Since 2006 Ellie and Diane have worked to promote Raqs Sharqi in the Dorset area. Together they have produced 3 major fundraising productions, taking responsibility for choreography, costumes, promotion and production. They have taken lead roles in all these shows as well as inviting guest dancers to perform with them. Their parties and workshops draw large numbers of local dancers, from all different styles of Middle Eastern Dance. They are also often invited to appear at events and performances, organised by teachers of other styles, which continues to promote Raqs Sharqi to new audiences as well as fostering good relations with other dance professionals. During their work together, Ellie and Diane have taken responsibility for all the creative and organisational work, learning enormously together whilst remaining firm friends. They enjoy creating events, because it gives enormous satisfaction to put their creative ideas into reality and working together is incredibly rewarding.
Diane Petty
Diane has been studying Egyptian dance since 1994. She started by enrolling on a 'Bellydance' night school here in Weymouth and found she really enjoyed both the music and dance. It was here she met Margaret Marsh, who introduced her to the more earthy and grounded form of Raqs Sharqi. Diane, encouraged by Margaret, then went to workshops with teachers of the Raqs Sharqi Society and it's predecessor The Hilal School of Raqs Sharqi.
Diane has visited Egypt several times and loves both the culture and music, also taking the opportunity to have lessons with well-known Cairo dancers. In 2002 Diane joined Tamarisk (Aliya Burch's dance company) and performed in the show 'Dances of the Nile' both in 2002 and 2003.
Diane has performed numerous charity events throughout the years, which has sometimes included teaching a short workshop. Recently Diane has been creating choreographies and enjoying performing them with Kim.
Diane has visited Egypt several times and loves both the culture and music, also taking the opportunity to have lessons with well-known Cairo dancers. In 2002 Diane joined Tamarisk (Aliya Burch's dance company) and performed in the show 'Dances of the Nile' both in 2002 and 2003.
Diane has performed numerous charity events throughout the years, which has sometimes included teaching a short workshop. Recently Diane has been creating choreographies and enjoying performing them with Kim.
Ellie Marriott
Ellie has been dancing since 1999 and has studied the dance with respected teachers of many different styles.
Collaboration and study with teachers and musicians in both Europe and Egypt has informed her dance as well as giving her cultural insights. She enjoys visiting Egypt, learning more about the country and culture with each visit. Ellie began perfoming with her first teacher Aliya, culminating in 'Dances of the Nile 2002/2003'. She has
also appeared in the Raqs Sharqi Society Showcases 2003 and 2008. She then went on to work with Diane Petty, as 'Raqs Sharqi Dorset' on a number of fundraising performance events (see our past performances). Ellie also produced and appeared in Béatrice Grognard's 'Dream of an Egyptian Night' theatrical show when it came to the UK for two dates in 2011. Ellie has taught Egyptian Dance for Dorset Adult Education and as an independent teacher of weekly classes and regular workshops.
In 2012 Ellie took a break from dancing as she was studying for a post graduate qualification and was also busy getting married and starting a family. She is now back dancing and her most recent performances have been in association with Guy Schalom.
Currently, Ellie is renewing her love of the dance and researching other movement forms such as contact improvisation and yoga. In her dance, Ellie’s interests are how to unite contemporary and traditional forms, and she enjoys experimenting with dance. She is also interested in the mind-body connection, and how this affects our lives and our dance.
Collaboration and study with teachers and musicians in both Europe and Egypt has informed her dance as well as giving her cultural insights. She enjoys visiting Egypt, learning more about the country and culture with each visit. Ellie began perfoming with her first teacher Aliya, culminating in 'Dances of the Nile 2002/2003'. She has
also appeared in the Raqs Sharqi Society Showcases 2003 and 2008. She then went on to work with Diane Petty, as 'Raqs Sharqi Dorset' on a number of fundraising performance events (see our past performances). Ellie also produced and appeared in Béatrice Grognard's 'Dream of an Egyptian Night' theatrical show when it came to the UK for two dates in 2011. Ellie has taught Egyptian Dance for Dorset Adult Education and as an independent teacher of weekly classes and regular workshops.
In 2012 Ellie took a break from dancing as she was studying for a post graduate qualification and was also busy getting married and starting a family. She is now back dancing and her most recent performances have been in association with Guy Schalom.
Currently, Ellie is renewing her love of the dance and researching other movement forms such as contact improvisation and yoga. In her dance, Ellie’s interests are how to unite contemporary and traditional forms, and she enjoys experimenting with dance. She is also interested in the mind-body connection, and how this affects our lives and our dance.
