Pauline Blackwood

I came to Arabic dance by a twist of fate. I thought I had enrolled on an Aerobic dance class and misread the listing! The experience brought me back though, week after week. With much encouragement I became proficient but took a break from the dance whilst pursuing Teacher training in secondary education as a mature student.

On my return to the dance some years ago I suddenly understood more instinctively and felt a strong pull to personalise and interpret the music. My dance is now infused with many influences I have picked up along the way. However, it has been strengthened by the many teachers within the Raqs Sharqi Society and its predecessor the Hilal School of
Raqs Sharqi. They have constantly challenged and cajoled expression from me.

For me Raqs Sharqi allows for my freedom of expression. I love the challenge of hearing new music and thinking of ways I can respond and interplay with it. For me - costuming, fledgling forays into choreography and improvisation to live music are the real challenges in store.

With much encouragement I have moved from considering the possibility of teaching Raqs Sharqi within the
community to actually realising it. I have strengthened my community dance connections by joining Chic Shake Shock, a collective of south London dancers who undertake projects in the field of community dance. This experience has given me a clear understanding that community dance is where it’s at.

You can find out more about my classes at www.paulineblackwood.co.uk

Photographs by Kristina West.