Layla Taj, born in Long Beach, New York, embarked on her performing arts journey at a young age, influenced by her mother a Greek/Egyptian aristocrat and accomplished actress/singer. Starting ballet classes at the Rockville Center Ballet Academy and exploring oriental dance at just nine years old, Layla's passion for was evident. Along her academic pursuits, she composed music and secured three major record deals, achieving a hit single on the Billboard chart. Despite her success, Layla's heart remained with dance, prompting her to seek out renowned master teachers overseas to deepen her knowledge of classical Egyptian Oriental dance.

​Layla 's purposeful goal was to master the classical style of Egyptian Orientale, intentionally avoiding the fusion trends prevalent in New York. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Germany, where she engaged in workshops with esteemed figures such as Raqia Hassan, Mahmoud Reda, and Mohammed Gadawwi. During an evening at an Arabic nightclub in Berlin, Gadawwi recognized her exceptional talent and charisma, stating, "There are dancers and there are stars; Layla is a star." This commendation from a distinguished master teacher significantly inspired her artistic development for years to come.

 

She committed herself to developing her signature choreographies and designing exquisite costumes, aiming to establish herself as a distinguished star dancer. Her rigorous training, comparable to that of a professional athlete, garnered the attention of the International Dance industry, culminating in her performance at the esteemed Gala show at the Stockholm Belly Dance Festival. This significant milestone accelerated her career as she auditioned for general managers at prestigious 5-7 star hotels and resorts in the Middle East. Layla successfully secured contracts as the principal in-house dancer at renowned establishments such as The Hyatt Regency and The Ritz Carlton in Sharm el Sheikh, as well as the Sheraton Towers and Casino in Cairo, where she had the honor of performing for Saudi royalty and prominent leaders.

​Her International travels brought her to the vibrant city of Dubai, UAE, where she successfully completed her contractual commitments. Following this, she received a distinguished opportunity to perform at the Semiramis Hotel in Cairo with the renowned Egyptian dancer, Dina. However, Layla chose to decline the offer, expressing her preference for a lifestyle that does not involve independence her dislike for performing in smoke-filled settings. She then returned to Sharm el Sheikh, where she was given a new condominium and a personal driver, providing her with comfort and security as the first tenant of the complex.

After five years of enriching experience in Egypt, Layla has returned to the United States, where she has made a significant impact in world news publications. Recognized as "The Dancing Queen" by various newspapers, her exceptional talent has attracted the attention of esteemed organizations. She was privileged to perform for the Egyptian Tourist Authority and the United Nations, entertaining Ambassador Youssef Zada and other distinguished diplomats. Furthermore, Layla was honored to attend a private luncheon hosted for renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass, celebrating the arrival of the prestigious King Tut exhibition in New York City.

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She then decided to relocate to the warmer climate of Southwest Florida. She  quickly gained attention in the region. As word spread of her presence, requests for her performances surged, leading to her participation in the prestigious "Wedding of the Century" at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Layla remarked, "Out of all the weddings I have performed worldwide, I did not expect the most remarkable to take place in Sarasota, Florida." Her captivating shows have since attracted the interest of major news publications, solidifying her reputation in the area.

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Layla Taj also founded The Egyptian Cultural Performing Society Inc., a respected non-profit organization established by Layla in 2020. Our objective is to educate the public about Egypt's vibrant cultural heritage through compelling multi-media programs. We offer a distinctive combination of traditional folkloric dances and contemporary Raqs Sharqi, ensuring an exceptional experience for our audience. Our performances have received recognition and acclaim from esteemed Ivy League institutions, underscoring the significance of Egyptian culture.​ Miss Taj has successfully forged her own distinct path and signature within the dance industry. Her exceptional performances consistently elevate the standard, solidifying her reputation as a highly respected dance artist.

It is evident that her resume embodies the achievements one would expect from a world renowned dance artist. Her resume reads like an artist's dream. Something that only a select few dancers can acquire.