Hadia's International Belly Dance Academy

If you missed the first posting, click here!

July 19/20:

It’s “All Aboard the Marrakech Express!” on July 19th arriving in Marrakech the morning of the 20th. Our phenomenal Moroccan guide will be waiting for us at the airport before whisking us off to our hotel for warm welcome including Moroccan mint tea, sweets and a delightful presentation about our upcoming program for the exciting days ahead. Then we will be free to relax, get unpacked and have a nap before celebrating our first night in this incredible city with the opening festivities of the 49th International Festival of Folk Arts.

July 21: Marrakech
After breakfast, we will spend the morning with our guide exploring the majesties and wonders of Marrakech. We will being with a visit to the beautiful and historic Moorish edifice called the Menara, with its a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds. The construction, built in 1866, was designed for the dignitaries, so that they could enjoy glorious sunsets with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains which provided an ethereal backdrop. The pool is also an innovative, functional irrigation system belonging to an ancient architectural style adapted to the desert lifestyle. We will visit several other impressive sights, including the Koutoubia Minaret (identical to la Giralda tower located in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadian tombs, which demonstrate Moorish architecture at its greatest. The tombs, a collection of sixteenth century mausoleums, were hidden behind walls until their discovery in 1917. Next will be visiting the museum of Dar Si Said, featuring a very impressive display of Berber arts and crafts from all over Morocco. Next will we visit Bahia Palace, which exemplifies Moorish splendor at its finest. It is situated in the heart of the Mellah, and continues to host dignitaries to this day. The tour will end at the colorful souks (markets) of Marrakech. An hour is offered for you to mingle or take a drink at the square Jamaa El Fna before we return to the hotel before being whisked off to our second evening at the festival for more fabulous performances!

July 22, 23 and 24th: Marrakech

We will spend the next three days taking our very special and exclusive workshops with the Festival performers. These day time workshops will be held in the performers’ tents (their temporary homes for the week) and will include the Ahwash of Houwara group, the Chikhat of Al Aita Hawziyya and the every famous Guedra dancers. I will also be teaching my Body Logic magic and Egyptian oriental classes, as well as reviews of the workshops. We are also planning a session of Morocco’s own version of Egypt’s Zar ceremony. For the extra energetic and adventurous, our guides will be happy to offer us optional excursions to some of the special sites in the regions surrounding Marrakech. Our evenings with treat us to yet more amazing dancers and musicians from all corners of the country at the Festival.

July 25: Marrakech

Finally, a day off to immerse ourselves in the exotic handcrafts, artwork and riches of the endless souks of the city. Then if time permits Hadia will treat you to a review of our fabulous folklore and her orientale classes. Then we will celebrate our brief but unforgettable expérience in Marrakech with the Festival’s Grand Finale Closing Ceremony before we head over to Fez in the morning!l!
For full details, including, registration forms, dates, prices, payment options, our super interesting flight deal and deadlines for flight booking and tour payments, just click on the link below:

http://www.hadia.com/travel/morocco2014

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly on Facebook or drop me an email at hadia@hadia.com, or you can also reach me by phone: 902 640-2473 or 514 969-2220.