​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*
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Streams on the Nile
The Workshops

Online via Zoom
Friday 26 August - 20.00 - 20.45 (£3)

In Person - Clements Hall, York
Saturday 27 August - 14.00 - 16.00 (£15)

Suitable for all - including complete beginners.

Beginners will learn the moves and, just as important, discover how good this Egyptian way of moving feels - relaxed and natural, gently strengthening, working with groundedness and breath.  More experienced dancers will work on their musicality and confidence.

                                                                  Get a taste of the workshop in this short film.

To book the In Person in York workshop, please email mazazik_uk@hotmail.com

Here is the complete Streams of the Nile film.

​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.

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​WEEKLY ON ZOOM​

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

This week - for one week only - FREE
our theme ELEGANTLY EARTHY

Join me to trial a new session via Zoom and YouTube
email mazazik_uk@hotmail.com and let me know
if you'd like to join Tuesday evening Wednesday morning.

Watch this short film to find out more.

​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

* Friday with Friends.  Streams of the Nile specials (see above).

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

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

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

Saturday 27 August - York 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 26 August - Online Streams of the Nile special