Chalf Hassan and Melanie Norman workshops

Composer and multi-instrumentalist Chalf Hassan and Egyptian dance artist Melanie Norman will be holding a series of Oriental dance workshops in Cardiff at the CMC Sports & Social Club, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park.

On Sunday 6 September they'll exploring freedom and form in Egyptian dance - technique: steps, strong and fluid hips; relaxing into taqsim with beautiful hands and graceful arms; stylish and flamboyant Cairene combinations and feeling the joy of movement whilst improvising to a song.

On Sunday 29 November there'll be a Baladi dance workshop, learning a characterful and authentic choreography to the popular "Min Hob fik ya Ghari" with "Tahk il Shabaak".

And on Sunday 24 January the workshop covers classical Egyptian dance, with intensive technique and instruction on how to match the music sensitively and with authenticity.

Each workshop runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm and cost £40 per person. Discounts are available for group bookings.

For further information or to book online please visit www.arabquarter.co.uk

Hossam and Serena Ramzy are holding workshops on similar themes at the same venue as previously announced right here - please double check the details of the workshops you're booking to avoid any confusion.

A Night in Tunisia - Cardiff- July 16

Join DJ Andy Roberts for an evening of live Middle Eastern music and bellydance as A Night in Tunisia returns to Cafe Jazz in Cardiff this Thursday 16 July.

Once again we're delighted to welcome Chas Whitaker on percussion and Maren Lueg on reed instruments fresh from their appearance at the Glastonbury Festival with the Arabic Balkan Gypsy Band.

They'll be performing traditional Middle Eastern music and inviting you to get up and dance.

We'll also have solo bellydance performances from Siluria and Shema and a chance for everyone to show they can shimmy.

The evening starts at 9pm and admission is £5 - get there early to be sure of a seat!

More details at www.anightintunisia.co.uk - don't forget the radio show every Wednesday and Friday night at 11pm on Radio Cardiff 98.7.

Summer Bellydance and Pilates with Steph

Steph is teaching a summer time mixed ability belly dance class on Tuesday evening from August 4 at the Conway Road Methodist Church in Canton, Cardiff.

The classes run from 7.30 till 8.45pm and will be preceded by a Pilates session from 6.15 till 7.15pm, perfect for strengthening the whole body and increasing flexibly.

The class starts with a warm up, mobilizing the joints and warming up the muscles. Then there's a drill, repeating hip and upper body moves so they become effortless and precise. Then travelling steps and choreography, and finally a cool down and stretches.

Book your place by email info@stephaniebellydance.co.uk

For Pilates, please bring a mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

Urban Gypsies hafla and workshops

The Urban Gypsies - stars of Britain's Got Talent - return to south Wales on Saturday 21 November for workshops and a hafla at Penyrheol Social Club, Caerphilly.

The workshop with Zehara runs from 2 till 4pm and costs £15 per person.

It's followed by a hafla featuring the Urban Gypsies at the same venue from 7pm till midnight - limited performance slots available, first come first served. There'll also be bazaars and a charity raffle.

Tickets cost £7.50 - please bring a plate to share for the buffet table.

Zehara will also hold a workshop on Sunday 22 November in Newport at Fitness First in Corporation Road - midday till 2pm, price £15.

Contact safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk for more information.

Bellydance tasters sessions in Torfaen

Rachel Jones is holding a series of bellydance taster sessions on Tuesday nights at Garndiffaith Millennium Hall near Abersychan, north of Pontypool.

There'll be ten classes starting next Tuesday 7 July from 7 till 8.30pm.

For details contact Rachel on 01495 757144 or Ariane at Garnsychan Partnership on 01495 774453.

See www.siluriabellydance.co.uk for more about Rachel's activities.

Baghdad by the Bay - August 9

Dominique is holding another Baghdad by the Bay show on Sunday 9 August at the 10 Feet Tall Bar in Cardiff - note the new date.

It'll feature performances by Long Black Veil, Daigana Grace, Mahadevi, Fiora and some very special guests.

Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm - admission £5.

This will be Dominque's last show as she's moving to London - she hopes it'll serve as a leaving party.

Anyone who would like to perform can contact Dominique on 07724676582 or email dominique.flook @ virgin.net

Shimmer Bellydance Showcase 2010

Em Chuter is already planning the next Shimmer Bellydance Showcase in 2010 featuring the Urban Gypsies, stars of Britain's Got Talent.

It'll take place on Saturday 13 March 2010 at The Gate arts centre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff.

She says it'll build on the success of the 2009 and is set to be bigger and better - as well as the Urban Gypsies, the show will feature some of the best dancers from South Wales and beyond.

Shimmer 2010 will also see the return of the Middle Eastern bazaar, professional photographer and the raffle.

100% of ticket sales will again be donated to Tenovus – Wales’ number one cancer charity – the 2009 show raised £1,850.

To perform, trade, sponsor the event, advertise on promotional material or help out in any way, please contact Em Chuter on 07877 116680 or email em.chuter @ hotmail.co.uk - please note performance and trade slots are strictly limited.

During the day Shimmer will also be offering workshops with the Urban Gypsies – there are only two 90minute sessions available so please book early.

Click here for details of Shimmy Saturday taking place in Newport on August 22.

More Nights in Tunisia on Radio Cardiff

Don't miss A Night in Tunisia with me, Andy Roberts, every Wednesday night at 11pm on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM.

It's a mix of the best Middle Eastern beats and bellydance tunes that you'll know and love from our haflas throughout south Wales, plus a bit of Balkan, klezmer and desert blues.

The Radio Cardiff team love the shows so much they're also playing them on Friday nights at 11pm.

Tune in on 98.7 FM in the Cardiff area or listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Bellydance in west Wales - summer 2009

Events coming up with Guinevere and Baubo Belly Dance in west Wales:

Elemental Belly Dance workshops - every Saturday morning in July 10.30 - 12.30pm. Belly dance focused on air, earth, fire and water to add variety, style and character to your work. Includes aspects of AstroBelly and A-Z belly dance, cane, candle and veil work. All welcome. £15 each or £50 for all four sessions. Venue www.overtherainbowwales.co.uk

A-Z Certified Belly Dance courses are running via Baubo Belly Dance. Diverse, creative and empowering. Enjoy a fun and in depth range if oriental dance sequences and gain a personal technique certificate in Keti Sharif's A-Z world famous belly dance system. Great for teachers or anyone wanting to go a step further into their passion for belly dance. Next workshops - July 5th, July 26th and ongoing. August 15-16th - taster weekend for anyone curious or considering taking up the course. Leads to belly dance teacher certification. Training packs avaialble, all enquries welcome. Venue www.overtherainbowwales.co.uk - overnight stays available.

Blue Rock Festival 1-2 August - Join us for an organic field experience at the quirky Blue Rock Fest in Pembrokeshire. Can you offer a workshop, or performance? If so, please get in touch. Free tickets to any performers & workshop leaders, but tickets are limited so don't delay!! Free camping and fingers crossed our own belly dance Bedouin tent! Come for some fun and usually a little of the unexpected! www.celticbluerock.org. Enquries welcome to Guinevere.

World Beats - Womens Dance Celebration Weekend - Sept 19-20th - Includes workshops in Balkan Circle Dance (19th) with Paola Blanton - www.yalla-bina.net - and A-Z Belly Dance workshops (20th) with Paola & Guinevere. Evening hafla on 19th with Indian buffet, performances, bazaar and Arabic disco. Performers enjoy free food, free entry, free raffle ticket and a free glass of wine! Overnight stays available www.overtherainbowwales.co.uk. Get in touch if you'd like to perform. We are looking for a really diverse range of belly dance so anything goes, be creative and let's party! Tickets £15 available now.

For more details about any of these activities, contact guinevere @ baubo.co.uk or phone 0792 533-2892 or see her website at www.baubo.co.uk