Jawahir was formed back in early 2003 from a group of women who were attending one of the first belly dance classes set up in South Wales. The classes were the brainchild of Laila Ajbar and had been running since August 2002.

Many of the original members of that class are still part of the performing group today and are proud that the group can now offer much more than the odd performance. In the last 2 years we have set up beginners classes and a Juniors class.

The spring and summer season sees the group at their busiest with invitations to many local and not so local festivals and celebrations.

Our very first gig was an invitation to take part in the annual Tredegar House Folk Festival, Newport. Many of us in the group had never performed in public - not even as children and as you can imagine we were very nervous. The weather was glorious and the audience loved us - we never looked back, we had caught the performance bug!!

Since then we have performed at several prestigious events in the south and west of the UK, including the 2004 National Eisteddfod celebrations, Tredegar House International Folk Dance Festival, One World Week, International Womens' Day and a host of festivals, community and dance events.

Laila Ajbar left the group in January 2007. We would like to thank Laila for all her inspiration and input over the last few years.

Jawahir perform all styles of middle eastern dance fusing North African, Egyptian, Turkish and even European rhythms using traditional and modern movement.

Our costumes are bright, colourful and vary from full tribal (tattoo's included) to light and airy belly style depending on the dance and music we are using.

Classes in Newport remain fun and informal events. Please visit our web site for further details.

Dancers wishing to join the performance group must have been attending bellydance classes with other teachers for at least six months and be over 16 years old.

Jawahir Middle Eastern Dance Club is available for bookings to perform at parties, weddings, hen nights and all outdoor and indoor events except men-only ones.

Among other cities, Jawahir Middle Eastern Dance Club may serve the following Wales WL areas: Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Wrexham, Carmarthen, Barry, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Talybont, Burry Port, Builth Wells, Buckley, Brynteg, Brecon, Bow Street, Borth, Boncath, Bodorgan, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Blackwood, Betws-y-coed, Beaumaris