Arabesq Noticeboard

Arabic Weekend in Taunton

2008-05-08T13:04:00.002+01:00

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

2008-05-06T15:20:00.004+01:00

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.

Amer Tafsout in Bristol

2008-05-02T13:50:00.003+01:00

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

Sadie in Swansea reviewed

2008-04-24T15:11:00.003+01:00

Safeena offers her thoughts on Sadie's recent visit to Swansea:

"Congratulations and very many thanks to Alison Francis for a wonderful weekend of bellydance workshops and show last weekend in Swansea.

"Alison had the whole event well organised and under control, and remained calm and serene all weekend, and Sadie was an inspiration to us all.

"Sadie's workshops were challenging ... but her gentle encouragement and simple methodical way of teaching left all students feeling that they had achieved something, in one way or another.

"Sadie's dancing in the show was breathtaking and the support acts from local dancers and groups was of the highest standard.

"The venue, the theatre in particular, was brilliant, the food was sumptious and the whole evening was really enjoyable.

"I really enjoyed a fun, jampacked weekend in Swansea, and although tiring it was also inspiring and so good to meet ladies I havent seen for a while and catch up with gossip and other news.

"I hope that this is only the first of many visits from international celebrities, so that we can put Wales firmly on the map as an area of the UK for internationsal starts to showcase their talents.

"Thanks again, Alison!"

Click the Comments button below to add your views on the weekend's activities.

Bellydance classes in Brecon

2008-04-24T15:06:00.003+01:00

Sue Spalding and Hilda Benham have started Wednesday night bellydance classes in Brecon following the success of a recent workshop.

The classes are aimed at beginners and take place at Bishop Bevan Hall near the Co-op every Wednesday from 6.30 till 8pm - cost £5 or £4 concessions.

Phone Sue on 01874 611027 or email sue.spalding @ googlemail.com for details.

Celebrating Spring - May 10

2008-04-18T10:23:00.004+01:00

Helen Roberts is holding a day of dance, discussion, meditation, rituals and more at a venue to be confirmed near Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean on Saturday 10 May.

It'll also include guided journeying, maypole dancing, May queens, craft activities, bellydance, making a May crown, singing, Spring Goddesses, egg decorating, stories & a mini Goddess Card reading (afternoon only).

There'll be arts, crafts and gifts stall at lunch-time. Light refreshments will be provided but please bring a dish to share at lunch-time.

The day runs from 10am till 6pm and costs £35 for a full day, £18 for a half day. It's open to adults only - no children.

Call Helen Roberts 01594 821251 or email helen @ goddessdance.co.uk

More details at www.goddessdance.co.uk

The Goddess Show West - May 11

2008-04-14T14:03:00.005+01:00

The Goddess Show West is a day of talks, stalls and performances at Bath Racecourse on May 11.

Featuring bellydancers the Desert Divas (MAJMA), Carmen, Carla Allen and Raheesha, plus music from Chas Whitaker and Maren Lueg.

The event runs from 10am till 5pm and costs £4.

Call 01323 844615 or go to www.boktalo.co.uk

Sadie in Swansea - extra workshop

2008-04-14T14:00:00.003+01:00

Message from Ali Francis:

"Due to high demand Sadie will now be teaching an extra Drum Solo Secrets workshop on Friday evening (April 18) from 6.30 to 8.30pm at Demarco's Dance Studio in Swansea.

"To book your place, please call me on 07714 123 102 or email alifrancis @ hotmail.co.uk"

Bedouin Jerry Can Band on tour

2008-04-09T15:35:00.003+01:00

The Bedouin Jerry Can Band from Egypt are touring the UK this summer.

They blend the traditional simsimiyya lute with flues, reed pipes, tablas, frame drums and junk percussion such as jerry cans and ammunitions shells scavenged from the former battlegrounds in their Sinai homelands.

