Over the course of the past twelve months a number of people have asked us why we do what we do? What have we got to do with the Romans? These are both very good questions, so as we’ve got a bit of a quiet spell coming up, I thought it would be a good idea to post a response.
When we are in Roman-mode, Ya Raqs are all about trying to represent the music and dance from the Roman Empire; doing our best to give a flavour of the very cosmopolitan world that was the Roman Empire. Roman dancing would have been very different to what we think of as dance today. It was often much more acrobatic and would be closer to what we would consider gymnastics than to dancing. But the Romans were clearly aware of the more colourful and exotic dancers that inhabited parts of their empire. In 30 BC the Roman writer and poet Martial says that dancers from the Nile were sent to Rome and in 60 BC the Romans imported dancers from Syria into Rome.
From AD 206 there is a wonderful account from Egypt of a contract from "Year 14 of Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax and Marcus Aurelius Antonius Pius, Augusti, and Publicus Septimus Geta Caesar Augustus”. This contract is with a dancer called Isadora and states that “I wish to engage you with two other castanet dancers to perform at the festival at my house for six days beginning with the 24th of the month of Pauni [May 26-June 24] according to the old calendar, you receive as pay 36 drachmas for each day and for the entire period four artabas of barley and 20 pairs of bread loaves and whatsoever garments or gold ornaments you may bring down, we will guard these safely; and we will furnish you with two donkeys when you come down to us and a like number when you go back to the city.” - so pretty much pay plus travel expenses, which is what we would expect today.
Examples like this are rare and the reality is that these musicians and dancers would have been from the lower levels of society and therefore their names and their stories do not always survive into the written record. There are, however, some tantalising pieces of evidence that help to link us as dancers, not only to the Roman period in Britannia, but more specifically to the Leg XX in Deva.
The Roman army drew its soldiers from all over the Roman Empire, but each legion tended to contain a large number of recruits from a single province of the empire. A sizeable proportion of the Twentieth Legion – which is the legion based in Deva (Chester) – are thought to have come from Syria. We know that Syrian dancers were particularly favoured among the Romans. There is no evidence to suggest that dancers from Syria actually made up part of the camp followers in Deva, but what is almost certain is that some of the soldiers based there would have been familiar with the music and dance of Syria – their home country.
So is there any evidence of North African dancers in Britannia – well the answer is we are not sure but there could have been. In York there are the remains of the “Ivory Bangle lady”, which gives us our second piece of tantalising evidence. Her remains were discovered in 1901 in York (Roman Eboracum). Her grave dates back to the second half of the 4th century and she was buried with jet and elephant ivory bangles (hence the name) and blue glass beads. Analyses of her remains have concluded that she originated from North Africa, possibly even Morocco or Tunisia. There is no suggestion that she was a dancer, in fact it is probably more likely that she was from a much higher social class than a mere dancing girl. But what is interesting is that even as far north as Eboracum there were people from North Africa and, just like the Syrian soldiers in Deva, the Ivory Bangle Lady would almost certainly have been familiar with the music and dance from her country of origin.
Ya Raqs aren’t pretending to be Roman dancers, but what we are doing is giving a flavour of the diverse range of music and dance from part of the Roman Empire – in particular Egypt, North Africa and what is now the Middle East. The music we dance to draws on rhythms that would have been familiar to the people from parts of the Roman Empire; the instruments that those rhythms are played on would also have been familiar; and the dance moves are, on the whole, as old as time, handed down through the generations and depicted on tomb scenes, and pottery, from the period.
As for the costumes – well that is the subject of a whole new discussion and something that we should perhaps come back to another time.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
The Romans are Coming, posted by Meroe
The weekend of the 3rd and 4th September saw us back in Roman mode on the original site of the fort of Danum (otherwise known as Doncaster) as part of the St Ledger Festival with Deva Victrix Leg. XX v.v. and the Leg. VIII AVG.
The weekend was a bit mixed – sunny Saturday, soggy Sunday – but despite having a range of weather conditions thrown at us, we all had a great weekend and were very well looked after by Doncaster council and the Premier Inn.
Danum certainly has a lot of enthusiastic mini-dancers; from the moment the awning had been put up on the Saturday there was a steady stream of children wanting to dress up and learn to dance. When they weren’t dancing they were having temporary tattoos. They certainly kept Phoenece and Tameri busy all day.
Phoenece with two new recruits
In between junior dance sessions we did manage some dancing of our own. In the afternoon Meroe and Tameri joined in with the procession of the gladiators through town, leaving Phoenece, Kebi and Mish Mish, to literally “hold the fort” until we all got back for the Gladiator Show.
