Vilia - Middle Eastern Dancer

Biography

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Vilia began her dance training at a very young age

after a trip to the ballet with her mother. Seeing the beautiful dancers on stage

inspired her to perform and she promptly enrolled in ballet classes.

Her studies later branched out to include musical theatre, tap, jazz and hip hop.

Her local dance studio became her second home.

Soon she was invited to instruct and coach dancers of all ages and levels.

While pursuing her Business Degree at San Diego State University,

Vilia continued to hone her dance skills.

She began working with a San Diego production agency where she was hired

to perform at conventions for the likes of Toshiba and other large corporations.

Dance had become a major part of Vilia’s life and it was at this time that she was introduced to

Middle Eastern dance. Vilia was invited to become a member of the Raks El Anwar dance company

directed by Middle Eastern Dance Hall of Fame inductee Morwenna Assaf and her husband,

Lebanese drummer Walid Assaf. Under their tutelage, Vilia began performing professionally at

a number of Middle Eastern venues throughout San Diego such as

Hajji Baba, Greek Town, Greek Palace and Med Café.

Currently Vilia has evolved into an accomplished and popular Middle Eastern dance soloist

who can be seen performing throughout Southern California and Mexico.

Performing in San Diego’s finest Middle Eastern restaurants and clubs as well as
for various private parties, weddings and functions, Vilia also takes time to
participate in local stage productions and charity events.

Her teaching skills have placed her on staff at University of California San Diego

where she teaches classes every quarter.

Vilia firmly believes that a dancer’s training never ends lest the artist become stagnant.

Currently, she studies with the renowned Middle Eastern performer, instructor and choreographer

Suhaila Salimpour and her legendary mother, Jamila Salimpour.

Vilia is Level II certified in Suhaila’s cutting edge Middle Eastern dance

training program and looks forward to continuing her studies

through all five phases of the certification process.

Vilia’s main objective is to use every facet of her dance expertise and extensive training

to expose, educate and entertain others in the art of Middle Eastern Dance.

Through this dance form, Vilia has found a conduit through which to express her creativity

and to help others experience and participate in what she considers to be

a beautiful and moving art form.

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