Safeena's Seafront Shindig review

Zoe Ellerbeck sent this review of a great night out in Newport...




"On Saturday 9th September I had an entertaining night out in Newport! The Sailors Mission was the venue for Safeena’s Birthday Hafla. This turned out to be a wonderful celebration. The Mission had never hosted an event like it; the manager took lots of pictures which are being submitted to their world wide publication.

"Lots of our favourite dancers - Shirley, Wendy, Stephanie and Rachel - were in attendance some with their students, all giving a wonderful performance. The Happy Birthday Chorus being conducted by Rachel caused a blush from our hostess. Other former students of Safeena’s, Liz and Shakila, brought their beginners groups who performed brilliantly.

"Safeena’s Mezzydeks had great fun at the Cairo Souk and a lovely colourful display to Nancy Ajram. Safeena paid tribute to the location by performing a very spicy Meleya Lef to the Alexandrian Dance (above left).

"There were also guests who had travelled to perform; Tracey Pye dancing beautifully with the sword, Tees Kabira who brought the house down with their interpretation to Sex Bomb and Anna Chandler (above right) who twisted and turned so dramatically with stunning gold Isis Wings.

"The guest of honour was of course Safeena’s good friend Maria D’Silva (above centre) who performed two stunning dances - the first, a Saiidi, was introduced as mesmerising. It was exactly that, for the first few minutes you could have heard a pin drop. The second was a special dance for Safeena.

"Maria aided by Joe had their splendid Bazaar which was busy all evening and Amanda was also kept busy applying Henna tattoos.

"Not satisfied at keeping us entertained once Safeena is holding another Hafla at the Discovery Inn, Lakeside, Cardiff on Saturday 23rd September. I’ll see you all there."