Celebrating Dance Festival UK's topics - tribe.net

Friday night is party night!

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:51:35 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to announce that our new official photographer, Kathryn Goddard, will be available to take photos of the performance platform at Friday night's haflah. She will also have a small studio set up nearby where she will be available to take portrait shots as well.

Kathryn has a great eye for what makes a good photo because she's also a dancer which gives her an added insight into getting the best shots. All photos will be available for purchase after the festival is over.

Do you want to perform on Friday night? If so you can see all the details of what to do on the website here http://www.afraalkahira.com/platform.htm . A downloadable form will be up on the website later this week but I am also happy to take emails now if you wish to register an interest in performing. Please note that we have to be quite strict with the length of time each performer dances for as we always get more people wanting to take part than we have room for. Numbers should be no more than approximately 4 minutes long (4.5 minutes is the *absolute* maximum) because of time constraints and the fact that we do want to have time left over at the end to allow for general dancing.

Also don't forget that it's Halloween weekend so appropriately themed numbers are more than welcome - we had some great examples of this last year! :-)

Cheers,

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Last call for full weekend bookings!

Gaiadancer14 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:35:02 GMT

Hi everyone,

If you are planning to come to the festival and stay at the hotel please get your booking forms to us right now as we are about the close the books because the hotel is almost full.

There are still some local dancer places available though, so if you live close enough to the venue there's still time for you to buy a ticket. Don't miss the opportunity to take workshops from a wonderful line up of teachers and particularly to be part of Tarik Sultan's UK debut! Celebrating Dance is the only place to take a workshop from Tarik in the UK this year - don't miss out!

As usual if you have any questions please get in touch - afradancer@live.co.uk or 01237 424097 / 07890 287153

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Problems with Tribe

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:27:44 GMT

Hi everyone,

After this year's festival is over I will be closing this group down and moving over to Facebook. I have had so many problems with accessing tribe generally that it has proved difficult to provide regular updates or answer questions posted here, which has been hugely frustrating. I will post a link to Celebrating Dance on Facebook after the current festival is over, meanwhile some updates are already available on my Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Afra-al-Kahira/105091148964 and the website is updated regularly with new information - www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm

If you have a question about anything at all relating to the festival you can also email me at afradancer@live.co.uk

Cheers,

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

BD newbie, what's it all about ?

Andy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:20:09 GMT

Hi, I was made aware of this festival by Tarik Sultan, whom I believe will be visiting with Morocco, what I would like to know, as I have only just started learning BD, is this festival open to spectators and possibly photographers ? I say spectator, as I don't know if I will be advanced enough to benefit from anything else aside from the inspiration, and this will be my first BD event, so my plans were just to visit and take in the atmosphere, if that is permitted ?

Also, from where may I purchase tickets for the festival ?

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 3 replies

Festival News

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:20:53 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to say that we have now released details of the full teacher line up along with information on all the exciting workshops that will be available at this year's festival.

Take a look at it all by visiting the website - www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm

Cheers,

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Update from Afra

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:40:54 GMT

Hi everyone,

I've finally managed to get back onto Tribe after weeks of problems!

First of all I would like to apologise to everyone for being absent for so long. This has been a very difficult year for me as not only have I had to deal with the deaths of two members of my immediate family (one in very distressing circumstances) I have also been very unwell myself. This has meant that we are very behind with all the planning and preparations for this year's festival.

Things are now slowly starting to return to normal and I am currently working the workshop programme which will be released very shortly. If you have already purchased either a deposit or a full ticket then you will receive the workshop booking forms first. If you have any questions at all please get in touch with us either by email - afradancer@live.co.uk or you can telephone 01237 424097 / 07890 287153 if you get the machine please leave a message and we will get back to you promptly.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being so wonderfully patient during these difficult times and also to say a very big thank you to everyone who sent messages of condolence and goodwill, they are all very much appreciated.

I am really looking forward to this year's festival now, seeing all my festival friends and hopefully making some new ones too!

For further updates please keep an eye on the web site - www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm and very shortly we will also be on Facebook too.

