Ozgen Workshops in Newport - June 28

*** Workshops postponed due to ill health ***

For details contact Safeena on 07708 376887 or email safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk

Spirits of Isis in Hereford in November

Performers and sponsors are sought for Spirits of Isis, a charity bellydance show in Hereford on 14th November 2009.

All proceeds go to St Michael's Hospice for cancer sufferers.

The show takes place at TGS Events, near the town's railway station - postcode HR1 1BB.

There is a dropped stage area, mirrored rear wall, and seating around tables.

Performers can arrive any time from 4pm, with a bazaar opening at 6pm. Food will be available to purchase before the show, and there is a bar in the show room.

The show runs from 8pm until late and tickets cost £6.

If you would like to perform, buy tickets or help in any other way, please contact Diana by emailing hullah_hullah @ btinternet.com or phone Sue 01584 819302 or Chris 0771 2830823.

Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara - June 11

Electric African blues duo Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara return to Cardiff on Thursday 11 June for a gig at the Globe in Roath.

They went down a storm as the support act to Tinariwen at The Point in Cardiff Bay last year.

Justin has a long track record in Arabian and African music, as producer of the last Tinariwen album and guitarist for Robert Plant's excursions in north African music.

Juldeh Camara is a griot from the west African state of Gambia and is a maestro of the ritti, a traditional single-stringed fiddle.

There'll be DJ support from Andy Roberts.

Doors open 7.30pm, admission £12.

See www.theglobecardiff.com for details.

Middle Eastern Extravaganza in Hay

The Globe Arts Centre in Hay-on-Wye is holding a Middle Eastern extravaganza on Friday 12 June.

Featuring live bellydance performances, Arabic food, and music from DJ Andy Roberts.

The event starts at 8pm and tickets cost £10, which includes your food.

See www.theglobeathay.org for more information.

Siluria's All American Hafla - July 4

Join Siluria and her group in celebrating the influence the USA has had on our dance on Independence Day - Saturday 4 July - at PILCS Club, New Road, Panteg, near Pontypool.

From powerful American Tribal to sparkling Cabaret, from the glamour of Hollywood to the fairgrounds of Little Egypt… solos and group dances welcome, especially with an American twist - please book your spot with Rachel.

Plus!! In addition to her very special guest dancers Siluria is delighted to announce that the Georgian Gypsy Band Rogora Khart will be entertaining us to make for and even more magical melting pot of music and movement…

Also featuring DJ Andy Roberts, bar, performances and free dance. Please bring a plate of food to share.

Tickets cost £7 - contact Rachel for more info or see www.siluriabellydance.co.uk

Rachel Sparry's classes in Bath

Rachel Sparry is launching a new beginners class after moving from south Wales to Bath.

The weekly classes start on Monday 8 June at the Rhymes Pavilion, Coalpit Road, Batheaston, 7 till 8.30pm.

They're aimed at women 18 year and above of all shapes and sizes - plus size women especially welcome!

Contact Rachel before attending on 07779 041324.

Urban Gyspies - thank you from Safeena

Safeena would like to thank everyone who came to the Urban Gypsy hafla on Saturday 9th May at the Premier Inn, Pentwyn, Cardiff.

It was a fantastic night and the dancing was just amazing. Safeena's guests from Manchester and Stoke on Trent were very impressed with the warm South Wales welcome and commented on how friendly everyone was.

The Urban Gypsies upped the tempo with their stunning performance, they were an inspiration to any budding tribal fusion dancer.

Safeena raised over £100 for a special charity run by Zeena of the Trent Valley Tribal group, to help parents of children who die suddeny from cancer or other terrible illnesses, and who have to face huge funeral costs as well as having to cope with devastating grief. She lost her beloved son Ben so the charity is very close to her heart. Thank you for all giving so freely.

Thanks also to all who attended the workshop, it was hard work, challenging, but so much fun!!!

Meanwhile Safeena is hosting Ozgen again on the weekend of Saturday 27th / Sunday 28th June - this time he will be teaching a beginners' workshop, an intermediate workshop and a workshop for advanced students, performers and teachers. More details to follow shortly.

Bellydance taster sessions with Shirley Griffiths

Shirl is holding a series of free bellydance taster sessions in Cardiff for Adult Learners Week:

Sat 9 May - Canton Library - 3 till 4.30pm

Tues 12 May - Cardiff Central Library - 2 till 4pm

Thurs 14 May - Bessemer Close Offices, Leckwith Industrial Estate, 11.30am till 12.30pm

Thur 14 May - City Hall, Cathays Park - 2 till 4pm

All these classes are part of Cardiff City Adult Learners week, they are all free and will give you an insight into the world of Eastern Dance with a demonstration, talk and a lesson.

