Regardless of whether you’re a belly dancing enthusiast or you’re new to dancing, there will be something for all abilities to enjoy at the Dance Create Evolve Event this October.
Hosted by local belly dance group Shimmy in the Glen, the event offers both the chance to watch and learn more about this ancient dance form.This year’s event will be held on the weekend of 27-29 October and will feature a range of activities and will also include opening and closing events to encourage the social aspect of dance and promote local businesses.
Helen Tucker, from Shimmy in the Glen, says Dance Create Evolve is the biggest belly dance event in the New England Region.
“It is an opportunity for local dancers to invite others from the belly dance community to visit our lovely historic town.”
“This year, we have added welcome and farewell events for our out-of-town visitors to experience some local hospitality from unique businesses Glen Gowrie Distillery and The Croft Celtic Cultural Centre and Café,” says Ms Tucker.
If you’re keen to come along and learn how to belly dance, or perhaps perfect your technique, this year’s special guest tutor is Amanda Pooley Brand from Melbourne dance school APB Dance.
Ms Pooley Brand has both studied and performed belly dancing locally and internationally. She will run a full day intensive workshop on Saturday the 28th of October which will cover techniques, choreography, and Middle Eastern music knowledge.
The workshop is considered suitable for all levels of experience so, even if you’ve never tried belly dancing before, this is your chance to get involved in a fun environment. Tickets for the workshop are $75 and include lunch and afternoon tea.
Ms Pooley Brand will also be the special guest for the “Evening of Dance” performance event on Saturday evening.
Described as a cabaret-style concert, the night will offer the opportunity to enjoy some world-class performances, as well as the chance to get involved in some social dancing. Shimmy in the Glen will also be taking to the stage to show off the dances they’ve been working on throughout the year. Tickets for the evening event are $30 and include the show and a sweet treat.
If you’re keen to enjoy the whole day including both the show and dance workshops, there is a full day ticket available for $100.
When booking any of the Saturday events you’ll then also be offered the chance to book a place for the opening evening at Glen Gowrie Distillery on Friday 27th. The opening event will offer attendees the chance to sit down and enjoy a three-course meal together. A closing breakfast at The Croft Celtic Cultural Centre will round out the weekend’s festivities.
Make sure you also keep an eye out for Shimmy in the Glen’s Shimmy mob. They’re currently doing pop-up belly dance performances to raise money for Share the Dignity and increase awareness around the emotional signs of domestic abuse. Their next outing will be at the Glen Innes Cottage Markets on the 2nd of September, and they’d love people to come and cheer them on!
Tickets for Dance Create Evolve can be booked via Humanitix. To find out more about the Shimmy in the Glen dance group, visit their Facebook Page.
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