Elisa Gamal is celebrating the twentieth year of her love affair with Middle Eastern dance! She took her first belly dance class in 1987, and made her professional debut to the stages of Seattle in 1994. Highlights of her career include winning numerous solo and group awards including the 1999 Bellydance USA and 2006 Seven Veils Champion titles, being featured on the cover of Jareeda magazine, and performing as a guest with the Bellydance Superstars on their first US tour.

Elisa is a board member and vice president of Middle East Arts International. She enjoys an active performance schedule, appearing at several Seattle area venues, dance festivals, and cultural events including the Northwest Folklife Festival and Arab Festival.

A sought-after instructor and intuitive, supportive and effective coach, Elisa has watched several of her current and past students gain national recognition and win trophies and titles in nearly every major US belly dance competition. "Bellydance is my passion and my inspiration, my solace and my release, my source of renewal and profound joy."