Birthday Bliss!

I spent 4 days last week in Sharm with some of my friends. The hotel (Delta Sharm) has 6 swimming pools and was beautifully laid out. Days by pool, evenings wandering shops and restuarant in naama bay and old market. wonderful!

Photo of my pals in the pool; On the afternoon of my birthday the girls had bought me an ice cream cake and we ate that with champagne in the sunshine after a day by the pool. What more could a girl ask for?

well- except that one of my friends got very sick later that night... and ended up sampling the local hotel clinic, which blew us all away- VERY well equiped and well run with the latest technologies and even a lab on site to do blood testing etc etc. Couldn't have been better really. She ended up getting 3 drip bags, a ton of meds and care that made her feel comfortable and better. Unfortunalty it wasn't cheap- 2500le !!! Thankfully she did have good medical insurance!!! Unfortuantely she still felt unwell enough to continue the rest of her holiday and flew home directly from Sharm. That was the worst bit about the trip!

so....... if you are in sharm and have medical insurance go to delta sharm resort- if you dont have insurance go to sharm hospital which is also fairly new and seemingly very good, as well as a LOT cheaper!!!!

I came back to Cairo on thursday (with a 2 hour delay on flight- grrr) and hit the ground running. Work EVERY day....... which is great. I have had some lovely audiences and been working on some new songs with my band too so it's all good. On saturday I had a photo shoot with Amera el Kattan (of pharonics costumes) so I couldn't perform the lunch time sail - but my riend Marte covered for me and seemingly it went really well! Well done Marte!!!

The photo shoot was fantastic. I was there with my friend Zsofia and we were the only 2 girls there to model who were not Russian! Was strange being surrounded by all these girls and not understanding what was going on! We modelled LOTS of costumes- and as soon as the shots have been put onto Amera's website I'll let you know ( or maybe you can let me know- since I cannot access the website from within egypt- a measure added to prevent other designers copying ideas!!!) .

There were 3 photographers AND a video camera. I have no idea what its all going to look like- but it was a lot of fun! The new saaidi and melaya costumes especially were stunning and a lot of fun- I'll be going this week to put my order in!!!! Not sure why almost EVERY costume I had to model was chiffon. I am NOT a chiffon fan and therefore wafting this full skirt about wasn't my thing at all... however posing with the sword was a lot more fun!!!

Oh- and I went to a wedding on saturday night with a friend at the Semi-Ramis Intercontinental. I got there after work expecting to have missed a great deal- but by 12.45 the bride and groom had only just entered the ballroom and Hakim had just started his set! The dancefloor was packed- but hardly anyone other then the bride and groom actually danced! How could you NOT dance to Hakim singing live???? I didn't but only becuase I didn't want to attract attention away from the happy couple!!!!

Then came Dina... stunning. She looked the best i have ever seen her and she was fantastic with both pleasing the crowd and with crowd management.... one wee girl ran accross the dancefloor mid Dina performance and almost got a slap (not intentionally!!!). Her entrance was seriously lacking in dance moves but packed with energy and attitude. She did a lovely baladi which actually had people standing and watching quietly- drawn in for a change rather than just trying to grab her attention! She did her job very well... and the only problem was the guest contunally trying to crowd the floor, which meant she couldn't move and no one else could see. Frustrating! I thnaked her afterwards for a lovely performance and she was fairly chatty... doubt I would have been after an hour of fighting of people! One wee boy was totally chuffed with himself as he handed her a flower from the side of the the stage and she rewarded him with the biggest smile ever. He walked about with his chest puffed up high all night after that!

I assumed Dina was the final act, but no- then came the Moroccan singer Ganet. She was very sweet. With a lovely voice. Not the same crowd control or stage presence as Dina, but then she is probably half her age and experience!!

It was a fabulous night- I left at 4am when Ganet was still singing... couldn't keep my eyes open any longer!!!

So its been a busy week. Sharm, work work work, modelling. wedding.... and of course wee 13 day old kitten (we still dont have a name for it!!!) has finally opened his/her eyes last week and is now developing a huge thirst, an inquisitive personality and demanding lots of attention. Marte is a fabulous mum1 and I try to do the mum2 duties as best i can! This is him/her at what we think was 4 days old!! (cotton bud for scale!!!!)

Love my life.

Flying cat!

Yesterday I was rushing to work and I saw a boy in my street running about making aeroplane noises and holding something tiny and animal in his hands... making it fly through the air. He went to put it down in a cardboard box and I followed him and saw it was a days old kitten. I shouted at him for playing so roughly with it...... it hasn't even opened its eyes yet! He didn't seem to know where its mother was either. As I walked off to get to work I realsied that dumped in a box, beside a container of water that poor wee thing wasn't going to survivie even the day.

I called Marte.

Marte is nuts about animals (I like them- but am allergic so tend to keep my distance). I told her what was happening and asked her to go check it out, bring it home if needby. She rushed downstairs and found a bowab (not mine) carrying it in a box that was full of water... as if they were trying to drown it! Rescue misson completed, Marte then had lots of running around to find a vet that was open on a friday. Cat is fine... no aliments that vet can see yet.. just starving!

Poor Marte has been up all night doing the 1 and half hourly feeds!!! Mind you- she wasn't complaining!!! A proud new mum!

It just did it's 1st poo ever and its umbilical cord just fell off too. It barely even looks like a cat its so small... anything between 3 and 7 days old.

If anyone out there has advice re new born kittens fire away- its all new to us.... thank god for the internet!

so what has this to do with Cairo or bellydance- I'll tell you.......

in Cairo - animals get far less well treated than they do in UK... because it's a struggle to keep your children alive, never mind a stray cat. A tin of baby cat formula cost 200le (around 20 sterling). That could keep a child alive for a month!

and bellydance? well- I dont know many dancers who stay here for any length of time who dont have a cat!!!! I guess we all succumb to it at some point? Nice to have something to welcome you home at 3am when you get in from work maybe? But i REALLY didn't think it would happen to me! Well- once he/she ( it's too early to tell) is no longer being fed by the bottle i think it'll have to go to a new home. My sinuses are a nightmare at the best of times with Cairo pollution without adding allergy to that as well!!!!

For now we have to think of a suitable name for him/her !!!!..........................

I have photos.... but my camera lead seems to have disappeared so I can't download anything.

Lovely work.........

I am really happy at work just now.

1st of all its tough- cos I want to spend time with my house guests... so thats what makes it all the sweeter that work is actually going well. I'd be gutted if it was a drag!!!!

Tonight I only had 2 shows (2 sails with a deck only each). The 1st sail they changed the normal running order to put me on second and the cover band on 1st (ie when people are eating) and it was WONDERFUL. It meant that the people who didn't want to watch bellydance could go sit outside... and weren't trapped there while they ate having to watch me. However then vast majority stayed and of course , they had chosen to stay for the show and I had their full attention. It was amazing. Really lovely audience, lovely vibe- and my musicians really pulled out all the stops and did me a good show!!!

