Qabila Foundation

Stefanie Fatooh

Stefanie Fatooh, a Los Angeles native, began her dance training at an early age with a variety of western dance forms, including ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. This love of dance eventually continued into her academic studies when she earned a dual degree from the University of San Francisco in Performing Arts & Social Justice (Dance), and African History.

Upon returning to Southern California in 2007, she was accidentally introduced to Modern Egyptian Bellydance. The more she learned about bellydance, the more she started to feel like she had finally found the dance form that she was meant to call “home.” Stefanie’s new found love of Middle Eastern dance also inspired her to start to study the folk dances of the region and seek more professional opportunities with local dance companies.

More than 10 years later, Stefanie has continued to dedicate herself to growing as a dancer. Most notably, she has completed Aubre Hill’s Raqs Artist Project twice and has attended programs such as the Arab Dance Festival, Journey Through Egypt and Middle East Music and Dance Camp to help further her artistic and cultural work.

She is proud to have worked closely with Aubre Hill on many projects: as a former Contemporary Dance teacher at Movement Art Space in Los Angeles, an assistant director & producer for stage shows such as “The Nutcracker~ a bellydance tale”, the co-director of Los Angeles Raqs, and as a dancer in duet performances and with both Lumina Dance Co. and Qabila Folkdance Co. As one of the original members of Qabila, Stefanie continues to be dedicated to the company both onstage and behind the scenes, and currently is serving on the Executive Board as the Community Manager.

Stefanie’s solo career has continued to bloom as well and she currently performs professionally as both a Raqs Sharqi and Contemporary Bellydance Fusion/Transnational Dance soloist. She enjoys the duality of these experiences and is endlessly inspired by both learning more about the deep cultural roots of Middle Eastern dance and by the creation of unique movement ideas. A recent transplant from Los Angeles to Seattle, Stefanie also earned her MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University in 2022 and is currently the Director of Arts Programming at Seattle U. She is excited to continue growing the artistic expression of her dance, as well as deepening her understanding of its cultural context and roots.

www.stefaniemaribellydance.com

Annette (Assistant Director & Dancer)

Annette started dancing in Athens, GA in 2010.  There she learned a mix of styles including American Cabaret, transnational fusion, and group improvisation.  She fell in love with Arabic and Turkish rhythms and learned to play darbuka, riq, and tar.  Her favorite rhythm is samai (10/8).  After moving to Seattle in 2018 she continued learning dance from Nadira. Annette felt the need to become more grounded in the folkloric roots that inspire raqs sharqi and was delighted to join Qabila in 2021.

Adri (Dancer)

Adri was introduced to Middle Eastern dance through her University in Monterrey, Mexico and immediately started taking classes with Virginia and Claudia Gamboa. Later took classes and workshops with many international dancers such as Ansuya, Pablo Acosta and Maraia until finding fusion styles and studied with April Rose, Mira Betz and extensively with Rachel Brice. Was part of Mira Betz Mirapiece Theater production twice in Mexico City (2015, 2017) and in 2012 started the 8 Elements Training with Rachel Brice becoming a Datura Style teacher in 2016.

In Monterrey, Mexico taught Datura Style and introduction to dance from 2010-2017 and became manager of Khoreo Studio. This added insight to producing events, learning lighting and assisting in multiple studio dance recitals, competitions and events.

After moving to Los Angeles in 2018, found Aubre Hill and quickly started studying with her Raqs Sharqi and Transnational Dance and eventually formed part of her Lumina Dance Co. and Beyajja Dance Theater. Now living in Seattle, Adri is a new member of the Seattle Qabila Project as of 2024.

Briana (Trainee)

Briana (she/they pronouns) is influenced and inspired by storytelling through dance from all over the world. She studied Egyptian and Lebanese belly dance, Hula and some Tibetian dance in Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA. Briana was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Dallas with family for 8 years, and has been a Seattle resident for 10 years. 

Briana wishes to inspire people to learn more about the stories behind the dance, expand their understanding and empathy for people and enjoy the beauty that each story holds.

Cheisi Borromeo (Dancer)

Erika Lei (Dancer)

Erika began her dance journey in Ohio in 2010 with her first belly dance class. She had tried a few western style dance lessons previously, but never found the passion for dance she was looking for until trying MENAHT folk dances and belly dance. Erika started taking lessons regularly and was soon performing in recitals, festivals, and special events. Her first teacher, Fariba, is a dance instructor from Iran who has trained in dance in Europe. With Fariba, Erika was able to learn the foundations of both belly dance and Persian folk dances.

After moving to Washington, Erika continued to take lessons and perform in Bellingham and Seattle. She has been a part of dance troupes such as Bella Rosa, Silk Rain, Jewels of the Blue Moon as well as some student troupes. In Bellingham, she regularly danced at the Taste of India restaurant with Anyelle. A highlight of Erika's dance experience was dancing in an opening show for Beats Antique with her troupe Jewels of the Blue Moon. In addition to taking lessons in a variety of styles and performing, Erika taught dance lessons at Western Washington University. One of her favorite parts of dancing is connecting with others and learning more about the cultures that each dance comes from.

Euphoria (Dancer)

Izzie Wisteria (Dancer)

Izzie is a mover of many kinds with a technical foundation in American Cabaret and Transnational Fusion Bellydance. She also studies and is inspired by modern, street, and hip hop dance styles. She also has a Master's degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and is interested in the ways we use our bodies as vehicles for expression and connection.

Izzie is honored to be a member of Qabila Folkdance Company to connect with more dancers and dance-lovers and to deepen her study of Arabic music, dance, and culture.

Manami (Dancer)

Manami is originally from Japan, now living in the PNW.  Her passion for learning bellydance started after watching live Folkloric shows in Egypt. Early in her dance journey, she was fascinated about the Fat Chance Belly Dance style which is based on improvised group dance and had an opportunity to teach the style for several years.  She studies a variety of bellydance styles from various teachers.  Recently she has been learning and performing as a member of Wild Saffron with Moria Chappell.  She is excited to join the Seattle Chapter of the Qabila Folkdance Company not only for learning the Folkdance but also grateful for the privilege to be an ambassador of Arabic culture through dance.