Bio
Elena Fosteri is a distinguished belly dancer, choreographer, and master teacher with over 24 years of experience in the art of oriental dance. Born in Ukraine, she discovered her passion for dance at a young age, attending her first belly dance class in 1995. Inspired by her instructor, Mohsera, Elena quickly became a prominent figure in the belly dance community, eventually introducing classes for children in Ukraine—a pioneering effort that gained immense popularity.
At the age of 24, Elena made a bold decision to leave her successful career as an accountant to pursue her true passion for dance full-time. This leap of faith, though met with skepticism from her family, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Over the years, she has become a finalist and prize-winner in numerous prestigious international competitions across Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Italy, Egypt, the UAE, and Australia.
Elena's talent has taken her around the world, performing in countries such as Dubai, Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt. She is also known for hosting popular workshops annually in Dubai and Egypt, where she shares her expertise and passion for belly dance. Her ability to connect with audiences and students alike has made her a sought-after performer and instructor.
Since relocating to Melbourne in 2011, Elena has continued to teach belly dance to students of all levels, offering private and group lessons. Elena's performances are characterized by their dynamic energy, soulful expression, and technical precision, earning her rave reviews from audiences and clients.
In addition to her dance career, Elena has ventured into event hosting and modeling, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her dedication to the art of belly dance and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers solidify her status as a leading figure in the belly dance world.
Notable Events
Elena has participated in numerous prestigious events and competitions, earning accolades and recognition for her talent. Some of the top events she has been involved in include:
- International Belly Dance Festivals: Competing and performing in festivals across Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Italy, Egypt, the UAE, and Australia, where she has been a finalist and prize-winner.
- Collaborative Performances: Notable collaborations with renowned artists, such as opera star Rada Tochalna and Bollywood actor Amit Singh, showcasing her versatility and ability to blend different artistic styles.
- Workshops and Masterclasses: Hosting workshops in Dubai and Egypt, where she shares her expertise and passion for belly dance with students from around the world.
Unique Dance Style
Elena's dance style is characterized by its vibrant energy and emotional depth, blending various influences to create a captivating performance. She specializes in several oriental dance styles, including:
- Raqs Sharqi: This classical Egyptian style emphasizes fluid movements and intricate hip work, showcasing the dancer's technical skill and grace.
- Mejance: A theatrical performance style that often serves as an introduction to a show, allowing dancers to engage the audience with their charisma and artistry.
- Drum Solo: A high-energy performance that highlights the dancer's ability to interpret complex rhythms through sharp, precise movements and improvisation.
- Latin Belly Dance: A dynamic fusion that incorporates the lively rhythms of Latin dance, adding a playful and spirited dimension to her performances.
- Bollywood Belly Dance: This vibrant style combines the expressive movements of Bollywood dance with traditional belly dance elements, creating a colorful and energetic performance.
The most memorable performances Elena has done internationally
Elena Fosteri has delivered several memorable performances internationally, showcasing her talent and versatility in various prestigious events:
- Collaborative Performances: Elena's work with opera star Rada Tochalna and Bollywood actor Amit Singh has been particularly notable, blending different artistic disciplines to create unique performances
- Melbourne Lions Club Festival: Her performance at this festival highlighted her skill and was well-received by the audience
- Miami Vibe Dancesport 2021: Elena participated in the Open Professional International Latin Final, demonstrating her versatility beyond traditional belly dance
- Club Rakasah Performances: Elena's Mejance and Drum Samba fusion performances at Club Rakasah in Melbourne have been standout showcases of her choreographic creativity and technical prowess
These performances illustrate Elena's ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic and culturally rich oriental dance style.