Meroe and Tameri with the gladiators
Unfortunately the gods that watch over all things relating to “sound systems” were clearly having an off day, and so we could not perform the Dance of Death at the gladiator show as we’d planned, but in true Ya Raqs spirit we managed to improvise.
Meroe
Sunday, was slightly more soggy and to be honest was not quite the middle eastern weather we’re used to, but it did not dampen the spirits. Despite the weather the crowds turned out again and we had a steady flow of mini-dancers all day long.
It was a great weekend on an amazing site. Everyone made us very welcome and the all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Premier Inn certainly set us up for the day.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Northwich Medieval Festival, posted by Noor
After the summer's Roman events, a change of period for us, as we took part in the Northwich Medieval Festival on 13-14 August, in the town's Verdin Park. We set up our tent opposite the arena, between a stall selling delicious local produce, and another selling jewellery - we visited both several times over the weekend.
On the Saturday, we performed a couple of short sets in various spots around the town. Of course, the delicious free samples being offered by Giulio's Italian restaurant didn't influence our choice of location at all!
Caught in the act!
The weekend included something we always enjoy - the chance to dance to live music. As well as songs from the medieval period, Squeake's Noyse performed a number of dance tunes, and we took these as our cue to join in.
Dancing with Squeake's Noyse
Meroe's have-a-go workshops proved very popular on both days, and on the Sunday she was joined by some people who clanked even more than a dancer in a heavy coin belt - three of the knights, who took a break from practising their fighting skills to try something new.
Meroe's new pupils
As if performing, busking with Squeake's Noyse, and trying to teach men in plate armour how to shimmy weren't enough, we also found time to offer visitors to the festival two more activities; children's dressing up, and henna tattoos. Our basket of skirts, scarves and all things sparkly proved a big draw, and once suitably dressed, our junior dancers were shown some simple moves by Phoenece and Tameri. Meanwhile older children and adults could have a henna tattoo done. We only use natural brown henna, not black, and only for over-12s. For younger children we offer temporary tattoos in a variety of colours.
Dressing up with Phoenece
Meroe does a henna tattoo (photo courtesy of Matt Eagles)
There was so much to do and see that both days flew by, and before we knew it, we were packing up the tent at the end of a very enjoyable weekend.
On the Saturday, we performed a couple of short sets in various spots around the town. Of course, the delicious free samples being offered by Giulio's Italian restaurant didn't influence our choice of location at all!
Caught in the act!
The weekend included something we always enjoy - the chance to dance to live music. As well as songs from the medieval period, Squeake's Noyse performed a number of dance tunes, and we took these as our cue to join in.
Dancing with Squeake's Noyse
Meroe's have-a-go workshops proved very popular on both days, and on the Sunday she was joined by some people who clanked even more than a dancer in a heavy coin belt - three of the knights, who took a break from practising their fighting skills to try something new.
Meroe's new pupils
As if performing, busking with Squeake's Noyse, and trying to teach men in plate armour how to shimmy weren't enough, we also found time to offer visitors to the festival two more activities; children's dressing up, and henna tattoos. Our basket of skirts, scarves and all things sparkly proved a big draw, and once suitably dressed, our junior dancers were shown some simple moves by Phoenece and Tameri. Meanwhile older children and adults could have a henna tattoo done. We only use natural brown henna, not black, and only for over-12s. For younger children we offer temporary tattoos in a variety of colours.
Dressing up with Phoenece
Meroe does a henna tattoo (photo courtesy of Matt Eagles)
There was so much to do and see that both days flew by, and before we knew it, we were packing up the tent at the end of a very enjoyable weekend.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Arab Arts at the World Museum
As part of the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival 2011, the World Museum Liverpool invited Meroe to hold drop-in Arabic dance workshops on 2nd and 3rd July. On the Saturday Mish-Mish, Noor and Phoenece joined her to give a short performance in the museum's main foyer.
Mish-Mish, Noor, Phoenece and Meroe. Thanks to Phillip McHugh for the photograph.
Mish-Mish, Noor, Phoenece and Meroe. Thanks to Phillip McHugh for the photograph.
Tullie House Museum, Carlisle
On 25 June Ya Raqs joined Legio VIII Augusta and our own Deva Romans in Luguvalium (Carlisle) to celebrate the opening of Tullie House Museum’s new Roman Frontier Gallery.
The Emperor Domitian himself travelled to this northern corner of his empire for the event, although he did arrive by the distinctly un-Roman means of a train! He was met at the station by an honour guard of Roman soldiers, along with Meroe and Kebi, who had swapped their dancing clothes for Roman costumes, and were employed scattering flower petals in his path.
