My first week of UK tour...

What a wonderful welcome back to UK.

Exeter was SO much fun!

I have to admit- that even now, after all these years teaching and performing (professionally for 16 years!) I still get a bit nervous going to a new area where people don't know me. Will they 'get me'? Will they like me? What level should I be pitching the workshops at?


Thankfully Judith, the woman that organised the weekend is a fantastic organiser and everything ran very smoothly (despite one band in the evening having to cancel on the same day due to a family bereavement; Love to you and yours Maren!).


The ladies in the workshops (which had been sold out for at least 3 weeks before the event!!!) were so attentive and responsive that I felt like I was teaching a room full of sponges, so fast was my information being soaked up! The realisation moments occurring around the room were like Christmas tree lights around the room as they were sparkling so brightly!

It was amazing spending the weekend with my good friend, and one of my first students, Hannah. A lovely dancer herself she was the one who suggested that Judith host me and seemingly they want me back every year now!

I had so many ladies telling me how much I had inspired them and changed the way they would dance that I could barely get my head out the double doors at the end of the evening show!


Some reviews from last weekend;

“I had so many eureka moments in the w/s and private class. Some really really useful feedback on my performance. Wowser moments watching Lorna perform”

Another; “I’m still mesmerised”

One woman told me that I had “changed her life”. Before the workshop she would never have gotten up at a hafla just to bop about at the end because she could never think what to do, but on the night I was in town, after the workshops she not only got up out her seat dancing, but joined the other girls in her class on stage! She was very proud of herself!”


This weekend I will be teaching in EDINBURGH on Saturday 3rd March – I believe there are a couple of spaces left... contact elspethalexandra@hotmail.com 

I will be performing in an exclusive Edinburgh performance on Tuesday 5th March. Please also contact Elsepth if you wish to know details and to book!

Next weekend my workshops in Wolverhampton are sold out on the 10th, However there are still spaces available in LONDON on Saturday 9th March. These are aimed at ALL levels (apart from complete beginners!) and even if you haven’t even performed yet, in fact, perhaps especially if you haven’t performed yet! these workshops will be very useful to you! For details and to book; www.saqarah.co.uk

 That is my reporting in and PR done. It’s a beautiful sunny clear day in Scotland today even if it is a chilly 3degrees right now! I’m off for a swim before nephew’s birthday party round 2. Yesterday I went with him to his ‘party’ with his friends at Time Twisters at sighthill, Edinburgh and they did soft play and then Laser quest.

It was amazing. The whole venue was designed like ancient Egypt! I felt I had left home and come back home!!! So much fun!

My little Pharaoh, not so little now that he is 7!






(Yes that means I have been living in Cairo for 7 years now. I only went for 6 months!!!)

Lorna’s Spring UK tour 2013 - diary dates!

I am going to be back in the UK for a month and plan to be doing a series of workshops and private classes and performances while I am in the country. If you are interested in attending the workshops and/or performances please contact each of the organisers listed below. I am going to be in Exeter, Edinburgh, London, Wolverhampton and Lincoln on this tour!

If you are interested in having a private class with me, at very reasonable rates I might add... then please contact me directly on bellylorna@hotmail.com.

 Last time I came to London I taught a few girls, some of whom had never had a private class before, and all the feedback I received was really lovely. So if you have never had a private bellydance class before- maybe now is the time to try! (In fact- maybe you could persuade your ‘other half’ that this would make a much appreciated valentines gift!!!)

Sat 23^rd Feb – Exeter Workshops and performance.

Maximising your assets – Taking movements and showing how to make many variations on them so they suit your body shape, the audience, the music, the stage set up. This workshop will also incorporate performance skills.

Improvisation – Getting rid of that fear – This workshop will help you overcome your fear of improvisation allowing you to explore emotions and also the importance of musicality.

Contact Judith on ysondedancer@aol.com to book places and reserve your ticket for the evening performance!

Sun 24^th Feb- Private classes in Exeter-  I will be in Exeter on this day and available if anyone wants to book a private class with me email me now! Bellylorna@hotmail.com

Thurs 28^th Feb- Thurs 7^th March – Available for Private classes in Edinburgh . Email me to book yours asap bellylorna@hotmail.com

Sat 2^nd  March – Edinburgh Workshops

Workshops held at Edinburgh Studios, 21 Arthur Street Upper, Edinburgh, Scotland.

12.15-14.15 Technique - Lorna’s Cairo modern style
How we are taught technique compared with how Egyptians actually dance the moves! Learn moves to use in all styles of Egyptian music, brand new, fresh and direct from the Cairo stage. 

14.45-16.45 Putting Emotions into your Dance
The biggest criticism foreign dancers get is that their technique is good but they don't have that Egyptian 'feeling'. In this workshop we will explore what this mystical feeling is, and look at practical ways to demonstrate it within your dance.

Both workshops are for dancers of all levels, but are not suitable for absolute beginners.
Each workshop costs £25. 

