DC Dance Collective

Karen McLane (Najwah), Middle Eastern Dance teacher, performer, and choreographer, integrates dance forms to create fresh, enchanting choreography. She has the gift of a strong visual imagination combined with the knowledge and experience of the art of traditional Middle Eastern Dance. Her dance company, Ancient Rhythms, in residence at DC Dance Collective, has performed extensively in the Washington, DC area over the past eight years. Notable performances include: DanceDC Festival, Capital Fringe Festival, Taste of Bethesda, Greenberg Theatre; and several of these productions were funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. With her vision, the Ancient Rhythms Dance Company has repeatedly wowed audiences by showcasing the finest distinctive dance vocabulary of both the Occident and the Orient. Visit her website, www.najwah.com, to view photos, video clips, and information on upcoming performances. Najwah is a master teacher who brings her love of dance to the students in her classes. She emphasizes musicality, and has performed with musicians from Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Lebanon, and Tunisia. Her classes are about embodying the music, developing a varied style, employing movement in existence long before Western dance, and emphasizing artistry along with skill and technique.

 

The movements of Middle Eastern Dance are so deeply rich and inherently natural to a woman's body that they can move you to transform and to transcend.

Najwah encourages each of her students to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the joyous and empowering movements of Middle Eastern Belly Dance. Najwah's vivacious and hands-on approach to the dance allows students to feel confident and safe as they move to the rhythmic beats of traditional music. Classes integrate highly original style with the essential movements that make up Middle Eastern dance. The result is a joyful and vigorous work out tailored to a woman's body.

Classes are given in a friendly, softly lit, and relaxing studio. Students range in age from 12 to 65; all levels of dance and body type are encouraged to enroll and "break boundaries". This is a dance gentle to the body yet excellent for muscle tone, stretching, coordination, and aerobics. Numerous anecdotes from students detail a range of health benefits for conditions such as back problems, pms, sciatica, and carpel tunnel syndrome. Classes are uplifting and enjoyable, however, Najwah's background in ballet and modern dance emphasizes "core" dance discipline and carriage. Her forte is nuturing novice students as well as challenging professional level dancers to achieve their highest potential. All members of the professional performance company, The Ancient Rhythms, have evolved from Najwah's classes.