London Belly Dance is pleased to announce our new competition for

- Christmas 2009 -

Enter the London Belly Dance Christmas 2009 competition for your chance to win a FREE place on a 12-week belly dance course with the MIA SERRA SCHOOL OF BELLY DANCE  ... worth £145!!

Plus check out the London Belly Dance EXTRA SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER page to claim your free Mia Serra DVD with every 12 week course booked!

"Learn to belly dance, fast ... anyone can do it! Re-energise & tone up for 2010 with the best low impact, stress-busting, self esteem boosting form of exercise around.  

"The latest MIA SERRA SCHOOL OF BELLY DANCE courses start in January 2010.  All levels are welcome, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers, plus teacher training.  Choose from a variety of styles, including belly dance, tribal fusion & belly dance hip hop, taught by highly experienced teachers.

"Mia’s fantastically popular 6 & 12 week courses include a free practise CD & culminate in a spectacular end of term show where all students have the opportunity to perform on stage.

"If you can’t make it to a class, check out Mia Serra’s best selling instructional DVDs & learn at home. Or come along to the monthly BellyBliss showcase in Soho preceded by a beginners’ class then try the moves out for yourself on the dance floor: perfect for a girls’ night out."

Dates:  Courses start the first week of January 2010 (see below)

Course fees:  £145 per 12 week term (£75 for 6 week courses), including a free music CD & the opportunity to perform in the end of term Sequins in the City student showcase (pictured below left)

Course content: 

Belly dance levels 1 to 4: "Take a journey to the top level of skill, from the strength building, toning & foundation moves of level 1 to the subtlety of layered movements, level changes & nuances in level 4. Many of our students who have passed through all 4 stages are now working as pro dancers and teachers, including Fleur Estelle, Reshma Rose & Yuki."

Tribal fusion levels 1 & 2: "Fancy a bit more control? Feeling enigmatic? Want to experiment with more edgy music & internal isolations? Then Tribal Fusion is for you. International performer Kerry Darkstar is not just American Tribal Style (ATS) qualified, she knows how to pour texture & depth into her captivating choreographies. Learn with the best."

Belly dance hip hop: "After a busy season dancing on X-Factor & with Alexandra Burke, Bonnie is turning her attention back to fusing two powerful dance forms to create an explosion of endorphins. Get ready to sweat, have fun & fuse!"

 

12 week course venues & times:

Danceworks (Bond Street/Marble Arch tube)

- Tribal fusion - level 1 - Thursdays (from 07 January) - 7pm

- Tribal fusion - level 2 - Thursdays (from 07 January) - 8pm

- Belly dance hip hop (general level) - Saturdays (from 10 January) - 3:30pm

- Level 1/2 - Saturdays (from 10 January) - 4:45pm - 6-week course (£75)

- Level 1 - Wednesdays (from 06 January) - 6pm

- Level 2 - Wednesdays (from 06 January) - 7pm

- Level 3 - Wednesdays (from 06 January) - 8pm

- Level 4 - Wednesdays (from 06 January) - 9pm  

 

The Urdang Academy (Angel tube)

- Level 1 - Tuesdays (from 05 January) - 6:30pm

- Belly Dance Hip Hop (general level) - Tuesdays (from 05 January) - 7:30pm

 

LA Fitness Piccadilly (Piccadilly Circus tube)

- Level 1 - Tuesdays (from 05 January) - 7:30pm

- Level 2 - Mondays (from 04 January) - 7:30pm

- Level 2 - Thursdays (from 07 January) - 8:30pm

- Level 3 - Mondays (from 04 January) - 8:30pm

For full details, see Mia's website 

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

What is the name of the venue in Soho where Mia's monthly BellyBliss belly dance night is held?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

 

Closing date:   12 midday on Tuesday 29 December 2009 

 

Competition rules:

1.  Entries must comply with all the competition rules in order to be valid.

2.  The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over, though please note that the belly dance courses start in London in the first week of January 2010.  The prize is not transferable. 

3.  The decision of London Belly Dance is final & no correspondence will be entered into. 

4.  If you win first prize but have already paid for a course, please contact the course administrator for a refund - so don't delay, book your place right away! 

5.  Entries received after the closing date will not count.

6.  To enter, email (i) your answer, (ii) your name, (iii) your place of residence (eg 'Clapham', 'Brighton') plus (iv) your contact phone number to the competition email address at bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com.  Only one entry per person.

7.  The winner will be notified by email as soon as possible: please be sure to check your email after the closing date to see if you have won!  Others will not be notified.  The winner's name (first name & last initial, or first initial & surname, together with place of residence) will be placed on the website (so you know we really did hand out the prizes!).

