Kay as performer / choreographer / director

When I first learnt to bellydance I was so shy about performing yet it was one of the things that drew me to bellydance.  I didn’t want to perform until I felt I was good enough …… but then you need the experience of performing to help you develop as a performer.  It is a catch 22 situation.  I used to look back on early videos and cringe ….. now I look back and see them as the start of a journey …… one that still continues.  I gradually learned that each performance needs pitching differently.  A restaurant audience is different to a wedding which is different to a Hafla or festival which is different to a theatre.  Each utilises different skills.

I was one of the founders of the Tarab dance company.  A co-operative venture with a group of experienced dancers based in the North.  We met up monthly to work towards a show – each getting more challenging as we went along.  The last show which I was involved with was ‘Strictly Bellydance’.  We used the format of a video about the piece being performed and then the performance itself.  We toured this around the North – and took it to the Edinburgh Fringe for a week.  Previously I had choreographed for my classes but Tarab gave me the opportunity to develop more challenging choreography …… and get to grips with managing a tour and dealing with theatres, lighting etc.

From Egypt to …Penrith / Belfast / Edinburgh……… with love
I developed this project to run in different areas.  I liaised with local dancers, theatres and taught the choreography and directed the show.  Performers committed to rehearsals – and many worked on solos too.  I loved it.  I got to work with a small group of dancers helping develop their dance and to produce and direct a show as well.  I think I ran this project in Belfast, Penrith and Edinburgh.

‘Bellydance:  A true story’
Gradually I had formed my own dance company,  ‘Helwa’.  A vehicle to encourage young talent and challenge them.  The make up of Helwa has varied over the years.  I created a couple of theatre shows which we worked on and showcased in various theatres.  Then I decided to write and choreograph my personal dance journey.  I was the narrator.  My Helwa girls performed.  From a pharaonic number to saidi to melaya and more.  Some dances needed a certain amount of acting too.  Costume changes between every number – It challenged us all in different ways.
We took this show to several events and theatres around the North.  A week at the Edinburgh festival – we sold out every night.  Then we teamed up with the Johara dance company – we each showcased our 50 minute shows making a brilliant evening of entertainment.  We finished the tour in London and Cambridge.

Then lockdown happened.  Everything changed.

Now I have a hybrid group ‘The Amarettes’.  A group of students who come to my hybrid classes every week.  We work on a combination of technique, interpretation and choreography.  We showcase pieces of choreography at different events, haflas and festivals.  A different cast of dancers at each one performing ‘live’.  I am working on a new show which I hope to bring to life with the Amarettes.
If you are an experienced dancer sign up to my hybrid classes – Tuesday nights 7 – 8pm.  Join ‘Love Bellydance’ as an Amarette.