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NJ, Philadelphia Arabic Belly Dance Star Soraya
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Belly Dancer
- Travels up to 120 miles
- Varies per travel and event type.
Downloadable Videos
- 1. Clip of Soraya Belly Dance Star in "Dance of Egypt"
- 2. Resorts International Casino Showroom
- 3. Soraya Live at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Showroom
- 4. International Art Expo at the NJ Seashore
- 5. Soraya performs for Lebanese Wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel
- 6. Night at the Casbah DVD with Soraya
- 7. Soraya at the New York Waldorf Astoria Arabic Wedding
- 8. TROPICANA CASINO SHOWROOM MIDDLE EASTERN CONCERT FOR 3,000
Overview
Of Middle Eastern heritage, Soraya provides a theatrically unique Arabian Nights bellydance + music experience reminiscent of real Egyptian OG authenticity for discerning clients requiring a more upscale Arabic artistry with elegance, fancy costumes + attention to detail.
Seen in many global magazines + newspapers, this internationally acclaimed Syrian Rakasa creates high caliber concerts in dream weddings, AC casino showroom stages, on TV, blacktie Galas, King Tut Exhibit or Royal Family Palace Maroc.
Soraya Negmat Al-Raqs El-Sharqi El-Sharq El-Awsat Lel Entag El-Moseeqi
Wel Raqs ثريا ٠٠ نجمة الرقص الشرقي********* الشرق الاوسط ٠٠
للانتاج الموسيقي والرقص
2 Reviews
A few years ago when Soraya lived in the Chicagoland area, I was fortunate to see her in action at a wedding. She was energetic, electrifying and totally entertaining. In addition, she could be the post child for classic-and classy-Middle Eastern dance. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an ultra professional Middle Eastern dancer for their events.
Belly Dancer, Middle Eastern Entertainment
Response from NJ, Philadelphia Arabic Belly Dance Star Soraya:
Thank you so much Fotia. Your review means so much to me as you really understand Belly Dancing on every unique level. I really appreciate your beautiful review after seeing me perform live, thank you (shokraan). Having this special opportunity to bring my Middle Eastern Dance Show to this lovely wedding event at the Drake Hotel n lovely Chicago was truly a wonderful experience. Knowing that my show brought u so much happiness as well as all of the Guests makes me so very content with big smiles.
Thanks again for taking the time to write this review of my work Fotia...
Many bright blessings going out to u during this awful pandemic, please stay healthy n safe...
Sending many virtual hugs n good vibes ur way...I am a very positive thinker n I truly feel that better days are indeed ahead for us all during this new, modern Viral Plague...Sending u boatloads of positivity, good luck n happy shimmies ...
Soraya xox
We had Soraya performing a unique show at our daughter's wedding. It was the Highlight of the night; NO ONE ever left during her show, and everyone has his/her camera on. When the show ended many were asking "Why she didn't stay longer?", and some American guests asked "Where I can get her great music?".
After few years, guests are still talking about the wonderful Soraya's show. People forget about the expensive food, drinks, and decorations, but still sharing Soraya's fun, photos, and videos.
If you want a real Authentic and Classy show for your special event, Soraya of Atlantic City is the one. In short, if we had for ourselves Sohair Zaki, the Egyptian Belly Dance Diva when she was at the highest of her dancing career for our own wedding, now you can imagine why we carefully have chosen Soraya for our daughter's.
Belly Dancer
Booking Info
Price Range: Varies per travel and event type.
Gig Length: 15 - 120 minutes
Languages: Arabic, English, French, Italian, Persian, Other
What to Expect
Soraya Agency presents upscale, high-caliber, professional Middle Eastern belly dancing for clients who expect the best in cultural dance, music and beautiful family-friendly costuming.
*** Professional Arabic belly dance star of Middle Eastern heritage, Cultural Anthropologist, Entertainment booking agent, Egyptian, Lebanese, Moroccan and Gulf wedding planner and ethnic event specialist.
She enjoys carefully selecting her events. She enjoys the freedom of choosing wisely basing her decisions on the cultural quality, artistic aspect & specific type of event. Soraya is a versatile entertainer who chooses to belly dance for clients who understand and appreciate the difference in authenticity and quality in Middle Eastern Dance art and wedding Zeffa. Soraya prefers more of a professional, theatrical approach to her craft. She performs for discerning International clients in frequent Arabic weddings, casinos, Bar Mitzvahs, corporate Arabian Nights Theme Parties, Soiree, art museums & black tie Galas.
