Imagine performing in a historic Roman palace – its time-worn pediment rising high above as the audience finds its place among ancient marble columns and stairs. Colored lights cast a mystic glow as the music lashes out, grabbing the public's attention and holding it rapt as international soloists and troupes cast their spell onstage.

For three days and nights in August, the Split Tribal Fest gave us that stage setting – and much more. Croatia's second largest city is the site of Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace on the seaside and a living museum of antiquities. In Split, it is not uncommon for one's home to share a wall, a column, or an ancient walkway dating back to antiquity . Romance and history converse in its streets as the salty Adriatic breezes waft through its corridors, invoking a sense of timelessness.

After the Cairo Teacher Training, Paola taught and performed at the Sphinx Festival by the Pyramids, where she gave four inspiring workshops themed "Dancing the Elements". She delivered fabulous classes to live Egyptian music to eager students who had traveled from all over the world to attend the special event. The dance she taught integrated the qualities of Air, Water, Fire and Earth - demonstrating partner and group work which the participants said was "beautiful and uniting". Her perform-ance on the Fire element night was zesty and fun, and the classical performance at the Festival Gala was mezmerising. Her generous sharing of knowledge and soulful dancing at the event was greatly appreciated by all. Paola has a special way of uniting people through her teaching and dance performance, which is ultimately - universal.

Keti Sharif, Director of the Sphinx Festival