The Artists
WENDY BUONAVENTURA (Sirocco Director)
Wendy has worked internationally as dancer, choreographer and writer to critical acclaim, and was the subject of the TV documentary Making Mimi. Her book Serpent of the Nile has become the classic history of Middle Eastern dance, and is reissued this year in a new, updated edition. Her performance work and writing explore cultural myths and stereotypes of women. Her latest book, Midnight Rose, is based on the life of the notorious Edwardian dancer Maud Allan. www.buonaventura.com
Clips of Wendy's performance work on YouTube - Testament of Salome | Wendy Buonaventura
BEATRICE GROGNARD
Based in Brussels, Beatrice is director of Tarab Dance Company and an ex-archeologist. She has won a dedicated UK following for her elegant, expressive raqs sharqi which, whilst preserving its essential nature, is infused with a spirit of modernity. Much praised for her warm, generous teaching style at last year’s event she returns to Sirocco by popular request. www.tarabofegypt.com
RAKSAN
Raksan dazzled Sirocco audiences last year with a 46 minute piece based on her life story, and also returns by popular request. A 20 year stage career in German variety theatre and circus has had a distinct influence on her performance style. She brings a charismatic presence, rigorous technique and an innovative approach to Middle Eastern dance, adding principles of modern and jazz dance, whilst never losing sight of the Oriental tradition.
To view extracts of Raksan's performance at last year's Sirocco, go to her website - www.raksan.de
VENUS SALEH
Born and raised in Iran, Venus began dancing at a very young age and has a compelling stage presence impossible to ignore. Working regularly with the Iran Heritage Foundation, she has become an ambassador for classical Persian culture. She brings a rich knowledge of Persian dance and a playful humour to both her teaching and stage work.
THE UZUMÉ
The Uzumé, founded in 2005, was the first troupe to represent Tribal Fusion in the Netherlands. Their charisma, powerful stage presence and highly innovative choreography, drawing on different dance disciplines, have already won them many awards. They will be offering 2 full days of workshops at Sirocco this year, as well as performing. www.the-uzume.com
Clips of The Uzumé's performances at last year's Sirocco can be seen on YouTube - Video 1 | Video 2
KARINE BUTCHART
‘Dance your passion’ has been the theme of Karine’s work over many years’ teaching and performing in the UK. Working over many years with varieties of Middle Eastern dance, her recent studies in flamenco have added a new dimension to her work. She is interested in exploring the boundaries of dance to express deeper meaning, bringing out her students’ creativity and encouraging well-being through dance. www.arabic.souldance.com
LUCIA ZAHARA
Lucia Zahara, from Sicily, learnt her native tarantella at weddings and other social events, and she will be bringing to Sirocco the Pizzica, a women’s trance dance of Southern Italy. She teaches Arabic, gypsy and taranta dance and drumming and holds workshops on the healing power of dance through self-expression and awareness of energy. Her theatre work seeks to present the dynamism and mystery of these dance forms.
HAZEL KAYES
Dancer, actress, chef and bon viveur, Hazel brings warmth and exuberance to her teaching and performing. She has taken dance groups to the Sinai desert, travelling and camping with the Bedouin, and has appeared in Textiles In Performance with the Studio 7 group of textile artists.
CAROLINE AFIFI
A dancer of passion and inventiveness, Caroline has in recent years been in Cairo many times, looking at its popular dance scene and its rebellious underground aspects. Her past theatre work includes Forbidden Fruit, Café Medina and Sabrine. She is on the steering committee of Liverpool’s Arabic Arts Festival.
EVA WARMAN
Eva has been teaching Qigong classes for the last 10 years in Frome, with a preference for the Hua Gong style taught by Zhixing Wang. This style focuses on self-healing and transformation.
Links
For all questions, enquiries and bookings please email or telephone (+44) 0117 927 3099 or email: info@siroccofestival.org.uk
Sirocco Arts, P. O. Box 1071, Bristol BS99 1HE.copyright Wendy Buonaventura 2008
website design by Anthony Davis