Hilal Dance

Founder Suraya Hilal’s creative and theatrical work has brought a new dance and music culture into view in the contemporary world. Today, the totality of her creative work, choreography and teaching is called Hilal Dance.

A contemporary artform

Hilal Dance is a contemporary form, encompassing holistic, breath-based body training and a system of movement concepts which allow full exploration of a wide range of expression through music and rhythm.

• Hilal Dance is grounded, energetic and expansive.
• Working from a centred body, it expresses both fluidity and strong rhythm.
• The movements and training are led by powerful concepts which embody Eastern wisdom and knowledge inherent in Eastern cultures; from India, Persia, Turkey, to Egypt and its rich dance heritage including its Sufi tradition.

Arabic/Egyptian roots

The dance itself is specifically related to the aesthetic which underlies Arab/Egyptian art. This is reflected in the dramatic use of

• repetition and improvisation
• the clear geometry of line
• the importance of intricate movements which can expand outwards into space
• the emphasis on line, both rhythmic and lyrical
• intricate details which make up the whole in a language which is both abstract and emotional.

The outstanding achievement of Hilal Dance is that it brings into view for the first time in the contemporary world a culturally based, progressive and universal form.