The the 2nd sail , i was on during the food unfortunatly ( although- to be honest- I prefer to dance before the stand up comedian fill heads with ideas which I'd rather my audience didn't think while they watch my show!!!) so all good. The best was that as soon as I got onto the stage and could look around my audience I realised that a couple who used to come regularly last summer ( and I mean like 5 times in a week!!!) were there in the front table! I couldn't help the smile... was so chuffed they had come back again! I danced my heart out- just for them (wish it had been filmed- would love to see some of the new stuff I felt I came out with, not sure where these moves get stored- not in my conscious brain thats for sure!!!)- but the rest of the audience got carried away with it all too and were just a pure delight.

Old women hugging me... young women making sure they had their photo taken with meto show their friends, Children were sent to me at the end to show off the photograph of them with me. Eyes on me the whole time, despite them having to eat at the same time I was performing! Just LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY. wish every night was like that.

Then my band actually WANTED a rehearsal!!! Yes- you read that right......!!! We went up to the top deck and went through a new song. I'm inspired. To have my band actually keen to work well and do new stuff is just so empowering... I feel I just want to sit for hours with my itunes and choose lots of new music for them to work on while they have the bug!!!!!!!!!!!

It was such a quick night...... but fun. These nights really make up for the difficult ones!!!

The London girls leave for the airport in an hour- I'm going to miss them. I love having a full house of bellydancers! Thankfully a school friend is here to stay for 2 weeks... so its not like I'm going to be at a loose end!

My spare room is available though most of july and august if anyone is mad enough to want to come and sample the heat of the cairene summer?????!!!! .........

.........Sweat is running down my back and off my chin as I type this ( current temp 27 deg) - at 5am- don't ask why I am not sleep at this time- I have no idea... just still on a high from tonights shows I think!!!!

oh- and the girls went to the closing party of Nile group festival yesterday and said that Asmahan did her best show ever and had EVERYONE there with their mouths wide open watching! looked fun- esp with the African dancing boys in grass skirts!!!!!

Suraya does samba

I was so good yersterday. 5/6 hours of stretching, toning and watching dance dvd's - ie studying. Was very proud of my self. It's stuff i really should do daily, and get round to maybe monthly!!!

We went to see Suraya last night.

Stunning!

She danced 'Alf leila we leila' to the violin. Breathtaking.

We wondered at her managing to keep a green dress on- since it seemed only to be held together at the sides with a couple of thin straps of diamante. Not sure how that passes the 'mostanafats' eye and yet my Eman galabeya doesn't ? ??? Anyway- beautiful.

My favourite outfit was her melaya (in school uniform- not quite but almost- short sports skirt and bunches and knee length black socks) she was fantastically cute and flirty and just perfect!

The drum solo was massively samba influenced.. to the extent that the band actually stopped playing so a samba CD could be played for a while- it was fantastic. She really pulled it all together well. Lets face it- only Suraya could actually carry that off here in Cairo!

The last time I saw Suraya I liked it but wasn't blown away. This time she seemed much more alive and enjoying herself up there. Wonderful show.

London bellydancers do Cairo.... in all its glory.

The girls went off to the Nile group festival this morning for a workshop with Aida Nour. I have to admit- I had a long lie (was bliss) and then taught a private class in my studio.

We headed for an American style lunch.. at Chillis- fabulous- BIG food and a waiter called johnny who skidded to a halt as soon as his name was even whispered and brought iced tea before it was even requested!

then a walk to Amera el Kattans where I got to try on my new costume ( yummy!) then off to Emans costume shop for a fitting for one of the girls and I ordered another costume... ooops... couldn't help myself! Then we dashed off to the Sawy centre in Zamalek to see a show....

but not just any show

no....


the ....


wait for it.........

..................


Abdul Halim Hafiz PUPPET show................

It was possibly the most bizarre thing I have ever seen. Original Halim songs.. but with the full orchestra in puppet form performing it! Ok... so Once we stopped laughed (oh- and after one of the girls gave a TV interview about it all!!!!) then yes- we could appreciate how good the puppeters were- all the musicians played their instruments just when they should with the music.......... but really......... I cannot describe it... the photos say it all. Cairo's answer to the thunderbirds.

The most surreal thing I have ever seen. (seemingly according to the cairolive events blog- the 1st recorded puppet show was in Egypt in 2000BC !!!!!)

Oh and they also do an Om Kalthoum puppet show. .....( check it out if you don't believe me!!! http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5954)

A walk to Cairo Jazz club took us past an open shoe shop which just had to have half an hour spent inside trying on EVERY shoe........... with one pair, the correct size, it was to be presumed , being delivered in an hour ( ie at 11.30pm!)- they did get the shoe from another branch- but they had ordered the wrong size... oops.. guess the bling went to their heads...

A 'rock' band next in Cairo Jazz club, who played everything from The Police to George michael to Duran duran to .. Oasis. .... oh- and there were 2 guys in there who looked like Jesus. One, the origional- skinny Jesus- and one the American good-living sup-ed up version- big broad musclely thick jaw jesus. Most entertaining. You can imagine the jokes....

The drive home was yet another experience. Egypt beat Italy in football tonight 1-0. I'll repeat that. Egypt beat Italy! The streets were MOBBED in mohandiseen. EVERYONE was on Gamet el dowal st with flags and drums and horns and generally dancing in the streets. A fantastic vibe- and all without alcohol. Egyptians really know how to celebrate.

so recap.... in one Cairo day

-Aida dance workshop
-American lunch with more food than we could eat
-costume shop- bling
-drinks on the balcony ( forgot to mention that earlier!!!)
-A different costume shop- more bling
-A PUPPET show- sore jaw from all the laughter
-a rock concert- with Duran Duran songs....
-a football riot- without alcohol

Cairo.................... you just have to love it.

Otherwise you would go mad!

( oh- and there is probably stuff I forgot about too!!!!!!!!)

London Bellydancers- part 2 !!!

This week i have Eleanor (Eshta) and Nafiseh (of http://www.saqarah.co.uk/ fame) London staying with me.

They are here to participate in the Nile group festival who had their opening show last night.

WOW what a show! LOVED it!

We arrived a little late and had missed Nancy's 1st dance. So when we arrived she was wearing a green catsuit with cut out panels which left NOTHING to the imagination. I have to say the each of the 3 costumes I did see her perform in had me wondering HOW she could dance in that... ie VERY short skirts, without showing Everything. I was kept wondering so much that I have to admit I can't even comment on her dance. at all. Surely the costumes should ADD to the dance- not totally distract you from it??? Anyway- she looked beautiful and sexy.

Nour was next. She is just beautiful... body and soul. Smiling, elegant, cultured, skilled, fun and totally in love with what she is doing. I was insanly jealous of whoever helps her put together her musical sets- she had a fabulous orchestra who moved seemlessly from one song into another and into the 1st again... beautiful. Her costumes are somewhat 'old fashioned' but I have to say- it was a relief after Nancy- since you weren't studying her body - you actually were looking at her moves, her face- that whole package. I had a romantic smile on my face the entire time she danced. Oh and she did one of the best drum solos I have ever seen in Cairo. Such a shame she normally only performs at weddings and there is nowhere other than the festivals where we can go and watch her do her thing!

and next.........................

