Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Badriya is a performer of traditional forms of Arabic dance (raqs sharqi, beledi and saidi) and the distinctly less traditional form of Gothic belly dance (known as raqs gothique). Each form is an integral part of her artistic passion and drive. Whether wearing bedleh, assuit or torn fishnets, Badriya throws herself full-heartedly into her performances. An experienced performer, she may be seen dancing in traditional styles at local nightclubs, shows and haflis, and performs her gothic dancing at area gothic nightclubs and other events. She has studied with Najmat, Seyyide, Amira Jamal and other local teachers for over seven years and has further developed her Egyptian style dance through workshops with Dina, Faten Salama, Amir Thaleb, Lulu Sabongi, Yasmina Ramzy, Morocco, Amar Gamal and Virginia, among others. She draws particular inspiration from Dina, Fifi Abdo, Aza Sherif and Taheya Carioca, in a style that is earthy yet elegant. Her Gothic belly dance style has been developed through the experience of years of dancing in Gothic clubs combined with her more formal dance training, and is inspired by her love of Gothic music and culture.
Badriya is available to dance in either style at parties and other special events in the metro Boston area. Performances may include cane, veil, double veil, sword, wings of Isis or other prop. Music choices range from the great Egyptian classics to the hottest pop music out of Cairo to the darkest Gothic melodies, depending on your needs. Rates start at $150 for a ten minute show--please contact badriya at rcn dot com for further information.
In September 2005, Badriya organized Shimmy Down the Storm, a hafli sponsored by the Northeast Belly Dance Association to benefit the Red Cross’ Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. With the support of the dance community both local and national, nearly $2000 was raised for hurricane relief. Since October 2006, Badriya has produced gothic belly dance events in the Boston area under the name Raks Spooki Productions, featuring prominent workshop instructors (Tempest, Ariellah, Sashi) and performances by New England's growing ranks of Gothic belly dancers. The third annual Raks Spooki hafli is expected to take place in October, 2008. She is also a regular performer with Oddville Vaudeville, a variety show, and is a member of the Cracked Ceiling Society, a collective of rock/experimental musicians, visual artists, and performing artists. She performed for several years with Seyyide's Troupe Sarab and has performed with Amira Jamal's Jewels of Jamal, as well as occasional collaborations with other area dancers, including a performance with Oojami. Badriya is a member in good standing of the Northeast Belly Dance Association, Boston Chapter.
Shira.net, a treasure trove of information about belly dance
Northeast Belly Dance Association
Gothic Belly Dance Resource, the answers to any questions you may have about Gothic belly dance
Bhuz.com, where dancers talk to other dancers
Allison Perkel Photography, who took many of the photos featured on this site