Hannan
is widely acknowledged as an experienced professional possessing
quality technique, powerful expression, and excellence as an entertainer.
As well, her students value including and her ability to coach and
develop new talent.
Always
striving for growth as a dancer, Hannan expresses the best of what
can be accomplished by dedication to belly dance. By sharing her
passion, Hannan has created a dedicated following of students.
Hannan
is currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and continually
returns to her studios in Toronto, Canada.
Hannan’s
dance achievements include:
- Hannan's
Bellydance Studio - Three studios in Toronto that
are home to several hundred dance students and ten instructors.
- Workshops
in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico
- Winner
of the 2003 Ms. Bellydance USA competition
- Hundreds
of solo performances at Middle-Eastern and North American
private and corporate events as well as nightclubs and restaurants.
- Instructional
DVDs "Beginner Belly Dance with Hannan Sultan
Vol. 1 and 2" as well as producing "Aziza's Ultimate Belly
Dance Practice Companion"
- Director
of The Sultanettes, a bellydance student troupe
- Co-producer
of Rhythm of the Nile, a professional Folkloric
and Egyptian bellydance troupe
- Winner
of the 2002 Professional Category at the Middle
Eastern Dance and Culture Association competition
- Co-owner
of www.Bhuz.com, the world's largest online Belly
Dance community
- Hannan
is a protégé of Aziza of Montreal,
having started with this great star when they both lived in Portland
OR in 1998. Hannan has also studied with Raqia Hassan, Jillina,
Dina, Randa Kamal, Amir Thaleb, Hadia, Aida Nour, Tahia Sassine,
Saqra, Nemra Khan, Jane Archer, Amir Thaleb, Momo Kadous, Radia
El Hachioui, Delilah, Z-Helene, Ranya Renee, Yousry Sharif, and
many others.
Workshops
Chatam, Ontario September
2008
Toronto June
28 & 29 2008, October 3&5 2008, January 2009, March 2009,
June 2009
"Hannan has shown a dedication to the dance that is contributing
to the improved perception of bellydance. Her showmanship, prodigious
technique, and flawless presentation make her an excellent example
of bellydance at its best. Her generosity and her quest for knowledge
make her an excellent instructor."
~ Aziza (www.azizashimmy.com)
"Hannan Sultan is a remarkable dancer.
What makes her Really stand out is her amazing passion for the sharing
of
this art. She wants the absolute best for her students, and will
work at
infinite lengths, to bring out stellar strengths from each and every
person who
she teaches.
She is open to the cultures of Belly dance in different parts of
the globe,
and brings a contemporary spin to her work, as well as classical
and technical
mastery - actually wizardry! In other words she draws on vocabularies
of
dance that are rich, beautiful, and up to the minute.
As a teacher she is open to student input, inspiring, and wanting
us to
succeed.
And the Big Bonus, is her sense of humour which carries us through
absolutely all our challenges and efforts of dance class."
-Dr. Jacqueline Gibbons
"I have studied with Hannan for
several years now; workshops, private classes, weekly group classes,
troupe instruction, you name it!, I would never miss the chance
to keep learning from a wonderful teacher like her. Through Hannan's
wise guidance, generous teaching and flawless example I have reached
levels in my dance I thought I never could, and I keep learning,
every single time!!! LOVE HER!!!"
-Zahira
"My bellydance technique
has improved exponentially since starting classes with Hannan! She's
an expert at breaking down complex moves into student-friendly components,
and her warm and engaging presence makes even the most challenging
classes a fun experience. Hannan's classes provide a well-rounded
understanding of Middle Eastern dance, and often include valuable
information about Middle Eastern music, stage presence, and "bellydance
philosophy," which can benefit dancers of any level.
Hannan is an amazing instructor, and it's easy to see why beginners
and professionals alike flock to her studio".
-Layla Hassam
"Hannan's dancing has
inspired me since I first saw her breathtaking performance at Feast
of the East with Roula Said's band. Her style is regal, fresh, polished
and strong, as well and playful and engaging. As a teacher, she
is completely committed to helping every student reach their fullest
potential. She uses a very clever combination of verbal instruction
and drills for muscle memory which allow for rapid improvement.