Kebi, Domitian and Meroe
As well as the gallery opening, Carlisle was also marking Armed Forces Day, with a number of displays in the main square. In the morning The Royal Signals (Northern) Band led a parade from Tullie House to the city centre, where Domitian addressed the waiting crowd. Then it was back to the museum, where the gardens had been transformed into a Roman encampment for the day, with stalls, storytelling, and the chance to try some Roman crafts.
Outside the museum
The parade - soldiers old and new
We performed a short set in the museum, before taking the opportunity to look round the new gallery. As well as a number of interactive exhibits, the gallery has a wide range of well-displayed objects, both from the museum's own collection and some on loan from the British Museum. We all agreed that it was well worth a visit.
In the afternoon we processed back to the main square for the gladiator show. Each gladiator wore a different colour, and visitors to the museum had had the opportunity to read about the gladiators beforehand, choose who to support, and collect a sticker or balloon in the colour of their favourite. This certainly made for a colourful event.
Leonidas (in yellow) and his supporters
The day ended with a flag-lowering ceremony in the city centre, and a final procession of cadets, service and ex-service personnel from the Old Town Hall Square to Carlisle Castle for a sunset ceremony.
Finally, our thanks to Robin Brown of Legio VIII Augusta for looking after us so well, and to Chris Lee for kindly giving permission to use his photographs of the day.
The Emperor Domitian himself travelled to this northern corner of his empire for the event, although he did arrive by the distinctly un-Roman means of a train! He was met at the station by an honour guard of Roman soldiers, along with Meroe and Kebi, who had swapped their dancing clothes for Roman costumes, and were employed scattering flower petals in his path.
Kebi, Domitian and Meroe
As well as the gallery opening, Carlisle was also marking Armed Forces Day, with a number of displays in the main square. In the morning The Royal Signals (Northern) Band led a parade from Tullie House to the city centre, where Domitian addressed the waiting crowd. Then it was back to the museum, where the gardens had been transformed into a Roman encampment for the day, with stalls, storytelling, and the chance to try some Roman crafts.
Outside the museum
The parade - soldiers old and new
We performed a short set in the museum, before taking the opportunity to look round the new gallery. As well as a number of interactive exhibits, the gallery has a wide range of well-displayed objects, both from the museum's own collection and some on loan from the British Museum. We all agreed that it was well worth a visit.
In the afternoon we processed back to the main square for the gladiator show. Each gladiator wore a different colour, and visitors to the museum had had the opportunity to read about the gladiators beforehand, choose who to support, and collect a sticker or balloon in the colour of their favourite. This certainly made for a colourful event.
Leonidas (in yellow) and his supporters
The day ended with a flag-lowering ceremony in the city centre, and a final procession of cadets, service and ex-service personnel from the Old Town Hall Square to Carlisle Castle for a sunset ceremony.
Finally, our thanks to Robin Brown of Legio VIII Augusta for looking after us so well, and to Chris Lee for kindly giving permission to use his photographs of the day.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
This Was Deva, posted by Meroe
If you were not in Chester (Deva) for the weekend of 4th and 5th June then you missed what was easily the biggest Roman re-enactment event in the country this year. Soldiers, Gladiators, Celtic tribes, Roman Cavalry, Caesar, potters, blacksmiths, surgeons, apothecaries, druids; everything from the Roman world, and last but by no means least, the musicians and dancers from the Roman Empire. This was amazing. This was Deva.
Members of the Roman Cavalry
Our first day was baking hot – real Egyptian weather – but thankfully the second day was a lot cooler, and much nicer for dancing. For this event a new dance group had been formed, called Maysoon, drawing from dance classes in Chester. This gave us a “supa-troupe” of 14 dancers for the weekend. We were joined by the amazing Mazaj (Chas Whitaker and Maren Leung); the equally amazing Adam Warne, and the beautiful as well as amazing Nawarra.
Maren, Adam and Chas
Nawarra performs a stick dance
There were two centres for all the fun this weekend – the Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Park. All of the music and dance elements, as well as some of the smaller, more intimate performances, were held in Grosvenor Park.
On the Friday before the event, the park was gradually transformed into a little piece of ancient Rome, with streets of period market stalls with traders selling a wide range of things from hand-made glass beads, to games, furs, pottery and food. You could visit an apothecary, a Roman beauty parlour or get your hob-nail boots repaired at the blacksmith. At one end of this newly formed Roman town were the military tents of the various legions that had descended on Deva. And at the other end; the Celtic Tribes and Iron Age groups and the local druids, but right in the heart of town were the dancers and musicians.
