HipsInc in Marrakech - This holiday is no longer available -

• At least twelve hours of belly dance classes (see classes and workshops).
• Nightly entertainment including our own private Hafla
• Two group shopping trips to the souks
• Transport included for four evening trips to the Medina
• Optional excursions and extras including a Moroccan cookery class and a visit to the Ourika Valley and waterfalls
• Full hosting
• 7 nights' twin share accommodation in upgraded suites the stunning Riad Maison des Oliviers
• New, lower single supplement available
• Breakfast and dinner each day
• Return airport transfers
• A full orientation pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots, things to do etc so you can do your own thing
• A welcome drink

Riad Maison des Oliviers**** (Half Board) (Included) 

The Riad Maison des Oliviers is a charming Riad set in landscaped gardens overlooking the Atlas Mountains and with an emphasis on tranquility, calm and well-being.

An oasis and welcome antidote to the hustle and bustle of the Medina, des Oliviers is situated just 10 minutes from the centre of Marrakech and there is a regular shuttle service at just 5 euros per person return. This family-run Riad offers a bar and restaurant, pool snack bar, swimming pool, hammam and massage service.

With just 30 rooms, we offer upgraded suites for the twin / double rooms. For single rooms, there is the option to have a suite to yourself OR a smaller standard room at a more manageable supplement. All rooms are beautifully decorated in a traditional Moroccan style and all have private bathroom, satellite TV, safe and telephone. We will also have our own private space at the riad for daily classes.

Dinner is included and fresh Moroccan cuisine is served each evening, with the opportunity to dine poolside by candle light.

The traditional Moroccan spa (or hammam) offers a range of treatments including massage, beauty treatments and body wraps.

 A fabulous week of intensive Belly Dance tuition with one of the UK's best known teachers coupled with time to explore Marrakech via shopping in the souks, a trip to the Ourika Valley, nights out, local cookery lessons and much, much more.

Charlotte Desorgher from HipsInc will be your teacher and host on this holiday which offers twelve hours of tuition suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced.

Accommodation is in upgraded suites at the stunning Riad Maison des Oliviers, a tranquil haven close to the centre of Marrakech and one of the highlights of the trip, with its own private dance space for our classes, a traditional Moroccan hammam, indoor and outdoor pools and restaurant offering home-cooked meals every evening (included).

Our Belly Dance break offers an intensive course and expert tuition but equally appealing is he opportunity to discover Marrakech and all the city has to offer in a sociable group of like-minded people. You can do as much or as little as you would like but we can guarantee that when you return Marrakech will have stolen a little piece of your heart.

Mystical, magical Marrakech is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the world of belly dance and soak up some winter sunshine.

NEW FOR 2015: Single standard rooms available at a lower supplement of just £161 for the week.

Call Club Dance Holidays to book on 0207 099 4816.
 

"I had a great time. Good balance between tuition and holiday time. It was everything I expected. Very well organised and a good range of activities".
 

"Thank you so much for sending the photographs which are wonderful, though they do increase the withdrawal symptoms. Can I also take this opportunity to thank you for your inspirational classes. I learned a lot and I so enjoyed the week. It was all magical".

Belly Dance in Marrakech is for anyone who wants to experience the magic of this ancient dance in an enchanting city, in a group of like-minded people.

We include twelve hours of dance classes, suitable for all levels from beginner through to advanced dancers. To gain the most from the holiday some experience in belly dance is recommended but if you have never belly danced before Charlotte can add an extra class to teach the absolute basics on the first day. For Charlotte, the most important thing is that everyone enjoys the holiday and benefits not only from the classes but also from the sociable atmosphere and the opportunities to discover and explore Marrakech. She will lead a cultural holiday which specialises in dance but also offers the chance to try out so much more as part of a fun, sociable group.

Marrakech offers a great deal and our aim is to facilitate your discovery of this beautiful city whilst doing something you love.

