Some of my greatest influences. . .
Teachers I have studied with or taken regular workshops with, who have helped me develop and grow as a dancer. This is not a definitive list of everyone I have ever taken a workshop with, just those with whom I regularly work or have worked with in the past and inspired me the most. (Listed in no particular order of importance)
Amina - My first teacher.
Morocco of New York - an all-round inspiration really, I just love working with her.
Vashti of London - an awesome dancer and wonderfully giving teacher, who has helped me tremendously over the years and is an absolute joy to work with.
Yasmina of Cairo - who is not only an extraordinary dancer, but is also a great teacher and wonderful to work with.
Ayshe of NYC. Arguably the world's foremost expert in the art of dancing with wings of Isis. I take time out to study with Ayshe whenever I visit New York so that I can continue to work on the skills that I have evolved over almost 8 years of dancing with wings.
Joe Williams - whose workshops in Delsarte gesture & movement principles have helped me add a deeper emotional depth to my dancing. Considered
the world’s leading authority in Delsarte, he is known internationally for rediscovering the validity of Delsarte for the modern theatre and has opened up a whole new way of helping dancers make their bodies 'sing the music.'
Shareen el Safy - who helped me to redefine my dance style and whose technique did wonders for my back
Raqia Hassan - Gives new meaning to the essentials of modern Egyptian style.
Tina Hobin - who helped me recognise the importance of being both a 'professional' and an 'entertainer'.
Liza Wedgwood - Improved my baladi/shaabi, & gave me the confidence to try new things.
Medhat Fahmy - who helped me work on my spatial awareness when performing in a theatrical setting.
Aida Nour - a wonderful, 'sassy' dancer and extremely giving teacher, who also designs wonderful costumes! On my trips to Cairo I have also studied with Dr Farida Fahmy and Mahmoud Reda of the Reda Troupe, two of Egypt's finest teachers. When possible I also take workshops with any of the current 'names' to get a feel for what's popular for a season. |