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noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:41:00 +0000

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Drums Solos with Katie Holland - March 13

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:14:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:36:00 +0000

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"

Turkish Theme Night in Swansea - January 30th

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:14:00 +0000

The Grosvenor Casino in Swansea is holding a Turkish Theme Night on Saturday 30 January.

There'll be live bellydancing, a Turkish buffet and free drinks on arrival for everyone.

Tickets cost £12.99 and are limited. Admission to over 18s only, ID needed on your first visit to the casino.

Call 01792 477 479 or 07966 025 230 or email sm_gc-swansea-high @ rank.com for details.

Thank you from Siluria

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Message from Rachel Jones aka Siluria:

"Season’s Greetings to everyone and a belated MASSIVE THANK YOU for coming to our Merry Midwinter hafla at New Panteg RFC last Wednesday.

"Thanks to you all so much for your excellent and beautiful performances, and thanks to all those who helped out in other ways. Thanks for giving your time and considerable talents to make the night a success.

"You will be pleased to hear that the raffle raised £60 (thanks to those who donated prizes) and the event raised £150 which we will be using to pay towards the sponsorship of a child in Malawi, through Action Aid.

"Siluria Belly Dance Club based in Pontypool has been sponsoring a boy named Medison Chomba since 2007.

"Thanks to you all again and a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.

"Lots of love,

Rachel and the Pontypool Follies"

See www.siluriabellydance.co.uk for more about Rachel's activities.

Holistic Bellydance with Fiora

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Fiora Touliatou is holding a series of Ηolistic Bellydance workshops in Cardiff in the new year.

It is inspired by traditional bellydance moves, the North African trance dances Zaar and Guedra, the Persian Khaleegi, holistic therapies and elements of Kundalini yoga.

Holistic bellydance is a personal journey. The intention is to focus on the healing effects of bellydance and experience it as a moving meditation.

There won't be sequences, choreography or musical interpretation taught. From time to time, students will be asked to close their eyes in order to focus inside their body. Some dancing will be done while sitting down.

Holistic bellydance is about holistic movement, chakras, visualisation, releasing negative feelings, experiencing the flow of cosmic energies, being connected with our higher self and the Universal Consciousness.

The sessions will take place one Saturday a month: January 16, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 8 and June 5. One group will meet in the morning (10am till midday) while the second group will meet in the afternoon (1 till 3pm).

The workshops take place at the Gaia Studio, (entrance on Cottrell Road), at the rear of 173 Treharris Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3HQ.

Each workshop costs £15 - places are limited, advanced bookings only.

Contact Fiora Touliatou at 07896309065

See www.oriental-fusion.net for more about her classes and performances.

Opa! A Night of Balkan Madness - December 5

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:00 +0000

I'm hosting a Balkan gypsy punk klezmer type night on Saturday 5 December at the Cardiff Arts Institute, a new venue on Park Place opposite the National Museum.

It'll be called Opa! and will feature live music from our favourite Georgian gypsy punk rockers Rogora Khart, klezmer dancing by the delightful Siluria, Russian ukulele tunes from Jeff Japers, rounded off by some upbeat tunes on CD from yours truly.

There may be room for an accordionist too if anyone's up for it.

We'll be starting around 8.30 and finishing about 12.30 when DJ Moneyshot will take over till the early hours.

Admission is £3 or £2 concessions.

Please note that there should be plenty of free parking available along Park Place and in the side streets.

See www.myspace.com/rogorakhart for more about the band and cardiffartsinstitute.org for details of the venue.

HipSynch Bazaar at Underwood Hafla

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:47:00 +0000

Message from Shirley:

"Hi all, just to let you know that the full HipSynch Bazaar will be at Kelly Marie's Christmas Hafla on Friday 11th December 2009 at Underwood Social Club, Llanmartin.

"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 writing your Christmas lists today, and visit my wonderful bazaar. If you need any more information email me at justpooka @ yahoo.co.uk

"Look forward to seeing you there - Shirley."

Thanks fron Safeena - Caerphilly Hafla

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Message from Safeena:

"Many thanks to everyone who came to my hafla in Caerphilly on Saturday 21st November, especial thanks to everyone who performed.

