photographs by Andy McCreeth

One of the UK's top Arabic dancers and an outstanding performer, Karine Butchart has taught Arabic dance through out the UK and abroad for many years. As well as countless appearances on TV she has performed at the Glastonbury Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. Karine collaborated with Jane Flood, storyteller, to create "The Choice", a magical and thought-provoking show that incorporated dynamic dance together with Sufi poetry as part of a rich and ancient story. She has also performed with Ali Slimani, El Andalus and the Baghdaddies. For several years she was a Dance Advisor for the committee for Majma - an international dance festival held in the UK each year.  She is part of Nurabia – a community dance group which seeks to support disadvantaged women in their dance.

She is known for her sensitivity, her wildness and her total passion for dance. Her teaching is accessible and playful and she brings a commitment to celebrating all. She works with musicians to create lively workshops and teaches popular choreographies as well as exploring dance on a deeper level.

Karine collaborates with other dancers and storytellers creating work for theatres and festivals. She brings an inclusive quality to her work and enables her students to perform at local events, as well as training dancers to professional level.