Meet Our Instructors

Stefanya

Stefanya

Artistic Director

Passionate, Playful, and Unique, Stefanya is an exotic flower, blooming with every beat in rhythm. Acclaimed choreographer, award-winning performer, and sought-after instructor, Stefanya is the Los Angeles Bellydance Academy owner. Read more…

Sara Alma

Sara Alma

Bellydance Instructor

Dance is a way for Sarah Alma to connect to her Middle Eastern and Mediterranean roots. Since moving to Los Angeles, Sarah has studied classical and modern belly dance, Middle Eastern folkloric dance, and Persian dance Read more…

Kendall

Kendall

Hawaiian Hula Instructor

Of Native Hawaiian descent and great-great-granddaughter to Kumu Hula Rose Joshua, Kendall began dancing as an opportunity to connect with her roots but soon found a passion unlike any other she had in her life. Read more…

Nicole Mathis-Burman

Nicole Mathis-Burman

Dance Instructor

Nicole Mathis-Berman is the Founder/Artistic Director of White Crane Dance Theatre with the mission to create environments that inspire and nurture the human being. She holds an MFA in Choreography, an M.ED in cross-cultural diverse learning, and a BFA in Dance and Performance. Read more…

Issam Houshan

Issam Houshan

Drum Master

Born in Damascus, Syria, Issam moved to the U.S. in 1990, became a U.S. citizen, and soon became the leading Arab drummer in the U.S. Issam has worked with an impressive list of singers, dancers, and musical groups, including with Sting for the Grammys when he performed “Desert Rose.” In 2003, Issam joined the Bellydance Superstars as solo percussionist- touring the world performing 400 concerts in 16 countries to over 1 million people. 

Ready to Make a Change?

Dancing is a great way to take a timeout from the stressful or mundane parts of life.  By learning to dance you are expanding your horizons.  Who knows what else you could discover.