Her attention to detail helps dancers create very beautiful lines
in their dance, as well as graceful, meaningful transitions in dynamics
and direction of travel. Her generosity and dedication to the dance,
rather than to herself, make her an ideal teacher." ~ Dharlene Valeda, workshop sponsor
"I cannot say enough
about Hannan Sultan! I have been studying oriental dance with her
for nearly two years and her expertise and guidance have helped
me tremendously. She has a great way of breaking down the movements
in an easy-to-understand fashion and makes sure all the students
in her classes, regardless of the number, receive personal attention.
I would recommend Hannan to anyone studying oriental dance, regardless
of their level."
-Yael Marom
"Hannan is a truly inspiring dancer
& teacher. As a dancer she has
expressive movement, impeccable technique and enormous charisma,
and she
shares all of these qualities generously with her students. As a
teacher,
her classes are friendly and fun, but also very challenging! She
has a
real skill for communicating movement; breaking it down in an accessible
way, and then transforming it from mechanics into expression.
Hannan is more than a teacher to her
students; she's a mentor, dedicated
to helping dancers at every level achieve their very best. My dancing
has
improved exponentially since I started taking classes with her,
and I’ve
found her balance of encouragement along with honest feedback to
be
invaluable."
-Abigail Derbecker
"Hannan Sultan offers the highest
quality of instruction in all aspects of the dance. It is rare to
find an instructor who clearly breaks down the mechanics of each
muscle's function during a movement but also spends time on musical
interpretation, artistry as well as the cultural context of movements,
props,and music. She works to bring out the best in every student.
Her dynamic performances and dedication to this art form are a constant
inspiration."
-Anuka (www.miragebellydance.ca)
"Hannan is a graceful and elegant
dancer dedicated to conveying her skill and
love of dance through her teaching. Her attention to detail, strong
technique, and showmanship help to bring out the best dancer in
each
student. Learning bellydance from Hannan is enjoyable, challenging,
and
inspiring."
-Tina Tassiopolus
"Some of the bellydance
classes I've taken are not much more than glorified aerobics classes
which is fine if you're looking to dance around the room and get
some exercise however if you are really interested in learning
how to bellydance, how to break down movements and perform them
correctly then I recommend Hannan's classes. Hannan has amazing
technique and is able to articulate verbally and demonstrate so
that the movement is clearly understood. Also Hannan has the ability
to provide individual feedback to everyone. I always feel that regardless
of the class size or levels within the class, I receive personal
attention and am able to take away something from every class."
"I have thought that
no one can come close to Sohair Zaki in her performance using UmKolthoum
songs until I saw your video clips.You are not excellent or perfect
but beyond perfection ! Full body control and suburb performance." ~ Adel Fahmy, New Jersey, USA
"I experienced your
electrifying dancing. I found your performance an inspiration. II
hope I am able to see you dance again in the near future." ~ Donna, audience member
"Thank you SO much
for such a totally perfect zaffah and show... the zaffah was one
of the most memorable moments for many people including me of the
whole evening!!! Thanks a million."
~ Meagan, bride
"You were a big hit!
Folks are still talking about you!"
~ Lisa Marsicek, Producer, Ms Kitty's Parlour
"Her dancing is a combination
of technical prowess and light-hearted grace, with a stage presence
that is both regal and humble." ~ Jareeda Magazine
"The audience loves
you. You have class, you have prestige, you have everything!"
~ Nasser, Owner, Karoon Restaurant
"Thank you for your
wonderful dance. It made a big difference. My daughter loved yourdance
and the next day she said, 'Mom, I want to dance like Hannan!' I
hope to see you another time." -
~ Rosetta Greco, First Communion reception
"Always the star of
the show!" -
~ Will Gold, Producer, Cabaret Allumage!
"Wow, you are fabulous!
It is very inspiring to see such talented, classy dancers in this
genre. Just wanted to let you know how much I admire your work"
~ Lucy, client
Upcoming
Performances
~ Rhythm of the Nile Gala show
June 27, 2008 Toronto(see events page)
~ Mohammed El Hosseney Gala
Show October 4, 2008 Toronto (see events page)