The Roman potter's stall
Phoenece and Tameri play a Roman game
Ya Raqs and Maysoon performed two sets during the course of both Saturday and Sunday, in between music from Chas, Maren and Adam, and more dancing from Nawarra. There were workshops and mini-me dress-up, as well as a chance to get your foot or hand hennaed. Whenever the central arena was being used by some of the other performers, we busked our way round the Roman town, just as the musicians and dancers would have done in Roman times.
Around mid-day, half of the performers joined the other re-enactors, almost 350 of them, as they marched through the streets of Deva in a procession that was estimated to be a quarter of a mile long. There was certainly no doubt that the Romans were back in town.
The procession
At the end of each day was the stunning gladiator show in the amphitheatre. I’m not entirely sure that everyone who sat in the arena this weekend really appreciated that they were actually sitting on remains of a real Roman amphitheatre that would have been witness to many spectacles such as the one we were re-enacting. Members of Ya Raqs took part in the show by providing the Deva gladiators with dancers for the Dance of Death; where the veils they dance with represent the souls of the gladiators. There may have been 4,500 people in that audience but you could have heard a pin drop!
On the Sunday, the gladiator show ended with all of the performers; Romans, Celts, gladiators, dancers and musicians gathering in the amphitheatre - a truly impressive sight.
The finale (thanks to Sharon'Dorito Baskerville for the photo)
If you were not able to get to Deva (Chester) this year, then you really, really, should try and come in 2012.
We’d like to thank Chas Whitaker, Maren Leung, Adam Warne, Nawarra, and the Maysoon girls for helping us make this event such a success. But we’d particularly like to thank Paul Harston from Roman Tours for inviting us to be part of such an amazing event.
This WAS Deva and we will be back in 2012 – will you?
Members of the Roman Cavalry
Our first day was baking hot – real Egyptian weather – but thankfully the second day was a lot cooler, and much nicer for dancing. For this event a new dance group had been formed, called Maysoon, drawing from dance classes in Chester. This gave us a “supa-troupe” of 14 dancers for the weekend. We were joined by the amazing Mazaj (Chas Whitaker and Maren Leung); the equally amazing Adam Warne, and the beautiful as well as amazing Nawarra.
Maren, Adam and Chas
Nawarra performs a stick dance
There were two centres for all the fun this weekend – the Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Park. All of the music and dance elements, as well as some of the smaller, more intimate performances, were held in Grosvenor Park.
On the Friday before the event, the park was gradually transformed into a little piece of ancient Rome, with streets of period market stalls with traders selling a wide range of things from hand-made glass beads, to games, furs, pottery and food. You could visit an apothecary, a Roman beauty parlour or get your hob-nail boots repaired at the blacksmith. At one end of this newly formed Roman town were the military tents of the various legions that had descended on Deva. And at the other end; the Celtic Tribes and Iron Age groups and the local druids, but right in the heart of town were the dancers and musicians.
The Roman potter's stall
Phoenece and Tameri play a Roman game
Ya Raqs and Maysoon performed two sets during the course of both Saturday and Sunday, in between music from Chas, Maren and Adam, and more dancing from Nawarra. There were workshops and mini-me dress-up, as well as a chance to get your foot or hand hennaed. Whenever the central arena was being used by some of the other performers, we busked our way round the Roman town, just as the musicians and dancers would have done in Roman times.
Around mid-day, half of the performers joined the other re-enactors, almost 350 of them, as they marched through the streets of Deva in a procession that was estimated to be a quarter of a mile long. There was certainly no doubt that the Romans were back in town.
The procession
At the end of each day was the stunning gladiator show in the amphitheatre. I’m not entirely sure that everyone who sat in the arena this weekend really appreciated that they were actually sitting on remains of a real Roman amphitheatre that would have been witness to many spectacles such as the one we were re-enacting. Members of Ya Raqs took part in the show by providing the Deva gladiators with dancers for the Dance of Death; where the veils they dance with represent the souls of the gladiators. There may have been 4,500 people in that audience but you could have heard a pin drop!
On the Sunday, the gladiator show ended with all of the performers; Romans, Celts, gladiators, dancers and musicians gathering in the amphitheatre - a truly impressive sight.
The finale (thanks to Sharon'Dorito Baskerville for the photo)
If you were not able to get to Deva (Chester) this year, then you really, really, should try and come in 2012.
We’d like to thank Chas Whitaker, Maren Leung, Adam Warne, Nawarra, and the Maysoon girls for helping us make this event such a success. But we’d particularly like to thank Paul Harston from Roman Tours for inviting us to be part of such an amazing event.
This WAS Deva and we will be back in 2012 – will you?