Many various personalized entertainment packages are offered right down the fine details such as matching her costume to the Wedding color coordination as chosen by her many happy Brides.
When people hire Soraya and her entertainment agency, they know they are getting a high-end performance of real authentic Middle Eastern belly dancing with DJ or live band talent accompaniment if necessary. Her shows are always cultural specific, elegant and perfect for the entire family. Soraya picks from numerous agency submissions and on occasion, she happily employs other dancers when she is over booked or unavailable who share her same personal vision for upholding excellence in bellydancing (Raqs Sharki).
Soraya puts 100% of herself into all she does. This dedication is apparent with the many unique successes of her career enjoying and elevating "el raqs ya balady". She is a belly dancer that has created worldwide acclaim, and accomplished goals rarely seen in her genre especially in the United States.
Soraya will personally work with you, your budget and your vision to help create the very best belly dancing performance with gorgeous family-friendly costuming, upbeat modern al-jeel and traditional Middle Eastern folk music, and offers her happy clients and audiences a true glimpse into professional Arabic belly dancing.
Ma'salaama
About
*SORAYA INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE EASTERN BELLY DANCE STAR* has reached "global acclaim" (L.A. Times) with her work and successful Entertainment booking Agency. She stays true to the art of her cultural heritage with high-caliber shows carefully blending in a modern twist without watering down the real authenticity.
Soraya: Internationally renown belly dancer, booking agent, entrepreneur, anthropologist, philanthropist and global traveler.
COMPANY MOTTO: "You only have one chance to impress your guests"!
She is the first to belly dancing to the mainstream CASINO SHOWROOM STAGES for audiences of thousands in milestone Arabic concerts and on tour with such famous acts as crossover superstar AMR DIAB "King of Arabic Pop" of Egypt, FARES KARAM "King of Dabke" of Lebanon, Nawahl al-Zougbi, Assi el-Helani, Ragheb Alama of Lebanon, Kazem al-Sahir of Iraq, and many others.
Her work is beloved in the global Arabic communities as she preserves the beautiful vintage quality of this dance yet presents 'Raks Sharki' with her own unique style.
Soraya's large entertainment agency also has other carefully selected acts such as DJ's, musicians, belly dancers, bands, orchestras, & variety acts, such as fire dancers, sword swallowers, stiltwalkers, magicians, puppeteers and escape artists.
This successful entertainment agency provides the best in authentic, professional, elegant and sophisticated Middle Eastern (non-Americanized) belly dancing at it's finest for CAREFULLY SELECTED events and clientele that need their events to shine.
Soraya's belly dance artistry was chosen to open for Egyptian mega superstar and world reknown Arabic singing icon Amr Diab. This once-in-a-lifetime milestone concert took place in front for thousands of people at Trump Taj Mahal Casino arena.
Soraya was personally chosen to perform her signature Egyptian belly dancing along with her band: "Soraya and Middle Eastern Sounds" at the official black tie GALA for the opening of the King Tut Exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA. A plethora of American and Egyptian dignitaries as well as celebrities were present. This event was widely covered by national and global press.
Soraya's belly dancing show for THE KING TUT EXHIBIT was taped for
*** THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPAHIC CHANNEL.
"Soraya's incomparable Arabic belly dance style is often requested by the most famous Middle Eastern singing stars and entertainment agents in the world for tours, high-end concert performances, Casino production shows, A-list Celebrity parties, media appearances and upscale special events" - L.A. WEEKLY
"Soraya is a true perfectionist and purist in her dramatic presentation of her belly dancing. From her classical Middle Eastern style, to her natural feeling for the dance, she displays keen musicial timing thanks to her heritage and powerfully entertaining performances. Her delicate sense for the music, innate rhythm identification and understanding of Middle Eastern music and lyrics is apparent in her versatile work. Soraya enjoys the mainstream success of having brought her cultural art to the attention of worldwide media, and global acclaim. She loves showcasing her artistic talent to her many audiences and clients while never compromising any of her artistic goals and personal integrity".
- Dance Magazine
Besides offering upscale, high-end professional Middle Eastern style belly dancing, Soraya's Mid-East Dance and Music Productions also promotes fabulous Middle Eastern - Mediterranean bands, orchestras, strolling musicians, DJ's and variety/specialty entertainment for a plethora of unforgettable, top notch events.
At a young age, she has accomplished a lot and continues to do so with her unique artistic vision. She is known throughout the US and the world for her dynamic artistry and powerful performances of the highest caliber.