Kind regards

Afra
afradancer@live.co.uk

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

2009 Workshops

Atyaf — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:22:04 GMT

Anyone know when these are likely to be announced? Website says early 2009 but no date?

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

An important announcement

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:09:04 GMT

Hi everyone,

Unfortunately Dondi has been taken ill and is now unable to make this year's event.

However, I am absolutely delighted to announce that award-winning dancer Michelle Joyce of San Francisco (www.arabicdance.net) is able to join us instead. Michelle is a wonderful teacher & performer with a great deal of experience as a workshop teacher both in the US and internationally, and I am sure that everyone will enjoy taking classes with her and seeing her perform in the Gala Show. Celebrating Dance is grateful for the fact that Michelle was able to fit us into her busy schedule at short notice.

Meanwhile I am sure that you will all wish to join me in wishing Dondi a speedy return to full health.

Kind regards

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Morocco Master Class

Atyaf — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:35:54 GMT

Just wondered who'd signed up for this - I can't wait!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Computer woes!

Gaiadancer14 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:31:10 GMT

Why oh why does technology wait until the most inconvenient moment to go wrong???

Yesterday my main computer decided that it had had enough and went and died on me - not a good thing! I can still access a lot of stuff online via my laptop but if you sent me an email in the last few days whilst I was away then they are downloaded to the main PC where I cannot get to them. The offending machine is being assessed by PC World today and hopefully it will be repaired by the end of the week (fingers crossed that I don't need a new one!) meanwhile if you have an urgent question either email me at afradancer@live.co.uk or give me a call on 01237 424097, if I am not around my husband is pretty clued up to answer most queries.

We are of course in the final countdown to the festival now and I am really looking forward to seeing all the festival regulars as well as getting to meet all of you who are coming for the first time.

See you all soon!

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Registration

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:41:28 GMT

Hi everyone,

After issues with security last year (non-payers gaining entry to workshops and the evening events) we have decided to have a registration system for this year's event. We thought long and hard about this but the gatecrashers caused problems in several workshops and we don't want the event spoiled for those of you who actually paid to be there.

How will this work?

Instead of sending you a 'ticket' we will send you an Event Guide. This is personal to each delegate and will have your name and delegate number on the front and details of the workshops you requested inside. The guide also contains useful information about the weekend in general. Please make sure that you bring it with you to the festival.

Registration

When you arrive (or after you check in) please visit the Registration Desk (located near the souk) where you will be issued with a weekend pass listing all your workshops and also a wristband. If you decide that you would like to change any of your workshops you can ask at the desk. If there is space in that workshop then you will be transferred to it but this can only be done via the registration desk - please don't just turn up at another workshop as you may be refused entry if you are not on the register. As long as there is space and the workshop hasn't actually started we are quite happy to make changes to your workshop allocations if you fancy doing something different.

To take part in a workshop you need to be in possession of both a valid workshop pass and a wristband, plus your name must be on the workshop register.

For the evening events please make sure that you are wearing your wristband to show the staff on the door to the Chatsworth - you won't be allowed in without it!. Don't worry we picked something sparkly so it shouldn't look out of place with your sequins! :-D

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Extra nights and early arrivals

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:10:28 GMT

Hi everyone,

I've had several enquiries regarding the possibility of booking extra nights at the Toorak so I'd like to confirm the details. We are able to book you an extra night for the Sunday at an additional cost of £39.00 per person. This should be arranged with Celebrating Dance and not with the hotel.

I am afraid that we are NOT able to take bookings for Thursday night. This is because the hotel has a conference on during the week and most delegates are not checking out until Friday morning, so they are unable to guarantee us room allocations. If you want to take the chance and wait until much closer to the event you can always give them a call and see if they have any rooms free but this is something that you will need to arrange direct with them. We can only take bookings for FRI/SAT/SUN nights.

Arriving Early on Friday?

Check in times at the Toorak start from approximately 2.30/3pm - please don't expect to be able to check into your room prior to this.