The tour includes the following dates in or near Wales:

Thurs 12 June - Bridgwater Arts Centre, Somerset
Sun 15 June - St Georges Hall, Bristol
Sun 22 June - Theatr Harlech, Gwynedd
Sat 28 June - Glastonbury Festival, Jazz World Stage
Fri 11 July - Small Nations Festival, Llandovery
Sat 12 July - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Sun 13 July - Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival
Fri 18 July - Sesiwn Fawr, Dolgellau

For details contact the venues or see www.jerrycanband.com

Forest of Dean Hafla - May 18

2008-04-09T09:01:00.002+01:00

There's a hafla at Bishopswood Village Hall, Ross Road (between Lydbrook & Walford) in the Forest of Dean on Sunday 18 May.

Shop 'til you drop at the bazaars; general dancing for everyone; performance platforms for solo, duet & groups (max 5 mins per dance, limited number of slots); BYOB; Middle Eastern nibbles on each table included in ticket price; a raffle in aid of Dilke Hospital - donate a prize if you can.

Admission for ladies only on this occasion, no children - it takes place from 2 till 5pm, tickets £5.

To book your tickets, phone Helen Roberts on 01594 821251 or email helen @ goddessdance.co.uk

Sadie in Swansea update

2008-04-07T09:04:00.004+01:00

Message from Alison re Sadie in Swansea, April 19 and 20:

"All four workshops are now fully booked. However, there are still tickets available for the Hafla on Saturday night at Penyrheol Theatre, Swansea featuring the incredible Sadie! Doors open at 7pm and performances start at 8pm.

"There will be a huge bazaar offering fantastic shopping opportunites and a Middle Eastern Buffet during the interval. A disco will follow the performances.

"Photographers Cathryn and Shiona from Cashiona Photography will be capturing performance shots and portraits on request. To view the images after the event go to www.cashiona.co.uk and put the code ASP859 into the login box on the bottom right of the site. The event will also be professionally filmed.

"Tickets are £15; please call the box office on 01792 897039. Please book early to avoid disappointment!!"

The Point under threat

2008-04-04T10:58:00.005+01:00

One of Cardiff's main venues for world music - The Point in Cardiff Bay - is reportedly under threat of closure following a complaint by one of its new neighbours about noise levels.

The converted gothic-style stone church built in 1900 has hosted a wide range of gigs in recent years, including the Worldport festivals, El Tanbura and a forthcoming visit by Tinariwen.

Its importance as a music venue has been heightened by the closure in 2007 of the nearby Coal Exchange.

The venue is appealing against a notice served by Cardiff County Council last November over the issue of noise.

If they lose the appeal in May the owners face a fine of £20,000 which it's feared could result in the closure of the venue.

An online petition has been set up at www.keepthepointalive.com

For more about the venue, see www.thepointcardiffbay.com

See the BBC News website for more on this story.

Bellydance and Keep Fit in Caerphilly

2008-04-02T10:28:00.002+01:00

Jude Bird's Fahareem Fitness bellydance classes in Caerphilly resume this month.

Every Sunday at 7pm starting April 6 there's a session at the Penyrheol Community Centre, Heol Aneurin, Penyrheol.

And on Wednesdays at 7.30pm starting April 9 there's a session at Trecenydd Community Centre, Second Avenue, Trecenydd.

For details contact Jude Bird on 0870 321 8515 or mobile 07530 055 561 (new number) or email jude @ fahareemfitness.co.uk

Check out the website at www.fahareemfitness.co.uk

Thanks from Shirl

2008-04-01T14:58:00.003+01:00

Message from Shirl:

"I would like to say a huge thankyou to all those who attended my Easter Chicks Hafla on Friday 28th March. The event was a huge success, with a lovely atmosphere and a good turnout.

"A special thankyou to all those who performed. The performances were varied in theme and were all spectacular as usual.

"I'd also like to thank my mum and sister who helped onthe door, my dear friends Rachel Sparry and Odette Debono who helped with the raffle and stall, all those who bought raffle tickets and donated prizes, our dedicated DJ Andy and the staff at the Rogerstone and Bassaleg Social club for accomodating us so well as always.