Please contact Elspeth Swishandhips if you want to attend. 
Bookings are only confirmed when you’ve paid, so to book your place:
• Post a cheque made payable to Lorna Gow Dance to E. Alexandra, 32 Claremont Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NH
• Paypal to swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk , sorry but to cover Paypal administration there’s an extra £1.50 on paypal payments – which means £26.50 per workshop or £51.50 for both.
• If you need another way to pay, please contact Elspeth elspethalexandra@hotmail.com 

Tues 5^th March – Edinburgh Performance

Details TBC

contact elspethalexandra@hotmail.com  for more info

Sat 9^th March – London workshops

Workshop 1
12:30-14:30 – details TBC

Workshop 2
15:30-17:30 – details TBC

The venue 
Jackson's Lane Studio 1, 269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA
The venue is right next to Highgate Tube (Northern Line) and is just 15 minutes from Euston/Kings Cross. See details in facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/390022727746507/418527478229365/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_mall_activity#!/events/464060796976731/?notif_t=plan_user_invited  .

 For more info and to book your workshop place please Contact Nafiseh on www.saqarah.co.ukwww.saqarah.co.ukwww.saqarah.co.uk

Sun 10^th March- Wolverhampton – Workshops and Evening performance

1230-1430 - Organic Dance Concepts – How to move between moves to create a seem-less performance. This workshop focuses on technique SOLD OUT

1500-1700 - The different Baladi styles- Baladi means my country. Dancers tend to use it to mean a specific type of music and dance style. This workshop however will explore all the different styles that an Egyptian dancer might class as ‘baladi’/ (bring a light stick with you) SOLD OUT

Exclusive Evening with Lorna at Tiffus restaurant. This is going to be a really special night. We will take over the top floor of Tiffus restaurant, enjoy a 2 course meal and be entertained by Lorna. She will talk about her life in Cairo as a dancer and then perform just for us. The numbers for this event are strictly limited. The cost is £25 however the food at Tiffus is a cut above your normal Indian food and you can take your own booze so there will be nothing extra to pay on the night. You can pay via paypal by visiting my website www.raqswombourne.vpweb.co.uk

Contact Karen at www.raqswombourne.vpweb.co.uk  to book tickets for evening meal – workshops have sold out! 

Or see fb events http://www.facebook.com/events/390022727746507/418527478229365/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_mall_activity#!/events/390022727746507/?fref=ts and http://www.facebook.com/events/390022727746507/418527478229365/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_mall_activity#!/events/395748173834267/?fref=ts

Mon 11^th March- Friday 15^th March - Private classes in London. Email me now to book yours! bellylorna@hotmail.com

Sat 16^th March - Lincoln - Raqs Helwa - Workshops and Performance

There will be many fabulous teachers doing both workshops and performances at this fabulous festival! I am looking forward to being one of them...

11.30-1.30 -Cairo technique - Lorna brings us an unimaginable insight to the technique of oriental dancing and uses her fun and personable style to add depth and knowledge to each dancer’s repertoire

4-6pm -  Cairo Style – Lorna will teach you the tricks to make your dancing more Egyptian! Lorna will share with us the current trends in Cairo style and incorporating all the elements from the street, the countryside and the cabaret scene, show us how we can adapt our dance to be genuinely egyptian. 

Evening Performance - The evening performance will consist of 3 sections.  The first section will be a montage of some of our workshop teachers performing, second up is professional troupe The Tarab Dance Company  and finally we have our star performer LORNA of CAIRO performing a complete set from her cairo show. If you have booked a Raqs Helwa day ticket your evening ticket is INCLUDED so please do not purchase it again.  If however you wish to bring friends with you, then these tickets can be booked as EXTRA places.

For full festival info (including workshops with other teachers too) and to book, please go to www.egyptiandancer.co.uk

Tues 19th March- I will be back in Cairo, teaching private classes there and performing at the Pharoahs boat, Giza! see you there maybe if i miss you on this trip?!!! 

Socialising in Scotland and learning how to walk....

It's lovely to be back in Edinburgh to see everyone. So far I've had some time catching up with family and friends and it's been great. Looking forward to a lot more of that.

I have even organised a beach party on portobello promenade on sunday 21st aug (noon- 3pm by the Dalriada bar) to try and round up as many of my scottish friends and fmaily as possible, dancers and non dancers alike. Also attempting an Afridonia reunion ( I used to be a dancer in an African dance group in Edinburgh and I haven't seen all the girlsand guys in the group for ages!) at the same time...

If you can get yourself to portobello on that day- I strongly recommend it. Of course i can't guarentee sunshine, but if it rains I'll still be there, I'm Scottish- brought up on 'Umbrella held over the bbq' summer outings! (but if its wet from 12.30 since thats when the bar actually opens!!!) facebook events page is http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=246783545344958

I'm looking forward to heading down to London this week for a week(arrive last tues night) I have a lot of friends down there I hope to see... workshops which are selling tickets fast.. 2 performance nights (detials will be advertised VERY soon) and private classes too.... not to mention a photoshoot with the fabulous Maani ! I dont know how I am going to fit it all in- but am looking forward to 'doing' London!!! for info on performances and workshops please go to http://saqarah.co.uk/Lorna-Saturday-Workshops-2011


