Lise Szwann

Lise has been teaching Raqs Sharqi since 1997, and graduated from the Raqs Sharqi Society Teacher Training Course in December 2000.  Her teaching uses the principles of Alexander Technique and Pilates to assist students develop the good postural habits which will enable them to dance with ease and fluency. 

Lise teaches regular themed workshops, frequently accompanied by live music, where students can explore specific aspects of the dance in more depth.

“In my role as a dance teacher I work to cultivate students’ enthusiasm for the dance and develop their confidence as performers in a supportive atmosphere.”

Lise has been interested in Middle Eastern culture for many years.  She has travelled extensively in the Middle East and visited Egypt many times.  Drawn to the dance by her love of Arabic music she originally began learning Egyptian bellydance but, inspired by Suraya Hilal at Sadler’s Wells that November, began studying Raqs Sharqi with the Hilal School (now the Raqs Sharqi Society). 

A year later she began performing at community dance events and festivals including Hackney Show, Chat’s Palace, Stoke Newington Festival and the Chisenhale World Dance Festival followed by theatrical performances including Hilal School Showcases and performing with the wonderful and inspiring Sara Kahan in her Raqs Sharqi Show at Steiner House. 

More recently, Lise has focussed on her solo career dancing at cultural events, arts launches and private parties.  She is a regular performer at the Planet Egypt Dance Showcases hosted by Anne White.  Lise enjoys performing in an intimate setting which allows the dancer to build a rapport with the audience and frees her to communicate the whole range of colours that are the subtle and expressive art of Raqs Sharqi.

“I believe a dancer’s style evolves constantly.  It is important to draw on diverse influences to develop technically and artistically.  In 2002 I visited Cairo to gain an insight into the dance as it is taught and performed today, observing cabaret performances and attending classes in the modern Cairo style of Egyptian dance with prominent dancers and teachers including Aida Noor, Randa Kamel and Dandash.  My most recent dancing visit to Egypt was as part of the Tarab group led by Beatrice Grognard.  The cultural evenings on this trip gave a glimpse into the complexity and contradiction of authentic Egyptian culture. Beatrice is a highly accomplished dancer whose spellbinding improvisation with live music conveys the powerful femininity of this dance.”