The Tarab Dance Company was formed in 2000 by Kay Taylor and a group of teachers of Middle Eastern dance from the North of England. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength evolving with each new project and expanding its cast to include a host of outstanding dancers from across the UK.

All of the productions are aimed at both Western and Middle Eastern audiences. The Company hope to educate and entertain Western audiences by giving them an insight into the joys of Middle Eastern dance. For Middle Eastern audiences the company aims to celebrate and showcase their culture and music with a truly authentic representation of each dance style presented. The Tarab cast spend time in Egypt and Turkey and have trained and studied extensively with well-respected Middle Eastern dance teachers to ensure their aims are achieved with flourish.

The Company tour their shows in various venues across the UK including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Each show is a collaborative project starting with the whole company contributing to the planning of the theme and the content for the next production. Choreography is undertaken by various members of the cast and each show is a new journey, learning new skills, taking on new challenges and expanding their love, knowledge and expression of the dance.

To date, the Company has toured the following productions:

Strictly Bellydance 2007/2008 - The show gave audiences an insight into each piece by incorporating film footage of rehearsals and personal diaries from all of the dancers. It covered all aspects of Belly Dance from folkloric to cabaret with a stunning array of costumes including one rather unexpected character with four legs!

Radio Tarab 2004/2005 - Based on an Egyptian radio broadcast the show encompassed many different styles and props from all eras of Middle Eastern dance. The company premiered the show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Glamour 2003 - The Company concentrated on the glamour of Middle Eastern dance allowing the dancers to explore an array of props including feather fans, cloaks, feather boas, shamadan (candelabra) and some interesting technical effects to create a stunning show. The show was presented at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Club Tarab 2002 - The show recreated a typical Cairo nightclub with group and solo performances covering all aspects of Egyptian dance and including a wide range of skills including veil, stick, melaya, sword, finger cymbals and even the talents of a dancing horse!

Nightingale of the Nile 2001 - The company celebrated the songs and music of legendary Egyptian singer, Oum Kulthoum, and the show consisted of group dances, duets, solos and vintage video footage of Oum Kulthoum performing.

Lail wa Nejoum (Night of Stars) 2000 - The show included solos, duets and group dances featuring music and styles from Egypt in the 1930/40s, the heyday of Egyptian dance.

For further information on the Tarab Dance Company please contact the Tarab Dance company at tarab@lovedaybellydance.co.uk