Claire joined Tarab in 2004 and was thrown straight in at the deep end performing with the company at the Edinburgh Fringe. Claire is renowned for her emotive solo performances, born of her love for Egyptian music; whether she is reflecting the intensity of Oum Kalthoum or the laid-back baladi vibe. She is an established performer and teacher in Newcastle and also dances and teaches around the UK.

She has been dancing since 1999 and has recently spent two months living in Egypt training with the top dance teachers and absorbing the Egyptian culture. She is dedicated to raising the level of dance and standard of teaching in the UK; holds a JWAAD teaching Diploma, is an instructor on the JWAAD Foundation course and is the inaugural chair of the JTA, the first professional association of bellydance teachers in the UK.

"Sometimes in life I suddenly stop and remember how lucky I am to be involved in Belly Dance. This always strikes me most when working with Tarab. The opportunity to work in a collaborative fashion with such talented people has and continues to act as huge source of inspiration for me in both dance and day to day life. "