Yesterdays blog was intended to be something completely different... about positive experiences i have had here in Cairo recently... I am not really sure where the 'men' issue came from ... well- thats a lie isnt' it (stopping herself writing!).... obviously it is all around me and constant therefore had to spill out somehow! This blog really is my therapy at times! So now I'll write the blog that was intended for yesterday.....
On Friday night I attended Linda Cleary's 'Up on the Roof' open mic night at Darb 1718. It's a monthly event and this was the second month i had been able to attend. Darb has been very impressively proactive and used the money they have made from donations from the event towards making the venue bigger and better- there is now more roof on on the roof.... and yet again was packed to overflowing!
The acts included some I had seen before, and some new artists. One of my favourites of the night was a young girl who had written a poem to her 'baby girl'. All about what this unborn baby's life would potentially hold in store for her. What that baby girl's brown eyes would see. It was very interesting and beautifully written. In fact, I'd love to read it.
It was interesting to watch artists develop their performance. There was one comedian who i had seen perform at the open mic night held at The Pharoahs and he performed the same set, but much improved. There is something special about witnessing that .. like watching a work in progress... seeing what was kept, what was cut... I liked. The next open mic at The Pharoahs is June 7th. 7-10pm. Their facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=188691417847114
A favourite of the open mics nights (and indeed the organiser of the one at Pharoahs) is Habib. His poetry and rapping is alway professional and entertaining.. but on friday he did some freestyling too and i loved it. It was like the performance volume and tempo had been turned up high. I hope he does more of that at future events. Improvisation for me is always so impressive whatever art form it takes.
The strangest thing throughout the night was trying to focus on acts... while the Adhan (call to prayer) was loudly calling from a nearby mosque. It's a performers and organisers nightmare i would imagine! When you hear the Adhan you are supposed to switch off all noise that could interfere with people hearing it... so usually people will mute the TV or radio when they hear it. Taxi drivers usually switch off their music or instantly change the radio station so you can hear yet another version of it being called at the same time. My heart went out to the girl reading her poem when it called... you could see her internal struggle- the show must go on... or do i stop and wait... or what, what should i do? It wouldn't have been as much of an issue if we'd been inside... but on the roof it was loud and clear. Mind you- the car horns and other city noises dont stop to make way for the art either. Hmmm, An interesting dilemma that events organisers in most countries in the world don't have to take into consideration! Indeed... Since the time of the sail of The Pharoahs boats (where I work) is fixed... I guess there are often times while i will be performing through the Ahdan, but we can't hear it on the boat so I have never had to consider this issue before.
I enjoyed my performance on the Golden Pharoah last night. It was interesting for me to see the influence the Randa course i did last week, has had on my dancing already. I never want to dance like someone else, and although Randa has always been an inspiration for me i often get the comment- yes but you make her moves your own. Which is all i can hope to do really with any of the dance, since its all been learnt from someone! On stage, I felt my sharp moves were sharper, stronger. Also there was more big use of space both in movement and in my own body shapes. I had more confidence facing the audience and saying - This is Me. I enjoyed it. (don't think my Tabal did... he had got 'used' to me and was having to work hard to keep up!). Glad i am working fro the next 3 nights to explore these changes more and looking forward to dancing for a group of friends who are coming to the show tonight!
And must give this a mention... My friend Ellie is going to be performing on tuesday night at Villa 55, Maadi! (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152981084772415&ref=ts)
So far, thankfully for her, it seems it is easier as a foreigner to break into the singing world here than it is to be a dancer. Although why i am surprised by that I don't know since i can't imagine anything that would be harder (I'll never forget that first year for me in Cairo!). I am really happy for her and fingers crossed this is that start of a fabulous career for her in Cairo.
I wonder if there are any other UK artists currently, regularly performing in Cairo...? I think we might be the only 2 ?!
Showing posts with label Lorna's Performance dates in Cairo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lorna's Performance dates in Cairo. Show all posts
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year!!!
oh what a night!
I performed on the Nile Pharoah boat last night, 4 shows and then the 'temple' as they call it; the area between the 2 boats. I really really enjoyed myself. Especially when i got my singer to memorise the words for Laylet Eid ( a Fayrouz song to the tune of jingle bells!!!) and came out on stage in my santa costume! They look on everyones faces was priceless! lets just say- it was a massive hit, with the band, the staff and the customers. Although perhaps especailly with the phototgraphers since EVERYONE , including the staff (!) wanted there photo taken with santa Lorna!!!
great fun, and for a change i didn't have to run off to do other jobs after the shows since we finished so late. Which was a relief since I have a horrible chest infection, i suspect due to 3 days spent in airports over the last 10 days!!
i went home for christmas, and was stuck in amsterdam airport for 2 days due to the snow, then on my return, i got stuck in glasgow and then again in heathrow due to fog! My suitcase, containing the new costumes I had specially made for the show in glasgow on the 28th were in the case... which eventually arrived on the 27th! one day before I was due to leave again. So I had one day to unpack and repack! needless to say, with the fog effects, my suitcase has not managed to arrived here to cairo either. in fact, in the 13 days since I started my journey home and back, the case has only been in my custody for 2 of them!
Despite all that christmas was lovely. Snowy, cold (-17deg!) but lovely. I spent a lot of quality time with my family and with a few friends. Next time hopefully I'll get to party more!
It's good to start a new year and still be a bellydancer on the Nile!
Sometimes I really can't believe how a girl form scotland can end up here doing this job, but I am so happy and grateful that I am! Long may it continue!
I have a massively busy house over the next 6 weeks with total of 8 house guests due over that time, .. 6 of those due in the same week (not sure how this will work, but we'll squeeze together somehow!) we are going to have fun!
If anyone is in Cairo and wants to come see me dance I am performing on the Golden pharoah 9-12th Jan and the Nile pharoah 13-15th Jan.
off to track down that missing suitcase now.......
I performed on the Nile Pharoah boat last night, 4 shows and then the 'temple' as they call it; the area between the 2 boats. I really really enjoyed myself. Especially when i got my singer to memorise the words for Laylet Eid ( a Fayrouz song to the tune of jingle bells!!!) and came out on stage in my santa costume! They look on everyones faces was priceless! lets just say- it was a massive hit, with the band, the staff and the customers. Although perhaps especailly with the phototgraphers since EVERYONE , including the staff (!) wanted there photo taken with santa Lorna!!!
great fun, and for a change i didn't have to run off to do other jobs after the shows since we finished so late. Which was a relief since I have a horrible chest infection, i suspect due to 3 days spent in airports over the last 10 days!!
i went home for christmas, and was stuck in amsterdam airport for 2 days due to the snow, then on my return, i got stuck in glasgow and then again in heathrow due to fog! My suitcase, containing the new costumes I had specially made for the show in glasgow on the 28th were in the case... which eventually arrived on the 27th! one day before I was due to leave again. So I had one day to unpack and repack! needless to say, with the fog effects, my suitcase has not managed to arrived here to cairo either. in fact, in the 13 days since I started my journey home and back, the case has only been in my custody for 2 of them!
Despite all that christmas was lovely. Snowy, cold (-17deg!) but lovely. I spent a lot of quality time with my family and with a few friends. Next time hopefully I'll get to party more!
It's good to start a new year and still be a bellydancer on the Nile!
