Amel Tafsout shares her journey from Algeria to international stages, detailing her experiences as a North African dancer, musician, and singer. She reflects on overcoming challenges, such as cultural misunderstandings and personal setbacks, while emphasizing the transformative power of live music and dance. Amel also discusses the importance of authenticity and resilience in her career, offering valuable insights for dancers navigating their own artistic paths.
About Amel Tafsout
Amel Tafsout, was fascinated by traditional dancers and musicians in her culture since childhood. Her curiosity is still prominent today as she is always expanding her knowledge and sharing it with others. Amel wears many hats, she is a sociolinguist with anthropologist research, a scholar, language instructor, frame drummer, poet, published author, an energy worker, an activist and a humanist.
Tafsout has dedicated her life to raise awareness and knowledge about her dance culture and to facilitate a dialogue between Arab-North African and Western women. The new North African dancers look up to her.
Amel is fluent in five languages and has traveled, performed, lectured, researched, and taught in several different countries. She has been featured in various TV programs in Europe and North Africa. She has also published many articles related to dance and Maghreb women in academic and popular magazines.
The knowledge, wisdom, and care she shares is something that people from all over the world gravitate towards. When learning from Amel or watching her perform not only does she take you on a cultural journey, but also on a spiritual journey.
In June 2018, Inanna Iraqi Dance Festival in Estonia gave Amel an Award of acknowledgment and appreciation for her longstanding contributions in Arabic dance and its heritage.
July 2024 Amel was selected to perform at the Ten Tiny Dancers show in Beaverton, OR.
“Amel Tafsout’s dance transcends entertainment; it is a spiritual, magnetic experience. When Amel dances, she is both real and other-worldly. The audience becomes a witness or chorus to the dance. It feels the energy she sends out, a message of oneness, wholeness, and love.” Kree Arvanitas
What is Backstage Bellydance?
Backstage Bellydance is a podcast interviewing gigging bellydancers from different decades. Join Athena and assorted legends as we explore the bellydance music, audience, costuming, and movements of a particular time and place. From Boston in the 60’s to Dallas in the 90’s, we'll dive into the rich history of American bellydance, exploring various eras and the profound impact these dance legends have had on our community.
Share this post