Kay says: 'I am quite happy for people to use any material from these articles as long as it is credited to me.  I hope people will find them both enjoyable and useful.' 

Farida Diary ........

10.07.2007

Where does the time go? Raqs Britannia in Blackpool got off to a really slow start for most traders. They were insistent we were ready to trade by 12 o'clock on Friday then had to trade till 10.30pm at night. It would have been fine if the show were in the same room but it wasn't - it was in a completely different area. A waste of time being there in my opinion. Very few people came over. We should have set up Friday afternoon / evening then traded from Saturday morning. By the time Friday was over I was ready to jump off Blackpool pier! Instead we went back to our hotel which was a 2 minute walk from the venue and found the bar.

As Christine, Anne & I entered, we found it was like entering a time warp. Lots of white haired folk sat in rows, with drinks in front of them, facing the bar. At the far end of the room was a Blackpool comedian who saw us as a bit of fresh material for his show. 'You're a bit late ladies. Where have you been?' 'A dance festival over the road', volunteered Anne. 'Bellydance', she informed him when quizzed. Thanks Anne, I muttered under my breath. She wasn't staying there - just me and Christine. Then I managed to put my chair leg on Christines foot which I felt caused an undue amount of swearing. She mumbled something about unfair treatment and going to an industrial tribunal - not only was I maiming the staff but her wage hadn't gone into the bank yet.

Saturday and Sunday were much better days. There was more of an atmosphere as we had people milling around the main hall most of the time. Both days we did fashion shows so got folks dressed up in fabulous designs by Eman Zaki, Hanan, Bella, Hekmat and the late Abla. Costumes always look so much better with bodies inside them. There were a range of performances through both days to entertain folks and tables to sit and watch the stage set out in the hall.

The Tarab Dance Company did a short slot on Friday afternoon finishing with the Great Desiree. As she was in town, we decided it was only fair we take her sightseeing. Have a look at the photo gallery to see her adventures in Blackpool. It certainly wasn't sunbathing weather that weekend. We ventured out to the sea front when they were setting the main hall up for the Saturday night show. Torrential rain - it bucketed down. We didn't drown and made it back in one piece equipped with kiss me quick hats. Christine was most unimpressed when I received a text at 7.30 Sunday morning from one of my internet dating suitors. For more on that - check out myspace: www.myspace.com/kaybellydanceruk. It was a long weekend but worth it. Raqs B is different to other festivals - very much about that American Glitz & glamour. Not particularly my thing but it obviously rocks a lot of peoples boats. Diversity is good - whether it is Christine & her hearse or the Belly Dance Superstars!
Check out Desirees Adventures for some great pics

28.6.07

Christine is packing for Raqs B in the studio. I am updating this & My Space. We had our end of term party last Sunday at the Stella in Washington. It turned out to be a really good night. To be fair it always is there. The dance floor is a good size, the DJ good & the drinks cheap. What more can you ask for? We had all my classes performing plus quite a few guest classes & groups. As well as some fabulous solos. Christine & Paul arrived in the hearse - much to several peoples consternation. I got lost on the way there. How? I have been at least 3 times before and still have no idea where it is! Washington is a complete mystery to me. I had to ring Christine to give me directions from the hearse - but bizarly, they ended up following me.

Sue & Gillian sorted out the food. Julie did a fab job with the fashion show. The performances ran smoothly. Since the debacle with the SOD's last year (when they almost had a fight on stage), I was determined they would all be ready on time & be professional about it. As ever, the running order changed a few times through the course of the evening. But it didn't matter. A sort of mixture of fun, chaos, adrenoline & informality. As I leapt on and off stage, sorting music and acts out, Christine tried to man the stall and deal with queries, I remembered that I really ought to sort out more helpers in advance. Why do I always think I'll be able to do it all? It was a really good night. I got home exhausted and rolled into bed.

I had met someone for breakfast that morning - and we were planning a get together the next day. Something to dream about as I dozed off. High time I had a personal life. All work and no play ...... time to change that!

