JULIA CHA is a bellydance performer and instructor based in North Vancouver, BC. She is also a dedicated flamenco dancer and student, currently studying intensively at Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy in Vancouver, BC, under the direction of Kasandra La China and Oscar Nieto. She also has studied in workshops with important visiting guest flamenco dancer/instructors such as Isabel Bayón, Timo Lozano, and Cihtli Ocampo.
Raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Vancouver, Canada, Julia brings together her rich cultural background and profound interest in teaching and learning methods to bring out the best in her students.
Julia performs and teaches bellydance regularly in North Vancouver, BC. As a believer of lifelong learning, she continues to train with important oriental bellydance instructors from around the world. She has mainly studied bellydance with Gada Kanaan, based in Santiago, Chile. Gada's Palestinean background and understanding of Arabic music highly influenced Julia's appreciation and understanding, as well as the importance of Arabic rhythms and musicality. Ms. Kanaan's discipline and professionalism, along with mentorship from Sarita Mileta (Vancouver), Rahma Haddad (Vancouver), Badia Star (Toronto), and the late Egyptian drummer Adel Awad (Vancouver), gave Julia an early start in establishing herself as a meticulous, lyrical, dynamic, and expressive performer. Described as "fire dancing on water," Julia's dance takes the audience into an entertaining world of romantic atmosphere, passion, and lively emotions.
Curriculum Vitae
Current Professional Activity:
- Dancer at Pasparos Taverna, North Vancouver (2009)
- Dancer at One12, North Vancouver (2009)
- Dancer at Chai Gallery, Vancouver, BC (2007-2008)
Notable Training in Bellydance:
- Sarita Mileta, Vancouver, BC (2006-2007)
- Rahma Haddad, Vancouver, BC (2006)
- Gada Kanaan Academia Danza Árabe, Santiago, Chile (2005) - Professional Level Training Program in oriental (belly) dance.
- Workshop Studies with : Farideh (Victoria), Tamalyn Dallal (USA), Nathalie Lebel (Montreal), Jillina (USA), Morocco (USA), Suhaila Salimpour (USA), Maiada (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Sarat (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Current Dance Training:
Flamenco - Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy, Vancouver (2007-present) Under the direction of Kasandra La China and Oscar Nieto