11/06 Nizana, Anya and Tehfat Malak perform at the Spokane Fall Folk Festival at SCC on Nov 4, followed by a workshop by Nizana with assistance by Anya.  This is an annual event for Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Co. Nizana has submitted 2 more reviews to the Belly Dancer Magazine for an upcoming issue, so keep an eye out! Happy Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving to all! 

10/06 Nizana teaches workshops in Moses Lake, both through Parks and Rec, and following those, private workshops this month on the 7th, 14th, and 21st. Nizana has been published in this month's issue of the Zaghareet (Belly Dance) Magazine! In addition, you will find two articles she wrote for this quarter's issue of Belly Dancer Magazine, of which she is a regular staff writer. Nizana is teaching an Intro to Belly Dance workshop at the Spokane Fall Folk Festival on Nov 4th at 2:30 in the Dance Room, 109E, at Spokane Community College. Nizana and Anya, of Desert Silk Dance Company, along with Tehfat Malak, will also perform that day before the workshop (in the same room) at 2 pm. 

9/06 Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co are performing at 3:55 at the Spokane Co Fair on Sun, the 17th, on the Community Stage. This is the last day of the fair, and Tehfat Malak will join them again for one dance. On the 22nd, Nizana heads to Vancouver, Wa for the Double Crown competition as she will be a Judge. The following weekend finds Nizana and Anya at the Hollywood Hafla in Wenatchee, performing a brand new dance Nizana choreographed just for the event. Contact Moses Lake Parks and Rec (509-766-9240, or mlrec.com) to register for the Oct workshops Nizana is scheduled to teach on the 7th, 14th and 21st. Registration is taking place now. Nizana will be teaching a workshop on Nov 4th at the Fall Folk Festival and Anya and Nizana will perform. (Times TBA.)  

8/06 Nizana and Desert Silk (Duet) (Nizana and Anya) will be performing at Center Stage in downtown Spokane with the Brothers of the Baladi! Show time starts at 8 pm on Friday, Aug 18th, and this is a good opportunity to experience live Middle Eastern music and dancing. (spokanecenterstage.com) Nizana has scheduled 3 different Intro workshops in Moses Lake in Oct through Moses Lake Parks and Rec; contact Nizana, or watch mlrec.com for details- their brochure usually comes out the end of Sept. Check out the new bonus section at the end of the events listings, which is updated many times a month. 

7/06 This month finds Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Co at the annual Seattle Medfest. DSDC performs a set, including a new choreography they haven't performed yet on Sat, July 15th at 5:40. Nizana performs a solo that same day on the second stage at 2:48 pm. Nizana will be presenting a semi-private workshop in Moses Lake on July 8th, and plans to teach a fall workshop series there. Nizana's articles are published each quarter in the Belly Dancer Magazine; this quarter she focuses on event reviews. Next issue, watch for a special article she wrote.....

6/06 Nizana started out the month with what has become an annual event- a participatory presentation for Imagination Celebration at Audubon School, accompanied by Tehfat Malak and Megan. The kids loved the dumbek and zils, and especially the zaghareet! Later this month, Nizana joins Troupe and Band du Soleil at the Tri-Cities Renassaince Fair to play in the band. Catch event reviews by Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine coming out soon!

5/06 Desert Silk has back to back performances in May. First, they perform at the Powers Conference in Yakima on 5/12, where they will perform one set, and then at the Spokane Eva Cernik event on May 20th, where they will perform a completely different set, in different costumes. Nizana is also soloing live to the Scabland Band at the Powers Conference on the 12th. Nizana is Evening Program Manager and Back Up Emcee for the Spokane event. She is also the Stage Manager for Powers, and has been Stage Manager at Powers for going on three years now. Nizana will be reviewing the Eva show and workshops (Eva is a fantastic dancer and instructor; we are lucky to have her in Spokane) for the Belly Dancer Magazine, for which she is a staff writer. Nizana has announced a summer workshop series for Moses Lake; contact Parks and Rec to register.       

4/06  Nizana was featured in the Columbia Basin Herald this month in an article and pictures regarding her interest in Belly Dance and her instruction in Moses Lake. It turned out very nice! Nizana will be doing an Intro to Belly Dance Presentation for a large mother-daughter group in Moses Lake this month. Spring quarter is in full swing with 16 students. Stay tuned for summer quarter instruction information. Nizana and DSDC have been preparing for two upcoming May events, after a busy March. Congrats to Magic City Costumes for their grand opening in Wenatchee! See below for other relevant info about Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Company.