19.6.07

Raqs B this weekend. 'What are the trading times?' asked Christine. I don't know - I am far too busy with my new hobby of internet dating! She checked and we trade from 12 on Friday!!! That was a bit of a shock! We were planning to drive over Friday morning and be ready to trade Friday evening. We really need to be there Friday 9am to unload, set up etc. Talk about last minute yet again! I have been distracted this week! The new plan - drive over Thursday so we are there to set up Friday morning. I am sure Anne Kingston will love to see us! At least I have left a message for her announcing our impending visit!

Christine and I have started going to a dance class - Las Vegas Showgirls. Great fun - and nice to go to a class instead of teaching it. High kicks galore. Lots of bellydance related moves but presented in a really sexual, in your face way. I was shocked! Some nice combinations & step patterns that will be useful. Lots of nasty stretches which I don't enjoy inflicting on myself so won't transfer them to my classes!

Gothla at the weekend went really well - I wasn't there - I was focussing on my new hobby. Christines chap, Paul, was the highlight of the weekend. She enjoys dressing him up - and he seems to enjoy it too. Everyone wanted their photo taken with him. He ferried people round in their hearse - Christines latest acquisition. They cause quite a stir in it. Especially with Paul dressed up in a pink tutu and a tail coat and Christine as a zombie can can girl!
You can check out their pictures on www.myspace.com/lucretia666 or
www.myspace.com/raqsmacabre for the zombie troupe.

And I am keeping a more regular blog on My Space as well www.myspace.com/kaybellydanceruk

And don't forget to make friends with Dessie - hers is
www.myspace.com/thegreatdesiree

24.2.07

The DVD is done and out!  I have been to Cairo & back.  Now onto the next project.  We are working hard to get all the new stock on the web site.  I left Christine & student Janine labelling, sizing & modelling while I went to go collect the last of the DVD's.  Janine was dressed in a military trouser suit number that has a sort of soft porn feel to it!  You'll see once it's on the web site - I love it.  Christine was in bra & knickers as she checked things for size.  The doorbell rang.  Who should answer it?  On the surface Janine had more clothes on so off she went.  I bet the postman couldn't wait to get back to the office to tell the others what a treat he had at Ferndale Avenue!

Next I have to get on with the application for work permits for the Farha Festival.

9.2.07

Will today be the day I get the DVD's?  Insh'allah!

8.2.2007

Where to start - the Farha Tour and making of DVD has taken over my life.  But before that it was the Tarab DVD for the show 'Strictly Bellydance'.  It feels like I have moved into Central Newcastle and Marks office for the duration.  The Tarab DVD was fascinating to make - rehearsal footage with voice overs for each dance piece in the show.  18 in all?  Something like that.  Mark had never done anything like it before and was really into the whole project.  I got slightly worried about timescales.  The first show was the 13th January in Gainsborough which I didn't doubt we would be ready for.  My concern was the Cairo Nights DVD.  If it took Mark till the 12th to finish the Tarab DVD then he only had 2 weeks to do Cairo Nights before the deadline.  I had told people I would get it out by the end of January.  As I suspected, it has taken far longer.  I love what Mark has done with the DVD and it will all be worth it.  There is some really good footage and Marks editing is great.  Communications have been an issue throughout and we have had one or two temper tantrums on my part.  For anyone that knows me, this is extremely rare.  I am very difficult to wind up.  But I desperately want this DVD finished and out - I need to sell it to get some money back!  It all came to a head on Tuesday when I found I had worked myself up into such a vile temper that I couldn't even speak to Mark (who is actually a really nice, good natured guy).  I e-mailed listing the points that I had found unacceptable, slammed the phone down on some innocent advertising person and felt marginally better.  Dan was working on the web site that evening - he was very impressed by what Mark had achieved having never, in 10 years, seen me so worked up!  The next day I went back to Marks office, we talked and sorted through things.  The project is so nearly finished!  I took another final DVD home, watched it, picked up a couple of things, called Mark and he said he would do them and burn a new disc.

I was teaching in Newcastle last night.  We arranged he would drop the disc off for me at Dance City.  After class, there was no disc.  Unfortunately I had left my mobile phone at home so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and assumed he had called me.  I went down to the office where Rob (of ice skating Desiree fame) was waiting with the disc.  Back home I couldn't face watching it so left it till this morning.