Example Itinerary:

This is a provisional itinerary, and any of the listed activities are only a suggestion. There will be some elements which will change:

DAY 1
Arrival and transfer to the Riad Maison des Oliviers for a 7-night stay
Welcome drink and overview of the week followed by introductory belly dance lesson (1 hour)
Dinner at the riad followed by an optional "Marrakech by Night" excursion, to familiarise yourself with the Medina (€10)

DAY 2
Morning - Belly Dance lessons (2 hours)
Afternoon - Group shopping trip to the souks (transport included)
Dinner at the riad followed by a sociable night out in Marrakech (transport included) OR a relaxing night in the riad

DAY 3
Morning - Belly dance lessons (2 hours)
Afternoon - Optional excursion to the Ourika Valley and waterfalls €25 (lunch and guide if required are extra and payable locally)
Dinner at the riad followed by a sociable night out in Marrakech (transport included) OR a relaxing night in the riad

DAY 4
Morning - Belly Dance lessons (2 hours)
Afternoon - Optional Moroccan cookery class at the riad (€15)
Dinner at the riad followed by a sociable night out in Marrakech (transport included)

DAY 5
Free day to explore or take an excursion (bookable at the riad)
Dinner at the riad followed by a free evening to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the riad or venture into the Medina OR take an extra 2 hour belly dance class

DAY 6
Morning - Belly Dance lessons (2 hours)
Afternoon - Group shopping trip to the souks (transport included)
Dinner at the riad followed by a sociable night out in Marrakech (transport included) OR a relaxing night at the riad

DAY 7
Morning - Belly Dance lessons (2 hours)
Afternoon - Free time to finish off your shopping
Dinner at the riad followed by a farewell Hafla

DAY 8
Morning - Check out and transfer to the airport for your return flight
 

Each daily class is two hours long and will be tailored to the levels of the participants. Charlotte will also be available for an extra hour each day for private lessons or small groups by arrangement .

Workshops will include:

Shake the stress away!
For our first class we’re going shake away any stresses from our journey and welcome ourselves to Morocco with a fun, upbeat class incorporating upbeat bellydance drills, lively floor patterns and lots and lots of shimmying!
 

Dance that funky stick!
A stick or cane is a traditional prop in middle eastern dancing. It can be cute and playful or strong and powerful. We’re going for strong, dynamic and funky! We’ll use great music and learn some fab combinations to lift our spirits and get ourselves down with the middle eastern vibe!
 

Fabulous veils
Charlotte is famous for her fabulous veil work, sometimes dreamy, sometimes dramatic. In this lovely session Charlotte will teach you some gorgeous creative veil techniques as well as giving you lot of great tips to make your veil behave!
 

Sassy drum solo
Drum solos are always fun and Charlotte’s choreographies are no exception! This short, sassy drum solo will get you popping, dropping and laughing throughout the morning. And you’ll be able to video the choreography so you can take it away and perform it in the future.
 

Dance dynamics
In this optional evening class we will be looking at the different dynamics we can use to create drama and variety in our dancing. We will learn how to take our dancing beyond a series of movements and use different dynamic qualities to make those movements come alive.
 

Beautiful hands and arms
Often we are concentrating so hard on everything else that our hands and arms let us down. Yet they are the most beautiful and expressive part of the dancer’s body. In this class we will learn how to create beautiful arm patterns, fabulously expressive hands and lift and openness in the whole of the upper body.
 

Performance skills
A dance performance is much more than a series of steps. You need communicate with your audience, access emotions and personalities within yourself, and ‘sell’ your performance to your audience. In our final class we will learn some tricks and techniques to help achieve that elusive performance quality that is the difference between the OK and the truly great dancer. Charlotte will also share some tips to help overcome stage nerves!
 

Dance Studios:  All classes will conveniently take place in our own private room at the riad.

Charlotte Desorgher is one of the leading figures in the UK's vibrant bellydance scene. A captivating performer, exciting choreographer, well-loved instructor and large-scale event producer, she has gained international recognition as a driving force behind the current popularity of this beautiful art form.

Performing since childhood, Charlotte trained extensively in theatre arts as well as classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, graduating with honours in dance from The London University of Education. As a young woman she was introduced to bellydance in the Arabic nightclubs of London and was hooked! Having fallen in love with the sensuality and unique movements of Oriental Dance, she went on to study with Egyptian music legend Hossam Ramzy and his dancer wife Serena and then with international superstar Aziza of Montreal.

As Director of Hipsinc, the largest bellydance school in the UK, Charlotte has trained and influenced literally thousands of dancers, including many top professionals. Her teaching style is upbeat and dynamic, yet warm and encouraging and she has a remarkable ability to break down technique and bring out the best in everyone.

