| Classes with master teacher Sema Yildiz |
| Sema Yildiz |
| Born as a farmers daughter in Fatih - Istanbul, the only girl within 5 children. Started her education in Karagumruk Elementary school where mostly "gypsy" musicians' children attended.In those days "Sulukule" gypsies were performing public belly dance shows in their houses, these shows are still going on. Sema grew up amongst them learning how to dance. Time to time a manager named "Sadri Bey" took them to perform on shows in US military bases. During 60's Indian films were very popular in Turkey. She was deeply influenced by the dances of Indian film star Nergis during her childhood and started imitating her figures. As she grew up she started dancing in wedding halls and small clubs, where cha-cha, tango and twist dances were mostly danced. Then one day she met the famous Turkish Belly dancer Özcan Tekgül, she was affected by her style and learned very much from her. Tha road to fame for Sema started by a bellydance competition in 1967 in Caddebostan Casino. She won the 3rd. price but attracted a manager who was quite popular Mr. Engin Arinmis. Mr. Engin opened the doors of fame, popularity and professional career for her. Sema Yildiz name was widely spread and she took part in many films, tv and daily newspaper series. Sema also danced abroad. Syria, Iran and various European countries such as Belgium, Germany, Austria, Holland and Italy. Interviewed and danced in these countries' tv channels. She danced in Kervasaray - Istanbul for a long period of time, also she had to dance at two or three more places like Parisiennes - Istanbul, Yenikapi Gar Casino during one night. Tough conditions exhausted her each night. Bu this was her choice and she took the maximum advantage of her career. Sema never quit learning and she thought there must always be something more to learn, she visited a number of famous belly dancers and teachers abroad. She met Eva Cernik in 1995 and became close friends. Eva was deeply influenced from Sema and frequently visited her to learn from each other. Also Eva recommended her students to learn from Sema. She has sent many of her students to Sema to learn the mysts and essences of oriental belly dance. In 2001 Sema went to Cairo to meet famous Egyptian Ragia Hassan to include different dimensions of the belly dance. In 2006 she was invited to teach her festival in Cairo as well.She visits different countries for workshops and festivals . She uses a mixture of her professional knowledge to teach anyone who wants to learn how to dance in her Belly Dance Classes. Please click to see more info about classes and Sema Yildiz in Gokpinar Music & Dance Center |
| GOKPINAR MUSIC & DANCE CENTER |