Loving driving.... miss that in Cairo. But also enjoying walking.... it's not somethig thats is easy to do in Cairo. Apart from the heat, the traffic and the comments from the men in the streets, which can be offputting enough- Cairo has dreadful pavements (if there are any at all... when very high curbs) which means you end up looking at your feet all the time to mind your step and to ensure you dont make unwanted eye contact! I was walking down the pavement here in Edinburgh the other day and realsied that I was looking down the whole time and told myself off for it... 'you're in Uk now... enjoy the scenery- look around', I felt free and alive. The sun was shining and people had really made their gardens beautiful. The 'greenness' of everything was a cooling balm to my dust tired cairo eyes. It's true I didn't receive any unwanted attention, nor stumble on any hole in the pavement... but one horrible thing in UK that you DON'T get in Cairo... dogs dirt. I did manage to avoid it, but only just! People in Cairo seldom have dogs as pets, in fact many are very scared of dogs and see them as very unclean animals. If you have washed to say your prayers and a dog licks you, then you have to do the entire cleansing process again before you pray... ... so in the streets of Cairo, although often have a lot of rubbish on them, they are blissfully free from this curse of UK society. So, I'm back to scanning the pavements as I walk.... whichever of my 2 home countries I am in!

Coming home from home...

soon....

Edinburgh is my home... and Cairo is my home. I love them both and have many things and people that i love in both places.

Very soon I'l be returning to UK for a holiday... it was planned a long time ago and was only intended to be a couple of weeks... but considering the current Cairo climate workwise (ie cufew every night means my work is closed indefinatly) I will be extending my stay. Not because i dont want to be in Cairo- but becuase I do...!! The main reason is that i need to earn some money! Somehow I have to be able to continue to pay rent in Cairo, mortgage in Edinburgh and eat (not to mention pay for the latest Eman Zaki creations!!!).

This is where you guys come in-

-calling all UK dancers.... I am home from 23rd feb (maybe earlier passport depending- ie i need to get one- mine is stuck in Cairos goverment offices!!) and as yet haven't booked my return flight.... but guessing around 15th march....maybe later Cairo politics depending....

 So i am planning a big Edinburgh show on the 3rd March (details below) and also workshops on 5th and 6th of March in Edinburgh and in Fife.

However, if you would like me to teach a workshop in your area end feb/ beginning of march please do get in touch!!!


I also plan to be teaching private classes over those weeks form my home in Portobello, Edinburgh... will send out a message re dates times to anyone who emials interest to me (bellylorna @hotmail.com).

Hope to see you all on the 3rd! Very excited to have 2 fabulous dancers also performing alongside, Dawn (of Scottish and Australian fame) and Eshta from London (of Saqarah fame!). Also the fantastic Rhythmic Ginger is warming up his rolls to keep up with my shimmys!!!! I will also be talking about my life in Cairo here over the years and specifically now over the last few weeks- living the revolution! I recommend booking your tickets NOW!!!

From Edinburgh to Cairo and back again:
An Evening of Bellydance featuring Lorna of Cairo


Location- EH15, Edinburgh ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=113086788706897&sk=permissions#!/pages/Eh15-Restaurant-Bar/118547788218604 )

19.30-22.30pm
As part of the Middle Eastern Peace and Spirituality Festival 2011, an evening of food, drink, bellydance and cultural understanding.
Lorna has been working as a Bellydancer in Cairo since 1996. Join us for beautiful performances, and over dinner we'll be discussing Lorna's experiences of life in Egypt and how dance reflects the culture and traditions there.

Tickets £32 includes 3-course meal. Please send cheques, payable to E Alexandra, to 32 Claremont Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NH.
Contact Elspeth SwishandHips on 07748 183171 or swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk
 
facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=113086788706897&sk=permissions#!/event.php?eid=185487681474401

Photos by the amazing Michèle Dillon

An intimate evening in Edinburgh with Lorna - oh er!!!

Very excited...

as If I already didn't have enough dates on my Ramadan Revelry tour this month- I have now added a NEW date!!!

In my hometown, Edinburgh. An unoffical fringe show , if you like!

Hope you can make it along....

when?- 25 August · 19:30 - 22:00

where?- Kitsch Coffee Bar, Bernard Street, Leith

"A special chance to enjoy the dancing of the fabulous Lorna of Cairo, plus support, in Edinburgh. Tickets £10 including nibbles.

This is a very small venue for an informal and intimate evening.

Move fast to avoid disappointment! For tickets, contact Elspeth SwishandHips on 07748 183171 or on swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk . You can paypal if you have a verified paypal account, or post a cheque first class! "

This WILL sellout fast!

so............ Leeds and Birmingham this weekend.... Edinburgh mid week then Glasgow next weekend...

Lorna is officially DOING UK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and LOVING IT !!!

hehe........

more dates for my ramadan revelry tour!

I am very happy to be able to announce a performance date in Scotland this tour...

Friday 27th August

Nur restaurant, Glasgow
( 22 bridge st, Glasgow, tel 0141 418 0990 )

from 7.30pm

A night of dance with me, Lorna, and a couple of local guest dancers too.

