By Melanie Barnes
Buda Historic Home and Garden’s Traditional Arts Fair next month offers a day full of family friendly entertainment.
Together with crafts, workshops, food and drinks, a colourful and blingy dancing experience will delight visitors to Buda on November 20.
The Mail caught up with Anita Zacchigna and her intermediate class who will be performing traditional belly dancing at the Arts Fair.
“The costumes worn by the dancers for this performance are tribal gypsy style, earthy and traditional in keeping with the theme of the Fair,” Anita said.
While completing a dress rehearsal at Buda this week, the company of five dazzled groups of visitors passing through the grounds.
Wendy Ashton, also a yoga teacher, enjoys being part of the dancing group.
“It’s great exercise, great music and great fun, and good for mental health,” she said.
Jenny Kyritsis was introduced to the dancing class by friends.
“Joining Anita’s class brings out my inner child and the theatrical side of me,” she said.
As well as volunteering at Buda, Anita teaches belly dancing at the Castlemaine Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday mornings at 10am for intermediate dancers, and two classes for beginners in Maldon on Thursdays from 1.30pm.
Buda’s Traditional Arts Fair will be held on November 20, from 10am to 4pm. The dancers will dazzle in two performances at 12pm and 1.45pm.
The Fair will provide many activities and tours on the day as well as children’s craft and traditional games, including gold panning for the first time.
There will be market stalls selling traditional arts and crafts, homemade produce and beverages for all tastes including a bar.
Buda’s famous produce, jams and chutneys will be on sale, a jazz band will be playing along with roving gypsy music, bringing a lively spirit to the gardens. There will also be Devonshire teas and barbecue food available.
Admission is $5 and children are free. You can find out more by visiting Buda’s website, www.budacastlemaine.org/event/2022-traditional-arts-fair
If you would like to join Anita’s belly dancing class, contact her on 0466 370 680.