Founder and director of Oasis Dance Studio and the Veils of Isis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe
Known as Khalida to her dance sisters, she became entranced by the music and movement of the Middle East at a very young age. However, it wasn't until her thirties that she decided to dedicate herself to an intense study of the dance in its various forms. Her principal mentor in this has been Yasmina Ramzy, artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Arabesque Dance Company in Toronto. Khalida has also been inspired by the teachings of other Master Instructors such as Dina, Aziza, Hadia, Cassandra, Morocco, and Aisha Ali.
Kellye actively pursues professional development and further education in Arabic language and culture. She has successfully completed a two-year residential program for advanced dancer and teacher training under the supervision of the legendary Dr. Hassan Khalil at ISOC in Cairo. In April, 2009, she was awarded the "Certificate of Specialty Teacher for Oriental / Middle Eastern Dance and Folklore" issued by Dr. Khalil. For more information on this and other related programs, please go to: www.hassan-khalil.org
Click here to view the article in the Whig-Standard
In July 2008, Kellye studied under Yasmina Ramzy in the Intensive Professional Level Middle Eastern Dance course at the Arabesque Dance Academy in Toronto.
Although much of her time is dedicated to teaching, Kellye performs regularly as a soloist and with her troupe, the Veils of Isis. Kellye has also received an open invitation to be the featured dancer at La Valle dei Cedri Lebanese restaurant in Florence, Italy, whenever she visits the city.
"Bellydance is a moving meditation which enhances the communion of body, mind, and spirit."
