been dancing together for almost 8 years. The first few years we were part of a troupe called The Divine Desert Dancers. About 2 years ago we branched off as Snake Charmer & Bellydancer.   We have traveled all over the country and some other parts of the world and have   taken workshops with internationally known instructors such as Rachel Brice, Marti Love, Zoe Jakes of the Bellydance Superstars, as well as Karen Barbee, Susana Del Veccio and more....

Our style is a combination or fusion of some modern Egyptian and Persian (Sufi dance).   The Egyptian dancers were more sophisticated and refined than street dancers they featured solos and choreography.   The movements were more refined as well. Focusing the movements more in the lower body such as sharp inward hip movements and not much arm and hand movement. The modern Egyptian style dancer may be seen wearing Isis wings--a long narrow adorned skirts with a slit, possible various props, canes and swords. She has a friendly, coquettish expression engaging the audience as part of the dance.

Sufi dancing is completely different in intent from a performance, which is meant to entertain the audience.   In Sufi ceremonies the participants seek to loss their individuality and approach mystic perfection in "oneness". During dance, it is imperative that the Sufi follow the leader as closely as possible.   Some groups include men and women in the dance. The movements most closely related to these are the ones from the classical dance of the Persians.

The Persian dancing has been almost completely lost; since it is not allowed in modern Iran.   It did survive to modern times in the remote areas of Afghanistan.