3/06 March finds Nizana and the Desert Silk Dance Co performing and sponsoring a mini-hafla on 3/4 for Nizana's Moses Lake class to end the quarter! The students have worked really hard, and have two choreographies to perform for their families and friends. Then, DSDC heads over to Seattle to see "Beyond the Orient," which they are really looking forward to. Two weeks after that, they get even more inspiration from Belly Dance Superstars in Spokane, and taking Bozenka's workshop. Nizana starts spring quarter classes in Moses Lake on March 18; registration is taking place now-fall and winter sold out, so contact Parks and Rec asap!   Volunteers (free show admission!) are needed for set up and take down at the Eva Cernik event in Spokane on May 20th. Please contact Nizana if you are interested. Look for another article or two by Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine; Nizana is a regular staff writer.  (zainahart.com)

2/06 February finds DSDC rehearsing their five part Turkish routine that Nizana choreographed for their upcoming performance in the "Turkish Delight" event in May in Spokane. DSDC will join Nizana's class in Moses Lake for a mini-hafla at the end of winter quarter. They are planning on attending a show together in Seattle in March, and also seeing Belly Dance Superstars in Spokane. They are also making plans for the rest of the year as there are so many wonderful events to attend!  Don't forget  the events page is updated multiple times monthly; the home page monthly! the links page is updated when I find time....    but it does have some great links!!!! 

1/06  Happy New Year! Nizana's winter quarter classes begin Jan 7th in Moses Lake and has sold out again! Nizana will also be teaching classes in Yakima; see above for details.  Nizana continues to present articles in Zaina's Belly Dancer Magazine (note: Zaina is making some big changes and this quarter's issue will coincide with Rakassah); is assisting Nadiyah with the May Spokane Eva Cernik event as Evening Program Manager, and is rehearsing with her Spokane troupe Desert Silk Dance Co. They are scheduled to learn two new short routines Nizana has just choreographed.
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12/05 Well, it's almost the end of 2005,and Desert Silk Dance Co is working on their routines for the upcoming year. This month will find them doing a photo shoot. Nizana will perform at Tri-Cities First Night on 12/31 with Djimmah Karena, and Band du Soleil. She is also busy at work as Evening Program Manager for the May Spokane Eva Cernik event that Nadiyah and Bellydancers Unlimited are sponsoring. Watch for another article from Nizana in the new issue of Belly Dancer Magazine, coming out soon. Nizana is wrapping up teaching fall quarter,and is preparing for classes winter and spring in Moses Lake and Yakima. Don't forget to check the events, links, and home pages regularly for updates! 

10/05 Nizana's Belly Dance classes start Oct 6, and registration is now closed for fall quarter, as the class is at full capacity!! Be sure to register for winter quarter as soon as possible. Nizana will be performing a solo at the Kalia Restaurant on Oct 9 in Lynnwood.  She is also performing a solo at Taste of India in Spokane on Oct 15th following the Aisha Ali lecture at Gonzaga. Nizana and Desert Silk troupe members are finishing their new costumes and polishing their new routine for Sabah's upcoming Hollywood Hafla on Nov 5th. The new routine is a beautiful number chorrographed by Nizana! The show starts at 7 at the Riverside Theater in Wenatchee, and Nizana will also perform as part of the duet "Fifi and Fatima Gamal," with the "Kairo Kats."

9/05 Nizana just returned from a well deserved trip to Hawaii, where she had a fabulous time! She and Desert Silk Dance Co perform at the Spokane Fair Sun the 18th at 1:45 on the Community Stage.  Nizana's fall Belly Dance class registration is under way, with the first class  starting the first Th of Oct. (Chk for specific class dates for fall quarter with Moses Lake Parks and Rec, the web info and catalog are now out!)

8/05 Nizana is performing and teaching a workshop Aug 6 at the Spokane Belly Dance Festival, and is joining Troupe and Band du Soleil in Tri-Cities on the 27th for their mini-hafla. DSDC is working on finishing up their new costumes, and getting ready for upcoming fall performances.

7/05 Some of the DSDC members performed a set on Sat 7/15 at Medfest in Seattle at 8 pm. They got great reviews, including one audience member who said we were the best dancers she'd seen all day! Next month, Nizana teaches an Intro to Kashlama workshop in Spokane; registration is taking place now. Join Nizana for a fun hour of dance! Hope everyone is having a great summer! Nizana announces fall classes in Moses Lake!!

