Spring Raqs ShowCase & Hafla

Banat al Sahra is a vibrant belly dance performance group dedicated to celebrating Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture through dynamic, high-energy performances. Under the direction of Carmen Bellydance, the group brings artistry, professionalism, and authenticity to every stage.

Known for our colorful costuming and engaging stage presence, we perform at community festivals, cultural events, private celebrations, and family gatherings, bringing people together through the joy of dance. We are proud to frequently collaborate and perform with Tabla Raq, an Arabic drumming group under the direction of Bill Noren, creating an exciting live music and dance experience that energizes audiences and highlights the rich rhythms of the Middle East.

Deeply committed to community engagement, Banat al Sahra actively participates in local events, fundraisers, and cultural showcases, helping to promote cross-cultural understanding and artistic appreciation. We take pride in being a family-friendly group, offering performances that are inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for audiences of all ages. Through our passion for dance and community connection, Banat al Sahra creates memorable experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.

Carmen is a bellydance performer and instructor with over 20 years of experience and a licensed professional counselor with 25 years in the mental health field. Blending her deep knowledge of movement and psychology, her work is rooted in fostering confidence, self-expression, and personal empowerment in both therapeutic and artistic spaces. She is the creative director and founder of Banat Al Sahra, a community bellydance performance group dedicated to connection, cultural appreciation, and artistic growth, and is also a member of Tabla Raq, an Arabic drumming ensemble.

Trained in Egyptian-style dance, Carmen brings authenticity, musicality, and emotional depth to her performances. She performs as a soloist and is an engaging educator, teaching in both community settings and at the collegiate level. Across all of her work, Carmen is passionate about creating supportive environments where individuals can build confidence, connect with their bodies, and express themselves fully.

Christine started her dancing journey 13 years ago.  She has been a student under several teachers, but currently she is a student of Carmen Garrison of Carmen Bellydance, and also with Shannon Bishop of Black Cat Belly Dance.  She also performs with Carmen's Belly Dance troupe, Banat Al Sahra which performs at many local shows and festivals.  Through the years she has taken numerous workshops with teachers such as Attia Tito, Mohamed Shahin II, Zara Abdelrahman and Irina Akulenko, to name a few, as well as local teachers.

Victoria Bryant Torres began belly dancing at age 15 at Sirrom School of Belly Dance in Houston and has explored a variety of dance styles including Flamenco. Her performances span festivals, restaurants, and private events, including the Texas Renaissance Festival and  Restaurant. Her style blends Egyptian, cabaret, and fusion influences, with a growing love for folkloric forms like Saidi, and incorporates props such as cane, zills, and fire. Through dance, she celebrates cultural roots while encouraging authentic self-expression and the belief that movement belongs to everyone. 

Pati Vito of Rochester, NY has been bellydancing for just over 20 years.  She’s trained with several notable local instructors and numerous national and international teachers.  Pati loves the mind, body and soul benefits of dance and particularly enjoys the spirit that unites its community.  She enjoys the many faces of bellydance especially fusion style which often combines traditional movement with non-traditional music.

Farah Abi has been dancing for over two decades. She has performed as a professional dancer specializing in Egyptian style around the DC region and beyond. She has been a long time student of Yasmin in Bethesda, Maryland and has studied Egyptian folkloric style with Faten in Northern Virginia. Farah’s favorite aspect of Egyptian style is interacting with the audience and adding character and personality to the show.