I watched it with breakfast - all is fine.  Hopefully it will go to production today .... Insh'allah!  Then I located my mobile.  2 messages.  The first from Mark explaining he wouldn't get to Dance City.  Excellent - the art of communication is not dead.  My faith in human nature restored, I listened to the next message - an unwitting phone call also from Mark.  His phone had obviously dialled me whilst he was on a date.  Too much information this time I felt!  Still, too much is better than too little!  I was highly entertained.  It has put a smile on my face - that mixed with the fact that the DVD may actually be finished today!!!!!!!  

6.1.2007

First entry of the New Year - and what a New Year it was.  When I was approached by a gentleman named Karim to put a troupe together to dance at the Algiers Hilton on New Years Eve, I seriously considered it.  BUT it was already November and I decided the logistics of pulling a troupe together, costuming them & rehearsing with less than 2 months to go was just too much.  I said 'No'.  I was very proud of myself as it is rare I turn down a challenge.  He came back and begged.  If dancers want to work NYE, they are all booked by now, I pointed out.  I thought about the options and decided there was something I could do.  I told him about the Tarab Dance Company.  'If you want a troupe of slim young things, we are not it', I warned him.  'We are women of different shapes, sizes and ages'.  He thought about it and decided that we would be fine.  The girls were really excited when I told them.  I had a budget for 8 dancers & only 5 of the Tarab girls could make it so I invited 3 other dancers as well.  The line up was:  Me, Anne Kingston, Tine Valois, Claire Novis & Bev Smith from Tarab.  Joined by Heather Charlton, Anna Teed & Rebecca Blachford.  This meant we had troupe costuming from our shows that would make us look more professional.  I have to say that I didn't really believe it would happen until we got the Visa's and I had signed a contract!  This was my dance agency, 'Book a Belly's' first International engagement.  I could barely believe it. 

We all met up in London on Friday 28th then flew to Algiers on Saturday 29th December, arriving about 3pm.  'Have you seen how much the tickets cost', asked one of the girls - £825 each!!!!  Bloody hell - they were flying us out at huge expense and paying us to dance!  There were 25 of us altogether - a troupe of girls doing a Broadway show and a group of Jazz musicians.  I know it was the Hilton but what an outlay!  We were taken to the hotel and were given fabulous rooms with views of the sea and balconies.  Everyone went to their rooms to unpack then met back up in mine to start rehearsals.

We beat the Broadway lot to the ballroom so got to rehearse first.  I had a rough idea of what I wanted us to do and I wanted us to start with a statement.  Techno.  6 of us were in this number leaving one person to help with costume changes and another to be the soloist after it.  The girls did really well and got to grips with the bones of the choreography so I felt it would be easy to polish the next day.  Then we made a start on a group stick number I had choreographed but I could see everyone was starting to flag.  We called it a day and headed for food.  The Broadway girls had just finished eating and were heading towards the ballroom for an 8.30pm rehearsal call.  I am so pleased we got in there first cos it meant we could enjoy our food and a glass of wine.  The food was delicious - and free - so it tasted even better!

The following day we rehearsed all day and into the early evening.  I was not surprised when plans kept changing.  We were contracted to do 2 hours worth of dancing.  Some in the main ballroom, some in a smaller restaurant - so, I was planning on repeating the sets.  Then we were told it would be 3 x 40 minute sets, all in the ballroom.  Not possible.  3 sets, OK but they would have to be shorter - we didn't have enough group material to fill it and it would look really thin as a series of solos.  I had taken my laptop so worked out the sets and downloaded the relevant music, only for it to change again.  This time for the better!  Only 2 sets of 40 mins.  Fab - we could make both really good with a selection of group numbers, duets, solos and of course, the Great Desiree!  I re-jigged the sets, re-burnt CD's and we were ready.

Our first set was at 10.30pm and to our amazement we started on time.  It boded well for the evening.  The response was really good.  It was slightly disconcerting catching glimpses of yourself on a 60 foot screen as the whole show was displayed on 2 screens so people at the back tables could get a good view as well.   I have danced in 5 star hotels before at weddings and the like but never been in charge of producing a whole show.  The stress levels are completely different!  The girls were a great group to work with.  Everyone pulled their weight both in rehearsals and through the show.  The first set just flew - and ran smoothly without any hiccups.

