JANE WASS
A professional dancer and teacher since 2002, who has developed an individual style of dance: rooted in traditional Egyptian dance but with a modern, global aesthetic, sometimes with a hint of spanish and jazz from other dance journeys, and combining a subtle yet fluidly powerful technique along with a deep connection to the music and the emotions.
'Divinely feminine'
'You are an inspiration as a dancer and teacher. Your face lights up when you dance'
'Entrancing'
MAZAZIK DANCE
'Mazazik' is a coloquial Egyptian arabic term which is used to describe music or dance which is rooted in the folkloric traditions of the country. My classes offer a rare chance to NOT study the westernised cabaret oriental styles associated with what is commonly called the modern Cairo style, or the styles of tribal and tribal fusion bellydance which has developed in America to imitate arabic dance. Also, rather than learn by rote choreographies from Egyptian dance teachers, my style of teaching is to give you the tools to find your own dance. As well as being respectful and true to the roots, my dance is more Egyptian-'inspired' and includes music and dance influences from both east and west.
An intercultural dance style, combined with a somatic approach and the opportunity to join in with community choreographies will bring you closer to the countries whose music and dance we are exploring, as well as building your confidence not only in your own movement but in how you express yourself.
'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'
DANCE IN YOUR OWN HOME
Find out more here about monthly INTERNET CLASSES and scroll to the bottom of the page to pay via Paypal
A professional dancer and teacher since 2002, who has developed an individual style of dance: rooted in traditional Egyptian dance but with a modern, global aesthetic, sometimes with a hint of spanish and jazz from other dance journeys, and combining a subtle yet fluidly powerful technique along with a deep connection to the music and the emotions.
'Divinely feminine'
'You are an inspiration as a dancer and teacher. Your face lights up when you dance'
'Entrancing'
MAZAZIK DANCE
'Mazazik' is a coloquial Egyptian arabic term which is used to describe music or dance which is rooted in the folkloric traditions of the country. My classes offer a rare chance to NOT study the westernised cabaret oriental styles associated with what is commonly called the modern Cairo style, or the styles of tribal and tribal fusion bellydance which has developed in America to imitate arabic dance. Also, rather than learn by rote choreographies from Egyptian dance teachers, my style of teaching is to give you the tools to find your own dance. As well as being respectful and true to the roots, my dance is more Egyptian-'inspired' and includes music and dance influences from both east and west.
An intercultural dance style, combined with a somatic approach and the opportunity to join in with community choreographies will bring you closer to the countries whose music and dance we are exploring, as well as building your confidence not only in your own movement but in how you express yourself.
'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'
DANCE IN YOUR OWN HOME
Find out more here about monthly INTERNET CLASSES and scroll to the bottom of the page to pay via Paypal
MAZAZIK DANCE
You don't need a partner or special clothing.
The nature of Egyptian dance is one of natural flow and groundedness, accessible to everyone; whether you have 2 left feet or are a trained dancer, you can find your own way.
Music from east and west to encourage different moods (in arabic - lawns) for any time, any personality.
All backed up with free online tutorials to help you along.
In a year you'll explore relaxed traditional Egyptian dances such as saidi and baladi, the beauty and power of raqs sharqi (translated meaning dance of the east), and elegance of classical arabic dance. Strong rhythms and beautiful melodies, both old and modern, will help you relax and escape into a world of dance at the same time as developing strength, flexibility and poise. Jane's experience in teaching enables all abilities to enjoy and get the most from these sessions.
And if you like it, you can consider joining the Mazazik Community Performance Group.
York class - Mondays (resumes 10 September)
Leeds class - Tuesdays (resumes 11 September)
Manchester monthy workshops (29 September, 27 October)
For full details click here MAZAZIK DANCE - Classes /Workshops
AND THIS TERM'S SPECIAL EVENTS:
(booking will open by 1 September)
Sunday 23 September - Beginners Raqs Sharqi - York Yoga Studio
Try the sensual, sinuous and expressive form of dance which developed in Cairo in the early 19th century, but danced to music from both Egypt and the west. Great for the body and for the spirit.
Sunday 28 October - Improvers Workshop - York
Upper Body Poise and Presence
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November
MAZAZIK FESTIVAL
with special guest Tim Garside
You don't need a partner or special clothing.
