Johannesburg, South Africa!

So I am back from another adventure. This time it was a long flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Even after 8 years of traveling to teach workshops I am still amazed at the places I get to visit. Sometimes I step outside my life and pause long enough to realize that someone not only knows who I am, but also invites me to come teach and dance with them. It is an unbelievable privilege.

For this event I shared teaching duties with the fabulous Karim Nagi. I had had the pleasure of performing with Karim a couple of times and found him to be a talented musician and a true entertainer with a great sense of humour. However, this was the first time I was exposed to his teaching style. He was able to passionately and articulately present complex material. Karim is not one to shy away from correction and has high expectations of his students. I found his content essential and his ability to deliver the content seriously without taking himself seriously refreshing. I wish I had had his classes when I was introduced to this art form.

But I am getting ahead of myself. I arrived Wednesday evening after traveling 24 hours and was met with a smile by one of the sponsors, Angela. This event was hosted by two lovely young teachers who collaborate to produce this event in Johannesburg. They thoughtfully brought both Karim and I early enough to recover from the trip and be able to see some of what Johannesburg has to offer. We had a lovely Indian dinner Thursday night, and on Friday we visited an elephant sanctuary and wildlife reserve. Karim and I were allowed to have a personal encounter with an elephant. Later at the reserve we saw rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, snakes, baby lions, flamingos, and I got to hang out with a cheetah named Eddie.

The workshops were well attended with enthusiastic students. The show was held in a college theatre with professional lighting and even a fog machine. I was not able to see much of the show, but what I could see from the wings was high energy and well received.

One thing that struck me on this trip was the collaboration between my hosts, Nathalie and Angela. I see all too often Bellydance communities fractured and unsupportive of other sponsored events in their area. I find this unfortunate. It is a major undertaking to produce an event. Not to mention expensive. I wish that more communities worked together to support each other. Regardless of what the differences are, there is one common thread we all share, and that is a passion for Arabic dance. Kudos to Angela and Natalie, two teachers with their own interests, schools, events, and troups that are willing to collaborate to the benefit of their community.

Germany, Belgium, Spain, Cuba, Florida, and Italy.

November through January 2010-2011

Wow! It has been a long time since I have written, and so much has happened!
Let me get you up to date on my adventures…

Let’s go back to last November. I had a crazy tour that began in Germany. I participate every year at Leyla Jouvana’s Festival in Duisburg. The weekend before the event I judge the Belly Dancer of the World Competition. I love returning every year for many reasons. First of all Leyla is an excellent host and I am in awe at how she is capable of pulling off not one, but two huge back to back events. I love seeing familiar faces in the classes and seeing how the people I’ve have gotten to know grow in the dance. I also appreciate knowing a city well enough to get around. I love the fact that I visit every year just as the Christmas fair opens. Gluewine and a big Ferris wheel!

Highlights of this visit included hanging backstage with Suhaila, Sadie, Amaya, and Salwa, experiencing Nadia from Russia- hands down one of the most exiting fusion artists I have ever experienced, and spending time with Queenie, Khalida, Amelia, Zafirah, Dagmar, and Ruby. I feel so lucky to have made dance friends that I could spend time with in Duisburg.

After Germany I took a little detour by train to get to Belgium to visit one of my favorite costumers, Bella. It was quite and adventure! After braving the train, the metro, and a snow storm that had me waiting for hours for a taxi, I warmed myself in the glittering glow of four new Bella costumes!

Then… on to Switzerland! Bern is another place that I visit every year. I love teaching in Amira’s enviable studio. This year I had a small show in an adorable theater. I test ran one of my new costumes and -other than a nasty splinter in my foot- had a lovely show. Amira and Alex are also wonderful hosts. They are offering one of the most complete and comprehensive Tribal fusion study program I have seen. The dedication to raising the level of Oriental and related dance forms that Alex and Amira have shown is exemplary. I am looking forward to returning to Bern this year for special celebration for Amira’s 30th year belly dancing and 10 years at studio Taxim.

After Bern I flew to Grenada, Spain and joined Helena Rull for a workshop and show. This was my third time to Grenada but my first time with Helena. The workshops were taught in a gym with only a partition separating the body builders from the belly dance class. There were a couple of interesting grunts happening when we weren’t blasting the music. The students were warm and wonderful. I also enjoyed the show in a huge theater. There was glitter everywhere backstage. One memory I will keep with me is after the event driving around Grenada in a car full of dancers with a magical view of the Alhambra. I can’t wait return to Spain.



Then it was back home to Quebec. I had a glorious 6 week break from teaching and performing. This year I opted out of Christmas with the whole family and instead took a trip with my husband Eric to… CUBA! It was so wonderful to spend needed quality time with Eric and so exciting to spend it in Cuba. As an American I had never considered Cuba as a vacation destination. We stayed right on the beach and spent our time relaxing, reading and playing cards. Bliss! I made my own Christmas tree in the sand and enjoyed hearing Christmas carols among the palm trees.

My first event in 2011 was the Aziza professional weeklong in Sanford Florida and was an excellent way to start the New Year. We had a great group of dedicated professional dancers that worked hard 5 hours a day for 5 days. We also shared meals and had a video night sharing our favorite DVD’s. Sanford is such a sweet town with great restaurants and a resident rooster you hear crowing as you walk to the studio in the morning. I look forward to keeping tabs on these talented women I had the honor to dance with this year.

