Some would say that Sonia is the secret weapon of the BDSS while others would say it’s not a secret at all. She is not only incredibly versatile with extensive training in a host of dance styles; she is a gifted natural who can learn complicated routines with ease. She began her training with classical ballet, modern and jazz dance. Her ancestry drew her to Mexican folk, Latin styles and Flamenco. She also trained and performed Polynesian styles before graduating to Bellydance as her major love. Even before joining the BDSS as a founding member she had danced internationally including Japan and Dubai. With the Superstars she has performed in every show since inception meaning she has probably Bellydanced as a star performer to more people in more countries than any Bellydancer in history. Her style is fluid and sensual with a natural grace that gives one the sensation that she is floating. There is also a mystery about her that seems to come from her Mona Lisa smile. What is that secret she is keeping? We all want to know.

Her love of dance extends to her love to teach and she has become one of the most popular Bellydance teachers in the BDSS. With Issam Houshan she teaches the Art of the Drum Solo (also available on DVD) and a special “Bellynesian” style where she fuses Polynesian moves with Bellydance for her own unique dance contribution as well as beginner and intermediate courses in basic Bellydance. She joined with Bozenka, Saida and Amar Gamal to create the Introduction To Bellydance DVD. She also is a featured performer in the DVDs: Bellydance Superstars, Solos from Monte Carlo, American Bellydancer, BDSS Live in Paris, Behind the Shimmy, and 30 days to Vegas.

Dance starts with rhythm and music and while in the BDSS Sonia has not neglected her musical abilities. Traveling for three years with one of the world’s greatest Arab percussionists, Issam Houshan enabled her to learn to become an accomplished back up percussionist to the master on stage. Performing flute in her school orchestra she is now learning to play Arab equivalent, the Nay. Question is how will the BDSS have her play the nay, play drums and dance all at the same time? If anybody can do it, Sonia can. (from milescopeland.net)