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.

Read the transcription of
the panel discussion here.
Moderated by Heather
Panel participants were, Monica, Shira, Barbara Bolan, Amina, Debbie Lammam

Near Eastern Dance Company performing Ghawazi
Alyson, Heather, Monifa, Alexandria, Andrea, Birute, Kathy

Suhaila's troupe
Berkeley, CA

Good Vibrations

The Aswan Dancers dancing to Ya Omda
Zulya, Nabila, Shara, Kien and Maya el Omery