Sheikhat, the professional dancers of Morocco
Sheikhat is the female plural of Sheikh, meaning "wise, learned man". However, in this case it is not academic knowledge, but rather knowledge of the relationship between men and women, especially the duties of the wedding night, which is inferred. The Sheikhat are the professional female singers and dancers of Morocco. They entertain the guests at weddings, circumcisions and other festive occasions. An especially exciting dance is Danse du Plateau, famous throughout Morocco, in which the dancer balances a tray with tea pot, tea glasses full of tea and lighted candles on her head. Helene has organized dance and cultural study seminars in Morocco for over eight years and has had ample opportunity to study the various dance traditions in Marrakesh.