A chance to see all my lovely new costumes and eat fabulous Egyptian food too. It's a BYOB with no corkage too.... All that for only £22.50 if you buy your ticket in advance (£25 if you buy on the night- but since the restaurant only seats 50, there is a good chance it might sell out- so don't leave it til then!)

to book, collect your ticket from Nur, or call them on the number above and they can take payment by debit card.

check out their website; www.nur-restaurant.co.uk

Ramadan Revelry Tour- dates and contacts for workshops and performances

I feel like i haven't been blogging for ages- i miss it! This entry is going to be all about my Ramadan Revelry tour of UK and Ireland 2010.. since I have been receiving emails from people asking how to go about booking their place... and right enough- time is running out... ramadan is nearly here (you can tell because all the shops in Cairo have mountains of dried fruit and nuts piled outside their doors!).. but I promise soon I'll write more about life in Cairo!!!

So far... all the dates confirmed and contact details for booking are as follows......... If you are already friends with me on my 'Lorna of Cairo facebook page then you will be awware of all these events... but if not then here's the links so you can check them out!!!!

London- Sat 14th Aug- Workshops and Performance

performance info- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100782573311918&index=1

Workshop info- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100782573311918&index=1#!/event.php?eid=122324481131478&ref=ts

Contact- http://www.saqarah.co.uk/Lorna-Saturday-Workshops.html


Leeds- Sat 21st Aug- Workshops and Performance and Private classes


info on - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129992913680043&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=129997457019477&ref=ts

contact- Sabrina on banateshorouk@leedsbellydance.co.uk


Birmingham- Sun 22nd Aug- Performance

Hafla featuring Lorna and some of the Midlands best dancers
Sunday 22nd Aug, 7pm.
Erdington Conservative Club, Orphanage Road, Erdington
Tickets £10pp (£5pp performers) ...Includes Buffet at 6.15pm

contact- Lisa on lisamckain@hotmail.com

Glasgow- Sat 28th Aug- Workshops

for info- http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1428678272040#!/event.php?eid=146738692007638&ref=mf

to contact- Imman on bellystylin@gmail.com or Suraya on suraya1@hotmail.co.uk

Edinburgh- Sat 4th Sept- Workshops and Private classes

for info- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100782573311918&index=1#!/event.php?eid=141426359220178&ref=ts

to contact- Elspeth on swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk
For private classes contact me direct!

Dublin- Sun 5th Sept- Workshops

for info- http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125627300812527

to contact- Ciara on shahiradance@gmail.com or adele on adele.glenn@bt.com

Thats all for now.... althought there are a couple of potential things too to add- but will publish those detials if and when they happen!!!!

Lorna in London... in August!

London too are getting excited about me coming over- more workshops and performances! Here's a copy of their events page too!!!

Start Time: Saturday, 14 August 2010 at 10:00
End Time: Sunday, 15 August 2010 at 00:00
Location: Studio 6, The Place
Street: 17 Duke's Street
Town/City: London, United Kingdom

Description.It's almost been a year since the incredible Lorna Gow Star of Cairo was in London and we are delighted to announce 2 inspiring new workshops!

As always workshop places will be strictly limited to allow you the greatest learning experience with this experienced and generous dancer who is 'living the dream' as a professional dancer in Cairo!

The workshops will again be fast-paced and challenging, and geared towards at least intermediate/improver dancers.

Workshop 1: Making the Most of Your Floorspace

As dancers we often find ourselves performing in a variety of different dance spaces mostly in cramped conditions, and occassionally on a large stage.

Drawing on her own extensive experience as a professional performer, Lorna will show you how to include different step patterns, moves and turns to fit any dance space you may find yourself in!

Workshop 2: Adapt Your Dance to Different Music Styles

Don't get stuck a dance rut! If you find yourself lacking confidence to try new dance styles, this is the workshop for you!

Lorna will take some basic belly dance moves and show you how to easily adapt them to fit whatever musical style you are dancing to such as Shaabi, Nubian, Oriental, Saiidi, Alexandrian etc.

Both workshops will be taught in Lorna's dynamic and exhilirating Modern Cairo style!

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn from a dancer who has an incredible insight into the Egyptian dance world and Egyptian culture!

Early Bird Discounts available!

After the workshop, Lorna will be performing exclusively for Saqarah along with a hand picked line up of dancers!

Please see the Saqarah website for more information and to book:

http://www.saqarah.co.uk/Lorna-Saturday-Workshops.html

Lorna in Leeds... this coming August...

Leeds are getting excited about my visit... and i am too...... Here's a copy of the facebook events page, I am guessing booking early is a good idea with the amount of interest so far!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, 21 August 2010
Time: 11:00 - 15:30
Location: Dance studio @ Fitness first, Redcote Lane
Street: Off Kirkstall Road
Town/City: Leeds, United Kingdom

Description.We are delighted to announce that Lorna of Cairo is coming to Leeds to teach and perform for us. Lorna currently lives and works as a dancer in Cairo and if you have seen Lorna perfom before you will know exactly why we are so excited about this event. For those of you who have not seen Lorna dance before here is a great opportunity to learn from her and get a glimpse into her fabulous style. Lorna is a fun approachable teacher and I guarantee you will get lots from these workshops

Workshop details

Golden Era Goes Modern
Lorna will explore the look and feel of the golden era dancers and how they still influence modern Cairo style today.

Time - 11am till 1pm

Lorna Style
Lorna has a distinct personal style that is a perfect mixture of drama, fun and power. In this workshop Lorna will be looking at these elements and how to incorpotate them into your own dance.

