Teachers

Helsinki Oriental is the embodiment of Ulla’s endless passion for Egyptian dance and culture. Her enthusiasm is catchy both in class and on stage. Ulla might be a demanding teacher, but she will make sure her classes never lack humour or laughter!

Maija is a stunning performer as well as dedicated teacher and choreographer, leading her own show group, Inanna. Very precise but encouraging approach make her classes enjoyable to dancers on all levels!

Pia is both a fascinating performer and a teacher one never gets bored of. She has a long education in a variety of dance styles, including full length studies in Ballet and years of serious training of both Flamenco and Oriental Dance. But for teaching, she sets fun as her priority - 'cause hey, what is dance without joy?

Outi is an internationally acknowledged dancer and teacher. She has made a long career as a soloist dancing in the top venues of Cairo and even producing her own music and teaching videos. She is a real five star dance professional known for making her students shine too!

Laura is an inspiring multitalent of dance. She has already produced a number of dance festivals while leading her own show group and touring the world teaching and performing. Her unique, smooth style is loved by her audience as well as her students. Her passion is to create dance art for stage, making her put effort on preparing her students for a show too!

Our new teacher Marina is joining us from Ukraine! The past years Marina has been coaching young dancers and concentrating on her work as a choreographer. Her patient approach and polished style help dancers of all levels get the best out of each class! Marina starts teaching in June 2022!

After long years of dancing internationally under her stage name Hadassa, Päivi is now back to Finland and teaching at Helsinki Oriental every week! Managing both the modern belly dance as well as the rich traditions of oriental folklore, Päivi is an adept teacher, always with a creative approach.

Our new teacher Hara is joining us from Greece! She is a dancer, choreographer, teacher and a producer with an impressive resume. Hara i also a trained pilates instructor. The past years she has been touring festivals, performing with her own show group. From Egyptian style to showy dances with accessories as well as Greek Tsiftetelli, her fresh approach inspires performing dancers and new beginners alike! Hara teaches in English.

Fanny is bringing along modern fusion bellydance to Helsinki Oriental! Fanny has an extensive background in both classical oriental dance as well as modern dance styles from contemporary to popping. But most at home she is in tribal fusion - with it's different variations. Her classes are a smooth cocktail of polished technique, creativity, inspiring music!

Sari is a beloved performer and a super productive choreographer with dance numbers of all styles to share from! She is constantly studying and educating herself on several subjects, from oriental dance to flamenco and Indian dances. Sari's encouraging way of teaching, a relaxed dance style and never ending creativity guarantee great classes also for students!

One of the pioneers of oriental dance in Finland, Tuija is a popular teacher already among several generations of dancers. Also a professional in Arabic language and culture, she has been teaching, choreographing, training teachers and producing festivals for decades. In class, her endless knowledge turns into efficient training and enjoyable choreographies. If you haven't danced with Tuija before, it's about time!

Safa specializes in Persian dance and culture. As an Iranian herself, she will be leading her students to the authentic roots of different traditions of Persian dance. In Safa's class stories turn into dance through her simple and mindful approach. Safa teaches in English.