Phoenix Feather School of Tai Chi

Ancient Chinese art of tai chi is incredibly beneficial for our health. It's rapidly gaining popularity and is used for relaxation, toning muscles, fitness and, of course as a marshal art. To enjoy it's benefits join classes run by Phoenix Feather School of Tai Chi. For more details, please contact Anna Dashwood on 01304 205 405 / 07736 84 91 94.'

ANACONDA DANCE TROUPE

Anaconda are Kents favourite belly dance troupe. performing
nationally , incorporating theatrics and fusing a myriad of dance
styles within Middle Eastern dance tradition . their reportoire
includes contemporary and classical Egyptian , folkloric, Romany,
Gothic and fantasy belly dance. http://www.anacondabellydance.com
today they will be dancing some Urban romany dance.

THE CINQUE PORTS LINDY HOPPERS

The Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers teach and perform the original Savoy
style Lindyhop from Harlem ,New York as well as other authentic swing
dances from the 1930's/1940's.Since they were formed by Gypsy John in
December 2001 they have entertained thousands all over the country and
have danced for Dame Vera Lynn on her 91st birthday party !. Over the
years several lindy hoppers have been involved with the troupe , to
date it consists of 14 dancers with Gypsy John being the only original
member.

LYRA GREEK DANCERS

The Lyra Greek Dancers is a London based group of Greek and British enthusiasts committed to keeping authentic, traditional Greek dancing, costumes and music alive.

Founded early in 1986, the Group has more than 250 successful performances to its credit. These include: the Cork Choral and Folk Festival (1986); the South Bank Festival of Traditional Arts (1987); the Arundel Festival (1989); Glasgow -Cultural Capital of Europe Greek Gala (1990); the Festival of Dance 91 at the Royal Festival Hall; Pontardawe International Folk Festival in Wales (1992). The Group has also represented Greece at the Folk Dance Competition in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod (1994), placed 5th out of 25, and in the International Festival of Cantonigros /Spain (1996) where it won a prize in the Folk Dance Section. In 1997, Lyra Greek Dancers represented the Greeks of Great Britain in the International Festival of the Greek Diaspora, in Herodes Atticus Theatre in Athens, Greece. The Group has also given a large number of performances to help raise money for Charity - Oxfam, Telethon, Great Ormond St. Children s Hospital, Camphill, Arthritis Care etc.

The origins of every dance have been thoroughly researched, exploring the times before the formation of the Modern Greek State as far back as the ancient Greek times; Lyra's repertoire is therefore very extensive. It includes dances from the whole of Greece as well as from regions where historically the Greeks have lived in well-established communities such as Cyprus, Northern Epirus, Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, including Black Sea.

Lyra is happy to take part in any event where Greek dancing would be appreciated and suitable.

Joanne Perks of Metamorphosis Belly Dance

Joanne (or Jo as she is more commonly known) completed a BA Hons Degree in Performing Arts and has been dancing for most of her life. She has always had a love of Belly Dance and taught herself the basic moves. From her training in Belly Dance she was able to put what she had learnt into performances with great response from the audience & her teacher. Joanne is also known for her singing and enjoys combining her singing & dancing skills to her performances (especially performing to Shakira songs) Jo took her BA in performing arts at the University Cetre Folkstone and was one of their first graduates.

Joanne will be dancing at the festival and teaching workshops for all who are interested. You can visit her Metamorphosis website for more information.

Chaucer College, Canterbury

Chaucer College was established in 1992 by Mr Hiroshi Kawashima, the Founder of the Shumei Group in Japan. Together with its sister colleges, Eversley (Folkestone) and Kingsgate (Broadstairs), it welcomes Japanese high school and university students. The majority of Chaucer students spend the first year of their four-year Japanese university programmes in the UK. Typically, they study Business Administration, Tourism Management, Teacher Education or English & Information Technology.The Shumei ethos stresses the importance of international co-operation, and Chaucer College, an educational charity, aims to fulfil this in part by encouraging the students to become involved in community outreach (school visits, participation in local festivals, college events for the general public) and volunteering. The college has supported the Festival every year since it was launched in 2006, and we very much hope that you will enjoy the taste of Japanese culture that they offer you.

Hawkinge Flyers Twirling & Pom Pom Team

We are a recreational club who twirl batons, wooden rifles, baton flags, double ended flags, hoops, ribbons and shake pom poms to popular music. For any other information please see our website www.freewebs/hawkingeflyers

Kwan Ngei Chinese Association

The lion dance team and the adult dances are from Kwan Ngei Chinese
Association and the children team is from Kent Chinese School.

Esther Howgill

I am 19 and presently living in Thornbury, Bristol, as a Voluntary Youth Worker with NGM.
I am an experienced vocal artist who has had a passion for singing since a very young age. My main passion is Musical Theatre and my dream is to be a professional singer in the west-end. I am currently training at New Generation Music (NGM) where I am benefitting from fantastic vocal coaching and have taken part in their professional production of 'Songs from the Shows'. I also teach singing to school children as part of my voluntary work. Before I left Folkestone I was a member of Blackfish Academy in Dover where I played several lead roles in amateur productions.This has encouraged me to pursue my career in Theatre. I attended South Kent College, Folkestone, where I achieved a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts which has given me a good foundation. I feel honoured to be invited back to Folkestone to sing in the festival again this year