8.  Entries will not be acknowledged.  No responsibility is taken for entries lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete through eg virus, technical problems or server failures etc.  Proof of entry is not proof of receipt.

Best of luck!

 

***** 

Past competitions (now closed)

- December 2009 -

Enter our new competition for the chance to win two tickets to see Tara & Shafeek Ibrahim's BELLY DANCE PARTY EAST LONDON 

"Get some heat in this cold weather with 16 belly dancers & middle eastern DJ.  Performances from professional dancers Tara, Rita, Patrice, Audrey, Teresa, Alexandra, Giselle, Hanan, Maelle, Violeta, Johara, Varya, Lena, Kathren, Julia & Shari.  You are welcome!" 

Date:  Sunday 06 December 2009

Venue:  Anatolia Bar (225 Mare Street, Hackney E8 3NS) - recently refurbished impressively spacious venue with open fireplaces - plus excellent Turkish food available at the Anatolia Ocakbasi next door 

Tube:  Bethnal Green

Show starts: 7pm

Tix: £5 on the door

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

In what town in Palestine did Tara recently perform?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

 

Closing date:   12 midday on Saturday 05 December 2009 

 

***** 

 

- October 2009 -

Enter our new competition for the chance to win two tickets to see the brand new dance group the BABYBLISS GIRLS performing their new show BELLY DANCE FUSION at the Unicorn Theatre on Sunday 08 November 2009

"BabyBliss Girls Live!!  A vibrant explosion of belly dance, traditional, contemporary & tribal, deliciously fused with hip hop, salsa, samba & pop! Plus live drumming sensation Sallam!

"BabyBliss are a group of 7 talented girls who bring bellydance to the modern commercial world with a sexy raw twist.  They specialise in blending the seductive art of belly dance techniques with the raw & energetic vibe of hip hop culture.  All the BellyBliss Girls come from a strong dance background, & are highly trained.  BabyBliss believe in pushing the boundaries & breaking all the rules. Express yourself & believe ... You will have seen them many times from BBC appearances on Strictly Come Dancing to the Asian Music Awards.  With performances from Melissa to include Isis & sword solos, tribal drum solos from Alexis, the duets & group belly dance fusions from the BabyBliss Girls are not to be missed!  This event is for one night only, set in the heart of London." 

Date:  Sunday 08 November 2009

Venue:  Unicorn Theatre (147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ) 

Tube:  London Bridge

Doors 7pm, show starts 7:30pm, carriages 9pm

Tix: £22 (plus P&P) from TicketWeb or call the BellyBliss Girls ticket hotline 07985 55 66 14

 

 

***** 

- September 2009 -

Enter our new competition for the chance to win two tickets to London belly dancer Jalya's first BELLY DANCE CAKE PARTY - "Fantastic professional belly dancing show including a slice of belly dancer cake (yes, shaped like a bellydancer!!)" taking place in Kensington on 11 October - & you can also BUY TICKETS ONLINE 

 

Come to this fantastic belly dancing show featuring professional belly dancers Jalya, Varya, Dita, Aurora, Solariss, Johara and Julia Naidenko (star of ITV1's "Britain's Got Talent" of whom Simon Cowell said, "That's Olympic gold medal standard belly dancing!", pictured below left), together with Jalya & Varya's students plus Her Majesty PRINCESS FARHANA of Hollywood! 

Plus surprise mystery guest act not to be missed!

Includes a slice of belly dancer cake (yes, shaped like a bellydancer!!) by Kicca Cakes

Arabic DJ & live music by Arabic percussionist Malik

All taking place in the sumptuous surroundings of Archangel in Kensington

A delicious selection of food & drink is available for purchase from the Archangel bar & restaurant

 

Treat yourself to a wonderful night out with fabulous belly dance performances ... & much, much more ... book now!

Venue:   ARCHANGEL, 11-13 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 5NP

Tube:  High Street Kensington (6 mins walk)

Doors 5pm, show starts 6pm, carriages: 10pm

Entrance just £15 online or £20 at the door

Don't miss out, book your tickets online now!

 

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

The beautiful Jalya (who worked as an international model with past credits including Paco Rabanne & Valentino) was once crowned "Miss ..............."  What is the name of the country?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

 

Closing date:   5pm on Thursday 08 October 2009 

 

*****

- August 2009 -

Enter our new competition for the chance to win two tickets to enjoy Guy Schalom' & The Baladi Blues Ensemble in their thrilling new gala show at the Jackson's Lane Theatre (Highgate) on Thursday 10 September PLUS copies of both the band's albums, 'Baladi Blues' & 'Tablatastic!!' - what a great prize offered by this talented international artist & his collaborators! 

