Raqs Britannia 2008!

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Sunday morning with a ‘Percussive Core’ (?), Jillina for lunch and some afternoon Fan Dancing to finish me off!

I have three workshops today which seemed like a good idea at the time.. I could quite easily had a very percussive core in the head but actually, I only had ONE glass of wine last night. I would never have managed this morning otherwise.

This class was all about the abs and how to use them for percussive accents. Now this is right up my street – I love pops and flutters etc. I’m not saying I can do it very well, but I do love trying. The class was taken by Madeleine Mitchell (Kharis) and was a lovely class to start off the day. We did all sorts of abdominal movements and accents then put them together in a choreography. I’m not fond of choreographies – I can never remember them, but this class reached a balance I think.

Next was Jillina again for ‘Fantasy Fusion’. This class was a series of combinations which we put together at the end in a complete choreography. This was a large class in a large hall, and Jillina was raised on a little podium, in order to be seen. This didn’t work for me – she was only raised a foot off the ground and although we kept changing lines, if you can’t see someone’s feet, you soon get lost, and I lost heart at one point. But all in all, it was a good class and I did learn a lot. Jillina came out amongst us to check and correct, and as usual, she was generous and fun. The photo above shows Chrissie and Jillina on the right.

My last class was a super class to end with. It was all about stage presence and a look at Burlesque. We played with fans; little fans and those great big feathered fans the old fashioned fan dancers used to use and veiled fans. The lady who took the class – Michelle Pender, was such good fun, and brought out the exhibitionists in us. At one point, one student was volunteered to dance to some raunchy music with the giant feathered fans. She did SO well! What she didn’t realise was that Sharon Kihara (I know it was her as I could see her peacock tattoos) was watching her from the other end of the hall with her students who were taking a water break and had heard the music. We practiced moving about with a y walk, looking the audience in the eye, and generally trying to get rid of our British self consciousness. I was able to just get on with the business of being a saucy fan dancer for an hour or so, perhaps because I’m a bit of an old tart (as a friend kindly reminded me only today!). Michelle went into the origins of Burlesque and the way it has overlapped a little bit with bellydancing historically speaking which was very interesting, and very welcome in the sense that I was able to sit down for a wee while. This weekend has been exhausting!

So that was it. Raqs Britannia. What a great weekend. I met so many wonderful people, had just about a whole terms worth of tuition, seen some great dancing and had a lot of fun.

Next years dates are out already – 13^th – 15^th June 2008! See you there!

The Superstars Ball

The Superstars Ball

Then I was out again to the Superstars Ball. Now the Winter Gardens are only round the corner from this hotel, but I had to get a taxi, as it was raining, not much, but enough to give me an excuse! (Taxis are really cheap in Blackpool! I never had to pay more than £3.00!).

I got myself a table with a smashing group of s all on superb form. We had such a laugh!

The Show: Well, this is Bellydance given the full American razzamatazz treatment. The venue just added to the splendor. The Empress Ballroom (once the biggest in the world) was filled with fifty or sixty tables of ten people and the upper tiers had some sort of VIP seating. There might have been 800 people in that Ballroom, all dressed up, all in a party mood. It was quite an evening.

We had an auction for ‘Just Because’ the charity for Breast Cancer, then the show began. It was loud, showy, brassy and had a couple of surprises such as a Burlesque routine and a Bollywood routine along with the oriental routines, tribal troupe routines and tribal fusion from Rachel Brice and Sharon Kihara. The high point for me though was Petite Jamilla and her spinning. I just don’t know how she does it. As usual, there were no photos allowed. It was a long show and must have been quite arduous for the dancers, but they got a standing ovation at the end.

Then in case we hadn’t had quite enough fun, Oojami played from midnight upstairs in the Spanish Hall. There was a younger crowd up there, including some of the waiting staff I had seen serving food earlier on. Nice perk!

The Bellydance Superstars have their critics, but I reckon they have their place in the grand scheme of things. There’s room for everyone and the more the merrier.

When I arrived back at the hotel, Phil insisted I removed my coat and once again revealed my dress to all in the bar!

Open Stage At Raqs 2007

This is just about my favourite bit. If you’re interested in who is doing what and new trends, this is the place to hang out. Today’s performers were just as I had hoped – a real mix. I arrived about 1330, in time to see a double sword by a lady I think who was called Titania, and a troupe called ‘Sandstorm’. They were followed by the Farida Dance fashion show. Then we had a Bollywood fusion troupe, then Afra al Kahira who was dancing with a veiled fan. Laura Monteith then popped up doing what seemed like a Burlesque-influenced Tribal Fusion dance to Jewish wedding music! Now this is exactly why I love the Open Stage! She looked great! She had on a sort of a Victorian riding skirt (short at the front and long at the back) which showed off her beautiful legs which were clad in stockings and Eliza Doolittle boots. There was a Flamenco element in her dance too – it all worked beautifully. She has wonderful stage presence and carried it all off beautifully. (Above centre).

