Whew - so that was a long, fun weekend!

I taught a belly dance mini-workshop sponsored by the alumni association at Warren Wilson college and was *stunned* to find out that the sponsor actually knew Nagua Fouad, Tahia Karioca, Badia Masabni, and a veritable who's who of classical raqs sharqi and music. It was incredible to get to hear stories about these greats from someone who actually knew/knows them personally and can give some of their reasons behind dance and music. (and now I even know some the juicy gossip about Badia and the King!) I am so incredibly grateful that I have had chance to meet him. Even better than that, he loved my dancing and teaching and wants to make this a regularly sponsored event and to put on a huge show next year. It was such a great compliment! While we were waiting for all of the students to arrive, I danced for the ladies as they were arriving and then the sponsor and I did an impromptu Saiidi performance with his walking cane - Fabulous!!

Next, was Summer Dance at the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts, sponsored by Alima. There were great workshops and a wonderful show. I was a featured guest performer, so there was a lot of pressure to really do great and I think I managed it! Everyone seemed extremely happy and at least 3 instructors from different areas asked if I would be willing to teach specialty workshops in their areas if they sponsor me next year.

The workshops at Summer Dance were a lot of fun - Alima had zill drills and warm-ups, then Lisa Wylie with Miki Bow and Liz (from Lumani/Naughty Nomads) taught some combinations and staging for groups, and finally we finished the day with a drum solo choreography from Aziza Nawal. All tons of fun :) I recommend these ladies to anyone who gets a chance to study with them. :)

Here are a few pictures from the show: (just click to link to the rest)

This weekend was absolutely fabulous. We filled the studio for both the morning and afternoon workshops and everyone did a beautiful job!

Couple of pics from the workshop itself:
     

The dancers all worked beautifully with with fan veils and worked hard on learning all the little tips and tricks of performing with this prop. It was a little tight in there when we started working with two fan veils in the afternoon, but with a little ingenuity and some turn-taking, I had all 25 or so dancers swirling everywhere.

After the workshops,  we all got ready for the Dragon Moon show. It was so much fun to hang out with these folks! I always love visiting Greenville. The show was absolutely wonderful. I could only watch the first half in person, but we taped the whole thing and I am catching up on all the good stuff now. I was honored to be part of such a great community of dancers. Tons more pics from the show are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mahjan/sets/72157605122254460/

...and here is me having fun and dancing the night away as the featured performer and instructor:

 

A big thank you to Show'leh and Southern Djinn for sponsoring this wonderful workshop and show!