Janine Ryle

The first Middle Eastern dancer I ever met was my parents' Moroccan friend Merecedes. I was 13 years old, and absolutely in awe of, and not just a little intimidated by, her exotic looks and amazing posture!

I began studying Middle Eastern Dance in 1981 in Los Angeles at the local YMCA, and my teacher was a member of Aisha Ali's troupe, Francy Lingle. When Francy no longer had a space to teach, I searched and searched for another teacher, but never "connected" with any. It seemed like every one I ran across taught the dance like a "bump-and-grind," and that was not for me. After relocating to San Francisco, I was lucky enough to find Magaña Baptiste in 1994. She reawakened my love for this dance, and I've been studying with her ever since. I also study with two incredible teachers, John Compton and Rita Alderucci of the Hahbi 'Ru Dance Ensemble. I've been a student since their very first class in April of 1998, and their style has had a tremendous influence on my dancing. In addition, I attend the weeklong Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp every August in Mendocino with my husband, Eliott, a very talented drummer.

Currently, I perform with and am the assistant director of the Middle Eastern music and dance company, Aladdin's Lads and Lasses. The troupe consists of both dancers and musicians (my husband drums with us), and we perform to our own live music, including bagpipes! We are always open to new dancers and musicians, so if this sounds intriguing, please see the contact information below. I also perform with other students of Hahbi 'Ru in select student dances in their repetoire.

I am certified in the Baptiste Method of Middle Eastern Dance, and I teach beginning and intermediate classes in San Francisco. With Salah Takesh, I co-produce and am the dance coordinator for the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Jams, which take place about three to four times per year in Marin. These jams are a real showcase for the incredible professional talent we have right here in the Bay Area! Please contact me for more information or to be added to the mailing list. We'll notify you of the next one!

In November of 1999, my dance life came full circle. I danced for Mercedes' daughter's henna party before the wedding. I didn't do much of a solo, because once the music started, all the Moroccans jumped up and started dancing! It was great fun, and a very fulfilling moment.

Contact Information:

• Dance classes and Middle Eastern Music and Dance Jams:
  Janine (415) 864-5368 or e-mail javaj9@pacbell.net
• Aladdin's Lads and Lasses bookings/auditions:
  Janine (415) 864-5368; Gayle (510) 471-3624