Corpse bride ( http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/photos_3.html )

That was the next act........... ok... so actually it was Camelia... and I wish to god I had a photo of her so you know what I am talking about.............

If Nour had me smiling romantically at her all night- Camelia had me alternating between laughing out loud and shocked. She certainly knew how to keep her audence Locked onto her! Magnoona !! ( Crazy!!!) She looked a little space cadet around the eyes it has to be said. She has extreme energy, humour and passion in her dance. I loved it. Her noteable moves were lifting her skirts up to show off her lycra shorts (at every opportunity) and swinging her hair around (including washing her face with said hair?!!!). Her sharp moves, hits, drops etc were to DIE for. strong bold sharp on beat- wonderful. Her lyrical interpretating needed some translation at times though... overall... an AMAZING performer. loved it. wanted to see more.. and more.... totally original... and inspiring.

Most people headed off to sleep then unfortuanatly and missed the best saaidi band ever... Hegazy had us up dancing on stage and in front of stage for nearly an hour.. which is pretty good going on a bad cold- but somehwo I held out- well- how could I not really.... with all those Rabab players and mizmar... not to mention the drums- it would be rude not to!!!


Amazing night. And that was the girl's 1st night in Cairo................... what else does Cairo hold in store for London Bellydancers... this week will tell all ( but not sure how much of it i can write on the blog!!!!!!!!!!! )

Tonight - just to drift off the subject slightly... i performed well. I felt. my second set i usually do saaid- Baladi- Tabla solo.... tonight I did ( twice and to great effect both times) Saaidi- Baladi- Lissa Fakir. I was nearly in tears (honest it wasnt just the sweat running into my eyes!!!). My band really can hold it together if the mood takes them- was proud of them, and I suspect them of me too...

This schedule is fairly full on... I am performing on the Nile Pharoah tomorrow (17th) and then 20th- 27th inclusive. Hope more dancers come to see me.......... so much more fun when dancing for people I know and who love dance!

London bellydancer - part 1

I've not written for w while since I have been slightly busy with visitors!!!



Emily ( aka the amazing Shahla from London) was staying with me last night and it was a whirlwind week of me working everynight, but also going round costume shops with her all day everyday and then partying all night everynight- usually til 6am ( or even all night!!!) Fabulous. I love my life... but I can't keep up with it!!!

Tuesday night we went to the best R&B club in Cairo which is called Latex and is in Nile hotel ( was nile hilton) every tuesday. It's fabulous. it's a 100le minimum spend- but worth it. fabulous music and people who can dance!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a lot of FUN! This is the music that should me the one true path of enlightenment- that music and dance is what I live for and is the only thing that truely makes me happy. It all started in R&B clubs..... what can I say???

We went to see Suraya dance at the Marriot nightclub. She performs at 12.30am- but we were told 1am on the phone which meant we missed over half her show- was gutted and furious- as you can imagine!!!! Anyway- what we saw was great and we saw my 2 favourite things se does in her show- her violin takasim and her drum solo. Both stunning. i love her belly!



We also went up to Agamy on the north coast for the opening night of the nightclub on the beach there called la piste. It was a fabulous place and amazing night- til 6am... but horrible ending since somehow I ended up on dancefloor alone, surrounded by guys who had their hands everywhere... i was hysterical... felt totally violated and abused. Was one of the most horrific experiences of my life. I do recommend the club- but not after about 4am.. and not unless you are with guys who you know will stick by you and look after you. You need looking after in a place full of dogs like those. Yuck.



anyway...... that was last week................

Normality..........?

I joked with friends yesterday about my 'normal life'.... what a joke.

Work last night was entertaining. (Hopefully i was too!). First show was not great (well- not my best anyway) because I had a cold and I felt sorry for myself, however large a group of Americans who were there loved the show and one woman got up to dance and could dance really well. We had fun.

Second show went well at the start (I had friends in the audience- it always helps!!!). However, just before the saaidi part of my show my singer came to 'warn' me that the mosanifat (undercover police) were at the dock so i had to finish my show early so they didn't see me on stage. I said, 'but its all ok- my papers are all in order and my costume covers my stomach... so whats the problem?' Anyway seemingly it was and I still had to rush my show ( but thankfully still managed a drum solo that left my friends, and the rest of the audience, open mouthed!).

Nothing happened.

Then the next sail. I find out the police have come on board to moniter whats going on and also to check on upstairs, which has been hired out for a private party. This means I have to wear the dreaded shebaka (body stocking) which I HATE. It makes my belly button disappear which frankly just makes you look weird- like an alien or something.Not to mention being HOT and makes you sweat! The show went really well. Then the fuss; They wanted to see my papers (which were with my manager, not me- and he was out of town) and in the end we had to wait for someone to go to his house, collect my papers and bring them to the boat before i was allowed to leave (long after 2am!).

They also complained that my saaidi galabeya skirt was split too high, that I was showing too much cleavage and that i stood too close to the guests when I got my photo taken with them!

ok- fair enough re the galabeya ( but I did have shorts on underneath!) re the cleavage- I was chuffed to bits!!! ME ??? too much cleavage??? THANK you, was very happy to hear that- and all natural too!!!! re the photos... how bizarre..... you have to stand next to someone to be in the same photo, and if someone is likely to get the wrong idea- do you really think I'd be standing too close to them? I think they were just splitting hairs!!

so that was my night. Just another 'normal' day in the office. Oh, and at 1am I was told I might have to work til 4am.... but then at 1.20 they said no I didn't.

I love my job, I love my job I love my job.......... sorry - sometimes I have to remind myself why I put up with being 'judged' along with the other lack of organisation c**p !

Circus Act !!!

I can't believe I haven't written about this yet... but here goes. A couple of weeks ago I was at work performing, and it was unusual because the tour group had booked the entire boat and wanted 2 dancers, one after the other. So Leila and I shared the trip. She would dance upstairs while I was downstairs and then we'd swop. The group were all men, from India.

My 1st show went well... they were quiet- but attentive. I actually enjoyed dancing. Leila however finished really early- and when I get back to the changing room - I found out why... upstairs the men had been so excited about seeing a dancer that they had crowded the stage , leaving her a postage stamp sized space on the dancefloor to perform in- obviously (and rightly!) she left the stage!

I was very nervous about going upstairs and performing after what she had told me about the group but seemingly for 20 min between her show and mine, the men had been getting a lecture from the tour operator about respect and staying in their seats. So by the time I danced, they were about to contain themselves throughout my entire 1st dance anyway. It was in my 2nd number that it all went pear-shaped.

One guy stood up, far from the stage, but he wanted to see better. However this blocked the view of the men behind him who complained. He refused to listen (at this point it's important to note that part of thier package had been unlimited free spirits!!!!). When he refused to sit the men behind became heated and volitile and threw a knife at him.... yes a knife (a table knife rather then kitchen one, thank god!!!). The man ducked and the knife landed hitting my feet on stage!!!!! I quickly picked up my veil and walked very quickly off stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thankfully narrowly missing the beer cans which followed onto the stage (and one hit my tabla players knee!!!)

