‘Raqs Sharqi’ translates to ‘Danse Orientale’ in French, what in the English language we refer to as ‘Bellydance’. Neither of these translations please the facilitator of this beginner’s workshop, which aims to teach the basics of the two main traditional Arabic dance styles, ‘Sharqi’ and ‘Baladi’, as popularised by such stars of the Arabic world as Tahia Cariocca and Samia Ghamal in 1950s Egyptian cinema. As well as dance, we will discuss (a little bit), play dress-up, drink tea and eat baklava. The techniques taught in this class will be based on the teachings of international dance master and activist Leila Haddad.