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"