We gathered for a drink in the lobby then joined folks in the ballroom to toast in the New Year.  Anne and I had a boogie with the jazz band to try and get things going a bit.  In Cairo, I notice that the higher class the event, the less fun it is.  People go to these things to be seen rather than to let their hair down and have fun.  A few folks started to get up and we left them to it, retiring back to the lobby for a drink before getting ready again.

We were due on at 1.15am.  Unfortunately it seemed we had been successful in encouraging people to dance as word came back we would be on half an hour later - which turned out to be an hour.  It didn't seem as much fun anymore!  We were all tired and the adrenaline buzz had subsided.  Sitting round waiting whilst in costume is not the comfiest thing.  At last we were given the go ahead.  They cleared the dance floor.  'What's taking so long?' I asked Anne who peered through the door.  'They're sweeping the dance floor', she told me.  At that point I felt it was all real and they were treating us like true professionals!

Being honest our second set wasn't as good as the first.  But it went down well.  We started with el Rakasaat.  The song about the dancer who mimics the famous stars, each of us taking turns.  It may be Algeria but they still get satellite TV and see all the Egyptian dancers - they understood the references.  This was a Tarab choreography rehashed from a triet to a group number.  Again, a combination of group, duets & solos.  We finished with our Tarab finale - or at least a version of it that choreographer, Alison Whitworth, would not have recognised!  Anna and Heather were in Dessie, our pantomime horse.  'From glamour to a horses arse', commented Heather.

We had been invited to part after the show and offered free champagne.  Instead we gathered in Mine and Anne's room with our duty free vodka.  We were knackered.  We dissected the show and decided no one but us would have known when things went wrong (and they did) but everyone was so professional, it didn't show!  Eventually we all retired with exhaustion - about 4.30am I think.

The other performers were all leaving on the first but I had negotiated as part of our deal that we stay another day so we could see something of Algiers.  It is not somewhere that I know much about - other than the fact that people kept asking me 'Are you sure it's safe?' before we went.  We got taxis and drove around.  We were taken to their war memorial from which there are spectacular views and a fabulous Catholic church.  Most places were closed as, not only was it New Years Day, it was also the end of Eid.  It was just nice to drive round and see the city rather than be closeted in the Hilton then leave.   'You can negotiate my contracts anytime', Anne told me as we watched all the other performers shipped off to the airport and we headed out to explore.  Then back at the Hilton, we found the sauna, steamed ourselves, ate more fabulous food, had a drink and a relatively early night!  It was nice just to have that chill out time after the gig.  There was just one thing left that we absolutely had to do.  The next morning we had photos of Dessie on the balcony, in the lobby and outside the Hilton.  She is a well travelled horse and likes to keep a photo journal!

Now, back in the UK, it all seems a distant memory.  But I am hoping to get more into the International market.  If you think you have what it takes, why not e-mail me?  I am always looking for new dancers for Book a Belly.

23.12.2006

It has been sometime since I updated.  Where to start.  The Farha Tour took over my life shortly after the last entry.  It was all very stressful.  Up until 3 weeks before it was happening I still hadn't received the work permits and I was starting to worry that we would be having a tour without musicians.  I was determined this wouldn't happen - I felt my reputation was at stake.  It was a huge relief when they arrived. 

Two days before the tour was due to start, Christine and I were sat in the office checking everything was in place, hotels & busses double confirmed etc, when I announced to her that I had decided to start a new festival in July 2007.  'I don't believe it', she said, 'here we are about to embark on another of your loss making ventures and you are planning some new mad scheme'.  Well, I took exception - how did she know it would make a loss?  OK the first one did - but this one was so much better planned!  'I have to decide now to put it in the program', I explained.  It is something I had been quietly planning for some time and had just had confirmation on the studio space for the last weekend in July.  So, the advert went in but without prices etc - it meant I would have another week or so to sort out the detail!

The tour itself was fabulous.  I am sure there will be reviews in both NADA and Mosaic about it.  As ever it was organised chaos.  Richard, our sound engineer who has toured with lots of big named bands was rather bemused by the whole thing.  'Now I understand what I read in that article on the internet about the last tour', he commented.  I looked puzzled.  'Something about your management style - throwing all the balls up in the air - and somehow they come out right'.  It's true.  I do do things a bit back to front - but we have fun along the way and it all seems to work out.

