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Drums Solos with Katie Holland - March 13

Katie Holland will be holding a workshop in drum solos as part of Shimmer at the Gate arts centre, Keppoch Street, Cardiff, on Saturday 13 March from 1.30 till 3.30pm.

Learn how to perfect your own unique drum solo through understanding Arabic rhythms, layer shimmies on your shimmies and generally create a show stopping performance.

Katie Holland is the most sought after foreign dance performer in India right now, performing solo and with her troupe across India at all kinds of events from corporates to film premieres, government ministers, bureaucrats, socialites, Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood stars.

This replaces the first workshop with Zehara of the Urban Gypsies which has had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Zehara will still be conducting her second workshop from 3.30 to 5pm, and performing in the Shimmer show.

Tickets for Katie's workshop cost £15, or you can do the workshops with Katie and Zehara for £25.

Group bookings of 3 or more tickets (either workshop) pay only £10 per ticket when booked and paid in advance.

Please get in touch if you wish to book tickets as places are going fast. Cheques should be made payable to Emily Chuter, and sent to 10 Blenheim Gardens, Magor, NP26 3NA. Alternatively you can send funds via Paypal to nudgenudgehinthint @ hotmail.com

For more details contact Em @ Moonstone Bellydance on 07877 116680 or email em.chuter @ hotmail.co.uk

See also www.moonstonebellydance.com and www.shimmerbellydanceshowcase.co.uk

Kelly-Marie's Birthday Hafla - April 9

Kelly-Marie invites you to her birthday hafla at Underwood Social Club near Newport on Friday 9 April.

Featuring solo and group performances, freestyle dancing to DJ Andy Roberts, a bazaar and snacks on tables.

It's from 7.30pm till midnight, tickets £5 or £3 for solo dancers and children under 14.

Performance slots are still available - to book a slot or tickets call Kelly-Marie on 07546 495934.

Istanbul and Gypsy Festival 2010

Message from Steph:

"I hope to take a group back to Istanbul this year for the Gypsy Festival and shopping if I have enough interest.

"A four day, 3 night break, including, gypsy festival, hotel/ shared rooms or add single supplement, airport transfers, dinner and bellydance show.

"This trip will be organized with myself and Bulent from Turkish Belly Dance, check out www.turkishbellydance.net/gypsyfestivalistanbul.html

"Though the 5 night holiday works out at £550 I am able to sell our 3 night itinerary for only £275 per person

"Flights are around £150 at the moment. Let me know if you are interested as soon as possible so that we can book our flights all together."

Contact info @ stephaniebellydance.co.uk

Ozgen and Yasmina in Swansea - July 24/25

The Zahwah Bellydancers invite you to a Bellydance Extravaganza on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July 2010 at the Penyrheol Theatre and Leisure Centre, Swansea.

Featuring international superstars Ozgen and Yasmina of Cairo plus supporting guests.

Includes a weekend of workshops and a spectacular Saturday evening show.

• Souk providing fantastic shopping opportunities
• Mirrored dance studio
• Evening bar
• Arabic disco

Discount packages available for workshops, plus an additional 10% off workshop packages booked and paid for before 31 May 2010.

For initial enquiries and to book performance slots, please email Ali Francis at aliah @ aliahbellydance.co.uk

Performance slots are limited – please book early to avoid disappointment.

Shirl's Road to Morocco Hafla - May 21st

Come and dance the night away at Shirl's Road to Morocco Hafla at the Rogerstone and Bassaleg Social Club, Newport on Friday 21 May 2010 at 7pm.

Over 20 great bellydance acts, top DJ Andy Roberts, bazaar, licenced bar, charity raffle and Middle Eastern disco.

Tickets cost £8 each (free for soloists and tutors) - a special night not to be missed.

If you wish to purchase tickets and/or perform please contact Shirley on 07940 801912 or email justpooka @ yahoo.co.uk

Jan gives Piers Morgan a piece of her mind

A 71-year-old bellydancer has given Piers Morgan a piece of her mind for not giving her a chance at auditions for Britain's Got Talent in Cardiff.

Jan Price from Aberdare says Morgan pressed his buzzer the moment she started performing on stage at the Wales Millennium Centre.

He said women 'of a certain age' should think carefully before performing in public.

Jan says she was so angry she'd considered giving up dancing following the experience.

But she says she'll carry on after messages of support from her friends.

Read the full story and hear Jan talk about the audition on the BBC News website

Bellydance Taster in Herefordshire - April 12

Abbie Mason aka Alanya is hosting a free bellydance taster workshop at St Peter's Centre, Peterchurch, near Hereford (HR2 0RP) on Monday 12 April 2010 from 7 till 8.30pm.

Improve your flexibility, core strength and self-confidence with this fun, feminine dance form suitable for all ages (14+), sizes and fitness levels.

A regular class will follow if there's enough interest.

For more details contact Abbie on 07962 161081 or at alanya01 @ fsmail.net

See www.alanyabellydancer.webs.com for more about her activities.

Steph's New Year Hafla - Friday 22 January

A reminder from Steph:

"Stephanie's 6th New Year Hafla - on Friday 22nd January 2010 in our beautiful new venue at Guildford Hall, 8 Guildford Street, Cardiff CF10 2HL - doors 7.30pm, performances start at 8.15pm.

"Only £8 per ticket, there will be over 15 fantastic performances:

"Including Fiora, Kyoto, Blue Lotus, Saffena, Esma Yalli, The Desert Divas, Siluria and starring Anna from Egyptian Nights, Bristol.

"Also very well stocked souk, including “Hip Drop”, “Moonstone”, Saffena’s and Shirley’s Bazaars and Jewellery stalls, free dancing, photographer and bar.

"You can buy your tickets on-line www.bellydancewales.com

"We still have room for two more performances so please email me if interested; info@stephaniebellydance.co.uk

"The evening will be professionally photographed and filmed with edited DVDs available after the night for a small charge.

"Free ticket for soloists and/or teachers bringing groups of 10 plus.

"Hope you can make it!"

Shirley adds that her full HipSynch Bazaar will be at the event:

"As most of you know I design and make a huge range of dancewear suitable for wearing to your classes as well as for Haflas.

"I will be bringing new designs in beautiful 2 way stretch fabrics as well as accessories and belts. Clothing uncludes wrap tops, tribal pants, skirts, and gorgeous hand decorated bras.

"As well as off the rack items I will be taking orders for made to measure dancewear, so if I don't have your size, I can make to measure the items you require.

"So get your tickets ready, come enjoy the show, and visit my wonderful bazaar. If you need any more information email me at justpooka@yahoo.co.uk"