Big Fat Gypsy Disco

Are you a fan of uplifting Balkan beats, gypsy jazz, klezmer classics and more?

If so I'm launching a new venture called Big Fat Gypsy Disco.

It's been inspired by a DJ set I was asked to do for a friend's 40th birthday party in Pontypridd at the weekend which went down a storm - thanks Jeff!

Initially it'll be a case of me offering to do similar sets at open-minded clubs and bars in Cardiff, south Wales and beyond, maybe supporting or hiring bands for such events - as well as selecting the tunes I'll also play along on my clarinet, davul, darbuka or other instrument to help the night go with a gypsy swing.

Mindful of the comments a certain TV show has attracted over its authenticity, I should point out that BFGD will be a positive celebration of Gypsy and Roma inspired music from Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Mediterranean and beyond, along with Slavic, Arabic and Jewish tunes of a similar tempo if not Roma in origin.

See www.bigfatgypsydisco.co.uk for more details, including a taste of what to expect via a webcast of a gypsy special I recently presented on Radio Cardiff.

If you run a venue and want to book me, or a band that wants DJ support, get in touch via info @ bigfatgypsydisco.co.uk

Bridgend Charity Hafla - June 18

A charity hafla will be held at the Bridgend Recreation Centre, Angel Street, Bridgend, on Saturday 18 June 2011.

There'll be solo and group performances, Orientalbelly bazaar, Arabic disco, jewellery, henna, professional photography and more.

Plenty of free parking and a licensed bar - please bring your own party food.

It's from 7.30 till 11.30pm - tickets £6.

For details contact Elindia on 01656 863639 / 07824 874511 or email elindiabellydance @ gmail.com

Herefordshire classes with Alanya

Need to go 'back to basics' or looking for more of a challenge? Alanya is offering bellydance classes in Herefordshire.

Technique Classes for Beginner to Intermediate Levels will take place on Thursdays 7 till 8pm starting 24th March 2011 at Bodenham Parish Hall HR1 3LB (near Leominster).

General Level Bellydance Classes will take place on Fridays 11.30am till 12.30pm starting 1st April 2011 at Hereford Leisure Centre HR4 9UD.

See www.alanyabellydancer.webs.com or call Alanya on 07962 161081 for further details.

Wendy's Winter Hafla and Workshops - update

** Update - workshops and hafla will now be taking place at Llanfoist Village Hall, and you're asked to bring a plate of food to share for the hafla **

Wendy Hughes is holding a Winter Hafla and Workshops in the Abergavenny area on Saturday 26 February 2011.

Kirsty Matthews of Bhakti Tribal will teach two Tribal workshops - the first from 12 midday to 2pm covering Foundation Moves for Classic American Tribal Style Bellydance open to all levels.

The second workshop from 2.30 to 4.30pm is Leading & Following Formations with Slow Moves, for improvers and more experienced dancers.

Workshops cost £20 each, or earlybird price of £30 if booked before 31 January 2011.

The tribal workshops will now be taking place at Llanfoist Village Hall, followed by a hafla in the evening.

Kirsty will be the star guest along with Usha Oseye, plus performances by Shirley, Siluria, Kyoko, Daigana Grace, Hypno Mystiq, Erzuli and other local groups.

Performance slots available - all bellydance styles welcome. The Hipsynch bazaar will also be open for all your bellydance needs.

7.30pm till midnight, tickets £7 - due to a change of plans there will not be a buffet. Please bring a plate of food to share and your own drinks.

Contact Wendy 07530 099265 or email xwendy @ fsmail.net to book tickets and/or workshop places.