Hannan Sultan

performance, instruction, and choreography

Hannan Sultan is an international belly dancer currently based in Durham, North Carolina. Her credentials include founding and creating Canada's largest belly dance studio; Hannan's Bellydance Studio, winning the Bellydancer USA competition in 2003, and producing three instructional bellydance DVDs.

Hannan Sultan's main pursuit as a belly dance artist to pass the beautiful technique and tradition to new dancers. Noted for her demanding classes and welcoming attitude, she has mentored and trained many successful professional dancers and teachers. As the founder of Hannan's Bellydance Studio in Toronto, Ms. Sultan created a community of scores of highly qualified teachers and several hundred enthusiastic dance students. The studio, home to troupes The Sultanettes and Rhythm of the Nile Dance Company, can be visited at www.HannanDance.com. Ms. Sultan has presented workshops in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Japan.

Ms. Sultan's extensive performance experience includes countless appearances at Persian, Arabic, and international nightclubs and private events such as engagement parties and weddings. She has also performed at corporate events with a wide range of clients including Nike, Doc Marten, and Coca-Cola.

Hannan Sultan is also an accomplished choreographer having created dances for soloists, small groups, and large troupes. These dances have been presented at coroporate and private events, international festivals, and theatre shows.

Hannan's main instructor was Aziza of Portland/Montreal. She also trained frequently with Jillina, Raqia Hassan, Randa Kamal and Tahia Sassine. She keeps her dance fresh by continually studying the work of belly dancers worldwide. Additionally, she has extensive training in yoga, ballet, and jazz dance.

testimonials

"She has something special" - Raqia Hassan

"A wonderful dancer" - Jillina

"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

"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." -Monika Field

Testimonials -Performance

"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

"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

"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 Restauran

"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