LUCIA’S BIO
Lucia is currently the Vice President of the San Diego Middle Eastern Dance Association (SAMEDA) after serving 4 years as the President (2006-2010). She is an experienced troupe director, instructor, gala producer and performer. Lucia has trained with some of the finest International Middle Eastern Dancers in the world and recently returned from Cairo where she studied with Egypt’s finest artists. During her career, Lucia has performed at many prestigious venues including events featuring Superstar Middle Eastern Artists Amr Diab, Ihab Tawfik, Faten Salama, Aida Nour, Nabila Mettuali, Mahmoud Reda and Leila of Cairo. For three years, Lucia was the featured performer for RJ Reynolds Concert Promotions in San Diego.
 
This year, Lucia has continued her studies in Middle Eastern Dance, in addition to studying Persian, Samba and Flamenco dance from notable professionals. She received awards for Flamenco-Arabic fusion and was featured in Spring 2010 Belly Dance Magazine and the Uptown News publication in San Diego (also article here).  Last year, Lucia traveled to Turkey and Spain to further enrich her studies in Middle Eastern and Andalusian Dance.


In 2008, Lucia and her troupe, the Sands of Arabia, performed aboard the Carnival Elation Cruise ship to Mexico. That was also Lucia’s first cruise workshop series event. Lucia and the Sands of Arabia were nominated in the Best of San Diego 2008 “Dance Group” category.

Lucia’s awards include
2010 – Belly Dancer of the Universe competition, 3rd runner up Fusion category,
           And Congeniality Award
2008 – Best of San Diego 2008 – Lucia’s troupe “Dance Group” category
2007 – International Belly Dance Conference (Advanced Division) – 1st  Runner up
2005 - Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, Champion, Egyptian Category
2005 - Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant - Finalist.

During her career, Lucia has developed a dynamic, entertaining and graceful style of dance. Her shows include an emphasis in traditional Egyptian style Raks Sharki ("belly dance") with folkloric dance (Khaleegi, Melaya Lef, cane, Sai'di' and shamadan) and props. Lucia welcomes audience participation and enjoys sharing the joy of dance and celebration with others.

Published articles written by Lucia
1. A Turkish Odyssey
2. About Sakti
3. A Weekend of Danse with Aida Nour and Magdy El Leisy
4. Sohaila - A Shining Star
5. A Tribute to Dr. Haval Ravin
6. Oasis Dance Camp - an experience extraordinare!
7. A Weekend with Hadia
8. My Teacher, Fahtiem
9. Angelika Nemeth – A Shining Star in Middle Eastern Dance
10. “Hala presents “Tito from Egypt” workshop and show 2008”
11. Little Egypt Presents Another Fabulous Weekend Of ‘Egyptian Stars’ In Dallas
12. Your First Performance at a wedding – A ZEFFA
13. SAMEDA’S 13th Annual Faire
14. CD Review – Middle-Earth Ensemble “PASSAGE”
15. The North County Women’s Resource Center
16. HALLAH MOUSTAFA - Haute Couture stagewear and a costumer for the stars
17. A celebration of “International Culture- Arabian Culture” at Grossmont College

Articles about Lucia
1. Belly Dancer of the Universe
2. Belly Dance Chronicles
3. A Night in Cairo- A Weekend with Hadia
4. Belly Dancer Magazine
5. Lucia has been photographed for San Diego Weddings magazine

Articles about Belly Dance
1. Cancer Patient Shimmies Her Way to Health
2. Belly Dance for Fitness
3. Health Benefits of Belly Dance
4. Belly Dancing: Swivel Your Way to Fitness
5. Belly Dancing