Soraya specializes in numerous gorgeous weddings, top-tier Casino showroom Concerts, major corporate theme parties, black tie soirees, high-society Galas, hotel banquets, upscale cultural events, art museums, family celebrations and more *selectively*.
Sorry NO Bachelor Parties, Restaurants, house parties or outdoor events
Soraya, International belly dance star is actually of Middle Eastern heritage & holds a BA in cultural Anthropology/Sociology with an emphasis in Arabic/Mediterranean studies. She performs in the most prestigious venues throughout the US & the world & tightens the gap between East and West. She continues to bring the art of her cultural heritage to new heights with her strong attention to detail, technical expertise, & natural feeling thanks to her Middle Eastern heritage, elaborate custom made costuming and strong theatrical stage presence.
She accomplishes her artistic vision at countless upscale events, top Arabic concerts for audiences of thousands and at the most beautiful weddings for brides that NEED the best belly dancer for their "big day."
She performs for discerning upscale clients and event party planners that demand the belly dancing talent to be the best representation possible and the epitome of what high-end, professional, family oriented Middle Eastern style should look like.
Soraya's dramatic, authentic and highly professional belly dancing performances are perfect for the entire family, all ages and genders.
Soraya enjoys to educate the general public about how amazing belly dancing can be through her academic Anthropological studies, personal ideologies and VIA her extensive, informative, comprehensive, multimedia web site. She loves preserving the intrinsic honor of authentic Middle Eastern style belly dancing by bringing it to new realms in this genre of dance.
Soraya's International Middle Eastern Entertainment agency delivers the very best in top, professional ethnic talent to an ever growing list of satisfied clients and noted celebrities. Discriminating clients enjoy Soraya's unsurpassed dedication, endless creativity, artistic innovation as well as her world renowned professionalism and passionate attention to detail...
Soraya performed for his Majesty King Hassan at the Palace in Casablanca, Morocco and at select five star hotels throughout India on tour in - "Soraya's Night At The Casbah".
Personal Motto:
"Dreams DO come true, so DREAM BIG"!
Soraya's Entertainment Agency Mottos:
WHEN QUALITY AND AUTHENTICITY MATTERS!
HIRE THE FINEST AND MOST PROFESSIONAL MIDDLE EASTERN TALENT FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT...
Additional Booking Notes
Soraya's Mid-East Dance and Music Productions is a FULL SCALE entertainment agency that employs not only belly dancers, but all genres of variety/specialy acts, DJ, bands, Arabic singers and more. This agency works with clientele that requires the best in the true Middle Eastern experience.
Services Offered
Set List
Set Lists are based on specific event type, ethnicity of event and the clients' unique requests.
A "typical Soraya Set List" will always fit perfectly into the important (window) of time allotted for her performance based on the specific time requirements of each unique client.
- SORAYA INTERNATIONAL ARABIC BELLY DANCE STAR -
#EnterRakassaSoraya:
Get ready to be highly entertained in Soraya's own unique way!
1). The Soraya Entrance or "Soraya Magency"
(Soraya is known for her dynamic opening song using excellent Sagat or Egyptian zill hand percussion skills, veil and cape complete with choreography specially, artistically and carefully designed as a unique show beginning introducing herself to the audience in the true Arabic way). A strong and powerful. choreography.
2). Taqseem.
This is the slower section of Arabic music usually where the nay (Egyptian flute, Oud (Arab Lute) or Qanoon (Oriental Zither). Soraya displays her more intricate core movements, undulations, snake and cat-like body ripples in a more delicate, fluid, soft and feminine style.
3). Cane dancing or Egyptian Raks Assaya Folk dancing portion. Soraya is very skilled at performing the real Arabian folk style dancing, sometimes she will change into a different costume as time permits. This can consist of stick dancing or TAHTIB and Gulf style dances of Saudi Arabia, the Levant, Israel, Dabke of Lebanon and Syria and more in Khaleegi dances in traditional, authentic dress.
4). Balady.
This is the unique Egyptian interplay between tabla and keys. There is a specific way to perform a great and unforgettable Raks Balady. This kind of dancing comes naturally and from within and encompasses what is known as Soraya Balady Musical Progression. Enjoy exotic Middle Eastern keyboard and accordion music that leads up to the fabulous percussion surprise yet to come. This portion of Soraya's Set consists of a set highly focused on powerful pelvic movements, very strong hip work, the anticipated "famous Soraya shimmies" with a very culturally connected musical ability that is truly Middle Eastern and not Westernized.
