A unique blend of Tribal, Cabaret and Bollywood style belly dance, inspired by our love of the dance, infused with theatrics. Tribal Delight is a unique learning experience and is a community oriented gathering and fabulous show!
April 18th, 2026
Dutton Virginia
Zoll Vineyards
Headliner
Sharon Kihara
Sharon Kihara is a world-renowned pioneer in Tribal Fusion belly dance, recognized for her avant-garde artistic style and extensive global touring. Her career spans over two decades as a performer, instructor, and influential figure in the evolution of the genre.
Background and Training
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Early Education: Sharon began formal dance training at age three in ballet. She later expanded her repertoire to include jazz, tap, and Congolese dance.
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Introduction to Belly Dance: At age ten, seeing a performance by Aziza and Yemaya sparked a lifelong obsession. She began performing belly dance professionally at age 13.
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Academic Studies: She pursued degrees in choreography and kinesiology alongside studies in holistic medicine.
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Yoga Expertise: Sharon is a certified Yoga Alliance teacher (200 RYT) and integrates yoga therapy into her movement philosophy.
Professional Highlights
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The Indigo: She was a prominent member of The Indigo Belly Dance Company, founded by Rachel Brice, which was instrumental in defining the Tribal Fusion aesthetic.
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Bellydance Superstars: Sharon toured internationally with the famous Bellydance Superstars troupe and appeared in their DVD productions.
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Global Educator: Known as a seasoned traveler, she has taught workshops and headlined festivals across the globe, influencing a generation of fusion dancers.
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Signature Style: Her dance is noted for its "mimpish" quality, employing contrasting yet complementary movements inspired by nature, flora, and fauna.
Recent and Ongoing Work
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Return to Teaching: After a brief hiatus, she returned to the international workshop circuit in 2024 and 2025, with scheduled appearances in locations such as Mexico City.
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Creative Ventures: Outside of dance, she is an artist and jeweler, operating Gift Horse Gems.
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Film Credits: She has appeared in various dance-related films and productions, including Triptych: Dust, Blood, and Water (2019) and Bellydance Evolution (2010).
Aela: born and raised in Germany, began her journey in belly dance mid-2001. Formerly a gymnast, jazz and ball room dancer, she quickly fell in love with the art of belly dance. Since then, she has trained countless hours, worked, studied and performed with some of the top dancers in the field. She has made a name for herself by teaching and performing throughout Europe and the USA. Performing for Turkish and Arabic audiences has provided the perfect opportunity to learn to improvise and perform to live music. All of this experience has shaped not only her dance style, but her ability to teach others to dance. Her classes and workshops are always catered to the students’ needs and skill levels, yet still pushing them to their personal best while not neglecting safety for the body. Aela’s training and experience as a Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, and Wellness and Nutrition Counselor help her to address all aspects of physical fitness and well-being. In her opinion, this is the foundation to becoming a skilled and inspiring dancer. Aela has taught and performed at such prestigious events such as the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, TribOriginal, Rakkasah East, the Taksim in Berne Switzerland, the Deutsche Meistershaft and numerous studios throughout the US and Europe.