Hadia's International Belly Dance Academy

“Hadia’s Tours” are renowned for sharing authentic and unparalleled experiences into the History, Culture, Dance and Music of Exotic and Vibrant lands, including Turkey. Now I invite you to join her for an unforgettable journey to the Magical Kingdom of Morocco.

After more than a year in the planning, this Moorish adventure sets a new precedent by bringing you into the heart of the thousand year old Moroccan Berber culture via the 49th Festival of Folk Art in Marrakech. Unlike most countries who present professionally-trained dance companies to perform their folklore, it is the people of Morocco’s villages who travel to Marrakech from the mountains, desserts, oases, river valleys and sea sides, to present their living folklore in the outdoor theatre of the ancient El Badi Palace near D’jma al Fna. Among this year’s performances will be ‘Bidat Rma, Ahidous, Ain A’arma, Ahouash Imentanout, Ahouash Ouarzazate, Ahouash Tisint, Aissawa, Daqqa lMerrakshiya, Gnawa, and lGuedra.

New to this year’s event has set up a small village in the olive groves of the Shabab gardens of the red city, which will feature authentic Moroccan culture and traditions. A mobile exhibition will also roam Mohammed V Avenue to bring traditional music, song and dance to the general public. Finally, a large residence will also be provided for the Lem’elmin (masters of Moroccan folk arts), their traditional bands, and a group of students artists to share their knowledge and culture across the generations.

Here are some young ladies from Tisint — check out the headdresses WOW! Now this is real taste of Tribal! Can’t wait for the shows and our class with them!!

We have been able to arrange exclusive lessons during the day with several of the festival’s groups of dancers and musicians. I will also review the folkloric class material plus share my own unique and oh-so-yummy version of oriental dance with the group during our stay in Marrakech.

We will have many more fascinating things to do and see in Marrakech as well as 5 days of Fesitval performances and classes, before continuing our adventure through Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains (including Kenifra and Azrou) en route to the majestic medieval city of Fez, home of the Sacred Music Festival. Our exploration continues in Fez with a multitude of ancient sites and a very special trip to an authentic Moroccan hamam (bath). We will continue onto Voulubis, the Roman capital of Northwest Africa; Rabat with its many amazing sites and finally end our adventure in Casablanca, the largest port city in the Maghreb, as we discover the mystique of Spanish Moorish influence, as well and Colonial French Connection of its Art Deco décor. But, I will paint these pictures for you in my next post, coming up in the next few days.  While you are waiting, feel free to drop me a line at hadia@hadia.com (I am still on tour over in Asia, so please don’t call before April 18th) and I will be very happy to give you more details about this very special journey. You can also have a look through our itinerary and pricing at http://www.hadia.com/travel/morocco2014.

This really will be the trip of a lifetime, so hope to have you along for the ride. See you soon!

oxox Hadia