September Dance News

Life’s been keeping me busy and time has flown by since I last blogged. I have a several exciting performances and workshops lined up this month, please see below for more details. I look forward to seeing you at some of these events!
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FireWater: Another Night of decadence and obsessive Tribal belly dance (London)
Saturday the 19th September

I am thrilled to be involved in another FireWater event. This is destined to be an extra special night as not only are two of our student troupe dancing alongside the lovely Miss Jo Baker, but Hilde Cannoodt, Lily and Tribalkinesis are performing too!

Where: The opulent Orchid Lounge, Stoke Newington, London
Time: 7.45pm - midnight (Dancing from 8.30pm)
Price: £10 on the door

Starring:
Resident Dancers - Hannah Mi, Darkstar and Moirai Tribal Belly Dance
Extra special guests - Lily Tsai (delectable dancer all the way from Texas, USA) and Hilde Cannoodt (Queen of the Tribal scene in Brighton, UK), Apsara (our student troupe), Jo Baker, Ashley Lawrence and Tribalkinesis
PLUS Live Music, Visuals and fat 'n' funky beats from Afro-Kazbah!
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Dramatic Floorwork Workshop (London)
Sunday the 20th September

I am teaching a Floorwork workshop with Jesse on Sunday the 20th September as part of FireWater’s Tribal Day of Workshops. Suitable for dancers interested in both ATS and/or Fusion, this workshop explores anatomy, technique and application of Floorwork in a safe and friendly environment. Learn to showcase strength and grace whilst adding drama to your dance. Please note: this is the only Floorwork workshop we plan on teaching in London this year so book your place fast so you don't miss out!

Where: The Factory, Hornsey Road, London
Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Price: £15 per workshop or £50 for the day (a bargain for 6 full hours of dancing!)

For those of you interested in exploring other forms of Tribal, this is one of 4 workshops being organised by FireWater that day. Workshops range from pure American Tribal Style Belly Dance to Flamenco Fusion and sassy Tribal Fusion, offering you the opportunity to experience a diverse range of styles and topics with really great teachers. Advanced booking is essential.
To book a place on these workshops or find out more about this event please see: www.hifigypsy.co.uk and click on "workshops".
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FireWater presents: Tribal Alchemy at the International Bellydance Congress (Surrey)
Friday the 25th September

Another fantastic event to be part of! I will be performing a fun improvised ATS belly dance set with Jesse (Moirai) as well as presenting a fabulous fire routine with Sorcha Ra (Fire in the Belly) as part of the Tribal Alchemy show, in the main auditorium, on Friday night.

Featuring top performers from the UK and beyond including: Moirai Tribal Belly Dance, Darkstar, Dawn O'Brien, Lynne Chapman, Les Soeurs Tribales, Hilde Cannoodt and Sorcha Ra to name just a few, Tribal Alchemy will transport you into a world of Fire, Fusion and Fantasy! With DJ Phil Meadley at the decks playing all the best fusion tracks he can muster for you to dance into the night.
For more information on Congress please see: www.bellydancecongress.com
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We have a new term of Tribal Belly Dance classes starting this month:
Monday the 14th September (Tribal Basics 6.30-7.30pm)
Tuesday the 15th September (Beyond Basics 6.30-7.30pm and Intermediate/Advanced 7.30-9pm)

Classes cover posture, isolations, fast and slow movements from the FCBD format, cues and transitions, formations, finger cymbals, group improvisation, and lots of fun. Classes are held at the Dance Research Studio in Shoreditch.
For more info please message me or visit our website: www.hifigypsy.co.uk .
Come and experience the magic of American Tribal Style Belly Dance!
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The remaining months of this year promise many more fantastic dance experiences. Watch this space for further details...

Fire in the Belly Workshops and Show: Sunday 31st May

Only 1 week to go and tickets are selling out! There's 1 remaining place left on the Fire Magic workshop and 40 show tickets already sold. Space is limited so book now if you haven't already done so! Please email fireinthebelly.london@gmail.com for tickets or more information.

