About Farida

Farida Dance would not be the success it is without the help and hard work of the ‘Farida Crew’. Their faces are familiar to many people as they travel to different events and try to entertain our customers whilst finding them the ideal costume to suit their needs! Want to find out more about them? Click here! My profile is there as well with details of how I got into this and why I’m still doing it! In-between souks and trips, I teach regular classes and workshops. It keeps me out of mischief. Soooo - check here if you want to find out about who runs 'Farida'..

Farida Dance is based near Newcastle and encompasses most things to do with Egyptian dance, more commonly known as belly dance. 'Farida' means 'unique' or 'special'. Farida Fahmy is also a dancer from the Reda troupe who has become a legend in her own time. I chose this name because of it's links to her and the meaning of the word suited because of our links to couture and our ability to offer unique costumes from a range of designers.

In 1998, I started importing professional costumes to the UK as I had been unable to get any here myself. I went to Cairo and set about meeting with costumiers, looking at designs and deciding who to buy from and what sort of things I would stock. Some of our top designers are Hanan, Click here for more details about her, and the Zaki's - Eman and Hoda. Eman and Hoda are now familiar faces at Fantasia where they offer on the spot advice, alterations and designer creations, as well as being great fun to have around.
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I chose Madam Abla because of her eye for design which flatters the female form. Click here for more details on Madam Abla. Nadia Hamdi introduced me to Madam Hekmat who designs for Lucy. She has a different style and creates spectacular baladi dresses. Click here for more details on Madam Hekmat.

I also met with many other costumiers who supply today's professional dancers and occasionally choose designs from them. In Istanbul I work closely with Bella who is the top designer and costumier. I find good quality shops in the Khan el Khalili in Cairo and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul so that when I take groups, they have a choice of designer made to measure from costumiers or ‘off the peg’ numbers of good quality.

I love choosing designs, deciding on colours and negotiating prices. I go two or three times a year to get new styles, find different costumiers, see what is hot in Cairo and what is not! I source new designs of good quality at reasonable prices to ship back to the UK. At Farida, we have the largest selection of professional dance costumes and dance wear in the UK. Initially I took my first lot of stock to the JWAAD summer school and was delighted at the response. Now I travel round to events like Fantasia in London, Majma in Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Egyptian Dance Festival. Also to big shows or events where there will be a large gathering of dancers … who might be interested in a sparkly frock or two!!! Different members of the Farida Crew travel with me depending on who is available. Our philosophy is to work hard and play hard. We want shopping with Farida to be a fun experience! Because the costumes always look better on a body than a hanger, we like to arrange fashion shows combined with haflas and a souk in different areas. If you would like to host one click on ‘Fashion shows’ for more details.

As well as costumes I offer classes, workshops and residential courses and regularly teach at big events such as Fantasia, Raqs Britannia, Bellydance Congress and JOY, as well as providing workshops when requested. Click here for more information on workshops.

Having travelled to Cairo regularly and having made so many good contacts, I decided I was in the ideal position to start taking groups and introducing them to aspects of Cairo of particular interest to dancers. Click on ‘Farida Adventures’ for more details.

(0044) 0-7966 270995 - mobile if office closed. This is switched off if Kay is teaching / performing but your call will be returned if you leave a message.