Sometimes I really can't believe how a girl form scotland can end up here doing this job, but I am so happy and grateful that I am! Long may it continue!
I have a massively busy house over the next 6 weeks with total of 8 house guests due over that time, .. 6 of those due in the same week (not sure how this will work, but we'll squeeze together somehow!) we are going to have fun!
If anyone is in Cairo and wants to come see me dance I am performing on the Golden pharoah 9-12th Jan and the Nile pharoah 13-15th Jan.
off to track down that missing suitcase now.......
Monday, November 23, 2009
Lorna in Luxor
Just in case it hasn't come to your attention yet................... I'm going to be one of the headlining teachers at the Farha tour festival in Luxor 22nd-29th Sept 2010.
Me and Eman Zaki and Kazafy- not a bad line up frankly!!!! I am really excited about working alongside with these fabulous dancers!
http://www.farhatour.com/
Book now............ see you there!!!!!!!
Me and Eman Zaki and Kazafy- not a bad line up frankly!!!! I am really excited about working alongside with these fabulous dancers!
http://www.farhatour.com/
Book now............ see you there!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
London Bellydancers- part 2 !!!
This week i have Eleanor (Eshta) and Nafiseh (of http://www.saqarah.co.uk/ fame) London staying with me.
They are here to participate in the Nile group festival who had their opening show last night.
WOW what a show! LOVED it!
We arrived a little late and had missed Nancy's 1st dance. So when we arrived she was wearing a green catsuit with cut out panels which left NOTHING to the imagination. I have to say the each of the 3 costumes I did see her perform in had me wondering HOW she could dance in that... ie VERY short skirts, without showing Everything. I was kept wondering so much that I have to admit I can't even comment on her dance. at all. Surely the costumes should ADD to the dance- not totally distract you from it??? Anyway- she looked beautiful and sexy.
Nour was next. She is just beautiful... body and soul. Smiling, elegant, cultured, skilled, fun and totally in love with what she is doing. I was insanly jealous of whoever helps her put together her musical sets- she had a fabulous orchestra who moved seemlessly from one song into another and into the 1st again... beautiful. Her costumes are somewhat 'old fashioned' but I have to say- it was a relief after Nancy- since you weren't studying her body - you actually were looking at her moves, her face- that whole package. I had a romantic smile on my face the entire time she danced. Oh and she did one of the best drum solos I have ever seen in Cairo. Such a shame she normally only performs at weddings and there is nowhere other than the festivals where we can go and watch her do her thing!
and next.........................
Corpse bride ( http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/photos_3.html )
That was the next act........... ok... so actually it was Camelia... and I wish to god I had a photo of her so you know what I am talking about.............
If Nour had me smiling romantically at her all night- Camelia had me alternating between laughing out loud and shocked. She certainly knew how to keep her audence Locked onto her! Magnoona !! ( Crazy!!!) She looked a little space cadet around the eyes it has to be said. She has extreme energy, humour and passion in her dance. I loved it. Her noteable moves were lifting her skirts up to show off her lycra shorts (at every opportunity) and swinging her hair around (including washing her face with said hair?!!!). Her sharp moves, hits, drops etc were to DIE for. strong bold sharp on beat- wonderful. Her lyrical interpretating needed some translation at times though... overall... an AMAZING performer. loved it. wanted to see more.. and more.... totally original... and inspiring.
Most people headed off to sleep then unfortuanatly and missed the best saaidi band ever... Hegazy had us up dancing on stage and in front of stage for nearly an hour.. which is pretty good going on a bad cold- but somehwo I held out- well- how could I not really.... with all those Rabab players and mizmar... not to mention the drums- it would be rude not to!!!
Amazing night. And that was the girl's 1st night in Cairo................... what else does Cairo hold in store for London Bellydancers... this week will tell all ( but not sure how much of it i can write on the blog!!!!!!!!!!! )
Tonight - just to drift off the subject slightly... i performed well. I felt. my second set i usually do saaid- Baladi- Tabla solo.... tonight I did ( twice and to great effect both times) Saaidi- Baladi- Lissa Fakir. I was nearly in tears (honest it wasnt just the sweat running into my eyes!!!). My band really can hold it together if the mood takes them- was proud of them, and I suspect them of me too...
This schedule is fairly full on... I am performing on the Nile Pharoah tomorrow (17th) and then 20th- 27th inclusive. Hope more dancers come to see me.......... so much more fun when dancing for people I know and who love dance!
They are here to participate in the Nile group festival who had their opening show last night.
WOW what a show! LOVED it!
We arrived a little late and had missed Nancy's 1st dance. So when we arrived she was wearing a green catsuit with cut out panels which left NOTHING to the imagination. I have to say the each of the 3 costumes I did see her perform in had me wondering HOW she could dance in that... ie VERY short skirts, without showing Everything. I was kept wondering so much that I have to admit I can't even comment on her dance. at all. Surely the costumes should ADD to the dance- not totally distract you from it??? Anyway- she looked beautiful and sexy.
Nour was next. She is just beautiful... body and soul. Smiling, elegant, cultured, skilled, fun and totally in love with what she is doing. I was insanly jealous of whoever helps her put together her musical sets- she had a fabulous orchestra who moved seemlessly from one song into another and into the 1st again... beautiful. Her costumes are somewhat 'old fashioned' but I have to say- it was a relief after Nancy- since you weren't studying her body - you actually were looking at her moves, her face- that whole package. I had a romantic smile on my face the entire time she danced. Oh and she did one of the best drum solos I have ever seen in Cairo. Such a shame she normally only performs at weddings and there is nowhere other than the festivals where we can go and watch her do her thing!
and next.........................
Corpse bride ( http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/photos_3.html )
That was the next act........... ok... so actually it was Camelia... and I wish to god I had a photo of her so you know what I am talking about.............
If Nour had me smiling romantically at her all night- Camelia had me alternating between laughing out loud and shocked. She certainly knew how to keep her audence Locked onto her! Magnoona !! ( Crazy!!!) She looked a little space cadet around the eyes it has to be said. She has extreme energy, humour and passion in her dance. I loved it. Her noteable moves were lifting her skirts up to show off her lycra shorts (at every opportunity) and swinging her hair around (including washing her face with said hair?!!!). Her sharp moves, hits, drops etc were to DIE for. strong bold sharp on beat- wonderful. Her lyrical interpretating needed some translation at times though... overall... an AMAZING performer. loved it. wanted to see more.. and more.... totally original... and inspiring.
Most people headed off to sleep then unfortuanatly and missed the best saaidi band ever... Hegazy had us up dancing on stage and in front of stage for nearly an hour.. which is pretty good going on a bad cold- but somehwo I held out- well- how could I not really.... with all those Rabab players and mizmar... not to mention the drums- it would be rude not to!!!
Amazing night. And that was the girl's 1st night in Cairo................... what else does Cairo hold in store for London Bellydancers... this week will tell all ( but not sure how much of it i can write on the blog!!!!!!!!!!! )
Tonight - just to drift off the subject slightly... i performed well. I felt. my second set i usually do saaid- Baladi- Tabla solo.... tonight I did ( twice and to great effect both times) Saaidi- Baladi- Lissa Fakir. I was nearly in tears (honest it wasnt just the sweat running into my eyes!!!). My band really can hold it together if the mood takes them- was proud of them, and I suspect them of me too...
