Belly dancing to take centre stage at new festival
Photo: Australian belly dancer, Sophia at Sydney Harbour
Photographer: Danielle Lopes De Melo
World-class performers to visit Sydney November 6-9, 2008
Belly dancers in sync with the beat of a drum, lavish bejewelled costumes, music with rhythm and soul are all synonymous with the Middle Eastern arts. Bringing world-class belly dancing to Australia for the first time, The Farha Tour 2008 will be performing in Sydney from
November 6-9, 2008.
This comprehensive Middle Eastern Arts and Cultural Festival is a first for Australia and will feature performances and workshops by revered belly dancers, whirling dervish, folkloric artists and musicians from Egypt. Complementing the workshops and performances, visitors will have free entry to the accompanying bazaar – a shopping mecca for costumes, food and souvenirs.
Church Street, Parramatta will be the central hub of The Farha Tour 2008 events. Sure to entertain and inspire, Riverside Theatre will house the Cairo Nights concerts featuring performances by the authentic Egyptian artists. The artists, along with their Australian counterparts, will then share their expertise in workshops for beginner to advanced students at Latin Soul Dance Studios.
The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar will feature free dance performances plus vendors from Egypt and Australia showcasing belly dance costumes by renowned international designers, authentic Egyptian cuisine and souvenirs. The bazaar will be held in the Riverside Theatre courtyard from 10.00am – 11.00pm throughout the festival. All are welcome and entrance is free.
Amera’s Palace, an institution in Australia’s belly dance scene is launching the tour in Australia. Owner, Amera Eid explains “nowhere outside the Middle East will you be able to see a collective group of international Egyptian performers of such high calibre. This is a first for our country and I encourage everyone to attend and soak up the exciting atmosphere.”
The Farha Tour 2008 ticket holders will also be treated to pre-concert dinner discounts at the highly regarded El Phoenician Restaurant each night of the tour. With great Lebanese cuisine set in contemporary and elegant surrounds, El Phoenician Restaurant provides the ideal ambience to put concert-goers in the mood for the Cairo Nights performance. Workshop and concert ticket holders will receive a 25% discount on their meal if they dine between 5.30pm – 7.00pm (bookings are essential). El Phoenician Restaurant is located at 328 Church Street, Parramatta. Visit www.el-phoenician.com.au or phone 02 9633 1611 for bookings and more information.
The Farha Tour 2008 booking information
Workshops will be held every day of the tour at Latin Soul Dance Studios - Levels 2 and 3,
292 Church Street, Parramatta (above Sicilian restaurant) - and cost between $55 and $135. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.farhatour.com.au or phoning Amera’s Palace, 02 9519 4793.
Cairo Nights concerts will take place from November 6-8, 2008 only. Concerts will be held at Riverside Theatre - corner of Church Street and Market Street, Parramatta – and cost between $45 and $68. Tickets can be purchased through Riverside Theatre by visiting www.riversideparramatta.com.au or phoning 02 8839 3399.
Contact The Farha Tour 2008 - 02 9519 4793
(Amera’s Palace)/www.farhatour.com.au
El Phoenician Restaurant offers festival discount
To mark the arrival of world-class Middle Eastern arts and cultural festival,
The Farha Tour 2008, the highly regarded El Phoenician Restaurant, Parramatta will be treating all ticket holders to pre-concert dinner discounts during the November event.
With great Lebanese cuisine served in contemporary and elegant surrounds,
El Phoenician Restaurant provides the ideal ambience to put concert-goers in the mood for the Egyptian belly dancing extravaganza arriving in Australia for the first time.
El Phoenician Restaurant owner, Tony El Bayeh is happy to reward tour ticket holders. “Belly dancing has been a part of our restaurant culture for years. We’re thrilled to be in partnership with a festival that promotes entertainment of such high calibre and would like to extend our thanks to tour attendees by providing a discount throughout the festival.”
Ticket holders to The Farha Tour 2008 events held at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, will receive a 25% discount on their meal if they dine between 5.30pm – 7.00pm from November 6 – 9, 2008 (bookings are essential). El Phoenician Restaurant is located at 328 Church Street, Parramatta. Visit www.el-phoenician.com.au or phone 02 9633 1611 for bookings and more information.
Contact The Farha Tour 2008 - 02 9519 4793 (Amera’s Palace)/www.farhatour.com.au
Contact Riverside Theatre, Parramatta - 02 8839 3399/www.riversideparramatta.com.au