Time 1.15pm till 3.15 pm

Cost
One workshop - £20
Two workshops - £30

Please also see related event, "An Evening with Lorna of Cairo" - If you have seen her dance before you will not hesitate to come to this event, if you haven't seen her dance this is your chance and it's one not to be missed.

Lorna will be performing three sets for us with the lovely Adam Warne providing live drumming.

And there will be plenty of time to boogie the night away into the early hours.

What more could you want from a Saturday night??

When
Saturday 21st August 8 till late
Where
Mook wine bar, hirsts yard, Leeds city centre
How
The cost of the evening will be £10 in advance & £12 if you pay on the door on the night. Please see related event "Workshops with Lorna of Cairo" for offer on workshops and evening package.


The cost for the evening event is just £10 however if you are a Banat Eshorouk member you can purchase two workshops and the evening with ticket for just £35. Membership to Banat is £5 for lifetime membership so it's a bit of a no brainer as we offer discounts on all our events thoughout the year to our members.

How to Book
Please send a cheque made payable to Banat Eshorouk to the address below and include your contact details and a note of what part of the day you would like to attend.....

Sabrina Owen
1 Summerfield Gardens
Leeds
LS13 1AS

If you would like any more information please contact me on...
sabrina.bellydance@googlemail.com

Sunny Edinburgh

Yes the sun is shining in Scotland- and i went out for lunch with a friend who I haven't seen in ages and she was wearing a Linen skirt, Tshirt and no jacket!!!! I was wearing a t-shirt, under my jumper dress and scarf and jacket........... hmm- i don't think I have acclimatised!!!

I am kicking myself that i forgot about getting a group photo at the workshop in Dundee last weekend.... but i did remember to take one at the Edinburgh one the week before.....

There are still a few places on the workshop in Edinburgh this coming saturday... contact Elspeth for details and to book!! ( swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk ) We will be covering different things from the last Edinburgh workshop, so if you want to do both, you'd be welcome and you won't be repeating yourself!!!

Don't you just love how Natalie's hand is cupping my face in the above photo? We couldn't have possibly arranged that if we had tried!!!!

Better get back to getting my music sorted for the 'Lorna of Cairo Hafla' tomorrow night! Oh and I have decided to dance 3 times so I get to wear all of my new Eman Zaki costumes!!!
( http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=356896083464&ref=ts )

Edinburgh workshop 20th March

I can't believe the time here is going by so fast.

I taught a very successful and fun, workshop on the 6th in Edinburgh- and there was enough interest to warrent putting on an extra class this saturday, 20th. Just waiting for the bookings for that to come in.......

and Glasgow on sunday 21st too... goodie goodie!

Dundee workshop last saturday was sold out too... and was a lot oof fun.. so much for 'less is more' which was the topic. Granted I did give lots of ideas on how to pack more punch into your performance... but I gave lots and lots of moves too! In fact, the last 2 workshops have shown me that i know a lot more than I always think I do! I need to teach high level classes more often, it inspires me! I had written out a list of some techniques i had wanted to cover in each workshop... and i didn't even use the sheet, because i came up with (of my body did anyway- doesn't seem to go via the brain!) so many other things on the day!!! We had a lot of fun and was lovely to see so many fabulous women, some of whom I haven't seen for years! Last week it was my glutes that were feeling it- this week my stomach muscles!!!

... and the 'Lorna of Cairo' hafla this Thursday too... which of my 3 lovely new Eman costumes should I go for??? Hmmm.... you'll have to come along to find out!

I have started to catch up with friends this week.... last week was 100% family! I love having good friends that even though we may not have seen each other for up to 6 months, when we get together its like there hasn't been anytime apart!!! Tonight after a meal at one friend's house I am heading out to dance at 'Medina' which has some salsa and some world music playing!!! Tomorrow night I am inviting everyone who knows me... along to 'Empires' restaurant to have dinner and catch up... we may well end up hitting some club after too- the ones who don't have early work next day anyway!!! Hope to see lots of people out tonight and tomorrow!

next week will be the Cairo friends catch up!

love to all my friends, and students!!!!.... wherever in the world you might be!

PS remember to BOOK NOW for Thursdays Hafla and Saturday's workshop!

Dancing with 'my gals' !

Miss Jean Brodie herself couldn't have been more proud of her 'gals' as i was today dancing with the Edinburgh dancers (and a few very welcome dancers came through from Glasgow too!). They were fabulous. "The creme de la creme"... as Jean would say!

We had a lot of fun, and the dance studio at Telford College is just lovely. Adam drummed for us- and we sweated a LOT- ok, I shouldn't speak for others- I sweated a lot!!! It felt great to be just going for it with the music! I never really realise how much my dancing has improved and changed until i get back to the homeland and dance with my old collegues and students in Scotland again. It's nice to seem them grow and improve in dance too. I feel very proud to know i have been one of the teachers who have helped Scotland to have such a high standards of dancers!

