THE TEACHERS:

Khelashi's Founder and Director

Sandra Hayes

CLASSES:

KIDS:

ZUMBATOMIC (Zumba for Kids)

KHELASHI KIDS (Belly Dance & World Dance for Kids)

ADULTS:

BELLY DANCE

ZUMBA

BELLY2ABS (Belly Dance for Fitness & Toning)

BIO:

"I started dancing in my early teens - I was attending an Arts based secondary school in the South of Germany with amazing teachers and plenty of opportunities to study Theater, Dance and Performance and a big emphasis on multicultural studies. My first Belly Dance was actually performed on the stage of this school - a theatrical interpretation of a Harem's Dance that two class mates from Turkey had made up. ;-) Then came the obligatory Jazz & Tap Dance classes, a move to Berlin, where I ended up teaching in a Music School in Kreuzberg for about 2 years. I got a scholarship in a school for Theatre Studies and worked for some time with local Theatre Projects, mainly for kids.

During those projects I realized I also needed some educational knowledge, so I went back to College to study Social Pedagogics (Social Care).

I was very curious about world dance and took many lessons in many styles, like Salsa, Samba, Butoh, Romany Dances, Capoeira and more and especially fell in love with Flamenco!

But after moving to Ireland in 1999 I had to leave Flamenco behind but found American Style Tribal Dance with Rashenkoti in Cork. When I left the group behind, I began to really research the different styles of belly dance - I travelled a lot to take workshops and private lessons in England and in Berlin, a favourite one of them Fidi Cioponea-Schweer and went, supported by the Irish Arts Council, to Amala in Serbia to study Romany Dance and Language. I also trained in Contemporary Dance and Dance Facilitation in the Firkin Crane.

At this time there were many performance opportunities at weddings, functions, openings and restaurants, so that

in 2004, Khelashi was founded. Me and some of my most dedicated students (mainly Nisha Gupta, Catherine Harte and Anna Kirakowska - all of who I will never forget!! ;-)) began to perform professionally as a troupe, until, in 2005, I fell in love again! But this time with a man, which is why I am now in Wexford... ;-)

With amazing support from the Wexford Arts Centre, where I have put on a show about twice a year since, the guidance of Hossam and Serena Ramzy during the last year as well as the many performances at the Caca Milis Cabaret, Khelashi continued to grow and develop, with dedicated students maturing into professional performers as the Khelashi Dance Company.

As for every teacher, my goal is to bring out the best in each and every students. Seeing women of every age, shape and size grow into confident, beautiful and proud dancers is an amazing reward!

With certifications in Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, Aromatherapy, Belly@Abs Fitness, Zumba and ZumbAtomic, my latest venture is to create "feel good workouts" that are fun, effective and nourish body and soul!

Another one of my biggest passions is teaching kids classes and what better thing to do than to teach the "crazy - cool dance fitness workout for kids set to Hip Hop, Salsa, Reggaeton and more" that is ZUMBATOMIC! Check it out! ;-)

Performer, Teacher, Choreographer

Dearbhla Dunne

CLASSES:

TRIBAL FUSION

BIO:

"So here is where it all began for me! By chance and good fortune I met my teacher Sandra Hayes (Keil) in Wexford whilst doing some work for her now husband. She told me of her plans to open a Belly Dance school and invited me to come and have a go!

So I did!

Little did I know then what was in store for me! The first few classes of Belly Dance over six years ago have led me to the point now where I can proudly say I am starting my own Tribal Fusion class! Over those six years I have been lucky enough to perform in ten Wexford based Khelashi shows, perform as a guest dancer in some incredible Dublin based shows, and also practice a whole array of styles through Sandra’s teachings, Egyptian, Romany Dance and ATS to name but a few. Experiencing so many amazing styles and performing in shows with other talented dancers nationwide helped me to find and focus on the style that I fell in love with, I soon realised that my future path was to be a tribal one!