This schedule is fairly full on... I am performing on the Nile Pharoah tomorrow (17th) and then 20th- 27th inclusive. Hope more dancers come to see me.......... so much more fun when dancing for people I know and who love dance!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Circus Act !!!
I can't believe I haven't written about this yet... but here goes. A couple of weeks ago I was at work performing, and it was unusual because the tour group had booked the entire boat and wanted 2 dancers, one after the other. So Leila and I shared the trip. She would dance upstairs while I was downstairs and then we'd swop. The group were all men, from India.
My 1st show went well... they were quiet- but attentive. I actually enjoyed dancing. Leila however finished really early- and when I get back to the changing room - I found out why... upstairs the men had been so excited about seeing a dancer that they had crowded the stage , leaving her a postage stamp sized space on the dancefloor to perform in- obviously (and rightly!) she left the stage!
I was very nervous about going upstairs and performing after what she had told me about the group but seemingly for 20 min between her show and mine, the men had been getting a lecture from the tour operator about respect and staying in their seats. So by the time I danced, they were about to contain themselves throughout my entire 1st dance anyway. It was in my 2nd number that it all went pear-shaped.
One guy stood up, far from the stage, but he wanted to see better. However this blocked the view of the men behind him who complained. He refused to listen (at this point it's important to note that part of thier package had been unlimited free spirits!!!!). When he refused to sit the men behind became heated and volitile and threw a knife at him.... yes a knife (a table knife rather then kitchen one, thank god!!!). The man ducked and the knife landed hitting my feet on stage!!!!! I quickly picked up my veil and walked very quickly off stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thankfully narrowly missing the beer cans which followed onto the stage (and one hit my tabla players knee!!!)
So thats how I became the girl who stands on stage waiting for the knives to miss her like a circus act.
I was annoyed... but not as upset as you'd imagine, or even as I'd have imagined! After all, it's not like they were actually throwing stuff at ME... it was at each other- because they wanted to watch me! The demon drink ruled that night!
The tour operators were almost in tears with their apologies after and I said they had to warn their customers in future about the dangers of bringing shame to their country!! A few of the men who had behaved well upstaris were also falling over themselves trying to apologise to me. What could I say? they behaved like animals. It was shocking, and dangerous. Thank god no one actually had got hurt. What if that knife had been a little sharper, or ... oh it doesn't bare thinking of really!
This happened the night after the fire on the boat!
I have such an exciting life!!!
Wonder what will happen tonight!
Tomorrow Obama is coming to Cairo to talk with the Cairo University students... which should be amazing.. but of course.. the government have closed down businesses- telling shopkeepers to close at 8pm at night tonight and not to reopen til friday morning! Of course no one will give them any financial recompense for their lost business on one of the busiest days of the week in Cairo! Schools are closed too. It's a long weekend. I have work... just hope the roads will be open enough for me to be able to get there!!!
My work schedule over the next week or so is fairly simple. I am working 3rd-10th June inclusive. It's all good. I love having so much work and am really enjoying it.
NOT enjoying the thought of having to apply full stage make up, false eyelashes and hairpiece in 37 deg temp!
My 1st show went well... they were quiet- but attentive. I actually enjoyed dancing. Leila however finished really early- and when I get back to the changing room - I found out why... upstairs the men had been so excited about seeing a dancer that they had crowded the stage , leaving her a postage stamp sized space on the dancefloor to perform in- obviously (and rightly!) she left the stage!
I was very nervous about going upstairs and performing after what she had told me about the group but seemingly for 20 min between her show and mine, the men had been getting a lecture from the tour operator about respect and staying in their seats. So by the time I danced, they were about to contain themselves throughout my entire 1st dance anyway. It was in my 2nd number that it all went pear-shaped.
One guy stood up, far from the stage, but he wanted to see better. However this blocked the view of the men behind him who complained. He refused to listen (at this point it's important to note that part of thier package had been unlimited free spirits!!!!). When he refused to sit the men behind became heated and volitile and threw a knife at him.... yes a knife (a table knife rather then kitchen one, thank god!!!). The man ducked and the knife landed hitting my feet on stage!!!!! I quickly picked up my veil and walked very quickly off stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thankfully narrowly missing the beer cans which followed onto the stage (and one hit my tabla players knee!!!)
So thats how I became the girl who stands on stage waiting for the knives to miss her like a circus act.
I was annoyed... but not as upset as you'd imagine, or even as I'd have imagined! After all, it's not like they were actually throwing stuff at ME... it was at each other- because they wanted to watch me! The demon drink ruled that night!
The tour operators were almost in tears with their apologies after and I said they had to warn their customers in future about the dangers of bringing shame to their country!! A few of the men who had behaved well upstaris were also falling over themselves trying to apologise to me. What could I say? they behaved like animals. It was shocking, and dangerous. Thank god no one actually had got hurt. What if that knife had been a little sharper, or ... oh it doesn't bare thinking of really!
This happened the night after the fire on the boat!
I have such an exciting life!!!
Wonder what will happen tonight!
Tomorrow Obama is coming to Cairo to talk with the Cairo University students... which should be amazing.. but of course.. the government have closed down businesses- telling shopkeepers to close at 8pm at night tonight and not to reopen til friday morning! Of course no one will give them any financial recompense for their lost business on one of the busiest days of the week in Cairo! Schools are closed too. It's a long weekend. I have work... just hope the roads will be open enough for me to be able to get there!!!
My work schedule over the next week or so is fairly simple. I am working 3rd-10th June inclusive. It's all good. I love having so much work and am really enjoying it.
NOT enjoying the thought of having to apply full stage make up, false eyelashes and hairpiece in 37 deg temp!
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Pigs
2 whole days without internet connection. It's amazing how efficient you can be, or should I say, I can be, without facebook and msn!!!!!
I have a fairly busy schedule at work over the next 2 weeks;
Nile Pharoah- 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th and 13th May.
All good.
Work was strange last night. I had 2 tables right at the front of the stage who all looked miserable and gave NO indication that they could even see that there was a dancer in front of them. Yet a table with 7 women (bellydancers from Ireland) made it a really fun night and helped me perform despite a stinking cold. Afterwards we all got up to dance and got half the rest of the audience up to dance too (except the 2 miserable tables!!!). I love my job.
Oh and a friend of mine sent me this link from a newspaper in Australia.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/egypt-to-begin-pig-slaughter-in-earnest-20090502-aqpu.html
The Egyptian goverment in their infinate wisdom are using the recent outbreak of swine flu as an excuse to cull thousands of pigs across the country. Considering these pigs are the property of some of the poorest people in the country (also most of whom happen to be christian) there are too many questions as to the real reasons why this is happening! The people who collect the rubbish use pigs to dispose of the organic waste matter. Efficient recycling. Not sure what will happen ones the pigs have gone.
I have a fairly busy schedule at work over the next 2 weeks;
Nile Pharoah- 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th and 13th May.
All good.
Work was strange last night. I had 2 tables right at the front of the stage who all looked miserable and gave NO indication that they could even see that there was a dancer in front of them. Yet a table with 7 women (bellydancers from Ireland) made it a really fun night and helped me perform despite a stinking cold. Afterwards we all got up to dance and got half the rest of the audience up to dance too (except the 2 miserable tables!!!). I love my job.
Oh and a friend of mine sent me this link from a newspaper in Australia.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/egypt-to-begin-pig-slaughter-in-earnest-20090502-aqpu.html
The Egyptian goverment in their infinate wisdom are using the recent outbreak of swine flu as an excuse to cull thousands of pigs across the country. Considering these pigs are the property of some of the poorest people in the country (also most of whom happen to be christian) there are too many questions as to the real reasons why this is happening! The people who collect the rubbish use pigs to dispose of the organic waste matter. Efficient recycling. Not sure what will happen ones the pigs have gone.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Balcony blogging
Thanks to a wonderful friend , Dave, my wireless internet is no working again- so I am blogging from the sunshine on my balcony!!!
I had a group of dancers from Australia come to see my show last night. Performing for dancers always adds that bit extra pressure- but also a huge extra dollop of fun... they were lovely and joined me on the dancefloor too.
My performance dates over next 2 weeks in April are;
Nile Pharoah-sat 25th, sun 26th, mon 27th and tues 28th
Golden Pharoah- wed 15th, mon 20th, wed 29th and thurs 30th.
Hoping to get away to the beach this weekend.... so excited at the prospect!
One of the things I have missed about UK so far- people telling you the truth rather than what they think you want to hear. I went to a shop, they said I'd be seen within a few minutes, then they changed it to half and hour, then it was actually one hour 10 mins later I was seen. If they had told me from the start it would be an hour I could have made use of the time to eat lunch or something... grrr.
However- then other things happen too... good things. Like when I went to the shop to get some passport photos and because i wasn't able to collect til the next day it turned out cheaper and then, when I went to collect them, they had made 3 full size prints for me too- just as a present. These nice surprises seldom happen in UK!!!
ups and downs. thankfully more ups than downs at the moment!
I had a group of dancers from Australia come to see my show last night. Performing for dancers always adds that bit extra pressure- but also a huge extra dollop of fun... they were lovely and joined me on the dancefloor too.
My performance dates over next 2 weeks in April are;
Nile Pharoah-sat 25th, sun 26th, mon 27th and tues 28th
Golden Pharoah- wed 15th, mon 20th, wed 29th and thurs 30th.
Hoping to get away to the beach this weekend.... so excited at the prospect!
One of the things I have missed about UK so far- people telling you the truth rather than what they think you want to hear. I went to a shop, they said I'd be seen within a few minutes, then they changed it to half and hour, then it was actually one hour 10 mins later I was seen. If they had told me from the start it would be an hour I could have made use of the time to eat lunch or something... grrr.
However- then other things happen too... good things. Like when I went to the shop to get some passport photos and because i wasn't able to collect til the next day it turned out cheaper and then, when I went to collect them, they had made 3 full size prints for me too- just as a present. These nice surprises seldom happen in UK!!!
ups and downs. thankfully more ups than downs at the moment!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Good to be back
The sun is shining.
It's up to 35 deg during the way but doesn't go below 20 at night.
It really is the way to live!!!!!!!!
Work is great too. I have worked each night since I got back ( and will be performing on the Nile Pharoah tonight 13th, tues 14th and wed 15th this week too).
I knew when I was in UK that I was missing my band... but oh my god... it SOOOOO good to be dancing to live music again. I feel alive! All the staff were really lovely too, all saying how much they missed me etc etc. all good. I had people complimenting my dance that hadn't before too- I think maybe because I put some of the 'vintage' technique that I was teaching in the Joy festival... it reminds people of the great golden days of the dance!
Only down side of working is that I'll miss the opening gala of the Nile group festival which is today... ah well- to be honest- I'd rather be doing that watching anyway!!!!!!!
Off to costume shop now.... happy.
It's up to 35 deg during the way but doesn't go below 20 at night.
It really is the way to live!!!!!!!!
Work is great too. I have worked each night since I got back ( and will be performing on the Nile Pharoah tonight 13th, tues 14th and wed 15th this week too).
I knew when I was in UK that I was missing my band... but oh my god... it SOOOOO good to be dancing to live music again. I feel alive! All the staff were really lovely too, all saying how much they missed me etc etc. all good. I had people complimenting my dance that hadn't before too- I think maybe because I put some of the 'vintage' technique that I was teaching in the Joy festival... it reminds people of the great golden days of the dance!
Only down side of working is that I'll miss the opening gala of the Nile group festival which is today... ah well- to be honest- I'd rather be doing that watching anyway!!!!!!!
Off to costume shop now.... happy.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nile Group Festival and Lorna on the Pharoahs!
I can't believe it- the 1st opening night I have missed for ages and ages.... :-(
My friends who attended the opening night of the latest Nile group festival say it was a good night. A singer to start ( wasn't there so can't confirm who) kicked off night before Hanadi, Asmahan and then Lucy all performed. Lucy being the highlight of the night. I am gutted to have missed it.
I've been ill for a few days, UTI- not pleasant- but was impressed with hospital treatment and tests etc. of course NHS in UK is better all the way- BUT although I had to pay for everything here- at least I was seen immediately, no waiting AT ALL.
The main down side is that here the doctors word is LAW- no-one questions his decision.... well, I did! I refused IV pain relief- they seemed to think i was mad and refused to listen to me at first! and then I questioned what every drug was for.... the question was so unexpected that for a long while the doctor couldn't understand it.... eventually with a little medical term dropping by my friend sugrah ( a nurse in UK!) he did answer all my questions, albeit grudgingly! Its an amazing difference between here and UK ,where by law a doctor has to explain all drugs to you and why they are being prescribed!
I felt pricewise I got a very good deal - but I would hate to be on an average Egyptian wage and be in the same situation. I went to emergancy paid 200le for consultation, 25 for urine test, 35 for blood test, 70 for xray and then returned today for an ultrasound- 200le. Ultrasound didn't just do the check for kidney stones- they checked size, shape, normality etc of all the organs!!! very interesting! anyway- I am on the mend... and just need to drink even more water daily than I did anyway ( can't really see how this is possible, but refuse to go through all that pain again!!!!!!!!!!!!)
so all better now and ready to dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are a few people calling me who are here attending the fesitval and want to come see me dance while they are in Cairo- so figured i better put my schedule for next 2 weeks online so people can find me!
Come see me dance on the Pharoah boats ........( beside the Four Seasons hotel, Giza- 15mins by taxi, from the hotel hosting the Nile group festival!!!)
19th Nov- Nile Pharoah
20th Nov- Nile Pharoah
22nd Nov- Nile Pharoah
25th Nov- Golden Pharoah
26th Nov- Golden Pharoah
27th Nov- Golden Pharoah
28th Nov- Golden Pharoah
set price for open buffet is 250le.
sail includes my show, tannoura and 'western' band ( and food and cruise ,of course too!)
Times vary- best to check when you book- but make sure you get the boat you want- otherwise you'll have a different dancer!!!
NB- usually Nile Pharoah is 7.45pm sail and sometimes a late sail too. The Golden Pharoah is a 7pm sail and a 9.45pm sail.
Call 02 3570 1000 to book. ( oh and when you book best to say you want a table by the stage if you are coming especially for the dance!)
hope to dance for you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My friends who attended the opening night of the latest Nile group festival say it was a good night. A singer to start ( wasn't there so can't confirm who) kicked off night before Hanadi, Asmahan and then Lucy all performed. Lucy being the highlight of the night. I am gutted to have missed it.
