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This year we are doing something completely different and new for Rhythms - we are declaring The Town Hall as THE DANCE HALL. Hitchin town hall has one of the best sprung dance floors in the county so it seems only natural to take full advantage of it.

Over the festival we have 6 completely different dance sessions for you to watch and/or join in with - from Salsa to Ceilidh to Egyptian Folk Dance, it’s up to you. All have experienced dancers and professional teachers and most of the practitioners run classes/sessions locally so if you catch the bug or just like what you see, then pick up a flyer and talk to the organisers.

The Cornerstone Bar will be running an alcohol-free cocktail bar, helping to raise money for a similar youth group based in Zimbabwe.

AL AMAR and TABEEYA RAQS SHAQI DANCERS

AL AMAR are 4 non-professional Raqs Shaqi dancers who perform traditional and modern Egyptian folk dance with a strong accent on community dance for all to share and enjoy. The TABBEYA dance company are a group of experienced performers and teachers and together they will teach you the rudiments of Egyptian Folk Dance, also known as Raqs Shaqi.

Musical accompaniment will be from internationally renowned percussionist Ibrahim El Minyewi, with Emile Bassili on Kamangah (Egyptian Violin), joined on stage by the amazing 10 year old Poppy Hall for some duets with Ibrahim.

THE BLACK SQUIRREL SQUARE DANCE CLUB

Square dance is a form of formation dance with dancers working together in fours, with a caller telling you what to do and when. Thankfully, there will be many experienced dancers to help guide the first timers around the floor.

TANGO ERRANTE – TANGO DANCE WORKSHOP

True authentic Argentinian tango with live musicians, professional dancers and teachers. Tango Errante will be appearing on the Market Place Stage at 2.30pm. so go along and see what it’s all about and then pop up to the town hall for some professional tango tuition all for free. Or, of course, just go along and watch the beautiful sexy moves.

UNICORN CEILIDH with LAUGHING GRAVY

These are the bee’s knees, Laughing Gravy are an excellent live band playing traditional English Folk Dance music. Add an excellent caller and some great dancers to help and you’ll soon be dozy-doeing your way around the floor. Of course, you can just drop in to check it out and pick up a flyer for their next event. Dancing at a Ceilidh is always good fun and this will be a great way to finish your day at Rhythms.

SALSA with AND 123

Andy and his amazing team of dancers and teachers have been a part of Rhythms for several years. Even if you don’t take part it’s well worth popping in to see this incredibly glamorous style of dance close up. Again there will be friendly experienced dancers only too happy to show you the moves and help complete novices get a feel for Salsa. And123 run salsa clubs and classes throughout Hertfordshire, including Hitchin Town Football Club every Tuesday.

TEA DANCE

A Tea Dance is so named as it usually takes place in the afternoon, and tea is served at the interval. The dance comprises of ballroom, latin, sequence, old time and the occasional line dance accompanied by a variety of modern and traditional music.

This session will be 50/50 sequence and ballroom. Like all the other sessions over the weekend there will be plenty of friendly experienced dancers ready to help complete novices get a feel for the dance.

selection 2008 lineup archive want to perform?