Thanks from Stephanie

Message from Stephanie: "A really BIG THANK-YOU to all everyone who performed so brilliantly at my New Year Hafla!! You were all fabulous - say a big thank-you to your classes too.

"If anyone has any good photos I would love to see them - could you email them to me and I will get some posted on arabesq.

"Also if any of your students would like to do a short review of the evening I will get Andy to post that up too.

"For your diaries, Steph's Summer Hafla, 13th July - 'Schools Out' - 7.15 till Midnight, Fairwater Con Club, Cardiff.

"Thanks for making it really special night - love Stephanie."

Send your photos and messages to info @ stephaniebellydance.co.uk

Drum Solo Workshop with Mandy McCloughlin

Mandy McCloughlin is holding a Drum Solo Workshop for dancers at Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley on Saturday 17 February.

Mandy began dancing whilst living in Morocco- she has trained in Salsa, Modern Jazz and Hip-Hop and she describes her style of dance as ‘raqs sharki cabaret’.

She has performed at the Dubai Races in Ireland, for the rock band U2, and has had countless television appearances.

Mandy says: "For me I use belly dance as an emotional tool for the ladies to de-stress and put them together again before they leave the class ... I believe that after a good class you should go home light and high!

"Belly dance has a certain magic that frees you up to be exactly who you are ... and I love to see the transformation in my ladies over the weeks and months."

The workshop takes place at St David’s Church Hall, Ystalyfera, from 12noon till 3pm and costs £15. There'll be breaks during the session - so bring some lunch!

To book a place call Lisa Burkl on 07801 145866 or email lisaburkl @ yahoo.co.uk

Majma 2007

The annual festival of Middle Eastern and North African dance and traditions takes place at Glastonbury, Somerset, from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 March.

This year's guests include Raksan with a performance piece especially created for Majma, Caroline Afifi with her new full-length show Sabrine, and the mother of American Tribal style, Carolena Nericcio.

There are workshops and seminars for all levels of experience, as well as two nights of food and partying, rounding off the weekend with the Majma participants’ showcase Shimmy On.

For full details, see www.majmadance.org.uk or email majmadance @ aol.com for a brochure.

If you'd like to take part in the Shimmy On showcase, please email majmashimmyon @ hotmail.co.uk before February 1.

Heather Burby Workshop

Jacqui Jamal is hosting another workshop with Heather Burby in Bristol on Tuesday 13 February.

It covers Walks and Tricky Changes, and it's a follow-up to last autumn's workshop.

There's an introduction for all levels from 7 till 8pm price £5.50, and an intermediate workshop from 8 till 10pm for £22.

You can do the full evening for £26 - if you're a newcomer and didn't attend last autumn's workshop you're asked to attend from 7pm.

It takes place at the Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol 3.

To sign up email jacqui @ jacquijamal.com - for more details check her website at www.jacquijamal.com

Another Night in Tunisia - March 15

Due to popular demand, I'm hosting another evening of Middle Eastern music and bellydance at Cafe Jazz in Cardiff.

A Night in Tunisia takes place on Thursday 15 March, 9pm till midnight, admission £4.

Get in touch if you want to do a solo spot as a dancer or musician on the night.

For a taste of what to expect, visit www.anightintunisia.co.uk to see some videos of Steph, Fiora and Helin performing at the first event in November.

Stephanie's New Year Hafla - January 26

A reminder that Stephanie will be hosting her third New Year Hafla at Fairwater Conservative Club in Cardiff on Friday 26 January.

As well as loads of fabulous performances there will also be a delicious buffet and three different bazaars.

This year the lights and sound will be supplied by a professional events team, so it will be a good opportunity to film or photograph your act.

Please let Stephanie know as soon as possible if you would like to perform as the programme is filling up quickly, all tickets £8.

Call Steph on 029 2023 1450 or email sgawnehamza @ yahoo.co.uk

Steph says: "Thank you for your continued support, I am sure it will be a brilliant evening and we will beat the New Year’s blues clear away!"

For more details see www.stephaniebellydance.co.uk