I would say that my personal dance style is influenced by a few different elements. Firstly, Sandra’s classes have had a major impact on me, I have learned an invaluable amount from them, ranging from a good base technique, learning advanced choreographies and varying styles, to organisation, commitment and discipline.
Secondly, I would say that I am heavily influenced by my favourite tribal fusion dancers and troupes, namely The Indigo! ( I have been fortunate enough to have taken workshops with some of these highly regarded dancers)
I fell in love with the dark and beautiful edginess of Tribal Fusion and have not looked back since. This darker, earthy vibe is what I will bring to my classes, workshops and choreographies!
And last but not least, I have been influenced by many other styles of dance. I adore Romany (Gypsy) Dance Styles, Indian Dance and American Tribal Style. I also incorporate elements of Street Dance and Hip Hop into my choreographies which keeps them fresh and unique. I have a good foundation and knowledge of classical Egyptian Belly Dance ( I am currently studying for a certification with the Amazing Hossam and Serena Ramzy), and I also have a keen interest in Vaudeville performances with a carnival type atmosphere.
All the above elements have blended harmoniously to create my fierce and fabulous individual dance style. And now I have the great opportunity of sharing it all with you!

So now you know a bit about me and about my main influences, why not come and join me in class and see if my passion can become yours too!!"

Performer & Assistant Teacher

Siobhan Donohue

Classes:

Zumbatomic (Assisting teacher)

Khelashi Kids (Assisting teacher)

Having trained with Khelashi since 2005 and taken part in numerous shows and performances, Siobhan really knows her stuff! Her fun & humerous choreographies make her a favourite at any show and her playful character and kind hearted patience make her a favourite with all the kids.

She is assisting me (Sandra) in all my kids classes and has been a reliable and invaluable help throughout the past 2 years - I am extremely grateful to have her & the kids absolutely adore her! ;-)

Testimonials:
"Sandra is an amazing teacher, she was my 1st bellydance teacher and she made the whole experience so great and fun. Her classes are relaxing yet energising and she helps everyone reach their potential.Her true love of dance is refreshing. She puts her all into her dances and she is an amazing live performer at any event, be it a big show or a private hafla. She is a breath of fresh air, she makes me smile every time I see her, and I will never forget her. :-) LOVE YA SANDRA! xxx"

(Nisha Gupta)

"Sandra is one of the most creative and versatile dancers I know, always bringing new life to her dances with each time I see her. She was my first bellydance teacher and the proof of her impact on me was that I am still here bellydancing (in my room even without a teacher!!) Her style of dance is indelibly printed in me and she will always be someone who I admire and trust. Wexford is so lucky to have her and I can tell her new class fully appreciate that. Looking forward to more shows with Cork/Wexford collaborations!!! :) xxx"

"Sandra is a diverse and refreshing teacher, performer and friend; each of her dances is infused with natural creativity and passion. She can turn her hand to anything from an earthy sword fusion to a spirited gypsy dance.

Students immediately warm to her and feel at ease when learning moves that can initially be daunting... especially for still irish hips :)

I would definitely recommend her for any event or as a valued teacher, we really miss her guidance in Cork!"

(Catherine Harte)

"Sandra is just such a beautiful dancer the first time she danced in Belfast we were struck by her talent.
I know the work that goes into making dance look beautiful and it is a joy to me to watch her.
It is always a pleasure to be in her company and I really respect her as an artist.
Here's hoping we can pull off one beautiful dance art project."

(Karen Mallon)

(watch this space!)

Students immediately warm to her and feel at ease when learning moves that can initially be daunting... especially for still irish hips :)

I would definitely recommend her for any event or as a valued teacher, we really miss her guidance in Cork!"

Reviews:

Sandra Hayes (Keil)

Khelashi Dance

Wexford Echo, 22nd September 2010

Wexford Echo, 9th June 2010

Wexford Scene June 2010:

Wexford people (25. April, 2007)

Wednesday, 11th January
Khelashi Belly Dance on RTE Nationwide
watch a clip on
http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0111/nationwide.html
Wednesday, 21.June 2006
Wexford Echo
(article by David Looby):

A night of exotic dance providing a gateway into the age-old dance traditions of the Romany people will be held at Wexford Arts Centre this Saturday night.