6/05 Tehfat Malak joined Nizana in two class presentations at Audubon School in Spokane. Tehfat Malak is now an official DSDC troupe member. DSDC says aloha to Amasa who is moving to Hawaii. Nizana was part of Band du Soleil at Ren Fairre in Richland, playing dumbek, claves, and tambourine for Troupe du Soleil on 6/25-26.

5/05 Nizana had a great time performing a solo to live music by members of the Scabland Band and Tri-Cities Drum Circle at the Powers BD Conference, and handling Stage Manager duties. DSDC has started working on a new costume and routine, and will be performing two routines at Zaina- Ameera's wedding reception on the 28th, and will be joined by Zaina-Ameera and Perizad for this set. DSDC would like to welcome Khalisah to the troupe!!

4/05 This month finds Nizana, Anya and Amirah headed to Saqra's Showcase in the Portland area to take workshops, support the dancers, and shop the vendors. DSDC wishes the best to Perizad, who is taking a performing sabbatical, and Zaina-Ameera who has moved her wedding date up from Sept to May, as her fiance accepted a job on the coast and they will be moving there shortly after the wedding. Catch DSDC opening the EWU World Party at 2pm on April 30th!

3/05 Here's to Spring! Catch the troupe at the Spokane St. Patty's Day parade in the Belly Dance Mobile at noon on 3/12! Troupe members have been busy taking classes and attending shows. Nizana just got back from San Diego where she attended (and reviewed, check upcoming Belly Dance Magazine issue) a show in San Marcos with Dondi and John Bilezikjian!

2/05 Happy Valentine's Day! DSDC has added a new tambourine dance to their reportoir that Nizana recently choreographed. The troupe loved their night out to see the Belly Dance Superstars tour in Spokane. Very inspiring!

1/05 Happy New Year! DSDC looks forward to another busy year, after a well earned rest in December! We logged a lot of performances in 2004! Wishing everyone the best in 2005!
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12/04 Nizana & Desert Silk Dance Company wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!!!

11/04 Check out the DSDC at the Folk Festival in Spokane, where Nizana will perform a solo, (11:30 am); as well as teach a workshop at 1:30 pm in the same room. DSDC will also perform at Gonzaga Univ as part of Amirah's Doctorate's Level Leadership through Arts class on Veteran's Day.

10/04 See below to get a PNW Belly Dance Calendar that Desert Silk Dance Co is in! Some of the DSDC members will perform at Halloween Hafla in Wenatchee, which will include another new routine choreographed by Nizana! Nizana will perform a solo there, as well as at the Spokane show w/Dahlena 10/16. DSDC welcomes new troupe member, Heather!

7/04 Desert Silk Dance Company is super busy in July, and wishes to welcome new troupe member, Anya! Joining them on stage for the Neighbor Days Performance for the finale number is Special Guest, Tehfat Malak (Precious Angel.) Nizana has been busy choreographing and teaching the troupe new routines, and they're doing a great job! Check us out at local or regional events, with more dates to be listed soon!

6/04 Nizana's spring classes did exceptionally well this quarter and will celebrate with a class party! Nizana will be teaching an Intro to Veil Workshop June 12th. Nizana is a contributing writer to Belly Dancer Magazine, and she is now listed in the Staff Bios page on the website! check out zainahart.com

5/04 Nizana just "graduated" from "Teaching Intermediate Belly Dance" "School with Alwiyah", and is now a Certified Intermediate, as well as Certified Beginning Belly Dance Instructor!! ! Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company and Troupe du Soleil performed at the EWU Annual World Party, did a great job, and had a wonderful time! Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company, Ravisha & Djimmah Karena performed with the Brothers of the Baladi!! Desert Silk Dance Company members Nizana, Perizad, Zahra, Zaiina, & Amirah welcome new troupe member, Amasa!

4/04 Nizana, Desert Silk Dance Company, Djimmah Karena and Ravisha join Brothers of the Baladi from Portland for a Middle Eastern/World Music Party at the Big Easy on May 6 at 8pm! Tickets available at all Ticketwest Outlets and are only $10! / www.Ticketswest.com / or call 509-325-SEAT. Both of Nizana's spring Belly Dance classes sold out!

3/04 Nizana's spring belly dance classes through Spokane Community Colleges IEL are scheduled for next month. The first class is full, and the second one only has a few spots left, so sign up quick before this one fills, too!

