Katie Holland
KATIE'S BIOGRAPHY
Nameste!
Dancing from the age of three and having studied Ballet, Tap, Modern, African, Samba, Bollywood, Classical Indian, Sacred Nepalese, Tribal Fusion, Egyptian Bellydance and Martial Arts. Katie's love of, dedication and commitment to her dance shines through and is evident to all who see. Combining traditional dance techniques with her own unique interpretations - fusing herself to an ancient culture whilst dancing forth into the new. Katie enthuses and inspires this magical energy to all she meets.
On her quest for deeper understanding and precision of movement Katie constantly pushes herself into the unknown and onto higher levels, keen to share her knowledge and expertise on her journey. This includes studying to be a Usui and Tera-Mai Seichem Reiki Master and massage therapist in 2001 and being one of just twenty to study on an advanced dance training course with Hossam and Serena Ramzy. She is also working closely with Simon Webster (drummer with Abdullah Chhadeh and Natacha Atlas) and a teaching dvd is expected in the near future.
Rated as one of the best foreign performers in India Katie is in high demand as a teacher and performer for all kinds of events. To date she has performed with Hossam and Serena Ramzy and their Egyptian Ensemble at Planet Egypt, The Bloomsbury Theatre and Bath Middle Eastern festival, with Amani of Lebanon, Simon Webster, Digital Samsara, Kundalini Airport plus many more including top Hindi musician, the Goa Film Festival, with Graeme of UB40, Futji-Afro/German band, at the infamous Titos, Mambos and Ingos Saturday Night Market, The Royal Kolkutta Golf Club and countless 5 and 7* hotels in India.
Of the many corporate shows Katie has performed at some include: Dainik Jagran, Fun Holidays, Canara HSBC, Sanghi Industries, the launch of Hero Honda, Google India, Sony, Moet Chandon, Allied Domecq, Reliance, Airtel, Maruti, HP Printers, Dehradoon Private School, The Super Marketing Company.
Also performing for Saqarah, Planet Egypt, Majma, Mehifsa, Gaunts House Festival, the Goddess Show South, Maria D'Silvas Midlands Extravaganza, Planet Angel, Bingley Bongley, Day of the Dead, Goddess Festival Camp, charity events, Sally Gunnells birthday, fashion shows, product launches, films, prestigious weddings and events for delegates, government ministers and wedding parties from all over Asia, West Indies and the Middle East.
Katie has been filmed and interviewed many times for National and local Indian television including live and exclusive at the Goa Film Festival 2008. Katie can be found in Lonely Planet: India and Goa. She has also featured in The Delhi Telegraph, The Daily Jagran, Seeall Goa, UK Bellydance Magazine Mosaic, Society Mirror, Kathmandu, Jagran Times, Worthing Plus magazine, The Mother Magazine, The Times of India and the highly acclaimed dvd by Digital Samsara.
The well known Northern Poet John Barton Watson has written and dedicated a poem to Katie titled 'Katie Bonny Katie' featuring it in his best selling first book of poetry (see articles page).
Currently having the time of her life living between the UK and Goa, performing, teaching classes, workshops and organising dance and Tai Chi holidays whilst continuing her study of dance and life across India and Nepal with her Tai Chi Instructor/stuntman husband Glen and two lovely children - Xavier and Tai Willow.
Katie is available for film and/or group choreography. Teaching all aspects of Egyptian dance specialising and incorporating understanding of rhythms, interpreting the music, choreography, props, teacher training and performance, fusion (mix of African, Bollywood, Samba, Flamenco, Nepalese, martial arts), Sacred Nepalese Buddhist Dance.
Encouraging dancers to achieve their highest potential without compromising the quality or interpretation of the dance. Katies methods of teaching and performing have evolved to an inspirational level and quality over the years. Her respect and thanks to her family, teachers, peers and students who have influenced, inspired, supported and encouraged her: including Sylvia Canetti, Anji Jackson-Main, Maggie Caffrey, Eleanor Keen, Niina Martin, Uppa, Leila Haddad, Hossam and Serena Ramzy.
Working from the philosophy that all you have experienced in this life good or bad is what has brought you to the place you are now. Whatever you take from these experiences and the dance, pass it on, use it within your dance and let it develop from there.
Shanti, Shanti........
NEW, NEW, NEW!!
Katie has been invited to teach at the prestigious Saroj Khan Academy and Arts in Motion Studio, Mumbai. Professional courses for all levels will commence from May 2009.
DANCE TROUPE INDIA!!
If you are a professional dancer with lots of performance experience, can learn choreography quickly, have a strong background in Bellydance and preferably other dance styles/fire poi etc, would like to work in a troupe and live in India for 6 months or more from October 2009 email your profile,, video clips and photos for more information. Only genuine, team working capable dancers need apply!
Katie is also founder and organiser of the UK festival Bodies and Beats World Music and Dance events featuring the best teachers and performers from around the globe. Coming soon to India!!
New career opportunities in Martial Arts. Learn the Art of Tai Chi with Master Instructor and four times British Champion Glen Pelham-Mather.
Join our Facebook Group 'TAI CHI AND BELLYDANCE RETREATS'
Katie performing her funky veil dance at Planet Egypt, Darbuka club, London. Stunning photos courtesy of Anne White and Derek Lee.