Get to know Lizza Hasan

Born to Libyan parents, music was always played in the household. Lizza's father is blessed with a powerful singing voice so their home was filled with classic Egyptian musicians like Abdel Wahab, Farid El Atrash and of course the "Voice of Egypt"– Umm Kalthum. Introducing Lizza to the rhythms of belly dance music at an early age.

Lizza's interest in music took a more serious turn, and she became a professional performing/recording artist. At the height of her singing career, Lizza and her band performed to crowds of over 400,000 at the European Woodstock festival in Poland prior to retiring from singing.

In search of another creative outlet, Lizza was drawn to belly dance. She started taking classes and absolutely fell in love with the art form! Lizza attended as many classes, workshops and belly dance festivals as she could, studying with renowned teachers Yousry Sharif, Tito Seif, Randa Kamal, Wael Mansour, Aida Nour and Kareem Gad in classical and folkloric belly dance.

Lizza has always loved being on stage, so she started performing as a professional belly dancer almost immediately. As she gained experience and expertise Lizza went on to certify as a belly dance teacher in NY. As an instructor, Lizza derives immense joy from spreading the art and seeing her students improve and blossom!

Lizza's heart responds with endless enthusiasm to Arabic music, instrumentation, rhythms and diverse dance expressions. For Lizza, it is a connection to her homeland, family and her strong connection with her father as well as her joyful expression and passion for this unique art form.

As an instructor, Lizza believes that there is a great value in focused practice, planned workshops, folkloric exploration, audience engaging choreography, and learning to use props in creative ways. She especially loves helping her students explore creative self expression through guided improvisation.