Suzy
Evans, Mher Pannossian, Hadia,
Hayat El Helwa, Hallah Moustafa |
Mary Ann Cappa receiving
the "Little Egypt" Award |
Atea presenting award to Hayat |
Marta
Schill
of MECDA |
Judeen
|
|
The
Gilded Serpent reports on...
IAMED's Fourth Annual Awards of Bellydance
by Marula
with contributing comments from Alia and
Aleia
Seldom does one see a bellydance production as professionally
staged and presented as the International Academy of Middle
Eastern Dance's
annual Awards of Bellydance. For one magical, talent-filled evening,
Suzy Evans and the IAMED promote the art of bellydance by
recognizing outstanding artists and by producing a spectacular show
that keeps the audience riveted to the theater's seats. This year's
show was a tribute to Suzy's energy, time, and vision. From the
very beginning of the show, the audience was mesmerized by a vibrant
display of colorful costumes, talented dancers and musicians, fantasy,
and professionalism.
The
150-mile drive from San Diego to Northridge is a respectable distance
to travel for a 2-hour show; however, by carpooling with two other
dancers, I was not only able to enjoy the drive, but was also
able to immediately share my post-show enthusiasm. What struck
me the most during our discussion was that although we were unanimous
in our appreciation of the show, we were each individually touched
by different performances. This article is a combination of the
impressions shared by three inspired dancers driving home to San
Diego.
Sequined
in gorgeous red, Alexandra King began the evening's performances.
She projects her art as a woman's dance, filled with strength,
joy, and vulnerability. Soon after, "Beyond Egypt,"
a piece performed by Jillina & The Sahala Dancers,
captivated us from the start with music from Carmina Burana
that spoke of the ancient people of Europe and reminded us that
life is subject to the whims of fortune.
Laurel Gray,
draped sweetly in bright pastels, favored the audience with two
performances. Alia was especially drawn to the second number,
a Persian-style of dance that dance ethnographers had reconstructed
from paintings. Saucy, bubbly, and modern, Zahra Zuhair
performed a delightful Egyptian routine, while "Dance of
the Seven Veils," performed by Tamalyn
Dallal, was an elegant adventure into layers of moods
and emotions. As each veil was removed and delicately treasured,
she projected the depth of her art.
Jindra
perfectly fused ballet and the elegant seductiveness of bellydance.
Full of fun and grace, she covered the stage with a presence and
creativity that left the audience wishing for much, much more.
Responding to that wish, the next performer, Shoshanna,
interpreted the violin solo "Ahiam." Communicating tremendous
emotion, she generously shared her passion for this music with
the audience.
FatChanceBellyDance
delighted us with their dramatic, silhouetted entrance, large
cymbals, and stylish posturing. Their music and tribal style offered
a change of pace that the audience enjoyed. Then, touching a nostalgic
nerve, Hayat El Helwa, a guest artist from Sao Paulo, Brazil
gave a performance reminiscent of an older style that introduced
many a longtime dancer to bellydance, including myself.
SeSe & the Cairoettes displayed beautifully designed
floor patterns that were full of energy, and Fahtiem, emoting
the presence of a master-diva, combined fluid motion with an exceptional
audience rapport that carried into the farthest seats of the theater.
Hadia,
presenting a strong classical Egyptian style filled with personality
and fun, provided a perfect finale to a perfect show.
As
with all awards shows, honors were presented and received with
joy, tears, and trembling hands.
Below
are the esteemed winners of
the IAMED's Awards of Bellydance 2000:
- Instructor:
Z-Helene
- Dance Company:
Suhaila Dance Company
- Modern
Egyptian Dancer: Jillina
- Music:
Cairo Caravan by Movses Panossian
- Choreography:
Hadia
- Ethnic
Dancer: Alexandria
- Instructional
Video: Oriental Arms by Katia
- Promoter:
MECDA
- New category
in 2000- "Little Egypt" Award: Mary Ann Capa
- a special
award for promoting dance in Brazil: Hayat
- Cabaret
Dancer: Judeen
- Dancer
of the Year: Dalia Carella
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