Katayoun
~Master Instructor~

Dancer since 1988
Professional Performer since 1998

View Katayoun Hutson's profile

Katayoun is first and foremost a teacher and mentor. Dance is her passion and the vehicle with which she helps her students achieve their goals and enrich their lives through the expression of music and movement.

She is an experienced instructor and seasoned performer of Middle Eastern dance with the sought-after qualities of creative artistry and cultural integrity which she weaves seamlessly into her professional standards and teaching ethics.  Although she has studied a number of dance styles including Modern, Ballet, and American Tribal Belly Dance, her expertise and current focus is Egyptian Oriental and folkloric dance, and the Persian dances of her Iranian heritage.

Engaging students at every level, Katayoun’s teaching style is fun yet disciplined, making her classes educational and inspiring.  A respected member of the Middle Eastern dance community, she is well-known for her authentic and inspiring performances and captivating stage presence. Her expressive dance style is often described as elegant and earthy, powerful yet subtle with perfect musicality and interpretation.

An entrepreneur and community leader, she is co-founder of Tiraz Dance Network, A Middle Eastern Dance Collaborative, founded by dancers committed to sharing their passion for Middle Eastern Dance through organizing workshops, social events, performance opportunities and resources for the communities of Northern Virginia.

Between 2001 and 2005 in her role as an event producer, she initiated and coordinated several benefit events which raised over $10,000 for charities, including the high profile campaign, Dance from the Heart for Oxfam’s Tsunami Relief Fund.

In addition, she began a Mentoring Program for dance instructors based on her expertise as a former classroom teacher to encourage teaching standards and breadth of knowledge within the Middle Eastern Dance community. Katayoun's newest and most enterprising endeavor is the founding of Mosaïque Language & Cultural Arts, the culmination of her experience as an educator in the classroom, language enthusiast, professional performer, and a mom.

Katayoun began dancing professionally in 1998 in Northwest Florida, where she formed her first performance troupe, Mystic Mirage, comprised of her most dedicated students. Upon relocating to Northern Virginia in 2000, she began a successful full-time career as an elementary school French teacher at a prestigious private school while maintaining a schedule of dance training, teaching and performing.

From 2001 – 2005 her former student ensemble, Desert Doves, performed Egyptian folklore, Oriental and Persian dance throughout the Northern Virginia area. Most recently, Katayoun helped form the professional performance group, Troupe Eshveh, northern Virginia's premiere folklore Middle Eastern dance ensemble.

Katayoun performs for exclusive events and select audiences as a soloist and with Troupe Eshveh. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband of sixteen years and two children.

Katayoun is available to speak and perform at your school or organization's events.
Learn more about Katayoun's background and her Presentations.