ABOUT CRYSTAL
Crystal is a belly dance artist. While studying English at Taiwan Normal University, she discovered her passion for belly dance and traveled to Egypt and Turkey to train. After completing her studies, she taught and performed in Turkey and Taiwan. In Taiwan, she founded the renowned professional belly dance school One Thousand and One Nights focusing on Turkish-style belly dance. She also established the Turkish Culture and Dance Association, offering cultural courses and lectures in various institutions.
As a well-known and experienced belly dance instructor, she has inspired thousands of students, including many international dancers, some of whom have become top performers in their respective countries. With 20 years of belly dance experience in Istanbul, her dance style emphasizes improvisation, rhythmic responsiveness, layering techniques, graceful movements, and a modern, creative approach.
Drawing from years of teaching experience, Crystal developed her CMBD method—an effective, enjoyable, and structured learning system. This method integrates precise technique, deep musical understanding, and improvisational training, helping students gain accurate technique and confident dance expression while staying relaxed.
From Taipei to Istanbul, and now settled in Montreal, Crystal continues to share her passion for belly dance and Middle Eastern music. She is excited to bring her refined teaching methods and dance experience to Montreal’s diverse dance community, spreading the beauty of this art form.
Hürriyet Daily News 2011
A Bit of History
At 16 years old, while living in Auckland, New Zealand, Crystal received an album from the famous Tunisian singer Latifa as a gift from her Iraqi friend Sara. From that moment, she became deeply fascinated by Middle Eastern music. Whether it was pop, folk, instrumental, or classical music, she immersed herself in every note, every rhythm, and the emotions within them.
As she listened, she felt the need to do more than just appreciate the music. She first tried learning an instrument, then a new language, but eventually found the perfect "instrument" for her—belly dance. Through dance, she discovered a way to become one with the music, embodying its essence through movement.
About "1001 Nights Dance School"
and CMBD Method
Founded in 2007 in Taipei, Taiwan, "1001 Nights Dance School" is the only professional belly dance school in Taiwan dedicated exclusively to the Turkish style. This style is a highly artistic dance form that blends modernity and elegance while interpreting rhythm and music with precision and creativity.
Crystal established "1001 Nights Dance School" as a place where dance enthusiasts from all over the world could come to learn and experience authentic Turkish-style belly dance.
CMBD – A Revolutionary Teaching Method
At the core of the school is CMBD, a six-part teaching method developed by Crystal, designed to enhance musical interpretation. This method goes beyond movement training—it emphasizes relaxation, body awareness, and musicality.
Crystal teaches students to actively listen to music and respond naturally. Her method focuses on releasing six key areas of the body while strengthening muscles and improving coordination, enabling dancers to improvise freely and expressively. She emphasizes that dance is not just about memorizing steps but about fully embodying the music.
CMBD – A Revolutionary Teaching Method
Through its dedication to promoting Middle Eastern arts and culture, establishing a structured belly dance education system, and producing talented students, "1001 Nights Dance School" has earned international recognition.