LIVE!! Egyptian Dance comes to the Stow....

1. Please tell us about the work you will be showing in the 2012 E17 Art Trail

I will be exhibiting a beautiful selection of both modern and traditional Egyptian dance costumes. The hand beading and craftwork that goes into each and every one is something to admire.  I hope it will open people's eyes to the beautiful craftsmanship of Egyptians, as the dance costumes themselves are pieces of art.

Also everyday of the exhibition, at 4pm, I myself and a selection of my close friends and colleagues will be doing LIVE PERFORMANCES: Showing you the mesmerising art of Egyptian and Middle Eastern dance. It gives you the chance to see the amazing costumes being used as they were meant to be: To perform!

2. Is this your first time in the Trail or are you an E17 Art Trail veteran?

Yes and though nervous about the question of whether people will come to my house– I am exceptionally excited and enthusiastic at welcoming people into my home.

3. What are the challenges of getting everything ready for your Art Trail event?

I have been contacting all of my amazing friends requesting they perform at the event. As you can imagine this has been a massive task. To ask professional dancers to come and perform at my home, for free, where I have no clue as to whom and if people will come has been daunting. However the response from them has been overwhelmingly positive. They all want to share with the people of Walthamstow the joys and true form of Egyptian and Middle Eastern dance

4. Do you remember the first artist that really influenced you? Does that artist’s influence still have an impact on your work?

My first influences were my Aunts dancing at parties and events in the houses and streets of Cairo, Egypt. Are they artists? All I know is they dance as though it is something that runs through them. It is in their blood. The pure natural beauty of it, is something I strive for in my own dance ‘til this day.

A famous Egyptian dancer Sohair Zaki once said: "I need dance, as anyone needs air to breathe"     

5. The E17 Art trail has become bigger every year. Do you think it is because more artists are calling it home?

I think they have always called it home just now they want to tell the world it is and share its greatness!

6. What has E17 bestowed on you?

Less ignorance. Though I know I am still ignorant about many things in this world, Walthamstow has opened up my eyes to so much! I have lived her all my life and as a result seen and met so many amazing people from every corner of the world. I have learnt about so many religions, traditions, foods, music and more.  Walthamstow is a beautiful example of exciting multi-cultured Britain.