Fri 5 Oct
DANCE QUEENS OF THE NILE
The distinctive percussion of Hossam Ramzy’s band of traditional Egyptian musicians support Serena’s dances of the Nile from ancient Egyptian queens to modern fusion. Venue: Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (Getting there - tube: Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £20- £25. Info: 0207 388 8822 / www.thebloomsbury.com

Wed 10 Oct
CHATSVA
Tavaziva Dance’s six high-octane dancers explode with an evening of four new works. Their trademark exploration of African dance traditions within a Western contemporary style is performed to music ranging from Zimbabwean choral to contemporary pop. Venue: Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street , Croydon, CR9 1ET. 7.30pm. Adm: £12, conc £9. Info: 0208 253 1030.

Wed 10 Oct
EL GUSTO
A fascinating project originating from Algiers, which reunites musicians from the city’s Muslim and Jewish communities that once lived side by side. Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. 7.30pm. Adm: £15 -£25. Info: 0845 120 7500.

Wed 10 –15 Oct
RAMADAN NIGHTS
Now in its third year, Ramadan Nights returns with more musical talent from Muslim cultures from around the globe. Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Info: 0845 120 7500.

Thurs 11 Oct
GET UP AND DANCE
Tropical Isles Dance and Music Ensemble entertains with Soca and Bashment rhythms and dance moves. Wheelchair access. Venue: Stoke Newington Library, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JS. 6–8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info:0208 356 5231/ www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries

Thurs 11 Oct
HEAVEN ON EARTH
Union Dance present powerful contemporary dance with hip-hop influences. School groups: 1 teacher FREE for every 10 pupils. Venue: The Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS. 7pm. Adm: £5, conc £3. Info: 0208 507 5607.

Fri 12 Oct
GDA CABARET
gDA’s October Cabaret features an eclectic range of artists in a special celebration of the diversity of dance that has emerged from the Black Diaspora. Disabled access. Venue: Greenwich Dance Agency, Borough Halls, Royal Hill, London SE10 8RE. 7.30pm. Adm: £15. Info: 0208 293 9741.

Sat 13 Oct
OMAR FARUK WITH TABILEK AND SIDI GOMA
A double bill of Sufi music and dance, featuring a full band of musicians from Turkey, Greece and Israel. Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Adm: £10 -£20. Info: 0845 120 7500.

Tues 23 Oct
AFRICAN RHYTHMS
A musical performance featuring African rhythms and Caribbean music. Venue: Clapton Library, Northwood Road. E5 8RA. 2–3pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 1620.

Tues 23 –28 Oct
CARLOS COSTA WITH BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA
For the first time in London, one of ballet’s superstars is joined by guests from Ballet Nacional de Cuba in a programme of classical ballet with a distinctly Cuban feel. Venue: Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN. 7.30 pm. Adm: £10 - £45. Info: 0844 412 4300.

Thurs 25 Oct
SOMALI DANCE
Somali Youth Welfare Centre brings Somali dance to life in the foyer. Full disabled access. Venue: Idea Store Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, E1 1BU. (tube: Whitechapel,). 2pm – 3pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 364 4332.

Fri 26 Oct
CARIBBEAN TEA DANCE FOR THE OVER 55S
Calypso rhythms and a taste of tropical sunshine, with special guests and DJ. Refreshments provided. Full disabled access. Venue: St. Paul’s Artspace, St. Paul’s Church, St. Stephen’s Road, Bow, E3 9JL (tube: Mile End). 2pm – 4pm. Adm: £3 adv booking. Info: 0208 981 5050.

Sat 27 Oct
AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL!
Family festival with traditional and contemporary African dance and drumming (from 7pm), all welcome, especially the young-at-heart. Bring the family along at 3.15pm for lots of fun and to get involved. Limited wheelchair access. Venue: Kingsley Hall, Powis Road, Bromley-by-Bow, E3 3HJ (tube: Bromley-by-Bow, DLR: Bow Church, Devon’s Road). 3:15pm – 9pm. Adm: £3, conc £1. Info: 0208 980 3232.

Mon 29 Oct - 10 Dec
AFRICAN DANCE
This vibrant, fast paced and energetic (7 weeks) class will be based on the Ghanaian Panlogo dance which uses the whole body for expression. Disabled access. Suitable for 16+. Venue: Greenwich Dance Agency. 8pm - 9.30pm. Adm: £50.40 (Greenwich Card £41.90 conc £39.90) Advance booking required. Info: 0208 293 9741

Wed 31 Oct
CLASSICALLY BRITISH
Following last year’s sell-out success, Classically British is now celebrating its fifth anniversary with contributions from Black British choreographers and classically trained ballet dancers. Venue: Tabernacle Arts Centre, Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. 7pm - 8.30pm. Adm: £10. Info: 07947 480 021.

NOVEMBER

Sat 3 Nov
CARL CAMPBELL DANCE COMPANY
7’s Dance present: Respect “Champion Lady” (In Praise of Africa), an evening performance in celebration of 29 years of Contemporary Caribbean Dance and music in dedication to Sonya Murison. Venue: NPV-Magic Eye Theatre, Havil Hall, Havil Street, Peckham, London SE1. 8pm. Adm: £7, conc £5. Info: 0207 639 4875.

Mon 19 – 25 Nov
THE LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL
A celebration of jazz in all it’s varied glory, including performances from Chick Corea, Sammy Rollins and Bela Fleck. Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Info: 0845 120 7500.