I've been ill for a few days, UTI- not pleasant- but was impressed with hospital treatment and tests etc. of course NHS in UK is better all the way- BUT although I had to pay for everything here- at least I was seen immediately, no waiting AT ALL.
The main down side is that here the doctors word is LAW- no-one questions his decision.... well, I did! I refused IV pain relief- they seemed to think i was mad and refused to listen to me at first! and then I questioned what every drug was for.... the question was so unexpected that for a long while the doctor couldn't understand it.... eventually with a little medical term dropping by my friend sugrah ( a nurse in UK!) he did answer all my questions, albeit grudgingly! Its an amazing difference between here and UK ,where by law a doctor has to explain all drugs to you and why they are being prescribed!
I felt pricewise I got a very good deal - but I would hate to be on an average Egyptian wage and be in the same situation. I went to emergancy paid 200le for consultation, 25 for urine test, 35 for blood test, 70 for xray and then returned today for an ultrasound- 200le. Ultrasound didn't just do the check for kidney stones- they checked size, shape, normality etc of all the organs!!! very interesting! anyway- I am on the mend... and just need to drink even more water daily than I did anyway ( can't really see how this is possible, but refuse to go through all that pain again!!!!!!!!!!!!)
so all better now and ready to dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are a few people calling me who are here attending the fesitval and want to come see me dance while they are in Cairo- so figured i better put my schedule for next 2 weeks online so people can find me!
Come see me dance on the Pharoah boats ........( beside the Four Seasons hotel, Giza- 15mins by taxi, from the hotel hosting the Nile group festival!!!)
19th Nov- Nile Pharoah
20th Nov- Nile Pharoah
22nd Nov- Nile Pharoah
25th Nov- Golden Pharoah
26th Nov- Golden Pharoah
27th Nov- Golden Pharoah
28th Nov- Golden Pharoah
set price for open buffet is 250le.
sail includes my show, tannoura and 'western' band ( and food and cruise ,of course too!)
Times vary- best to check when you book- but make sure you get the boat you want- otherwise you'll have a different dancer!!!
NB- usually Nile Pharoah is 7.45pm sail and sometimes a late sail too. The Golden Pharoah is a 7pm sail and a 9.45pm sail.
Call 02 3570 1000 to book. ( oh and when you book best to say you want a table by the stage if you are coming especially for the dance!)
hope to dance for you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Lubna in scotland!
ok- so I figure I am currently in the best place ever to learn dance.........
BUT Raqia is in UK teaching in JOY this weekend. and Lubna is in Scoltand next month.....
http://www.bellydancedivas.co.uk/index_files/LubnaEdinburgh.htm
"If you want cutting edge Modern Egyptian from a proper full-time choreographer—this is it. The best bellydancers in Egypt have all been coached by top choreographers—now you can enjoy this. Lubna has over 20 years experience of teaching and choreography, and her most famous patron was Nagwa Faoud." Caroline, Bellydance Divas.
Tickets can be purchased through, and contact with Caroline made via the website "BellyDance Divas" <bellydancedivas@hotmail.com> so if you are in Scotland in November- GO!!!!!!!
so I guess if you want to learn from the top - you can in UK too! ( although obviously I am in Cairo hehe!)
Bizzare thing I saw yesterday-
a carpet, ( like a cut off of old carpet) which had been used as a canvas and painted on top off- MOST bizzare!!!!!! they were selling them in the mall in the four seasons hotel! very very strange- I'll try and get in there with my camera to prove it to you at some point!
By the way - for anyone in Cairo just now... I am working EVERY NIGHT ( on the Nile pharoah and Golden Pharoah boats) and pften day time too ! I've done 21 sails in the last 10 days, I am full of the cold and feeling down- and KNACKERED! thankfully the dancing is going ok ( although admit I really didn't do my best tonight) but generally I am having fun on stage. lots of Egyptian and arab women wanting me to kiss their babies ( wish I could - just scared to give this cold to all the infants of Cairo- might end up as a killing of the 1st born!)
oh- tip for going out in Cairo. If you haven't discovered it yet- the Nile Dragon boat ( near my work) has been painted white and turned into a huge Trianon cafe- it has the entire ground floor and you can sit either in the air con- or 'outside' right on the nile. its a 50le minimum charge- but a fab menu and situation! salads in bread basket, soup in bread 'bowl' and caramel cheesecake all highly recommended!
BUT Raqia is in UK teaching in JOY this weekend. and Lubna is in Scoltand next month.....
http://www.bellydancedivas.co.uk/index_files/LubnaEdinburgh.htm
"If you want cutting edge Modern Egyptian from a proper full-time choreographer—this is it. The best bellydancers in Egypt have all been coached by top choreographers—now you can enjoy this. Lubna has over 20 years experience of teaching and choreography, and her most famous patron was Nagwa Faoud." Caroline, Bellydance Divas.
Tickets can be purchased through, and contact with Caroline made via the website "BellyDance Divas" <bellydancedivas@hotmail.com> so if you are in Scotland in November- GO!!!!!!!
so I guess if you want to learn from the top - you can in UK too! ( although obviously I am in Cairo hehe!)
Bizzare thing I saw yesterday-
a carpet, ( like a cut off of old carpet) which had been used as a canvas and painted on top off- MOST bizzare!!!!!! they were selling them in the mall in the four seasons hotel! very very strange- I'll try and get in there with my camera to prove it to you at some point!
By the way - for anyone in Cairo just now... I am working EVERY NIGHT ( on the Nile pharoah and Golden Pharoah boats) and pften day time too ! I've done 21 sails in the last 10 days, I am full of the cold and feeling down- and KNACKERED! thankfully the dancing is going ok ( although admit I really didn't do my best tonight) but generally I am having fun on stage. lots of Egyptian and arab women wanting me to kiss their babies ( wish I could - just scared to give this cold to all the infants of Cairo- might end up as a killing of the 1st born!)
oh- tip for going out in Cairo. If you haven't discovered it yet- the Nile Dragon boat ( near my work) has been painted white and turned into a huge Trianon cafe- it has the entire ground floor and you can sit either in the air con- or 'outside' right on the nile. its a 50le minimum charge- but a fab menu and situation! salads in bread basket, soup in bread 'bowl' and caramel cheesecake all highly recommended!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Inspiration....and workshop info!
I had a hellish day yesterday. I am working on some new music for my show... and for some reason I just couldn't dance. I spent all day in and out my dance studio trying things out and feeling nothing was working and I couldn't dance and I should just give up and head home..... I even watched some DVD's to try and give me some inspiration... from the likes of Jillina and Dandash and Aida Nour... but nothing was working- seeing how great others were was just adding pressure and making me feel even worse about myself...........
So I went to work last night with a heavy heart. (Lightened slightly by the fact that I had 2 new costumes with me - a wonderful oriental style one from Hoda Zaki and a fun saaidi Trouser costume by Amera). I really expected to have one of those nights where you just want to give up and go home.
I had a FABULOUS night!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really dont know what happened- but everything seemed to be working in my favour- i felt great in the new costumes, the band were 100% with me and sounding strong, the audience were lovely.... I danced the best ever................. felt invincible!!!! wow- when it happens, the adrenaline you get beats anything in this world! That feeling of being on stage in front of everyone with all of them watching so intently they are hardly breathing- the control you have the pure joy at putting smiles on peoples faces.......... THAT is why i put up with the shitty bits of living in Cairo. THAT. wow. Even my musicians were waiting at the end to say well done to me with big smiles on their faces- that RARELY happens!!!
