Mark Balahadia

Mark Balahadia is a singer and dancer specializing in the music and dance of the Arab World.

Born in America to parents of Filipino descent, Mark is unique in being one of the few male entertainers to sing and dance to Arabic music. Currently, he is based in the New York City area but travels frequently to the Middle East for research.

Originally trained in Western Classical and Choral music, Mark has expanded into Arabic music. Currently, Mark trains with Rachid Halihal on Khaliji, North African, Sharqi music and was a chorus member of Rachid’s Andalus Ensemble. The ensemble specializes in the Andalusi Nouba, a music suite derived from the music of Al-Andalus, along with North African folkloric music. Mark has also worked briefly with Amir elSaffar on Iraqi pesteh.

As a dance performer, Mark is well known for his traditional and modern interpretations of Arabian Gulf dance including Samri from Kuwait, Sharh from South Yemen, Raqs Nejdi Hadith from central Saudi Arabia, Yowalah from the UAE and social Khaliji dances popular amongst the youth. Mark is also one of the few male performers to incorporate “hair work” into his performances.

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“You love Khaliji dance? I approve of your dancing, please continue”.

- A Youtube comment from a fan in Kuwait

Mark is also well-known for his interpretation of Iraqi folk dances especially Radah (Raqs Ghanjar) the famous dance of the Iraqi gypsies and Chobi. Raqs Sharqi or belly dance as it is known in the West is another of Mark’s specialties. He is in demand for his Lebanese-style raqs sharqi. He is also versed in Moroccan sheikhatt, Lebanese and Syrian Dabke (training with Ramzi El-Edlibi), and has recreated the dance of Al-Andalus, when the Iberian peninsula was under Arab rule.

Mark has performed around the world for diplomats and celebrities including the ambassador to Dubai, members of the Saudi and Kuwaiti royal families, Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram, and as well as famous belly dancers Dina and Fifi Abdo. On Youtube, one of his videos went viral on Twitter in the Arabian Gulf and has received a million views!

Performing Yowalah, a traditional Emirati men’s dance

Along with solo performances, Mark is the artistic director for the Aseela dance company, which specializes in the dances of Iraq and the Arabian Gulf. Aseela is the only group in New York City