Sophie Mei

London Love

I never thought I’d say It but I feel a slight love for our capital – London. This month seems to have been London centric with the launch of the Olympics – London 2012 Open Weekend, the famous closure of ‘democracy village’ and I worked down south to get my dance teaching qualification.

Open weekend

We had our very own London 2012 Open Weekend launch in Leeds. The national theme was to ‘take on a challenge’ and be active. So in true Yorkshire style myself and several over performers gathered in Trinity Square to launch Yorkshire’s Open weekend. I was joined by cricketers doing Tai Chi, a Bollywood flashmob and Fellow Britain’s Got Talent finalist – Christopher Stone.

The event was organized by Yorkshire Gold who worked with LOCOG to organize the lovely carnival style event.

My favourite moment was when the head of Yorkshire Gold was introducing Christopher Stone: “this man to my right, has done so well for himself and for Yorkshire…” at this point a drunken man scuttled on to the stage shouting “what’s going on?”

Personally, two years too long – I cannot wait to host the games I think it’s going to be one of the most exciting events in the UK in this decade. Although, I’m sure Champion Jessica Ennis and other athletes are in no hurry.

Step to London

Reluctantly, I had to go to London to take my Exercise to Music teaching course. The latter I was pleased about as I have always wante an official qualification in sport but I’m not a big fan of staying in the Capital for more than one weekend.

Nontheless, I managed the tube, buses and crowds for the week and really enjoyed it. It helped staying with my sister who’s a fashion designer, so I spent the week borrowing her clothes and jewellery as well as training in the dance studio everyday.

Step up to Sheffield

I then spent my usual busy week in Sheffield – teaching dance, practicing in studio, running, radio and general admin bits.

Although, on thing I did do is see Step Up in 3d – so cheesy but you got to love it – we love falling for the dream from rags to riches and love… and with the advancement with 3d technology you feel as if you can live in these movies too!

Shake it like Shakira

When travelling BACK down South to complete my Studio Instructor course I came across this article in Look Magazine on Shakira… and low and behold… she thanks her toned abs to BELLYDANCE!

An E-card from Tunisia…

Asalama!

Labes… actually we’re more than just Labes because it is barcha good here! We’ve arrived after a short flight from Leeds to Monastir on Sunday 4^th July (American Independence Day) and, into my kind of paradise…

Dates, Camels, Bellydancing, drumming, music and good coffee!

Our first day involved us wondering around the huge Spa Hotel where we’re staying and along the promenade until we reached the harbour which is spectaculr. Not only are there lots of Yachts and lovely people but tacky shops!  We have all bought a Camel (mine’s called Mei Mei) – well of the small furry variety – along with cowboy hats and plenty of tacky souvenirs. My next mission is to buy a bigger camel, Shisha Pipe and a bongo drum to bring back…

We ate our first meal by the harbour as the sunset and also as an attempt to lose our stalkers – 3 lovely young Tunisian men whom insist we are family or ‘Pussycat Dolls’ – almost guys… almost Inchallah!

After an early night (and a Baileys of course), we woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on our huge Buffet breakfast – Pastries, Omelettes, fresh fruit, Cheeses and I was even able to have a plate of stir-fried vegetables – my mum would be proud.

We’ve had a hard day on the beach sunning ourselves on the longer and swimming in the clear green sea as well as making lots of friends especially the Animation team at the hotel. This was after a classic Aqua gym session in the sea along with some cheesy dance routines – LOVE IT!  This shared love has then lead us to spending the whole day on the beach eating, drinking coffee’s and dancing on the sand to Arabi, Latino and R n B usic. We have even tried or hand at learning the language, drumming and a bit of authentic dancing.  I have found a new dance partner – a stunning Russian bellydancer – we don’t speak just dance.

All four of us (Louise – my agent/best friend, Ruth – my training partner and Rebecca – drinking uni buddy) have had a Camel of a time! I jetted off on a Pedalo after befriending the Manager’s family, Rebecca lay sunbathing, Lousie went jet skiing and Paragllding and Ruth remained at the bar playing some tunes on the beach with the DJ.

Ruth and I (training partners forever) have even found time for a run and toning session along the promenade whilst Louise had a walk and coffee – we are all quite simply HAPPY!

Day 2: Crowned Miss’ Vincci Hotel

I was fooled into believing at school that my 5 A-levels and 13 GCSE’s were essential for late life, when in fact, all I ever needed was a diploma as ‘Miss Vincci Hotel’ which I was crowned last night, in return for my dignity it has to be said.

Today was spent camel (Jamal) riding, cooking bread in a pottery oven and then nearly getting kidnapped on the camel as the owner took a shine to me. I had no defence other than that I would happily jump off the hump if he took me anywhere too weird.

Louise took the choo choo train to Souz whilst the rest of the girls danced on the beach and slept in the sun. We are being well and truly looked after by the staff at the hotel who won’t allow men to even talk to us in the sea.

That evening we went to the beautiful fountain square to watch a light and fountain display and then I ran off to the pub to watch Holland Vs Uruguay in the semi-finals – what a game! I did stand out a little in a crowded bar full of Arab men smoking and cheering on Uruguay whilst U

We then finished off another night in the hotel disco-theque dancing to a mix of Russian, Arabic and RnB music. With our funky dance routine, our animation friends and loud Yorkshire accents – we really are the talk of the hotel – y’luv us or ‘ate us!

Day 3: Louise’s Birthday!

