About Johara Dance
Johara Dance is a company whose shows blend Arabic Belly Dance with a rich mix of African Dance, Flamenco, Tango, Bollywood, Gypsy, Burlesque and much more.
Johara's new show, 'Hoochie Coochie Girls - Strangers, Tribes and Vagabonds' throws the spotlight on the lives of those who do not conform and are so often under-represented, ignored or shunned. Johara Dance Company celebrates this diversity in the company itself.
Johara is a professional dance company made up of 15 women who do not fit the model of the stereotypical dancer. The age range of the dancers spans four decades and they come from different ethnic groups and from varying dance backgrounds. They are 'real' women with real bodies, who bring to the dance a wealth of life experience. Some members have overcome debilitating ilnesses including arthritis, asthma and cancer. Audiences who came to Johara's previous show, 'Elemental', often commented how inspiring it was to see women with whom they could identify.
All company members have an in-depth training in Middle Eastern dance styles and they also bring to the company individual knowledge of Spanish, African, Indian, Latin and Gypsy dance. Johara's repertoire ranges from the highly dramatic to witty and light-hearted.
Josephine Wise
Josephine Wise is one of the world's top exponents of Egyptian dance. Her style is known for its authenticity and deep expression. Josephine has danced and taught extensively throughout the UK, Europe, Egypt and the Middle East. She has toured the UK with her dance company, Masriat, and has choreographed works for the theatre and opera in England and France. As a teacher Josephine is in huge demand for her high technical standards and knowledge of musical interpretation.
