The Mayyas

The Mayyas
General information
NameThe Mayyas
FounderNadim Cherfan
Artistic staff
Resident ChoreographersNadim Cherfan

The Mayyas (Arabic: مَيّاس) are a Lebanese all-female alternative precision dance group. The company has 36 dancers, and their routines are choreographed by Nadim Cherfan. The group's name means "the proud walk of a lioness" in Arabic.

In 2019, the Mayyas reached the semifinals of Britain's Got Talent: The Champions and took first place in Arabs Got Talent.[1] They won season 17 of America's Got Talent in 2022. The Mayyas also received judge Sofía Vergara's Golden Buzzer of the contest.[2]

Following the group's America's Got Talent win, they were praised on Twitter by Lebanese celebrities, as well as caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and the Lebanese army command. President of the Republic General Michel Aoun congratulated the group on their victory, saying they had "planted hope and light in all of our hearts". He also awarded them the Lebanese Order of Merit "in appreciation of the troupe's artistic performances and success".[3][4]

The Mayyas performed alongside American singer Beyoncé at the opening of the Atlantis The Royal Dubai hotel in the United Arab Emirates.[5]

  1. ^ Johnson, Lottie Elizabeth (September 14, 2022). "'Being a female Arab dancer is not fully supported yet': Will this dance group win 'AGT'?". Deseret News. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. ^ "America's Got Talent Crowns a New Champion! See Who Won Season 17". Peoplemag.
  3. ^ "President Aoun congratulates Mayyas, decides to award them Lebanese Order of Merit". MTV Lebanon. September 15, 2022. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  4. ^ "Lebanese rejoice after Mayyas win 'America's Got Talent'". Cebu Daily News. September 18, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  5. ^ Issa, Tala Michel (22 January 2023). "Beyonce performs with Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas at opening of Atlantis The Royal". Al Arabiya English. Retrieved 22 January 2023.