"Perizad has been bestowed with the natural gift of playing the zils.  Her instinctive style and rhythm are second to none." 

                                                    - Alekos Galas, International Bouzouki Artist

PERIZAD is an enchanting belly dance artist located in Orange County California.  She is available for performances and workshops locally and Nationwide. She has been dancing professionally since 2001 and currently teaches belly dance classes in Laguna Niguel, Californa.  Perizad is also a member of the Jewels that Raq - Orange County's Premier Belly dance group. 

Trained by the top performers in the field, her dance combines exciting floor work, lively spins, and feats of flexibility and control. Turkish Drops, backbends, and bouncing splits are just a few of her signature moves....

Known for her exceptional zil (finger cymbal) playing, she has been complimented by many a top musician on her technique and timing.

BACKGROUND

"My journey through the world of dance began with training in hip hop, jazz and modern as a teen.  I loved jazz for its dynamic and percussive movements, then I gravitated towards the fluidity and freedom of expression of modern.  I was a member of various modern dance troupes, then one day something magical happened - I witnessed my first belly dance performance at a Persian restaurant!  The dancer was a mature woman, her body, full and shapely.  She looked like a Goddess draped in sequins and jewels. She moved with grace and control; artfully isolating each part of her body - hips, torso, chest, arms, head -  then combining them.  Her dance was beautiful, sensual, exotic, mysterious and hypnotic.  I was mesmerized. 

 I signed up for classes the very next day.  I was instantly drawn to the mystery of "Le Danse Orientale", also known as "Raqs Sharqi," or "belly dance."  A perpetual student, my goal is to continue to grow in the dance through continuous studies.  I love to bring light and joy to those who experience my dance, as I gives my heart and soul to all those who receive it."

TRAINING / INFLUENCES

Perizad's belly dance studies begin with the wonderful Angelika Nemeth and Fahtiem of California.  In addition to her teachers, her dance role models are Amani of Lebanon and Dina of Egypt.  She has also been influenced by many others modern day stars Nariman Aboud , Samara, Mona Al Said and Dina.  She has been profoundly influenced by the belly dance legends   Naima Akef, Katy, Nadia Gamal, Samia Gamal, Nesrin Topkapi and others.  She is an admirer of the young Turkish star Didem.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from CSU Fullerton, is a costume designer, actor, and award- winning public speaker.

TECHNIQUE

Perizad's repertoire is extensive with a dynamic high-energy style that dares you not to watch!  Her superb technique includes fast spins, flexibility and muscular control.  Her signature bouncing split, turkish drop, or deep backbend often draw gasps from the crowd - and her belly rolls and shimmies are also real crowd pleasers! Her style is rooted in the Egyptian, Greek, Lebanese and Turkish styles of belly dance - blending percussive and sharp "larger than life" movements of Turkish and Leban\with the silky-smooth refinement of classical Egyptian.

FEATURED ARTIST

PERIZAD has performed with Arabic and Turkish bands and has been a featured artist at some of the finest venues.  A few are mentioned below:

Aegean Cafe, Laguna Beach CA

Cafe Matinee, Lake Forest CA

Cafe Plaka, Fountain Valley CA

Coaches, Huntington Bch CA

Darband, Irvine CA

Dolce Vita, Lake Forest CA

Le Diplomate, Mission Viejo CA

Market Cafe, Lake Forest CA

Sophia's Greek Cuisine, Placentia CA