Talia (Director/Artistic Director)
Talia began her studies in Middle-eastern dance at the age of 8. Through the years she has learned from some of the most stellar teachers, performers & musicians from around the world. In 2001, she attended The Cassandra School & Jawaahir Dance Company, as an apprentice, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Talia has become a multi-award - winning performer, taking home four "Best Oriental Dancer" awards from her peers at Oasis Dance Camp, as well as a "Spirit of Aphrodite" award. In 2006, Talia took the third runner-up award in the Egyptian category for Belly Dancer of the Universe competition.
Monika (Assistant Director)
Monika began her studies in Middle-eastern dance with Sohaila in 2000, then with Talia in 2003. Monika is one of the founding members of the Oriental Jewels, and is one of its most technical & dedicated dancers. Her other dance studies included tap, jazz, ballet & disco. Some of Monika’s dance highlights include performing in many local restaurants & events, dancing with drummer Issam Houshan & at a Ehab Toufic concert. Monika was also featured in SAMEDA’s monthly Papyrus magazine in December 2006.
Kameela (Member)
Kameela hails from San Diego, where she first began taking belly dance lessons in 2005. She studied Raks Sharqi under the tutelage of Talia, and joined the Oriental Jewels Dance Company at the end of 2006. You may see Kameela perform with a shammadan (candelabra), sword, cane, veil, or zills. Still, her favorite style of dance involves no prop at all—the drum solo. She looks forward to her continued study of Middle-eastern dance, which is appreciated by audiences worldwide for its beautiful tradition and exotic rhythms. Contact Kameela at kameelaraks@gmail.com
Serafina (Member)
Serafina began her Arabic dance studies with Morweena Assaf in Oceanside, CA. She then began studying under Talia in 2003. Serafina’s love for Arabic dance & music is truly evident when she performs. Winning a “Beautiful Beginner” award from her peers at Oasis Dance Camp in 2004 pushed her to continue her studies. She joined the Oriental Jewels in January 2007, and has quickly enhanced her knowledge and technique of many different Middle-eastern dance styles.
Karyna (Member)
Karyna joined the Oriental Jewels Dance Company in 2007 after studying with local San Diego dancers, Sohaila, for about five years and with, Aleia, for two years. Growing up Karyna trained and performed in Polynesian & Tahitian dancing and dance team. She has also explored jazz and modern dance and has dabbled in ballet. Today, Karyna continues to wow audiences performing at local Greek restaurants, as well as private & public events. She strives to perfect her dancing by educating herself in technique, culture and history of Arabic dance.
Maya (Apprentice)
Maya is an Oriental Jewels original member from 2003 and after a family leave of absence (welcoming her beautiful daughter to the dance world) she has returned to the art form she loves. Maya has studied under the world renowned Cassandra Shore and extensively with local star of San Diego, Talia. Prior to becoming a Jewel, Maya served in the Oceanside dance troupe Raks Al Anwar under the direction of Morwenna and Walid Assaf. The Jewels look forward to her return to the professional stage
Aimee (Apprentice)
Aimée began dabbling in Middle Eastern Dance in 2002 with San Diego instructor, Marula. After falling in love with Arabic music and the femininity of the dance, she began studying more seriously with other teachers in the area, including Luisa, Mariela, Lucia, DaVid of Scandinavia, Rachel George, Sahar, and Talia. She continues to study with some of the best teachers throughout the U.S., Germany, Egypt and Spain. Aimée can be seen dazzling audiences at some of San Diego's finest venues and restaurants. Her goal for the future is to continue learning as much as possible about Middle Eastern Dance and to eventually pass that knowledge on to the newer generation of dancers.
