Leyla started learning ballet at her early ages and trained both in piano and vocal as well as folk dancing in Turkey. Leyla started her professional dancing career at different dance companies in Turkey for Modern, Jazz, and Belly Dance while she continued her Ballet education. After working in several schools and companies as a Music & Dance teacher in Dubai, she has founded ODA in 2008, and trained many teachers. Leyla is an RAD registered teacher and she completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Dance) with
University of Surrey, UK.
Jae Minshall gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours from the University of Bristol and holds a Post Graduate Certificate of Education as well as a Level Three Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology. Jae trained in the Middle East to gain her qualifications in the teaching of Oriental Dance. Jae teaches and conducts workshops in the UK and abroad as well as on Royal Caribbean Cruise ships and she has been a judge for the prestigious Miss Belly Dance Marbella competition in Spain. Jae is an approved mentor and examiner for the Oriental Dance Academy's teaching programme and a registered instructor.
Ms Jae is very honoured to be a founding member of the ODA and loves nothing better than sharing her passion and skills with students around the world.
Lizzie’s passion for dance appeared at a young age, coming from a family of dancers. Lizzie trained ballet, tap and modern jazz with the NATD. She quickly discovered a love for performing, appearing in shows, fetes and pantomimes throughout her childhood. At 19, Lizzie found belly dance and was immediately hooked. She trained with many famous dancers and musicians including Hossam Ramzy and Yasmina of Cairo. In 2013 Lizzie moved to Dubai and continued her passion. She is a registered instructor at the Oriental Dance Academy.
“Belly dancing has brought joy and strength to my life. As a woman, it empowers me to be dancing this beautiful art form and now as an ODA instructor, I hope to pass this feeling of empowerment on to my students. Dancing is the nourishment of the soul and to be part of this great team at the ODA is a real honour for me”.
Lucy is from the UK and started dancing from the age of 4, ballet, hip hop and street dance before specialising in Oriental dance in 2017. She graduated from University in 2013 with a BA(Hons) degree in Graphic Design and Illustration and has qualifications in leadership.
Starting belly dance with Oriental Dance Academy, she further improved her dancing skills and techniques by attending many workshops in the UK by famous belly dancers in styles such as Turkish, Egyptian, Romani, Rock Fusion and Lyrical.
Lucy has a drive to spread her sparkle and love for belly dance that took her passion further to attending the Professional Oriental Dance Teacher Training in 2020. Lucy is a registered ODA instructor.
A big part of belly dance is about sharing the love of the art and she is extremely honoured to be a part of the teaching family. She wishes to pass on the love for belly dance in a sparkly demeanour and invites you to ‘Sparkle with Lucy’.
Dance has always been Daisy's passion since her childhood. She trained in ballet, hip hop and oriental dance in Lebanon. Since she moved to Dubai in 2015, Daisy developed further interest in Oriental Dance and attended the Oriental Dance Teachers Training in 2016. After her successful graduation, Daisy adopted continuing professional development for her career. She started teaching in 2018.
Currently she is teaching in Lebanon in several gyms and providing online classes. Daisy is a registered ODA instructor.
From the UK, Jackie graduated with an Honours degree in Literature and European Humanities. She has always had a passion for dance and enjoyed ballroom, latin, tap and street dance styles before concentrating on Oriental dance from 2004. She has appeared in shows and at festivals and has attended many workshops with International teachers to continue her personal development.
Jackie joined the ODA in 2016, qualifying in 2017 and she is very proud and honoured to represent ODA as a registered instructor.
Jackie runs classes in Peterborough and Bourne, as well as teaching workshops for ladies’ groups and schools.
Jackie loves bringing the joy of Oriental Dance to ladies of all ages and abilities, along with the physical and spiritual benefits of this beautiful dance style.