Raqia Hassan

"Your arms, YOUR ARMS! Look at my arms when I turn!". Raqia lets out a sigh and demonstrates perfect arms for the millionth time. I look like an injured seagull compared to her effortless elegance. Even Raqia's chihuahua, Chocolatta, seems to look at me disapprovingly. "Yalla, you practise this and when I come back I must fix your arms of course!"
I turn and I turn, trying to control my bloody arms. After 10 minutes, the blue dinosaur sitting on a shelf has become 50 blurry blue dinosaurs and I am ready to throw up any minute. Yes, I am definitely back at Raqia's for the I-don't-know-which time. And whoever advertising for dance "holidays" in Egypt is a LIAR.

Since one of my teachers in Norway, the fantastic Hilde Lund (www.magedans.no), is Raqia-trained through and through, Raqia Hassan was a natural teacher-choice for me when I came here the first time. And considering the impact she has had on Egyptian style, she should be for everyone!
I already know most of her typical steps from Hilde, but Raqia has an unique ability to put basic steps together in combinations I would never have thought of, thus making them look new. She interprets the music in a very interesting way. However, what I love her most for, is her legwork. She has so many fancy arabesques and kicks and she does the most delicious hipwork.
She is very warm and generous, but strict. She won't tell you it's good unless she means it, so when you DO get a compliment from her, it really makes your day!

And while we're on the subject, I got her newest technique video (vol 9) the other day, and I llloved it. Raqia does some great technique sections, including one on the Egyptian shimmy. My highlight is Katia from Russia performing her own choreo. She is just getting better and better, I think I'm falling in love with her! I adore her interpretation of the music. And her costume is to die for, with little silver butterflies. Must. Have.It!