Chester Dance Festival

Ya Raqs was one of a number of dance groups invited to take part in the Chester Dance Festival in October. We performed a number of dances in traditional styles such as Saaidi, Ghawazee and Nubian, and followed these with more contemporary ones, including a drum solo and a Modern Oriental routine.


Ghawazee dance


Nubian dance

Afterwards, Aisha led a "have-a-go" session where members of the audience were encouraged to try a few of the moves for themselves. Although we had brought some extra hipscarves with us to allow the participants to get into the mood, demand greatly exceeded supply, so the belts of our dresses were pressed into service to ensure that no-one was left out.



The "have-a-go" session

The event was a great success, and there are plans to repeat it next year.

Alvaston Hall

For our last outdoor dance event of the year, we joined Deva Victrix at a Roman Day at Alvaston Hall Hotel. Guests could try their hand at activities such as archery and slingshot, and watch demonstrations of Roman life such as cooking and of course, dancing. After each set of dances we held a short workshop.

East Anglian Medieval Fayre, posted by Hebba and Kebi

The East Anglian Medieval Fayre was our first foray into the world of the Medievalists. It meant travelling to March in Cambridgeshire, but it was a scenic trip over and the weather was fabulous. This was the case on the Saturday as well; in fact it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year. It was slightly misty and damp when we arrived at the site early on the Saturday morning, but we were met with a very warm welcome and an offer of hot drinks from the Knights of Honour, which was greatly appreciated. The Knights then generously offered us hot water for drinks throughout the weekend. Any time one of us wandered over to their encampment a shout of “squire” went out and a young man would run to fetch the kettle… a girl could get rather used to that!

Our Bedouin Tent attracted some curious glances as we began to erect it. We are still getting used to it, and to be honest it was a little bit saggy in parts and slightly askew. However once all the trimming was complete it looked the part.

On the Saturday we performed outside our tent and it was lovely to get some of our audience involved too, (some definitely had potential). The people we talked to were keen to know a little bit more about the travelling women following the Medieval camp.


Some of the Medieval traders' stalls

Throughout the day there were displays by the various groups, from Vikings through to Knights and Crusaders. In some cases whole families were involved, which was lovely to see. We watched the squires practising combat and later on some of the more experienced knights putting each other through their paces in the small arena. Meroe was in her element when the falconer asked her to help fly the large birds of prey in the afternoon.

Meroe and friend

Later on, Horses Through History treated us to a demonstration and we all cheered on our favourite horsemen; they were incredibly skilful and exciting to watch. Mish Mish was delighted when the Welsh rider won the competition at the end. (The way she talked you'd think she had been riding the horse!)

Mish Mish's Welsh knight

On the Sunday the weather changed and we got a taste of the winds coming off the Fens. We spent some time tightening ropes and hammering in wooden tent pegs to keep the tent upright. Thank you to the kind man who came around to help secure our tent at one point.

We were quite nervous of performing so far from home and with people we did not know, but all of us in Ya Raqs would like to thank everyone for making us feel very welcome and appreciated. It was a fun and educational weekend for us, and we are all looking forward to the next event.

Roman Camp at Beeston Castle

For two days the grounds of Beeston Castle were turned into a Roman encampment, complete with an arena. After the mixed weather of our last few events, we had two days of brilliant sunshine, and the event was well attended. Throughout both days there were various events such as combat demonstrations and an opportunity for children to join the Roman army and fight off marauding Celts (otherwise known as their fathers).

The Roman camp


The arena

Each day Ya Raqs perfomed several dances in the arena, along with a workshop and a have-a-go session. We also held more informal dance sessions by our tent, where children could also 'Dress Like An Egyptian' in scaled down dance costumes.
Both days ended with a gladiator tournament, along with a final dance by Meroe, who performed a mesmerizing sword dance for the Emperor.

Gladiators and Warriors

Once again Ya Raqs joined Deva Victrix and Deva Sempres at this two day event at Beeston Castle in Cheshire. Pictures and more details coming soon.

Goodbye to an old friend

Many of the photographs of Ya Raqs at outdoor events include our tent in the background. Originally a scout tent, it had seen many years of service by the time it was very generously given to us by Deva Victrix in spring 2008. It had been in storage for a while, but after a thorough cleaning, and mending a few holes and tears, it was ready to be used again. Once Meroe had painted on the Eye of Horus (cunningly covering up the words "Liverpool 14th Scout Troop") and added the coloured streamers, the transformation was complete.

Noor, Meroe and Hebba mending holes

Hebba, Phoenece and Aisha with the decorated tent

Sadly, despite our best efforts, time was taking its toll, and the downpour at the Roman Games in Chester was the final straw. One of the main panels split, and while we were able to patch it up for the day, we knew that a replacement would be needed. We were all sad to see the old tent go, but Meroe and Kebi came up trumps: finding a Touareg-style tent for us.

The new tent made its first appearance at the Gladiators and Warriors event at Beeston Castle, and surpassed all our expectations. It gives us space to sit and eat, whilst also providing a separate area for storage and changing, thus allowing us to be entirely self-sufficient at any event we attend.