4 days after the tour, I took one of my trips to Cairo.  Fun but exhausting.  Especially on the back of the Farha Tour.  I had managed to get 10 mins of Randa dancing in Newcastle edited so she could see it and give us go ahead for the project.  I never managed to show her it - but it was OK - I was heading straight back to Fantasia which she was teaching at.  I managed to show her there and she loved it.  We are still editing the footage but it should be finished by the end of January.  It is fabulous.  The quality so much better than last years DVD!

Eman and Hoda Zaki joined the Farida Stall at Fantasia - and plan to come back in April.  It was great to have them with us.  One slight hiccough - we sold the same costume twice - there was some confusion!  The girls were very understanding and Eman is making another as I type.  Eman and Hoda worked their socks off fitting costumes & doing alterations.

I stayed in London to work with Josephine Wise on re jigging the teacher training format to split it into a foundation course and then the main course.  It is just about done and will shortly be released onto an unsuspecting world!

I have never been so pleased to get home.  It felt like I had been away for months.  The cat barely recognised me.  My mum rang me to find out what I was doing for Christmas.  Locking the door, lighting the fire and opening a bottle of wine, I told her.  I just need some solitude.  And that is what I am doing.  It will be bliss.  Christine is just worried that if I get anytime to myself I might come up with some new and crazy scheme.  You never know!  

28.8.2006

I am looking forward to classes starting again - I am just anticipating all the 'Did you have a nice / relaxing break?'.  I have had a fab summer but 'relaxing' doesn't really fit the bill - and I don't seem to remember a break.  One of the highlights was the JWAAD summer school.  The fancy dress party to be more precise.  The theme was heaven & hell.  Those of you who know Christine - the dreadlocked member of the Farida crew, know her macabre sense humour.  I knew she would be in her element.  I was slightly worried when she told me what her costume would be .... I know she wouldn't intend to offend anyone but she is just completely whacky.  Never one to be 'normal', she pooh poohed the idea of devils or satan or even her favorite zombie theme which would have been appropriate.  I know for a fact that she had brought a severed arm with her (fake - just in case you were wondering).  She took Melanie into her confidence & the two of them decided to appear together.  'Tonight I am honoured to announce two very special guests', I announced to the roomful of devils & angels.  'God & his only son, Jesus'.  God was magnificent, wheeled in on a trolley, swathed in white with a candle burning on his head and a sign saying 'I am GOD - OK'.  Jesus was in loin cloth & crown of thorns, fake blood leaking from eye sockets, hands & feet.  How does she do it?  One lady came over to me saying 'I am a lapsed Catholic - and she is the best Jesus I have ever seen'.  Fortunately everyone seemed to take it in the right spirit & were soon partying on down with our heavenly pair.

Prior to Summer School, I was the guest dancer at the MADN showcase in Chesham at the Elgiva Theatre.  I was really pleased to be asked cos I don't get to perform much 'down South'.  I took 2 of my students - Clare (another dreadlocked wonder) & Ayesha with me to help on the stall - and be the insides of Desiree.  On the way down, I decided to incorporate them in my finale number - not as Desiree but as themselves.  They come to my intermediate class and I felt it would be good for their development.  I was using music they had learnt some choreography to and with a little bit of adapting it would be really effective on stage.  They agreed.  (Only Christine has learnt that she can say 'no' - everyone else seems to go along with my plans!)   I did a traditional oriental number to start.  As ever, Desiree was the star, stealing everyones limelight as we finished the second part of the show with her.  But, best of all was our techno finale - I started with mad caped antics, was joined by Clare & Ayesha as we broke into flying leaps - a high energy way to finish the showcase.  Thanks to everyone that was involved in organising it.  We had a great time.

This weekend we have been dancing Sunday & Monday at festivals - next weekend there are 2 more festivals.  Town End something or other which I have been advised is the roughest part of Sunderland, on Saturday.  Then the joys of a festival in Hartlepool on the Sunday.  They are good fun & it gives my performance groups opportunities to do their stuff.  And of course the opportunity for Desi to have another outing - she is a very sociable beast.