The Month of May

After a fabulous month which saw us performing in the Netherlands alongside the Uzume, Unmata and Mira Betz, and a wonderful weekend of teaching and performing at Tribal Goddess Retreat in Northumberland, Jesse and I are preparing ourselves for a busy month of May. We have a new term of classes starting and several exciting performances lined up. Please see below for more details:

Thursday 7th May - Nafoura @ Ahir’s Bar & Dance, London
Join us for an evening of belly dance performances, music and food, where we will be performing alongside our student troupe Apsara.
When: 8pm start. Cost: £5. For more information please visit: www.nafoura.com

Friday 22nd May – Shakers and Movers Show @ The Polka Theatre, London
Members of Bellyworld present “Carnivale”, a dance extravaganza mixing the vibrancy of Latino and Flamenco with the allure of Arabian dance. Starring: Eva Green, Nancy, Michelle, Moirai, Caasi, David Kallo, Oriental Fire, Lucilla, the Samba Collective, and Salsateca Dance School.
When: 7:30pm. Cost: £14.50. For booking details see: shakersandmovers.googlepages.com

Saturday 23rd May – The ParlureSpiegeltent @ The Fringe Festival, Brighton
Performances by Mira Betz, Hilde, Moirai and Masmoudi Dance Theatre alongside the fabulous Balkan brass band: Fanfara.
When: 6pm start. Cost: £10. For more information please see: www.theparlure.com

Saturday 30th May – Phil Thornton’s Album Launch @ Saqarah, London
We are thrilled to have been invited to perform at the launch of Phil Thornton’s latest album: “Nexus Tribal”. Dancers include: Hilde, Faith & Group, Kimberly Mackoy, Eshta and Moirai.
When: 7pm. Cost: £7. Tickets available through: www.saqarah.co.uk

Sunday 31st May – Fire in the Belly @ The Brickhouse, London
A dance show unlike any other: bringing London's emerging Fire, Belly Dance and Cabaret scene together. Featuring sizzling performances from: Mihrimah, Sorcha Ra, Miss Trixsta, Bodhaia Tribal
Caasi, Moirai and student troupe Apsara. Plus sensational circus and cabaret acts.
When: 7pm. Cost: £8. For tickets and full details please email: fireinthebelly.london@gmail.com

American Tribal Style Belly Dance classes with Moirai
Our next term of classes starts on Monday the 11th May (Tribal Basics) and Tuesday the 12th May (Beyond Basics and Intermediate/Advanced) in Shoreditch. If you’ve been thinking about learning Tribal, now is the time to join us! Classes cover posture, isolations, fast and slow movements from the FCBD format, group improvisation, zils, formations, as well as having lots of fun! Please email us for more details.

Look forward to seeing you at some of these events!!!

March and April Events

Having just returned from a wonderful weekend of dancing at Majma, Jesse and I are gearing ourselves up for an exciting month ahead. Events include performances and workshops with the lovely Wendy Marlatt from Ireland, another night of FireWater, Nafoura, a trip to the Netherlands to dance in The Uzume’s Haflah, Tribal Goddess Retreat, plus much more! Please see below for further details. We hope to see you at some of these events:

Thursday 19th March - FireWater @ The Orchid Lounge, Stoke Newington
A night solely and obsessively dedicated to showcasing Tribal belly dance in the UK, and beyond. Starring: Hannah; Moirai Tribal, Kimberley MacKoy, Kerry Darkstar; Ashley, Emma and very special guest Wendy Marlatt.
When: Doors open at 8:30pm. Cost: £6 on the door. No need to book, just turn up and enjoy!

Saturday 21st March - Wendy Marlatt Workshops @ Islington Arts Factory, Holloway
Workshop 1 - Tribal Technique Freak - 11:00-1:00pm (only 4 places left)
Refine your technique in slow and fast repertoires to improve isolation, control and movement layering. Experience Level: Advanced Beginners/Improvers and above
Workshop 2 - Tribal Shimmy Fest - 1:30-3:30pm (only 5 places left)
Improve your Tribal style shimmies from head to toe! Experience Level: Improvers and above
Cost: £22 per workshop or £38 for both. Advanced booking essential. To book a place on these workshops please email: moiraitribal@gmail.com

Friday 27th March - The Uzume’s Haflah, Holland
Performances by The Uzume, Mira Betz, Unmata, Serkan, Moirai Tribal and others.
For more information please email: the.uzume@gmail.com

Thursday 2nd April - Nafoura @ Ahir’s Bar & Dance, Finchley Central
An evening of belly dance performances, music, and food!
When: 8:00pm start. Cost: £5. For more information please visit: www.nafoura.com

