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)
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)
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)

