Small World Centre Bellydance is a renowned dance school and instruction centre located in London. Led by professional dancer, producer, and teacher Anna Kemper, this establishment has been at the forefront of SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) dance in the UK for many years.
Anna's passion for dance began at a young age, growing up in a family deeply connected to the sounds and songs of Eastern Europe and the SWANA region. With over three decades of professional experience, she has established herself as the UK's leading finger cymbal percussionist. Anna's expertise has taken her on a journey across the globe, performing, teaching, and immersing herself in the cultures of North Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, USA, Europe, and the UK.
Throughout her career, Anna has achieved remarkable milestones. She founded, produced, and toured the ACE funded Chalguh Chengi show, which captivated audiences in England. She also toured the UK with the Turkish fusion band Oojami, shared the stage with bellydance superstar Sonia Ochoa, and produced captivating shows with the English/Egyptian band Beledi Blues. Anna has been invited to perform and teach across the UK, Europe, and the USA, with notable appearances at events such as the London 2012 Summer Olympics, CRISIS UK, The Big Dance, and Lambeth Council.
In 2018, Anna co-produced the ACE-supported London leg of the Bal Anat 60th Anniversary International Tour with The Salimpour School (CA) at Stratford Circus Art Centre. Her current project, Chalguh Chengi, is an exhilarating, family-friendly experience that introduces the unique instruments, songs, and dances of Turkey, the Balkans, and the SWANA region, accompanied by the talented 6-member band Hazir Ensemble.
As a performer, Anna is renowned for incorporating the special Egyptian Toura (finger) cymbals technique into her dances, making her the only dancer in the UK to do so. Her exceptional skills as a dancer and percussionist have been recognised and admired by audiences worldwide.
Since 1997, Anna has also dedicated herself to teaching belly dance. Over the years, she has instructed thousands of women from New York to Mumbai. From 2011 to 2021, Anna founded, directed, and taught at Small World Centre dance studio, which became one of the leading SWANA dance schools in the UK. She has sponsored and produced numerous workshops and shows with internationally acclaimed leaders of SWANA dance, such as Suhaila Salimpour, Sabriye Tekbilek, and Bozenka at prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House (ROH), Rambert, and Sadler's Wells.
Anna's love for belly dance extends beyond teaching and performing. She is committed to promoting the art of belly dance in all its forms and supporting local students and professionals in their journeys. Her own education in dance began in Seattle, USA, in 1993, and she earned a B. A.
in Dance and Film Production from Bard College, New York, in 2001. Anna's thirst for knowledge led her to travel extensively around the world, learning from master teachers and immersing herself in different styles of belly dance. She holds certifications in Level 4 of Suhaila Salimpour Format and Level 3 of Jamila Salimpour Format, globally recognised certification programmes in SWANA dance.
At Small World Centre Bellydance, Anna offers a wide range of classes, from introduction to advanced levels, as well as open-level lessons. Her classes have a strong technical focus, emphasising muscular isolation in the hips and rib cage, which is a defining characteristic of belly dance. Anna often includes historical references and cultural anecdotes to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of this diverse art form.
Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the enchanting world of belly dance or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your skills, Small World Centre Bellydance is the perfect place for you. With Anna Kemper's guidance and expertise, you'll discover the beauty, grace, and captivating rhythms of SWANA dance. Join the vibrant community at Small World Centre Bellydance and embark on a transformative dance journey like no other.