Joette Sawall, belly dancer, belly dance instructor, dance troupe, West Michigan School of dance, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

Joette Sawall, the artistic director of the West Michigan School of Middle Eastern Dance LLC, has studied extensively with famous Egyptian dancers and choreographers since the early 1990s, focusing her dance study and performance on the Egyptian Raks Sharqi along with Middle Eastern folkloric dance from all regions of the Middle East.

Her dance studies began as a young child in ballet and jazz, leading to competitive dance as a teenager, where she gained valuable stage experience. Along with founding the West Michigan School of Middle Eastern Dance LLC, Joette is also a principal dancer in the Mirana Middle Eastern Dance Company located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mirana Middle Eastern Dance Company has had the opportunity to perform for heads of state, for the former Governor Bill Clinton, as well as at democratic conventions. The Mirana Middle Eastern Dance Company is currently with the Arkansas Arts On Tour, performing and lecturing throughout the southern United States at major universities and art centers.

Joette ever so diligently continues to study this beautiful art form. In her most recent trip to Egypt in June 2006, she completed a certification for professionals and instructors with legendry choreographers Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, focusing on the "Dance of Egypt." The certification was only open to 10 professionals worldwide and each participate was hand picked by Farida Fahmy. The comprehensive 7 day, over 30 hours in the classroom, certification not only focused on dance but also anthropology, sociology, Arabic music, and costume design. Other instructors include: ever so knowledgeable Shariha Mehrez; the most talented composer of our times, Maher Kamel; and the most popular designer for the stars, Sahar Okasha.

Joette has earned an international reputation as an Oriental dance teacher, performer, sponsor and director. Her eclectic style and grace, balanced with her in depth knowledge of Egyptian folkloric dance makes her one of the most sought after Oriental dancers in the Midwest. Ever conscious of the need to grow as an artist, she continually research's and seeks master artists such as Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy.

Joette has had years of improvisational performance experience in cabarets (private or public performances), on theatre stages as a guest artist, and as a featured dancer in gala shows at major universities and other facilities. Her commitment to this art form is truly a labor of love with all the volunteer and charity events that she donates her skill and knowledge. In conjunction with her performance ability she is a popular teacher both for her technique and her approachable manner. She truly engages the student and motivates them to appreciate this beautiful art form, while becoming aware of their own body image. She is striving to educate the general public and is encouraging women of all ages to appreciate this ancient, women's dance of celebration and life.

Joette Sawall. West Michigan School of Middle Eastern Dance, LLC in Kalamazoo,Michigan.


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