Another successful Shakefest at Charleville Castle

Over 120 dance and peace enthusiasts travelled from all over Ireland to shake it up at the workshop day at Charleville Castle, Tullamore, last Saturday. Workshops featured were Salsa, Bellydance Variations workshops such as Double Veils, ISIS Wings, Shimmies, Tribal Fusion Bellydance, Street Dance, Flamenco, Stilt Walking, Circus Skills and African Drum and Dance! Workshop participants were wowed by the variety of artistic and cultural workshops - Tullamore"s own Stagecraft Ireland treated children and adults alike to some fun and interesting juggling, plate spinning and diabolo skills as well as an introduction to Stilt Walking in the castle forecourt. Wassa Wassa African Dance and Drum gathered their students amongst the old oak trees on the castle grounds in a communal drum circle and had them dancing and drumming to mesmerizing African Beats while fascinating onlookers. Shakefest also welcomed up to 118 students on Friday last from Tullamore Educate Together and St. Joseph"s NS from Arden View. All learned circus skills and Middle Eastern and African Dance in the grand rooms of Charleville Castle. Shakefest in each of its four years has been blessed with idyllic sunny weather and most students sat outside and enjoyed the sun rays between workshops. While those were participating in workshops inside the castle, outside was a laid back, eclectic atmosphere where many lounged on the plush sofas and chairs scattered around the stage area, and browsed the eclectic mix of market stalls including antiques, jewellery and bellydance clothing, as well as taking advantage of the holistic services on hand. Dance demonstrations throughout the day included ISIS Wings, African Drum and Dance, Fire Dance, Bellydance and Hawaiian Hula who entertained all lounging in the gorgeous weather. To end the workshop day in style, a brilliant performance was put on at 7pm for all workshop participants in the grand ballroom featuring The Red Embers Bellydance Troupe of Tullamore as well as students and instructors from Mullingar, Clare and Galway. Shakefest was proud to host PeaceZone this year, a group of organizing artists dedicated to empowering people on an individual level to "Camp For Peace" and communicate the peace message universally through music. Music is a powerful language-music says there is a time when its not necessary to speak but for a time for the music to take over in a sudden new and temporary safe zone where music brings the unity to induce normality and to bring the most stricken above ground. There was also a special screening of Jeremy Gilley"s captivating Documentary "The Day After Peace" in the Peace Tent that sparked interesting collaborative discussions about being ready to take action for peace. Workshop participants and PeaceZone members were treated to the talents of artists such as Stephen James Smith, Lauren Guillery, Leanne Harte, Oliver Cole, The Bionic Rats, Superjimenez, The Red Embers and Starfire Circus Fire Show and Reggae artist Eric Noon and the Future Gypsies from the Bask Region as they sang, promoted harmony and rocked the crowd until late. The Charleville Castle grounds then became a harmonious hub of campers from far and wide who engaged in various fireside singsongs to the wee hours of the morning, enjoyed the barbeque area, some staying for the rest of the long weekend. See you next year for Shakefest 2010 where organisers celebrate five fabulously inspiring years! For any additional contact info please go to: www.shakefest.net or www.questpeace.net