From NW Michigan, Lisa has been student of Arab dance for over 20 years. She now focuses on Egyptian dance styles, and has developed into a performer, instructor, choreographer, and artistic director.

“Let go of what is left or right, and lead with your heart.”

That is Lisa’s approach Arab dance. Her love story with the dance began in 2000 at Footworks Dance Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, with American Cabaret/Fusion technique. Unfulfilled by the rules of Western styling, she slowly shifted to Egyptian-style Raqs Sharqi and Folkloric. In 2011 she began to study exclusively with Egyptian style artists and credits her experiences with source dancers for generously giving her the tools to make the connection between mind, body, soul, and music.

Since 2018, she has been living part-time in Egypt. Lisa has immersed herself in Egyptian customs and culture, living with the locals in Cairo, Egypt, taking in the language, the music, the rhythm, and improvisational way of life. Her daily experiences show up in her dancing, from unpredictability, to connecting with the audience and music.

In appreciation for all Arab dance has given her, Lisa volunteers to feed, vaccinate, spay/neuter, rescue, and secure medical treatment for Egyptian street dogs and cats. You can follow her adventures abroad on TikTok @an_American_in_Egypt.


©Lisa Bullis-Dennen, 2024