Tracey Jones guest stars with Urban Gypsies

Message from Safeena:

"Safeena is pleased to announce that Tracey Jones will be performing at the Urban Gypsy Hafla on Saturday 21st November in Caerphilly

"Many of you will remember Tracey Jones (formerly Tracey Pye) as the Bellydancer of the Year, whose glittering career was shattered when she suffered a horrendous accident, which resulted in her having to lose her foot.

"She has fought back from this terrible accident and loss, and is now performing and teaching again. She is an inspiration to us all.

"Safeena is so thrilled that Tracey has agreed to perform at the hafla, alonside the Urban Gypsies and the Trent Valley Tribal and other local dancers and groups.

"Tickets are now on sale for the hafla and bookings taken for the 2 workshops being taught by Zehara, the Urban Gypsy leader.

"No experience is required for the workshops as they are unique and all about having fun and loving the experience of close group dancing."

Contact Safeena on safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk or 07522 673554

Double dose of desert blues

Fans of North African desert blues should look out for two gigs in south Wales this week.

On Friday 23 October Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara appear at the Pontardawe Arts Centre. Guitarist Justin was a member of Saladin's Orchestra and has worked on Robert Plant's world music projects, while Juldeh is a griot (storyteller) from Gambia and a master of the riti, a single-stringed fiddle. Tickets cost £10 (£9 concessions) - call the box office on 01792 863722.

On Saturday 24 October desert blues legends Tinarwen play Cardiff University Students Union Great Hall. The band of Tuareg rebels from Mali famously swapped guns for guitars to make music not war. Tickets cost £18 - call the students union on 029 2078 1400.

See www.myspace.com/justinadamsproducer and www.tinariwen.com for a taste of what to expect.

Spirits of Isis Workshop and Show - November 14

The Spirits of Isis Bellydance Show in Hereford on Saturday 14 November will be preceded by two workshops earlier in the day.

Lynne Chapman will teach a Tribal Indian Inspired Fusion workshop from 3 until 4.30pm featuring Bollywood and Bhangra styles.

Then Nancy Warren will teach a Tango Arabe workshop from 5 until 6.30pm. Using dance techniques from tango which will help and inform, improve and add flair to your bellydance. Barefoot, bring socks. If floor allows leather soled shoe and heels if you want, but not necessary.

Cost is £15 per workshop or £20 if you book the two together before 31 October. It will be £25 for the two workshops after that date.

The workshops and the show take place at TGS Bowling, Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1BB - telephone 01432 352500. Tickets for the show cost £6 with proceeds going to St Michael's Hospice. The bazaar will be open from 6pm and the show starts at 8pm.

For information and to book a place please contact Chris on 07712 830823, Sue on 01584 819302 or email Diana - hullah_hullah @ btinternet.com

Khaled workshop cancelled

Sue Soliman says the Khaled Mahmoud workshop planned for Newport at the end of October has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

For further details, contact safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk