Leila on the Nile Pharon.

(included in Medeana option)

A fab over the top pharonic style boat.  Nile cruise with dinner and a show.  I try and see Leila but there are various dancers here.

Currently the resident dancer is Leila, an American who has made her mark on the Cairo dance scene.  She has a fabulous fluid and graceful style - well worth seeing.  Leila has become very popular at weddings and parties.  Well worth seeing.

Nile Maxim

(included in Medeana option)

This is a 5 star cruise boat.  I have been on others but this is the best one.  There are a variety of dancers and you have to check before you book to make sure it is someone you want to see.  This can sometimes change from day to day! 

Sometimes there are weddings on board - which means the dancers has to spend time with the wedding party.  You get to see a wedding but less of the dancer!  Fascinating to watch though.

You cruise down the Nile and can take a walk outside for a breath of fresh air.  The views are good whilst you have dinner, watching Cairo on the banks of the Nile.

Current dancers:  Asmahan.

Casablanca with Soraya

(not included)

The Casablanca is a 5 star Moroccan restaurant with fabulous rich décor and impressive views of the Nile.  The food is fabulous as is the entertainment.  The evening includes a 3 course meal with a great show.

Soraya is the resident dancer.  She is Brazillian with a great feel for the music.  Soraya is a small package of dynamite, her show is fun and entertaining.  She really connects with the audience, making everyone feel welcome and involved.  She does 3, sometimes 4 costume changes and dances with her own band.

Dina

(included in Medeana option)

Cairo's top dancer.  You love her or hate her.  She has her own tight and concise style with dramatic punctuation.  She claims the stage immediately and interacts with the audience.  When possible, I get us a front stage table for the full impact.  If you are in Cairo, you have to see Dina.  I do not like videos I have seen but live, she is a force to be reckoned with!  She has a full orchestra of at least 20 musicians.

The evening includes a 4 course meal.  There is a band on before Dina and in Dec 06, Rico was on after her.  Definitely worth going if you have not seen Dina live.  She dances about 2am.

Pyramids Road

(not included)

This is Cabaret City, there are clubs galore out here.  It just depends who you want to see.  In the summer, Dandesh does a show at 2am, 4am and 6am!  Just in time for breakfast!  There are lots of dancers out here of varying levels of skill.  It is a different setting and has a different feel to the other venues we go to.  Just to experience the full range of settings, you should go here.  I would not recommend a visit by yourself but it is quite safe in a group.  Lucy dances at the Parisiana in Harem - it is her husbands nightclub.  She puts on a fabulous show - it just starts a bit late and goes on till the very early hours.  Dec 06 she appeared at 3am and we left the club about 5.30am!

Party Night

(included in Medeana option)

Yasmina has a beautiful apartment.  Fer'et el Negoum led by singer Safaa Farid join us - these are the band from the Farha Tour.  We get the band to the apartment and have our own party.  Yasmina puts on delicious food.  This is often the last night and it is a really good way to end the week!  Safaas youngest daughter, Hebba, is a budding dancer and often puts on an informal performance much to everyone's delight.  Sagat player, Sayed, is great fun and soon gets a party off the ground.  Check out the photos.

Dance class

(included in Medeana option)

with professional Egyptian dancer / teacher.  My first choice is Raqia Hassan if she is in town.  Aida Noor is also an accomplished dancer and experienced teacher.  I arrange one dance class for the group.  We go with whoever the majority want, providing the teacher is available.

If you want additional private classes, these can be arranged.  If you want to do a lot of dance classes, you might be best considering the Rakassa adventure.