"It was a fantastic night, the dancing was out of this world, and the guest dancers Urban Gypsies (Stockport) and Trent Valley Tribal (Stoke on Trent) were wonderful.

"They all send their love and best wishes to their bellydance sisters in Wales and wish to say a big thank you for our great big Welsh welcome and hospitality. It was really lovely that they travelled so far, in such bad weather conditions, to be with us.

"Special thanks go to Jude and Fahareem Fitness for all their hard work helping me get the event off the ground; to Emily and her lovely mum and dad for the bazaar; and to Andy for his DJ skills and brilliant music.

"The tombola raised £75 for Children in Need, thanks to everyone who bought tickets...some of you tried over and over to get a winning ticket :)

"See you all at the next hafla."

Gypsy punks join Siluria's Merry Midwinter

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Newport's very own Georgian gypsy punk band Rogora Khart will join the festivities at Siluria's Merry Midwinter Hafla at New Panteg RFC, New Inn, Pontypool on Wednesday 16 December.

Siluria aka Rachel Jones is now a regular performer with the band - see her website at www.siluriabellydance.co.uk for video clips.

There'll also be solo and group performances plus music from DJ Andy Roberts.

The charity raffle will now be held to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust.

The hafla runs from 7 till 11pm and costs £5 (free for soloists and teachers, £4 for group performers) - please bring nibbles.

Contact Rachel to book tickets and performance slots.

Workshop with Palestinian singer Reem Kelani

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Palestinian singer Reem Kelani is holding a vocal workshop at the Southville Centre in Bristol on Sunday 22 November.

She has travelled the Middle East to record traditional songs, preserving them for posterity.

The workshop runs from 10am till 4.30pm and costs £20 or £12.50 concessions - discounts for early bookings and groups.

Contact Judith on 01761 451553 or email Sallydean22 @ aol.com

Julia & Alanya's Midwinter Hafla - December 5

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Julia and Alanya are holding a Midwinter Hafla on Saturday 5 December 2009 at Yarpole Village Hall, Leominster HR6 0BE.

There'll be solo and group performances, dancing and a souk - please bring your favourite tipple and a dish to share.

It runs from 7.30 till 11pm and costs £5 per person.

To book a ticket, performance slot or souk stall contact Abbie Mason 07962 161081 (email alanya01 @ fsmail.net) or Julie Howes 07800 922662 (email anythingwithin @ live.co.uk)

See also their websites at alanyabellydancer.webs.com and www.anythingwithin.co.uk

Stephanie's 6th New Year Hafla

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Stephanie is holding her 6th New Year Hafla on Friday 22nd January 2010 at Guildford Hall, Guildford Street in Cardiff city centre.

Anna from Egyptian Nights in Bristol will be the star guest of the evening, which includes solo and group performances, free dancing, bazaars, a photographer and bar.

Doors 7.30pm, performances start at 8.15pm - tickets cost £8 from www.bellydancewales.co.uk or directly from Stephanie.

Email info @ stephaniebellydance.co.uk to book tickets and performance slots.

Siluria's Merry Midwinter - December 16

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Message from Rachel Jones:

"I and my students would like to invite you and your groups to come along to our Mid Winter/Christmas/Hanukkah/Islamic New Year Mini Hafla!

When: Weds 16th December (I realize many of you teach on Wednesdays but perhaps you will have finished term by then or maybe you can organize a field trip ??)

Where: New Panteg Rugby Club, New Road, New Inn, nr Pontypool
(not PILCS, where we were in July, the other one we’ve been to before)

Time: 7pm til 11 ish (or whatever suits you)

Cost: £5 (Bring your own nibbles) - Pay on the door but please let me know you are coming.

Soloists/Teachers Free, Group Performers £4

There will be a bar and music supplied by our favourite DJ!

No Bazaars – let’s all have a night off!

Raffle in aid of the Meningitis Trust (so if you possibly have any prizes you could donate that would be lovely).

It is planned to be a small informal get together with performances and of course lots of free dancing – I hope you will be able to make it!"