2/04 Nizana & Djimmah Karena took second place in the Troupe/Duet Category at the Emerald Rain Belly Dance Competetion on 2/7 in Everett!!! Desert Silk Dance Company debuted in Spokane on 2/25, and were well received! Great job!

1/04 Nizana is proud to announce the formation of her new troupe, Desert Silk Dance Company!! Nizana is the Director of this new Spokane area dance troupe, and is looking forward to dancing with this group of dancers at local and regional events! Nizana has also been published in this quarter's edition of Belly Dancer Magazine with a DVD review!! NEW LINK! Nizana has added Zaina's website to her links page.

Congratulations to Djimmah Karena and her new troupe, Troupe du Soleil, for a successful dinner show in Kennewick on 12/11! The troupe debuted with a variety of dances, and featured special guests, Nizana, and Shenteela.

Bonus Section- Articles by Nizana- see more on home page!

Bonus Section April '08
On April 12th, Nadiyahs, Leonardo's Coffee (where the event was held) and the Porsche Club sponsored a fundraiser for Parizadah, a Hasna Haddiyah member battling cancer. While the lineup changed from who was listed on the flyer, there were a good number of dancers from around the area who came to dance for the cause. The coffee drinks were good, too! Opening the show was Nizana, in a sparkly red and black dress, and black sheer veil, dancing to a lively remix number. Delilah Ra performed a "snake" dance with a big stuffed snake partner, and did some great floorwork shimmies! Khamara showed off some new moves she learned while she was on a trip to Turkey in one of her solos, while the other solo was more stylistic and interpretive.  Janine danced an Egyptian number in cabaret costume, followed by Amina, also performing and styled in Egyptian cabaret. Adara danced to a great version of "Pretty Woman" in a gold sparkly beledi dress and blue veil. Nadiyah and Sha-Mal performed a Shamadan duet, which added a nice flavor to the show lineup. Sha-Mal also danced a cabaret solo with the coolest tambourine her son found for her in California. Nadiyah performed a saucy solo in a fitted hot pink beledi dress with red sparkly veil (lots of sparkle tonight...) Laura performed for the first time ever after dancing only a few months, and she has the shimmies down! Nefabit closed the show with a cabaret solo that had lots of undulations,and some flutters, and was a really cool tune. She got the audience and dancers up to dance for the last minute. I think everyone had a great time, and I also think with the tips and donations, that Parizadah is able to get some help with her medical bills.Very nice that some of the Spokane community came together for such a good cause!            

Bonus Section September '07
This year at the annual Spokane Co Fair, Desert Silk Dance Company invited sister troupe, Troupe du Soleil, from the Tri-Cities to join them! Together, they put on a solid and entertaining one hour show. Host group DSDC opened the show with a set that included American cabaret w/veils, a tribal fusion number and an alternative veil number. The first routine was done with sheer veils that matched their skirt trim, and for the alt veil number, they used silk veils that matched their skirt trim. They wore black tribal trim skirts, black tie tops, and shell bra, belt and accessories. Alwiyah choreographed the first routine, and Nizana the 2nd and 3rd. Next up was Troupe du Soleil, looking lovely in white skirts with color fringe, hip scarves and coin bras. That set included a solo Raks Assaya by Troupe Director, Djimmah Karena, a veil number and a drum solo. DSDC came back out with a set that included a partial costume change, and played zils for their opening and closing numbers, and in between were a slow chifitelli and a drum solo. TdS came back out with another set that included finger cymbals and a partial costume change with bright summery skirt colors. DSDC came back one more time with a set that included an alternative Latin-Fusion number and a veil number and another costume change of full sari skirts and matching cholis. This also included another change of veils to match the skirts. Then, together on stage, both troupes performed their own versions, side by side,of Tafta Hindi to close out the show, and the audience was delighted! What a great effort by two wonderful troupes!
       
Bonus Section July 07
On June 30 and July 1, Ye Merry Greenwood Festival took place in Richland,Wa in the sunny outdoors by the river, a lovely setting for a Renaissance Festival! There were the three regular troupes on hand: Troupe du Soleil, Greenwood Gypsies and the Sultana Dancers. My sister dancer, Djimmah Karena, performs with both Troupe du Soleil which she directs, and the Gypsies, and does a lovely job in both. All three troupes, as per the requirement of the organizers, played to live music. Yours truly was in Band du Soleil for Troupe du Soleil, and had a blast. I like to drum now and then and see the performances and the audience from a different perspective. Each troupe did three sets each day, and I watched all three troupes at one time or another. Each had a different look, and different styles of routines. Each drew a good sized crowd, and each had good band members to back them up. It was a lot of fun and Magic City Costumes was there amongst the Renaissance vendors, and seemed to be doing good business! This was my second venture to this event, and I look forward to next year!

