Bahiya's performance is full of life, charisma & elegance...
...their style incorporates Classical & Egyptian pop to create an exciting and sophisticated performance.  These girls perform for the love & passion of the dance, as well as to entertain & captivate their audience with their warm smiles and swaying hips.

Bahiya was formed in 2003 under the direction of Rahana.  These girls were formerly troupe members of the renowned belly dance troupe, Yaleil LA.  They were groomed under the direction of Akasha with a tremendous influence from Ansuya, Yaleil's Director & Belly Dance Superstar.  Bahiya's structure has the foundation of American Cabaret with a powerful influence from the Traditional style of this dance, with each dancer bringing their specialty to the circle of our presentation.

Akasha dancing as a professional since 1990, Akasha has brought magic and elegance to many a dance venue with her improvisational American / Egyptian Cabaret style. She has had the honor to dance for and teach Hollywood celebrities, was assistant director for superstar Ansuya's well known dance company "Yaleil" and eventually took over as director upon request from Ansuya. She has been in several elaborate theater dance productions and videos and continues to thrive with her consistent flow of solo private events and involvement with the middle eastern dance troupe Bahiya, directed by Rahana. Akasha is also a talented Henna tatoo artist.

Jhazala started dancing in 1999 and soon joined her first dance troupe in Torrance for 5 years.  In 2005, Jhazala began classes in Santa Monica and soon joined Rahana's classes and dance troupe.  She has also had the opportunity to take workshops with Ansuya & Jillina whenever they are in town.  Jhazala enjoys Classical Egyptian and Pop music, and also enjoys the more contemporary music and dance styles of American Cabaret.  The name, Jhazala, was given to her by her first dance teacher, which means graceful beauty in Arabic.

Lotus commenced her budding belly dancing career in 2005. With her background in ballroom dancing and Latin dances while living in the Philippines, she was immediately mesmerized by this exquisite dance when she moved to Los Angeles. Lotus blossomed with the guidance of her first teacher Jamilla Soul, who passed on professionalism, elegance and grace. Lotus further continued expanding her roots by training with very talented and respectable teachers like Zahra Zuhair, Tamra-Henna, Jenna, Talin and Rahana, as well as attending workshops by Jillina, Ava Fleming, Princess Farhana, Morocco, Leila of Cairo, among others. Lotus has graced various stages, restaurants and events with the charm of American Cabaret and Egyptian styles. Lotus joined Troupe Bahiya in 2007

Mikaela is a versatile performer who started belly dancing lessons while she was in high school. Mikaela was a member of the popular belly dance troupe Yaleil, under the direction of Ansuya and Janaeni Rathor, from 1999-2002, and then under the direction of Akasha from 2003 to 2004. Troupe Yaleil was the featured group in the sold-out, evening gala show for Cairo Carnivale in 2003, Gypsy Sugar. International appearances include a trip to Madras, India with Yaleil in 1999, as well as solo performances in the Philippines in 2000 and 2006. During this last trip to the Philippines, she taught a two hour belly dance workshop. Local performances are too numerous to mention but encompasses cities from southern California (San Diego), all the way to northern California (Bay area), and many cities in between. She has also performed for some celebrities, including Drew Barrimore. Mikaela loves to dance flamenco and enjoys incorporating a Spanish flair into her dancing.

Rahana as the Director of Troupe Bahiya, Rahana is excited to share years of stage experience with you through the talents & dedication of this dance company.  Rahana grew up on the stage, having performed at over 500 shows with a Dance Performance Company. In 2001, Rahana's first experience with Belly Dance became her center of attention.  Rahana's dedication landed her a spot in Ansuya's Yaleil LA Troupe in 2002 under the direction of Akasha.  She focused on learning from those that inspired her such as Ansuya, Jillina, Dina, Djamila of Germany and most recently with Tamra-Henna. Rahana briefly traveled abroad to get a taste of what some of the greatest influences in this artform had to offer such as Mahmoud Reda, Leila Haddad and Magdy el Leisy.  She enjoys dancing at celebrations because it makes her happy to be a part of creating a long-lasting memory.  Visit Rahana's on-line boutique that features belly dance costumes, belly dance tops, music and videos.  Join her mailing list to receive specials throughout the year.

Shirin has been dancing most of her life. Her dance background comes from Salsa & Tango which she has danced professionally, studying here in CA and abroad in Buenos Aires. Bellydancing has been a part of her life for the past 2 years studying with highly respected instructors such as Ansuya, Aisha Ali and Akasha. In 2003 she joined Yaleil LA and performed with them at the Festival of Dancing Colors and Arabia Exotica. She now dances with Troupe Bahiya which formed when Yaleil LA disbanded. Shirin truly enjoys the spirit & art form of belly dance which is obvious when you see her dance.

Tigerlily This incredibly talented dancer joined the world of belly dance in 2003 with Troupe Yaleil LA and was awarded 1st runner-up in the junior division of the "Belly Dancer of the Universe" competition 2 years in a row. Tigerlily has had former training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and flamenco. Tigerlily began her Belly Dance training with her Mother, Rahana, and has studied with Tamra-Henna, Olu and Akasha.  She has also had the honor to take valuable workshops under Raqia Hassan, Dina of Egypt, Ansuya and Jillina. Tigerlily is currently studying at San Diego State.

see the YouTube video's of Troupe Bahiya performing..
May 2007 Westside Belly Dance Hafla & Showcase here 
June 2005 Dancing Rahana production Yalla Habibi here