5). Audience participation if requested. Soraya loves to engage the audience and teach them a few moves. In the countless Arabic wedding she dances in, the Bride will request seamlessly being brought into the act. She even brings a coin scarf especially for the bride that is a (keepsake) of her "big day" and ties it around her hips and dances with her.
6). Drum Solo.
This is one of Soraya's many performance highlights and specialties. She is known for her funky Egyptian Tabla solo choreographies that are very complex and percussive to the audience delight.
7). The Soraya Finale'!
The dramatic and dynamic and unforgettable ending of her show, leaving her audience mesmerized and always wanting more. Soraya also closes her shows like a story with a tightly, choreographed, elegant and theatrical exit using veils and capes.
This is just a typical Soraya show, everything can be made longer or shorter as requested by the client and the unique allotment of time which is specific to every Reception or Concert.
No two weddings are alike just like no two Brides are alike as are the unique request Soraya hears all the time from clients!
At the Soraya Agency, we aim to please.
Influences & Inspiration
Egyptian greats Amr Diab, Fifi Abdo, Tito, Dina, Lebanese star Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah of NY, Lucy, Sohair Zaki, Raqia Hassan, Nagwa Fouad, Dandash and Randa Kamel.
Non Arabic artists: Radiohead, Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails, Thom Yorke, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Portugal. The Man, DJ Mr. Bizz, (EDM) electronic, club music and more.
Setup Requirements
Sound System
CD, Flash Drive, Apple ipod, live band or DJ available or Soraya will work with your band or DJ as requested.
Testimonials
Claim To Fame: Some of Soraya's biggest moments include performing at the palace of his Majesty King Hassan, the Crown Price of the Royal Family in Morocco. She also has done a two-week tour of India's five-star hotels called "Soraya's Night at the Casbah."
Fun Fact: Soraya actually created her own style of belly dancing, which utilizes strong Egyptian and Lebanese choreography. "To embody the music is my secret," she says. "I cannot emphasize enough never to over-choreograph - the dance would lose that certain ethnic flavor or Arabic style."
Websites:
www.bellydancebysoraya.com
www.twitter.com/SorayaAgency
www.YouTube.com/NJBellyDanceEvents
www.myspace.com/NJArabicBellyDanceSoraya
Go See Her: The show takes place at the Circus Maximus Theater inside Caesars Atlantic City. Doors open at 8 p.m.. Tickets range from $55 to $155.
Artist of the Week: Soraya
– CONTINUED Part 4: At The Shore Magazine Interview, Press of Atlantic City Newspaper
And with being a great artist comes getting to wear great costumes -
Soraya's authentic and extravagant garb is custom made in Egypt, and Soraya sketches out all of the designs herself.
"I love a lot of beading, coins, flowing fabrics and sequins," she says. "Much like Lady Gaga, I am a 'sequin monster.' I love glitz, glamour and keeping my costumes in great taste."
Check out Soraya, her decadent duds and all the Arabian Nights show has to offer. Tickets are available through www.pressofatlanticcity.com/
tickets. Tickets are priced between $55 and $155, & the show begins at 9 p.m. in the Circus Maximus Theater.
What To Expect: 'When people watch me perform they can expect a very authentic, professional and cultural experience," Soraya says. "It is my mission to make people smile while they watch me interpret the beautiful rhythms of both ancient & modern Middle Eastern music."
Background: Soraya holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology & Sociology, with an emphasis in Middle Eastern & Mediterranean studies, and uses belly dancing as a form of education. She is also a southern New Jersey native who has traveled around the world for her work.
– CONTINUED Part 3: At The Shore Magazine Interview, Press of Atlantic City
Southern New Jersey is her home turf - she has been performing in all of the top lounges and nightclubs throughout the casinos since she was a teenager.
"I am so excited to have been asked to open for Fares Karam," Soraya says. "I have my favorite Karam music on my iPod and I listen to it all the time. So, you can imagine how thrilled I am to be opening for this amazing superstar."
Soraya also was blown away by her opportunity to perform at the official black-tie gala for the opening of the King Tut exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
"I was told by the owner of the exhibit that they wanted a real Egyptian belly-dancing experience," Soraya says. "The Franklin Institute told me that they originally did not want belly dancing at the official gala until they saw my work. Those words will ring in my head forever as an artist."
– CONTINUED: At The Shore Magazine Interview, The Press of Atlantic City
Posted: Thursday, March 10, 2011 12:00 am | Updated: 9:24 am, Wed Mar 9, 2011.
