Jacqueline has won national and international acclaim as a quintessential English dancer who is able to perform and choreograph with authenticity and genuine feeling for this Middle Eastern art-form.
Jacqueline has danced in London, Egypt, Paris and New York. Arab royalty, celebrities, the rich and famous have been amongst her audiences at London venues such as The Dorchester, Cafe Royal, The Reform Club and many other top establishments. She has worked with Ronnie Corbett, Nigel Kennedy, Ernie Wise, Boy George, Green Goddess & Dr Miriam Stoppard to name a few.
Her research of this skilled art-form makes her a favourite of the media. She has had countless TV and radio appearances and magazine and newspaper articles. Her personal accolade is to have been compared with Samia Gamal by Arabic media, a legendary film star in Egypt in the 1950's.
Jacqueline’s aim is to enlighten, inform and correct unhelpful myths regarding this liberating form of Middle Eastern dance. As a Raqs Orientale dancer, Jacqueline's passionate advocacy has led the profession between classical and cabaret Middle Eastern dance, sweeping aside the corrupt form, often called 'Belly Dance'.
This much-maligned art-form has, for too long been danced for the titillation of men in the Western World. Her performances elevate this dance far above the levels we have become accustomed to.
A ten year nursing career as an RGN with obstetric training was abandoned so that Jacqueline could turn professional in 1980. Her nursing skills and knowledge of the human body are invaluable in helping all, with or without medical problems to benefit from learning this ancient art-form.
Jacqueline leads regular classes and workshops at various venues and gives lecture and demonstration evenings, as well as performing solo cabaret.
Belly Babies ante-natal class is her own innovation using obstetric training and Middle Eastern traditions.
Her diverse background of ballet, acting and nursing provides the experience. Her personality and her love for Middle Eastern dance make her the true professional that she is well known as.
SUNDAY EXPRESS: "The best classes in town".
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: "She is the doyenne of British belly dancing".
MARYLEBONE MERCURY: "Jacqueline Chapman is to classical Belly Dancing what Egon Ronay is to food"