Then by way of a complete contrast, we were treated to a Hoop Troupe!

Next up were a tribal troupe called The Uzume from Holland. I really liked this troupe: instead of dressing in black, they were all in white and pearls with white lace gloves which gave them a frosty, ice-queen, northern European look. They were much disciplined, very charismatic and used some interesting music which was techno sounding most of the time, but had orchestral classical interludes as well, adding to this very European impression. I heard they have been asked to do workshops in Britain. Look out for them!

Next up was Tara Ibrahim who has an energetic style with a great sense of humour which I love. Next on was Jacqui Jamal followed by Dawn O’Brien doing a tribal fusion dance with an orange fluorescent costume with hat and long plaits!

By this time in the day I was flagging a bit and went back to the hotel for a wee rest and a shower etc.

My hotel is run by Phil and Andrew. Now Phil really took a bit of a shine to my Farida dress which I wore to the Superstars Ball (bright orange stretch velvet with silver tassels and sequins) and gleefully showed the other guests who were around at the time. I didn’t mind… you can’t have anything to do with Bellydancing AND be a shrinking violet!

Jillina and Sabah

Up before breakfast started (these workshops start SO early!) but my hosts at the hotel had made sure I had access to tea and cereal. They looked after me really well. I don’t mind being called ‘Lovey’ in a broad Lancastrian accent. I don’t mind at all!

First workshop of the day was Jillina – Classic Remix, in the Spanish Hall again.

Jillina taught us lots of moves which I will do my best to remember, but I found this class quite a challenge. Jillina is a great teacher though. She’s charming and fun and comes round to check everyone from time to time. Again, she puts a lot of emphasis on the use of Obliques. (A wee tip she gave for locking the upper body when doing isolations with the lower part: move your shoulder blades down your back and just lock them to keep them nice and still). I like her particular Oriental style, and like to bear in mind that her own teachers include such legendary dancers as Mahmoud Reda. But my goodness, she has a lot of fans! They crowd round her making squeaking noises! …very strange… I’m writing about another workshop with Jillina tomorrow.

OK! Time for a quick coffee, then off to Sabah (above) for ‘Ballet for Bellydance’. Now, I attended a term of ballet classes for beginners recently, and I felt I really benefited, particularly with posture, arms and turns. I might even go back next term! ..if I can face having to jump like a large bean in front of a studio mirror – not a comfortable experience either to execute or to witness.

Sabah had us lying on the floor for some of the basic movements which was a great idea for avoiding the rigours of gravity! Then we explored Arabesques and concentrated on balance and posture. We did a lovely Arabesque move with a lock which resulted in a lovely butt wobble (another one for a great deal of practice) and Sabah was utterly charming throughout. You have to hand it to these s – they have to wear so many hats and they’re under a huge amount of pressure.

That took us up to lunchtime, and I had promised myself Saturday afternoon in front of the Open Stage.

Cafe Sha'abi

After Rachel’s class I took the opportunity to have a look round. First stop was the huge souk. There were all sorts of stalls, most of which I was familiar with: Bellydance Superstars, Farida, Whirling Dervish, Eve Morris cards, Whirling Dervish, Aladdin’s Cave, Karnak Crafts, Ashara Bazaar, Hilary’s Bazaar, and Tribe Zuza where I got a lovely couple of poncho tops – wee bit different! (There were many more stalls besides actually – sorry if I have forgotten anyone!).

I said hello to Irene and Edwin Wood, (right) as you probably know, are the brains along with Josephine Wise, behind the International Bellydance Congress taking place at the end of September. Committing to an event like (and like this one!) is a scary gamble, but Edwin said he always felt confident right from the start and it looks as if it’s going to be really well attended. They’ve got dance students coming from all over the world including Canada, Korea and Eastern Europe and they’re already thinking about another such event in 2008! I’m going with some chums – looking forward to it! As usual, Edwin had a huge selection of music on the go.

Now it was time to check in to my hotel, but I had to find the car first!

The Friday evening entertainment was in the shape of what they called Café Sha’abi. This was great fun. Food was lovely – Mousakka; a particular favourite of mine. I put myself beside two people I didn’t know and what a great evening we had! One is a journalist with an interest in all things Arabic and who knows Cairo very well, and the other is a PR person which was interesting. We had a great chat and plenty of wine! We really enjoyed the Nile Band, and the show which followed. (I had bumped into Hilary Thacker earlier and she said to make sure I came along to see the Brits perform - the following evening was going to be all-American).

Miles Copeland welcomed everyone to the event (top right) and Jacqui Jamal opened the show with a bang. She was followed by the likes of Anne White, Tamra Henna, Afra al Kahira, Dawn O’Brien (who did a fantastic Cyber Fusion routine), Khaled (above left) and a lady who danced with Shamadan AND Sagat and our very own Lorna Gow! (above). Miles Copeland and camp seeming to enjoy themselves and applauded the Brits noisily and generously.

