Amel Tafsout

The legendary Amel Tafsout, meaning ‘Hopes of Spring’, is an inspirational first source master dance artist, choreographer, instructor, frame drummer, singer, energy worker and one of the finest exponents of North African traditional and contemporary Maghreb Dance of our time. With a research degree in dance anthropology, and extensive training in various healing practices, Tafsout’s knowledge of her culture and her experience in many dance styles and music make her very unique.

Raised in Algeria among the finest traditional dancers and musicians, Tafsout was fascinated by dance and music since childhood.

In her early twenties, Tafsout moved to Germany where she founded the Pan Arabic dance company Banat As Sahra. In the late 1980s, she moved to London, where she taught and performed at various dance and music festivals and founded The Tafsoutettes Dance Company. While currently living in the U.S.A. she is still performing and teaching worldwide.

Tafsout is like a voyager between countries, culture and languages. Having worked and lived all over the world, unsurprisingly, migration has been a constant theme in her work. Fluent in 5 languages, she is always aware of the impact that cultures have in art and how that can be expressed in dance.

Amel has lectured, danced, taught, sung and conducted anthropological research in many countries. She has been featured in various TV programs in Europe and North Africa. She also published many articles related to dance and Maghreb women in academic and popular magazines. Her research focuses on the Ritual in Maghreb dances as well as looking at dance as a healing form. She explores the rich tapestry of movement and rhythm that has woven over time between Spain and the Maghreb, Africa and the Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea and Europe.

Tafsout developed, reconstructed and stylised the Maghreb dances through her dance experience, her research, her teaching and performances. She had mesmerized audiences around the world with the earthy fluidity of her dance, her stunning stage presence and great spirituality.

Web site:www.ameltafsout.com

Articles on Gilded Serpent by or about Amel Tafsout

5-7-15 The Rainstorm in the Desert! Experience Amel's Authentic Maghreb Dance by Nisreen
The early-bird price of $750 was much friendlier to my wallet than international airfare to the Maghreb would have been!
4-21-14 Colorful Maghreb in Los Angeles, A Celebration of Music and Dance, Report by Heather Shoopman
“Dancing In The Sunset ~ A Celebration of Maghreb Music and Dance” held February 1, 2014 at the Live Arts LA Theater in Los Angeles, California
10-20-13 Entering the Sufi Spiritual World of North Africa, Sufi Brotherhoods and Trance Ceremonies in the Maghreb by Amel Tafsout
...the Maghreb consists of many Sufi-brotherhoods, often recognized and set through their Zawiyas and initiations. Sufis have always worked toward reform through advice and education of the individual and internal purification through providing a model and example of tolerance, solidarity, brotherhood and selflessness removed from anything that would give a bad image of Islam.
9-20-07 The Passage of Time by Amel Tafsout
Her performance brought tears to my eyes; not only was she technically outstanding, but she had a whole persona, stage presence and her aura… no younger dancer could be compared to her. Many times I went to see the show to watch her again and again!
4-17-06 In a New England Snowstorm, Hopes of Spring...Amel Tafsout workshop review by Rachel Scherer
At some point, one collapses into a dream, but this dream world is the most real of realities.
12-12-00 A Metmorphosis Before My Eyes by Sharon/Mahirimah
"I know I never could have danced and studied eight hours a day for 4 days straight without the energy and passion for the dance which surrounded me each day."
10-13-03 The Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino by Yasmela
There is nothing like immersing yourself in study and in the strange and unique culture of the Middle Eastern music and dance “scene”.
12-30-10 Dances of the Mahgreb, Tamazgha, or Berbers, Amel Tafsout in Performance, DVD review by Janine Ryle
I'm glad Amel included her singing and drumming along with her dance performances. Her Berber Chaoui song is especially strong and powerful.