My Story
With over 20 years experience, Soraya Jamal has been dazzling audiences across the country and sharing her passion for bellydance. She discovered bellydance in college after spotting a flyer in her dorm asking "Do you wanna bellydance?" Her answer was an immediate "Yes!"
Growing up in small towns in Georgia and Mississippi, she had never encountered anything like it. From the moment she tied on a coined hip scarf, she embarked upon a journey that would change her life. She continued studying throughout college and deepened her training after moving to Massachusetts. There, she immersed herself in the rich tradition of American Cabaret bellydance, a popular style in the Northeastern United States originating in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s through the cultural melting pots of the Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, and Armenian communities. Characterized by dynamic finger cymbals, dramatic veil work,
candle tray and sword balancing, floorwork, and the exhilarating folkloric Turkish 9/8, the vintage style drew her in. With the flourishing live music scene of the Boston community, she regularly attended as many shows as possible to see some of the local legends perform—the spectacle was captivating!
Under the tutelage of Amira Jamal, Nadira Jamal (both from whom she adopted her professional surname) and Melina of the Daughters of Rhea, Soraya trained extensively on this style, which eventually earned her performance spots at beloved Boston-area venues including Karoun, Athenian Corner, and Byblos, where she danced alongside renowned musicians such as members from the Fred Elias Ensemble, the Boston Taxim Band, Mitchell Kaltsunas, and George Maalouf.
In 2019, Soraya began studying with internationally acclaimed Superstar of Bellydance, Ansuya Rathor, and earned a place in her professional troupe, Goddess Unleashed. She has toured and performed in cities including San Antonio and Santa Monica.
Soraya is a certified bellydance and group fitness instructor dedicated to helping students discover the magic of bellydance and to continue the traditions of American Cabaret Style. In 2025, she and her family relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where she continues to perform, teach, and share her love of American Cabaret Style throughout Central Virginia.
For Soraya, bellydance is a celebration of creativity, cultural appreciation, and body confidence. Through dance, she encourages every student to appreciate their bodies, connect with their communities, and express their artistry.