The workshop was a sell out.. and we had to turn so many people away.. that Elspeth (the organiser) and myself have decided to run a second Edinburgh workshop on Saturday 20th March (times TBC) !!!! so......... if you couldn't make today, or if there wasn't space for you today, or if you were there and fancy MORE of Lorna then contact Elspeth to get your name on her list ASAP. We'll be doing a lot of technique, and some musical interpretation, and generally dancing Cairo style! Theme being 'Less is more, Sassy and sexy!' Hope you can join us!

so- my diary for the rest of the Scottish tour;

Dundee Workshop- Sat 13th March

Edinburgh Hafla- Thurs 18th March

Edinburgh back by popular demand Workshop- NEW!- Sat 20th March

Glasgow Workshop- Sun 21st March


It might be cold, well, it IS cold, never mind the 'might'!!! but It's good to be back!

The rest of the week is going to be spent with mum... and i am hoping for sunshine so we can get lots of fresh air. After getting used to the pollution of Cairo I can literally feel my lungs expand with oxygen here!!! The smell of woodland and burning pine.. ah.. bliss!

All that fresh air and exercise today however has worn me out.. so I plan to try to sleep before 11.30pm (the time i usually only finish work and go out in Cairo- but it's a different life here).

.... and so ,

" To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep "..... ..... I'll probably even dream of dance!!!


(wow- a literary blog from me today! both Muriel Spark and Shakespeare quoted in one entry!!!)

and... since the workshop went so well today i guess i can quote;

"I am a teacher! First, last, always! "

and the fact that it went SO well that we are organising a follow up one I think I'll even add....

"I am truly in my Prime"

Lorna Performing in Edinburgh!

Its official..................

*I'm* having a hafla........... well, the Bellydance Diva's of Scotland are throwing a Hafla in my honour- I am so chuffed!

'Lorna of Cairo Hafla' !

Date: Thursday, 18 March 2010
Time: 19:00 - 22:00
Location: Teviot Underground, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AJ

Tickets are £8 advance/£10 on the door. Advance tickets can be purchased from;

Shelley Skipper (shelleyskipper@googlemail.com),
Elspeth Alexandra (swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk) or
Caroline Evans (bellydancedivas@hotmail.com).

The venue requires photographic ID for everyone (no under 18s)

Back in the days when I used to teach all the Edinburgh University dance classes (Arabic and African dance society was set up to accomodate the classes i taught in fact!!!) I used to hold Hafla's here- so it will be a trip down memory lane too.......... I've been a professional dancer now for over 12 years!!!!!!!! Now THAT is scary!

Now I need to think what new costumes to wear at the hafla!!!!! Hope to see you all there...... This is my ONLY UK performance this year, until I perform in London in August!!!

Bellymob!

On sunday a group of about 15 of us dressed up in our bellydance costumes and went down to the South Bank in London and had a wee dance. We had 3 drummers (very good) joined us too and you should have seen the crowd that gathered! Dancing in my shoes made me feel like Suraya... but now looking at the photo of said shoes i realise hers are still much much higher!!!

People were lovely and appreciative and some even joined in... one guy using his jacket like a veil, another 2 Egyptian men joined me from the audience and used their umbrella's as sticks while we did some saaidi together!!! Thankfully the rain stayed away too! Oh and for those of you reading this in Egypt- yes it is possible to do this sort of thing in UK without ANY abuse... no names being called out, no one trying to touch, no rude comments. All there was was just appreciation for dance and everyone having fun. The way it should be!!!

It was such a lovely thing to do- for NO reason. we weren't promoting anything or anyone or busking ... we were just having fun.

It reminded me of my many fringe festival show years... wandering about Edinburgh in full bellydance costume, handing out flyers. That and dancing along Princes st with 40 other dancers as part of the fringe cavalcade. In fact- South Bank really reminded me of Edinburgh at festival time. I loved it!!!

Unfortunatly, we didn't have a performers permit for the drummers - so the security guards moved us on after about half and hour- and the crowd all 'boo-d' because we were being stopped!!!! It was a great feeling. We had gathered so many people to watch us that the whole route was blocked! We were all buzzing when we went for some refreshments, in the National Theatre afterwards!

A great day out- dance for the sake of fun!

(Photo Credit: Kristina West)

Ramadan Return to Rain

No big surprise there I guess. When I landed in Scotland on thursday afternoon it was, you guessed it- raining... and although there has been some breaks of sun occasionally, it has rained every day. It can really get you down. Amazing how sun lifts my mood so much. The weather is the number 2 reason I am in Cairo actually!!!!

I am aching to get to bed, its been a long few days....but taking the chance to write while I gte the chance to be online!

Yesterday I spent the entire day sifting though all my belongings to find all the costumes, cds etc etc I could cope with parting with in order to sell in my souk.

Today I spent the day drinking tea and chatting with old friends while people browsed through my things and tried on and bought my costumes....

I have to admit- there was a couple of times when i saw someone in my costume and said ( in my head- no no no- you cant have it- it's MINE !!!) Thankfully my brain won over emotion- andi managed to part with a few. Do other dancers have this problem? I LOVE my costumes.... I hardly ever sell them on, this is a 1st for me. and its hard. i actually shed a tear yesterday putting some of them into the cases!!! Costumes I have worn remind me of times and places and shows and emotions..... so hard to part with. Thankfully lots that I sold today went to dancers who are friends- and it will be a joy to see them dancing in them!

There are however 5 suitacases worth of things left over- yes you read that right- 5 suitcases!!!!!!!!!!! 2 of which a just cabaret costumes!!!!!!!! some new, some used (by me!)!!!!!

