Pangaea Dance Studio was formed by Ishara Gamal in 2003 with a mission to constantly evolve and accommodate the ever changing needs and abilities of its members.

Back then, in the little college town of Champaign-Urbana, Raks Baladi & Raks Sharki, more commonly known as belly dance, were still a fairly new experience for most. Therefore, Pangaea Dance was (and still is) not only dedicated to furthering precise instruction, and passionate performance, but also educating the public about this highly evolved and striking dance and it's potential for healing and community building in the fast paced and often isolating way we live our lives here in the West.

You may contact Pangaea Dance Studio via email: office_goddess@cubellydance.com

Ishara's candle burnt out too fast and too soon, and was consumed by breast cancer. Ishara Gamal passed away at the end of April 2007. But all along, when her life candle was still burning she danced as gracefully and as full of light and fire as a candle light would dance, and forever her spirit is the wind beneath our wings, a source of light to show us the path lying ahead. More about the life of Ishara Gamal...