How it happened when i had felt so down about my dance- who knows.....I am just so glad it did!!!
If you need inspired in dance... then come see me!!!!- i can't promise to dance as I did last night ( although I'll be forever trying!)- but you will get my full energy and attention!!!!!
I am performing on the Golden Pharoah tonight (Thurs 5th), and tomorrow (Fri 6th) and then on the Nile Pharoah Sat 7th and Sun 8th, then back on the Golden on Thurs 12th. Hope to see you there.
If doing is more your thing rather than watching................. I am organising a workshop for Sat 14th June.
Starting with basic beginners level and working up from there...something for everyone!
I aim to make these workshops will be informative, fairly energetic and fun.
Open to all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Ladies only.
Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended.
Date: Saturday 14th June '08
Time: 12-3pm
Cost: 150le if booked in advance. 200le on the door.
Venue: Studio in the Sky, top floor, building 5, road 215, Maadi.
to book contact Anna Louise on asebborn@yahoo.com or 010 150 0902.
please bring a scarf to tie round your hips. We dance barefoot. oh- and remember to bring your sense of humour with you!!!!! see you there!
So- a dance entry this time in my blog! 1st in a while- but I suspect more to come!!!
So I went to work last night with a heavy heart. (Lightened slightly by the fact that I had 2 new costumes with me - a wonderful oriental style one from Hoda Zaki and a fun saaidi Trouser costume by Amera). I really expected to have one of those nights where you just want to give up and go home.
I had a FABULOUS night!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really dont know what happened- but everything seemed to be working in my favour- i felt great in the new costumes, the band were 100% with me and sounding strong, the audience were lovely.... I danced the best ever................. felt invincible!!!! wow- when it happens, the adrenaline you get beats anything in this world! That feeling of being on stage in front of everyone with all of them watching so intently they are hardly breathing- the control you have the pure joy at putting smiles on peoples faces.......... THAT is why i put up with the shitty bits of living in Cairo. THAT. wow. Even my musicians were waiting at the end to say well done to me with big smiles on their faces- that RARELY happens!!!
How it happened when i had felt so down about my dance- who knows.....I am just so glad it did!!!
If you need inspired in dance... then come see me!!!!- i can't promise to dance as I did last night ( although I'll be forever trying!)- but you will get my full energy and attention!!!!!
I am performing on the Golden Pharoah tonight (Thurs 5th), and tomorrow (Fri 6th) and then on the Nile Pharoah Sat 7th and Sun 8th, then back on the Golden on Thurs 12th. Hope to see you there.
If doing is more your thing rather than watching................. I am organising a workshop for Sat 14th June.
Starting with basic beginners level and working up from there...something for everyone!
I aim to make these workshops will be informative, fairly energetic and fun.
Open to all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Ladies only.
Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended.
Date: Saturday 14th June '08
Time: 12-3pm
Cost: 150le if booked in advance. 200le on the door.
Venue: Studio in the Sky, top floor, building 5, road 215, Maadi.
to book contact Anna Louise on asebborn@yahoo.com or 010 150 0902.
please bring a scarf to tie round your hips. We dance barefoot. oh- and remember to bring your sense of humour with you!!!!! see you there!
So- a dance entry this time in my blog! 1st in a while- but I suspect more to come!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
running
I seem to be spending all my time running from place to place these days... mainly since I have guests- who are buying costumes... o its trips to the Khan, and the various designers for fittings etc etc.... so lots of time spent in taxi's. And of course- running to work every night... Its all go... if you are in Cairo and want to see me dance over next week these are my dates...
Golden pharoah- wed 16th, thurs 17th, fri 18th, sat 19th and sun 20th
Nile Pharoah- mon 21st, tues 22nd, wed 23rd
then I am off to Scotland for a short holiday!!!! I'll need it - that will have been 27 nights in a row performing without a break. My body feels fit- but oh so very tired!
had the best show of my life so far last night.... people were screaming and standing and dancing on chairs.... completely mad, even the women in neqab- and there were a lot- were all smiling and dancing with their hands and very very supportive- it felt wonderful- and was a HUGE amount of fun!
Golden pharoah- wed 16th, thurs 17th, fri 18th, sat 19th and sun 20th
Nile Pharoah- mon 21st, tues 22nd, wed 23rd
then I am off to Scotland for a short holiday!!!! I'll need it - that will have been 27 nights in a row performing without a break. My body feels fit- but oh so very tired!
had the best show of my life so far last night.... people were screaming and standing and dancing on chairs.... completely mad, even the women in neqab- and there were a lot- were all smiling and dancing with their hands and very very supportive- it felt wonderful- and was a HUGE amount of fun!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Huge thanks
wow- thats the largest response I have ever had to any of my blog entries...........
Thank you all sooooooo much for your advice and suggestions re fixing my problem with my website name!
I have contacted the host of my domain name, and the host of the porn users...... hopefully something will get sorted by them very soon (although STILL waiting for a reply!!!) - in the meantime please don't go into bellylorna.com until further notice that it is all ok!!!
On the up side.... my curtains on my balcony are finished- it looks like I am having a party. The material I have used (photo to follow!) is the same they use for tents for all celebrations- so I guess at Lorna's house there is a moulid every day from now on!!! That and a wonderful dance room! very happy!
Oh the other thing is that if you are likely to be in Cairo over the next 2 weeks , there is NO excuse not to see me dance......... I am performing at the Nile and Golden Pharoah EVERY night for the next 15 days ( ie. 1st- 15th April) . Not really sure if thats a good or a bad thing- for sure I'll be exhausted by the end.... but great re money. Definatly not complaining- i much prefer too much work rather than too little!!!!!!!!!!!
My band look great in their Tartan ties- still need to get a photo in here to show you!
Last night i enjoyed work.... really responsive audience... and afterwards I had a really lovely conversation with one egyptian woman who couldn't understand why I was working the boat rather than a top hotel. I told her I was there because at least there the managers at the boat didn't want anything else from me, unlike at the hotels... her opinion was that, even though it is a notoriously bad industry i am in, as long as I behaved well, others would behave well towards me. Nice Idea- wish it was fact!
Lovely to talk so frankly with her though. Seems like such a small thing, hardly worth comment, but I find it hard to have conversations with any weight to them with women i meet here...... opinions seem to be fixed in stone and seldom open to discussion....... I guess thats partly down to the schooling system which still teaches by rote rather than learn through exploration of ideas etc.
Another complex thing about Egyptian culture for me to learn recently was you cannot say to someone
'IF 'something' , THEN 'something will happen'
the concept is alien to them- because everything is in the hands of Allah.... so nothing is fixed or certain. To say the 'if' in the 1st place implies that thing is definate, rather than hypothetical. It's all very confusing to me and I am still not sure I understand it. But I can understand more and more why there are so many issues to get through in order to fit in here!
Thank you all sooooooo much for your advice and suggestions re fixing my problem with my website name!
I have contacted the host of my domain name, and the host of the porn users...... hopefully something will get sorted by them very soon (although STILL waiting for a reply!!!) - in the meantime please don't go into bellylorna.com until further notice that it is all ok!!!