If you do arrive early you can always do a little shopping in the souk which will open after lunch. Plus the hotel is more than happy for our delegates to take advantage of any of the excellent facilities available on the TLH site. This is includes an indoor pool complex complete with sauna, jacuzzi and a spa. Towels can be hired from the spa. There is also a bar and lounge in the Toorak as well as a number of other bars and lounges throughout the complex. There will also be members of the Celebrating Dance Team on hand to answer any questions you may have about the weekend itself.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Master Class with Morocco - Friday 31st October 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:48:06 GMT

Hi everyone,

As a special treat for our delegates we have arranged for a limited number Master Class with Morocco in which she will cover elements of her Oriental Technique. This is a rare opportunity to take a technique workshop with one of the world’s finest instructors. Places are limited to just 15 and must be paid for in advance. The workshop is suitable for dancers of intermediate levels and above.

To book your place send a cheque for £20.00 payable to Celebrating Dance to — P.O. Box 72, Bideford, Devon, EX39 1FA.

Please note that this workshop is only open to festival delegates, details will also be in the delegate information packs that are currently being sent out.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Booking Forms and Ticket Confirmations

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:55:24 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am sure quite a few of you are wondering where your paperwork has got to. I have been very unwell for 3 weeks and as a result I am rather behind with processing everything. I am due to have my stitches out tomorrow (yippee! :-D) and I am now on the road to recovery. My long suffering husband (;-D ) is always on hand to take phone calls if anyone wants verbal confirmation that we have received either payments or booking forms whilst I endeavour to get back up to speed with everything. It is going to take a couple of weeks or so but we will work through everything as swiftly as we can.

Please rest assured that if you have sent us booking forms your place is secure. Whilst we haven't quite sold out things are moving apace, so if you are thinking about coming and haven't yet decided, you need to book soon. Last year we had to turn away a lot of people who left it to the last minute.

Thanks to everyone who sent get well soon messages and thank you too for all your patience - it's all very much appreciated!

Cheers,

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 2 replies

First Time at Celebrating Dance

Atyaf — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:24:51 GMT

Hi

I'm going with a friend as local dancers and just wondered what to expect! Will everyone be in full costumes for the workshops or is it just the hip scarfs (still very new to belly dance too lol). Any tips on what to bring each day would be very much appreciated!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Celebrating Dance Virgin

Melissa — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:40:39 GMT

Greetings everyone.

I've never been to this event and I would like a room mate and a lift if humanly possible please. Please be gentle with me. :)

Melissa

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 4 replies

Who's going from Reading?

Ruth — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:50:23 GMT

Yippee! My friend Cherie and I are going to Celebrating Dance this year -can't wait.
Just wondering who else is going from this area, as I will probably be driving there are 2 spare seats in my car if anyone would like a lift in return for a contribution towards petrol money, and of course the benefit of reducing the old carbon footprint a wee bit, not to mention the sparkling company and witty conversation ha ha!.
Let me know if you're interested.
Ruthie x

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Technical Problems! >>:-(

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:02:09 GMT

Hi everyone,

We have been advised by the company providing our email service that due to an intermittent fault much of the email sent out from either dance@afraalkahira.com or afra@afraalkahira.com over the past 4 weeks or so has not been delivered. Apparently this has been going on for quite a while and they are still trying to fix the issue.

If you have emailed us about anything in the last month and not yet received a reply please resend your message using the address:

afradancer@live.co.uk

and please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

I am currently trying to work my way through the backlog based on what I have in my records but it maybe quicker if you resend your email. Unfortunately this has all come to light at the moment when I have a teaching commitment for the weekend and will be away Friday morning until Sunday evening. So it will be a few days before things get fully sorted, meanwhile if you have an urgent enquiry that needs my immediate attention please feel free to telephone me. You can leave a message on my machine over the weekend - 01237 424097 or you may catch me on my mobile at various points over the weekend on 07890 287153.

Again, my apologies for any inconvenience - normal service will be restored very shortly!

Kind regards
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Celebrating Dance 2008 31st October - 2nd November

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:28:57 GMT

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know that we are very close now to finalising the UK line up for this year's festival. Once that's all sorted priority registration for workshops will be issued to anyone who has paid a deposit.

More details coming very soon!