Then it was on to Italy! I was invited back to Pordenone by Manuela and Samantha and this year in a new workshop venue with mirrors! The show was a showcase of Manuela’s and Samantha’s students. I was thrilled to be around that nervous energy of new performers. My favorite moment was watching the parents of a young dancer with huge proud smiles and camera’s in their hands snapping away every time the choreography had their daughter facing them. It was a moment that made me miss my own family.

After the event in Pordenone I ventured on my own to Venice and had a couple days to walk around this most romantic of cities eating fabulous food and exploring the canals. I found a Lush store and bought some bubble bath and a phone card to call my friends and family. After a long soak and hours talking on the phone I was struck by how incredibly lucky I am that I am able to travel the world with this dance. Although I count my blessings often, I also wish that I could share these experiences. I wish that I could have been eating this amazing food and seeing this incredible city with my husband. I hope that the next time I am fortunate enough to visit Venice I will have pictures of Eric and I together to share with you.

So what is next?
Can you believe South Africa?!

Ahlan Cairo nights, Montreal Quebec

This past weekend I had the pleasure to attend Little Egypt’s event in Montreal. It was so nice to just sit back and enjoy the performances without the stress of having to perform! I was thrilled to be able to connect with the visiting stars; Aida Nour, Asi Haskal, Lubna Emam, and Randa Kamel. These are very respected and famous artists in our industry. I have had the honour of working with Lubna (in Belgium), Asi Haskal (in Israel), and Randa (in Argentina). I had met Aida Nour many years ago, and I could not believe she was here in Canada. We are so privileged to have the opportunity to work with a legend in our industry.
Friday night was the Queen of the Nile competition. There were 9 brave dancers that came with their best. I was very proud of the dancers from our community! It could not have been easy to dance in front of such illustrious judges. We had to wait until the Saturday Gala shows to find out the results.
Saturday night was special to me because I was able to share the evening with my husband, Eric. Because of my touring schedule, it is not often that I am able to show him dancers that inspire me. Let alone dress up and go out on a weekend night! This was his first time seeing a tanoura dancer, and the headliners gave him a whole new perspective on Middle Eastern dance. Lubna showed the true spirit of Egyptian dance, Asi was an incredible showman, and Randa blew the roof off the Holiday Inn!
After Randa’s powerful performance it was time for the results of the competition. Last years’s winner, Salome, had the dubious task of performing after Randa before handing over her crown. I have to give Salome big props. She absolutely delivered. I was thoroughly impressed. The winners were announced and in third place was Mylene, second went to Zafirah, and the new Queen of the Nile is Amelia. All three were fabulous and I could see that it was not an easy decision for the judges.
A big thank you to Dee Dee of Little Egypt for bringing this event to Montreal!

Wisconsin

Holloween weekend was spent at the fabulous Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. I was invited by Nilaja, Donna Diva, and Magda also known as "the Lemmings". This venue was out of control! First of all it was HUGE. The Kalahari boasts water parks, an indoor amusement park, bowling alley, cinema, spa, arcade, go carts, and baby tigers! It is the ultimate event to include your family, there is something for everyone. Because it was holloween weekend there was an element of the bizare. I loved that I could walk around the resort in full Aziza frosting and not look out of place. Friday night was the Hoofla. There were alot of fusion performances to celebrate the holiday. I enjoyed Shira's Bastet dance complete with meowing in the music. I also enjoyed the "soul train" costume dance at the end of the show, and even joined in with my cat woman mask. Saturday was full of workshops. I was joined in teaching duties by Shira, Christine, and Mirah Amal. In the afternoon I was able to enjoy a lunch with my gracious hosts and have my picture taken with a baby tiger named "Liliy"! Saturday night was the Gala show. There was a nice contingency from Chicago including the talented Sonia and two of her troups. It was fun to sit in the audience which was dotted with glow in the dark cocktails. Sunday was another full day of workshops. Unfortunately I had to duck out and head to the airport right after my workshop. It would have been fun to end the event with a splash in the waterpark! If anyone is looking for a Bellydance event to bring the whole family, check out the Northern Lights Bellydance Festival next year!

Calgary

Yay, Canada, my adoptive home! I was thrilled to be invited back to Calgary by the Little Fish Dance Company. Last time I was in Calgary it was very cold and we performed in a clown school! This time the weather was more mild and the event was held in a Ukrainian community center. I had a warm welcome from the students. We laughed, cried and worked very hard. Special thanks to Hollie for all her hard work and to all the students that travelled long distance to dance with us. I truly hope to dance with you all again. Next time I will bring my cowboy hat...

COLOMBIA

This was my first trip to Medellin, Columbia. I was immediately impressed with the promoter, Maria Isabel. Although Bellydance is relatively new in this country, Maria is presenting the dance with integrity and professionalism. Maria worked with a publicist and kept me busy with radio, newspaper, and television interviews before the workshops and show. The result was a full house in one of Medellin’s top theatres. I shared billing of this event with Yousery Sharif, Gada of Chile, and Angie of Venezuela.
There were 200 students in attendance at the workshops. Maria should be proud of the work she has done to promote Bellydance in her area.

Hola Mexico

After the spectacle of Argentina I had a complete change of environment. I was invited to Cuernavaca, Mexico by Georgina Ruiz. I was charmed by Georgina and her supportive family. This workshop was attended by 11 enthusiastic students. Although this event was a much smaller scope than Argentina, it was still emotionally satisfying in a different way. I was happy to be able to work intimately with the students and give feedback.
I love the hospitality of Mexico! My gracious hosts made me feel at home and fed me well! I look forward to returning to Mexico, soon.