JANE WASS

My passion for Egyptian dance grew out of my love of music heard on my travels, mainly the music of Turkey, Egypt and Spain.   I  was working at Granada TV when a colleague introduced me to a documentary on Suraya Hilal’s work in redefining the traditional dance of Egypt. My path was set.

After many years of study and travel to pursue my growing love of the dance, I gave up my career in the media in 2002 to establish Mazazik (a term used to describe folkloric Egyptian music). 

My approach to teaching includes thorough technique, aided by continued use of bodywork practices such as pilates and yoga, developed through my completion of a teacher training course with the Raqs Sharqi Society.  And the spirit of my dance is, I hope, infused with the cultures of the countries which continue to influence me.   

I have no interest in belly dance, or modern oriental styles of Arablc dance, but find my influence in the folkloric dance of Egypt, combined with parallel loves of flamenco, Celtic and jazz dance and hip hop.

And the journey continues...

Thanks go to all the dancers who have taught me or worked with me (too many to name), the great musicians who inspire me, Caroline Crabtree for costume inspiration and design and Ginny at taskmedia.co.uk for website support.