Leila Sharif
Leila has been studying and performing different forms of dance for over 23 years. She has explored classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, indian folk dance, and irish step dance, as well as many forms of bellydance, including classical Egyptian Raks Sharki, Turkish, and American tribal styles.
Growing up in Florida she developed a love for Middle Eastern dance and culture. She is currently working on her PhD in French literature at the University of Texas, Austin, focusing on North African writers and culture.
She has been performing Middle Eastern bellydance professionally for 5 years in Washington, DC, and Austin, TX, and has been teaching the art form for 3 years. She is currently based in Austin, TX where she dances with Mirage bellydance troupe, the longest running bellydance troupe in Texas! (over 29 years!)
She teaches beginning bellydance classes through the UT Union Informal Classes and dances at local restaurants including Ararat Middle Eastern Resaurant and Pyramids Mediterranean Grill.