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Marbury and Brook Street
Mid-May saw Ya Raqs and Deva Victrix invited to Marbury Merry Days, a traditional country fair in the village of Marbury, in the Meres district of Cheshire. Sadly, the weather was not kind, and a stiff breeze blowing off the Big Mere meant that at one point some of us were dancing an impromptu set while still wearing our capes!. All was not lost, however, as we were able to take our portable PA system over to the craft and tea tents, and perform for the visitors and stallholders indoors.
The "cape" dance, and the Big Mere
At the end of the month we joined Irish dancers, Roman soldiers and a Chinese dragon at the first Brook Street Carnival, in Chester. The carnival was organized by the Brook Street Traders and Residents Association to bring the community together and show off the variety of the area. Click here to see a clip of one of our performances.
Outside the cafe
In a small way, we made a lasting impression on Brook Street. At the time of the carnival, plans were in place for the creation of a large mural on the gable end of one of the properties on Brook Place, opposite the cafe. The mural depicts buildings and events in Brook Street, both past and present, and if you look at the various design stages, you can see that a dancer in a distinctive red and black costume makes her appearance after the first draft, just behind the black car.
Can't quite make her out? Here's some photographs.
Part of the completed mural
Close-up of the dancer
The "cape" dance, and the Big Mere
At the end of the month we joined Irish dancers, Roman soldiers and a Chinese dragon at the first Brook Street Carnival, in Chester. The carnival was organized by the Brook Street Traders and Residents Association to bring the community together and show off the variety of the area. Click here to see a clip of one of our performances.
Outside the cafe
In a small way, we made a lasting impression on Brook Street. At the time of the carnival, plans were in place for the creation of a large mural on the gable end of one of the properties on Brook Place, opposite the cafe. The mural depicts buildings and events in Brook Street, both past and present, and if you look at the various design stages, you can see that a dancer in a distinctive red and black costume makes her appearance after the first draft, just behind the black car.
Can't quite make her out? Here's some photographs.
Part of the completed mural
Close-up of the dancer
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Fund Raiser in Bramhall, posted by Meroe
Wednesday 18th May saw the girls at St Michael’s Church Hall in Bramhall, near Stockport, to dance at a fundraiser for the Gambian Schools Trust.
I decided to take the “scenic” route partly due to the fact that my in-built satnav was on the blink and for the first time in a long time, I got horrendously lost. But somehow I managed to fall through the door in time to get changed and ready for the first set.
We’d been invited to dance at St Michael’s by Olive Roskilly, who had seen us perform at the Chadkirk festival in 2010. The aim of the evening was to help raise money for a Gambian Schools charity.
Our first set was folk based and was very well received by the audience. They were quieter than many of the audiences we’ve danced for but there was a lot of toe tapping and plenty of applause when we’d finished.
After the break we decided to go for a more glamorous look and had the chance to wear our sparkly dresses. Were the audience getting used to us, or was the wine that was served during the interval starting to hit the spot? I guess we’ll never know, but whichever it was the audience were definitely livelier in the second half. Not only were they clapping along to the music, but we even managed to get a few of them up to join in.
It was a fantastic evening and our thanks go to Olive and her colleagues at St Michael’s not only for inviting us to join them, but for looking after us so well while we were there – lots of very nice tea and biscuits in the interval. With a little bit of help from us St Michael’s was able to raise £250 for the Gambian Schools Trust – well done.
I decided to take the “scenic” route partly due to the fact that my in-built satnav was on the blink and for the first time in a long time, I got horrendously lost. But somehow I managed to fall through the door in time to get changed and ready for the first set.
We’d been invited to dance at St Michael’s by Olive Roskilly, who had seen us perform at the Chadkirk festival in 2010. The aim of the evening was to help raise money for a Gambian Schools charity.
Our first set was folk based and was very well received by the audience. They were quieter than many of the audiences we’ve danced for but there was a lot of toe tapping and plenty of applause when we’d finished.
After the break we decided to go for a more glamorous look and had the chance to wear our sparkly dresses. Were the audience getting used to us, or was the wine that was served during the interval starting to hit the spot? I guess we’ll never know, but whichever it was the audience were definitely livelier in the second half. Not only were they clapping along to the music, but we even managed to get a few of them up to join in.
It was a fantastic evening and our thanks go to Olive and her colleagues at St Michael’s not only for inviting us to join them, but for looking after us so well while we were there – lots of very nice tea and biscuits in the interval. With a little bit of help from us St Michael’s was able to raise £250 for the Gambian Schools Trust – well done.
