​A professional performer and teacher for 20 years

Founder of Mazazik Dance in 2002

Egyptian dance, Oriental (Raqs Sharqi - or Dance of the East), and Contemporary Belly Dance
(to find out more click here JANE WASS)

​MAZAZIK DANCE
feel the energy

A word people always use is bellydance. But this is a term, coined by the west, which does no justice to the cultural backgrounds and variety of dances that are found in the Middle East and North Africa.

And most of what I do isn't bellydance but Baladi (which means in Arabic 'of my country'), the dance of the Egyptian people as opposed to the over-sexualised bellydance of the Cairo scene, or the western bellydance styles which often focus on costuming and mimic eastern dance with the western focus on pushing the body. Baladi dance has also now become more westernised, especially on social media, but I always aim to be sensitive to the values of the true Baladi culture which has given me so much joy.  In Mazazik Dance, respect to the origins of the dances we are exploring is paramount.

And my style of Contemporary Belly Dance (Arabic dance which has been influenced by different cultures and dance styles, and works the body in a more physically demanding way), is influenced by my main loves of travel, the natural world and music.
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I have developed Mazazik Dance as a method of teaching my vision of dance. 
It is a trademarked system of dance tuition based on  movement mantras and dance themes.
But like any creative activity, the system is always evolving as I learn more on both my inner and outer travels, in dance and geographically.

And Mazazik Dance is more than just dance classes.  It's an opportunity to socialise and to enjoy dance experiences both at home and abroad.  

Currently you can find regular in person dance workshops in Manchester, York, Leeds and Egypt.

'The best workshop in my life ever was with you at camp doing beledi - still get the warm glows thinking of the magical time we all had'

' Without your fantastic teaching methods, encouragement and vision(s), I would not be the dancer I am'
     
' Thank you so much for the Egypt experience.  It was life changing'
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Keep scrolling or go to the MAZAZIK DANCE page for more info

​*NEWS*

​20 years ago I walked out of Granada TV to try to make a living out of Egyptian dance.
I think everyone thought I was mad - I was a bit suspicious of it myself.
Two decades (can't believe I'm saying that......) of adventures, learning, fulfillment and yes - sometimes disappointments and struggles.
But I'm still doing it. Make sure you read your newsletter (just gone out) for a little thank you xx

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​WEEKLY ON ZOOM​

Mazazik Max (Tuesdays at 20.00) and Dance (Wednesdays at 11.30)

This week - ALL THAT JAZZ.
NB no Wednesday class this week

And while I am in Egypt, there will be no Zoom classes.
We will resume again on Friday 28 October with a one hour special - DIVINE DANCE.

​FOR BEGINNERS

* go to my YouTube channel and try the How to Dance Bites tutorials - free and easy.  Click on this link to watch the first one youtu.be/fktjqb0Te78

I also offer private Zoom sessions for groups.  If you or are interested or have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch at mazazik_uk@hotmail.com.

AND STARTING 1 NOVEMBER - a course of 7 weekly Zoom sessions for complete beginners.
Tuesdays from 19.00 to 19.40 GMT / London time

As the evenings get darker, start your dance journey with me from the comfort of your own home.
Each class will start with a warm up, cover movements and bodywork principles, and introduce you to fantastic music.
As this dance is low impact, and doesn't involve a lot of footwork and movement through space, it is very well suited to doing in your living room.  You will:
*relax and loosen the body
*strengthen your core
*develop flexibility
*ground and centre for calmness and reduced anxiety
*build arm strength
*get some gentle cardiovascular work to increase stamina
*feel great after!

But above all - you will enjoy dancing!   

Numbers will be limited so I can take a look to make sure everyone is moving safely.  But I will not be able to supervise through the screen in the way I can in person, so by taking this class, you take responsibility for your own safety.
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If you have any questions, please email me at mazazik_uk@hotmail.com.
And book via the Paypal button below.

SCHEDULE OF IN PERSON EVENTS 2022

 If you are not sure which session would be suitable for you, go to the Mazazik Dance page for clarification.

Monday 19 September - York workshop group - postponed

Saturday 24 September - Manchester Mazazik Dance Circle

6 to 11 October - Egypt workshops, Luxor
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19 November - Mazazik Festival, York

Saturday 10 December - Manchester Mazazik Drum Circle Christmas playlong

​Monday 12 December - York workshop group

SCHEDULE OF ZOOM SPECIALS

tbc