Afra x

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

The Gala Show photos are here!

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:47:46 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have posted a small selection of the gala show photos in the photo album.

There are lots more on the website here - http://www.afraalkahira.com/cd07pix.htm

They were all taken by the very talented David Clapp our resident photographer.

Enjoy!

Afra

BTW if anyone else has photos they would like to share please feel free to upload them.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

2008 - Deposits are now on sale!

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:23:22 GMT

Hi everyone,

You can now buy a deposit for next year's event.

Check out the website for all the information - www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm

Our international guest stars will be Morocco of NYC (it just wouldn't be the same without her!) and Celebrating Dance favourite, back by popular demand - Dondi of San Diego!

Plus I am in the process of putting together a great line up of UK-based instructors - more information early in the New Year!

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

A Great Big Thank You!

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:22:26 GMT

To everyone involved with the event - Morocco and Aziza, all the UK teachers, my team of trusty helpers and of course all the wonderful delegates.

We had a fabulous time! It was great to meet up with all our Celebrating Dance regulars and make new friends of this year's first-timers. I was deeply impressed by the quality of performances in open stage on Friday evening and of course we had Morocco and Aziza to wow us on Saturday night.

I can't believe it's all over now but of course we are already planning next year and will have announcements about deposits, some of the teacher line up and general ticket prices very shortly.

I'd also like to thank everyone who took the time to come and give me their personal feedback of the weekend as we now have some really great ideas to try out for next year.

I'm now off for a well-earned break but I will be back shortly with announcements for 2008.

Cheers,
Afra
(tired but happy! :D)

PS Photos coming very soon!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Best bits

sara — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:42:07 GMT

We talked about the best bits of the weekend on the way home in the car and I wondered if anyone else wanted to play ?

I'll start :
My best bits were
3, at the end of my two workshops watching everyone dance the final music through - the choreography looked mighty fine and the tribal "bus stop" looked fab fun !
2, Saturday morning, finding I could do most of Moroccos choreo even though I had to miss the first half and sat quietly at the back. That lady sure knows have to make movements fit the music !
1, Friday night - Nashida Abla kicking everything off with their happy smiles and then that mood carrying on all evening (all weekend), darling Poppy, Mersin doing Peace and all the other great performers. And it was so nice to sit back and watch everyone all working hard and giving us a great show.

And I want a bonus one for getting to share the weekend with all the wonderful people. I made some new friends, met some I only know on here or facebook, and lots who come back year after year !

Thank you Afra - you did it again ! x

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 6 replies

Yippee!

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:04:54 GMT

The weekend is finally here! Well, actually it starts a day early for me as I travel to to Torquay on the Thursday to finish off any last minute preparations. So I just wanted to post a quick message here to say that I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the festival for what I am sure will be another great weekend of workshops and performance.

See you all on Friday!

Afra x

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Contacting Afra

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:31:34 GMT

Hi everyone,

In the lead up to the festival I am out and about quite a bit getting all those last minute jobs done as well as trying to fit in all my final rehearsal time. Therefore I probably won't be online quite so much. If you have an urgent enquiry it is probably better to call us: 01237 424097 / 07890 287153. No calls before 8.30am or after 10pm please - a girl needs her beauty sleep! :D

I will be checking emails daily but definitely call for anything urgent. I leave for Torquay on Thursday morning so please call my mobile phone after 10am or leave a message for me at the hotel - 01803 400400.

See you all soon!

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

this time next week.......

sara — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:12:19 GMT

am I allowed to get excited now ?

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Aziza Master Class - Final Call

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:49:49 GMT

Hi everyone,

If you want a place in the class and haven't yet booked please get in touch as soon as possible. Places are going fast and there are only 25 available.

See my original post for all the details.

Thanks

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Ticket for sale

Tracy — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:17:52 GMT

I have a place booked for Celebrating Dance 2007, but unfortunately I am unable to attend. I am hoping to sell my ticket to someone on here who is disappointed that the tickets have sold out, so here's your chance to get your hands on a ticket...

I have not booked onto any of the workshops, so the purchaser would be able to choose their own workshops.

