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**
former members of TURKANA
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Laylia White
Laylia White was born in Colorado in 1976.
Laylia's mother taught classical piano and violin, with this influence Laylia began singing with Opera Columbus children's' choir and other various groups in middle school. At the beginning of high school, Laylia was cast for three more operas, but competitive drill team soon took the foreground, and synchronized dancing became a four-year success. Laylia then sang and played handbells under the direction of William Griffith and acted under the direction of Alvis Moore. With a taped audition Laylia made it into a Sounds of America singing tour which would have performed in Euro-Disney, but was unable to raise the money for travel expenses. Upon graduating high school she entered City Year, a non-profit organization where she worked with Keri Kaya. Keri then introduced herto husband Hakan Kaya, which then began training Laylia in drumming and belly dancing. A wonderful artist, folk dancer and comedian, Hakan has made Laylia a success with such invitations as dancing for singer Nooshafarin, Turkish weddings and New Year parties. Hakan also introduced her to Turkana.
Laylia, finding such joy in the music, in turn introduced friends Roxanna and Gabe into the group. Laylia is still enjoying dancing, drumming and travelling with Turkana, "you have never been on a trip until you have traveled with Hakan!" Due to Hakan's very busy schedule, Laylia continued her training with fellow dancer, and respected friend Selayma. In 1997 Laylia started contracting a comedy-belly dancing show at Peter Carrol's 'Ohio Renaissance Festival'.
Now called the 'Naughty Navels', the show is continuing on into its fifth season. Bahri's enthusiasm for Ballroom renewed and caused her to join the local university's team. Selayma taught her love for Street Salsa, often done at a local Salsa Restaurant call Spain. The smooth moving Chul Gwon is teaching and inspiring Laylia to love Street Swing and Lindi Hop. Laylia is now teaching her own dance students and is being invited to travel and teach workshops.
"This is my dream coming true, perhaps I will even get to see Turkey myself.."
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