Belly Dance with ​Despina

Debbie Despina Cartsos discovered her passion for belly dancing in the vibrant Greek nightclubs known as Bouzoukia, where she was captivated by the mesmerizing belly dancers performing to live music. Even as a child, she received a handmade mini Bedlah from a belly dancer who performed at OPA, her parents' favorite Greek spot. Her infatuation with the art form was so strong that her mom had to hide the costume, as she refused to take it off despite outgrowing it. Despina vividly remembers the rush, joy, and admiration she felt when the belly dancers took the stage. In her family, she was the designated tipper, always eager to support the performers. As soon as the dancers signaled the open floor for everyone to join in, Despina would be the first to showcase her moves, radiating her passion for the art.

Over the years, Despina witnessed the incredible cultural exchange that took place within the bouzoukia, not only in Greece but also on an international scale. The live music bands consisted of talented musicians from all corners of the world, and the dancers hailed from diverse backgrounds. It was a melting pot of creativity and talent. This isn't only what Despina witnessed but she has had lengthy conversations with her teachers about their experiences dancing in Greek nightclubs. (More on this coming soon in a separate article.)

While teaching in Astoria, Despina's expertise caught the attention of a Greek woman who sought private lessons specifically for dancing in club and party settings. This inspired Despina to start teaching online belly dance classes during the pandemic. Her classes covered both old-school and modern belly dance songs, with a focus on providing students with translations of the music. The classes became a tremendous success as students not only enjoyed learning the meaning behind each song but also felt uplifted, as if they had just experienced the energy of the bouzoukia firsthand.

In Greece, belly dance, particularly the Greek style known as Tsifteteli, is not considered the official traditional dance, unlike line dances. Despina draws strong influence from her mother's side of the family, originating from Fwkea, the offshore areas of Turkey from where her family was evacuated and eventually settled in Mytilini, Lesvos. Her uncle and cousin are skilled bouzouki players and songwriters, while her aunt and uncle excel in singing Rembetika and Smyrneika songs. This rich family heritage deeply shapes Despina's approach to choreography and teaching.

When Despina choreographs to Greek music and instructs her students, she takes them on an immersive journey to feel and experience the music on a profound level. Her goal is to empower her students to dance freely, enabling them to incorporate what they learn from her into their own unique dance journeys.