The Hafla in the evening ran at Woodside Hall with a varied mix of dancers performing from all shades of Egyptian, through Tribal Fusion to Dark Fusion. The highlight for me was the ever fearless and fabulous Kay Taylor’s performance that included dancing on chairs and audience participation. It was Kay being Kay and it was the one time I wish my camera recorded in 3D!
Alongside the performances there was a souk including a charity stall run by Joannie Ward which made£420 on the night. Stalls from Farida, Fogina and Angela’s Attic (a bring and buy stall). The shopping proved very popular especially Angela’s Attic, us Scots girls like a bargain. Farida’s stall was several people deep every time I looked over. Unfortunately the souk proved a little too popular, Ann and Sarah had to call people back to their seats a few times to watch the next set of performances.
The latest Glasgow Festival of Arabic Dance took place on Saturday 18th June, organised by the inimitable Ann Mclaughlin and the ever lovely Sarah Pulman.
Workshops during the day were held at Dance HQ’s bright and light studios with classes from the likes of Laura Monteith, Her Royal Hellness aka Christine and Kay Taylor along with various well known Scottish teachers.
The traffic and parking were found to be a bit of an assault course by some, but then that’s Glasgow for you. My friend and I got there and parked beside Glasgow Green, overhearing the MC for a band competition along the way.
Laura Monteith’s “Adding Drama” was first up. Full of hints and tips, someone really needs to invent a way of recording thoughts while you dance at workshops. It was filled with lovely storytelling choreography set to Beats Antique music, level changes, direction changes and an especially great tip on Odissi turns.( Note to self must get calloused feet). Laura ended the workshop with “2 minutes of happy”... For happy read high speed Mardi Love-esque choreo at La Serpent Rouge pace. Have a look at the video below and you will see what I mean! Finally I got to take a class with Laura and it “fair set me up for the day”!!
After a quick bite to eat, catch up with old friends and a natter it was on to HRH’s “Dance Like a Zompire”. Zombie shuffles, silent screen acting and Rob Zombie to dance to, what more could a Dark Fusion Dancer ask for. Oh yeah that was it a smashing hug from my fellow Zompire Christine!
GFAD was a fantastic combination of great workshops, great performances, and meeting up with friends old and new, I think I was hugged out by about half past 8. Thank goodness I had the Monday after off work as I was blissfully exhausted with a loop of Rob Zombie and Odissi Turns going round in my head!
