Cultural Creativity Series: Ancient Egyptian Dance with Hanan Zein Eldin

Cultural Creativity Series: Ancient Egyptian Dance with Hanan Zein Eldin 

(Participants will learn some basic Ancient Egyptian dance movements while learning about its history.) 

This workshop is part of the Cultural Creativity Series at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, which aims to foster cultural learning through artistic creation. Participants will explore various art forms from different cultures, learning about each culture's unique expressions, history, and context.

The first workshop features Ancient Egyptian Dance with Hanan Zein Eldin. Ancient Egyptians incorporated performance, dance, and music into their spiritual practices, organizing ceremonies and festivals to celebrate rituals and events. They integrated "religious performance" into their ceremonies, with actors portraying Egyptian Gods. Depictions on temple walls show dancers and singers accompanied by musical instruments, performing rhythmic movements. Over time, this form of dance evolved into what is now known as oriental dance or belly dance, spreading across the Middle East. In the 19th century, it was referred to as "Al-Gawazzee" in Egypt, where groups of men or women travelled to perform dances.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to the history and origins of oriental dance or belly dance in Egypt. Participants will then receive instruction and practice in basic skills, including movements of the belly, torso, hips, and limbs.

Age 12+ | Beginner Friendly

About the Instructor

Hanan Zein Eldin (she/her), an accomplished Egyptian multimedia artist, actor, and filmmaker, boasts over 15 years of expertise in the dynamic realm of art and culture. Her journey began with a dedication to performance and directing studies, both in her native Egypt and the United States. With a distinguished background in theatre, film, and television, Hanan made a compelling directorial debut in 2020 with the thought-provoking short film, “Inhalation,” which tackles the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human lives. Hanan holds two Master of Arts degrees, each a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and exploration. She earned her first MA in Educational Multimedia from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA (2015). Subsequently, she obtained her second MA in Cultural Studies from Queen University, Canada, in 2023.