So thats how I became the girl who stands on stage waiting for the knives to miss her like a circus act.

I was annoyed... but not as upset as you'd imagine, or even as I'd have imagined! After all, it's not like they were actually throwing stuff at ME... it was at each other- because they wanted to watch me! The demon drink ruled that night!

The tour operators were almost in tears with their apologies after and I said they had to warn their customers in future about the dangers of bringing shame to their country!! A few of the men who had behaved well upstaris were also falling over themselves trying to apologise to me. What could I say? they behaved like animals. It was shocking, and dangerous. Thank god no one actually had got hurt. What if that knife had been a little sharper, or ... oh it doesn't bare thinking of really!

This happened the night after the fire on the boat!

I have such an exciting life!!!

Wonder what will happen tonight!

Tomorrow Obama is coming to Cairo to talk with the Cairo University students... which should be amazing.. but of course.. the government have closed down businesses- telling shopkeepers to close at 8pm at night tonight and not to reopen til friday morning! Of course no one will give them any financial recompense for their lost business on one of the busiest days of the week in Cairo! Schools are closed too. It's a long weekend. I have work... just hope the roads will be open enough for me to be able to get there!!!

My work schedule over the next week or so is fairly simple. I am working 3rd-10th June inclusive. It's all good. I love having so much work and am really enjoying it.

NOT enjoying the thought of having to apply full stage make up, false eyelashes and hairpiece in 37 deg temp!

More from Sharm!

ok- this could easily become an addiction! I know I was there within the last 2 weeks... but i flew back to Sharm last week ( for 4 days this time) and spent more time in the sunshine!!!

The main excuse was to get there and surprise my sister, her husband and son, Sam since they wouldn't expect to see me again during their holiday! You should have seen their faces!!! I just walked into reception and wee Sam was being carried by his dad and therefore looking backwards over his shoulder... his face just lit up and went into a HUGE surprised grin- pointing and waving at me til his mum and dad turned round to see what all the commotion was about! Totally worth the air fare there!!!!!!!!!!

I have decided I really do love my life ( in case you have been in any doubt after reading my blog!!!!). I often dont write about the bad bits of life in Cairo and instead see this blog as a form of therapy- turning bad experiences into learning ones ( for me and for others!!!). However, I was lying on the beach this week; ipod on, drink in hand, staring out to sea, under a beautiful blue sky thinking this is my weekend........ this is what I can do on a weekend living in this country rather than living in UK. Somehow it does make the stress with hassle, traffic, pollution and bureaucracy of daily life in Cairo worthwhile.

I stayed in a flat this time in Sharm, in the DeltaSharm resort which was beautiful, although the particular flat I had was a cockroach nightmare - they were the size of small mice I swear!!! I generally hung out at my sisters hotel until they left then I had friends staying at the Novotel and I just joined them poolside! At night I left the light on and prayed! ( of course buying some spray would have been the sensible solution - but I was a couple of days into my stay before I worked that one out!!!!!!)

My main achievement I felt was taking the local buses by myself. I could get all the way from DeltaSharm across Naema bay and into Nabq bay for only 3.50le (45 mins)! Fabulous. Especailly when you consider the taxi prices in Sharm seem to be 4 times the taxis in Cairo! Weird sitting in these cramped minibuses, all Egyptian men plus me and yet I felt fine. Not one sleezed on me... people would help give me advice re how much to pay etc etc. Wish to god I could do that in Cairo! Sharm is GOOD place to be in Egypt as a single white women (although granted Dahab is still better).

Have to say though- the single most annoying thing was EVERYONE thinking, no, Assuming I was Russian. Never heard so much russian being spoken in my life as I walked down the streets! A friend assured me its because its usually the Russian women who have such fit bodies and are so good looking.... but that might have been a line!!!!

Photos will follow! also a description of the dancers I saw in Sharm!

My Tabla Solo....... a year ago !

My friend, Natalie, put this clip on youtube this weekend from when she came to Cairo last year and saw me dancing. I didn't even know she had it on film and was a bit worried about what it would turn out like... but I needed have been too worried- its not bad, and more importantly its very useful for me professionally!!!


I have been feeling like my drum solo had stayed the same over the last year... but there are a few things i have changed or added now and also a few things had forgotten i used to do!!!! Some even quite nice! I dont have a video at all of my drum solo from the last few months- so if anyone out there has- i would be really interested to see it and be able to compare then and now.

( The link should appear above in this blog- but some people have been having problems getting it- so just in case its- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcYmBuSmFtE )

hot hot hot

OK from the title you might be misled into thinking I'm about to write about the weather in Cairo- which is indeed in the mid 30's....... ah bliss.......... but no.... I'm talking FIRE!!!


Friday night... There was one deck on the boat, and I had finished my performance. It had gone really well (apart from one couple deciding their 2 year old should be in the centre of the stage the entire time... and this lovely little girl refused to leave the dancefloor- it's a bit like having a stage with a pillar in the middle of it!) Anyway.. I was back in the changing room and suddenly the female singer from the western band came rushing into the room saying all the guests are coming downstairs...... ( which is NOT usual!) we wondered what had happened... then we smelt the smoke. FIRE !!!!!

Well, what can I say? The singer and i were fairly calm since we figured it couldn't be so bad since no one seemed to be running and staff were really relaxed etc etc... the boat however was suddenly going at full speed.My dresser started crying hysterically.... ' we're going to die, we're going to die.... I'm going to drown, I can't swim' etc etc etc...... It took a while to calm her down and explain to her that with a life jacket she'd be fine even in the worst case scenario. I mean, it wasn't like we were going to have to evacuate anyway since the problem obviously wasn't that severe. Her reaction, poor thing, was so extreme though it was very amusing! I have to admit we laughed at her! She eventually saw the funny side... but it took a while!

Turns out, what had actually happened was really VERY minor. An adapter plug for the AC unit had gone on fire. i.e. an electrical fault. So there had been some flames... and smoke and the whole deck stank of that... but the fire was put out as soon as it started and everyone was fine and the whole trip could continue its normal sailing. Except the guests didn't want to sit (understandably) in the smell, so they came downstairs and the western band played there for them. When the band were told to start, I have to admit i did picture in my head the scenes from the film titanic when the musicians played as the ship sank (!) even though I wasnt actually worried about that for even a second!!!!

Oh my GOD- You have Never seen a group of people party so hard! One of the guests had also been hysterical... but there is nothing like a drama to pull people together. Everyone was laughing and joking between the tables... EVERYONE was clapping and singing along with the music. Lots got up to dance. It was like a celebration of life- God had saved us... we were going to live to see another day- lets be thankful and celebrate!!!! An amazing atmosphere. If it had been a European group I suspect we would have been complaining about health and safety etc etc and having to move and our dinners being interrupted etc etc etc ... the Egyptian and Arab audience turned the whole thing into an excuse to party. Was fantastic night in the end.

