Thanks from Fiora

Fiora sends this message:

"A huge thank you to everyone who attended my first hafla Beltane Bellydance Bash last Friday in Abertillery!

"Also, special thanks to all the performers for their fabulous dancing!! The event was recorded and the video has being sent for editing.

"I will keep you informed when it's ready!!!!!"

"Many thanks, Fiora."

See www.oriental-fusion.net for more about Fiora's work.

Ozgen in Baglan reviewed

Safeena sent this review of Ozgen's recent visit to Baglan:

"Congratulations and very many thanks to Alison Dugmore and the Suhayla group, Bev, Jan and Ray, who were involved in organising Ozgen’s weekend of workshops last weekend and the wonderful hafla on the Saturday night..

"The venue was brilliant, the food was marvellous and the whole evening was really enjoyable.

"Because I have assisted Ozgen with these workshops in the past, I did not attend the workshops this time, but turned up at 4pm to set up the Bazaar. Everyone was buzzing following the workshops despite the heat and the hard work, and the atmosphere was so positive I knew we were in for a good night.

"There were about 14 performances and Ali had me opening the show which was great for me, I could then relax and watch the other performances.

"The beginners and improvers group dances were great with ladies making their debut on the night. It takes a lot of courage to perform for the first time and they were wonderful

"We had polished performances by regular performers such as Alicia, Lawanna and Keshini and the usual spectacular and innovative performances by the HIZ YA WIZ group, including a sparkling rendition of “Shaft” !!! with purple afro wigs and feather boa trimmed dresses. Also, a novelty and hilarious act by Siamese Twins Ting and Tong which had us rolling in our seats.

"I just love the way that the ladies in the Swansea area combine talent with fun and the mixture of serious and lighthearted performances only enhanced the evening.

"Ozgen was the guest dancer. Despite having taught two gruelling workshops earlier in the day, there was no sign of him flagging. He treated us to his unique gypsy style dancing at the end of the first half, and a rope dance and cabaret style performance at the end of the show. Girls…what Ozgen does with a length of rope is totally riveting!! (BEHAVE!!!)

"I wish to thank all the ladies who visited and shopped at my Souk – which took THREE HOURS to set up and over an hour to pack away.

"Another successful event and another triumph for the Bellydance Community in South Wales, long may it continue."

A Night in Tunisia playlist 14 May 2008

Hope you enjoyed my first show for Radio Salaam Shalom - here's what I played:

Amr Diab - Habibi
Think of One - Den Antwaarpse Shaabi
Samira Said and Cheb Mami - Youm Wara Youm
Warda - Harramt Ahebbak
Max Pashm - Imnul Kish Mayne Toknes
Natacha Atlas - Ya Laure Hobouki
Hamid El Shaeri - Hely Meli
Tinariwen - Cler Achel
Lili Boniche - Alger Alger
Amsterdam Klezmer Band - Sagadora Hot Dub
Elie Attieh - Inta Omri
Natacha Atlas - Beny Ou Benak Eih
Justin Adams/Juldeh Camara - Yerro Mama
Nicolas Meier - October in Ankara
Cannonball Adderley - Fiddler On The Roof
Mahala Rai Banda - Mahalageasca
Fanfare Ciocarlia - Ailili
Emad Sayyah - Tiki Tiki Boom
Natacha Atlas - Ana Hina
Watcha Clan - Goumari
Wonderbrass - Nigun Atik

The next show is in two weeks time on Wednesday 28 May - let me know if you have any favourite artists or tunes you'd like me to play.

See www.salaamshalom.org.uk for more about the station.

Arabic Weekend in Taunton

Shema is hosting an Arabic Weekend at The Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June.

Friday night starts with an Advanced Drum Solo Workshop followed by a Habiba Tangerina performance night - spaces can be booked through shema @ tangerina.org

Saturday has a series of workshops including Moroccan Street Dance, Egyptian Bellydance for beginners, Music and Drumming with Chas Whitaker and Maren Lueg, and Bellydance for Teenagers.

In the evening there'll be an extravanganza including storytelling from 1001 Nights, live music, food, fire-eating, bellydancing, genies and more.

For full details and to book tickets contact the Brewhouse on 01823 283244 or see www.thebrewhouse.net

A Night in Tunisia - the radio show

The best music making waves on the UK bellydance scene will be celebrated in a brand new show I'll be presenting on the internet station Radio Salaam Shalom.

A Night in Tunisia will feature Middle Eastern, North African, Eastern European and klezmer tunes as enjoyed in our haflas and club nights across south Wales, south west England and beyond.

The shows go out every other Wednesday night from 8 till 10pm starting on May 15.

Radio Salaam Shalom is an online radio station based in Bristol broadcasting a unique mix of intercultural music and speech focussing on the Jewish and Muslim communities.

The station aims to allow people from the two cultures, linked for thousands of years, to talk together and share their experiences.

Visit www.salaamshalom.org.uk to listen online and find out more about the station.

Sponsored Bellydance - May 10

Guinevere sends an update on her forthcoming event:

"The sponsored belly dance in Pembrokeshire on May 10th is now finalised with some juicy workshops lined up.

"Here is the schedule;

9am-10 - Temple Dance with Guinevere
10-11 - Tribal Dance with Emma Clinker from Lawana
11-12 - Pop, Locks, Slides and Shimmies with Melanie
12-1pm - Dancing with Zills with Mary Roberts
1-2 - Tray Dancing with Guinevere and Charlotte
2-3 Veil Dancing with Melanie
3-4 'The Harem' choreography with Guinevere
4-5 American Tribal Style with Marilyn
5-6 Saidi Stick Dance with Guinevere
6-7 Belly Dance Disco - all welcome!
7.30-9pm Belly Dance show and raffle. Show to include Bev from Star of Venus, Baubo Dancers, Melanie, Marilyn, Mary Roberts, Guinevere and Charlotte.

"All events are only £1 for our chosen Wales Air Ambulance charity.

"I know it's World Belly Dance day and there's loads going on but it would be good to see you.

"If not have fun wherever you are! And if you do have time to visit www.baubo.co.uk you can donate to us online - just click on the just giving icon.

"Even £1 would help us reach our £3,000 target! So far we are at about £500 so a long way to go!"

Amer Tafsout in Bristol

Berber tribal dancer Amel Tafsout is coming over from the USA for an event and workshops in Bristol on June 6 and 7.

"Amel grew up in Algeria, surrounded by influential Berber women who were keepers of an ancient culture – a responsibility which now falls to her and which she holds and shares tenderly and strongly, with a passion and with fun," says Jacqui Jamal.

"She teaches the North African dances which underpin the currently popular tribal movement and her knowledge and care is original and unparalleled."

On Friday 6 June Amer will lead an evening of song, food and stories. Relish this unique and intimate opportunity for a truly Berber evening where you will cook and eat authentic dishes together, eat and relax to hear stories, learn and sing songs, clap and drum. It takes place from 6 till 10pm and costs £30, meal included.

On Saturday 7 June Amer will be teaching the following workshops:

10 till 12midday - Dances of the Moroccan Shikat - Mid to high energy

1 till 3pm - Algerian Amazigh Berber dance - Mid to high energy

The workshops cost £20 each, or you can book all three events for £60.

To book and for more details email jacqui @ jacquijamal.com or phone Jacqui on 0117 938 0742.

See also www.ameltafsout.com