Shimmy Shakedown Festival

meet our featured artists

MERCEDES NIETO (HUNGARY)- Mercedes Nieto was born in the heart of Europe, Budapest, to a Hungarian-Spanish family. She has been dancing and deepening her knowledge of the oriental dance since 1997. She was as well studying flamenco, afro dance, and jazz ballet. Up to these days, she still involves herself in improving and developing her classical ballet and contemporary dance knowledge. Merging these with the traditional and contemporary Egyptian dance forms – learning and performing in Egypt continuously – Mercedes created her own style, which is dynamic and floating, delicate, and sensual, mysterious, still sincere and natural.

Mercedes choreographs dance-theatrical performances, is a leading teacher and guest star of several festivals all over Hungary, Europe, and the World. She is one of the first European master teachers to organize her own World-famous festival, the CAIRO! Festival Budapest, a yearly organized growing oriental dance festival in Budapest, Hungary, which is now the biggest festival in Central-Europe and beyond, it’s unique in the country and for the international audience as well because of its special atmosphere. Mercedes also has her own dance school for over 15 years and the founder and choreographer of the well-known international oriental dance troupe: The Nymph Oriental Dance Company. The choreographies of Mercedes are professionally a real challenge for her students, as she does not keep anything for herself. She loves to share, and she is guided by a whole transmission independent on whether it is about her own modern ideas or traditional styles.

Mercedes believes oriental dance is not only the finest way to connect a woman with her inner self, connect traditions and innovations, through what one can experience the whole mystery of life and femininity, but oriental dance also deserves a better place among other professional stage art forms. Technically, her requirements are quite high, the emphasis are on presenting the variegation of the bellydance through the personal message of the dancer. As she believes there is no dance without real emotions – especially no oriental dance.

JULIA FARID (UKRAINE)- Julia is a professional oriental dance artist, instructor and choreographer from Ukraine. Organizer of Isadora Cup Festival, "Dream & Dance" Intensive Course, founder of Tips4hips online platform. By virtue of her excellent teaching’s skills, deep knowledge of oriental dance and bright performances Julia Farid has become an internationally renowned artist and has been invited to teach to more than 30 countries. Annually she gives workshops and performs at 20−30 bellydance events worldwide. Julia Farid is known for her elegant and feminine way of dancing as well as for introducing her unique vision of Golden Era dance.

JIZZELLE (USA|MEXICO)- Jizzelle is a sought out Oriental Dancer who also specializes in Iraqi and Khaleeji dance forms. Known for her natural, energetic performance style, she is a popular dancer across Southern California – including Arabic clubs, television, music videos, theater, concerts, celebrity events, and special occasions. Raised in a Latin family that loves music and dance, Jizzelle’s passion for the arts was cultivated at an early age. She now draws her greatest inspiration from the stars of Egyptian & Lebanese style Bellydance, traveling to study with master teachers and perfect her craft. Not only is Jizzelle the Co-Producer of Shimmy Shakedown, but she is also a Breathwork Facilitator and Creative Movement Coach--offering transformative workshops both in-person and online. Her sessions are dedicated on nurturing self-love, healing, creative expression, and exploring themes of emotional connection and inner growth. To see Jizzelle’s upcoming performances, events and teaching schedule, you can visit her website at www.JizzelleAlexis.com.

ISSAM HOUSHAN (USA|SYRIA)- Issam Houshan is one of the rarest of talents as that is exactly what he does, call him the Wassan Pharaoun, King of the Drum, or Mr. Magic Fingers and you only tell the half of it. It's his connection to the dancer that is the essence of his magic. It is a merging of egos serving a mutual and identical goal that few musicians ever master fully. Issam is now recognized as the ultimate master of this art. In the BDSS Issam has become a mentor, partner, and inspiration giving selflessly to the good of the troupe as a whole.

Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. 24+ years ago. He had formal music training in the Damascus Academy of Music and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous bellydancer’s. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master Mahmood Salahadeen. In the U.S. he performed with Sting on the Grammy's and with the BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam's background, training and experience have made him in huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops. He does these both on his own and in conjunction with bellydance instructors especially, Jillina, Sonia, Amar Gamal, Bozenka, Aziza, Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Kami Little, Zoe Jacks, and more.

Issam is featured in the film American Bellydancer, Solos from Monte Carlo, Bellydance Superstars, 30 Days to Vegas, Behind the Shimmy, Introduction to the Middle Eastern Rhythms, Tribal Drum solo Choreography with Zoe and partners with Sonia on The Art of The Drum Solo instructional DVD. His CD releases include his own Tabel Ya Issam with Jillina, Wassan Pharaoun, The Dancing Drum Vol. 1,2 & 3 and Chemistry of the drum, Mystery of Rhythm, Damascus Belly Dance Orchestra and percussion on the Galactic Caravan albums.

watch our 2021 virtual show!