For confirmation of my place at the festival, please see the thread "Afra can you help?", which I posted earlier today.

If you wish to buy my ticket, I am selling it for £195. Accommodation is in a twin room.

Please contact me at: tracyrolls@yahoo.com

Tracy

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 2 replies

Missing Tickets

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:06:54 GMT

We have a growing number of delegates whose tickets appear to have gone astray in the post. If you paid for your ticket before the end of August and have not yet received your delegate pack please get in touch with us. You can opt for a further ticket pack to be sent to you or have us e-mail you an eTicket, which ever is most convenient.

Sadly I think either the tickets are either still waiting to be dealt with at the main sorting office or have been mislaid altogether. We are taking up a complaint with Royal Mail but in the mean time I'd like to apologise to everyone who has had to wait for their tickets to arrive and to thank you for your patience whilst we sort the problem out.

Thanks
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 6 replies

Afra can you help?

Tracy — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 13:38:32 GMT

Hi Afra

I've paid for my ticket but I haven't booked my workshops as I have been a bit pre-occupied.... I fell pregnant in July and although I thought I would belly dance throughout my pregnancy, I've been suffering with pregnancy fatigue, which means I have been unable to exercise at all for the last 3 months. I was hoping that it would lift in time for the Celebrating Dance Festival, but I'm still struggling, so it's looking unlikely that I will be able to come (or be fit enough to take part even if I did come).

What I am hoping is that you can confirm that I have a place and that it is ok to try to sell my ticket to someone else, who can then choose workshops for themselves. Is this OK?

I paid with Paypal from tracyrolls@yahoo.com.

Thanks

Tracy Rolls

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 2 replies

Master Class with Aziza

Gaiadancer14 — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:45:41 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to announce an additional workshop with Aziza on the Friday afternoon of Celebrating Dance.

This will be a master class and will run for two hours from 3pm to 5pm at a cost of £25 per person.

There are just 25 places which are on a first come first served basis and must be paid for in advance.

Payment can be made by cheque or we can send you a PayPal invoice.

If you would like to book a place please e-mail dance@afraalkahira.com

Please note that this class is not suitable for anyone at beginner/intermediate level and is only open to Celebrating Dance delegates.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Performance Platform

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:13:00 GMT

Details are now starting to come in and be posted on the web site here - www.afraalkahira.com/platform.htm

This will be updated regularly as we receive completed forms.

Please note that places are limited - book early to be sure of getting a spot!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Staying an extra night

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:07:30 GMT

If you are planning on staying over on the Sunday night please get in touch with us as soon as possible. The hotel is offering a preferential rate but you have to book in advance and through us to take advantage of it. Please get in touch if you would like the details - afra@afraalkahira.com

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

We are sold out!

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:04:46 GMT

Hi everyone,

All the tickets are now sold for this year's festival, so sadly if you haven't yet organised a place then you will have to wait until next year. Tickets for 2008 will go on sale immediately after this year's event is over - more news on that in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile if you are waiting for a delegate pack please bear with us - the post office managed to lose a large batch posted recently. >>:-( So we are re-printing them all and will be posting out those plus any paid for in the last week over the next few days. If you have any questions please get in touch. Week days are better as my diary is pretty full with teaching and performing engagements over the next few weekends.

See you all in November!

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

We are almost sold out!

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:08:17 GMT

If you want to come to this year's festival and have not yet bought a ticket - you need to do it soon as we are almost sold out!

All the information is on the web site at:

www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm

Cheers,

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Split Payment Deadline

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:21:58 GMT

Hi everyone,

This is a reminder - the date for paying the balance on split payments or a deposit is 30th August. Once we have received the balance then your ticket will be posted to you. If you have already sent your workshop options in, that will have been processed in date order from when we received the form - *not* when we received the balance payment.

We have had some difficulties with the postal system of late, so if you have paid in full and are waiting for a ticket - please bear with us, as we a sorting that out right now.

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Ticket Sales

Gaiadancer14 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:34:39 GMT

Hi everyone,

If you are thinking about coming to the festival and have yet to buy a ticket, don't leave it too long as we have now sold 3/4s. You can download the booking forms via the website (www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm) and also pay via PayPal if you want to speed up the process of paying for your ticket.

