Sold Out Mosaic of Dance in North Carolina!
Raqs Layali 2013, Asheville, North Carolina
Text by Event Producer Mahsati Janan,
photos by Bill Frazer, Sharon Taylor and Ra’eesa
posted April 17, 2013
A few pics from the Raqs Layali show held March 22-24, 2013 in Asheville, North Carolina. The show was a joint effort between artistic director and principal dancer Mahsati Janan, principal dancers Lisa Zahiya and Teejei Brigham, and the BeBe Theater. We sold out every night! The goal of the show was to introduce people to many of the different styles that are a part of belly dance, from the folkloric roots to modern fusions.
The Southeast is home to some absolutely amazing dancers. In Asheville, Mahsati Janan wanted to share the huge diversity of dance styles with the local arts audience, so she partnered with local dancers Lisa Zahiya and Teejei Brigham to develop a show displaying a spectrum of fabulous dances. With the assistance and support of the BeBe Theater, this show was a huge hit. A call for dancers went out in late 2012 and then rehearsals began in earnest in early 2013. Due to the incredible reception by the audience and arts community, Mahsati plans to make this a recurring event to shine a spotlight on the amazing variety of styles.
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Zeffa – Photo by Bill Frazer,
Turkish – Photo by Bill Frazer,
Saiidi – Photo by Bill Frazer
Khaleegy Final Bow – Photo by Bill Frazer
Khaleegy – Photo by Bill Frazer
Ghawazee – Photo by Bill Frazer
Egyptian Raqs Sharqi – Photo by Bill Frazer
ATS – Photo by Bill Frazer
American Orientale – Photo by Bill Frazer
Hip Hop Fusion – Photo by Sharon Taylor
Backstage
Khaleegy Group Pose – Photo by Bill Frazer |
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Ready for more?
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56 goergeous photos! …Latifa, Linah, Lulu, LUna, Mahsati, Malia, MaShuqa, Melina, Migracia, Monica, Mystique, Maiya, Namira, Nancy, Nanna, Natika, Nisima, Nyla, Parri, Princess Farhana…. - 1-15-10 More Fans, More Veils…
She includes a lot more ground information by using combinations, aptly named tables and turns, and the introduction to a lengthier fan veil that is 3 meters long instead of the standard 1.5 meters. - 8-23-12 Going Bi-Coastal, "A Night in the Oasis"
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Yousry sat on the front row during the performance, and is rumored to have remarked “that is me dancing up there!” when Virginia made her appearance. - 5-30-10 Building A Dance Community
A community does not operate in a vacuum and there is no room for cattiness or drama if the community is to be effective and truly benefit the area as a whole - 4-16-13 Tale of the Rat, Beginning to Teach, Part One
He warned me! My German speaking mentor and dance partner, Bert Balladine, told me one day that teaching would change my dance—not necessarily for the better. - 4-9-13 The Third Annual San Jose Showcase for Gothic Dance, The Third Annual Lumen Obscura, April 5-6, 2013, Hoover Theater, San Jose, California
Here are some of my favorites from both the Mayhem Matinee (afternoon show) and the Shiver N Shake Showcase (evening show). "Lumen Obscura is a NorCal annual Dark Fusion & Theatrical belly dance event that showcases some of the best in the genre". Produced by Deidre Anaid. - 4-4-2013 Old Scholl Stardom Shines in a New Land, Tito’s First Visit to Taiwan
No matter how much splendor and glamor is presented on stage, bellydance should always preserve the fundamental spirit and vision of the culture. So he prefers to create a homey atmosphere to remind the audience that dancing and singing at a family gathering is also an essential feature of Middle East performance arts. - 3-28-13 Is the Bedlah from Hollywood?, The Origin of Our Costume
As long as I can remember, the origins of the bedlah (the two piece costume of Middle Eastern dancers) has been widely controversial and debated among the artists of Raqs Sharqi (belly dance). The dance itself, along with the costume, has gone through many centuries of changes and name identifications in accord with period fashion as well as contact with outside influences.
Michele Dohse
Apr 21, 2013 - 09:04:35
I attended with a friend who had never been exposed to bellydance, although she had been a dancer and was also involved for many years with Folkmoot. She was mesmerized! If this becomes an annual event she and I will probably attend together again because we had such a great time. (Full disclosure: I am a student of both Lisa & Mahsati).
Concepcion
Jul 7, 2013 - 06:07:41
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
post! It is the little changes that produce the most important changes.
Many thanks for sharing!