Sunday 5th April - Tribal Belly Dance Workshop with Moirai @ Islington Arts Factory, Holloway
This 2 hour workshop will cover the breakdown and execution of both fundamental and more advanced Tribal movements from the FCBD repertoire. The dynamics of leading and following will be worked on, in addition to various formations, and how to transition between them.
When: 12:00pm start. Cost: £20. To book a place on this workshop, please email moiraitribal@gmail.com

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th April - Tribal Goddess Retreat: Northumberland
Workshops range from Belly Dance to Drumming, Yoga, Tai Chi, Stage Make up and Circus skills. Teachers include: Sarah Hennessy, Christine Emery, Angela Noble and Moirai Tribal. For more information please visit: www.tribezuza-bellydancing.co.uk

American Tribal Style Belly Dance classes with Moirai
We have added a class for those who are new to Tribal, or wish to work on the fundamental Tribal movements. Our next term of 6 week classes starts on Monday the 31st March (Tribal Basics) and Tuesday the 1st April (Beyond Basics and Intermediate/Advanced). Please see our website, or contact us for more details.

And finally, we’ve saved the best news for last - we are thrilled to announce that we’ve been granted the huge honour of becoming a FCBD Sister Studio! We’d like to say thanks to everyone who has inspired us and helped to make us who we are today.

We look forward to seeing you all soon. Happy dancing!!!

Moirai Tribal Belly Dance
www.hifigypsy.co.uk

London Tribal Belly Dance Workshop: Sunday 1st March

This workshop will cover the breakdown and execution of basic Tribal movements, and variations of these, from the FCBD repertoire. Using fun combinations, we will drill technique, strong cues and smooth transitions for successful synchronised group improvisation. The dynamics of leading and following will be worked on, ensuring there is plenty of time for all to dance!

Whether you are new to Tribal and curious to learn more, or more experienced and looking to refine technique, this workshop will help you attain a solid grounding in the fundamentals essential for Tribal style belly dance.

Date: Sunday 1st March
Time: 12pm – 2:00pm
Cost: £16
The Place to be: The Islington Arts Factory, Holloway, London
For more details and to book your place, please email moiraiphilippa@gmail.com

1 more chance to see Helm...

For those of you in London this weekend, there's been a last minute addition to the line up at Silk Route tomorrow night: Helm will be performing a Live Turkish set with drums and spoons! For those who have not yet managed to see them, this is your last chance for now, as they are heading back to California on Monday.

Silk Route is a monthly cultural evening of dance and music from the Middle East, featuring performers influenced by all forms of Arabian Dance. Each month a performance from another part of the world will be spotlighted, highlighting how all types of international dance can influence each other. This month's spotlight is Turkey. An evening of dance, music and camaraderie in the most beautiful surroundings of the Star and Garter’s sumptuous Ball Room, situated in an idyllic location alongside the River Thames in Putney.

Dancers this month are: Eva, Galit, Elif, Roxana, and Moirai Tribal. Musicians are Numan Elyer (Turkish drummer), Ling Shien and Mark Bell of Helm (on drums and spoons!).

Date: Sunday 11th January
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm
The Place to Be: The Star & Garter, Putney, London SW15 1JN
Entrance: £11.50 in advance payment £13.50 on door
For more details please visit: www.bellyworld.co.uk

This should be a fun night. Hope to see you there!!!

What a way to start....!!!

The year has only just begun yet my diary is already nearly full with loads of dance events and amazing opportunities! To kick it all off this month, Jesse and I (Moirai Tribal) have 3 performances, the first of which is with Helm!

Helm is a major contributor to Tribal music, and a huge influence and inspiration to many great dancers around the world. You have more than likely all seen videos of FatChanceBellyDance performing to their music and have probably danced to their music too. They will be teaching a one off workshop in London on Saturday the 10th January, and performing on Thursday the 8th January. We hope you are able to join us for this fantastic opportunity to study and dance with Helm. Please see below for more details.

Benefit Show with Helm:
For the first time in the UK, Helm will be performing Live with several belly dancers in a benefit for the Free Gaza Movement, the organization that recently broke the illegal Israeli blockade of internationally recognized Gazan territorial waters. Dancers include Pedralta, Hannah, and Moirai Tribal.

