Tales of… is about stories—my story, your story… our stories. It’s an event I’ll be organizing every two years to bring back the unique atmosphere we created together at Tales of Sahara.

Everything I create is centered around supporting and growing our dance community. My goal has always been to create opportunities for dancers—whether they’re just beginning their journey or have already built a professional career. That has always been my mission, and this event will be no different.

The gala show will introduce talented new dancers who represent the future of our dance scene in the Czech Republic. Performers will also have the opportunity to join the Feedback Show, where they can receive constructive feedback from our international guests, as well as perform at the afternoon Open Stage and leave with beautiful professional photos and videos. And of course, we’ll end the day together at the after-party in Leyaly Shisha Restaurant.

We will also be welcoming wonderful international guests. Zara from Egypt and drummer Chronis Taxidis from Greece will be joining us. Together with them, I’ll be teaching workshops, and all of us will be sharing what we love most and what inspires us every day.

I can’t wait to see you all!

Sheyla

Zara Dance (Egypt)

Zara Dance is a well-known international belly dancer based in Cairo, Egypt. She performs regularly in cabarets and five-star hotels and has become a recognized figure on the Cairo dance scene. Half Egyptian and half British, Zara brings a unique perspective to her teaching, drawing on both sides of her heritage to share not only the movements but also the rich cultural context behind Egyptian belly dance.

“I have to say, her incredible energy is absolutely contagious—she might even sweep you off your feet!  But one thing is certain: you’ll leave inspired and recharged by her endless passion for dance.” — Sheyla

Chronis (Řecko)

Chronis Taxidis is an internationally acclaimed percussionist and specialist in Middle Eastern music. He began studying Arabic rhythms at a young age and later graduated from the Arab Music Institute in Cairo, earning diplomas in Rhythmology, Composition, and Percussion Pedagogy.

A former student of the legendary Khamis Henkesh, Chronis has become highly respected for his work with belly dancers and his expertise in musical communication, live tabla improvisation, dancing with live orchestras, finger cymbals (sagat), and Arabic rhythmology.

He is the founder of the percussion ensemble Tabbal and the composer of music used by dancers around the world. His albums include World of Arabic Rhythmology, Underworld, SkyDance, My World, and Timeless.

Throughout his career, Chronis has contributed to numerous educational projects for dancers and has taught workshops across Europe, Africa, and many other countries.

“I’ve had the chance to see Chronis perform live, and his talent is truly extraordinary. Beyond being an exceptional musician, he’s also a fantastic teacher and lecturer—a true wealth of knowledge when it comes to Arabic music.” — Sheyla

Nikola Zhangová (CZ)

Nikola Zhangová has been dancing since the age of five. As a solo performer, she has competed in numerous national and international competitions, earning some of the highest honors on the Czech belly dance scene. Her achievements include winning the Professional category at the Liptov Orient Fest, becoming Czech National Champion, and taking first place in the main competition at Orient Connection. She has also been invited to serve as a judge at the Hvězda Orientu competition for the third time.

Nikola is a member of the Prague-based dance company Belly Habibi, led by Irena Antonová, and also directs her own performance group. Together, they consistently achieve top placements and were crowned Czech National Champions in 2024 and 2025.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching Nikča grow as a dancer, and to me she is one of the strongest personalities of the younger generation of dancers. She truly deserves much wider recognition.” — Sheyla

Petra Čechová (CZ)

Petra Čechová has been dedicated to Oriental dance since the age of eight. She began her journey as a member of the former Aiten Group at Aysun Dance Studio in Olomouc before eventually founding her own dance company, Aysunky, where she now works as both a teacher and choreographer.

Under Petra’s leadership, Aysunky has earned numerous awards at belly dance festivals and competitions. Petra herself has also received many medals for her solo performances, with Raqs Sharqi remaining her favorite and most beloved dance style.

Alongside her dance career, Petra is also a coach in artistic gymnastics. One message she loves to share is:

“Winning titles, awards, and recognition is wonderful—but being grateful that we are able to dance and move our bodies is even more important. Let’s cherish that gift and keep dancing for as long as we can.”

“I still remember Peťa as a little girl dancing alongside her mother. It makes me so happy to see that she has continued that family tradition and grown into one of the distinctive personalities of today’s dance scene.” — Sheyla

16:00 Odpolední Open Stage  KIDS FRIENDLY

Sign up to perform at our Open Stage, or simply join us as a member of the audience and enjoy an afternoon filled with dance performances, an Oriental bazaar, and a great cup of coffee in the café.

You’re also welcome to bring costumes you’d like to pass on to a new owner and sell them at the bazaar (see the conditions below).

KIDS FRIENDLY – Families are warmly welcome! The café will feature a children’s play corner, and guests of all ages and heights are invited to enjoy the performances.

And yes—cheering, clapping, and excited little squeals during the performances are absolutely welcome!

Audience free entry

17:30 Feedback Show

Receive personal, constructive feedback on your performance from Zara and Chronis. What if a performance event wasn’t about rankings or medals, but about growth?

I was inspired to create this format after experiencing Badriyah’s Feedback Show in Belgium. The atmosphere was unforgettable—beautiful performances, a warm and supportive audience, and, after each performance, thoughtful one-on-one feedback from outstanding artists like Zara and Chronis.

Isn’t that even more valuable than a medal?

The audience will also be part of the experience, and every performer will leave with a special keepsake, making this an encouraging and memorable celebration of dance for everyone involved.

Audience free entry

20:00 Main show with guests

An unforgettable evening featuring international and local dancers, special guests, and a diverse program celebrating the beauty and diversity of Oriental dance.

Enjoy inspiring performances by renowned artists, discover rising talents, and experience a night filled with music, culture, and unforgettable moments.

Ticke price: 590 CZK

All Friday program happens at Klubu Leitnerka –  Leitnerova 434/2, 602 00 Staré Brno, Czech republic

20:00 Afterparty Lounge Leyaly

Join us for a relaxed evening of delicious food, traditional tea, shisha, and live dance performances in the authentic atmosphere of an Arabic restaurant.

If you’re a dancer, you’re also welcome to sign up and perform—it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience dancing in a true Middle Eastern setting.

Advance reservation is required.
This event is exclusively for participants of Tales of….

Lounge Leyaly – Koliště 1907/3

Audience free entry

Saturday 26.9. 2026

Sunday 27. 9. 2026

Get your program

Galashow : A Mosaic of Arabic music 

Main Gala Show
Friday, September 25 at 8:00 PM

An evening featuring the festival’s guest artists, accompanied by stories about Arabic music and the places and settings where it comes to life.

All guests coming soon