Monday, 13 June 2011
Claire House update, posted by Noor
As we finished tidying up at the Ellesmere Port Royal British Legion late on Saturday night (or was it early on Sunday morning by then?), I was sure of two things; everyone had had a good night, and we had made a lot of money for a great cause. The dance and gladiator shows were enjoyed by both the audience and the other performers, and there had been lots of opportunities to tempt people into donating even more. The raffle proved very popular (the fact that one of the prizes was a giant chocolate hamper may have had something to do with this!), and the cake stall was emptied by the end of the evening. The bazaar gave local dancers the opportunity to sell items which they no longer used, with a percentage going to Claire House, and of course to buy new things as well. Once the show was over there was a chance for everyone to dance to a mixture of Arabic and western music, and members of Meroe's dance class, which takes place at the venue on Thursday evenings, took to the floor with a "flash mob" performance.
Meroe (in white) and her class
All this, along with a generous donation from Tameri's workplace, gave us a grand total of £585.20.
I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved; the rest of the Ya Raqs girls for all their help, Deva Victrix for supporting us, Caroline Afifi and Caroline Thorpe for coming to perform, Elaine for her delicious cakes, and the staff at the British Legion who helped the night go so well, and of course, everyone who came along to the evening.
Meroe (in white) and her class
All this, along with a generous donation from Tameri's workplace, gave us a grand total of £585.20.
I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved; the rest of the Ya Raqs girls for all their help, Deva Victrix for supporting us, Caroline Afifi and Caroline Thorpe for coming to perform, Elaine for her delicious cakes, and the staff at the British Legion who helped the night go so well, and of course, everyone who came along to the evening.
Claire House Fundraiser, posted by Pheonice
……and a good time was had by all,
The show began with an introduction by the Roman Emperor himself, who then presented the dancers. Ya Raqs performed several routines, including tradition Bedouin and Egyptian dances and a solo by Meroe, and we had guest appearances by Caroline Afifi, who performed a modern Egyptian piece, and Caroline Thorpe, a cheeky stick dance. As I danced, I was pleased to see a lot of the audience, both men and women, were dressed in attire suiting the theme of the night, and they were really getting into the swing of things.
Ya Raqs
Meroe
During the interval, a delicious buffet, supplied by Sue Powell-Green, was enjoyed; I didn`t know vegetarian food could be so varied and tasty. There was plenty of retail therapy from the bazaar, where the girls picked up lots of glitzy bargains, also a cake stand brimming with delicious homemade cakes, provided by Elaine Chapman, which were snapped up.
The second half of the show began with `The dance of death`, a poignant veil routine by Ya Raqs, followed by fighting by gladiators of Deva Victix; this went down really well with the audience, who enthusiastically cheered on their favourites.
The Dance of Death
After the fighting, there was dancing for everyone who wanted to join in. Some of the girls from the audience were wearing their recent purchases from the bazaar, while others were back at the bazaar looking for more bargains.
Many thanks to Noor for arranging the night.
The show began with an introduction by the Roman Emperor himself, who then presented the dancers. Ya Raqs performed several routines, including tradition Bedouin and Egyptian dances and a solo by Meroe, and we had guest appearances by Caroline Afifi, who performed a modern Egyptian piece, and Caroline Thorpe, a cheeky stick dance. As I danced, I was pleased to see a lot of the audience, both men and women, were dressed in attire suiting the theme of the night, and they were really getting into the swing of things.
Ya Raqs
Meroe
During the interval, a delicious buffet, supplied by Sue Powell-Green, was enjoyed; I didn`t know vegetarian food could be so varied and tasty. There was plenty of retail therapy from the bazaar, where the girls picked up lots of glitzy bargains, also a cake stand brimming with delicious homemade cakes, provided by Elaine Chapman, which were snapped up.
The second half of the show began with `The dance of death`, a poignant veil routine by Ya Raqs, followed by fighting by gladiators of Deva Victix; this went down really well with the audience, who enthusiastically cheered on their favourites.
The Dance of Death
After the fighting, there was dancing for everyone who wanted to join in. Some of the girls from the audience were wearing their recent purchases from the bazaar, while others were back at the bazaar looking for more bargains.
Many thanks to Noor for arranging the night.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Lancaster, posted by Hebba
I was excited when I started my journey to Lancaster on Saturday the 9th April. Why?
Well this was our first performance of the season and I hadn't seen any of the Roman soldiers since Saturnalia. It was a warm sunny day, although some of the others from the warmer parts of the Roman empire might disagree. But the sun was out and everyone was ready to process from the castle to the museum in the centre of the town. There were horns, sagat, drums, and of course us making lots of noise as we followed the marching Romans. A lot of people came and followed us, some even joined in! Outside the museum in the town square we set up camp. It was brilliant as there were so many people waiting to see what was going to happen next.....