On the up side.... my curtains on my balcony are finished- it looks like I am having a party. The material I have used (photo to follow!) is the same they use for tents for all celebrations- so I guess at Lorna's house there is a moulid every day from now on!!! That and a wonderful dance room! very happy!
Oh the other thing is that if you are likely to be in Cairo over the next 2 weeks , there is NO excuse not to see me dance......... I am performing at the Nile and Golden Pharoah EVERY night for the next 15 days ( ie. 1st- 15th April) . Not really sure if thats a good or a bad thing- for sure I'll be exhausted by the end.... but great re money. Definatly not complaining- i much prefer too much work rather than too little!!!!!!!!!!!
My band look great in their Tartan ties- still need to get a photo in here to show you!
Last night i enjoyed work.... really responsive audience... and afterwards I had a really lovely conversation with one egyptian woman who couldn't understand why I was working the boat rather than a top hotel. I told her I was there because at least there the managers at the boat didn't want anything else from me, unlike at the hotels... her opinion was that, even though it is a notoriously bad industry i am in, as long as I behaved well, others would behave well towards me. Nice Idea- wish it was fact!
Lovely to talk so frankly with her though. Seems like such a small thing, hardly worth comment, but I find it hard to have conversations with any weight to them with women i meet here...... opinions seem to be fixed in stone and seldom open to discussion....... I guess thats partly down to the schooling system which still teaches by rote rather than learn through exploration of ideas etc.
Another complex thing about Egyptian culture for me to learn recently was you cannot say to someone
'IF 'something' , THEN 'something will happen'
the concept is alien to them- because everything is in the hands of Allah.... so nothing is fixed or certain. To say the 'if' in the 1st place implies that thing is definate, rather than hypothetical. It's all very confusing to me and I am still not sure I understand it. But I can understand more and more why there are so many issues to get through in order to fit in here!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Performing in Cairo- back to work!
So much to write about I don't know where to start……
Back in Cairo now. Its really, really sunny and warm! Amazing what sunshine can do to your mood! and amazing the difference 2 weeks can make!
Was working last night- on my 1st night back. WONDERFUL!!!!! I very rarely am happy with a performance, being such a perfectionist when it comes to my own work. I really felt wonderful last night though. I guess back to sunshine, and friends, and mainly- my band! Oh the joy of dancing to a live band after 2 weeks working with cds. I really can't describe the pleasure! I felt on top of the world in my new costumes, working with my band behind me- inspiring me, supporting me and very happy to see me. The whole joy of being here and living the dream was reinforced with all 3 performances I did last night!!!
It helped that amongst really nice, mixed, friendly audiences, there were a couple of dancers from Leeds there- smiley faces right in the front, singing along with the music and urging me to do well. I am hoping pride doesn't come before fall in this case- cos I felt so damn proud to be up there, the Scot in Egypt- doing a good job and loving it!
Before I left to go to Scotland, I had a night on the boat where I really didn't feel so confident. I felt it really hard to connect with the audience and it was probably all to do with the way I was feeling about travelling etc but I just wasn't in it at all. One table helped make it a really enjoyable night for me though. They were attentive and smiley- which always helps to a performer! When I did the photos with them (part of the job to go round everyone and have professional pics taken) I realised they weren't speaking English- so I kinda mimed that I wanted the 2 young girls to join me on the dance floor. They did- and were lovely. Really attentive and very good followers! To be honest- I was on stage thinking- I guess work-wise I should be performing for the rest of the audience more and not just enjoying myself with these two. But I decided I needed to have fun too.
The funny thing was – I received a lovely email from the family a few days later………. Turns out that they were Scottish too!!!!! They hadn't realised I was Scot, assuming I was Egyptian. When they discovered where I was from (not sure how) they searched me down on the internet and emailed me to say thanks for making the night so special for their nieces from France (hence me not hearing English!!!) and that they felt very proud as fellow Scots, of my achievements! The girls had been so inspired they had a private class later in the week and are seemingly still speaking about it! The family sent some pics too- Here's us having fun!
I love my job.....................!
Back in Cairo now. Its really, really sunny and warm! Amazing what sunshine can do to your mood! and amazing the difference 2 weeks can make!
Was working last night- on my 1st night back. WONDERFUL!!!!! I very rarely am happy with a performance, being such a perfectionist when it comes to my own work. I really felt wonderful last night though. I guess back to sunshine, and friends, and mainly- my band! Oh the joy of dancing to a live band after 2 weeks working with cds. I really can't describe the pleasure! I felt on top of the world in my new costumes, working with my band behind me- inspiring me, supporting me and very happy to see me. The whole joy of being here and living the dream was reinforced with all 3 performances I did last night!!!
It helped that amongst really nice, mixed, friendly audiences, there were a couple of dancers from Leeds there- smiley faces right in the front, singing along with the music and urging me to do well. I am hoping pride doesn't come before fall in this case- cos I felt so damn proud to be up there, the Scot in Egypt- doing a good job and loving it!
Before I left to go to Scotland, I had a night on the boat where I really didn't feel so confident. I felt it really hard to connect with the audience and it was probably all to do with the way I was feeling about travelling etc but I just wasn't in it at all. One table helped make it a really enjoyable night for me though. They were attentive and smiley- which always helps to a performer! When I did the photos with them (part of the job to go round everyone and have professional pics taken) I realised they weren't speaking English- so I kinda mimed that I wanted the 2 young girls to join me on the dance floor. They did- and were lovely. Really attentive and very good followers! To be honest- I was on stage thinking- I guess work-wise I should be performing for the rest of the audience more and not just enjoying myself with these two. But I decided I needed to have fun too.
The funny thing was – I received a lovely email from the family a few days later………. Turns out that they were Scottish too!!!!! They hadn't realised I was Scot, assuming I was Egyptian. When they discovered where I was from (not sure how) they searched me down on the internet and emailed me to say thanks for making the night so special for their nieces from France (hence me not hearing English!!!) and that they felt very proud as fellow Scots, of my achievements! The girls had been so inspired they had a private class later in the week and are seemingly still speaking about it! The family sent some pics too- Here's us having fun!
I love my job.....................!
If you are reading this and want to join in the fun- and are in cairo over next week or so- I am performing on the following dates;
Nile Pharoah- 7th, 8th, 9th and 12th March
Golden Pharoah- is having a refurbish/ motor overhall or whatever you call it- so not running for next week or so!
hopefully see you here!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Last week
The whole last week has been a busy and strange one............
Oh- I had it confirmed .... as a foreign dancer I am ONLY allowed to work in ONE VENUE. Which is frustrating as an artist anyway- but especially when you are working enough to 'maybe' pay the rent, and not much else. Bloody stupid system. I can see why so many of the foreign dancers get married just to get an Egyptian passport!
I had an audition in a nice place last week (no more details -sorry!!!)... I was really nervous, and felt i didn't do anywhere near my best, but they liked me.... or so they appeared- but not yet heard anything thing... so , we'll see.........
Valentines day here is HUGE!!!! every shop window is FULL of huge hearts and flowers- Cairo is painted red! What I found more strange was that EVERYONE wishes you happy valentines!!! from my cleaner, to the manager, to friends... all of them! They call it 'Eid el Hob' - meaning 'festival of love', and its TOTALLY over the top. Saying that- I did have a lovely day- so I am not complaining!!!