See www.siluriabellydance.co.uk for more about Rachel's activities.

Harem Scarem - thanks from Shirley

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Message from Shirley:

"I would like to thank everyone who attended Harem Scarem 5 last week. It was a wonderful evening with some superb choreographies, not only demonstrating the outstanding skill of the dancers involved, but also their creativity in creating these superb acts, but also each group's individuality.

"I would also like to thank my wonderful elves - Wendy, Pat, Kay and Sharron - without whom the halls would not have been so fantastically decorated, Odette who did a fabulous job on the stall, our own favourite DJ Andy Roberts, Steve for filming the event for us, and Sarah and Graham, the owners of the venue.

"And.... a very big thankyou to all the dancers and tutors. It would not happen without you.

"Copies of the show will be available soon for those who missed the event and those who wish to see it again. I will be putting a photo disc together so if you have any nice clear pics I would be really pleased if you would email them to me. The photos will be distributed free with the DVD.

"I look forward to next year's show and started planning it way before this year's show. Letters will go out in the summer to all who are on my mailing list as performers. If you think I do not have your details please email me at justpooka @ yahoo.co.uk."

Tracey Jones guest stars with Urban Gypsies

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Message from Safeena:

"Safeena is pleased to announce that Tracey Jones will be performing at the Urban Gypsy Hafla on Saturday 21st November in Caerphilly

"Many of you will remember Tracey Jones (formerly Tracey Pye) as the Bellydancer of the Year, whose glittering career was shattered when she suffered a horrendous accident, which resulted in her having to lose her foot.

"She has fought back from this terrible accident and loss, and is now performing and teaching again. She is an inspiration to us all.

"Safeena is so thrilled that Tracey has agreed to perform at the hafla, alonside the Urban Gypsies and the Trent Valley Tribal and other local dancers and groups.

"Tickets are now on sale for the hafla and bookings taken for the 2 workshops being taught by Zehara, the Urban Gypsy leader.

"No experience is required for the workshops as they are unique and all about having fun and loving the experience of close group dancing."

Contact Safeena on safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk or 07522 673554

Double dose of desert blues

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Fans of North African desert blues should look out for two gigs in south Wales this week.

On Friday 23 October Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara appear at the Pontardawe Arts Centre. Guitarist Justin was a member of Saladin's Orchestra and has worked on Robert Plant's world music projects, while Juldeh is a griot (storyteller) from Gambia and a master of the riti, a single-stringed fiddle. Tickets cost £10 (£9 concessions) - call the box office on 01792 863722.

On Saturday 24 October desert blues legends Tinarwen play Cardiff University Students Union Great Hall. The band of Tuareg rebels from Mali famously swapped guns for guitars to make music not war. Tickets cost £18 - call the students union on 029 2078 1400.

See www.myspace.com/justinadamsproducer and www.tinariwen.com for a taste of what to expect.

Spirits of Isis Workshop and Show - November 14

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:59:00 +0000

The Spirits of Isis Bellydance Show in Hereford on Saturday 14 November will be preceded by two workshops earlier in the day.

Lynne Chapman will teach a Tribal Indian Inspired Fusion workshop from 3 until 4.30pm featuring Bollywood and Bhangra styles.

Then Nancy Warren will teach a Tango Arabe workshop from 5 until 6.30pm. Using dance techniques from tango which will help and inform, improve and add flair to your bellydance. Barefoot, bring socks. If floor allows leather soled shoe and heels if you want, but not necessary.

Cost is £15 per workshop or £20 if you book the two together before 31 October. It will be £25 for the two workshops after that date.

The workshops and the show take place at TGS Bowling, Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1BB - telephone 01432 352500. Tickets for the show cost £6 with proceeds going to St Michael's Hospice. The bazaar will be open from 6pm and the show starts at 8pm.

For information and to book a place please contact Chris on 07712 830823, Sue on 01584 819302 or email Diana - hullah_hullah @ btinternet.com

Khaled workshop cancelled

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Sue Soliman says the Khaled Mahmoud workshop planned for Newport at the end of October has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

For further details, contact safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk