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Photo - Frances Ottaway
 Why learn Arabic Dance with me?  
Maybe because, with over 15 years of being a professional dancer and teacher under my belt, I can give you what you're after as well as maybe something that will surprise you.

Regular dance classes and workshops are available in York, Manchester and Leeds with occasional events in Egypt, London, Ireland and Scotland and - new for 2017 in Turkey. 

You may associate the term belly dance with Middle Eastern dance - but I don't use those words to describe what I do., because most of what I do isn't belly dance.  Arabic dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Egyptian folkloric dance, Contemporary Arabic dance, Classical Arabic dance - you'll try them all, and all have different moods and dynamics.  
    I'm really happy to share my first film of Mazazik Community Dance in Egypt.
    One of the greatest things Egyptian Saidi dance teaches us is the simple joy of movement and dancing together. I hope this film captures that.
    My aim in teaching and presenting dance is not to reproduce ethnographically, or to mimic, but to try to communicate the emotions, energy, visuals and experiences encountered on our learning of the dance both at home and at the source. Every place I go, every dance I study, teaches me something else.
    As most of you dancers who are my Friends know, Egyptian Saidi dance's combination of natural and fluid movement with earthy, rhythmic hips, make it hugely popular with beginner dancers and those who are not dance-trained or confident students. It is also the starting point for doing deeper into more complex and sophisticated styles.
    I hope you like the film..​
    BOOKING NOW

    SIMPLY SENSUAL in Turkey.  
    A dance holiday for female only dancers.  Bodywork and movement which will progress over the week, plus lots of time for swimming and exploration.  9 to 14 October 2017.
    SIMPLY SENSUAL - in Turkey 2017


    DANCER BE THE MUSIC
    Sunday 16 July, 12 to 4pm at En Pointe York
    DANCER - BE THE MUSIC
    NEWS
    I love this video - I don't think our children dance enough.


    A thought on technique ...

    The approach we have to learning an art is formed in our early years, when along with being pushed into academic success, we are led to believe that conquering a dance or a musical instrument is about grades and technical ability.

    Technical ability is just that.

    If we want to really be effected, or effect, through our work, we need to develop our dance/music with a view to what we feel and communicate.  Technique of course is an important tool, as long as it doesn't become THE thing.
    ​Just another pic to whet your appetite for the Turkey trip - we'll be having a day out on a boat!