Today we’d like to introduce you to Vilia Bouilly
Hi Vilia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I have always been captivated by the world of performance. As a child, I would stage plays in my grandmother’s backyard, blending singing, dancing, gymnastics, and comedy—anything that caught my interest at the time. My love for the arts deepened after my first ballet experience. It may sound cliche, but watching The Nutcracker by the California Ballet ignited a lifelong passion for dance. I soon enrolled in ballet and gymnastics classes and began my serious dance training.
In high school, I joined the Valna-Rue School of Dance in Poway, where I honed my skills in ballet, tap, and jazz. During my college years at SDSU, I became deeply involved in the studio, teaching and almost living there. One night, the studio owner invited me to try belly dance. Initially uninterested, I quickly became mesmerized by the music and the sense of community among the women who gathered each week.
As I progressed, I found belly dance to be gentler on my body, especially as I navigated pregnancy and the high-impact movements of ballet, tap, and jazz became more difficult. Belly dance not only felt more comfortable but also inspired me to dive deeper into its study. I began training with master instructor Morwenna Assaf and her husband, Lebanese percussionist Walid Assaf. For six years, I was a principal member of their Lebanese dance company, Raks el Anwar, performing Dabke (Lebanese line dance) and Raqs Sharqi (Oriental dance) throughout San Diego. This experience gave me invaluable insight into Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture.
My dance journey continued with the renowned Salimpour School of Dance in Berkeley, California, founded by the legendary Middle Eastern dance pioneer Jamila Salimpour and later guided by her daughter, Suhaila Salimpour. Suhaila’s vast knowledge and deep connection to the culture made her an ideal mentor. Under her instruction, I embarked on a challenging and rewarding 15-year journey toward certification, ultimately earning a Teaching License and Certification with her school.
As my expertise grew, I founded my own professional Middle Eastern dance company, Arabina. For 13 years, Arabina was the house dance company at Zorba’s Greek Restaurant in Chula Vista, where we performed two dinner shows every Friday and Saturday night. During this time, we also triumphed in three industry dance competitions. Arabina continues to perform at public and private events throughout San Diego.
My career has allowed me to perform in Middle Eastern theater productions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Mexico, as well as teach workshops in Belgium, Mexico, and Bolivia. Currently, I perform solo dinner shows weekly at Shiraz Persian Cuisine in Rancho Bernardo and teach group classes at Dorothea Laub Dance Place in Liberty Station and online.
One of my proudest accomplishments is producing a quarterly Middle Eastern and Fusion dance showcase at the City Heights Performance Annex. The eleventh showcase in January was standing-room-only, and we’re gearing up for the next in May. These free, public performances (with donations welcomed) are dedicated to fostering community and providing dancers of all levels a safe and supportive space to share their art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey in dance, performance, and teaching has not been without its challenges. When my son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at just 9 months old, and again at 10 years old, it tested me in ways I could never have imagined. During these difficult times, dance became my refuge—an outlet for my anxiety and grief. Performing and teaching grounded me, forcing me to remain in the present moment and offering much-needed respite from the daily struggles we faced.
The process of becoming a licensed performer and instructor at the Salimpour School was also a rigorous challenge. Yet, the discipline and perseverance required through this journey equipped me with the tools to navigate the ups and downs of being a professional performer. The physical strength, creativity, and patience I developed—learning to embrace failure and push through to success—are lessons I carry with me every day.
The pandemic posed yet another hurdle, disrupting both my performing and teaching. But it also sparked creativity. I was determined to maintain the connection with my students and dancers, and together, we found new ways to stay engaged and continue the work we had built. Despite the challenges, we persevered, and our sense of community remained strong.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Middle Eastern dance artist (also known as a belly dancer), instructor, choreographer, and producer, holding specialized certification with the Salimpour School of Dance. As a certified performer and instructor within this esteemed global community, I am proud to be part of a tradition that emphasizes strong technical foundations, rooted in historical context, emotional expression, and musical mastery.
My certification from the Salimpour School is one of my proudest achievements. The program is rigorous and comprehensive, and it required many years of dedicated study to reach its highest level. This certification not only enables me to pass on the training to my students with integrity but also ensures that I represent the art form responsibly in my performances. As one of only about ten certified dancers worldwide, I believe this distinction sets me apart and reflects my commitment to the craft.
What does success mean to you?
As a Middle Eastern dance performer, I define success as the ability to authentically and responsibly represent this beautiful art form, acknowledging that I am not from its ethnic culture. My goal is to convey the emotional depth and subtle nuances of the music through my performance, inspiring audiences to connect with the rich cultural heritage embedded in the dance.
As a belly dance instructor, success means creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive. I am dedicated to fostering a sense of community—one that mirrors the warmth and connection I first experienced in my own belly dance journey—so that each student feels encouraged, empowered, and inspired to grow.
Pricing:
- $20 Single Group Class
- $100 6-Class Group Package
- $450 Four Private Lesson Package
- $450 Private Performance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ViliaDance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viliabouilly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vilia.dancer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@viliadancer9411
- Other: https://www.ArabinaDance.com
Image Credits
David Casey
