​Raqs Sharqui ( Egyptian/Arabic ) Dance

I discovered the richeness and  beauty of Egyptian/Arabic dance and music in London in 1986 thanks to the pioneering work of choreographic artist Suraya Hilal.

 

In London I studied at the Raqs Sharqui School with Hilal, Ashcroft and Kahan for 6 years. I then took part of the programmes Divine Rites ( 1990) and Colours of Cairo (1992) ( Sadlers Wells London, RASA Wereldmuziekcentrum, NL) composed of  a full orchestra "The Layali El Sharq Ensemble " and the dancers Anne Ashcroft and Lita Petrou.

 

Since then, I have incessantly worked and researched as a solo dancer, teacher and choreographer in various projects with musicians in Belgium and in the NL.  Centre Culturel Arabe ( 1999)  Mousta Largo ( 2001/2003),   Master Ibrahim El Minyawi ( 2004) Guy Shalom and Sarah Kahan ( 2006)  Haytham Safia ( 2008) Al Andalous Ensemble.

 

 

Egyptian/Arabic dance and music are intimately connected. My work centres on the relation between movement and music in the art of the improvisation. Dancer and musicians create a sense of unity that is in turn communicated to the audience.

 

The underlying essence of the dance is Joy at the heart of existence.