Arabian Nights in Pontypridd review

Sue Lloyd sends this review of Saturday's spectacular at the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd:

"I know that many of you thought that this event was a bit pricey at £22 and that no-one knew the organiser.

"I had heard only good things about him on the national circuit and had been in contact with him for months as I offered to bring my bazaar.

"The venue may be out of the way, but was perfect for the occasion. Caz is a very quiet and polite man and everything was well organised.

"There was a large Arabic contingent present that night, many Iranians and a table of lads from Dubai and Middle East who were very appreciative of all the music and dancers. One gave an impromptu performance to the amusement and delight of his friends and the rest of the audience!

"The band took centre stage and didn't leave much room for our dancers although they were able to make use of the dance floor too.

"We all queued for the hot buffet before the show began which was unusual but good, as you didn't have to spend and hour or so smelling the food but not able to eat it! (haha) I thought the food was very good, very middle eastern but not much variety really.

"First on was our very own Stephanie, and she was stunning in Turquoise, delighting us all with her fabulous sword routine and then dancing with the Zills to Misirli Ahmed. Stephanie opened the show with real pizzazz and set the pace for the evening

"So that we could all get up and dnace there were times when the Nile Band played some firm favorites, Ya Rahay, Sidi Mansour, Didi, Noss y Noss and many other pieces of music I know, but don't know the names of!!!

"The second performer was the local teacher, Sophira Shannon, with an interesting mix of Beledi and folkloric movements. Many of Sophira's students were in attendance and it must have been nice for them to see their teacher dance at such a prestigious occasion.

"The main atraction was the lovely and talented Amanda Phillips (Sameera) who wore a stunnig animal print cabaret dress and who danced for about 40 minutes, including dancing on all the tables to the delight of the crowd (especially the Dubai lads!!)

"She returned later in the evening in an absolutely gorgeous Saiidi costume to do a stick dance, involving some new and interesting moves which I am going to try out, being into Saiidi dancing.

"The show was supposed to end at 11.30 but there were about 3 encores and the last people left about midnight. Caz and crew were driving back to Cheshire that night and I give them every credit for the entertainment they brought to our small corner ofWales."

"They are due back in Novemebr so watch this space!!"

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