SHIMMYFEST is coming to Soham later this month, when belly dance stars run day time workshops and then perform an evening Hafla get together.

Ely Standard: Shani performing at their last Hafla.Shani performing at their last Hafla. (Image: Archant)

The event - at The Brook on Saturday May 18 - has been organised by local belly dance troupes Shani and Sienna, and will raise funds for the Arthur Rank Hospice charity.

Shani, a 5-piece dance troupe, and Soham based trio Sienna, share a mutual love of belly dance and the ladies all met at dance classes run by Shani member Caroline Lerrigo.

Caroline said: “The event will be amazing. We have some internationally recognised teachers coming to do workshops and we also have some brilliant dancers who will be performing in the evening. It’s a chance to see belly dance, including some of the modern variations such as Gothic and Fusion, up close on a scale not seen before in the Ely area.”

Teaching at the event will be dark tribal-fusion specialist Bex; tribal, can-can and fire dance expert Horizon; American tribal style duo, Akula; and local star Elizabeth.

The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s Hospice at Home Service provides specialist palliative care for people over 18 at the end of their life, enabling them to remain at home if that is their wish. The cause is close to the heart of the troupe, as the father of one of the dancers was assisted by the Hospice at Home service before he died earlier this year.

Community Fundraiser, Aisha Hunt adds “I would like to say a very big thank you to Shani, Sienna and everyone involved. It sounds like it is going to be a great fundraiser with lots of fun. Support from the community is so vital to the hospice – the money and awareness that could be raised from this event is very much appreciated, thank you”.

Workshops are aimed at those with previous belly dance experience but the evening Hafla, which starts at 7.30pm is open to anyone. Tickets cost £6 for performers and £8 for guests. Call Caroline on 07833 513245 or Zoe Evans on 07786 260327 or find more information at www.shanidance.co.uk.