Egyptian Dance workshops

Helena's workshops in Egyptian dance are perfect for enrichment and cultural days, to supplement class topics on Egypt or Ancient Egypt, or as part of a Sports Day, wellbeing or fitness event. Helena can also arrange cookery demonstrations and drumming lessons to run alongside Helena's dance workshops for a full cultural experience!

Both students and teachers were engaged in the workshops, they were informative, interesting and easy to access for all abilities.  The boys in particular enjoyed the workshops, which suprised me.  We would not hesistate to book you again in future...an excellent day!
Alyson Blakeley, Assistant Curriculum Leader & International Co-ordinator, Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley

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Primary school workshop

Created for primary schools following popular demand!

Demo
Helena starts the workshop with a brief demo, including Egyptian traditional and folk dance and, if liked, contemporary Cairo style Oriental dance, also known as belly dance.

Intro
Helena then gives a brief introduction to Egyptian dance and shows some of the props used, such as cane, sword (blunt!), Isis wings and veil. The children can handle some of the props and often enjoy having their photographs taken with them.

Finger cymbals and propwork
The children go on to learn some simple but fun tricks with a fabric prop (veil) and some basic Egyptian rhythms on the finger cymbals - up to 20 veils and sets of finger cymbals available to borrow.

Dance
Finally the children learn some Egyptian dance moves and a short follow-along dance to Egyptian pop music, or for older children, a simple choreography.

It's often hard to tell who has enjoyed the workshop more - the children or the teachers!

Workshops generally last around one hour to 1 hour 30 mins and children must be supervised by the teacher at all times. Helena has full public liability insurance.

Secondary School and Sixth Form Workshops

For secondary school and sixth form students Helena can provide workshops in Egyptian Oriental belly dance for all-girl groups, and in Egyptian folk dance for mixed groups. Helena can also provide classroom-based sessions discussing the fascinating history and background of Egyptian Oriental dance and how Orientalism as defined by Edward Said, gender issues and religious and social views have all affected how "belly dance" is seen today in the West.

Helena has now paired up with the delightful Koukab al-Joufi, who can provide Arabic and cookery lessons alongside Helena's dance workshops for a full cultural experience. Helena can also arrange drumming and henna painting workshops.

Helena is an experienced teacher and member of Equity. She has taught workshops for primary schools, the Women's Institute and Girl Guiding UK amongst many others and has full public liability insurance.