Last year we had to turn away a lot of people, so don't delay!

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Responding to queries in August and tickets

Gaiadancer14 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:29:33 GMT

Hi everyone,

As from the middle of next week I will be away teaching in New York and probably won't have easy access to email or the Internet. I will be back in the UK towards the end of the month and will try to catch up with everything as quickly as I can. I will try and look in as often as I can whilst I'm away but I can't guarantee quick responses to any questions you may have. There will be someone available for more urgent queries on our main telephone number whilst I'm away.

Tickets are being dispatched at the moment so if you have already paid in full then yours should be in the post to you already or will go out in the next few days. If you made a partial payment then your ticket will be dispatched after we have received the balance. The deadline for outstanding balances is 30th August. If you have made a partial payment and sent in your workshop options then we will have processed and reserved your places whilst we await the final payment, so don't worry about missing out on anything.

Cheers
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Friday night performance slots

Gaiadancer14 — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 10:11:59 GMT

Booking forms for places in the Friday night event will be going out very shortly to everyone who has booked a ticket. I am also delighted to announce that I have arranged for our talented photographer David Clapp to be available to take photos of the performers. Photographs will then be available for purchase direct from David. Prices will be confirmed a bit closer to the event but they will be competitive.

David is an excellent photographer who has taken some wonderful photos at the last two events. You can see some of his work in the gallery here or check out the galleries on my web site at:

http://www.afraalkahira.com/cd06pix.htm

http://www.afraalkahira.com/cd05pix.htm

You can also find guidelines for the performance platform on the web site here: http://www.afraalkahira.com/platform.htm and the names of the performers will appear there as we receive booking forms back. As usual places are limited so if you want to dance please return your booking form promptly.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Yasmina in Southampton

Mata_Hari — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:05:17 GMT

Sorry to see this event's been cancelled - I suspect Raqs B and the BD Congress are on the way to putting smaller festivals out of business.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Missing details

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:51:20 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am currently processing tickets including the workshop forms that were handed in at the Mersin Day of Dance. However, one of them doesn't have a name on it. Here are the details of the workshops requested:

Saturday
Morocco
Vashti
Emma

Sunday
Morocco
Medea
Sara

If you recognise these as your choices and you handed the form in the other Saturday, please get in touch.

Thanks,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Early Bird Discount

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:08:30 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that the Early Bird Discount Scheme expires today, so if you want to take advantage this is your final chance! You can pay on the web site using PayPal. The booking forms and workshop timetable are all available to download from the site as well.

http://www.afraalkahira.com/reservations.htm

http://www.afraalkahira.com/workshops.htm

If you have any questions please let me know. If you have already paid and sent your workshop choices your tickets will be dispatched shortly.

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Mersin Day of Dance

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:43:50 GMT

Hi everyone,

If you are going to the Mersin Day of Dance - http://www.letsbellydance.co.uk/page5.html

I will be available to take ticket orders and answer any questions you may have about Celebrating Dance. I have a stand in the bazaar so come and say Hi anyway! :D

Cheers,
Afra

NOTE: All enquiries about the Day of Dance should be directed to Sara Shrapnell via her website - thanks

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 6 replies

Deposit Payments

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:51:06 GMT

Hi everyone,

After so many enquiries in the last few days we have decided to extend the £50 deposit option until the end of March.

When that date expires you can still pay by splitting the payment if you want to budget how you pay for the weekend.

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 15 replies

2007 Workshops

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:47:54 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have just posted the list of workshops on my website. It doesn't have everything as I am still waiting on confirmation for a further teacher and a couple of workshop titles, but it is most of what will be on offer this year.

I think you will agree with me that we have a wonderful range of subjects available this year - hopefully something to suit most tastes!

I have also added a page with information about the Friday night performance platform too.

Workshops - http://www.afraalkahira.com/workshops.htm
Performance Platform - http://www.afraalkahira.com/platform.htm

If you have already purchased a ticket or paid a deposit you will be receiving your workshop booking forms very shortly.

