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Najah
Southern California

Najah's costume made her look like a delicate Chinese doll. The character she portrayed had that feeling too, with artful little glances and coquetry. I assume she made that wonderful elaborate costume, since she is a costume designer.

Sa'adiyya came out in a simple pale galabiya-like dress and did a lyrical and fluid veil bit. She then tied the veil around her hips for the faster portion. She did a bit of zar and her hair seemed like a second veil at times. I would call her piece a modern dance that referenced Middle Eastern motifs and movements. It takes skill and know-how to do that well and this dancer had both.

Ricodancer
Northern California

Rico, Rico, RICO! Take one of those big nipple rings out RIGHT NOW and use it to securely fasten your belt onto the rest of your costume. Do it NOW.

Like Janet Jackson, Ricodancer had a wardrobe malfunction. As in Janet's case, it wasn't clear to some in the audience whether it was an accident-on-purpose or not. Janet's nipple jewelry was the surprise ending. In this dancer's case, the nipple rings were in full view at the start under a see-through red mesh top. When his belt went south, the situation was made even more unnerving by lacy black tights underneath. Once something like that happens, it is very difficult to recover the momentum of the performance. Also his music was very fast and driving and he seemed to tire before the ending. Points to Ricodancer for calmly kicking the belt out of the way when it slipped and continuing. Points also for being the lone brave male among all the contestants.

Titanya's character was a playful wood nymph or forest fairy. The costume, in rich, earthy golds and greens, included tiny horns on the dreaded hair-do and magical face paint. She really invoked her namesake from A Midsummer Night's Dream. The choreography included little hops and rolling on the floor. With sweeping, welcoming arm movements she invited us into her forest glade so she could work her techno spell on us.

Dorit was the winner of the Jewel of the Nile Pageant 2004 on the East Coast. This contest cross-markets with the Belly Dancer of the Universe Pageant and they sponsor their winner in this event. There is something of a tradition of excelling in both events. In 2003, Azhia, the Jewel of the Nile winner, took home the Belly Dancer of the Universe Universal category trophy that year as well.

Dorit wore dramatic tomato red and black adorned with cowrie shells. Her black sheer fingerless gloves/sleeves highlighted her sinuous arms and contrasted with her pale skin and jet black hair. She used that dramatic familiar song from "Songs from the Victorious City". When she segued to "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash, the audience really responded to her high energy. Her routine included graceful jumps and a dramatic back drop as a finale

A sultry Spanish maja in black and maroon, with a dark rose in her hair, Shoshanna used a fan as a prop. She handled it as delicately as a feather. The latter part of the routine was a driving guitar song that invited us to get up and "baila" with her. That part included fast spins and the de rigueur skirt-flapping that is used in the "Sparabic" style.

Nitara worked with a silk veil and sword. She extended the traditional sword dance repertoire and brandished her sword with martial arty flair. Unfortunately her music was muffled.

Shonda was a crowd favorite. A stunning Glamazon with a rainbow veil, she wore a calypso-influenced costume consisting of a red velvet jumpsuit with rainbow flares and armband. She used the "contraction and release" moves often associated with African dance, did some flirtatious floor work and also used a fan as a prop. When she did some fast pelvic locks the audience went berserk. It was almost as though the stage was too small for her, her energy was that raw and powerful.

Tamia
Northern California

Meow! Tamia came out with a goldfish in a bowl balanced on her head and a Catwoman mask over her face. She was wearing a black pleather bra with glitter on her abdomen and pants with an unusual chiffon drape. Black gloves with "kitty claws" and cat foot covers added to the feline mystique. She did a slow dramatic back bend and used rock and roll music. She was sinuous and feline and projected "catitude" with tiny movements and poses.

Tamia's muse, Felicia!