
Erick
Yee as Cloneno from Makeshift Monsters
poses with Alexandria one of the
producer of this new event |
Gilded Serpent
presents...
Ghawazee.com's
Carnival of Stars
Holiday
Dance Festival and
Comic Book Convention
Nov 14,
2004
Centennial Hall, Hayward, California
Photos
by Monica, Lynette,
Susie &
more,
Photo prep by Karen
& Lynette, Report by Shira
The
Carnival of Stars co-sponsored by Alexandria
and Latifa wasn’t a typical belly
dance festival. Held on Sunday, November 14, 2004, it
brought together two art forms that Alexandria feels a
passion for: belly dancing and comic books. This event,
which was held in Hayward, California (near San Francisco,
San Jose, and Oakland), brought some of the elements of
the world of comic book conventions to belly dancing.
Using
a concept that is common in science fiction and comic
conventions, the day opened with a panel
discussion on the topic “The Future
of Belly Dance”. The moderator, Heather,
asked questions of the panel which had been prepared in
advance, but also allowed an opportunity for the audience
to contribute questions of its own. Panelists Monica
Berini, Shira,
Debbie Lammam,
Amina Goodyear,
and Barbara
Bolan took turns responding. Monica and Shira shared
observations on changing dance trends from their recent
trips to Egypt, Amina brought the perspective of a long-time
Oriental dance artist, Debbie offered the view from her
work in the mainstream dance world with Dance Mission
Theater, and Barbara Bolan represented the Bellydance
Superstars. Gilded Serpent videotaped the panel discussion
posted the transcript online so the ideas discussed could
be preserved and shared with the worldwide belly dance
community.
Following
the panel discussion, a folk singer with delicate fairy
wings opened the show, accompanying herself on guitar.
She graciously played an extra song or two beyond what
she had originally intended, filling some extra time caused
by a problem with the scheduling of the dancers who followed
her. From here, the dancing began. The performers were
chosen by Alexandria through invitation, ensuring that
the audience would have an excellent line-up of dancers
to enjoy. Although nearly all dancers were varying styles
of belly dance, the program included a bharat natyam performance
by Nitya Venateswaran.
Late
in the afternoon, Alexandria introduced another innovation
borrowed from the world of comic book conventions: a costume
contest. This, however, was not a contest for
dancers to show off their sparklies. Instead, it was a
contest for character costumes. Some children wore science
fiction oriented costumes such as characters from Star
Wars. Prizes were awarded in several categories.
Following the costume, the
event resumed with more dance performances, extending
on into the evening.
Alexandria had recruited
a number of vendors to offer shopping opportunities for
attendees. Many were belly dance related, but there were
also several tables set up featuring comic book artists
showcasing their work.
Alexandria
has scheduled another Carnival of the Stars festival for
November 2005. This one too will feature a panel discussion.
See www.ghawazee.com for more details.
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Judges for the costume contest were: Davina,
George Powell (from the SF Chronicle),
and Spain, (goofing with Alexandria)
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Contestants
of the costume contest await their turn on stage |

Adam, the pirate parades (Aziza!'s
son!) |

Anisa plays a bird |
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Medusa has very snaky arms with her double jointed
elbows. She came representing Greg Angelo's
Velocity Circus accompanied by a troll.
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Martunez is an ork, not shown is
his equally impressive woman |
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This character was played by
Phillipe from San Francisco |
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Michel
Harris gets to play too.
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Marsha
awards a trophy to Phillipe |
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Sabiba
wins a trophy in the costume contest |
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Now
on with the dancers! |
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Crecent
Moon led by Siwa |
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Artemis
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Andrea
does cabaret style as well as joining Alexandria's
Ghawazee troupe.
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Birute
of Oakland, Ca |
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Dunia
of San Jose |
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Estafania |
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La
Linda |
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Hali |
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Nitya,
an Indian dancer and also
a drummer for Near Eastern Dance Co |
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Malia
& troupe |
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Latifa
of
Sausalito, CA, also a producer of this event |
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Yolanda
is from the South Bay |
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Lulu,
(Yolanda's
daughter) |
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Suhaila's
troupe
Berkeley, CA |
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Tatseena
of
Good Vibrations |
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Good
Vibrations |
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Sabiba
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Shoshanna
of Arcata, CA
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Melinda
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Little
Girl |
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The
Aswan Dancers dancing to Ya Omda
Zulya, Nabila, Shara, Kien and Maya el Omery |

John
and Paula of Hahbi'Ru |
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Hahbi'Ru
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Holly
Hanna
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Luna |
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Monifa
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Melia
Honolulu, HI |
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Sandra
of San Leandro, Ca |

Shabnam
of Oakland, Ca |
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Vendors-
Helen(?) in back to left, Zelina
almost hidden beind the clothes rack wearing black,
seated- Zemira, ?,
Layla Lanty
Spain
draws dancers for $30
(Such a deal, wish I had caught that one!)
Alexandria and James behind Spain |
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Don't
miss next years
Carnival of Stars!
Sunday,
November 13, 2005, 10 am - 9pm
Centennial Hall
Hayward, California Featured
cartoonists and artists in attendance will include:
Spain, Dan O’Neill, Hal Robbins, Paul Mavride,
George Powell, Randy Vogel, Bob Levin,
Erick Yee, Jim White (The Clones ® Rock Group),
and Dawn Devine Brown |
Ready
for more?
The
Panel Discussion at
Carnivals of Stars Festival "Initiating Dance Dialogue: Current Trends"
transcribed
from video by Andrea
4-3-05
The London Belly Beat! by Alexandria
They
have nothing against tribal or fusion styles and seem to enjoy
all belly dance.
1-11-05
Romancing the Stonewall
Comic by Alexandria
"Hi,
dear, can you send me a payment?"
4-29-05
Bargaining for Injeers
by Kayla Summers
Bargaining is not just about the money, although that is a qualifier.
Bargaining is a medium in which two strangers can have a conversation.
Turks love to bargain, and it may be how they get to know you...
4-29-05
Power Failure Halts
Troupes & Finals Categories, The Belly Dancer of the Universe
Competition, Part 1, Sunday Evening, held February 19-20,
2005, in Long Beach, California report by Amy Bonham, photos by
GS staff
Willow
Street outside the Grand Willow Street Center was a raging river
on Saturday morning and the rain continued through the weekend
with intermittent dry spells.
4-22-05
Auditioning for the Belly
Dance Super Stars: Two Personal Experiences
The
Cattle Call by Layla Katrina - "I knew I was not
what they were looking for."
My Experience with the BDSS Audition in Paris by Dazzel - "He
wanted me to believe that his troupe was too good for me."
9-12-04
Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part
5 of 9 by Edwina Nearing
Begun
in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi"
were first published under the title "The Mystery of the
Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued
demand for these articles by making them available to our readers
worldwide.
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