I jotted down a few notes, but by this time, I had had a few glasses of wine, and my handwriting got a bit squiffey… Not me! just the handwriting….

Had a lovely dance, then made a move. That’s when I got lost. Outside the Winter Gardens, I went in completely the wrong direction! (Girl thing). I quite enjoyed my little wander though – past Yates Wine Lodge, the Booze Box and lots of other pubs – all very lively! Blackpool does a roaring trade in Hen and Stag parties now ay?

Blackpool is just as I remember it by the way. Bold, brassy and a wee bit tacky. It’s not a beautiful town, but the action takes place indoors mainly. Having said that, it has a great long beach of course, and at night, if you walk along the promenade, the sea just looks like a big black space… A big, black, very windy space.

Eventually found my little hotel… and had another drink to take up to my room! Bit of a mistake that, as it turned out… Took off my make-up and watched the late repeat of Jonathan Ross with a wee swalley! One thing I had forgotten was the Lancashire accent, which I love, and the friendly people. The people at my little hotel (Raffles) made me feel a million dollars! More on that story later….

Friday Afternoon, Rachel Brice

Arrived in a bit of a rush, got lost in Blackpool’s one-way system which ate into my settle-in time. So just abandoned the car and dashed along to the Winter Gardens, as I didn’t want to be late for my first class.

The first person I bumped into was Miles Copeland who was very friendly and welcoming. I interviewed him for the e-mag a couple of weeks ago. I knew his face, whereas he certainly didn’t know mine - maybe that’s why he looked at me a bit askance… I did charge up to him rather which could have been quite a scary experience now that I come to think of it!

Anyway Rachel Brice in the “Spanish Hall” which is Blackpool kitsch at it’s very best! (It’s a hall with a fake village in relief high up, lit from the back round a large hall. Even the ceiling had fake clouds. At night, it looks quite atmospheric in a ‘Disneyland’ sort of way, but in the cold light of day, with rain leaking through the glass roof; it didn’t have the same charm…).

What a lovely teacher Rachel is. Again, very friendly, but with a no-nonsense, practical approach. This was a two hour class with about 40-50 students.. I’m terrible at guessing numbers though. The students were the usual cross section of ages and types, and I did notice Sonia amongst us! (See picture with Miles).

Rachel has a sheet of muscle for a belly. She believes in practicing, or drilling movements until muscle memory is achieved, and the movement being drilled arrives at an ‘otherworldly’ appearance. When I saw in her in all her glory performing on the Saturday night in the Empress Ballroom, she executed one of her famous back bends, and it did indeed look other-worldly. She’s been doing her backbends for quite a while now, and they just get deeper and deeper! Now they look quite alien. My first thought was “a body shouldn’t be able to do that!” Don’t get me wrong – I love watching her. I love the frantic techno music she often uses to do these slow movements. It creates such a powerful performance. I love the way she winds her hands and ‘climbs the air’ to these ear-splitting, masculine, industrial sounds.

Back to the class!: she says “slow drills are the best thing that ever happened to her” and it shows. She has achieved a massive amount of muscle control with her disciplined approach, and she obviously enjoys the process, which is just as well, as she showed us one movement which she said took months to master. Well, if it took her months, how long would it take a normal person with a sitting-down job, kids and chocolate habit? Hmmm.

She covered Belly Rolls and demonstrated a roll which culminated in a chest thrust. She did this several times; one belly roll after another, with no apparent effort. She has no fat covering her belly to obscure all the action, so the effect resembled some sort of a creature rushing up and down her body, trying desperately to get out! (…can I have one?.. I want one!… I have been trying to manage some sort of belly roll for a couple of years now, and still haven’t quite got the hang of the isolation of the upper and lower abs, but I’m definitely motivated to keep trying now).

We covered chest lifts; RB says to try to lower the shoulder blades down the back as well as raising the front which lifts the chest the way she does it. Then she did twenty minutes or so on her way of performing snakey arms: sliding the ribs, raising each shoulder and bringing the hand towards the ears, then doing a vertical shoulder blade circle – difficult to explain, but it gives her distinctive look. Our arms were up all the way through the class, and mine got very tired.

Then we went on to Obliques: to get a better hip drop, raise the hips with the obliques – try to get your hips to feel as if they are as high as your armpits, and just drill it. Then we went on to Umis, using the lower abdominal muscles, then at the end of the class, we tried putting it all together.

I think what I took from that class, is drill hard and enjoy the process.

I had a little chat with Miles and Sonia after the class (Miles took a photo of Sonia and myself). Sonia was saying that as they spend such a lot of time in the tour bus, it’s useful to attend each others classes for the practice and exercise. Miles said that the ‘Stars’ are coming to Scotland in October 2008 – probably Glasgow!