1 case is full of bellydance CDs which I am selling at 3 for £10........

Remember 10% of all sales is going to the charity 'just because' so I will count up at the end of the month and let you know!!!!!!!!!!!

I will have 'Lorna's clearance sale souk' out to sell at the hafla in The Voodoo rooms in Edinburgh on 4th sept (tickets for which need to be bought asap to confirm your place as its not a big venue so dont assume you can buy on the door!!!! See previous blog re hafla for booking email address!!) There are still some places left on the workshops on the 5th too.

I believe the places are going fast for the Dundee workshops on 19th and 20th Sept............

And of course there is always London on 13th - workshop and show.... I'll bring some costumes with me there- if there are any left!!!


Today is the first day of Ramadan.... RAMADAN KAREEM to everyone!

Lorna's Hafla and Workshops in Edinburgh Sept 09!

I'm going to be dancing for my home crowd! SO excited about it! here's the 'flyer' Elspeth has put together for it all........ hope to see you there...

LORNA OF CAIRO
in Edinburgh

4th & 5th September 2009

Hafla

Friday 4th September , 8pm

The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh (2 minutes walk from Waverley Station)

Your only chance to see the fabulous Lorna of Cairo perform in Scotland this year. Also featuring some brilliant Scottish talent.

All tickets £10 (includes a £2 donation to Just Because...)

Workshops

Saturday 5th September

Edinburgh's Telford College, 350 West Granton Road, in the fantastic purpose-built dance studios.

12.15 - 2.15 Lorna's Cairo Moves

Learn some of Lorna's top technique and combinations.

2.45 - 4.45 Moving to the Music

Work with Lorna on your interpretation of Egyptian music and how to Respond to the music like Egyptians do.

Each Workshop £20

Both workshops are open level - not suitable for absolute beginners.

How to book

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

• By Cheque: Fill in the order form and send it, with a cheque to Elspeth Alexandra, 32 Claremont Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NH

• By PayPal: send the appropriate amount to elspethalexandra@hotmail.com

For more information contact Elspeth at elspethalexandra@hotmail.com

About Lorna

Before Lorna left native Edinburgh to become a professional belly dancer in Cairo, she was teaching 27 hours of belly dance classes each week, across Scotland. A hugely successful teacher and performer for almost a decade, Lorna enjoyed Edinburgh fringe sucesses and was resident dancer at Morocco Walima restaurant. Lorna is now the first Scottish dancer to work professionally in Cairo.She has been performing in Cairo for the last three years and is currently a star of the Pharaoh Nile cruisers. Lorna records her adventures in a captivating blog that has a worldwide following, www.bellylorna.com

"As a performer, Lorna epitomises the cheeky sassiness of modern Cairo, and is a very giving and lively entertainer. As a teacher and as an individual, Lorna is witty, engaging, highly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing her knowledge gained from first-hand experience." http://www.saqarah.co.uk

Just Because...

Just Because... is a registered charity aiming to raise funds and promote awareness, prevention and early detection of breast cancer for women in Egypt. www.justbecause.org.uk

Lorna in London- Workshops and Performance Sept 2009!

I loved being in London last time- and am looking forward to seeing everyone again. The Saqarah girls did such a lovely job of organising it - that they are doing it again!

Lorna's London Workshops;

Saturday 12th September 2009 

11-1pm -  Stars of the Golden Era

2-4pm -  Modern Cairo style

Both being held at Dance Attic in Fulham (nearest tube = Fulham Broadway on District line)

For more information and to book please check out.

http://www.saqarah.co.uk/Lorna-Saturday-Workshops.html

You'll also get all the info you need about my Performance in London on the same evening, from the Saqarah website. www.saqarah.co.uk

Lorna's Spring 2009 UK Tour!

I'm Edinburgh based for the next month... I'll be doing private classes too.
Workshops dates over the next month are as follows………..

London.
March 14th / 15th.
I am so excited! My 1st time teaching in London (other than at salsa events!) and my 2 workshops on the sat 14th have SOLD OUT !
so......since there is demand we just have to try and meet it and we have decided to put on an EXTRA workshop on the sunday!!!!!
They did a lovely utube entry for me to promote these workhsops so people could see what they'd be getting! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGjVSN2CJCw )
I am also performing on the saturday night... really looking forward to it, sounds like a fun night.
check out the webiste for more info and to book a place. http://www.saqarah.co.uk

Edinburgh.
March 21st / 22nd.
ALL info still to be confirmed… but somehow, somewhere, I intend to be teaching in my hometown this weekend!! Hope you can be there too!

Birmingham.
March 28th / 29th.
Back in Brum to see all my friends there again. workshop info TBC.

JoY festival. Yorkshire
April 4th / 5th.
1st time for me to teach at this popular dance festival. Really looking forward to it too. I'm doing 4 workshops over the weekend.( http://www.jewelofyorkshire.co.uk/view-teacher/?teacherid=1 )
for full festival info and to book your place check out their website http://www.jewelofyorkshire.co.uk



If I am not teaching in your area this time round…. And you don’t plan on being in Cairo over this summer, and you fancy hosting workshops in your area this year-
then I am back in UK throughout Ramadan this year ( ie end August until mid Sept) !!!!