29.7.06

Just got over the whole Cairo / Club night debacle and now we are making a start on the Farha tour.  I set Christine on ringing round about transport.  We needed a bus from Glasgow to Newcastle then Newcastle to Southport.  Both one way which seemed to flummox bus companies to start with.  Quotes varied from £700 to £1,200.  I was busy with looking into work permits for the band when I overheard Christine. 'Yes, 16 people 8 of which are musicians who only have small instruments.' I cracked up laughing.  Christine kept going then I heard 'It's my colleague - she seemed think it was funny when I said they only had small instruments - she doesn't get out much'.  When she finished the call, she was creased up with laughter.  Apparently he could hear her struggling not to laugh and had asked in a worried voice, 'What's the matter - do I have a funny voice?'  Her reassurances didn't seem to help.

On the back of Khaled not getting visa's for the Moonlight show, I decided to look into official work permits.  What a nightmare.  A 16 page application form to fill in with evidence of just about anything and everything required.  It will take me till November to fill it in!  No wonder we are all feeling a bit stressed at the Farida HQ.  And Christine keeps muttering darkly 'I hope you will make some money this time'.  So do I!

And if you see me, ask about the chiropodist story - it's not really printable!

11th July 2006

After a really long week working at Raqia Hassan's Ahlan wa Sahlan festival in Cairo, it was a relief to get home to England.  I am always greeted by 'Did you have a good holiday'!  Believe me, 10+ hour days of working are not my idea of a holiday.  It was really hard work & I was pleased to get back to the relative sanity of the UK where things are more organised and less chaotic - or so I thought.

I had a day to get over the Cairo experience then was teaching in Carlisle - then had a day of workshops planned with Shafeek in Newcastle with Cairo Beats at a new venue on the evening.

First of all, Shafeek rang to say he had got on the wrong train.  Sunday service - it meant he wouldn't get to Newcastle until 3.30pm.  His first workshop was 1 - 3pm!  So, I ended up teaching 2 hours of Sha'bi.  Then Shafeek took over & did 2 hours of Saidi.  Not really a problem - just one of those things.

After the workshop we went for something to eat then on to the Powerhouse.  I was really looking forward to using the new venue - it has a fabulous dance floor with squares of flashing coloured lights.  We were early so I wasn't worried when the place was locked up.  I rang the managers mobile - straight to answer.  Strange.  I rang Angus - Farida problem shooter - he found the land line number & tried that.  No answer.  Angus told me to go to Twist - another bar run by the same people.  They told me to go to another bar - The Baron & Baroness - as the assistant manager was on duty there.  They knew nothing about the booking.  Paul, who I had dealt with, had left.  They rang the new manager - but there was nothing they could do - they didn't have staff to open up the Powerhouse.  They did offer us upstairs in the bar but there was no sound system & no performance area.

I walked back up - and could see people queuing outside the Powerhouse waiting to get in - it was 7.40pm - we were due to start at 8pm.  Angus had jumped in his car & joined us.  He, Christine & I ran round different bars to find someone who could host the evening.  Angus found it - The Loft - they had an upstairs bar with stage, sound equipment etc.  Yes, they wanted more money - but I was out of options & just pleased we had somewhere.  Angus led the punters, Pied Piper fashion to our new venue.  Ayesha stayed by the Powerhouse, Christine & Paul donned sparkly dresses & placed themselves strategically to re-direct people.

We are used to being resourceful & inventive - but it has never been such a close call before.  20 minutes to find a new venue - with a queue of 50 people having gathered by the time we found one.  And we still started our first performance slot on time at 8.30pm.  Can you believe it?

Thanks to everyone that helped on the night - and to all those fabulous people that keep coming back the the magical mystery tour that is Cairo Beats!  So much for us being better organised than the Egyptians - I take it all back!

15th May 2006

A fab night out at the club night, Cairo Beats last night.  Slightly disappointing news that Hide have decided they don't want to host the event anymore.  Apparently it is the World cup on the 9th July - when our next one is scheduled.  And they have decided they don't want us back even after that.  'The noise carries downstairs and drives our other customers away' he told me.  We had discussed this at the beginning and it wasn't an issue - they were dead on a Sunday night & pleased of the custom.  'I'm worried about the floor & the number of people in the room' - again something we had discussed and Hide had assured me they had bigger crowds in the room and it would be fine.  So ... once again we are homeless!  This is our 3rd venue and we had sort of settled.  First Tiger Tiger didn't want us, then Beyond, now Hide.  I could get a complex - but instead I'll find somewhere better!  I may have to re-think this whole project!  If you have an idea for a venue, give me a call.