Date: Thursday 8th January
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm
The Place to Be: Darbucka World Music Bar, London EC1V 4JZ (www.darbucka.com)
Entrance: £8. All proceeds will go to the Free Gaza Movement
For more details, please contact me on Tribe or send an email to: moiraiphilippa(at)gmail(dot)com

Percussion and Dance Workshop with Helm:
In this workshop traditional steps will be used to convey the various rhythms to the body, and a choreography will connect these rhythm patterns and steps to a specific melody line. Both dance technique and musical vocabulary will be covered. The first part of this workshop will be divided between percussion and dance groups - Mark Bell will teach Arabic percussion or drumming to those wishing to learn how to drum, whilst Ling Shien Bell teaches finger cymbals and dance to the rest of the dancers. Both drummers and dancers will then come together to work on rhythms, patterns, and movements to one of Helm's tunes. Please note: This workshop is open to dancers and musicians, (or dancers who want to drum!)

Date: Saturday the 10th January
Times: 12-3:30pm (with a short break)
The Place to Be: The Factory, London N19
Cost: £38 for 3 hours
For more details, please contact me on Tribe or send an email to: moiraiphilippa(at)gmail(dot)com
Helm are not teaching anywhere else in the UK and there are only a few spaces left, so don't delay!!!

Following straight on from this, Moirai are happy to be dancing at Silk Route on Sunday the 11th January: A monthly cultural evening of dance and music from the Middle East, featuring performers influenced by all forms of Arabian Dance. Each month a performance from another part of the world will be spotlighted, highlighting how all types of international dance can influence each other. An evening of dance, music and camaraderie in the most beautiful surroundings of the Star and Garter’s sumptuous Ball Room, situated in an idyllic location alongside the River Thames in Putney. Dancers this month are: Eva, Galit, Elif, Roxana , Moirai Tribal and Numan Elyer Turkish drummer.

Date: Sunday 11th January
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm
The Place to Be: The Star & Garter, Putney, London SW15 1JN
Entrance: £11.50 advance payment £13.50 on door
For more details please visit: www.bellyworld.co.uk

After this you will find us at the Tribalondon Launch Party where we will be performing on Friday the 23rd January. Join us for an exclusive evening of delicious food, fantastic drinks, the finest in world music entertainment, and performances by some of the finest Tribal Dancers London has to offer! Performers for the evening will be: Hilde, Kerry and Moirai Tribal. The DJ for the evening will be: DJ hQi.

Date: Friday 23rd January
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Performances from 8pm. Bar open until late.
The Place to Be: Shish, Old Street, London EC1V 9LE
Entrance: £5
For more details please visit: www.tribalondon.co.uk

Also, our weekly classes resume on Tuesday the 6th January. For more info on these, please contact us on Tribe, or visit our website: www.hifigypsy.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you all somewhere soon!!!

Final Term of American Tribal Style Belly Dance classes!!!

Our final term of weekly Tribal belly dance classes this year will run from Tuesday the 11th November - 16th December.
Classes cover posture, fast and slow movements from the FCBD repertoire, zils, cues and transitions, formations, and the dynamics of leading and following. Come and learn the magic of American Tribal Style Belly Dance!

DETAILS:
Tribal Basics: 6:30-7:30pm (all levels welcome) £48 for the full six week course/£10 per drop in
Beyond Basics: 7:30-9pm (by invitation for those with good grounding in Tribal Basics) £60 for six weeks/£12 per drop in
DATES: Classes run every Tuesday for 6 weeks from the 11th November
VENUE: The Jacky Lansley Dance Research Studio, Shoreditch, London
Drop ins are welcome to the Level 1 Class, although please bear in mind that not all steps or techniques will be re-taught at each class. Please contact us if you would like to sign up for these classes.

