Experience a cabaret soirée with Ansuya and guest artists on August 16 and 17

The Westside Ballet of Santa Monica will host a Cabaret Soirée featuring renowned belly dance superstar Ansuya on August 16 and 17. The event will take place at the Westside Ballet Black Box Theater and will feature performances by special guests and Middle Eastern musicians. Notable artists include Amber Gamal, Soraya Jamal, Ayoon of Paradise, Elizabeth Strong, Jasmine, Devon, Farasha, Lena, Samira and Arturo.

In addition to the evening performances, Ansuya will be leading a series of workshops from August 12-15. These workshops are open to women of all backgrounds and dance experience, making them ideal for mothers, daughters and friends. The workshops will focus on the themes of womanism and feminism and will be held in collaboration with the dance department at Santa Monica College.

Ansuya, born in Ojai, California, is a respected actress, model and professional belly dancer of diverse heritage including French, Irish, English, Welsh, Dutch, Scottish, German and East Indian roots. She has appeared on Star Trek: Voyager and numerous other television shows. Looking back, Ansuya says, “At every stage of my development as a woman, belly dance has given me gifts to enhance my femininity and light the way to a sacred expression of sensuality. Now I am honored to light the way for others as my teachers have done for me!”

Ansuya has produced over fifteen exercise and training DVDs, won three Golden Belly Awards and received the award for Best Cabaret Belly Dancer of the Year from the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. She has modeled in Japan and Hawaii, appeared in commercials for Toshiba, FOX Sports Promo and World Gym, and on television shows such as Judging Amy, Days of Our Lives and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

In addition to the performances, Ansuya will be leading workshops open to women of all dance backgrounds from August 12-15. These workshops, which celebrate womanism and feminism, are in collaboration with the Santa Monica College Dance Department. The cost is $525 for the full week of four three-hour sessions, or $150 per day.

Tickets for the performances are available on Eventbrite:

For more information about the workshops and how to register, visit WSB Bellydance.

The Westside Ballet Academy of Dance is located at 1709 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. For inquiries, please call 310-828-2018.