Hi Pamela,

What a great night. I felt like a percussionist and had the opportunity to interpret the dance when the others drummed. What a true master Issam proved to be in giving such an amazing skilled workshop. He is also charming and delivered his message with the passion of a dedicated and disciplined artist. Issam was fantastic.

Thank you Pamela for bringing this wonderful experience to us in Melbourne.

Zabelle

Hi Pamela,

Issam is a wonderful and generous teacher who really understands how to communicate a comprehensive understanding of drumming technique and developing the drummer/dancer relationship.

Ma'isah

Dear Pamela,

With only a couple of drum lessons under my belt, the thought of participating in a workshop with a drummer of the calibre of Issam was a bit daunting - but nothing ventured nothing gained and what we gained was fabulous. The first 2 hours was conducted, explained & demonstrated in an easy to follow and understand manner which catered for all the various levels of skills of the students. A short break & we began with the rhythms & combination of rhythms that a dancer requires to produce a good floor show, the importance of knowing & understanding the actual beat of the rhythm, working with the drummer & the audience and then the grand finale was the splitting of the group into dancers & drummers and each dancer performed a drum solo - well done to the drummers for such a long drum solo & to the dancers with all their various interpretations of the music.

My final comment is "when is Issam coming back?"

Delyce (Bellyrine Bellydancers)

Dear Pamela,

Congratulations on another wonderful Rakkasah. The performances were absolutely stunning, very inspiring. It was fantastic to see so many people there, and what a great meeting place to catchup with people you haven't seen for quite some time, in fact, I spent so much of the night chatting (students, teachers and former classmates), that I had to remind myself I was there for the dancing! The market place contributes to the great "vibe and buzz" you experience, and the items for sale - it is hard to resist!

We look forward to the next Rakkasah, it certainly is a night not to be missed.

Smiles, Amanda - Charm Bellydance

Dear Pamela,

Nasser, Aleh and I were pleased to share the Club Rakkasah 1st birthday celebration with you. Thankyou for inviting us to perform on this special occasion. Pamela, its an absolute pleasure to deal with such a proffesional organiser!

Best wishes,

Virginia

Thank you Pamela for all the hard work and energy you put into every Club Rakkasah. I always have a wonderful time when I attend with a great mix of live music to dance to and a fabulous floor show of talent with student and professional performers. Attending these nights always leaves me feeling as though I have been apart of something big and exciting.

Performing was a wonderful experience (11th August). Pamela you were so supportive from the day I nervously put my name down to dance through to the time I was actually performing on stage – yes I did notice your warm beautiful smile and encouraging nod! And I can’t forget to thank all the staff working behind the scenes. You are all so sweet and helpful – keep up the great work!

I look forward to the next Club Rakkasah and the one after that, and the one after that……….

Cindy (aka Sianna)

Dear Pamela,

Just a note to say thank you for the wonderful night at Club Rakkasah last Friday (11th August 2006), where we all really enjoyed a fantastic night of fun, dancing and an outstanding show of top class Middle Eastern entertainment. It is lovely to see such a high standard of belly dance right here in Melbourne, where each performer have honed their craft to international standards befitting of performance in Egypt. In fact, I thought for a while I was back in Egypt! Keep up the great work, we all look forward to the next one!

Kind regards,

Alia

Thank you to Pamela of Club Rakkasah for organising an exciting, inspirational and professional series of events with Hossam and Serena Ramzy.

The well organised events, beautiful venue and Hossam and Serena's warm, down-to-earth approach made the workshops and Hafla exceptional and I will treasure the memories!

Abby

I just took a look at the website and the pictures look amazing!!!!!

Well done, you have been able to take something as beautiful as Club Rakkasah and make it into something more extravagant.

You Rock!!!!!!

JAMIL

I am the owner of the dance school, Bellacize and Pamela kindly agreed to let my girls have the experience of performing at Club Rakkasah. From the first moment of communication with Pamela, I realised I was dealing with not only a professional dancer but a professional and well organised business woman. Her communication and direction were exemplary.