Guy is pictured right with Sheik Taha at July's Planet Egypt belly dance showcase. 

"Following on from the huge success of their CDs 'Baladi Blues' & 'Tablatastic!!', the Baladi Blues Ensemble will be appearing at Jackson's Lane Theatre in Highgate on 10 September.  The show will feature guest artists accordionist "Sheik" Taha, percussionist Ali El Minyawi & dancers Meret Gabra & Sara Kahan.  The show will also feature band members Ahmed El Saidi (saxophone), Magdy Tewfik (accordion) & of course Adam Warne (percussion).  Guy himself will also be dancing!" 

Guy Schalom:  "Described by fROOTS magazine as 'one of the most versatile & interesting percussionists working in the UK today', percussionist, dancer & record producer Guy Schalom has worked at home & abroad with Natacha Atlas, the Musicians of the Nile, Moussa El Qenawy, Hijazy Metkal & Mamoud Fadl."  "Guy Schalom's recent CD 'Baladi Blues' was described by fROOTS magazine as, 'Outstanding, fresh & compelling as well as technically superb'."  "'Tablatastic!!' is Guy Schalom's rhythmic exploration of Arabic music on the darabuka, including darabuka / riq duet." 

The Baladi Blues Ensemble:  "In the Baladi Blues Ensemble, Guy unites two of Egypt's most renowned master musicians, saxophonist Ahmed El Saidi & quarter-tone accordionist 'Sheik' Taha.  Ahmed El Saidi shot to fame as saxophone player with the Nubian groups of Ali Hassan Kuban, Shams Hussein & more recently Salamat.   A key figure in the development of Egyptian Baladi music, Sheik Taha pioneered the Cairo quarter-tone accordion style.  He has played in the bands of Ahmed Adaweia, Mohamed Abdel Wahab & has worked with renowned dancers Fifi Abdou & Tahia Cariocca."   

Venue: Jackson's Lane Theatre, 269a Archway Road, Highgate, London

Date:  Thursday 10 September 2009 

Tix available from the venue or from Guy Schalom ("Buy tickets online & save money!")

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

"What is the Egyptian city that shares it's name with one of the tracks on Guy Schalom's Baladi Blues album?" 

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

 

Closing date:   5pm on Monday 07 September 

 

***** 

 

- JUNE 2009 -

Up for grabs are two tickets to London belly dance teacher & performer Asaki's (pictured right) annual summer Belly Dance Gala on Sunday 12 July.

"Belly Dance Gala in Soho is an annual summer event for belly dance lovers. This year we have a much bigger venue so everyone can have more space & comfort to watch & dance away!
 
"There will be over 20 fabulous belly dancers from UK, Europe & Japan in this exotic Moroccan themed bar in the basement of Digress Soho. Dance to the beat of Syrian darbucka player Sallam Al Sheik who will be performing live!

"The acts of the night are Egyptian, Lebanese, Persian, Turkish & tribal fusion belly dance.  Dancers include Ozgen, Shaza, Reina, Sandra, Ewa, Elodie, Maho, plus Asaki & her students.  As the venue is a club dance floor type, there is limited seating so please come early for a chance at seating!"

Venue: Digress Soho, 10 Beak Street, London W1F 9RA

Date & time:  Sunday 12 July 2009, door 6pm, show 7pm

Tix £6.50 online, £10 on the door

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

What is the name of Asaki's dance partner?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

Closing date:   2pm on Saturday 11th July 2009

 

*****

- APRIL 2009 -

On offer are two tickets to the new BellyBliss @ Shish show, URBAN TRIBAL, on Sunday 6 April, PLUS two class passes to the beginners' belly dance class before the show!

"BellyBliss is a fantastic night of live belly dance performances, delicious Moroccan food & the chance to dance to Arabic beats or simply sit back & bask in the atmosphere. This month's theme is URBAN TRIBAL, & performances will be a blend of atmospheric tribal & traditional belly dance, with special guests Kimberly Mackoy, Kerry Darkstar, Alexis Maher, Setsuna & Zafirah PLUS brand new sets from Melissa & BellyBliss Allstars.  With DJ XCes spinning the best Arabic & RnB tunes, exclusive cocktails, & a beginners' belly dance class at 6.15pm, there's nowhere better to sheikh your thang.  Hosts pro dance company BellyBliss Allstars, have appeared on Britain's Got Talent, Asian Music Awards & opened the 2008 Urban Music Awards."