The nature of Egyptian dance is one of natural flow and groundedness, accessible to everyone; whether you have 2 left feet or are a trained dancer, you can find your own way.
Music from east and west to encourage different moods (in arabic - lawns) for any time, any personality.
All backed up with free online tutorials to help you along.
In a year you'll explore relaxed traditional Egyptian dances such as saidi and baladi, the beauty and power of raqs sharqi (translated meaning dance of the east), and elegance of classical arabic dance. Strong rhythms and beautiful melodies, both old and modern, will help you relax and escape into a world of dance at the same time as developing strength, flexibility and poise. Jane's experience in teaching enables all abilities to enjoy and get the most from these sessions.
And if you like it, you can consider joining the Mazazik Community Performance Group.
York class - Mondays (resumes 10 September)
Leeds class - Tuesdays (resumes 11 September)
Manchester monthy workshops (29 September, 27 October)
For full details click here MAZAZIK DANCE - Classes /Workshops
AND THIS TERM'S SPECIAL EVENTS:
(booking will open by 1 September)
Sunday 23 September - Beginners Raqs Sharqi - York Yoga Studio
Try the sensual, sinuous and expressive form of dance which developed in Cairo in the early 19th century, but danced to music from both Egypt and the west. Great for the body and for the spirit.
Sunday 28 October - Improvers Workshop - York
Upper Body Poise and Presence
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November
MAZAZIK FESTIVAL
with special guest Tim Garside
Want to join my mailing list? Just go to the contact form here and get in touch
CONTACT US
NEWS
If you'd like to read about my recent travels go to TRAVELS - Egypt March 2018 and TRAVELS - A Window on Morocco
In a world where violence against women is still all too common, a dance which has been, and often still is, a vehicle for over-sexualisation and objectification of women is not often popular. Apart from those of us who have tried it and know what it can be.
I sometimes wonder what grew my passion for raqs sharqi in the first place. But from the moment I discovered it, I was amazed by the potential to express personality, the way anybody - and I say body not just women - could develop a way of moving with power and grace, as well as sensuality and tenderness. How internal energies are freed and flow, how the grounded movement calms the mind and the emotions.
The terms used in Egyptian/arabic dance are all getting a bit stupid now. Bellydance or raqs sharqi, baladi or oriental? Egyptian dance, raqs sharqi or western tribal? Many are being used in the west for the purposes of marketing and chinese whispers style distortion is creeping in.
The important thing is to find someone who does it the way you want to feel it - and YOU do it!
If you'd like to try my way.... compete beginners are welcome in York this September.
£14 if booked and paid for in advance, £18 on the day.
I sometimes wonder what grew my passion for raqs sharqi in the first place. But from the moment I discovered it, I was amazed by the potential to express personality, the way anybody - and I say body not just women - could develop a way of moving with power and grace, as well as sensuality and tenderness. How internal energies are freed and flow, how the grounded movement calms the mind and the emotions.
The terms used in Egyptian/arabic dance are all getting a bit stupid now. Bellydance or raqs sharqi, baladi or oriental? Egyptian dance, raqs sharqi or western tribal? Many are being used in the west for the purposes of marketing and chinese whispers style distortion is creeping in.
The important thing is to find someone who does it the way you want to feel it - and YOU do it!
If you'd like to try my way.... compete beginners are welcome in York this September.
£14 if booked and paid for in advance, £18 on the day.
MY NEW FILM - EGYPTIAN SAIDI DANCE AND DRUMS
Vibrant colours, warmth of the air and of the people, joy, ease of being in the body. That's what I wanted to bring to this film, as it's what I feel and return to again and again.
And inspired by a mosaic floor in a hotel on the West Bank of Luxor.
Accompanied by the fantastic drummers of the Luxor region who live and breathe their music. It's the real thing.
And as usual with my work in Egypt, this was totally improvised. Hamada Fathy and Saleh Dahab took their seats and we just started.
Thanks to Saad Hassan, Frances Ottaway and Kate Smith, and as usual everyone at the El Gezira Hotel.
If you do like it, please feel free to share and I'd be very grateful if you'd 'like' it on YouTube. I don't play the hype game, so any help to encourage YouTube to show it would be great.
INTERNET DANCE CLASS
- payment deadline is the 1st of the month.
Payments received after that will be credited to the following month's class.
I regret that no refunds can be made after payment.