This morning we made our hue buffet breakfast extra special with a sing song and Balloons for the Birthday Girl. We’re not off to the Ancient town of Carthage to see some Roman ruins and mosaics before having a Tunisian Folk night later on – and more suprises in stall for the Birthday Girl!

Off to get the Choo choo train now and get a Bric and café Turc for Lunch as well as a bowl of Tunisian salad for me…

Yalla – Basalama

Bousa Bousa xxxx

Swishing scarves, gold coins tinkling and drumming – you wouldn’t be stupid in thinking you were in Morocco. Yorkshire folk were shouting “Yalla” as three thousand  bellydancing beauties flocked to Sheffield to feed their love of Middle Eastern goods and dance.

Our Steel tarnished city in fact played host to Europe’s largest Bellydance festival – Raqs Britannia and with it came a Tunisian Market, a Moroccan Souk, dance workshops and a live performance from the Bellydance Superstars themselves – all at Sheffield City Hall.

The newly renovated venue managed to lure in the bellydance world and offered itself perfectly to the dynamic festival which is founded by Miles Copeland, former manager of Sting, Human League and the Police and, now the Bellydance Superstars!

Miles Copeland who introduced his Bellydance Superstars at their Saturday night show in the Oval hall, said;

“We’ve been all over the UK from London and Manchester and now Sheffield – and we love it. We are sure to be back here next year.”

The evening was perfectly finished off by a performance from Sonia who was one of the first ever Bellydance Superstars who formed eight years ago. She decided that the Sheffield gig was her final performance with the Superstars before embarking on a solo career.

Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned our main celebrity at the event – Niles the papermache camel. Our unfurry bigger than life sized friend made an appearance on BBC Look North and even on BBC Sheffield’s Breakfast show as unfortunately we have to flog him this year due to limited storage space – say if you know of anyone who can give a 9ft camel a loving home please contact: admin@raqsbritannia.co.uk

In brief, it was a spectacular weekend and I was truly proud to have helped it come to Sheffield as I really think we are the UK’s premier city of culture and a lot of the visitors over the weekend agreed!

Yalla next Raqs Britannia – let’s hope they bring it back to Sheffield!

For my video/photography diary please log on to: blog.sophie-mei.net  SOON

Oh what a weekend

This past weekend has been crazy, even for me, because what I have managed within the space of 48 hours is quite an achievement with the great help of my good friends. I have taught folkloric dance, done my first live radio report, danced at a rugby match, had a photoshoot with Rihanna’s dancers, celeb charity dinner, ran Manchester 10k and collapsed at a BBQ.

It all began at dawn on Saturday when my three alarms rang consecutively and I arose from my boudoir (well comfy bed). I made my way to Greens gym to teach a folkloric stick dance to a group of twenty wonderful and keen ladies – which is a necessity when you attend dance classes at 9am on a Saturday morning!

I then nervously went to Radio Sheffield to do my new summer slot, which is Mei’s mission. You wouldn’t think I’d be nervous as I’ve been on radio loads but the thought reporting live and using all the Outside Broadcast equipment made me so although I was really excited.

Fortunately, all went well as I had to interview Rodrigo Pardo about his Toilet Tango piece (you’ll have to listen back to understand) and then find people to sing the new Robin Hood them tune to me… Mission accomplished! I had a real laugh doing it and thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone out and about as well as learning loads of new skills and working with lovely people. I really hope to be doing more radio in the future.

I then jumped in a taxi and headed straight for Bramall Lane – the new home of the Sheffield Eagles Rugby club. It was a big game for them as they were playing Toulouse (which they won) and Mark Aston, the manager, had kindly asked me to dance before the game so I also invite along my friends of Ashay dance troupe (fusion dance).

I opened the game once the players had finished warming up (on the testosterone fuelled pitch) and danced with my red Isis wings to Snake Charmer, Anzay and Hindi Sad Diamonds. My agent Louise and I then had to jet off (well city taxi it) to the train station to get to Manchester for a photo shoot with Rihanna’s dancers. We shortly arrived at Sunshine Studios to view lessons by Bryan, Reina and Tracy.

Not only did we get a sneaky peek at their choreographies but I also got the chance to have photos with them and interview them. So watch out soon for those interviews as we got some juicy gossip… read more

Finally, our jam packed Saturday finished at Jury’s Inn Manchester where we were greeted by the Alzheimer’s Society team along with fellow ‘celebrity’ runners Dick (from ‘Dick and Dom’) and Samantha Giles (the red head from Emmerdale and now she stars in Hollyoaks. We then went out for a carb-fuelled dinner in the preparation for the morning’s 10k, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Return later for more info about the Sunday’s Manchester 10k race plus links to exclusive gossip…

22^nd April marked my business ‘Sophie Mei’ now trading as ‘Sophie Mei Schools’ first birthday – so what did we do to celebrate? We made a DVD so those of you who don’t currently attend one of our schools can learn th art of bellydance at home.

Our first DVD is on ‘Bellydance Basics’ as our current classes are bellydance ones but eventually we hope to provide interactive culture and language learning

It’s killing me as I’m not allowed to say much about the DVD but… It will be out this Summer and will be a great opportunity for beginners to get a taster of the Art of Bellydance.

Sophie Mei Schools

http://sophie-mei.net/schools

BellyBar: Tuesdays @ Bar 360, West One, Sheffield – 18.30-19.30

BellyBasics: Saturdays @ Greens Gym, Sheffield – 9am-10am

BellyJam: Sundays @ Polish Club, Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield – 14.30 –15.30