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Dance school and dance company based in Bristol, Maria Arab Egyptian Dance offers a variety of services to cater to different needs and skill levels. Founded and led by Maria, a passionate teacher and performer of women's dance from Egypt and North Africa/Maghreb, the school aims to celebrate the rich culture and history of this dance form while promoting empowerment and inclusivity.
Maria Arab Egyptian Dance offers regular weekly classes and private tuition for beginners, improvers, and open level dancers. The classes can be conducted one-on-one or in small or large groups, depending on the preference and comfort of the participants. Maria believes that the culturally authentic dance has its own beauty and merit, and she encourages women of all ages, shapes, and sizes to embrace and enjoy being a woman through this dance form.
Maria's journey with Arab Egyptian Dance began in 1991, after she completed her degree in Humanities. She found this art form to be a liberating and empowering experience, providing a perfect balance to the intellectual aspects of her studies. Smitten with the music and dance from the Middle East and North Africa, Maria delved deeper into understanding the dance by immersing herself in the culture, language, and even marrying into a Tunisian family. This firsthand experience enriched her understanding of the dance and its roots.
Formally trained by established teachers such as Wendy Buonaventura, Jacqueline Jamal, and Amel Tafsout, Maria continues to expand her knowledge and skills by attending workshops with master teachers. She also considers the people as her teachers, learning from their social dances and pure joy in movement. Maria is known for her patience and welcoming approach as a teacher, which has earned her praise from her students.
In addition to teaching women, Maria also offers dance sessions for children. She holds a current DBS certificate (formerly CRB) and has secured a contract with the therapy-based organisation “Kids Company” to run dance sessions in schools. Maria has been teaching regular weekly classes since 2000, including a nine-year stint at the Bristol Folk House. She has also led dance courses for community groups, such as “One World,” a multicultural group of women.
Maria's dedication to her craft extends beyond teaching. She has led the dance for record-breaking attempts and has conducted workshops for Bristol City Council's “Celebrating Age” programme, Easton Arts Trail, and early years practitioners at the Early Years Conference on Creativity.
Overall, Maria Arab Egyptian Dance is a dance school and dance company in Bristol that aims to promote the beauty and merit of Arab Egyptian Dance while empowering women and celebrating their femininity. With a passionate and experienced teacher like Maria leading the way, students can expect to explore the rich culture and history of this dance form while breaking free and enjoying the feeling of being a woman.