On arriving on the performance night there was order, tranquility and an exciting atmosphere. We were greeted by a well experienced Stage Manager in Fiona Stock. Fiona informed us of the proceedings of the evening and asked us to help ourselves to an array of chocolates and iced lemon water. The dressing room was so well set out and sparkling clean. Pamela encouraged us and wished the girls well prior to their first stage appearance and made the night special for the girls.

The lighting and music was at a professional level and a pleasure to dance with such technical enhancements and the option of purchasing a dvd was offered to us. Overall the experience was rewarding, positive and a delight to be involved with. I highly recommend anything Pamela is involved with and especially being a part of Club Rakkasah, either as a participant in the entertainment or part of the audience.

Christine Sully, Bellacize Training Toorak, Bellydance/Bollywood/Latin & Fitness Training

The first time I attended Club Rakkasah I was impressed by the standard of performance from both the students and the teachers. You can watch the performer's styles and check out their costumes for new ideas.

In between the acts there is a live band which adds to the atmosphere, this enables the audience to get up and join in the dancing. Some of the audience wear full costume while others wear hip scarves, glittering tops and costume jewellery. This is a great opportunity for every potential Belly dancer to get together with friends, dress up and free form Belly dance. My friends and I have not missed a Club Rakkasah since I picked up a flyer from The Seventh Veil early in 2004. We find this a great social opportunity to catch up and enjoy the entertainment. We are now committed Club Rakkasah fans.

Well done Club Rakkasah

Dianne Haddon

On Friday I went to Club Rakkasak for the first time, after promising myself I'd go one time just to check it out. I'm so glad I did, I had the best time! I had arranged to meet a couple of friends there from Bellydance class and made a night of it.

The atmosphere was good, not at all intimidating as I had imagined. The band was up beat and easy to dance to in-between the dance performances. There was a Bazaar in one corner where I picked up yet another coin belt to add to my collection, and so many more things I would have liked to buy, (I'll get them next time!) there were harem pants, skirts, tops, jewellery, bindies...everything.

There were ten performers, all very entertaining in there own ways, all very individual too (and many costume ideas to ponder on). In all, a great night that I will definitely be back to!!

Vetty

I have been to a few Club Rakkasahs now and have always enjoyed the opportunity to perform and watch performances, as well as to dance on the huge, yet crowded dance floor to live music - it's so good to get it out of your system. It's great to see more people on the dance floor than off it.

Another thing I really appreciate is that it's a nice place to bring your family and friends (read well-behaved children and menfolk) - there's a bar, plenty of room, plenty of seating, nice lighting, and the hotel bistro is just a hop, step and jump away, reasonably priced and delicious, so we treated ourselves last time (and got our 15%discount when we produced our club rak tickets).

Now that the 7th Veil is doing a bazaar, it's even better - you can even shop! Think carefully before you bring your credit card.

Thanks Pamela - Marina Bistrin

Thank you Club Rakkasah, for providing a great opportunity as we are all lovers of belly dance, in such a supportive atmosphere where we could gather and enjoy an exceptional night of entertainment. You had everything from the soul of the dance to the woman who absolutely loves it, to some true professionals showing what their schools have to offer. Presenting many varied styles was magic!

I got to see people I have heard of and was blown away. Marina Bristin had me hypnotized, the Hip to Hip Troupe were sensational as was Gintaris, just his presence is electrifying. I loved all the acts and saw their love for a magical dance no matter what form it takes. From the trembling ladies saying oh my god we are next, right up to the well composed and disciplined professional dancers. Wow! I am still thinking about it a week later.

Thank you Club Rakkasah for keeping beladi alive and for showing all the great differences, giving pupils a better chance of knowing what they want and which style suits them most.

Layla, Authentic Egyptian Beladi.

What an absolutely fantastic night my friends and I had at the dance party on Friday night. I have been dancing for a couple of years and performed on Friday night. The atmosphere backstage was one of efficiency, encouragement and friendliness.

My friends are all new to the belly dancing scene and they were amazed and captivated by the costumes, as well as the standard and variety of style displayed by the student dancers. The band was fabulous and I got all of my friends up to do a bit of dance. They really had so much fun.

The professional dancers were so beautiful and an absolute delight to watch. Thanks again for a fantastic night.

Regards Karen