Before payment, please make sure you are fit to dance unsupervised and anybody with health issues or on medication should consult their doctor before pursuing any new form of exercise.
Dance should always be preceeded by the relevant warm up at the start of the class.
- Thank you - and enjoy!
My suggestion as to how to approach it? You will get 2 links.
The first for the class featuring regular features - warmup and bodywork, movement mantra, choreography, task of the month - plus occasional special inserts. Take each bite size section separately, which should take you approximately 15 minutes each, and take time to understand work your way through it. This may take you through the first week.
Then use the second link for the dancealong to consolidate your work and benefit from regular movement. Rushing it during the last week of the month is going to confuse you and not be as helpful as it could be.....
Buy your internet dance class now
Buy your internet drumming class now
TRIBUTE TO RACHID TAHA
Very sad news last week of the death of Rachid Taha, a musician who most of you know I admired very much. Born in Algeria, his family moved to France when he was a child where he grew up in the Alsace region and Lyons. He started first as a DJ and was then in a band called Carte de Sejour, who ruffled feathers by recording a Charles Trenet track called Douce France. He then moved to Paris to forge his musical career. I first discovered his work on an album called From Cairo to Casablanca. It was the track Ya Rayah, probably one of his most famous hits. But it was when I first saw him live that he - literally - rocked my world. The energy that he and his band created on stage had to be seen to be believed. He struggled with ill health, notably a form of muscular dystrophy which sometimes could be seen in his stage performance - and which was misinterpreted by some journalists.
He was a musical pioneer and a rebel, speaking out on what he believed in, inspirational in his ability to express anger as well as love.
Here are some clips which I hope you will enjoy. And if you don't know his music, you can get it all through the usual channels.
And please - read the lyrics!
From the CD Diwan, of course Ya Rayah , a song about exile, as well as a personal favourite of mine, Bent Sahra featuring fabulous drum rhythms from the Sahara.
Very sad news last week of the death of Rachid Taha, a musician who most of you know I admired very much. Born in Algeria, his family moved to France when he was a child where he grew up in the Alsace region and Lyons. He started first as a DJ and was then in a band called Carte de Sejour, who ruffled feathers by recording a Charles Trenet track called Douce France. He then moved to Paris to forge his musical career. I first discovered his work on an album called From Cairo to Casablanca. It was the track Ya Rayah, probably one of his most famous hits. But it was when I first saw him live that he - literally - rocked my world. The energy that he and his band created on stage had to be seen to be believed. He struggled with ill health, notably a form of muscular dystrophy which sometimes could be seen in his stage performance - and which was misinterpreted by some journalists.
He was a musical pioneer and a rebel, speaking out on what he believed in, inspirational in his ability to express anger as well as love.
Here are some clips which I hope you will enjoy. And if you don't know his music, you can get it all through the usual channels.
And please - read the lyrics!
From the CD Diwan, of course Ya Rayah , a song about exile, as well as a personal favourite of mine, Bent Sahra featuring fabulous drum rhythms from the Sahara.
And to the CD Medina, and a track a lot of you will recognise, Hey Anta
'Hey you, answer me, teach me
Give me joy, inform me
Transmit your knowledge
You who have travelled
And met different people
You have seen beauty
So, wise man, open my eyes'
As well as the track Barra Barra, explosive and angry, which was also featured in the film Black Hawk Down.
'Hey you, answer me, teach me
Give me joy, inform me
Transmit your knowledge
You who have travelled
And met different people
You have seen beauty
So, wise man, open my eyes'
As well as the track Barra Barra, explosive and angry, which was also featured in the film Black Hawk Down.
Rachid Taha often spoke of his love of The Clash and rock n roll. His album Tekitoi is probably where this is at its'most evident. Here are 2 tracks, Safi (Pure), which brilliantly mixes traditional and modern, anger and hope. And one you probably already know!
The event which really made his name in France was a live musical extravaganza in Paris featuring Rachid along with other stars Khaled and Faudel; filmed in Paris in 1998 called 1,2,3 Soleils. Here's a clip of the track Ida.
And finally, two from the album Diwan 2. Firstly one of my favourites, Ah Mon Amour, with it's fantastic driving Algerian percussion and finishing with Ecoute Moi Camarade, a slice of retro cheese.
RIP Rachid Taha. You may have left us, but you won't be forgotten.