Juliana Brustik

Juliana is based in London and has been working as a performer and teacher specializing in Egyptian dance since 1985. Juliana originally trained with Suraya Hilal and was one of the senior teachers and performers for the Hilal School of Raqs Sharqi for many years. Juliana also gained a BA in Dance and Art at Middlesex University and is a member of the Raqs Sharqi Society.

Performance

Juliana has performed as a soloist and company dancer and performed in small intimate venues and on large stages. Juliana has directed many shows in Britain and abroad and often works with groups of experienced dancers, creating pieces for them that combine the traditional language of Egyptian dance with western concepts of choreography. Her work also takes her cross discipline; for example exploring together with Amina Khayam the connections between Kathak and Egyptian dance in the multimedia production Amad for the Croydon DestinAsian festival in 03.

Teaching

Juliana Brustik’s unique and creative teaching style is informed by her knowledge of a wide range of body disciplines, including contemporary dance, Contact improvisation, Pilates and theatrical voice and bodywork.

She believes that developing students body awareness is an essential part of helping them to master the dance and find their own authentic expression.

Inspiration

As a dancer Juliana Brustik takes her inspiration from many Egyptian dancers past and present: Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Suheir Zaki, Fifi Abdou, the Ghawazee dancers of the Maazin family as well as modern day dancers. Studying the individual qualities and style of each dancer as well as finding the essence that unites them enriches her own development in the dance. Juliana also explores the dance regularly with other professional dancers and renowned Arab musicians.