A professional vocalist and conservatory trained actress with a variety of classical dance training under her belt, Aurel’s trajectory changed upon taking her first belly dance class. Learning about the root-cultures of the dance, meeting amazing mentors and friends all over the world, finding personal healing through this art form, and enjoying the challenges of many dances beneath one belly dance umbrella, Aurel’s connection to this art grew for over 20 years and is still growing. Patterning herself after beloved mentors from her starting point, Boston’s golden era, Aurel’s performance fluency grew in both Turkish and Arabic-influenced styles. Also reflected in Aurel’s shows is her passion for folkloric dances and music which under-score the cultural context of the dance. Cherished membership in professional folkloric troupe, the Mirza Dance Ensemble by Shadia, ongoing studies in Egypt and with master teachers visiting the USA from abroad, and current work with the Alwan Folkloric Dance Ensemble have all enriched Aurel’s solo work.

A professional vocalist and conservatory trained actress with a variety of classical dance training under her belt, Aurel’s trajectory changed upon taking her first belly dance class. Learning about the root-cultures of the dance, meeting amazing mentors and friends all over the world, finding personal healing through this art form, and enjoying the challenges of many dances beneath one belly dance umbrella, Aurel’s connection to this art grew for over 20 years and is still growing.

Patterning herself after beloved mentors from her starting point, Boston’s golden era, Aurel’s performance fluency grew in both Turkish and Arabic-influenced styles. Also reflected in Aurel’s shows is her passion for folkloric dances and music which under-score the cultural context of the dance. Cherished membership in professional folkloric troupe, the Mirza Dance Ensemble by Shadia, ongoing studies in Egypt and with master teachers visiting the USA from abroad, and current work with the Alwan Folkloric Dance Ensemble have all enriched Aurel’s solo work.

Both Aurel’s dance and vocal skills are on display in her 90 minute, multi-act show at the Paris Cabaret, Stoughton, MA. Collaborations with Alwan Dance Ensemble, George Maalouf Ensemble, George Korkoras Ensemble, Ed Melikian Ensemble, John Pappas, and others have been featured parts of her unique and ever-changing cabaret artistry.

Both Aurel’s dance and vocal skills are on display in her 90 minute, multi-act show at the Paris Cabaret, Stoughton, MA. Collaborations with Alwan Dance Ensemble, George Maalouf Ensemble, George Korkoras Ensemble, Ed Melikian Ensemble, John Pappas, and others have been featured parts of her unique and ever-changing cabaret artistry.

Aurel’s performances can be found at weddings, fine dining establishments, private parties, benefits, life-affirming events, and include a series of cabaret shows, truly unique in the Boston area, inspired by Cairo’s 5-star nightclub orchestrated dance productions.

The founder of Ancient Art Studios (Berkley, Mass) belly dance studio, Aurel is also passionate about sharing what she has experienced, learned, and is still learning. Aurel’s curriculum ranges from beginner level classes to pro-level troupe and solo performance. Aurel and her pro-level students are at the core of making the studio classes and shows feel safe and supportive for all.

The studio also includes a belly dance costume and accessory boutique which draws students, teachers, and colleagues from far and wide to shop new and consigned items. Shoppers of all sizes, ages, and shapes who come by appointment or to festive shopping-and-education themed parties.

A serial show-producer, Aurel is determined to expose the public to the sophistication of the art, the mastery of her mentors, colleagues, and musicians in the New England region, and the wonderful belly dance community with it’s up and coming stars from her studio and the region around her. Raising funds through productions for charitable organizations has been a cornerstone part of Aurel’s journey. Also, creating recurring restaurant shows, presentations for colleges and multicultural events, and casual performance opportunities for her students as her class sessions close have all been ways in which Aurel’s production skills are used to give back. Even as she continues to learn and enjoy this incredibly rich art form, Aurel hopes to share and uplift what was so generously shared with her.