A unique and cultural event comes to Caesars Atlantic City Saturday, March 12 - Arabian Nights starring vocalist Fares Karam and world-renowned belly dancer Soraya.
Soraya, who has been belly dancing her entire life, uses the art form to educate people as well as bring happiness and positive energy to the masses.
"I feel that belly dancing is just like any other classical dance form - like ballet," she says. "I have dedicated my life to turning any negatives into positives, and when I perform, it immediately becomes a personal celebration of life in every way."
For Soraya, becoming a belly dancer was less of a choice, and more of a spiritual beckoning she felt from a very early age - and she has never regretted a single swing of the hips.
"Belly dancing chose me; I didn't choose it," Soraya says. "I grew up with beautiful, Arabian music and dance. My parents performed Mediterranean folk dancing for Greek, Armenian and Syrian family parties and nightclubs around Atlantic City and Philadelphia."
Atlantic City has always been good to Soraya, and she holds it dear to her heart.
– At The Shore Magazine, The Press of Atlantic City
SORAYA INTERNATIONAL BELLYDANCE SUPERSTAR -
Soraya enjoys performing her authentic & dynamic belly dancing shows around the US & in global venues. She has been performing the art of bellydancing since early childhood & also holds a BA Degree in Anthropology. Her art has taken her to many wonderful destinations. Some of the many highlights of her career include CELEBRITY PARTIES in CA & as far away as CASABLANCA, MOROCCO at THE PALACE OF KING HASSAN & on tour in five-star hotels in INDIA.
Soraya dances at numerous Casinos for carefully-selected events & in their Showrooms for audiences of thousands. She was selected to dance in a national TV commerical for Trump Taj Mahal. Soraya is the operator of the well-known & successful entertainment agency Soraya's Mid-East Dance & Music Productions. She enjoys performing in & providing musical/variety talent for many weddings, black tie soirees, "Arabian Nights" theme parties, corporate events, sephardic celebrations & more with a strong attention to detail & professionalism.
She performed for the OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING GALA of the KING TUT EXHIBIT at the Franklin Institute in PHILADELPHIA which was filmed by National Geographic.
– James Leonard ESQ, The Boardwalk Journal
She shimmies, swivels her hips & undulates across the stage, captivating audiences with her charming exotic beauty. International belly dance star Soraya performs @ Atlantic City casino concerts, black-tie soirées, weddings & Hollywood parties. She's the Genie in Taj Mahal casino commercials, & opened the King Tut Exhibit @ Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
She caught the eyes of Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchie, who asked if they could film a segment of their reality show “Simple Life” in her home (she graciously declined). One of her notable achievements was dancing for King Hassan/Moroccan Royal Family @ their palace in Casablanca, Morocco.
Soraya has been belly dancing since 3 yrs old & it flows through her veins–literally, because it's part of her heritage. "It's as natural for me as breathing,”. Her successful entertainment company, Soraya’s Mid-East Dance & Music Productions, is an upscale booking agency. She profits from global DVD sales, & all earnings are donated to charity (it helps being married to a doctor).
She's also an Anthropologist,teacher,makeup artist &singer committed to “keeping it real” while changing negative misconceptions about belly danc
– BELLY DANCING IS THE EMBODIMENT OF HER HERITAGE. Anthropologist born to practice art of ancesters
SORAYA AT TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
Soraya will again be bringing her professional Egyptian belly dancing act to Trump Taj Mahal Arena showroom on Saturday, March 11, opening for Arabic singing star AMR DIAB. Soraya, who holds a degree in anthropology from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, has performed for the King of Morocco and enjoys bringing cutting edge, professional belly dancing to upscale weddings, major concerts, corporate theme parties, fund raisers and hotel banquets. Soraya enjoys being very carefully selective with what types of events she will perform in.
"Showing the general public how great belly dancing can be when done with a strong attention to detail, technique and style is my main focus in life", says Soraya. This dance is something that I have been doing since I was 3 years old with my family. She made it into a very rewarding & lucrative career & enjoys performing in professional concerts, upscale shows, Hollywood celebrity parties, and weddings.
It's no surprise that her Motto is: "DREAMS DO COME TRUE SO DREAM BIG"!
Soraya's Mid-East Dance & Music Productions
(609) 823-2029
www.youtube.com/NJBellyDanceEvents
www.bellydancebysoraya.com
– The Press of Atlantic City (CASINO SCENE)
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