Books for Empowerment
Sohaila’s signature books are a powerful extension of her decades of experience as a world-renowned dancer, teacher, and transformational guide. Each book blends authentic belly dance knowledge, holistic movement, and deep personal insight, offering readers far more than technique alone. These works invite you to explore dance as a pathway to self-expression, confidence, and inner connection, weaving together culture, artistry, and the five senses. Whether you are a dancer seeking deeper understanding or a woman on a journey of self-discovery, Sohaila’s books inspire growth, awaken sensuality, and empower you to move through life with purpose, grace, and passion.
Near and Middle Eastern Dance Workbook –
2nd Edition
An essential resource for dancers, instructors, and educators worldwide. With over 35 years of professional experience in belly dance and folkloric Middle Eastern dance styles, Sohaila brings a depth of knowledge gained through traveling, performing, and teaching across the globe.
This comprehensive workbook is filled with accurate, authentic, and time-tested information, making it a trusted reference for both students and professionals. Teachers and university professors around the world use this book to enhance their teaching skills and deliver high-quality, culturally informed classes to their students and clients.
Originally published in 2006, this 338-page e-workbook is a rich and expansive guide that belongs in every serious dancer’s library.
Why This Book Is a Must-Have
This workbook goes far beyond technique—it is a cultural, educational, and artistic foundation for anyone serious about Near and Middle Eastern dance. Whether you are a student, teacher, or lifelong enthusiast, this book offers clarity, depth, and inspiration that continues to stand the test of time.
Chapters Include:
- History and Perspectives of Belly Dance
- The Body and Belly Dance
- Dance Styles of the Middle East
- Basic Movements from Head to Toe
- Moves and Combinations
- Finger Cymbals (Zills)
- Rhythm Patterns for Drums and Zills
- Instruments and Vocalization
- Dance Props
- Veil Technique
- Floor Work
- Performing
- The Middle East
- Dancers and Singers
- Master Instructors
- Suggested Resources
- Sohaila’s Memory Lane
- Reflections on Sohaila
- Favorite Middle Eastern Recipes
- Dancer’s Checklist
- Sample Contract for Parties
- Glossary
- Tear-Out Pages
Instant Download | $69.99
ABCs of Belly Dance Costuming, Ideas & More!
Tired of expensive belly dance costumes that don’t fit your budget—or your vision? You’re not alone. With ABCs of Belly Dance Costuming, Ideas & More!, Sohaila shows you how to create beautiful, unique costumes your way—without the overwhelm or high cost.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves creating, whether you hand-sew, use a sewing machine, or have never sewn before. Filled with inspirational, practical, and fun ideas, you’ll learn how to design costumes from scratch or enhance pieces you already own. With easy tips and step-by-step guidance, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your costume comes together.
Drawing from over 33 years of dancing and costume-making experience—starting when she was a teenager—Sohaila shares the insights, shortcuts, and creative tricks she’s used throughout her career. Even if you don’t know how to sew, that’s okay! Sohaila walks you through creating beautiful costume elements with ease.
Patterns are included, making it simple to follow along and create with confidence.
What’s Included
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Over 200 pages of ideas, tips, patterns, and photos
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Introduction & History of Belly Dance Costuming
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An A-to-Z Encyclopedia of Costume Ideas
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Step-by-step instructions
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Belt patterns & dancer checklists
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Creative inspiration for endless costume possibilities
Bonus CD Includes:
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Full workbook in color (PDF)
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Costume ideas & photo inspiration
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Patterns and how-to guides
Originally published in 2014
176 pages
$69.99 – Instant Downloadable E-Book & DVD
Create, express, and shine in a costume that reflects you. Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, don’t forget to take a photo and email it to Sohaila—she would love to feature your creation in her studio!
This pocket guide is meant to educate, inspire, and support dancers as they move through the dance world with clarity, integrity, and confidence.
Belly Dance: A Holistic Dance
A Unique Style of Self-Expression
In Belly Dance: A Holistic Dance, Sohaila reveals how belly dance is far more than movement—it is a powerful and unique form of self-expression. This simple, easy-to-read eBook shows how dance movements are shaped by each dancer to communicate emotion, intention, and universal life experiences.
Through this inspiring book, you’ll discover how dance can liberate your body, mind, and spirit, opening the door to joy, confidence, and deeper self-awareness. Designed to uplift and empower, this book encourages women to reconnect with who they are truly meant to be and to awaken the woman within.
If something in your life feels blocked or is holding you back from living fully, this book invites you to begin the healing journey. By embracing movement as a holistic practice, you’ll learn to honor your self-worth, express yourself authentically, and create meaningful, positive change in your life.
$14.99 – Instant Downloadable eBook
This pocket guide is meant to educate, inspire, and support dancers as they move through the dance world with clarity, integrity, and confidence.
The Belly Dancer’s Pocket Guide
How to Stay Sane and Thrive in the Dance World
The Belly Dancer’s Pocket Guide is an easy-to-read, practical eBook designed to support dancers at every stage of their journey. This compact guide focuses on ethics, values, and real-world wisdom for belly dance students, performers, and teachers alike.
Thoughtfully organized into clear sections, this book offers guidance whether you dance for personal joy or are building a professional career.
Inside the guide:
- For Students: Practical insight to help both novice and experienced dancers navigate learning, training, and developing their craft with confidence.
- For Performers: Essential knowledge to prepare for performances, understand professional expectations, and build a sustainable performance career.
- For Teachers: Guidance on transitioning into teaching, developing leadership skills, and supporting new dancers as they grow.
- For All Dancers: Universal tips and reminders that apply to every stage of a dancer’s life and career.
$9.99 – Instant Downloadable eBook
The Empowering Affirmations
Quotes & Affirmations from the World’s Top Entrepreneurs to Inspire You
Turn your everyday moments into inspiration with Empowering Affirmations, a beautifully presented eBook filled with powerful quotes and affirmations from some of the world’s top entrepreneurs, coaches, and thought leaders.
Designed to uplift and motivate, this book offers words of wisdom to keep you focused, inspired, and moving forward—anytime, anywhere. Whether you read a single page or open it daily as a ritual, these affirmations will help you stay aligned with your goals and inner strength.
The quotes featured in this book are drawn from Sohaila’s interview summit, “The Courage to Bring Out Your Authentic You: Dance to Your Own Beat, No Matter Whose Music Is Playing.” This powerful summit included over 24 live interviews with world-renowned actors, coaches, and entrepreneurs who shared their insight, courage, and inspiration.
Let these empowering words guide you, encourage you, and remind you to live boldly and authentically.
$12.99 – Instant Downloadable eBook
Sohaila’s Signature DVD’s
Sohaila’s Signature DVD’s can be purchased individually where it will be instant download after purchase. Contact Sohaila to purchase.
"Sohaila’s book Belly Dance: A Holistic Dance is more than something you read—it’s something you experience. From the very first pages, I felt inspired, grounded, and deeply connected to myself and my dance. Her words are powerful, honest, and filled with wisdom that only comes from years of lived experience. This book helped me see belly dance not just as movement, but as a pathway to confidence, healing, and true self-expression. It’s a must-have for any dancer or woman on a journey of self-discovery."
- Corinne
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Feb 1st
Sohaila’s Studio
Escondido, CA @ 4:00pm
Full Moon Women's Gathering and Sound Bath
Join us with like minded women as we gather together with good food, drinks and great company. Bring a dish and drink to share.