The Arab British Centre

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Bellydancing: Theory and Practice

This ‘Decolonising Bellydance’ educational course is aimed at those who want to learn ‘bellydance’ beyond its bodily movement. It will look into the dance as a cultural celebration addressing its historical journey, its travel to the west and its development to the different styles we see today. It will tackle the myths that surround it, the problematic terminology and the stereotypes associated with it through the theories of Orientalism, Male & Colonial Gaze and Feminism. The practical side of the course will teach the foundational moves of the dance in its modern shape with awareness spotlighting the Egyptian moves, offering space for learning, improvisation and joy through dancing to music from the SWANA region. This course is inclusive and welcomes all those who wish to embark on the journey of bellydance with an open mind and heart. Adult participants are welcome from any age, gender, size or other backgrounds.

CourseBy The Arab British Centre

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Manuscript Kufic Calligraphy

Immerse yourself in Manuscript Kufic, an early style of Arabic calligraphy that flourished during the Abbasid “golden age”. This course is based on the finest example of this architectural and spacious Qur’anic script which fell out of use almost a millenium ago. Under Joumana Medlej’s guidance you will learn to use the pen and gallnut ink associated with this style. The course then covers the complete script grammar, starting with each letter individually before showing how how they combine together. You'll practice with short sentences before designing and writing a short finished piece of your own, complete with red vowel marks and golden punctuation. The course will leave you equipped to continue practicing in the historical tradition, or to explore in more personal directions. All materials are provided, and you can take your pen and ink home in the end.

CourseBy The Arab British Centre

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Tatreez: Palestinian Embrodiery

This course explores Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) as a living cultural practice, a visual language, and a form of ontological and feminist resistance. Moving beyond craft-based readings, the course situates tatreez within broader historical, political, and decolonial frameworks, examining how stitched motifs encode memory, identity, gendered labour, and survival under conditions of displacement and colonial violence. Drawing on art history, visual culture, feminist theory, and contemporary artistic practice, the course traces tatreez from its historical and pre-colonial roots through to its re-emergence in nationalist narratives, women’s resistance movements, and contemporary Palestinian art. Particular attention is given to how women artists reinterpret embroidery today, shifting it from intangible heritage into a critical feminist praxis.

CourseBy The Arab British Centre

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