Kay as organiser
I love doing lots of different things ……. I love putting on successful bellydance events where everyone goes home inspired and full of dance.
In 2005 and 2006 I brought a band and dancers over from Cairo – the Farha Tour – and we did shows in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and London. That was so much work and the expenses were huge. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done. I lost money on the first one. Thought I knew what to do differently and lost money again on the second one. Sometimes you just have to call it a day. Fortunately most things I do at least break even! This was a major artistic success but a financial disaster!
Shimmy Up North
My personal favourite – a weekend residential course which is now based near Lancaster at Borwick Hall. We take over the hall and grounds for the weekend. I invite some amazing teachers – many of whom come because they love the weekend too. We have a sprinkling of international glamour and some fabulous Northern teachers. Switch off and dance! Food, accommodation, tuition and shows all included. I run this through my own dance business, Farida Dance. Want to find out more? Click here to Shimmy up North.
Fantasia
Designed and run by Josephine Wise for many years. When she moved from London to Bristol she decided to hand it over. I do most of the organising and run it together with the ‘Bellydance Now’ team. This is the longest running festival in the UK. We have just moved to an amazing new venue and each year feature international superstars as well as renowned UK teachers. Our regular slot in the bellydance calendar is the 3rd weekend in February. This is part of the ‘BellyDance Now’ portfolio – of which I am one of a team. Pictured is the final of our ‘Bellydance Now International Challenge. Click here for the latest on Fantasia.
International Bellydance Summer School
Originally designed and run by Josephine Wise for nearly 30 years, Jo handed it over to me and the BellyDance Now team to continue. Jo is still involved and comes to teach and catch up with bellydance buddies. I design and choose the teachers, trying to get a good balance of subjects through the week. I have had years of experience with ‘Shimmy up North’ but a whole week of timetabling is another thing entirely. I have been to every summer school – initially as a student then as a teacher and now as an organiser. I love it. Come and give it a go. Click here for Bellydance Summer School info.
Inspire weekends
These started after lockdown. A weekend of dance with a teacher I find inspiring. Sometimes in London, sometimes in Newcastle. Julia Farid whom I love. A thoughtful and engaging person who is a great performer and a fabulous teacher. Also very easy to work with. Just recently Leandro Ferreira, an Argentinian dancer. He fuses Latin and bellydance. What an inspiration. Also a great teacher who explains everything really clearly. Both these are highly recommended. Not sure when the next one will be …. or who with. Check here for updates.
