Lara is both a professional performer and instructor in Middle Eastern Dance. Whilst being predominately “self- taught”, she has also had the privilege of furthering her training in Egypt, and has done numerous workshops and performances with esteemed international instructors such as, Tamalyn Dallal (US),Ansuya (US), Nour (Egypt), Sheyla (Czech Republic), Soma (SA), Akasha (SA)etc…, to name a few. She competed in the first “MISS BELLY DANCE SA 2009” in Johannesburg, taking home the title of 2nd place.
Born to Canadian and Italian parents, she grew up travelling the world with her musical family from the age of eight years old. Lara started performing early on in life, as her family was part of various show troupes that performed folk dances and stage shows in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. It was during her 7 year stay in Capetown, South Africa that she discovered belly dance. It all started after having her first child that she was on the search for a type of exercise that would not only get her back in shape but also boost her self-confidence --whilst having a good time! She was drawn to the benefits this art form has on the female body, and by the belief that it is the ultimate celebration of femininity.
During her stay in South Africa she founded the Layali performance troupe and had the privilege of performing at festivals such as “International Bellydance Day”, “International Oriental Dance Festival”, “2nd Asmahaan Festival”,”Raqs Mahraian” etc..
