​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, both 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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IF YOU'RE A BEGINNER KEEP SCROLLING TO FIND OUT MORE ....

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE SOME DANCE EXPERIENCE GO TO THE MAZAZIK DANCE PAGE
OR KEEP SCROLLING FOR A SCHEDULE OF 2022 IN PERSON DATES & ZOOM CLASSES

​*NEWS*

STREAMS ON THE NILE -
IN YORK
​FOR BEGINNERS/LEVEL 1

If you've seen my new film further down this page (and here's a little promo if you haven't!) I am doing two sessions for beginners to explore this dance themselves. Join me:

In person in York on Saturday 27 August. 14.00 to 16.00 (£15)
Learn the moves and, just as important, discover how good this Egyptian way of moving feels - relaxed and natural, gently strengthening, working with groundedness, breath and musicality.

Email me at mazazik_uk@hotmail.com to book and for payment details.


​*VIEWS*

A lot of what I see on socal media claiming to be baladi dance, to my eyes and to the eyes of my Egyptian friends  - isn't!

Baladi is the dance of the Egyptian people and even when performed should reflect the traditional values of the culture in which it developed.

One of the reasons I love baladi dance is that it is relaxed and naturally flowing, which is why I've called one of my dance themes Simply Sensual, because it is.

Here's my latest film, shot in Luxor.


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​WEEKLY ON ZOOM​

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

This week - Simply Sensual - relax into your own skin.

Weekly Tuesdays and Wednesdays



​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 am currently working on some Movement Mantra internet courses which will be available via a YouTube link.  If you'd like to keep up to date with progress keep checking in or subscribe to my email newsletter (email me at mazazik_uk@hotmail or fill in the pop up page)

* Friday with Friends.  From April 2022, 19.30 to 20.15, I will be offering a Zoom session for beginners on the last Friday of every month.  Pay for one link and get a friend, or friends, together in your home to have some dance fun together.
   Future dates - 29 April, 27 May, 24 June, 29 July, 30 September, 28 October

* watch out for in person sessions coming soon

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.

SCHEDULE OF IN PERSON EVENTS 2022

Bookings for events in dance hubs in Manchester, York and Leeds are now open to all.

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

Saturday 16 July - Choreo Lab (closed group)

Monday 18 July - York workshop group

Saturday 23 July - Helsby workshop group

6 & 8 August - Summer Holi-days in Holmfirth (Sold out - waiting list)

Saturday 27 August - York beginners Streams of the Nile special

Monday 19 September - York workshop group

Saturday 24 September - Manchester Mazazik Dance Circle & Making Music

6 to 11 October - Egypt workshops, Luxor
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19 & 20 November - Mazazik Festival, York

Saturday 10 December - Manchester Mazazik Drum Circle Christmas playlong

​Monday 12 December - York workshop group

SCHEDULE OF ZOOM SPECIALS

Friday 29 July - Friday with Friends and Zoom Fiesta