Of course my friends were all cracking jokes about me being so hot on the dancefloor that i had set fire to the boat etc etc.....

NB- for those considering coming to see me performing on the boat- please do not let this put you off!!! The fire was put out immediatly. The staff were very organised and in control of how to cope in an emergancy (I was impressed!). There are life jackets for everyone on board (under the seats) and ......I have never heard of a boat going on fire on the Nile ( well- not unless it was in the middle of the night and an obvious insurance job!!!!!)

all in a nights work..........................

Charming Sharm

I logged into my blog today to add the newest entry and discovered what I had written about bad habits last time.... and yes- guilty- have spent nearly 3 hours online already today.... mind you have also done nearly 3 hours of stretching.... so I am fairly proud of myself for that! still feel as stiff as a piece of wood though!

spent 5 days in Sharm this week........ amazing!!! My sister was here with her husband and son, Sam and we spent everyday playing in the pool. Wonderful. It was lovely seeing Sam mellow to me throughout the week... at 1st he was a little wary- but no wonder... I am the beloved auntie who just as he begins to love and trust disappears off abroad for 6 months at a time. He is adorable. miss him so much!

The hotel ( The Park Inn Resort, Nabq bay) was very much geared to familys ( in fact I might have been the only single in the whole place!) There were lots of pool and slides and British and Russians. Food was ok... but only 2 restaurants. It was an all-inclusive so would have been good to have a bit variety! I loved being able to chat to all the staff in arabic though are impressing them ( doesn't take much!) and it did seem to get us better service too!!!! Especially at the pool where our towels were laid out for us every morning before we had even left breakfast!!! in fact.... am thinking of heading back there soon for some more chilling whenever i can get some days off work together! ( although wont be the same without my sister and wee Sam there!)

We didn't have much time outside of the hotel. The hotel had an oriental show with bellydancer and tannoura (or whirling divit as the first choice rep called it!!!!) Bless wee Sam- this is his face watching the bellydancer..... next day when asked what he wanted to do he said - 'watch auntie Lorna bellydance again' I guess he must be really confused as he thinks all bellydancers are his auntie Lorna!!!! ( oh- and their eyes are bright blue normally- i had to get rid of the red eye here and not sure how to make them blue again!!!!!!)

I did go to Hard Rock cafe with them one night for a meal which was interesting- since the music was at nightclub level and it was packed... but fun.

I also went to La Pacha nightclub one night.... 1st time there for me. It was ok. expensive to get in 125 le ( which got you a beer or 2 soft drinks) and it was farily quiet at 1st. The music was full on house, which is not really my thing, ( ok, never mind 'not really'- try 'not at all'!!!!) Anyway, despite that it was a good night, watching the Russian girls strutt around wearing not a lot more than they do on the beach (a culture shock to a girl used to Cairo fashion!!!!!) Glad I went, wonder if they have an R&B night- now THAT I would go back for!!!!

so... back to Cairo...

Work has been interesting the past 2 nights. There are 2 things which make dancing for a living very hard.... a sore back ( thankfully mine is fine- touch wood!) and a dodgy tummy.... Hmmmm. well lets just say... belly rolls have not been in my show much the last couple of days!!!! Despite that- I have had fabulous audiences... really lovely people and lots of very warm feedback. I sat for a while with a group of Americans who asked a whole host of questions about dance and my life here in Cairo and said that meeting me and being able to find out about my life here was one of the main highlights of their trip to Egypt- I was touched!!!( emotionally that is!!!)!! I am wondering if my physical restraints on stage meant that I made more effort with my people skills during the dance. I certainly seem to have been able to make some lovely connections with people in the audiences recently. Or maybe thats because I am relaxed and happy after my holiday!

Off to see if Amera el Kattan has any exciting costume ideas for me.................. I think I deserve a new costume or 2...............!

Life is Good.

Bad Habits...

I have developed a few here in Cairo!

The main one is sitting on facebook all day! I love it as a way to keep up with what everyone back home is doing, and to keep track of events here in Cairo and also for photos..... but my god- 6/7 hours can go by..... I have to take control!!!!

The next bad habit that I haven't exactly picked up in Cairo, but is definatly getting worse, is bad eating patterns. I forget to have food in the house, its way too easy to order in.... and of course I eat when I finish work at 1am or later..... not really sure how I can control this- but something needs to be done.... I am not the shape I once was ( although- don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting I'm a whale either!!!!!!!!!) But pizza is leaving its mark on me. My body misses teaching 25 hours per week!!!

The worst one I tried to rectify today... I started my day with an hour and half of stretching.... unfortunatly still feeling like a piece of wood by the end of it. I stretch maybe once a week..... it's shocking... a professional dancer, performing nearly everyday, yet never stretching... I have to get it together!

So thats my bad habits. Could be worse I guess.

anyway.... All this was prompted by a youtube clip someone just discovered of me. Hmm. well, what can i say - I look very relaxed, and happy and content.... and fairly Egyptian in style. Thats all good. However, it is NOT my best ever body tone or dancing! I feel its not as sharp and accented as I perform this same song in my show now ( this was about 9 months ago I am guessing) but hey.... there are a couple of liquid moments I guess...........so even though I don't really like it much, I am adding it in here for your 'pleasure' .............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHqvoGROVNc

Oh- and talking bad habits and youtube... I have always prided myself in NOT sitting for hours in front of youtube. However that was because I would get way too impatient and frustrated waiting for videos to upload. Today I discovered downloading them to real player to watch at your leisure whenever.... so i think i have just discovered my new bad habit ( although I guess also a very good habit too- since you can only learn by watching other dancers.........)

shrek character

Walking back home from lunch this afternoon with a friend, we received the usual amount of street attention... ( pssssst in the ear, ya helwa, ya assel..... etc etc )It was just as frustrating and annoying as usual.

However, one comment from a teenage boy just had us in stitches, although we were careful, of course not to let him see that!

so go on... see if you can guess what is the most likely line to grab our attention and make us go over and speak to him (not!)......................


....


...


no... you couldn't guess could you.........

it was........



.....





'I am donkey, I am donkey'



well.......................what can you say? ...........

we'd have to agree really, wouldn't we?!!!!

Daily performances

Today will be 13 nights in a row performing. My body is not as tired as I expected it to be when I saw the rota... but I have to admit I am really looking forward to a day off!!!!

Monday night I had both the best and the worst audiences ever, and both on the same sail!

The best was 1st- the boat was packed with Egyptians... and I danced Enta Omri for them... at whch point they were standing up , singing along, practically crying along with me (I did actually have to hold back some tears- it was very emotional!!!). Amazing. I felt accepted and respected and admired and appreciated. WOW.
Downstairs however was a complete deck of Russian women. They watched, and clapped at the end- but their faces were totally dead, I couldn't raise a smile from them or even acknowledgement at all that I was even there!!I would smile at someone or wink at them or whatever- and completly still facial muscles would remain intact!