In addition to a schedule packed with workshops, classes and performances, Charlotte produces many high profile dance events, including the international bellydance festival Shimmy in the City which brings some of the world’s most famous bellydance stars to the UK each year.

Moroccan cooking is strongly characterized by the subtle blending of spices, and Moroccans expertly use them to enhance, rather than mask, the flavor and fragrance of their dishes. Spices such as cayenne, saffron, chilies, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, paprika, and black pepper are all commonplace in Morocco, as is a special blend of spices called ras el hanout, translated as "head of the shop," which is usually a mixture of between 10 and 30 different spices. Traditionally the proprietor of each spice shop sold his own unique -- and secret -- ras el hanout recipe. Fresh herbs are also present in Moroccan dishes, particularly garlic, coriander, parsley, and mint, as are fragrant additions such as orange or rose water, olives, and olive oil. Harissa, a fiery paste of garlic, chilies, olive oil, and salt, is often used as a condiment. Above all else, perhaps the defining characteristic of Moroccan cuisine is the blending of savory with sweet, most commonly witnessed by the addition of fruit to meat tagines.

Morocco's Atlantic coastline, including the disputed Western Sahara, is a much sought-after fishing ground, and for good reason. The cold, nutrient-rich waters have always provided the country's markets and restaurants with a wide range of fresh seafood year-round. Lately, however, there has been a decline in the daily catch, widely attributed to overfishing. Still, on any given day along the coast, and in the major inland cities thanks to refrigerated transport, you're still likely to be spoiled for choice, with fresh catches of Saint-Pierre (John Dory), dorade (sea bream), merlan (whiting), and sardines. Oualidia's oyster farms ensure a steady domestic supply of the popular mollusk, while crevettes (prawns/shrimps) and homard (lobster) are also regularly featured in menus.
 

What are optional extras?  In addition to your holiday we also offer you a variety of optional extras to make your holiday even richer and add some local colour.  You can buy your optional extras direct from the hotel, who will require payment in euros or dirham. Some of the tours on offer include: 

Marrakech by Night Guided excursion

Visit to the Ourika Valley and Waterfalls (lunch and guide if required are extra and payable locally)

The Ourika valley is the most accessible valley in the High Atlas from Marrakech, starting less than 45 minutes' drive from the city. It is famous for the 7 waterfalls at Setti Fatma and the ski resort of Oukaimeden at its head, and is a lush valley with green terraced fields beside the river that contrast strongly with the rocky valley sides of the foothills of the mountains. Trek through the foothills and arrive at the waterfall for a refreshing dip. Bring a jacket as it will be cool in February!

Moroccan Cookery Class

Learn how to make a traditional tagine and more. At the riad.

Essaouria

A full day trip to this beautiful coastal resort.

Note that the hotel is a 15 minute drive from the centre of the Medina. Transport will be provided for two afternoon trips to the souks and four evening trips to sample the nightlife. Entertainment, entry fees and drinks on nights out are all payable locally.

On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary and  details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights and recommended restaurants and other helpful tips.

Independence within the social activities: Your holiday is fully hosted. We also believe our guests like to be free to do what they want whenever they want. So we give you quality information and an itinerary including a map and all the addresses of where we have organised social and dancing activities. You can decide for yourself if and when you want to turn up. You are fully independent on these holidays. If you are travelling on your own the tour host will be at all the meeting points on the itinerary and there is always company and normally the chance say to share a taxi back the hotel.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: At the beginning of the week there is an Overview of the Week session where your tour host will tell you about the details of your holiday. At the Overview of the Week you can buy your optional extras. Also at the start of the week, your host will invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink.

Banks and Money Moroccan Dirham is only available outside of Morocco in small denominations. We recommend that you either take sterling and change on arrival or use the cash machines (of which there are plenty) in the airport or hotel to withdraw dirham. Most debit and credit cards are accepted.

Tipping is an integral part of Moroccan life, and a few dirham for a service willingly rendered can make life a lot easier. Tipping between 5% and 10% of a restaurant bill is appropriate. Also tip taxis, guides and small boys who help you find your way out of the complex maze of streets in the old parts of town.

