What’s on in the UK
Kay Taylor gives a quick run down of what is on - and when
When I came back from San Francisco and the Rakassah festival in March 2006, I was truly inspired by the scale & content of the festival. I did even consider trying to set something up like it in the UK but got scared by the logistics. I understand the Rakassah festival has developed from something that was originally quite small – I just wanted to leap in there with a big event. And my energies were tied up with the Farha Tour which took place in November 2006.
The Farha Tour is about bringing a professional show with musicians and dancers from Cairo to the UK. There is not much of a professional scene in the UK and I have become increasingly frustrated with people thinking they are wonderful because they dance at a few haflas and their students and friends tell them they are fabulous. Open your eyes and see the real world. Haflas are great and should provide a supportive atmosphere for people to showcase their skills – whatever their level. But don’t mistake this for being a professional dancer!
In 2005 I brought Fer’et el Negoum, professional band from Cairo currently working with Leila in Cairo. Our oriental dancers were Aida Nour, Dandesh & Yasmina (British dancer working in Cairo). Also our folklore dancers, Mohamed Kazafy who was a principal dancer in the Reda troup and trained with Farida Fahmy & Mahmoud Reda, and Sayed Amar, Tannoura (Whirling Dervish). In 2006 we had the same band led by singer Safaa Farid with the addition of Hebba, a fabulous baladi singer. Our folklore were the same and Yasmina of Cairo. This time though, our Egyptian star was Randa. What a powerhouse – she is incredible. Though both shows had rave reviews, the costs were so enormous that I lost money on both tours. I couldn’t take on another huge project like the Rakassah Festival.
This year though, the choice of festivals in the UK is huge.
Here is a line up of the main ones:
Fantasia – London. Run by Josephine Wise (JWAAD). This was one of the first big weekend festivals to start in the UK and currently boasts the biggest souk of any UK event. A wide range of teachers including several International names and many UK teachers. Performance platform for visiting dancers & a show on the Saturday night. It runs twice a year, April & December. For details: www.jwaad.com
Farha Festival – Newcastle - **NEW**. I decided the show & tour were so good, I had to create a festival around it. This is unique and the only festival with a professional band from Cairo and lots of classes with live music. There are also classes for musicians & folklore classes on the mens saidi dance. This year is the first one. Mohamed Kazafy & Yasmina, stars from the tour as well as musicians from our band, Fer’et el negoum will be teaching. Performance platform for visiting dancers and the opportunity to dance in the show with our band. Newcastle is one of the most popular destinations for weekend breaks in the UK as there are a host of cultural things to do as well as a fabulous night life. This takes place 27th – 29th July. For details: www.farhatour.com
Majma – Glastonbury. A unique setting in the historic village of Glastonbury. A tradition of inviting different teachers to other festivals. Always interesting with lots of variety. Now being run by Raheesha. Normally takes place the first weekend in March. For more details: www.majmadance.co.uk
Jewel of Yorkshire – in Saltaire, West Yorkshire. Home of a permanent David Hockney exhibition & near Bronte country – lots to do as well as attending the festival. JoY has built up a reputation for warm yet down to earth, no nonsense Yorkshire hospitality. Good range of international & UK teachers. Also twice a year in March & October though the March weekend may be changing. For details www.jewelofyorkshire.co.uk
Raqs Britannia – Blackpool. Miles Copeland brings the Bellydance Superstars back for a second festival in the UK. This time the range of teachers is growing including more international names, UK teachers and the Bellydance Superstars. This year it is the last weekend in June. For details: www.raqsbritannia.co.uk
Celebrating Dance – Torquay. On the South coast, it is a very picturesque venue. I have taught there for 2 years and had a great weekend. Last year Morocco & Dondi were the International guest teachers. Generally this festival is Oct / November time. For details: www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm
Bellydance Congress – Bognor Regis - **NEW**. Josephine Wise (JWAAD) has been a braver woman than I and is starting a new festival this year, the scope of which is huge. The line up of teachers is incredible. Shows and performances by top dancers. Egyptian, American, European & UK teachers. Check it out. It is the first festival in the UK which is pitching to an international clientele and with such a range of teachers, should succeed. 28th – 30th September. For details: www.bellydancecongress.com
Ford Castle Raqs Sharqi weekend – Northumberland. Yes, it is a real castle – but with central heating! A residential weekend with lots of classes and excellent teachers. This is not about international stars but about the joy of dancing. Learn some technique, choose from a host of different classes, make lots of new friends, and have a great time. Why not stay in the area after and explore the Northumberland coastline with Holy Island or head into Scotland as Ford Castle is near the border. Normally 3rd weekend in March. For details: www.faridadance.com click on courses.
Tribal Ford at Ford Castle – Northumberland. The first Tribal weekend in the UK. UK dancers are just getting into the tribal scene though there are lots of new festivals starting up now. This one is the last weekend in May. For details: www.faridadance.com click on courses.
This is not an exhaustive list. But all on it are ones I have either taught at, attended or am running myself, so come with a personal recommendation. I have listed the web sites so you can check out any details. If you are planning on visiting the UK, why not co-incide your visit with one of these events. I really enjoyed visiting the Rakassah festival in San Francisco – hopefully you will find dancers just as friendly over here.