As usual when the Romans are about we had to stand quietly as they worshipped the various Gods and showed off their prowess with their military might, big swords etcetera. Ya Raqs then danced, including in our performance some new routines which we had been practising over the winter months, which went very well. We could have married off a couple of the dancers as there were some very keen potential husbands. The audience at Lancaster was very appreciative which always raises our spirits and performance.
Tameri, Hebba, Phoenece, Mish Mish, Kebi and Aisha
We were even fed by the people at the museum, I don't think they were told if they feed us we will just keep coming back... But thank you so much, the food was lovely.
As the sun was lowering in the sky, the Romans marched back to the castle, with us following. It was a lovely day for so many reasons.
Well this was our first performance of the season and I hadn't seen any of the Roman soldiers since Saturnalia. It was a warm sunny day, although some of the others from the warmer parts of the Roman empire might disagree. But the sun was out and everyone was ready to process from the castle to the museum in the centre of the town. There were horns, sagat, drums, and of course us making lots of noise as we followed the marching Romans. A lot of people came and followed us, some even joined in! Outside the museum in the town square we set up camp. It was brilliant as there were so many people waiting to see what was going to happen next.....
As usual when the Romans are about we had to stand quietly as they worshipped the various Gods and showed off their prowess with their military might, big swords etcetera. Ya Raqs then danced, including in our performance some new routines which we had been practising over the winter months, which went very well. We could have married off a couple of the dancers as there were some very keen potential husbands. The audience at Lancaster was very appreciative which always raises our spirits and performance.
Tameri, Hebba, Phoenece, Mish Mish, Kebi and Aisha
We were even fed by the people at the museum, I don't think they were told if they feed us we will just keep coming back... But thank you so much, the food was lovely.
As the sun was lowering in the sky, the Romans marched back to the castle, with us following. It was a lovely day for so many reasons.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Sirocco
Several members of Ya Raqs recently attended the Sirocco dance festival in Frome, Somerset.
Sirocco is a weekend-long dance fusion festival, which celebrates the meeting of East and West in dance and music. The event kicked off with a theatre show on the Friday evening, with performances by the weekend's teachers. Then there were two days of workshops, and a party on the Saturday night.
Pheonice, Meroe, Noor, Kebi and Amisi at the party
Between us we attended a range of workshops; including Baladi, Ghawazee and Zambra Mora dance styles, creating choreographies and dancing with a stick.
We also met up with our friend Nawarra, who organised our trip to Morocco last year, and who was teaching Khaleegee and Moroccan Shaabi workshops.
Amisi, Meroe, Kebi, Nawarra, Pheonice and Noor
Last but by no means least, several of us took a number of workshops with Karim Nagi, on his first teaching trip to the UK. His workshops covered a huge amount on the different rhythms and types of melodies used in Middle Eastern music, and we felt that they helped us a lot in understanding the music that we dance to.
Amisi, Kebi, Meroe, Pheonice and Noor with Karim
All in all a great weekend, and many thanks to Kebi for driving us all the way there and back.
Sirocco is a weekend-long dance fusion festival, which celebrates the meeting of East and West in dance and music. The event kicked off with a theatre show on the Friday evening, with performances by the weekend's teachers. Then there were two days of workshops, and a party on the Saturday night.
Pheonice, Meroe, Noor, Kebi and Amisi at the party
Between us we attended a range of workshops; including Baladi, Ghawazee and Zambra Mora dance styles, creating choreographies and dancing with a stick.
We also met up with our friend Nawarra, who organised our trip to Morocco last year, and who was teaching Khaleegee and Moroccan Shaabi workshops.
Amisi, Meroe, Kebi, Nawarra, Pheonice and Noor
Last but by no means least, several of us took a number of workshops with Karim Nagi, on his first teaching trip to the UK. His workshops covered a huge amount on the different rhythms and types of melodies used in Middle Eastern music, and we felt that they helped us a lot in understanding the music that we dance to.
Amisi, Kebi, Meroe, Pheonice and Noor with Karim
All in all a great weekend, and many thanks to Kebi for driving us all the way there and back.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Claire House fundraising event - Saturday 30 April
Ya Raqs are holding a Roman/Egyptian evening for Claire House Children's Hospice on Saturday 30 April, in Ellesmere Port. There will be dancers and gladiators, a raffle, a buffet, and a disco to end. We may even have a visit from the Emperor himself! Watch this space for more information.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Claire House – for Michael, posted by Meroe
Although not on our official “events list” this year, Ya Raqs did take part in a fundraiser for Claire House on Sunday 28th November, and we feel this should certainly be included in our round-up for the year. This was a particularly poignant event for the Ya Raqs girls, as the son of one of our number finally lost his battle against cancer, literally just a few days before this event.
