Holiday with Stephanie and Bulent in Turkey

Stephanie is inviting you to get in touch if you want to join her on a holiday with Bulent Dogan from June 16th to 24th.

"This is a unique adventure holiday in rural Turkey; experience the 'real Turkey', in dance, music, food and scenery.

"Here is a brief outline of what will be included during the week:

"Dance and Music Classes - Dance classes with Stephanie and Bulent, chiftetelli, finger cymbals, Turkish belly dance and folk dancing. Also drumming workshops with Bulent and morning Pilates classes with Steph.

"Beach Trips and Boat Trips - Long days on quite beaches, and a further day sun bathing and swimming from a boat, all food provided. The scenery here is STUNNING, the coves and bays you will be taken to are well away from the tourist hordes.

"Village trip - Absorb the local culture in this beautiful setting.

"Also included - All airport transfers in Turkey. All accommodation, (shared). All meals, (there may be a day shopping in Bodrum where you will need to buy your own refreshments).

"Cost is just £350 per person sharing a double room with maximum 8 people. Flights from Cardiff need to be booked as soon as possible and cost approx £200 return."

For more details, email info@stephaniebellydance.co.uk or phone 029 20231450

El Tanbura - gig review

Egyptian group El Tanbura got their UK tour off to a great start at The Point in Cardiff Bay last night (Wednesday 21 February).

They're a group of sufis, philosophers, ship workers, dancers & musicians performing traditional folk songs from the Port Said region.

If that sounds a bit dry and dusty, think again - the emphasis was very much on entertainment, with members of the group keen to get the audience dancing.

Dressed in a mixture of traditional costumes and Western-style casual wear, El Tanbura showed great musical versatility and strutted across the stage in a style that would put the coolest rap crew to shame.

Here's where you can see El Tanbura in the coming weeks:

Thurs 22 Feb - Bristol - St George's

Sat 24 Feb - Oxford - Zodiac Club

Weds 28 Feb - Gateshead - The Sage

Thurs 1 March - York - Early Music Centre

Sun 4 March - London - Union Chapel

Tues 6 March - London - Kemia Bar/Momo

Weds 7 March - Bradford-on-Avon - Wiltshire Music Centre

See www.eltanbura.com for full details of the tour and their CD Between The Desert and The Sea.

Send your reviews of El Tanbura by email to andy @ arabesq.co.uk or by clicking the Comments button below.

Chepstow Hafla with Amunet - March 17

UK Bellydancer of the year Tracey Pye aka Amunet will be starring at a hafla in Chepstow on Saturday 17 March.

Shimmy into Spring takes place at the Severn Bridge Club, The Bulwark, Chepstow, from 7.30pm till late - tickets £6 available from amandagroves @ hotmail.com

There'll be performances and freestyle dancing with DJ Andy Roberts will be providing the music. Plus a bazaar, bar and nibbles - feel free to bring your own food.

Please note that Amunet's veil workshop due to take place that day has been postponed but may be rescheduled for a later date.

Beltane Hip Belter - May 12

Rachel Jones aka Siluria is celebrating the Celtic Fire Festival of Beltane (May Day) with a hafla at Goytre Village Hall near Abergavenny on Saturday 12 May.

It'll feature performances from Rachel and fellow teachers - get in touch if you want to perform a solo or group dance.

DJ Andy Roberts will be playing your favourite tunes, and there'll be a bazaar, bar, buffet and charity raffle in aid of Farm Africa.

7.30pm till late, tickets £7 - contact Rachel on 07738 455533 or email rsiluria @ aol.com

See also her new website at www.siluriabellydance.co.uk

Arabian Night in Pontypridd - March 3

Message from Stephanie: "Tickets still available for an Arabian Night with live music from the Nile band at The Muni Arts Centre, Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd, 7pm till 11.30pm on 3rd March.

"Full hot Arabic buffet, dancing and bazaar. Tickets £22 for adults and £10 for children. Teachers who bring more than 5 students get in for free.

"Please support this new event in Wales - it will be a fantastic evening with fabulous music, food and performances.

"Tickets can be brought from Stephanie 07786 492674 www.stephaniebellydance.co.uk, or direct from Kaz on 07811 915174."

Sophira will also be performing at this event - you can get tickets and info from her too on 01443 403515 or email classes @ bellydancingexotic.com

The Best of The West - May 12

Shafeek, Tara Ibrahim and Charareh Pourzand are among the attractions at The Best of The West Middle Eastern Dance Show in Bristol on Saturday 12 May.

Also appearing will be some of the region's leading bellydancers, including Karine Butchart, Afra Al Kahira, Tracey Pye, Anna Chandler and Stephanie Gawne-Hamza, plus live music from Chas Whitaker and Maren Leug.

The show taks place at the Hexagon Theatre, Kingsfield School, Bristol BS15 4JT from 7.30 till 10.30pm, tickets £15.

Workshops with Shafeek and Tara will take place at Clifton High School during the day with all levels of dancer catered for.

To book tickets and workshop places, contact Tracey Pye on 07974 172848 or email amunet @ blueyonder.co.uk

You can also book online and find further details at www.amunetorientaldance.co.uk/events.html

Habiba Tangerina in Taunton

A new club night billed as South West England's only regular Arabic dance and music event gets underway in Taunton this Friday 2 February.

Habiba Tangerina will take place on the first Friday of every month at Que Pasa, High Street, Taunton.

It'll feature guest dancers and musicians, professionals and amateurs - Afra al Kahira will be appearing on March 3.

Admission is £5 and it's open from 7.30 till 11pm, with performances starting at 8pm. Shisha pipes and early bird 2-4-1 meal deals are also available.

If you want to perform, applications are welcome from dancers or musicians of all levels of ability.

For details phone Shema on 07779 295519 or email shema.dance @ yahoo.com

See the website at www.tangerina.org