"We raised £160 for Llandenny Church appeal. Llandenny Church is located in a beautiful rural area near Usk and is where my dearly missed father is buried. I am sure that the money will be of great use to the parish in restoring the roof in order to keep the church open.

"I am currently organising the 4th Halloween Hafla - Harem Scarem IV, which will be on Halloween night this year. Watch this space for more details."

Habiba Tangerina update

2008-03-25T13:18:00.002Z

Look out for these forthcoming Habiba Tangerina events near Taunton in Somerset...

On Sunday 30 March there'll be an Easter Intensive Bellydance Workshop Day at Oake Village Hall. It'll cover a range of topics including technique, drum solo, baladi/taqsim, samba reggae, costuming and videos, with a hafla to end the day.

The workshops run from 10am till 6.30pm, then the hafla runs until 10pm. Tickets cost £40 for whole day; £25 from 2pm; £20 from 4 pm; £5 for hafla only.

On Friday 2 May there'll be an Egyptian Stars Habiba Tangerina show at the Tythe Barn in Fitzhead. Featuring local dancers performing as Egyptian stars (e.g. Dina, Samia Gamal etc). Get in touch if you'd like to perform as your favourite star. Also featuring a bazaar and souk, Arabian food and more.

Doors open 7pm and tickets cost £7.50 or £12 for two.

For more details phone Shema on 07779 295519 and check the website at www.tangerina.org

Ozgen in Baglan - May 2008

2008-03-20T10:46:00.003Z

Ozgen returns to south Wales for a bellydance weekend in Baglan on May 10 and 11.

He'll be the star of Suhayla’s forth annual hafla at the Baglan Social Club on Saturday 10 May, 7.30 till late, tickets £10.

There'll be a bazaar, henna painting and a buffet - strictly women only, entry by ticket only. Contact Jan 07956 540777 Ali 07878 128293 for details.

Ozgen will also be leading some workshops at the Baglan Social Club. On Saturday there will be Turkish pop and R&B 10am till 12.30pm, burlesque from 1.30 till 4pm, and another burlesque session on Sunday 12 till 2.30pm.

Each of the three workshops costs £20 - the burlesque sessions are for a mixed ability group, not intended for professionals and no nudity is involved.

To avoid disappointment email lisaburkl @ yahoo.co.uk ASAP to book your place.

Belly dance in Pembrokeshire

2008-03-12T11:08:00.003Z

There's plenty of belly dance activity up in Pembrokeshire - here is Guinevere's latest newsletter:

"Hello everyone! I hope you have enjoyed the dancing we have been doing to get us undulating nicely into the New Year!

"Thanks to everyone who participated in the Classical Egyptian Drum and Dance Weekend with Hossam and Serena Ramzy. It was a great success! Don’t worry if you couldn’t make the workshops, there is a chance to learn one of the choreographies we learnt over the weekend on Sunday March 30th 2-5pm at Crundale Village Hall.

"New beginners workshops at Letterston Community Hall will also begin. These classes are for anyone who wishes to go over the basics. We will look at turns, transitions, posture and general tips and tricks. A gentle choreography will be taught that ties everything together and practiced over the two sessions.

"Spring into April with the Crundale class! Please note the increase in dates over the next few months with only a couple of Tuesdays being unavailable due to the hall being painted! Pay for 6 classes in advance at reduced cost £32.

"The Goddess Belly Dance workshop with Hannah Corr on 31 May will cover three amazing choreographies that draw on the emotional and spiritual aspects of belly dance. Go wild with Baubo, feel the force with Pele and get sensual with Bast! The show that was due to take place that evening has been postponed to a date to be confirmed.

"Sponsored Belly Dance - May 10th - World Belly Dance Day - A marathon sponsored dance to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance. From 9am -9pm at Letterston Community Hall. Please come and support the event! Ask Guinevere for a sponsorship form. Classes planned throughout the day PLUS evening show! Can you offer a class? Do you want to perform? Please get in touch!"