Our new Touareg tent

Chadkirk Festival, posted by Meroe

I guess it would have been too much to hope that the weather this year at Chadkirk would be as glorious as it had been last year – but it tried, and Saturday’s sunshine certainly brought out the crowds. Ya Raqs had been invited back, by popular demand, and were once again accompanied by the boys from Deva Victrix. The girls performed no fewer than four sets, as well as a mini workshop – all of which went down really well with the crowd. The new Tunisian set proved to be a particular hit. The day absolutely flew by and when we were not dancing we were talking to the public and other stall holders and even managed to find time to have one of Chadkirk’s famous strawberry scones!

Meroe leads the workshop


Tunisian dance

Sunday’s weather was not so good and there was an awful moment when the whole day looked in serious danger of being cancelled. The arena on the lawn, which had been set aside for the performers, was rather soggy by midday and we were beginning to think that we should have brought along some sparkly wellington boots to dance in! But the gods were clearly smiling on us and a solution soon presented itself. We were to perform inside the chapel itself – so we felt it only right and proper that we should have another of those strawberry scones to celebrate!

Tameri, Meroe, Banafrit and Aziza dancing in Chadkirk Chapel

Despite being a slightly soggier day, Sunday was great fun too and a surprising number of visitors braved the elements to come and see us dance our Ghawazee and Fellahi sets. At one stage we even got one or two Romans to join in – truly a sight to behold! Another great event in a fantastic venue – if you’ve never been to the festival before you really should go – so watch this space and try and join us there again next year.

Roman Games, posted by Kebi

Music, Dance and Death !

A rather catchy title I thought and it really was a good description of the weekend. It was the first time I had seen a real arena games in the wonderful Amphitheatre at Deva (Chester to you Britons). What made it even more exciting was the presence of the Emperor Domitian. The girls were so excited and nervous to be performing for the Emperor!

The build up to the main event went on all day with dancing around the tent by Ya Raqs and demonstrations of war engines in the arena by the Roman soldiers. Our own Deva Victrix were joined by Deva Sempres, Legio VIII Augusta and the Irish detachment of Legio XX, just to remind the locals of the power of the army.

Then it was time for the show to begin. As a warm up two local Celtic criminals were thrown in and made to fight for their freedom, not that any was forthcoming for them as the bear that was added for good measure saw off both of them! Then a guard threw a child in! I thought that was going a bit far, but praise the Goddess the child tamed the bear. It was a wonder to behold.

My heart then swelled with pride to watch Meroe, Mish-Mish, Noor and Aziza dance to honour the gladiators about to fight for the entertainment of the emperor. The huge crowd hushed as the girls all dressed in white, with flowing silk scarves danced in the Roman style. The girls tied the colours to the arm of each gladiator, and the dance ended with a poignant last glance over their shoulders at the men about to die.

Noor and Meroe

Meroe, Mish-Mish, Aziza and Noor

I am not sure I can describe the actual fighting. All I will say is that the locals are very bloodthirsty and demanded many deaths. As the fighters rested, Ya Raqs danced in the middle of the amphitheatre in the Tunisian style. The day ended with a parade of the victors and I think the emperor was pleased.

The next day the Gods were not so kind and it rained, and rained and rained! The weather did stay dry long enough to hold the traditional march through the fortress and to show off the army’s new recruits. Some did seem rather young to me. I believe some parents from St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s RC Primary school, are hoping for a long and prosperous career for their children, or maybe they just want a bit of peace in the house. Anyway the children marched like professional soldiers. Their parents and teachers should be proud.

Kebi waits (and waits) for the rain to stop

Unfortunately the dreadful weather then closed in and meant most of the day was spent trying to stay dry. The archaeologists had an enormous tent which helped. They seemed to have a busy time explaining life in Deva to interested locals and tourists.

A high point was being able to surprise Meroe with a birthday celebration. Everyone sang and gave her a birthday cake. She was quite overwhelmed. It was lovely to watch her dance with the fantastic musicians Mazaj (Chas Whitaker and Maren Leug).

Meroe dances for the Emperor Domitian

All in all I think a wonderful time was had by all.

Kebi.

Ya Raqs Race for Life

Several members of Ya Raqs swapped their usual red hip scarves for pink or gold ones to take part in the Wirral Race for Life to raise funds for cancer research.

The 5k race took place in Birkenhead Park and began with a mass warm-up, where we followed instructions such as "shake your hips" with enthusiasm.

Banafrit, Hebba, Mish-Mish and Phoenece warm up

The 4,500 women taking part were then split into groups of 'runners', 'joggers' etc. We headed straight for the 'walkers' section.

Noor, Hebba, Mish-Mish, Banafrit, Kebi and Phoenece stay close to the banner marking the walkers' section

The weather forecast predicted a mixed day, and this turned out to be entirely accurate. We started in bright sunshine, but by the 3k mark a few drops of rain had started to fall, and by 4k the rain was torrential. Soaked through but undaunted, we completed the final stretch singing, "Singing in the Rain", accompanied by Mish-Mish playing sagat, and even managed to shimmy over the finishing line.