2nd May 2006

The first rehearsal for the Tarab Dance Company of our new show, 'Strictly Bellydance'.  We take over the Play Station in Penrith for the weekend.  It is a great opportunity to catch up with each other - work hard, play hard, eat good food, drink nice wine & enjoy the company.  When Ali announced her piece of choreography was 12 minutes - and we saw the flip chart size piece of paper she was working with, we fell silent at the enormity of the task.  Ali creates such fabulous floor patterns.  Non of us could believe it when we actually got through the whole thing - it remains to be seen if we will remember it for the next weekend. 

As we talked through the concept of the show & decided to make it a multi media show - with video footage of rehearsals - we realised we needed to find someone to film the next rehearsal.  Who an earth can we drag into this project on an unpaid basis - many hours of work for the love of the work itself.  If you read this and can think of anyone with film / editing skills that might be up for it, give me a call.

Of course the thing we got most excited about over the weekend was - What costumes do we wear?

25th April 2006

Classes back under full steam.  Putting together lists of events so my classes know what is going on.  Friend Emily asked me to include some Mesopotamian story telling in the next event over the summer.  I thought I could do some sort of multi cultural event - but have decided it is one thing too many.  It just so happens that Peter, newly wedded to my little sister, is a story teller.  So ... am hoping he will take it on.  Or - if you read this and are interested, let me know.

23rd April 2006

Just back from Cairo - nothing seems to have blown up in my absence!  The same cannot be said of Cairo.  Our Egyptian star for the Farha tour was set to quit before the first advert was out!  All sorted now - Inshallah!  As Yasmina pointed out - it is going to be a very long 7 months between now & November.  As ever, the girls seemed to have a good time.  This Rakassa trip they had classes with Dina, Raqia, Randa, Khazafy & Dandesh!  What a line up.  Diva's everyone of them.  With the exception of Khazafy.

I sorted out payment with Khazafy, Yasmina & the band at the party night on the last night.  After the party, we left Yasminas & went back to the hotel to load the bus then onto the airport.  There was a message for me to ring Yasmina URGENTLY.  I had a sudden vision of getting things out of my bag to pay people - and leaving my plane ticket on the bed at Yasminas.  I rang her - 'It's OK, I know - I've left my ticket'.  'Have you?  That's not why I'm ringing - you only paid Khazafy for 1 hour, not 2!'.  She was right - I knew exactly what I had given him.  Why did I do that?  Too much on.  Yasmina found my plane ticket on the bed.  I sent the girls off on the bus so they didn't miss the plane.  I waited - and waited - and waited.  Till Khazafy arrived with ticket.  I gave him cash and a profuse apology, leapt in a taxi and made it just in time!

13th April 2006

Starting to think about my Cairo trip on Saturday.  Liaising with Anne about a venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  Reading job applications.  Yes, at Farida, we are going to get admin staff in.  It is all too much.  Still suffering from our computer crash & haven't got all the e-mail addresses back in the address book yet.  It all takes time.  I am starting to think of interviews.  What on earth will someone who doesn't know me think of the Farida HQ?  Christine & I have high hopes that this person will organise us & keep the office tidy.  I think it might be expecting too much!  Last weekend we did our annual stock take.  I asked people to check the sizing of costumes as they went along.  This meant many topless women sat round writing labels & holding bra's to their chests in an attempt to gauge the size.  Occasionally, when it all gets too much, Christine dons Desiree, her pantomime horse - a sort of safety blanket.  All sorts of people come & go at irregular times.  My cat often drags worn knickers and socks about the house, leaving them draped around.  Is it possible to find a normal person to work in this sort of mad house?  'I've thought of an interview question', said Christine.  'What uniform would you prefer, topless - or a pantomime horse?' 

Check out photos of Desiree's day on photo gallery Desiree's Adventures