Thanks from Sophira

Message from Sophira:

"I will no longer be teaching Bellydance - my Merthyr Tydfil classes have been handed over to Hannah Corr while my Rhondda Cynon Taff classes are being taught by various students studying on my dance leaders course. We will put these on the notice board in due course.

"A huge thank you to the hundreds of women that have supported my classes. I hope that women will continue to enjoy the many benefits and life-enhancing qualities that my new business has to offer."

Mirage seeks members

Message from Sue Lloyd:

"Calling all bellydancers ... Mirage, the Newport-based dance troupe headed by Safeena, is looking for new members.

"Two of our members are pregnant and are unable to perform with us for a while. We therefore would like to welcome new members to join Mirage.

"You must be willing to perform, as a group, duet, or solo and be available to rehearse on Thursday evenings in Newport.

"We are not looking for perfection, but we are looking for enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, the ability to pick up choreographies very quickly, and a sense of humour.

"We all contribute subs towards the hire of the studio where we rehearse and other purchases (such as hafla tickets when we perform).

"If anyone is interested in attending an audition, please could you email Safeena on safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk or telephone her on 07708 376887 - please try to avoid calling early evenings when Safeena is teaching."

Wendy's Winter Warmer Hafla - Nov 24

Wendy Hughes is holding a Winter Warmer Hafla at the Labour Club in Abergavenny on Saturday 24 November.

There'll be solo spots, group performances and freestyle dancing with music provided by DJ Andy Roberts.

Also includes a buffet, bar and raffle - please help to support the Cot Death Society.

It's on from 7pm till late and tickets cost £8 which includes the buffet.

Contact Wendy 07725 463167 or xwendy @ fsmail.net - book early to get your spot on the dancefloor.

Morrigan Goddess workshop postponed

Hannah Corr is having to postpone tomorrow's Morrigan Goddess Dance Workshop in Cardiff due to ill health.

It's been rescheduled for Saturday 17 November - Morrigan is the dark Celtic Goddess of battle, passion and death who takes the form of beautiful woman or hag.

The workshop takes place at Cathays Methodist Hall from 11am till 2pm and costs £18.

For more details contact info @ halfouinedance.co.uk or check the website at www.halfouinedance.co.uk

Stephanie's Christmas and New Year Haflas

Stephanie Gawne-Hamza is holding a Christmas Party for her students and anyone else interested on Wednesday 19 December at Canton Liberal Club, Cowbridge Road, Cardiff.

It's 7.30 till midnight, tickets cost £8. Includes performances, buffet, bar, bazaar and charity raffle.

That's followed by her 4th New Year Hafla on Friday 25 January at the Fairwater Conservative Club, Ely Road, Cardiff.

Featuring guest dancers, buffet, bar and bazaars - performance slots still available. It's 7.30 till midnight, tickets at £10.

Contact Stephanie on 029 2023 1450 or email info @ stephaniebellydance.co.uk

Harem Scarem 3 - last call for tickets

Shirley Griffiths says tickets are running out fast for Harem Scarem 3, her third annual Halloween bellydancers ball in Newport.

It's taking place at the Burleigh Academy on Llanthewy Road on Saturday 27 October and is her biggest show yet.

Most of the leading dancers in south Wales are taking part, performing suitably spooky dances for the occasion.

Tickets cost £10 and need to be booked in advance - email justpooka @ yahoo.co.uk or phone 07940 801912.

Rachel's Rock the Casbah Rockabelly Ball

Want to rock with your bellydance? Rachel Jones is hosting a rock-themed fundraising hafla on Friday 14 December at New Panteg RFC, New Inn, Pontypool.

Come along and do some camels for camels, and let Rachel know if you've got a rock track you want to perform to.

Contact Rachel on 01495 757144 for more info about her halfa or classes and check the website at www.siluriabellydance.co.uk

Global sounds on Radio Cardiff

There's a chance to hear music from around the world on a brand new community station called Radio Cardiff which launches on Monday 8 October.

It’ll feature a wide range of music including soul, reggae, bhangra, African beats and more - I'll be doing a funky jazz show on Monday nights at 8pm.

For a flavour of what to expect, tune into 98.7 FM to hear the test transmissions right now.

More info soon at www.radiocardiff.org