~*~ Jatila ~*~


~*~ Balkan ~*~ Middle Eastern ~*~ Interpretive Dance ~*~
Performance ~ Instruction ~ Choreography



Choreographies Photo Gallery Dance Bio Contact Information

Jatila is an Ethnic Dancer and Choreographer living and working in Santa Barbara, California. Formerly a principal dancer with the Middle East Ensemble of the University of California at Santa Barbara from 2001 through 2008, she now serves the Ensemble as folkloric choreographer and occasional guest artist. See Jatila with the UCSB Middle East Ensemble on Youtube .

In 2008 Jatila founded Ensemble Dzhamala!, dedicated to presenting authentic dance from the Balkans, Middle East, and former Ottoman Empire, while exploring the fusion of Ethnic styles with contemporary and interpretive dance.

Dzhamala! Ensemble takes its name from the Turkish/Macedonian term meaning 'big party' or 'celebration,' a name that was suggested by Maestro Goran Alacki and Adrijana Alacka of Macedonia as a fitting name for an ensemble of dancers and musicians who celebrate and perform the joyous folklore of the Balkans.

Dzhamala! Ensemble is always looking for new members! Contact jatila "at" jatiladance.com if you are a dancer who is interested in a fun, challenging, exciting opportunity to perform in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural setting.

By day, Jatila works at the University of California Santa Barbara as a Visiting Research Scientist and Lecturer in the College of Creative Studies. Visit Jatila's Physics Website at UCSB

Email : jatila@jatiladance.com

For class information,
or to hire Jatila to perform at your party or corporate event,
please call 805-403-7935.


Concert and Dance Party with Chris Bajmakovich and Friends at Muddy Waters (508 Haley St., Santa Barbara) on Saturday, May 5th, 8 PM.
$10 (cash) at the door.
Dance workshop at 7:45! Click HERE for the flyer.

NEW! Contra dance skills workshop starting March 11th
Flyer: Click here


This page Copyright by Dr. Jatila van der Veen , 2011. Website maintained by Dr. Jatila van der Veen. All rights reserved.