Bonus Section May 07
Nizana and Adara attended the 21st Annual Powers of Belly Dance Conference in Yakima the weekend of May 18th-20th. Nizana has been co-managing the music and stage for the last few years there, and has been performing and attending the conference for the majority of the years the Conference has been running. The Powers even placed Nizana in the program under "Conference Team Members," which was really cool. Both Nizana and Adara performed solos; Nizana live to Scabland Band. There were many other lovely performers, and good vendors, and I hit Halima's twice for veil specials I couldn't resist! The workshop instructors were Melanie Powers teaching hip and shimmy work, and Sidonia om Dunia, teaching Egyptian stylings and combinations. Both were very good workshops, but this is the first time I studied with the fabulous Sidonia, and was so glad I did! The 2008 Powers Conference is the 16th-18th of May at the long running same location, and the hotel/restaurant property changed hands/brands again this year, but with some noted improvements. Had a really good time, bonded with some dance sisters, and am looking forward to next year!      

Bonus Section November '06
It is fabulous that there are Folk Festivals around such as the annual events in Spokane and Seattle, as it allows the public to have a chance to see cultural performances all in one place that they didn't even know existed! It also gives those a chance who are "in on it" to get to support each other and/or perform as well.  These events are often free (donations accepted) to the public, with the performers, musicians and artists giving of their time so that others can be exposed to these wonderful art forms. It is a supportive and festive atmosphere, usually run by many volunteers. At the Spokane festival, of which Nizana and Desert Silk Dance Company have been a part of for several years, it has grown bigger each year, always with a great variety of art forms. There are crafts for the kids, a bake sale, and multi-track events going on everywhere. There are workshops (Nizana has taught Intro to Belly Dance there for many years) and all sorts of dancing! Middle Eastern Dance was well represented as interest in this genre has grown quite a bit in the area along with everywhere else! Support your local festival and the arts!

Bonus Section Sept 06
There are tons of dance events happening this fall for you to attend or participate in on a local and regional level. There are several different styles of Middle Eastern dance, from authentic to fusion. It is important to match the music and the costuming with the style of dance, and to always dance with integrity and respect for the culture or cultures. So when you go out to watch or learn, be sure who you choose as an instructor or role model knows about posture, technique, culture, dance etiquette, and everything else that goes along with these styles of dance, and you will be better off when you begin to dance! There is so much to learn and so much fun to be had!

Bonus Section Aug 06
Nizana and Anya, Desert Silk Duet, were the highlight of the show in Spokane at CenterStage with the Brothers of the Baladi! A band member, and audience members were very complimentary of the routine choreographed by Nizana to Dere Dere that they performed to close out the first set. Nizana also performed a solo to a medley of Ma Zamir and Bir Demet Yasemin in the second set. Nah'Joom Dancers performed a routine in each set of the show as well. The Brothers played a great couple of sets of music!

Bonus Section July 06

Review of Mediterranean Fantasy Festival (aka Medfest)

Just got back from West Seattle from the 19th Annual "Babsfest," an event I have attended for many, many years. This year, Tina Sargent & MEAI sponsored the fabulous Maleeha for the accompanying workshops, tieing it in to the "Maleeha Seattle Summer Series." I was able to attend the Fri night workshop, and having studied with Maleeha several times before, knew I would enjoy "Conceal & Reveal" with the veil. The class also included technique, footwork, tips for making movement look better, and drills to the music. (And of course, a little history, which I really appreciate.) I always get a lot out of her classes to enhance my dance.

Medfest got so big they had to add a second (indoor) stage this year. Nizana performed her solo there, a veil piece to "Jemilleh" by Pangia, followed by a drum solo. Desert Silk Dance Co performed a Turkish  kashlama inspired set choreographed by Nizana on the main stage later that day. There were some really great performances (I always enjoy watching Tribal Infusion,) and audiences were attentive at both stages! There were lots of vendors carrying all sorts of treasures and services (but I really missed my ankle henna tattoo from Aleedra this year!) The weather cooperated wonderfully, and there were lots of familiar and new faces. I think a great time was had by all, thanks Saroya, Circe, Sian, Charanni, Ken, etc!!!         

