Jewel of Yorkshire festival - Thank you, UK!

I'm still overflowing with impressions of JOY - Jewel of Yorkshire festival last weekend.

The event is run with heaps of heart by Mandy and Chris, and it has been a staple of the UK dance world for many years. A soulful, dancer-friendly festival in an elegant location (check out gorgeous Victoria Hall in the Heritage Site of Saltaire) It is one of my absolute favorite events to be part of.

This was the fourth time for me to visit JOY, and this year it was extra special, as I got to co-travel and share the festival experiences with miss Queenie of Belgium, and I was happy to reconnect with dance friends and colleagues from near and far (like Ahmed Fekry of Germany, Ozgen of UK, and the beautiful Marta Korzun of Ukraine/Russia) whom I had not seen in 7-8 years. The (dance) world still is small, and time does fly :)

I had an amazing time at the workshops, got to meet and re-meet fabulous participants, performers and co-teachers, and the show on Saturday (sadly I did not make it to the Friday showcase) was absolutely fantastic. Honored to have been part of it. Gush gush gush.

Below a few pictures of the JOY weekend 2016

Friday evening - arrivals

At Leeds airport with Marta and Queenie

Saturday - Workshops

Marta's workshop on Saturday - Glad I got a last minute spot!

Our Fabulous footwork workshop on Saturday

Same picture, from a different angle :)

Veil technique and combos workshop on Saturday <3

Saturday - Show

Backstage with Marta and Queenie

Onstage, with veil - Picture by Ian Cartlidge

Sunday - Workshops

Last-minute captures of Victoria Hall... Alpacas, clouds, and lions

Sunday workshop - pops, locks, shimmies and undulations <3

Sunday - Journey home

Post-dance munchies - Always time for noms!

Homebound.. Sunset at Leeds airport

Boarding completed - Ready for takeoff

A huge thank you to everyone who was part of this amazing edition, and to Mandy and Chris for making it all possilbe. Until next time!


xx Khalida
www.khalidadance.com

See my other upcoming events at www.khalidadance.com/schedule