Shopping Treat bargaining in souks as a friendly game. It’s an intrinsic part of the culture and is always expected of you, so just ignore the first price a merchant puts forward.

What to Wear Moroccans in general will be dressed modestly and will be more comfortable and open with visitors who are dressed conservatively, as well. For women, this means covering the knees, arms and collarbones. For men, it means covering the knees and shoulders. If travelers want to, truly, experience the culture and interact with the locals, dressing in a similar fashion is suggested. It is acceptable to wear a bikini on the beaches of Morocco. Topless sunbathing, however, is not allowed. Dressing in tight or revealing attire in clubs and bars in Marrakesh and Essaouira, that cater mainly to tourists, is quite common. These are the only two situations where revealing clothing is appropriate.

Hospitality If you’re offered a mint tea by a local, sit down to enjoy. Mint tea is the hallmark of Moroccan hospitality, and it’s impolite to refuse it. A sit-down tea session takes about half an hour.

Female Travellers If you’re a woman travelling alone, try to ignore unwanted attention. You’ll hear cries of gazelle! and perhaps even get the odd marriage proposal, but the best thing to do is to avoid eye contact. If it persists, threaten police involvement. It’s surprisingly effective.
 

Marrakech comes alive at night and we will ensure you have plenty of opportunities to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the Medina at night.

We offer optional nights out most evenings, including a visit to a local belly dance club, our own private Hafla and more.
 

Your teacher, Charlotte Desorgher, prides herself on offering well-prepared classes with good solid content and a warm, supportive teaching style. She also communicates a real love for, and thorough knowledge, of belly dance coupled with an infectious enthusiasm.

Belly Dance in Marrakech really is open to all levels and is one dance style which is ideal for beginners. Charlotte's tuition means that everyone will be catered for and with the emphasis on fun, everyone will feel included.

Flights : This holiday is quoted flight-exclusive. We are happy to assist with booking flights to Marrakech for a small admin fee - please call us for details.

NB Please make sure we've confirmed your holiday before you book your flight.

Transfers :  We offer return airport transfers from Marrakech Airport when you provide us with your flight times and numbers.

Making Your Own Way to Marrakech: For those whose flights don't coincide with our Airport coach transfer at Marrakech Airport, we recommend the following modes of transport:

Taxi: A taxi takes around 15 minutes to reach the Riad Maison des Oliviers and costs approx Dh 150.

Bus: The No 19 Airport express bus is Dh 30 for a single trip or Dh 50 for round trip (if the return trip is within 2 weeks of initial purchase). It serves all the major hotels and is a great way to go from the airport to the hotels. You can easily find its departure stop, to the left of the road immediately outside of the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 2, after the taxis. The bus leaves the airport every half an hour between 0700 and 2130.

Budgeting for your holiday Here are some guidelines on prices, to help you do your own calculations. Please refer to the optional extra section of the fact sheet for the prices of the optional extras.

Three course meal including drinks: £30
Beer: £3
Coffee: £2

Health and Fitness There are no particular health requirements for a belly dance holiday. However you should be able to practice for at least two hours a day in order to be able to enjoy the classes.

Insurance, Visa and Passport Requirements Refer to the information supplement for full details. In brief, Insurance is a condition of booking. Visas may be required for non EU citizens. British nationals need a full passport to travel to Morocco.

Travel Documents You receive these approximately ten days prior to departure. We also confirm the address and phone number of the hotel and the emergency contact numbers.
 

Weather: Winter temperatures are at their lowest in January and February, although still manage to average 18°C / 64°F. By night it can feel quite cold and a jacket will certainly be necessary.

Useful Things to Bring

• Camera
• Shoes suitable for spending a long time walking around the streets
• Dance shoes
• Summer clothing for day
• Warm coat for evenings
• Swimming costume
• This fact sheet and your travel documents
• Passport, money, plane ticket

What to wear for dancing:    

You can wear full bellydance costume if you so wish, or a more informal selection of comfy dancing clothes:

A long skirt or harem pants with an elasticated waist enabling you to pull it down on to your hips

A scarf or coin belt to tie around your hips

Comfortable supportive top

Lightweight cardigan or veil or shawl for your shoulders to keep you warm when needed

Lightweight dancing pumps such as ballet slippers or something similar

Ankle warmers if your feet tend to get cold