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 4 replies

Sunday Night

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:49:05 GMT

I've had several enquiries about the price for staying on an extra night. I checked with the hotel and the price they have quoted me is £53 per person per night. This is a big jump on last year's rate but they have changed the way they sell their weekend packages so Sunday is no longer a dead period for them. Good for them but not so good for us! :( However, they have said that if over a certain number of people book the extra night they will reduce the price. Should that happen I will refund the difference to all involved but I have to say it would need to be fairly large bunch of people.

Sunday night is usually a chill out time for those of us who do stay - time to relax in the pool/spa etc. If a big number of people book I might be tempted to lay on something for us to do (like somewhere where we can listen to music and maybe do some social dancing), but normally we just chill and hang out in groups, as one or two of us need the rest! LOL

If you want to stay on the extra night please get in touch as you need to book it via me and not the hotel (it's a lot more via the hotel) and I will organise it for you. You should also note that if you don't share a room then a supplement applies.

If you want further information post here or email me direct at dance@afraalkahira.com

Cheers
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Workshop booking forms

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:39:04 GMT

Are now winging their way out to people. So if you haven't got yours yet it will be with you in the next few days, and it will be up on the website as soon as I've posted all the pre-paid ones out. If you don't want to wait for the posted one to arrive, drop me an email and I will send you an electronic version. Email me at dance@afraalkahira.com

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Sorry...

blackwillow — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:03:42 GMT

...wrong place both times!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

New teacher signings!

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:38:23 GMT

I am delighted to announce that I have now signed up top Iranian teacher Medea Mahdavi (http://www.footwork.org/medea/ ) as one of this year's teachers! Medea teaches and performs traditional dances from her native Iran, along with her own exciting brand of contemporary dance based on the traditional styles.

We also have Jan Piggott - a talented dancer and teacher based on the south coast. Jan has trained with JWAAD and offers a wide range of dance styles from Egyptian through to Tribal Fusion and Flamenco.

The full line-up will be posted shortly and I hope to have the workshop booking forms out to everyone soon.

Keeping checking in for updates!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 3 replies

Split Payments

Gaiadancer14 — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:56:49 GMT

Hi everyone,

I've have had several enquiries about being able to pay by instalments. We offer a scheme whereby you can divide the total you owe into 2 payments with the final balance not due until later on in the year. I'm afraid that I cannot take incremental payments other than using the 50/50 scheme as it would be far too complicated to administrate. This is why we offered the deposit facility to help people budget their payments. I hope this makes things clear, but if you have any further questions please get in touch either via the forum or by contacting me directly.

Thanks

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

The teacher line up is. . .

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:16:08 GMT

Morocco and Aziza (which of course you all know! :D)

Afra al Kahira

Vashti of London

Medea Mahdavi

Jan Piggott

Emma Pyke

Sara Shrapnell

Talia

Ahlam

Rebekah

Maureen Pemberton

There maybe a couple more added but those are all confirmed. I will be posting the workshop details very shortly.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

2007 - Tickets now on sale!

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 13:17:16 GMT

We are now taking deposits for next year's event. Email me for more information at dance@afraalkahira.com or visit the web site - http://www.afraalkahira.com/dancefest.htm

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 13 replies

A bit of market research! :-D

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:33:47 GMT

Hi everyone,

I wondered if any of you had preferences for the sort of subjects you'd like to see offered at the festival? I won't necessarily be able to accommodate everything this year, but I'm always in the market for ideas and suggestions for the festival.

So now's your chance to put in some requests for future workshop topics - what would you like me to book people to teach?

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 3 replies

New Members

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 13:27:55 GMT

Hi,

I just wanted to welcome our new members.
Please feel free to ask any questions or post any comments you have about the festival.
Welcome aboard! ;-D
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

The Gala Show Photos are here!

Gaiadancer14 — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 20:48:01 GMT

Hi everyone,

Here is a link to the page with all the photos taken by the very talented David Clapp. I think you'll all agree with me that they are as usual stunning!

http://www.afraalkahira.com/cd06pix.htm

Afra

PS I have put one or two of my favourites in the photo gallery here too! ;-D

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Thank you!