From the total high of the mood on top deack, to the complete lack of energy and negative mood downstairs..... It was an extreme rollercoaster which took me the next 3 shows to fully recover from! We had a super late sailing... hence the 5 shows in one night.... so I got home around 2.30am...

Thats of course when I should have gone to bed- but instead I stayed up with 2 girlfriends (also dancers) til 6am dancing and swapping moves and having a laugh. We were pretending to be beyonce and shakira...what can I say? one day I might even grow up- but I hope not! It was an amazing night!

Last night while I was doing my usual round of the tables in case anyone wants photos taken with the dancer, one guy was so adamatly saying no no, that I said its just a photo.... he was like "no no no.... I am married (waving his wedding ring in my face) and I have 3 children ( waving 3 fingers under my nose) ........... " He was so aggresive about the whole thing I strongly pointed out, in a distainful tone, that all i had suggested, was a photo... nothing else, and walked off with his friends laughing at him! I know they put dancers low down on the social scale.... but I dont have to accept it.

Last night I had the most bizarre thing happen to me. I got to work, got changed, did make up / hair etc etc and was in costume, about to leave the changing room to go to stage (my music had started) and I suddenly because incrediably flushed and fainted! Thankfully my dresser and the singer were there to catch me... and fed me water with sugar until I could stand again... but what impressed me was the way the staff and band jumped into action.... the tannoura went on 1st so i had some time to compose myself, and band played longer than usual intros to give me less time on stage... and ALL the staff ( even the chefs) were asking throughout the night how I was, was I ok, could they get me anything etc etc ... They were all so sweet and caring it touched me. I still dont know what happened, I'd eaten and slept enough and was otherwise feeling fine... But somehow I managed to get through 3 shows after that.... I tell you something- My life is NEVER dull!!!!

And the best news from yesterday - saved til last... my sister's holiday in Mexico has been cancelled ( you can probably guess why) so she is coming to Egypt instead!!!! I'm so happy that I am going to get a chance to spend some time with them in sharm el sheik ... just have to pray I can get some nights off work to go!!!!.

Sandstorms have passed and the sun is out again. I have great friends with whom I have a lot of fun. My sister is coming to visit. People cry with me through Enta Omri.

Life is good.
I'm happy.

More superstitions.....

In august last year I wrote a blog about some superstitions in Egypt....I had a similar discussion with my dresser last night. It seems like there are a few similarities in Egyptian and UK folklore...

I already mentioned the 'touch wood' thing in the last blog about superstitions.

In Egypt, if your palms are itching it means money- money coming in if it's your right hand (if it itches you should scratch it like crazy- preferably with a piece of gold!!!!) and money going out if its your left hand (in whch case DON'T scratch it as it'll make the money go faster!!!)

Also here, if you get a 'frog in your throat' (the constant feeling to clear your throat) then it means someone is talking about you.... If it is just a slight tickly feeling then its someone who loves you and is saying nice things.... but if it is really bad and wont go away then its someone who doesn't like you saying bad things!

Itchy feet means you are going to travel. (or you just have dry skin or athletes foot!!! :-) )

A couple I have only heard here- If the toffee mix crackles when you are getting your hair removed by 'helowa'- or 'sugaring' then your husband loves you. Likewise if the thread keeps snapping when you are getting your eyebrows shaped, he also loves you!

Black cats..... here, if you see a black cat (but only if you see it out of one eye!) then it means really bad things and you should just turn around and go straight home... nothing good is going to happen that day. In UK ( and I have just been told in Norway too) a black cat is only bad luck if it crosses the path in front of you- ie I guess that means you have to see it with both eyes!!!

Crows are the messenger of bad news (often that someone is going to die). Owls hooting means someone has died. Doves spread peace from God and Storks bring babies here too....

Its interesting enough to hear these things in your own culture and try to guess where they come from... its even more so in a different culture especially when there are similarities.... makes you wonder how much truth in it there is....................!

Pigs

2 whole days without internet connection. It's amazing how efficient you can be, or should I say, I can be, without facebook and msn!!!!!

I have a fairly busy schedule at work over the next 2 weeks;
Nile Pharoah- 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th and 13th May.
All good.

Work was strange last night. I had 2 tables right at the front of the stage who all looked miserable and gave NO indication that they could even see that there was a dancer in front of them. Yet a table with 7 women (bellydancers from Ireland) made it a really fun night and helped me perform despite a stinking cold. Afterwards we all got up to dance and got half the rest of the audience up to dance too (except the 2 miserable tables!!!). I love my job.

Oh and a friend of mine sent me this link from a newspaper in Australia.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/egypt-to-begin-pig-slaughter-in-earnest-20090502-aqpu.html
The Egyptian goverment in their infinate wisdom are using the recent outbreak of swine flu as an excuse to cull thousands of pigs across the country. Considering these pigs are the property of some of the poorest people in the country (also most of whom happen to be christian) there are too many questions as to the real reasons why this is happening! The people who collect the rubbish use pigs to dispose of the organic waste matter. Efficient recycling. Not sure what will happen ones the pigs have gone.

Dancing

well- work has been interesting , as always, then last few days.

Sunday I ended up performing on both boats... doing one show on the Golden Pharoah, then taking the launch boat, with all my band (007 style- bobbing about in the dark on the Nile with the police boats coming by every so often to check why we are there!), to the Nile Pharoah to do a show there, then dock, and run over to Golden again to do 2 shows. It was fun... or at least- it would have been had I not had a spliting headache due to toothache!!!!!!!!! Fastest night ever.

Monday night a couple of my friends came to see me...which is always nice... but I have never had such a flat audience. They were watching, and interested and smiling- but hardly anyone clapped! Was really hard as a performer to keep going when the energy in the room was so low- had to work hard to keep myself motivated! Thankfully there were a couple of guys there from Scotland.... and they were appreciative- especially once they know i was a Scot too! The look of suprise on their faces when i said where I was from was fantastic!!! My friends comment was that i was dancing even more 'Egyptian' than usual. In a good way!

Tuesday night, last night, I was in pain!!!! The skin between my toes on Both feet split- at the same time- on the 1st spin on my 1st dance.... OUCH ! I am professional, and I can dance through pain.... but forgive me if you were at that show and the smile seemed a little less enthusiastic than usual!!! I went home straight after to soak them and apply savlon (thank god I brought some with me from UK!) . Its my own fault. I guess having so much time off while I was in Uk made me forget that i really have to make an effort to look after my feet when i am dancing bare foot night after night on fairly rough wooden floors.... lesson learned!!!!

I was teaching today, making up a choreography to 'Asena', for an Egyptian student who is hoping to perform in 2 weeks time. She is lovely and inspires me to come up with new things for her. I love choreographing for others- I just hate it for myself!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess I better go stretch...... something else I forget I really should be doing everyday!!! Tonight I have a different group of friends coming to see me....... looking forward to it- hope the feet hold together!!!

Photos from JoY

One of my friends, Violet Shears, from Scotland took these pics at the JoY festival in Yorkshire at the start of this month.