I have to say that of all the events we have taken part in this year, the Claire House event has to have been the coldest – I think temperatures got down to minus 7 at one stage! Most of us had lost all the feeling in our feet quite early on as temperatures began to plummet – it is perhaps just as well that we were not dancing, although some dancing might have helped to warm us up. We were there to help meet and greet all those who had came along to support Claire House and the incredible work that they do. The afternoon came to a close with a firework display and a round of carols – although I have to say that the singing was a bit on the poor side. So, come on folks, you have got twelve months to practise your “Deck the Halls” so let’s see if we can do better next year! A big thank you to Ciggie from Roman Tours, who invited us along to the event, and to the staff at Claire House, who kept us supplied with plenty of hot chocolate to help ward off the effects of hypothermia!
A very cold Meroe, and friend
I have to say that of all the events we have taken part in this year, the Claire House event has to have been the coldest – I think temperatures got down to minus 7 at one stage! Most of us had lost all the feeling in our feet quite early on as temperatures began to plummet – it is perhaps just as well that we were not dancing, although some dancing might have helped to warm us up. We were there to help meet and greet all those who had came along to support Claire House and the incredible work that they do. The afternoon came to a close with a firework display and a round of carols – although I have to say that the singing was a bit on the poor side. So, come on folks, you have got twelve months to practise your “Deck the Halls” so let’s see if we can do better next year! A big thank you to Ciggie from Roman Tours, who invited us along to the event, and to the staff at Claire House, who kept us supplied with plenty of hot chocolate to help ward off the effects of hypothermia!
A very cold Meroe, and friend
Thursday, 13 January 2011
St. Wilfrid’s Medieval Fair, posted by Meroe
2010 marked a very special event in Stockport’s history - 750 years of Stockport Market. Stockport is one of the oldest markets in the country and, unlike many others, is still trading on its original site. Events were held throughout the year, with the finale being a recreation of St Wilfrid’s Medieval Fair on 23 and 24 October - and Ya Raqs were invited to join in the celebrations.
Ya Raqs’ first set, of four, was in Warren Street, to a rather small but appreciative crowd of Stockport shoppers. As the afternoon progressed the streets around the covered market slowly began to fill with jugglers, musicians, knights and even a smoke-breathing dragon. It certainly made a change from the gladiators and legionaries that we are usually surrounded by.
Phoenece, Kebi, Tameri and Aisha dancing in front of the Market Hall
Our second set followed hot on the heels of the Bed of Nails Show in the main arena. There was then a short break until our final set, which gave us a chance to join in a Medieval Dance workshop given by the ladies from the Plantagenet Society. The whole event culminated in a procession and an incredible fire and light show, which included some very impressive fire juggling.
Kebi, Phoenece, Meroe and Tameri in the Plantagenet Society workshop
For you history buffs out there – this was the eve of St. Crispin’s Day and the Battle of Agincourt! It certainly was a super event and our thanks go to Sam Tavernor and all her colleagues at Stockport City Council for not only inviting us to join in with their celebrations also for looking after us so well.
Ya Raqs girls finished the day off in style – as if a super fire show and medieval knights were not enough - by having an incredible meal at amazing Persian restaurant in the town called Rayhoon. If you are ever in Stockport with time to spare you should go – believe us, your tastebuds will thank you!
Ya Raqs’ first set, of four, was in Warren Street, to a rather small but appreciative crowd of Stockport shoppers. As the afternoon progressed the streets around the covered market slowly began to fill with jugglers, musicians, knights and even a smoke-breathing dragon. It certainly made a change from the gladiators and legionaries that we are usually surrounded by.
Phoenece, Kebi, Tameri and Aisha dancing in front of the Market Hall
Our second set followed hot on the heels of the Bed of Nails Show in the main arena. There was then a short break until our final set, which gave us a chance to join in a Medieval Dance workshop given by the ladies from the Plantagenet Society. The whole event culminated in a procession and an incredible fire and light show, which included some very impressive fire juggling.
Kebi, Phoenece, Meroe and Tameri in the Plantagenet Society workshop
For you history buffs out there – this was the eve of St. Crispin’s Day and the Battle of Agincourt! It certainly was a super event and our thanks go to Sam Tavernor and all her colleagues at Stockport City Council for not only inviting us to join in with their celebrations also for looking after us so well.
Ya Raqs girls finished the day off in style – as if a super fire show and medieval knights were not enough - by having an incredible meal at amazing Persian restaurant in the town called Rayhoon. If you are ever in Stockport with time to spare you should go – believe us, your tastebuds will thank you!
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