Ep 357. Yaël Zarca: How to Teach Students to Listen, Feel and Dance, Not Just Copy
Yaël Zarca is an internationally recognized Oriental dance artist and one of the leading figures of Egyptian dance in France. She discovered Oriental dance in 1999 and has since built a remarkable career spanning Parisian studios, major international stages, television appearances, instructional DVDs, and creative projects within the dance world. Known for her expressive, elegant style, Yaël blends deep Egyptian tradition with modern sensibility, placing strong emphasis on musicality, emotional interpretation, and impeccable technique. An outstanding pedagogue, she teaches Sharqi, Baladi, and Egyptian folklores in Paris, across France, and worldwide, sharing a dance rooted in feeling, culture, and transmission. Her professionalism, artistic integrity, and commitment to teaching have made her a respected and influential voice in the global Oriental dance community.
In this episode you will learn about:
How motherhood reshaped her priorities, dance practice, and definition of success
Why improvisation is essential—and how to teach it without terrifying students
How feeling good as a woman is essential to becoming a better mother - and its relationship with dance
Why Egyptian style is now labeled “old school” in global dance scenes
Yael’s decision to charge her students only on an annual basis—and how such commitment changes everything
Show Notes to this episode:
Find Yaël Zarca on Instagram, FB, YouTube and website.
Previous interview with Yael Zarca:
Ep 162. Yaël Zarca: Spreading Light and Positivity
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