The 1st one I think really expresses feeling..........

the 2nd one- demonstrates why shorts under a costume are essential!!!

Photos From London

While I was in London teaching and performing, I was lucky enough to have there a fabulous photographer, Maani to record some of it.

If you are in London and need professional dance shots taken- I REALLY recommend him! He was friendly, fun and unobtrusive! The photos speak from themselves. http://www.maaniphoto.com/

Paperwork and Performance.

Yesterday i performing on 3 sails. The 1st one was a entire group from Britain, all over 60. They were on a month long cruise- it sounded amazing. What a sweet audience too.
The next show I had fun with the various kids ( some Egyptian, some foreign) and in particular I completely changed my drum solo. I warned the tabla player to stick with me because i was going to do new things... and he did. He was a star. I really enjoyed it too. Afterwards, the musicans wanted to know where the new ideas had come from- who I had seen doing these things... They just couldn't believe I had made it up myself, They were sure I'd taken someones idea from the festival or something! I think that is a good sign.... I think....hmmmm
Last sail was mainly arabs... and they took a long time to warm up... but eventually just as I was finishing the show they came to life... I dream of a venue where I can do an entire show 45min-1hr, instead of being limited by the boats sailing schedule to 2xsets of 15mins each!

Today I had to go to the Mogamma. Even though I am legally allowed to work here in Cairo, each time I leave the country my papers have to be renewed, and they take my passport away from me for the duration of my stay each time. For some reason, when they give me back my passport it doesn't say I have been here legally all this time- so each time I go tot the airport at the end of my trip i have to go off to the police office and pay a fine. It actaully works out as the smae price, but is so embarrassing at the airport- so today I went to extend the tourist visa before they take my passport away!!!!

As I left the Mogamma ( the government offices) I saw 7 Phillipeno ladies walking in... nothing unusal, except that they were all handcuffed together and escorted by numerous police. I guess thats what happens if you outstay your welcome??????? Felt for them.

Back from the Beach....

Ah... that was nice.

3 days of sunshine and lying about doing very little, chatting, eating, partying, making new friends and laughing a lot.

Stayed in a 'camp' this time.... called the Green Valley Hotel. It was cheap (only 40le for a single room) and very central- right on the beach. It was basic and the palm trees were annoying because the brushed against the ceilings at night and woke you up.... but other than that- fabulous view of both the sea and the mountains.... what more could you ask for at that price really?

As for partying- there is only 2 places really at night time. Tuta has closed down (for sale) so that only leaves Rush and Tree. We went to Rush on the friday and they had conga player accompanying the house music, and then a fire dancer too. Tree on saturday was much quieter- but the music was more to my taste ( mostly r&b/ hip hop) so we kept the dancefloor busy all night! A lot of fun. Amazing watching the sharks circling and gathering though!!!

The bus journey is the worst part of a weekend in Dahab... 9.5 hours on a bus. The way there was ok- they ran 2 arabic films and that was great for me- trying to pick out the words i actually understood! The way back we all tried to sleep, but it was cold on the bus. I really feel for unsuspecting tourists who get off the bus in Cairo though. The taxi drivers are waiting to pounce on you the second you get off the bus and they charge huge prices... the tourist police who stand by the entrance to the station not much better- persuading you that these prices are fair, when they are not (esp at 6 am when there is no traffic at all on the road anyway!!!) Would not like to have been in that situation without any arabic or without our Egyptian friend to help us through!!!

We'll see what my work rota has in store for me this summer- but hopefully it'll involve a few long weekends here and there- occasional time out, in the sunshine, is just what a girl needs to cope with the day to day pressures of life in Cairo!!!

back to work now- 3 sails today. looking fwd to it.

now THATS more like it!

ok- Last night I was paid a compliment that really felt like a compliment!

The tannoura, Sayed Amar, who was performing last night in between my sets said to me (translated) that he was ' always very happy when I was working with him because i put the audience in a good mood' he said 'sometimes with other dancers its as though the audience is all asleep and he has the job to wake them up, but after they have seen me they are all happy and ready to party!'

how sweet was that? The way he said it- I really felt appreciated .... Nice. Especially nice when its from your work colleague who sees dancing every day for however many years he's been doing his turn ( excuse the pun!!! :-) )

Off to Dahab in a happy mood.... soak up some sun and looking forward to performing back on the Nile again on monday night!

( ps- in case some people reading this don't know- Tannoura is the Egyptian name for a 'Whirling Dervish' )

It's all in the eye of the beholder!

What can I say- the perfect example of a major difference between UK and Egypt......

on meeting today a very good Egyptian friend ( female) her opening words were (translated);

'oh Lorna, you got fat.. you look very sweet- like a baby with a round fat face'


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


well.......... I know she meant nothing but good... but can you imagine how I felt????

Balcony blogging

Thanks to a wonderful friend , Dave, my wireless internet is no working again- so I am blogging from the sunshine on my balcony!!!

I had a group of dancers from Australia come to see my show last night. Performing for dancers always adds that bit extra pressure- but also a huge extra dollop of fun... they were lovely and joined me on the dancefloor too.

My performance dates over next 2 weeks in April are;

Nile Pharoah-sat 25th, sun 26th, mon 27th and tues 28th
Golden Pharoah- wed 15th, mon 20th, wed 29th and thurs 30th.


Hoping to get away to the beach this weekend.... so excited at the prospect!

One of the things I have missed about UK so far- people telling you the truth rather than what they think you want to hear. I went to a shop, they said I'd be seen within a few minutes, then they changed it to half and hour, then it was actually one hour 10 mins later I was seen. If they had told me from the start it would be an hour I could have made use of the time to eat lunch or something... grrr.

However- then other things happen too... good things. Like when I went to the shop to get some passport photos and because i wasn't able to collect til the next day it turned out cheaper and then, when I went to collect them, they had made 3 full size prints for me too- just as a present. These nice surprises seldom happen in UK!!!

ups and downs. thankfully more ups than downs at the moment!

Best of both worlds! Nile group opening Gala

Yesterdays blog I mentioned that I was sad to be missing the opening of the Nile group festival... well... fortunatly for me- work finished by 12pm... so i was able to make it along to the opening from then til 3am!!!

I arrived too late to catch Nancy. Seemingly she did some lovely tableaux of saaidi and melaya etc and had fantastic backing dancers with her and stunning costumes. I missed it all.

I also unfortunalty missed the majority of Asmahan's show... caught the end though... a saaidi number with lilac galabeya then an entrance with wings wearing a red and silver galabeya with the wings attached to the back of the outfit which ripped open at the front to show a tiny mini skirt bedla in bright blue for the drum solo. I dont know how her neck can take all that hair flinging... it makes my neck ache to watch!!!

Next up there was the Hassan Hassan folklorique show, who normally perform in the Ramsis Hilton, and are great fun. The show has lots of humour and skill in it and is well worth a visit to the ramsis hilton to see it if you are in Cairo! Saaidi to die for... and performance skills that outrun all others.