Venue: Shish Lounge Bar, 313-319 Old Street, London EC1V 9LE (Old Street or Liverpool Street tube)

Sunday 26th April, doors 7pm, tix £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Beginners' belly dance class - 6:15pm, tix £5 on the door

 

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

What is the name of the Arabian musician who plays for Mia & who studied percussion at a conservatoire in Damascus, Syria?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

Closing date:  2pm on Thursday 23rd April 2009 

*****

- MARCH 2009 -

On offer are two tickets to the new belly dance show SAMEERA'S SHIMMY NIGHTS on Tuesday 24^th March in Hendon NW4, organised by Sameera Madana & Reshma Rose, together with two class passes to Reshma Rose's Hendon belly dance class!

Sameera's Shimmy Nights: "Sameera Madana & Reshma Rose present Sameera's Shimmy Nights, a fun-packed night of dazzling belly dance performances starring Aurore, Nadia, Kamna, Reshma Rose, Sameera Madana, Leila, Rosa Orientale, Sarah Malik & more. Professionals, semi-pros & students, all performing under one roof, plus grand prize raffle! " 

Venue: Gallery 407 - 411, Hendon Way, London NW4 3LH

Directions: Hendon Central tube station (Northern line). Exit the station, cross over the road & walk left for 1 minute; Gallery is near Nationwide. Free Parking.

Tuesday 24^th March, doors 7pm, show 7:30pm, tix £4 in advance, £5 on the door.

Reshma Rose's classes:  "Reshma Rose's is a London based professional belly dancer & belly dance teacher. She teaches in Archway every Saturday morning, & every Wednesday evening at Gallery in Hendon Central. Her style of dance has been described as earthy & powerful, with her cheeky character making classes & performances all the more enjoyable.  She also teaches private lessons & is available for hen party lessons."

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

What is the name of the venue Reshma Rose where teaches her Saturday classes in Archway?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

Closing date:  2pm on Sunday 22^nd March 2009 

*****

- JANUARY 2009 -

On offer are two tickets to the SAQARAH monthly belly dance party on Saturday 17th January in Liverpool Street, organised by Nafiseh & Eshta, together with two SAQARAH calendars!

The Saqarah show: "Come celebrate your love for the dance at Saqarah, a party designed by dancers for dancers. Enjoy the stellar showcase, featuring outstanding dancers then, after the showcase, it's time to let your hair down & shimmy along to a real mix of Egypt's finest music. The events are informal, intimate & social.  We want to bring together a wide mix of dancers from all different circles!"

Venue: The Railway Tavern (directly opposite Liverpool Street Station exit no. 3) at 15 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7NX - doors 7pm, show 8pm, disco & bar till late - tix £7 online, £10 on the door (if not sold out …!)

The Saqarah calendar: "Saqarah photographer Maani Vadgama is now a well known figure in the belly dance community for his fresh & distinctive images. He has kindly helped Eshta & Nafiseh to pick 12 of their favourite images from the past year at Saqarah, & put them together in a Saqarah Desk Calendar 2009!  The calendar features Maani's gorgeous images of some of our most stunning Saqarah performers, plus all the Saqarah dates for 2009, so you will never have to miss a show again! Priced at just £5, you can either buy online or when you attend Saqarah (subject to availability). Not only does the Saqarah calendar make an ideal gift, but it is a must have for all Belly Dance fans."

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

Which of the 2 founder members of Saqarah is also a talented silversmith who can create a personalised name plate n sterling silver?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

Closing date:  2pm on Friday 16^th January 2009 

*****

- October 2008 -

Won by Tessa S of Dagenham - well done!

On offer are two tickets to the FireWater team's latest show, a celebration of tribal fusion belly dance at the Darbucka World Music bar  (Clerkenwell, EC1)) on Thursday 13th November ...

"FireWater (pictured right) presents another night of tribal fusion belly dance.  Following the success of our début night in May we bring you a new show for your delectable tastes featuring dancers Moirai, AnaRkali, Hannah, Jesse Stanbridge, Kim Mackoy,  Kerry & very special guests.  Music by dajjah live set,  bringing arab-beats/reeds & bass pressure for the discerning.  Blending a smooth concoction of American Tribal Style belly dance (ATS) & her baby sister tribal fusion, FireWater is a night solely & obsessively dedicated to showcasing the luscious goddesses of tribal belly dance in the UK & beyond."

Thursday 13th November, doors 7pm, show 8pm, cost £6 at the door or contact Darbucka (Clerkenwell EC1) for advanced booking - recommended, as tables are booking up fast!  

 

How do I enter?

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question:

What are the first names of the 3 members of the AnaRkali dance troupe?

The competition is open to everyone who loves belly dance, whether you are a dancer, teacher, student or just love to watch belly dance ...

All entries must be sent to the competition email address  bellydancecompetition@googlemail.com & must comply with all competition rules (see below).

  

Closing date:  5pm on Monday 10th November 2008