Great British Weather!

well- I have been back in Scotland for nearly a week now... busy catching up with business, and family and friends... I thought it would be no problem at all to get around all the people i want to see in a month, but at the speed i am going at I guess a month is nowhere near long enough to see everyone i want to see- panic! And then there is the shopping.... mum and I have already been checking out the sales.... 'Monsoon sale'- nothing beats it (although could do without the monsoon type weather which accompanied it!).

I took the train to Leeds on saturday to teach a weekend of private classes and to perform for the dance crowd down there. Unfortunatly there were huge floods and my 3 hour train journey became 7 and half hours!!!!!!!!!!!! Fields looked like lakes with so much water sitting on top of them... gardens flooded by overflowing river banks. I felt that God was giving me all the rain i had missed in the whole Cairo summer over the course of one day...........oh how I missed the Cairo sunshine... and as for the supposed classes that day, grrr..... didn't happen did it. Was interested to note though that I seemed a lot more patient than my fellow travellers- my 'waiting 'time in Cairo is already paying off in my temperment by the looks of things. I was much calmer and cheerier than i would have been before I moved to Cairo, thats for sure!

However - even despite the horrific journey- it was totally worth it, the crowd in Leeds were just wonderful. They have a lovely bar/indian restaurant called Spice where they have live bellydancing every thursday evening and they put on a special night for me going along on the saturday. They even supplied me with Adam for the evening- a fabulously talented and intuitive arabic drummer- we did a really spur of the moment drum solo which was shimmylicious- Thanks Adam!!!

Its funny how a dance crowd in UK that dont know you react when they 1st see you dance- a real mix- many girls smiling and cheering and shouting out even... but others looking at you in a serious, almost intimidating manner. As a performer its hard to know whether they are mentally critisising you, or busy concentrating trying to work out how the heck you just did that last move!!!! Even after all these years i still really appreciate the comments at the end of the show which help me know whether to feel happy or sad after a performance !!!!!!!!! So a tip for all you dancers out there- even if you are concentrating on working out the moves (bless you- thats me watching Rhanda!) - try and stick a smile on your face for the benefit of the performer!!!!!!! ;-)

The whole night was a total joy including the chat in the car and the pizza with champagne!!! ! What a fun and welcoming group of girls, a very well organised and planned weekend of events (Thanks Sabrina!) and some really stunning dancers too- looking forward to seeing them next year again, and also at the JOY festival in April! ( photos of the performance night to follow as soon as I receive them!)

Better get back to babysitting now.......... my nephew Sam is 2 and a half years old, and getting really cheeky and funny. A real character! He will make it really hard for me at the end of the month to want to leave Edinburgh and return to Cairo. Wish I had some Cairo sun so we could be out playing in the garden... rather than stuck indoors with a lousy head cold, but I am not really complaining..... just focusing on enjoying my time with him as much as possible. oops- he's waking up- better run.......................!

LORNA's UK TOUR- workshops, performances and private classes in UK in Sept 2008.

so I will be home in UK for Ramadan............... ie the whole of September this year.... if you fancy tracking me down somewhere I am across the country a bit. (have more dates to follow but those details not yet confirmed!)

EDINBURGH
4th- 26th Sept - Edinburgh private classes.
Contact me on Bellylorna@hotmail.com to arrange date, time and place

As yet- no performance dates in Scotland… but happy to change that if people want to book me up?????


LEEDS
Sept Sat 6th and Sun 7th- Leeds Private classes.

Sat 6th Sept- Leeds performance- with a question/answer session too and live drumming! Time; 6pm Venue; Spice quarter, Leeds. Cost: £12 ( £10 for Banat members)

Leeds contact for booking…..Sabrina at sabrina.bellydance@googlemail.com


PERTH AND KINROSS

Sat 20th Sept- BirnamWorkshops.
Birnam Arts Institute, Station Road, Birnam, Perth and Kinross PH8 0DS

Complete Beginners 10-12am -only £15 for 2 hours!

Improvers-Advanced 1-4pm -only £20 for 3 hours!!!

To book send a cheque made payable to 'Perth and Kinross Council'- for more info contact Karole on 01738 477 834.


DUNDEE
Sun 21st Sept- Dundee Workshop. Open level. 12-2pm.Cost; £18 Venue: DISC, Mains road, Dundee.

Dundee contact for booking… Nova at nova_pin@hotmail.com



BIRMINGHAM
Sat 27th Sept- Birmingham Workshops . Beginners 12-2pm. Advanced 2.30-4.30pm. Cost: £20 ( or £35 for both!). Venue: fitness first, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

Birmingham and Coventry contacts for booking………
Lisa on lisamckain@hotmail.com or Sugrah on sughrasultan@msn.com


COVENTRY
Sun 28th Sept- Coventry workshop. 1-3pm Open level. Cost: £20. Venue: Sports Connexion, Ryton.

Birmingham and Coventry contacts for booking………
Lisa on lisamckain@hotmail.com or Sugrah on sughrasultan@msn.com

keep an eye on the blog for more UK dates in Sept!!!! (and if you are hoping to host me then get in touch for available dates asap!!!!!)

see you there soon...................