Sirocco Festival 2008
Wendy Buonaventura presents a
festival of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dance and
culture.
Sirocco is a wind
which comes up from the Sahara, bringing its warmth to
Europe. Our new festival celebrates this meeting of
cultures, with dance that has journeyed from East to
West to find a welcome here. We gather together some of
the most inspiring international artists and a huge
range of dance styles, from Egyptian raqs sharqi
to American Tribal… and all styles in between.
Our artists for 2008
• LEILA HADDAD
• RAKSAN
• BÉATRICE GROGNARD
• CAROLINE AFIFI
• HAZEL KAYES
• KARINE BUTCHART
• WENDY
BUONAVENTURA
• CHAS WHITAKER
Feed the senses with an
inspiring weekend of
learning, laughter, inspiration and creativity!
We have lined up a superb
programme of workshops, theatre, films, dance parties and exhibitions for your enjoyment. Not
forgetting the pampering side of experience, massage and
henna-painting for hands and feet will be available
during the weekend.
Our artists
Leila Haddad has
won international praise for her theatre work, her fiery
North African dance and for pioneering the art of raqs
sharqi. Raksan stunned UK audiences with her
recent one-woman show. She brings charisma and the
influence of variety theatre to Middle
Eastern dance. Béatrice Grognard has won a
dedicated UK following for her graceful innovations in
raqs sharqi. Caroline
Afifi is a dancer of originality and passion, whose
shows include Forbidden Fruit, Café Medina and Sabrine.
Hazel Kayes Dancer, actress and born viveur,
Hazel is known for her warm teaching style and exuberant dance shows.
Chas Whitaker Chas Whitaker plays and teaches Middle Eastern percussion
and is well known for his work accompanying dancers. Wendy Buonaventura
has won international press acclaim for her innovative
theatre work. Her book Serpent of the Nile has
become the classic history of Arabic dance. Karine
Butchart is dedicated to bringing out her students’
creativity and encouraging confidence and well-being
through dance. ‘Dance Your Passion’ is the theme of her
work… and the theme of SIROCCO.
Our festival takes place
in the charming Somerset town of Frome.
Come early
to the festival and enjoy the exhibitions, clothes and
craft shops and cafes in town.
For all questions and
enquiries about the Festival and booking please
email or
telephone 0117 927 3099