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

November News & Performances

Following an amazing couple of weeks in Glastonbury, training with Carolena Nerriccio and Megha Gavin, I'm happy to say that all of Moirai are now FCBD Certified Teachers! We were relatively quiet in the month of October, due to training commitments, but we are making up for that this month as we have a dazzling array of performances to look forward to. We hope to see you at some of these events:

SHIMMY SHAKE: BELLY DANCE AND BURLESQUE SHOW
Sunday 9th of November @ Madame Jojo's, London
Join us for an evening of stunning dancers, comedy and entertainment. This is Sapphira’s 'London Finale' Performance and your last chance to see this fabulous showgirl before she heads back to Australia for sunnier shores. Come and say farewell, and see the extra special show she has in store for us ranging from
Folkloric Gyspy Belly Dance to Mesmerising Middle East Dance, the Best of British Burlesque and Beyond.
Starring: Sapphira, Moirai Tribal, Kim MacKoy, Leyla Rose, Slinky Sparkles, Starsia, Miss Ivy Paige, Miss Leed 'em, and DJ Peter Von Sleaze.
Venue: Madame Jojo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SE
Times: Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm
Cost: 2 for 1 tickets on sale at MySpace, limited amount available or £10 online / £13 on the door
Fancy dress theme: “1001 Arabian Nights” (not compulsory but prizes for the best dressed will be won!)
For bookings and information please see: www.myspace.com/miss_sapphira or www.shimmyshakeshow.com

FIREWATER!!!
Thursday 13th November @ Darbucka, London
FireWater dance presents another fantastic night of Tribal Fusion belly dance. Blending a smooth concoction of American Tribal Style belly dance and her baby sister Tribal Fusion, FireWater is a night solely and obsessively dedicated to showcasing the luscious Goddesses of Tribal belly dance in the UK, and beyond. Following the success of their debut night in May, they bring you a new show for your delectable tastes featuring: Jesse of Moirai, Hannah, AnaRkali, Kim MacKoy, Kerry and special guests. Music by Dajjah live set, bringing Arab-beats /reeds and bass pressure for the discerning.
Venue: Darbucka World Music Bar, 182 St John Street, EC1V 4JZ
Times: Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm
Cost: £5 at the door. Advanced booking recommended as tables are booked up fast.
Enter this completion to win tickets to this event: www.londonbellydance.com/
For more information please visit: www.myspace.com/firewaterdance or contact Darbucka World Music Bar for reservation details and location: Tel 020 7490 8772 www.darbucka.com

SAQARAH: London’s Monthly Open Belly Dance Hafla
Saturday 15th November @ Railway Tavern, London
We will be dancing at this month’s Saqarah alongside our Student troupe who will be making their debut! Come and support these lovely dancers as they perform ATS together for the first time.
Venue: 15 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7NX (directly opposite Liverpool Street Station Exit 3)
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Dancing starts at 8pm. Disco and Bar til late.
Cost: £7 in advance or £10 on the door (if event not sold out in advance)
For more information and bookings please see: www.saqarah.co.uk

MASMOUDI DANCE THEATRE SHOWCASE
THE ANCIENT ART OF BELLY DANCE WITH A MODERN VISION
Friday 21st November @ Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham-by-sea
Lifelong dancer Hilde Cannoodt has created a unique style over the years. Incorporating her experience in a rich variety of dance styles from Street Dance through Belly Dance to Flamenco and Tribal Dance, she has created a hybrid style where East meets West. Hilde is a choreographer, instructor, founder of Masmoudi and performs regularly all over the UK and even Europe. Current members of the Masmoudi dance theatre are some of her most advanced students, who have all learned with her for years. Masmoudi will perform a modern fusion of this ancient dance, together with solo performances of Hilde and guest performances by the London based Moirai tribal dance troupe.
Times: Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.
Cost: Tickets £8
For more info please visit: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/produc...er/8240

American Tribal Style Belly Dance Workshops: Saturday the 4th October

For those of you in the South of England, or those who fancy a trip to the coast this weekend, join us in Devon where Jesse and I will be teaching two 2 hour workshops in American Tribal Style belly dance. These workshops take place on Saturday the 4th October and are being hosted by the lovely ladies of Kalash. In Workshop 1 we will break down and drill basic fast and slow movements from the FCBD repertoire. We will build on this in Workshop 2, adding more advanced movements, transitions and formations, ensuring we all have plenty of time to dance! Workshops cost £20 each or £35 for both. For more information or to book a place, please contact Kalash via their website: www.kalashats.co.uk or call Lisa on: 07882812543.

Be sure to wear loose fitting trousers (yoga style pants or pantaloons) or a skirt and a comfortable top (a vest top or choli). These workshops will be going at a moderately fast pace, so please come with water, snacks, and a smile!

We hope to see you there.