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Dance for charity with Dance United

Dubai UAE: "Dance United" will once again join hands with the general public on Friday, June 4, 10am to 4pm at the Fairmont Dubai for a Dance-A-Thon aimed to raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation of the UAE. Instructor led dances will be held for 30 minutes per dance discipline that includes Salsa, Jive, Cha Cha Cha, Line Dancing, Hip Hop, La Rueda and Irish dance to name but a few! Dancers can choose whether to do some or all of the dances and just enjoy the day at no cost except handing over their sponsorship forms.

According to Tami Fowlie, one of the founders of Dance United, "Participants need not have any knowledge of the dance disciplines nor do they require a partner. Each section will last approximately 30 minutes and will be led by an instructor on a stage. The participants will simply "follow the leader". It is NOT a formal class. This is a FUN event with an opportunity to try out different dance forms."

"There is no entry fee but participants can log on to the website to get a sponsorship form to ask their friends, family and/or companies to sponsor them to dance (or bring them all along!). People of all ages and abilities, with no prior dance experience but a sense of humour and willingness to help others are invited to take part in the Dance-A-Thon," added Tami.

The other founder of Dance United, Rabia Khan adds, "There is no age limit for this event. Children are not only welcome but encouraged and people can register for this event as families if they wish. The huge dance floor at the Fairmont Dubai will attract more than 400 people out to experience a day of great fun, pure excitement and spend time raising money to address critical issues facing those in need of assistance."

As there are no tickets, the event is self-sponsoring. Each participant must get a sponsorship form and raise the money for the charity themselves by asking family, friends and colleagues to sponsor them for the event. On the day, they will need to bring in the completed sponsorship form along with the money to check in for the Dance-A-Thon. Once registered, they are free to come and go as they please and can do as little or as much of the 6 hours as they like.To get the sponsorship forms, you can email Dance United at danceutd@emirates.net.ae or via their sister website (www.teamsalsadubai.com). You can also call Tami on 050 656 8992 or Rabia on 050 459 4025.Issued on behalf of Dance United. For media information, please call Shereen Dury at octOpus on 04 2868275 or 050 7690087.

Dance United (DU), run by Tami Fowlie and Rabia Khan is a spin-off from Team Salsa Dubai which has been in operation for over six years. Dance United was formed in order to cover ALL forms of dance and dance-related issues, not just Salsa. Team Salsa Dubai, a forerunner in organising Dubai's (and the Middle East's) first International Salsa Congress runs weekly classes and is part of other salsa oriented social events in Dubai. Team Salsa Dubai meets every Saturday for salsa classes at Malecon, Dubai's first and finest Cuban restaurant at the Dubai Marine Beach resort and Spa. (KM News Bureau Dubai)

HOTELS LINK UP TO PRESENT GREAT VALUE WEEKENDS FOR SUMMER SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts offer attractive getaway options across Middle East, North Africa

Dubai, UAE, 26 May, 2004: Families planning getaway breaks during summer are being offered a wide range of attractive options at Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts across the Middle East and North Africa.Throughout the GCC countries, and in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen, 31 Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn properties are combining to present great value "Weekends" packages starting from as little as US$50 per night. To ensure that holidaymakers can stay longer for less, the "Weekends" rates are now available seven days a week between 15 May and 30 September 2004.

Added benefits include two children under 12 being able to share their parents' room free of charge, while full buffet breakfasts are complimentary for the whole family. At most participating hotels, children are also welcome to choose a free lunch or dinner.

Travellers to Beirut can take up the offer at Crowne Plaza Beirut from just US$160 per room, per night. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel has stunning sea views, great restaurants and modern accommodation and facilities. The hotel is just one of twelve Crowne Plaza hotels & resorts around the region offering "Weekend" rates.Having recently been hailed as one of the best four star hotels in the region by the MENA Awards, the Amphoras Holiday Inn Sharm El Sheikh is offering nightly rates of US$ 60 per room. A prime beachfront resort, this hotel offers rooms with sea, pool and garden views, and a wealth of sporting activities including a dive centre and six outdoor pools. The hotel also has plenty of great food and beverage outlets, an amphitheatre and a discotheque.

"Weekends" breaks at Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels across the region can be booked with toll-free calls to the InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East Central Reservations Office in Bahrain (800 880), Egypt (0800-4433322), Jordan (0800-22666), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233), Lebanon (01 426-801 - ask operator to connect to 866 866 7556), Oman (800 777 999), Pakistan (00800 909 971234) Qatar (0800 971234), Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), and the UAE (800 4642).Bookings can also be made on line at www.ichotelsgroup.com. Caption: The Crowne Plaza Beirut - one of 31 hotels offering attractive "Weekends" getaway breaks for summer (KM Bureau Dubai)