Grades: 3 – 8
Best Format: One workshop / single visit
Focus: Middle Eastern dance, music, cultural learning, and movement exploration
About Laura
Laura Samperi-Ferdig, who performs as Talia, is a second-generation dancer from the Pacific Northwest. She began learning Middle Eastern dance at the age of eight, performing at local events and festivals. After deciding to pursue dance professionally, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she studied at The Cassandra School of Belly Dance and with other leading teachers and choreographers from across the United States.
Laura later moved to San Diego, California, where she performed professionally throughout Southern California, both as a soloist and with her professional dance company, the Oriental Jewels. One of the highlights of her career was working closely for many years with master oudist John Bilezikjian.
Over the years, Laura has received multiple performance awards, including four “Best Oriental Dancer” awards from her peers at Oasis Dance Camp and a “Spirit of Aphrodite” award. In 2006, she was third runner-up in the Egyptian category of Belly Dancer of the Universe.
Currently, Laura is the director and artistic director of Shula Azhar and its understudy group, Raks Halifa. She teaches classes and performs throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What Students Can Explore
Laura’s workshops bring together dance and music to introduce students to Middle Eastern cultures and movement practices. Students can build technical skills and creative confidence, reflect on their learning process, and build stronger classroom relationships while expanding their knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures.
Students get the most from Laura’s teaching when: “They get involved and let loose.”
In Laura’s classroom, students: “Expand their knowledge of the different cultures of the Middle East.”
Laura focuses on helping students: “Learn about cultural differences through music and dance.”
Students leave with: “More knowledge of what life is like in some misunderstood countries to have a more expanded vision on the world.”
Teaching Experience
General education classrooms.
Learner Needs Laura Can Adapt For
Mixed-age classrooms, beginning learners, and advanced learners.
Best Learning Environments
Music rooms, outdoor spaces, flexible or open spaces, whole-class instruction, and teacher co-teaching.
Helpful Information + Teacher Support
Class size, teacher learning goals or curriculum connections, a brief planning conversation before the visit, teacher support with classroom management, and information about the space, materials, or technology available.
Contact + Artist Information
Email: Taliabellydancer@gmail.com
Phone: 760-681-7126
Website: shulaazharbellydance.com
Instagram: @OrientalJewel
Facebook: Talia / Shula Azhar Belly Dance