Khelashi Dance Group will perform their flowing dance routines involving tribal dance, flamenco and belly dancing in a shimmying spectacle of colour, sound and movement from 8:30p.m.

Founder of Khelashi Dance Group, Sandra Keil’s passion for dance is apparent in the way her eyes light up as she describes the various routines she performs and teaches at classes in Wexford and Waterford.

“Tribal is a proud dance. The Egyptian style is more feminine and playful,” she said; adding “men perceive belly dancing as sexy, but women are sexy anyway. The intention is to celebrate our sexy, proud and playful side.”

Born in Germany of Romanian parentage, Keil loved to dance from a young age. She developed a love of Romany dance from her travels throughout Europe and her study of the history of the Romany people.

Initially she studied flamenco, a dance which the Romany people developed by incorporating Moorish dance tradition with their own.

Sense of identity:

“The dance of the Romany people is a celebration of the woman. It includes dance rhythms and routines from different countries going back 1,000 years when they fled India. This sense of rootless-ness informs the dress of the Romany people to this day,” Keil said.

“You can see it in their gold teeth and the coins that can be heard rattling as the dancer’s shimmies represents the fact that these people wear what they own,” she added.

The name for Keil’s dance group, Khelashi comes from the word which means player or dancer. This sense of fun runs through Keil’s conversation about the classes she will run at Carmel Corish Wallace’s studio in Charlotte St, Wexford.

Improvisation is another important feature of the dance classes.

“Fun is very important. The women really change. They come out of themselves where before they were shy and didn’t want to show anything,” Keil said.

The 35-year-old describes belly dancing in sacred terms. Her dance classes are held every Wednesday from 6:30-8p.m. (Tribal style) and from 8-9:30p.m. (Egyptian style). She also plans to start morning classes for women with children and pregnant women also from 10:30a.m. to noon. To book a class contact Sandra Keil on (086) 1594508.

23.11.2005:
Irish Examiner

The Woodford Bar, 15.05.05
(Review by Su Sexton):

<>Pub goers in the Woodford Bar on Paul St in Cork were treated to a ravishing display of belly dancing last Sunday night. Appealing and entertaining, 3 dancers of the Khelashi Troupe were joined by some of Cork’s best musicians, who mixed exotic and primal drumming with lively violin and mournful flute. The dancing and music were of high professional quality, giving us all a taste of the Midddle East in a polished yet endearing manner.
<>Rita was the first dancer. She was beautifully dressed in an ethnic-themed outfit, and used her full-length multi-coloured veil to weave an exotic luxurious spell over the audience. We were mesmerised by her flexibility and confidence as she moved gracefully to the slow, haunting music. The leader of the troupe was next, and she commanded the space with directness and strength, inviting onlookers with her obvious enjoyment of the dance. She was adorned with shells and shiny jewellery, and with streaming dark hair and dark eyes, was every inch a Gypsy dancer. The live drumming filled the air with primal energy as Sandra whirled into action, using the dance as a greeting to all. She used a sword to display tremendous skill and strength as she balanced it on her head and hip while performing difficult isolated dance moves, that completely amazed the audience. Her energy and love for belly dance is inspiring, and her students would no doubt agree!
<>The third dancer was elegant and graceful, performing to a cover version of Christy Moore’s “Ride On”. Nina used a veil beautifully and skilfully to capture the audience’s imagination, creating a floating dreaming atmosphere that we were happy to drift along to..
<>The three dancers mixed their own styles as the night wore on, extremely entertaining and interesting to watch. They danced together and alone accompanied by the excellent musicians. The versatility and diversity of belly dance was highlighted and celebrated - how it encompasses a lot of cultures and styles, from tribal to gypsy, but is always welcomed and recognised all over the world, even in Cork!
<>At the end of the night we were invited up to dance, and many of Sandra’s students obliged, happily ending a very enjoyable evening.

contact
086 1594508 or
khelashidance@yahoo.ie