Sohaila International/Sohaila's Academy of Artistic Dance and Wellness Center - Escondido, California

Cherry P.

I have been dancing with Sohaila for 12 years. I come from a hip hop and modern background and Sohaila is able to break down the moves so that I was able to make the transition to bellydance. Sohaila embodies the authentic, exotic experience of learning bellydance and most near and middle eastern dance forms. For those who would like to perform or deepen their understanding, she also can provide props and costumes. Her studio has also been a stage for many of our performances.

I have been around long enough to see many students come and go, many who have gone on to be professionals, some who have come back to take class again, and others who have become life-long bellydance enthusiasts. Please take extra caution in trusting negative reviews of a teacher who has been dancing for over 40 years, danced professionally in Egypt, brought bellydance to Mexico, and has been teaching for approximately 30 years. We recently had a couple of very toxic students leave and they have not left peacefully. They have resorted to lying and harassing, desperately trying to destroy Sohaila’s hard-earned reputation. From my perspective, the atmosphere is so much more positive since they have left. Finally, there is no one trying to undermine Sohaila or the quality of her class.

If you want to learn from the Queen of bellydance here in San Diego, Sohaila is it.

jessica N.

Sohaila is a very special honest, professional as many years experience Egyptian belly dancing, since her first perform was 16 years old. More than that she is always work hard on all students to make sure everyone enjoy the beautiful dance. I really admired her because she such as a star. But she is very humble and have a kind heart. Always helping people and give advises to everyone. Everything positive, possible, and full of happiness here at “Sohaila Shining Star”
Thank you very much for an opportunity to know you Sohaila. You are very talented. ❤️

Melissa S.

Sohaila is personable, kind, accommodating, fun and generous. She gives 110 percent of herself to her students, year after year. Her classes are empowering and fun! Once you know Sohaila, you know her for life! 🙂

Tarciana B. D.

Sohaila was my first belly dance teacher in CA. She is very dedicate to every student to make sure we all learn properly. Her studio is gorgeous and we really feel very comfortable with her technique. Many years passed and we are still friends and she always tells me how proud she is of my belly dance career. Thank you Sohaila for being part of my life as student/dancer and as a friend. xoxo

Janie M.

Sohaila is a fantastic belly dance instructor. She works at each individuals speed, is patient, praises accomplishments, and encourages better performance. Her studio is really nice. Full wall mirrors to help with refining steps and with training. She has a full market behind the mirrors where she has the costumes, accessories etc. For purchase. I love that her studio is on her private property. At the beginning I was really self conscious about my lack of grace. The privacy it afforded really helped me get over my perceived shortcomings (she always told me it was all in my head and I had nothing to be embarrassed about). I loved taking classes there and recommend her classes to anyone especially beginners.

Thomas P.

The best Bellydance troup in San Diego. Sohaila is a true professional and has been Bellydancing most of her life. She’s learned from the best and has been to Egypt to perfect her skills. She was also the first to introduce bellydancing in Mexico. She’s an excellent choreographer and knows how to pass on her knowledge to her students. If you’re looking to become a bellydancer then join up with Sohaila !!

Brigitte C.

Sohaila publicly and privately humiliates students who leave her class. Sohaila, in her trusted position as a dance teacher, will solicit from others hateful remarks about her former students. If you make her angry in any way, she will threaten "legal action" for almost anything at all. Please do not allow your friends, daughters or anyone you know join Sohaila's class - it could quite possibly lead to great heartache. Public humiliation causes pain. The abuse of power over students by a teacher is not acceptable.

The most respected teachers are ones who make students passionate participants, not fearful followers.

Maria C.

I love Sohaila's class!!! It is fun and challenging, every class gives you the opportunity to learn dancing techniques that you can use to perform. Sohaila has a boutique that has beautiful costumes, jewelry and everything you need to belly dance.