For details of these and all her activities, contact Guinevere on 01437 767131 or 0792 533 2892 and check her website at www.baubo.co.uk

Beginner's bellydance in Brecon

2008-03-11T12:24:00.005Z

A beginner's belly dance workshop is being held Saturday 19 April at Subud Hall, Brecon, from 10am to 1pm, price £6.

It'll then be followed by weekly sessions at Bishop Bevan Hall on Wednesday evenings, probably starting early May.

Contact sue.spalding @ googlemail.com or phone her on 01874 611027 for details.

Belly laughs at Duke's gaffe

2008-03-11T11:16:00.004Z

Four belly dancers say they were "honoured to be insulted" by the Duke of Edinburgh during a royal visit to a Swansea primary school.

Beverly Richards from the Suhayla Dancers said Prince Philip told them: "I thought Eastern women just sit around smoking pipes and eating sweets all day."

"I said 'we do that as well', and he looked us over and said, with a twinkle in his eye, 'I can see that'.

The dancers met the Queen and the Duke as representatives of one of the local groups based at St Thomas Community Primary School.

"We were not insulted. I think that it's great he said it," Mrs Richards said.

"He is very down-to-earth. To be honest it's an honour to be insulted by royalty. It is something to tell the grandchildren.

"Some might say we are a little overweight, but we are certainly full of Eastern promise."

Read the full story on the BBC website or the Daily Telegraph website, which includes a photo of the dancers.

Habiba Tangerina - March 14

2008-02-22T14:49:00.005Z

Shema is holding her next Habiba Tangerina event on Friday 14 March at the Fitzhead Tythe Barn, Fitzhead, Taunton TA4 3JT.

Special guests Chas Whitaker and Maren Lueg will hold a mini-workshop offering a taster in Arabic music and drumming before the main show - drums will be provided.

The show will be followed by an open jamming/dance session, and there'll also be a souk and Moroccan food available. You'll need to bring your own drinks.

The workshop starts at 6.30pm, doors and the souk open at 7pm, with the main show at 8.30pm and open session at 9.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 for the workshop and show, £7.50 for the show, or advance tickets cost £12 for two

Shema says she also needs a team of helpers who'll be rewarded with free entry, food and lots of love - let her know if you'd like to help out on the night.

For details call Shema on 07779 295519 or check her website at www.tangerina.org

Veiled Sapphires in variety show

2008-02-21T10:29:00.004Z

The Veiled Sapphires bellydance troupe are just one of the attractions of a charity variety show on Saturday 12 April at Theatr Brycheinion, Brecon, Powys, in aid of Parkinson's Disease.

Also appearing are Thom Beethan Jazz Pianish, the Aberhonddu Choir, the Cwmbach Quire, Elvis Impersonator Pete "The King" Ayliffe, Rhosgoch YFC and much more.

Tickets only £8.25 from the venue's box office on 01874 611622, and most of the ticket sale goes direct to the South Powys Branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Thanks from Stephanie

2008-02-21T10:27:00.002Z

Message from Stephanie:

"A big thank you to all those who came to my New Year Hafla and made it such a success.

"The DVD of the evening is now edited and looks fabulous - it's on sale for only £6, plus p&p.

"Anyone interested can contact me at info @ stephaniebellydance.co.uk or phone 07872 306745."

Easter Hafla in Swansea

2008-02-19T17:14:00.004Z

Sophie Smith and her students invite you to an Easter Hafla on Friday 14 March at the Sketty Park Social Club, Aneurin Way, Swansea.

There'll be belly dancing performances from teachers and dancers across the area followed by a free-style disco. Souq to be confirmed.

The hafla takes place from 7.30pm till late and tickets cost £5, or £2 for under 16s.

Performances are warmly welcomed! If you or your class would like to perform, please contact Sophie on 07919 654686 or email bellydancesophie @ hotmail.com