Review of BDSS Show and Workshop-(Spokane, March '06) by Nizana

    Bozenka, of the Belly Dance Superstars, taught a workshop to accompany the Raqs Carnivale tour while in Spokane. The majority of the troupe and I attended Bozenka's workshop the next day following the show on March 24th, 2006, and thoroughly enjoyed both.  Bozenka is a lovely, expert instructor and performer. While the flyer indicated she would teach shimmies, locks, and hip techniques for drum solos to help you unlock your dance personality, that wasn't the sole concentration. The emphasis was more on refining technique, layering and a some very useful combos. Bozenka's instruction was very clear and easy to follow, and I thought this was one of the best workshops I have attended. She addressed different levels of learning with ease. I actually walked away with things that I can use, and actually remember!   

    Now, at first, I was disappointed that many of the dancers had changed in the lineup. Not to worry!!! There were some of the same wonderful performers from the last tour, and some wonderful new ones!  I know I've been a big Jillina fan ever since I saw her and her troupe at the International Conference in Costa Mesa, but again, Jillina, her choreographies, her dancing, and her personality was outstanding!! A really special person was chosen to be the main choreographer and artistic director in Jillina. One thing I remember reading about Jillina a long time ago is that she has studied many different dance forms, and expected her troupe members to have done the same. It is evident that she has other dance forms under her belt that blend beautifully with Middle Eastern dance, and did so in Raqs Carnivale. I think this was especially effective for the American audience.

    I saw a recent dancer online conversation about when is fusion and blending of different disciplines and all too much. When it is done tastefully, and with beauty, grace, energy, and passion, in my opinion, then be as creative as you want. I may not always care for it, but I believe the creativity, when well done, can be very exciting, and unique.  Explain it for what it is and present it in the right forums, maintain respect for the cultures, and keep an open mind to other styles besides your own. Having said that, yes, for the purists, there were not any folkloric pieces to speak of. Yes, there were gymnastics, a Polynesian number, some hip hop combinations, and some East Indian and ballet moves in this event.  Yes, the Spokane venue did not sell the tickets it should have, and the lighting was too dark. However, this was a highly enjoyable and entertaining event. I could barely contain myself in my seat on some of the presentations. My eyes were glued to the stage, as were most everyone's around me the entire time, and the BDSS earned a standing ovation at the end of the show. It was dazzling; the costumes, the transitions, the interaction between dancers and drummer, between dancers and dancers.

    Ok, as for things I might've liked better, I heard we missed the Assistant Director's (Stevie) dancing on stilts as the stage at the Met would not accommodate that. That would have added to what I thought could have been more play on the theme Raks Carnivale. The Tribal Flamenco costumes didn't do much for me, and I would like to see other tribal styles represented. I also would like to see a little folkloric representation, which can be done on the big stage for an American audience. I know that dancers had to do some really quick changes right off the wings, which, as a dancer, I know is not optimum.            

    Some of the things I appreciated most included Jillina's drum solo, playing off of master percussionist Issam Houshan, which was really cute, and she danced ON A DUMBEK!!!! Ok, I've seen dancing on goblets, but this was so cool! And then Petite Jamila danced with DOUBLE double veil, something I hadn't come across in many years of watching dance. Adora's somersault with the veil flip was incredible as were the shimmying undulations they all did! I absolutely adored the use of the different dancers coming in and out and changing soloists or groups of dancers during group numbers. It was very smooth, and dramatic, and while some of the costumes were not some of my favorite colors (orange, yellows, greens), these were absolutely fabulous looking, and went well with what they were doing. The blue group costumes they started the show with were particularly stunning, as were, well, almost all of the costumes for Egyptian, American Belly Dance and Tribal were awesome! Then of course, I was really impressed to see, again, the dancers taking part in the band, especially when they put band costumes as opposed to dance costumes on. Ok, yes, I really enjoyed the show, and again, the workshop, so am glad the BDSS's came through town once more!!           

                    March 4, 06 Moses Lake Student Recital/Hafla. Troupe/Solo/With Students

                    March 16, 06 SFCC Class Presentation/Solo                     

                    Nov 5, 05 Sabah's Wenatchee Hollywood Hafla. Troupe/Solo-Duet