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

Sadie in Swansea reviewed

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

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.

Sponsored Bellydance - May 10

A reminder from Guinevere about a marathon bellydance to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance in Pembrokeshire on 10 May...

Local groups will be dancing for 12 hours from 9am till 9pm at Letterston Memorial Hall near Fishguard.

Hour long classes are being held in the day to encourage people to take part and have a taste of bellydance.

A whole array of bellydance styles will be taught. Beginners and children are welcome to join in.

The event is planned to be a fun day, with a raffle and evening show which starts at 7.30pm. Entry, show and classes are only £1 each.

Guinevere says: "May 10th is World Belly Dance Day. We hope to introduce newcomers to the art as well as have some fun, let our hair down and raise some good funds for Wales Air Ambulance. We’ve set a target of £3,000 and really hope to reach it."

Chris Roberts, events co-ordinator for Wales Air Ambulance says: "We are really excited about the sponsored belly dance and look forward to the community pulling together to support what will be a great effort for the belly dancers of Pembrokeshire and for a good cause."

To sponsor the event go to www.justgiving.com/bellydancemarathon or www.baubo.co.uk

For more details call Guinevere on 01437 767131 or 0792 533 2892 or email guinevere @ baubo.co.uk

Celebrating Spring - May 10

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

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

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"