An annoying thing I have decided about Cairo- maybe the most annoying thing is, when you ask someone to do something- even if you are really specific about what it is you want...
they do exactly what THEY think is better for you................................
from the choice of colour to paint your nails, to the music the band play for you to dance, to what clothes/rooms need cleaned or left....... EVERYONE thinks they know better. When you are sick, they ALL have the 'only' solution or cure. It's hard to get angry at them cos you know they were really only trying to help, and only trying to get it right... but the concept of following a request to the letter just isn't known about here!!! GRRRRRR
Thats all for now- off to work now (on Nile Pharoah tonight, then Golden mon 18th, tues 19th and wed 20th) and then I fly home to Edinburgh for 2 weeks on the 21st- wow- still SOOOO much to do before now and then!
Oh- I had it confirmed .... as a foreign dancer I am ONLY allowed to work in ONE VENUE. Which is frustrating as an artist anyway- but especially when you are working enough to 'maybe' pay the rent, and not much else. Bloody stupid system. I can see why so many of the foreign dancers get married just to get an Egyptian passport!
I had an audition in a nice place last week (no more details -sorry!!!)... I was really nervous, and felt i didn't do anywhere near my best, but they liked me.... or so they appeared- but not yet heard anything thing... so , we'll see.........
Valentines day here is HUGE!!!! every shop window is FULL of huge hearts and flowers- Cairo is painted red! What I found more strange was that EVERYONE wishes you happy valentines!!! from my cleaner, to the manager, to friends... all of them! They call it 'Eid el Hob' - meaning 'festival of love', and its TOTALLY over the top. Saying that- I did have a lovely day- so I am not complaining!!!
An annoying thing I have decided about Cairo- maybe the most annoying thing is, when you ask someone to do something- even if you are really specific about what it is you want...
they do exactly what THEY think is better for you................................
from the choice of colour to paint your nails, to the music the band play for you to dance, to what clothes/rooms need cleaned or left....... EVERYONE thinks they know better. When you are sick, they ALL have the 'only' solution or cure. It's hard to get angry at them cos you know they were really only trying to help, and only trying to get it right... but the concept of following a request to the letter just isn't known about here!!! GRRRRRR
Thats all for now- off to work now (on Nile Pharoah tonight, then Golden mon 18th, tues 19th and wed 20th) and then I fly home to Edinburgh for 2 weeks on the 21st- wow- still SOOOO much to do before now and then!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
at a flick of a switch....
see- everything here just changes at the drop of a hat (or flick of a switch) . I really do feel like I am on an emotional rollercoaster.....
yesterday, without having seen me dance, and for no reason, a manager cut my days on the boat to next to nothing (not enough to live) and since then I have been in tears and stressed about how to live and why they did that, what to do now, etc etc...................
Now, today all change again and now on this next schedule from tomorrow til end Jan (16th- 31st), I am working EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! so from nothing to everything, all from a phone call.
So if you want to see me dance over the next 2 weeks- come to the Nile Pharoah boat, Cairo!
yesterday, without having seen me dance, and for no reason, a manager cut my days on the boat to next to nothing (not enough to live) and since then I have been in tears and stressed about how to live and why they did that, what to do now, etc etc...................
Now, today all change again and now on this next schedule from tomorrow til end Jan (16th- 31st), I am working EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! so from nothing to everything, all from a phone call.
So if you want to see me dance over the next 2 weeks- come to the Nile Pharoah boat, Cairo!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Dancing through the festive season - Eid Mabrook!
well ... I am dancing through Eid (tomorrow) and through New Year, but have Christmas off (which is going to be nice since I have friends coming to stay!)
Nile Pharoah 18th, 29th, 30th and 31st Dec
Golden Pharoah 22nd and 23rd Dec.
Happy Eid everyone- Kollo sena wentu Tayyibeen.........
(its the Eid (festival) where they spill the blood of the largest animal they can afford to buy- I was woken by the sound of a cow mooing below my flat this morning- i am hoping to God I am not woken tomorrow morning by the sound of the same cow being killed!!!!)
Nile Pharoah 18th, 29th, 30th and 31st Dec
Golden Pharoah 22nd and 23rd Dec.
Happy Eid everyone- Kollo sena wentu Tayyibeen.........
(its the Eid (festival) where they spill the blood of the largest animal they can afford to buy- I was woken by the sound of a cow mooing below my flat this morning- i am hoping to God I am not woken tomorrow morning by the sound of the same cow being killed!!!!)
Saturday, December 01, 2007
work rota 1st-15th Dec
Am very disappointed to be dancing so little on the boat... but thats what happens when there are too many dancers working in the same place! Not enough to pay the rent!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you want to come see me dance in cairo over next 2 weeks- this is where I'll be........
Nile Pharoah- sat 8th, sun 9th, tues 11th and wed 12th
Golden Pharoah- mon 10th, thurs 13th, fri 14th and sat 15th.
Lets hope christmas brings more work!
if you want to come see me dance in cairo over next 2 weeks- this is where I'll be........
Nile Pharoah- sat 8th, sun 9th, tues 11th and wed 12th
Golden Pharoah- mon 10th, thurs 13th, fri 14th and sat 15th.
Lets hope christmas brings more work!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
When i am performing until end August
I am on the Nile Pharoah 19th, 20th, 21st and 28th August.
Golden Pharoah 29th August.
Nile Pharoah sails 8.45pm and 11.30pm
Golden Pharoah sails 7.45pm and 10.45pm
probably some other dates in between too- but these will probably be confirmed on a day to day basis, unfortunatly!!! (I need more work!!!!!) Hoping these new photos will help increase the number of wedding bookings etc etc- keep your fingers crossed for me. I know it takes time for your name to get known , but 6 days off in a row (beacuse there are 5 dancers working there) makes me feel so lazy- it's hard getting back into work again after that!!!
Golden Pharoah 29th August.
Nile Pharoah sails 8.45pm and 11.30pm
Golden Pharoah sails 7.45pm and 10.45pm
probably some other dates in between too- but these will probably be confirmed on a day to day basis, unfortunatly!!! (I need more work!!!!!) Hoping these new photos will help increase the number of wedding bookings etc etc- keep your fingers crossed for me. I know it takes time for your name to get known , but 6 days off in a row (beacuse there are 5 dancers working there) makes me feel so lazy- it's hard getting back into work again after that!!!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
on the boat...
oh- in case you are checking this to come see me dance. I am on the Nile Pharoah 7th, 8th and 9th August and the Golden Pharoah 15th.
Leila (american) is back at work on the boat again after having her baby boy, Yousif- so the rota is being shared by 5 of us now- so unfortuanatly not as much work for any of us unless the tourist season picks up. Its their worst summer on the boats- just not enough people!
Guessing the Arabs re travelling elsewhere.................not that you'd think that watching them all in the hantour's (horse drawn carraiges) from which they through firecrackers at the street (and sometimes at people- just for fun) and cruising around mohandiseen- blocking the roads...... grr..!
Leila (american) is back at work on the boat again after having her baby boy, Yousif- so the rota is being shared by 5 of us now- so unfortuanatly not as much work for any of us unless the tourist season picks up. Its their worst summer on the boats- just not enough people!
Guessing the Arabs re travelling elsewhere.................not that you'd think that watching them all in the hantour's (horse drawn carraiges) from which they through firecrackers at the street (and sometimes at people- just for fun) and cruising around mohandiseen- blocking the roads...... grr..!
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