Belly dance is a celebration of womanhood!

It is a dance form that is challenging to learn. Mastery comes with patience and tenure. One wonderful aspect of Belly Dance is that it is a very individualistic dance form. In the course of your study, and as you internalize the movements and understand the concepts behind them, you develop your own unique style and it becomes a blueprint for your interpretation.

About Layla

An alumnus of Serena Studios, Serena Dance Theater, and currently Co-Artistic Director of Serena Studios, Layla began her journey into this beautiful dance form in 1978 when she first met Serena Wilson at her famed studio in New York City. A life-long passion ensued!

Layla has been performing New York Cabaret-Style Belly Dance for over 40 years and has appeared in such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, Riverside Church, Queen Central Library Concert Series, United Nations, and 92nd Street Y Harkness Center. Layla has performed in Egypt, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as throughout the Tri-State Area and West Coast.

A multi-level instructor, Layla offers group classes as well as private coaching with finger cymbals and performance preparation her specialties. She has over 30 years of teaching experience throughout the NYC area. Layla is currently the director of the student troupe, Veiled Visions Dance Ensemble, as well as a member of the professional dance company, Kismet Dance Ensemble.

Latest Updates

  • Another Wonderful Year at Serena Studios!

    Welcome to another wonderful year of dance at Serena Studios filled with classes, special workshops, events, and class trips! Click on the Serena Studios tab above or contact Layla directly for more information!

  • Welcome to Serena Studios!

    Serena Studios has been in existence since the early 1960’s. Serena Wilson, dancer, choreographer, founder, and pioneer in our dance form, opened the first belly dance studio in New York City. Serena Studios was THE SOURCE for glamorous, beautiful, highly-skilled dancers throughout the tri-state area…

  • Serena Studios Has Relocated!

    Zenaide and I are very excited to announce as Co-Artistic Directors that Serena Studios’ relocation has been completed! We are operating from two locations – Belly Dance America and Champion Studios – both located in the heart of NYC! Please click on the Serena Studios…