Bellydance for beginners in Crickhowell

Abbie Mason is teaching a six week taster course of Bellydance for Beginners in the new year at Arts Alive, The Old School, Brecon Road, Crickhowell NP8 1DG.

The sessions take place every Monday from 10th January to 14th February 2011 from 11am to 12.30pm.

This 6-week taster course will introduce you to the fun, feminine dance form practised by women since ancient times.

You will learn a variety of styles including folk and cabaret; learn to dance with props such as veil and stick, and to recognise different rhythms and music styles from the Middle East.

Tutor Abbie Mason holds a Diploma in Teaching Arabic Dance and encourages individual style and expression through sound technique.

Suitable for any age (14+), size and fitness level; no dance experience necessary.

The course fee is £36 - to book a place call 01873 811579 or email info @ artsalivewales.org.uk

Sword and Tribal Fusion Workshops near Hay

Nancy Warren has organised two workshops taking place at Clifford Community Centre, Clifford, near Hay-on-Wye on Saturday 15 January 2011.

There will be a Tai Chi Sword Technique for dancers with Neil from 2 till 3.30pm.

That's followed by Tribal Fusion with Bellydance Superstar winner Tasmin Leona from 4 till 5.30pm.

The cost is £15 per workshop - contact Nancy 01981 500113 for info and booking.

World Bellydance Show in Caerphilly - Nov 27

Fahareem Fitness presents a World Bellydance Show in aid of Breast Cancer Care at Penyrheol Community Centre, Heol Aneurin, Caerphilly on Saturday 27 November 2010.

The evening begins at 6.30pm with a session open to all inviting people to learn a bellydance routine for charity.

The main event runs from 7.30 till 10.30pm - tickets are £6.50 which includes a free buffet. There's also a licensed bar open from 7pm.

For tickets please ring Jude Bird on 02920 887843 or pay on the door from 6pm.

Khaleeji Workshop - November 28

Fiora and Shirley are holding a workshop about Khaleeji - the folkloric dance of Saudi Arabia - on Sunday 28 November at Rubicon Dance, Nora Street, Cardiff CF24 1ND.

Explore the history and cultural background - learn the moves of traditional and modern forms of this inspiring, graceful and beautiful dance. Learn how to create movements safely plus a short choreography.

You DO NOT need long hair to perform this dance! Thobes (the folkloric dresses) and props will be provided - thobes will also be on sale.

The workshop runs from 12 till 3pm and costs £18 if paid before 20 November or £20 for late bookings.

To book a place, contact Fiora on 07896 309065 or tfiora @ yahoo.com

See also Shirley's new website at www.hipsynch.co.uk and Fiora's website www.oriental-fusion.net

American Tribal - new courses

Foundation courses in American Tribal Style Belly Dance are being launched this month in Bridgend and Swansea.

The twelve week courses will cover foundation moves, basic cues and transitions, formations, basic rhythms and music, and zill patterns for ATS.

They will start on Monday 15 November 2010 at Litchard Community Centre, Bridgend, and on Tuesday 9 November at St Phillips Community Centre, Bathurst Street, Swansea city centre.

For further details and to sign up contact Heley on 07518024316 or email tribalbellydancewales @ live.co.uk