Shimmying to the finishing line


We did it!

Between the camel and the elephant

Ya Raqs were invited to take part in Chester's Midsummer Watch parade. This is one of Britain's oldest festivals. It was first held in 1498, and included a family of giants and a collection of fantastic beasts, among them a unicorn, an elephant, a camel and a dragon.

The original parade was organised by the city guilds and was performed regularly until the 1660s, when it died out. It was revived in the 1980s and has now grown to include new characters, made and carried by school and community groups in the city, as well as retaining the original ones.

We found ourselves between the camel and the elephant, which seemed somehow appropriate.

Our role was to process, rather than dance, but we managed to have the occasional impromptu performance when the opportunity arose.

Our instructions were to make a lot of noise, so we arrived well equipped with riqs (tambourines) and sagat (finger cymbals) that we used to good effect, along with the odd zaghareet (a loud Middle Eastern yodelling sound).

Wrexham and Minerva's Shrine, posted by Hebba

What a day we had at Wrecsam (Wrexham). The boys had caught a Celt who was causing a lot of trouble so during our walk around the town centre, Gittus tried to sell him to the people of Wrecsam. No interest whatsoever and in their displeasure Marcus handed the Celt to Mish Mish (a fellow dancer) who set about him, hitting, scratching and dragging him along the ground with rope. I felt quite sorry for the slave and shouted at Mish Mish to stop. When we got back to camp, the Roman legionaries decided to get some sword practice in and they armed the Celt, then many soldiers took a turn at fighting him. The Celt showed no fear and some skill, so he is now being trained to be a gladiator.

It was very warm at Wrecsam and the Master of the villa we were staying at asked Meroe if she and the others would dance; we did so and he seemed pleased with us and I must admit I really enjoyed performing with my friends. I think we all danced well because later on in the afternoon we were asked to dance again, which we did. We then went into the crowd to get the people watching to dance with us. The Master of the villa ran off; so did the brave Deva Victrix legionaries. Men! I liked Wrecsam and I would like to visit there again.


Hebba (on right) dancing at Wrecsam

The next day we travelled to Minerva's Shrine. We walked through Deva (Chester) and many people followed us down to Edgar's Field where the Shrine to Minerva is. Minerva must have been smiling down on us because it was another warm beautiful day. We were able to pitch our tent and I think it looked lovely with the coloured ribbons and hangings.

We danced for the legionaries and for those people who were curious to see what we were doing; again, it was good to dance with the group. Meroe danced on her own; she is quite skilful. The legionaries take the worship at Minerva very seriously and they always encourage us to worship with them and move away from our own Gods. (As if.)

Lancaster Roman funeral, posted by Kebi

Once again the many talents of Ya Raqs were in demand, this time in Lancaster playing mourners at a Roman Funeral. Why? In 2005 a unique grave marker was discovered in Lancaster. It shows a Cavalryman mounted on his horse, his sword in one hand and the severed head of a barbarian in the other. The marker is almost 6 ft tall and the carving is remarkably well-preserved. It is thought to date from around 100AD. The carving on the stone reads

'To the shades of the dead. Insus son of Vodullus, citizen of the Treveri, cavalryman of the ala Augusta, troop of Victor, curator. Domitia his heir had this set up'.

So a rather blustery morning just before Easter found Mish Mish, Meroe, Hebba and Kebi lining up behind a "corpse" and some very loud Roman soldiers from Deva Victrix, outside Lancaster castle. We processed down through the town with alternate chanting from the soldiers and wailing from us girls.

The procession gathered more and more followers as we made our way through the Saturday market until we arrived at Lancaster museum. For us in the procession it was made even more real when we remembered we were honouring a real person, a man named Insus from the Treveri tribe in Germany.

A large number of people followed us into the museum and we went to view the memorial stone in its new exhibition. The rest of the day was spent answering questions on life in Roman Britain. The museum staff were very friendly and provided a lovely lunch.

Things were much lighter on the way back to the castle where no mourning was necessary but a very surprised Centurio was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday to You. The people of Lancaster seemed really interested in what we were doing and some even followed us back to the castle taking pictures all the time.

A wonderful day was had by all.

See a video of the procession here

Io Saturnalia!

In December, Chester's Roman Legion, Deva Victrix, invited the city to "Celebrate Christmas the Roman Way". Saturnalia was the Roman festival to celebrate the god Saturn, and took place in late December. During Saturnalia, slaves and masters swapped roles, and a Lord of Misrule was appointed to preside over the celebrations. We donned thick capes and our warmest costumes to accompany Deva Victrix as they paraded through Chester accompanied by the Emperor, the Lord of Misrule and an effigy of Saturn.

The Emperor, soldiers carrying Saturn, and the Lord of Misrule

Watching the Lord of Misrule

Deva Victrix in Chester

After the procession there was a Saturnalia party, where we danced for the Emperor. Entertainment for such an important guest required extra dancers, and Ya Raqs were joined by 'The Balouza Babes', some of whom seemed unusually butch and hairy for dancers. Don't call us, girls; we'll call you!
Veil dance

The Balouza Babes