Then there was the famous saaidi singer, Hegazy Metkal. He had a huge entourage with him and they got everyone up dancing. Fabulous. The way music should be... so powerful you can feel it not just hear it! I managed to get a wee dance with Asmahan- she is so generous with her energy and praise... A star who makes others feel good- the way it should be!

Leila brought the evening to a close with her show. In costumes by Aida Nour she danced 3 sets. Although I love the backing dancers, it was a nice change to see an entire show that didn't have any. My favourite piece she did was a cheeky number were she took the mic and sang bits of it! The 'teachers table' loved her even more for that and were jumping about and cheering. Fun entertainment watching her and them!!!

so............ not bad eh- when i thought I was going to miss the night altogether. So performing on the golden pharoah... 2 shows... with my band.... and then watching all this fantastic entertainment, surrounded by friends and fellow dancers. My life here really does have the best of both worlds!!!

Good to be back

The sun is shining.

It's up to 35 deg during the way but doesn't go below 20 at night.

It really is the way to live!!!!!!!!


Work is great too. I have worked each night since I got back ( and will be performing on the Nile Pharoah tonight 13th, tues 14th and wed 15th this week too).

I knew when I was in UK that I was missing my band... but oh my god... it SOOOOO good to be dancing to live music again. I feel alive! All the staff were really lovely too, all saying how much they missed me etc etc. all good. I had people complimenting my dance that hadn't before too- I think maybe because I put some of the 'vintage' technique that I was teaching in the Joy festival... it reminds people of the great golden days of the dance!

Only down side of working is that I'll miss the opening gala of the Nile group festival which is today... ah well- to be honest- I'd rather be doing that watching anyway!!!!!!!

Off to costume shop now.... happy.

JoY was a joy!

I have just come back from the Jewel of Yorkshire Bellydance festival in a lovely wee place called Saltaire near Leeds.

It was Fabulous. What a lovely , friendly, relaxed but still ultra-professional weekender.

I taught 4 workshops ( all of which had been sold out for ages.... very flattering!) and they went very well. My favourite was my 'Performance Punch' one- where we basically explored the physicology of performance and how to get your head round it. Bringing out the best in what people already had!
I loved teaching again, I learn so much from it- especially my 'golden oldies revisited and revived' where I was looking at the dance styes of the old greats such as samia and soheir and fifi etc etc and compared the technique and style with todays modern style. Modern versus vintage we called it. It was an interesting experience for me to really study the technique from these old greats- usually when I look at their films I just soak in the feeling... but I feel I have learned a lot just comparing now to then technically too.

The performance night at the fesitval was awesome....

what can I say... Lulu from Brazil blew everyone away- it was hard to even breath while she was dancing! Khaled was fun and technically fantastic as always. Fereshteh really impressed me with a very relaxed fun stick dance. I saw my teacher Sara Farouk perform for the 1st time ever... emotions ouzing out of her. Bollywood/ Bhangra ( not sure of the defination of each) by a dancer from switzerland was totally engaging and entertaining. A fun reggaton/belly fusion by the leeds girls had me desperate to join in. Oh- just too much good stuff to mention really............ inspirational.

Joy is held every April and October... a weekend WELL worth the trip in you can be in the UK at those times ( wish I could every year!)

Only a few more days now before I head back to Cairo. It's going to be hard to leave here. As always.

Still Alive!

wow- 19 days without a blog entry- that MUST be a record for me! Sorry guys... Yes I am still alive and dancing!

It's been quite a month. London workshops went really well- we had a lot of fun and I recieved a lot of really positive feedback ( including a lovely review written by Nikki which should be out in Mosaic magazine soon- was very chuffed with what she wrote about my teaching!!!). The performances in London at the Saqarah Hafla were fab too. some really stunning dancers ( I esp liked a girl from Equador called Damiana- she had me glued to the spot with her drum solo!) Charlotte did a beautiful, graceful 'ana fintizarack' too. Good news about London is that they all want me back!!! so watch this space for info on workshops and performance in London in September 09 !!!

The weekend after that I was in Edinburgh teaching at the Edinburgh University. Wow- amazing memories. It was like stepping back in time. I was teaching in the very same room I taught my 1st bellydance class ever ever, way back 11 years ago!!!!!!!!!!! It was interesting because the girls who now run the 'African and Arabic Dance society' there didn't know the societies history... How I set it up with Kate, and Emily etc etc all those years ago. Emily is now one of the very top dancers in London and a master in Iraqi dance especially! How life moves on!

I came over all emotional when I saw everyone arrive especially for that 1st workshop in Edinburgh- so many people I had taught over the years , and a few new ones, all coming together- I felt like we should be opening a bottle of wine and celebrating the reunion rather than dancing- but of course they were having none of that!!!!

We danced our socks off- literally... and that was possibly the fastest 2 hours of my entire life! Forgive the Jean Brodie moment here.....- So proud of how far 'my gals' have come!!

Oh and I have had some photo shoots while home too.... posing around in my new lovely costumes ( which I wore at the London halfa).... Hopefully some shots to add here asap!

And then- as if that wasn't enough- i was in both Birmingham and Manchester this past weekend...

Birmingham workshop went really well too- a lot of fun... A lot of the local teachers attended too which was wonderful, and so lovely to see so many girls, who are becoming good friends, returning time after time.

However, I have discovered over the years that sometimes teachers do not advertise workshops to their students, because they want to go along and learn new things to teach on to their own students... however, if their students are in the class then they can't teach the new moves on.... a crying shame for the workshop teacher- at the same time as being a sort of a huge compliment somehow! So- my solution is that next time I am back in Birminham, maybe I will do a teachers only workshop.... plus a general level workshop too.... Hmm.... we'll see!!!

It's nearly a 2 hour drive from Birmingham to Manchester... but 4 of us decided it was worth it on sunday night when we drove to the Iguana bar to watch the Nile band perform.

The last time I went there it had a large bellydance following... this time was mainly arabs... and a different vibe. A lot of fun ( although too much Khaleegy for my liking!!!) and interesting seeing everyone getting up on the dance floor to do their bit. I enjoyed people coming up to me and speaking with me in Arabic alatool..( straight away)... it felt lovely to be welcomed so instantly into the community. I danced a little too... I just cant resist with live music! At the end of the night I was chatting with the band and venue manager and it looks like there will be an actual Lorna performance in Manchester during Ramadan, if we can get it organised! yet another 'watch this space' instruction!

There are photos of all these events.... but none of my own camera- so I have to wait to receive them in order to poast them!

So what next....

well, this weekend I am in Yorkshire , and the JoY festival.... looking forward to that and especially to meeting a lot of the other UK teachers....

and then, 10th April, back to Cairo............. back to my band and dancing on the Nile. I've really missed it. As wonderful as it it dancing here in UK and teaching and meeting so many lovely women who also love this dance as much as me... the Cairo pull is still there.... The force is too great- I cant resist!

The friends and family here in Uk will, as always be incrediably difficult to leave behind. I love that my life is in 2 cities, I know double the people and feel at home in both countries now.... but it also means that I am never fully in either, that there is always a bit of my life missing wherever I are. Strange.