Leilainia is a second-generation dancer. She was raised engulfing the spirit of music, dance and art. Her dance style invokes a gypsy creative power. Her style is a unique blend of belly dance forms she terms as Cabaret Collage. She fuses all styles of Middle-Eastern dance to entertain and to bring out the essential elements of who she is and what the moment calls for. She performs for private & corporate parties, Middle Eastern events, interactive performing arts exhibits, kids parties, restaurants, weddings, belly grams, concerts, fashions shows, bridal showers, workshops, belly dance galas....

Leilainia is known for her
extemporaneous performances,
wing dance, veil work,
mesmerizing snake dance,
fire dance, and intense sword work. This, combined with her
five years of acting training, gives her a theatrical romance, which captures audiences of all ages.

She embodies the true essence of a dancer. She is graceful and she makes the music become an
extension of herself while executing beautiful presentation.

“Born into the world of art and dance in El Paso, Texas, I was constantly surrounded by philosophers, artists, performances, writers and people of inspiration an passion. They taught me Middle Eastern Dance. They taught me steps and showmanship. They taught me not in a class setting, but in a life setting. I learned through watching, playing and appreciating. It was a terrific fantasy land of preparation, performance and creation," explains Leilainia.

"It was a dream of mystical colors constantly shifting and entertaining. I watched as these wonderful creators told their stories through art.
But i was young. I had no story of my own. I had no inner trauma, turmoil, love or loss. I had no formulated truths. I was simply a goddess in training. My mother would take me with her to yoga, African dance, Middle Eastern dance, ballet, modern and flamenco classes.
I thought this was the normal life.

As I grew I learned through the uniqueness of my upbringing and nourished it.
I am trained in Cabaret, Gypsy, Fusion, Egyptian and Turkish Belly Dance.

Through dancing I express my natural excitement for life. I perform and teach throughout the U.S.

Dance is not a hobby to me. It is me.”

Read full article Leilainia wrote about growing up in this artistic environment.

Family / Heritage :

"I was born with the rhythm of Middle Eastern dance and music within me. My father's family is from Aleppo,Syrian. My mother's family are of European decent. I've been dancing since I was in my mothers womb and it continues to be a necessity in my life. In the early 70's my mother, Judith Ann Marcus began adding Belly Dance to her array of dance knowledge. At that time she was in college as a dance major. She studied oriental dance and quickly became an accomplished dancer and still is today. My father, Hal Marcus, is an accomplished artist and Middle Eastern drummer. He is the percussionist of Jitano and the Desert Prophets and owns Hal Marcus Studio in El Paso Texas.  My parents instilled in me, and all their children, a passion for the arts. My sister, Adelaide, is co – founder of The Shimmy Sisters, an artist and Yogi. My brother, Marco Mordahi (Aka MORDA of Ninja Nations) , is an amazing DJ, musician, jewelry maker and traveler. I am an artist and professional dancer. I have been dancing professionally long enough to experience its ups and down and realize it is not something I just do, it is who I am. Dance is not a hobby for me. It is me."

Resume:

• Certified Yoga Instructor 2008- present
• Co -founder / Booking Agent for Nomad Artz Entertainent 2006 - present
• Troupe co-founder of The Shimmy Sisters 2005- present
  
• Certified / Licensed Massage Therapist 2004 - present
• Belly Dance Instructor 2002- present
  
• Published Journalist 1999 - present
  
• Belly Dance Performer 1982 - present
• Leilainia has studied with international belly dance stars such as De Ann Adams, Amaya, Sandra Catena, Bert Balladine, Judith Ann Marcus and Mesmera.

Articles Writen by Leilainia:

• Arabian Nights at Sea: Bringing the old school spirit back into the dance. Published 2010
• My World of Art and Dance. Published 2008
  
• Music Review: Fatouma, Published 2005
• My Inner Vission: Ode to De Ann Adams , Published in Zagareet Magazine 2005
  
• "Queen Harish dances from the Palace of Rajasthan".Published the Semda Magazine 2008