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 09:25:22 GMT

Hi,

I want to thank everyone who took part in this year's festival - you all helped turn it into the best one yet!

Many people have already been in touch about tickets for next year and I hope to have things up and running towards the end of the month.

There are lots of photos to come - as soon as I have them ready I will post them. Meanwhile if you have your own you'd like to share please post them here.

Thanks again everyone!
Afra
(Tired but happy! ;-D)

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Oh Wow.....

sara — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 22:28:09 GMT

That was wonderful - I had such a great time, but now I am a little bit tired. Will try to list the highlights tomorrow, but just now I'm still feeling stunned - please can we do it all again next year ?!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Its nearly here..............

emmapyke — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 11:14:21 GMT

the time of madness

The time where I seem to take the whole of my house thats BD related and place it in my car for 3 days then bring it all home to put it back

I've already started my CD packing - which at the moment consists of a pile of stuff that I add to as I come across it in my house - which this year actually includes a cover up as thats the one thing that I always forget, my new turkish spoons and my shoes! Must also put in my zills after class else I'll have to buy some more ( yes I know I'm teaching them but they aren't usually taken to Devon for a weekend) and a skirt for the Khaleegi....

Oh and biscuits, tea bags and the PA system!!

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 3 replies

Can I get excited yet ?

sara — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:00:20 GMT

Just starting my packing list and feeling really excited - just what I need on a rainy wednesday morning. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, lots of dancing and sneaking pudding up to my room for super :)

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 3 replies

Cancellation - room available

Gaiadancer14 — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:49:31 GMT

Hi everyone,

Due to a cancellation I now have a room available - it's a family room which has a double and a single in it. If two people don't mind sharing a double bed, it could take up to 3 people, but I don't mind letting it go to two people who want to share.

If you are interested please e-mail me at dance@afraalkahira.com as soon as possible

It's first come, first served! ;-D
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Friday NIght Haflah

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 17:51:05 GMT

All the spaces on the performance platform are now filled. If you have not yet sent any information then I'm afraid you've missed out this year. Remember to get your details in early next year to be sure of getting a place in this popular part of the weekend!
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Exciting news for next year!

Gaiadancer14 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:54:19 GMT

Subject to confirmation, we are hoping that Aziza of Portland/Montreal will be one of our International Guest Stars at Celebrating Dance 2007.

We feel so privileged to be able host two such amazing talents in the shape of Morocco and Aziza!

More information once this year's event is over.

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 1 reply

Celebrating Dance 2007 - get your diaries out!

Gaiadancer14 — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:20:29 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm delighted to announce the dates for next year's festival:

It will be 2nd to 4th November 2007 and of course we will be returning to the wonderful Toorak hotel in Torquay.

Shortly it will be possible to pay deposit to reserve a place - more details soon

Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Residential places are all sold

Gaiadancer14 — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:28:03 GMT

Hi everyone,

There are now only spaces left for delegates who qualify for a local dancer ticket, as we have filled all the residential places for this year's event.

Please keep an eye out for announcements here about being able to place a deposit for a place at the 2007 event.

Thanks
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Tickets haven't arrived yet??

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 19:52:21 GMT

If you've booked in the last 10 days and have not yet received your tickets then it's probably because we have a local postal strike at the moment. If your tickets don't turn up in the next week please let me know.
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Almost sold out!

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:14:56 GMT

Celebrating Dance 2006 is almost sold out!

If you have sent a booking request but not received your tickets or are thinking of booking please email Afra at dance@afraalkahira.com for more information.

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies

Welcome!

Gaiadancer14 — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:43:28 GMT

Hi everyone,

After much prompting I decided I would start a Tribe about the festival. This is a place where you can ask questions about anything relating to the event or discuss the event in general.

I am always open to ideas and suggestions about the event and all feedback (good or bad! ;-D) is welcome.

Do you have a wish list of teachers you'd like to see at Celebrating Dance? Now's your chance to ask as I am already planning 2007!

Cheers,
Afra

posted in Celebrating Dance Festival UK - 0 replies