Help Kamala Recover After Eaton Fire

Dearest Dance Community Friends and Family -

Hi my name is Latoya Boyd, a Combat Army Veteran, a jewelry designer and belly dancer originally from LA. I created this GoFund me on behalf of our beloved community friend, mentor and teacher Kamala Almanzar, who unfortunately lost everything in the Eaton fire.

Kamala was forced to evacuate her home and in the process of leaving, her car was struck by a tree. To lose everything following her evacuation is unimaginable and absolutely devastating.

As I learn more, I encourage you to donate to help her during this extremely devastating time.

When someone loses 40 years of memories, the mental burden can be overwhelming on top of the insurmountable grief.

Kamala, we are grateful you are safe. We are beyond devastated for your unimaginable loss.

We love you and we will help you get through this together.

About Kamala:

Kamala is a third-generation dancer with a career spanning over 45 years, transitioning from classical ballet (Pasadena Dance Theatre) to Middle Eastern dance, her lifelong passion. She has performed internationally in nightclubs, restaurants, and theaters, including the iconic Arabic nightclubs of 1980s Hollywood, London, and Acapulco, alongside Egyptian orchestras.

A former featured dancer in films and TV, Kamala also worked under Egypt’s legendary Farida Fahmy, inspiring her to blend her love of American and Egyptian musicals into her work. In the 1990s, she co-founded “The Flowers of the Desert,” the West Coast’s first Belly Dance Fusion company, paving the way for fusion genres in the U.S.

Today, Kamala teaches and choreographs Middle Eastern dance in Los Angeles and virtually, with her students winning prestigious titles across Egyptian, Fusion, and Group categories. She has produced acclaimed shows like “Shaabi Chic” and the Evening Galas at LA’s Cairo ShimmyQuake. As co-producer of the International Raqs Film Festival, Kamala showcases global talent in Middle Eastern dance films.

In 2024, she launches Troupe Al Manzar, a student performance company, continuing her legacy of artistic, informed, and innovative Belly Dance.