Liverpool World Museum 22nd and 23rd March 2014, posted by Naima

Our second event of 2014 was at the World Museum in Liverpool. Meroe, Kebi, Aisha, Tameri and I all headed over the water to Liverpool. Well not really over the water – more under it as we went through the Mersey tunnel!

When we arrived at the Museum, we were shown to our changing room. Once we had set up our performance arena and got changed into our costumes, the music started to play and we were joined by the lovely people of Liverpool who had come with their families to see the attractions at the Museum.

After our first performance, Meroe did a workshop for all the little girls and a couple of boys who wanted to dance with us. We dressed them up in sparkly outfits and afterwards they were given a certificate to say they had danced with Ya Raqs at the Liverpool Museum.

We had a break for lunch and did another 3 performances. Each time we had a lovely crowd clapping and zaghareeting along with us - Meroe had shown them how to do this beforehand!

It was all over too soon and we had to pack up - tired but very happy that everyone had enjoyed our performances. The lovely staff at the Museum told us we had 420 watching us during the day.

Sunday started on a beautiful sunny day, and we were back to do it all again, but this time without Meroe, who had a prior engagement with Hossam and Serena Ramzy down in London.

It was a little quieter than on Saturday, but that didn’t deter us from putting on our usual brilliant show. As soon as we started playing our captivating music, people came from all over the Museum to watch us. They were even watching from the balconies overlooking our dance arena.

We even managed to get the staff up dressed up and dancing with us. We then took a welcome break for lunch and had cake, which seems to be a tradition of Ya Raqs.

A member of the museum staff dancing with Naima and Tameri

The crowds were a little smaller than they had been on Saturday, but there were still about 250 people who enjoyed our show. There were certainly a lot of happy boys and girls who couldn’t wait to be dressed up and dance with us. They even got a memento to take home with them - one of our special dance certificates.

We had a great time and would like to thank all the lovely staff at the Liverpool World Museum not only for their warm welcome but for making us feel at home. They helped to make it a fun weekend for everyone, including us. We look forward to a repeat performance in August. So if you are free the weekend of 16th and 17th August why not come to the World Museum and join in the fun?