Ya Raqs do Diversity!

Another new event for Ya Raqs and our first outing to Connahs Quay.  We were very pleased to have been invited to be part of a brand new festival celebrating diversity – North East Wales Diversity Festival.

Lina, Phoenece, Naima and Meroe

With a bag full of spare sparkly hip belts, lots of chiffon scarves and a hand full of Ya Raqs dance certificates we made our way to the Civic Hall for our first of two dance sessions. The first was a workshop and although there were only a few folk to dance with us, boy did they throw themselves in to it.  They all did brilliantly and we even managed to get some of the stewards up too!

Just time for a quick break to recharge our batteries as only Ya Raqs can – and yes, before you ask, that did involve tea and cake!

What cake?  you blinked so you missed it!

Our second set was a trip through the villages of Egypt with folkloric dances from the Delta right down in to Upper Egypt in the south.  We had a great time and it was quite a luxury for us to dance on a proper dance floor, inside – so no fear of getting cold and wet!

Set 2 in full swing with Meroe, Kebi, Lina and Naima

We met up with some old friends – Rob Davies and one of the Ravens from the Tower or London – and made some new ones – in the shape of Paul Shanley, Magician.  Paul wowed us with a private magic show and despite being under Phoenence and Naima’s beady eyes we still couldn’t work out how he did it!

Phoenece and Naima with Rob and the raven.

Phoenece with her 6 of Clubs, but can Paul guess it?  Naima's got the proof - yes he can!

Thanks to all those involved in making the 2016 Diversity festival such a success – and thank you for letting us be part of it.