If you have been curious, come along and join in the fun.

Hypno Mystiq Summer Hafla - July 10

Hypno Mystiq invite you to a Summer Hafla on Friday 10 July at the Nevill Hall Sports & Social Club, Abergavenny.

Performances welcome from duos, duets, groups plus free dancing.

There'll be a buffet, bar, raffle and souk, and a changing room will be available.

Tickets cost £7 - this is a small venue so numbers are limited. Please book early to secure your ticket and dance spot

Contact Wendy on 07725 463167 or email xwendy @ oink.co.uk

Egyptian Dance Workshops with Hossam and Serena Ramzy

Learn the beautiful art of Egyptian dance and music with two of the world's finest teachers.

Hossam and Serena Ramzy will be holding a series of workshops in Cardiff over the next twelve months.

Sunday 28 June 2009 - The Art of Dancing to the Rhythm
Sunday 25 October 2009 - Classical Egyptian Dance
Sunday 21 February 2010 - The Art of Baladi
Sunday 13 June 2010 - Folklore with Stick Dancing

These workshops are suitable for all levels.

All will take place at the University Hospital of Wales Sports Club, Heath Park, Cardiff, from 11am till 4pm.

Each workshop costs £35 - for more information and to book your place call Hannah Corr on 029 20 300237 or email hanitacorr @ yahoo.co.uk

Check out Hossam and Serena's website at www.hossamramzy.com

Bellydance Taster Sessions with Sophira

Sophira Shannon will be holding a series of Bellydance Taster Sessions for Adult Learners Week.

On Tuesday 12 May she'll be at Glyncoch Church near Pontypridd at 10am and on Wednesday 13 May at Ferndale Arts Factory from 5.30 till 6.30pm.

On Saturday 16 May there'll be a taster session in the morning at the Energie Ladies Gym in Danescourt, Cardiff.

For details email s@sophirashannonacademy.biz

See the Arabesq website for details of Sophira's weekly classes in the valleys.

Melanie and Hassan's workshop reviewed

Safeena has sent this review of the Oriental Dance Workshop by Melanie Norman and Chalf Hassan in Bristol.

"Chalf Hassan is a renowned composer in the Arab world with many CDs to his name, and a highly respected multi-instrumentalist and singer. Melanie Norman is an accomplished dancer with a particularly graceful and fluid style.

"I had a fantastic time at this workshop and just had to let teachers, dancers and intermediate students about it, because this was the first of many such workshops planned for the coming months.

"Hassan was a delight to work with, his patience with us all, his knowledge of the main Arabic instruments: oud, tabla and keyboard and his wonderful singing voice, all made this a unique workshop.

"Melanie proved to be a most wonderful, skilled and inspiring teacher, challengng us at every turn, and presenting her carefully prepared material in four contrasting sessions.

· Technique: steps, strong and fluid hips
· Relaxing into taqsim with beautiful hands and graceful arms
· Stylish and flamboyant combinations straight from the top Cairo dancers
· Improvisation sessions, where Hassan played and sang wonderful music

"The emphasis was on support and encouragement in a friendly yet highly focussed atmosphere. It was paced very well, we were praised for our strengths and gven carefully thought out and constructive advice on our weaknesses. A lot to take in and think about. As a teacher I found it invaluable, this workshop pulled me up by my bra straps and made me think very seriously about posture, technique, positioning, precision, emotion, interpretation.

"It was pure Egyptian at its best, and pure joy. The authenticity could not be questioned, and is something that is lacking in these days where fusion of styles is the norm. Many of us have forgotten the traditional skills required and the background knowledge necessary to execute oriental bellydance at its finest. Some of us may never have been taught them.

"Although it may seem pricey at £40, we started promptly at 10.30am and finished well after 4.30pm and drinks, a light lunch and afternoon tea/cakes were included. Melanie's husband was chef for the day and did us proud with a beautifully cooked and healthy menu, including delicious stewed red cabbage and lovely gooey cakes that threatened to slow us down in the afternoon session.

"I can thoroughly recommend future workshops with Hassan and Melanie. In fact, inshallah I will be attending as many as possible and and will offer to car share with anyone who wishes to attend, to save on petrol and bridge toll. If anyone wants any further information, plese email me on safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk"