Open Dancing, Drinks, Food and Celebration to Follow!
PERFORMERS
ACT ONE
LAUREL
“He’s a Pirate!” by Quattrocelli Cello Quartet
Laurel fell in love with the art of belly dance in 2004 and has been studying, performing, and teaching ever since. The unique and graceful style she has developed over the years is greatly influenced by her background in ballet and and her love of non-traditional music. In addition to belly dance, Laurel has a passion for making costumes and can often be seen shimmying at her sewing table!
RAKS STELLA
“Dance Asallia 3 Violins” Edit by Eddie the Sheik Kochak and “Very Short Belly Dance Drum Solo” by Raquy and the Cavemen
Troupe Raks Stella is named after the Arabic word for Dance and the Latin word for Stars. Tonight's performers are Jenna Wickenhoffer and Richa Malhotra of the Advanced beginner class at the Shakti Rising. Classes meet Sunday’s at 11:15AM. Today, they will be dancing a Chiftitelli and a drum solo choreographed by their Instructor, Kay Beyers.
JAELYNN
“Medusa” by Kaia Jette
Jaelynn has studied Aerial Dance and Belly Dance for a combination of 10 years. However, she hadn't started thinking of herself as a performer until a few years ago. Now, she takes every opportunity to perform. She currently trains with Queen Bastet and Lindsey McCormack and performs with Troupes Anam Cara and Lotus Sol. IG: 6shadesoflavender
LULU
“Barbie Girl & Shik Shak Shok”
LuLu is very proud of her Greek heritage and has studied dance in Greece, Egypt and Turkey. She has performed at numerous venues including the Casablanca restaurant, Ouzo’s restaurant and the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival in Egypt. She is currently performing in Baltimore and D.C.Lulu will be dancing a number that epitomizes girl power. FB-Lulu Oliver
Asala
“Inertia Creeps” by Massive Attack
Asala has been performing in the DC area since 2007 at various celebrations and alongside famous acts such as Lebanese star Ragheb Alama, Persian star Andy Madadian and British star Thomas Dolby. She has also joined Silk Road Dance Company locally and internationally to perform classical and folkloric dances from the Middle East and Central Asia. FB: Asala Belly Dance IG: @asalaraqs
ACT TWO
Jazmin sapphire
“Breath and Life” by Audiomachine
Jazmin is a local dancer who enjoys performing in community shows and sharing her love of belly dance. She is the creator of an Asian Fusion dance group, Roses of the Orient. Check out her fb page for more insights. Her style is the blending of the east and west with contemporary culture presentation.
Deborah
“Gencebay Oryantal” by Orhan Gencebay
Deborah is a belly dance performer, choreographer and instructor in south central PA. Known for her versatile and imaginative dance compositions, she has provided artistic direction and choreography for several troupes. Deborah considers her style to be eclectic intermingling her Vintage Oriental and Egyptian Raqs Sharqi roots with modern dance styles.
Taraneh
“The Game Has Changed” by Daft Punk
Taraneh started dancing at the age of 3, as a way to channel her boundless energy. She previously studied ballet, modern, and ballroom dance, and began studying FCBD in October 2008. She has since branched out into other belly dance styles. Taraneh has previously performed with Rhythm and Cues and Whirling Skirts, and currently performs as a soloist, as well as a member of Firefly, the Raks Ayla and Raks Sultana Dance Companies.
Arabia
“Arabia” by Hanine El Alam
Arabia is an Isis Wings piece Faerima originally choreographed and taught during her sizzling summer workshop series. Enthralled by the music and the prop, her students urged her to bring this piece to the stage. Today Arabia will be performed by members of Raqs Sultana Laurel, April, and Faerima!
Faerima
“Tablahiti” by Khader Ahmad
Faerima is an award-winning performer, life-long dancer, and natural entertainer. Her unique style and dazzling stage presence have been wowing audiences for almost 20 years. Specializing in American Cabaret and Contemporary Fusion, Faerima enjoys blending musics, styles, and costumes to create a unique dance experience every time! She hopes you enjoy today’s fiery drum solo! WEB www.faerimabellydance.com FB/IG @faerimabellydance
ACT THREE
Katie
“Pythia” by Amanati
Katie has enjoyed connecting with people through bellydance since 2016. She is a level 4 Bohemian Blade dancer and a member of troupe Anam Cara. FB: Katie Jacobsen IG: prickly_perils
Farah Abi
“Sobesh” by Leila Farid
Farah Abi has been dancing for over two decades. She has performed as a professional dancer specializing in Egyptian style at restaurants, parties, and festivals around the DC region and beyond. She has been a long time student of Yasmin in Bethesda, Maryland. And has studied Egyptian folkloric style with Faten in Northern Virginia, and Turkish style with Artemis in Silver Spring, Maryland. Farah’s favorite aspect of Egyptian style is interacting with the audience and adding character and personality to the show. Farah will be performing an Egyptian character piece inspired by the Queen of Egyptian Bellydance, Fifi Abdou. In the piece she will be using wrap called a melaya that was common amount urban women in Egypt. Dancers use these wraps to portray characters in folkloric tableaus. FB: FarahAbiDancer IG: @FarahAbiDancer
Berna
“Brandenburg” by Black Violin
Dabbling in fusion, folklore and all things Fabulous, Berna is excited to share her art and stories with you! Her 1001 night’s production is coming to NoVA in May! Chat with her to learn more - including how you can dance with her in the cast!
Emily Gonzaga
“Al Wajen” Basem Al Ali, “Radeh Iraqi Sajeda Obaid” by Shakshaka, “Sajda 3beed Rd7” by Ale7sas – 8
With 35 years of dancing and 25 years dedicated exclusively to oriental dance. Emily have performed in the most prestigious stages in the Middle East from 2000-2007 till she came to the US. In 2016 she inaugurated her dance studio “Belly Dance for Life.” Now she is happy teaching what she have learned all these years. IG: @emily_gonzaga
Raqs Sultana & Friends
"Little Megance" by Gaston Chaade.
Hailing from Sterling, VA Raqs Sultana is a student performance troupe led by Director and Choreographer Faerima. Like their name-sake, the Sultana's are a group of powerful and inspiring women from across the DMV, brought together by their love of belly dance and the wonderful sense of community the art form fosters. Today they are proud to present "Little Megance", an American Cabaret Style entrance piece choreographed by Faerima. Performed by Faerima, Laurel, Via, Tracy, Taraneh, Jenna, and Kendyl with special guest appearance by Berna!