nwbellydance.com

Dear Friends of the YMCA and Belly Dance Community,
 
A HUGE thank you for supporting the 3rd Annual YMCA Belly Dance
Showcase, benefit the Partners with Youth Campaign.
 
Due to your generosity and support:
 
W E    R A I S E D    $ 2 , 0 8 5  ! ! !
 
Thank you to the beautiful performers who donated their
performances.  The talent was overwhelming: MEAI, Nalini & Blue
Lotus, BreAnn, Khan el Khalili, Sahana (Anna), JUMP, Shamandura
& Princess Tori, Elizabeth Dennis, Diana, Circle Dance Co.
 
Thank you to those who made the show a success behind the
scenes: Sasha Summer Cousineau (Emcee), Christina Hughes
(Stage Manager), DJ/Sound System (Ken & Sian Lane and Nabeela),
Robin Ackland (Video), Eric Denson (Photography), Greg Mark
(Web Design).
 
Thank you to the volunteers and students of my YMCA class:
Candida, Carmen, Donna, Euphoria, Heidi, Irmgard, Janine,
Kate, Mary, Mona and Sara.  (Most of which also performed a
stunning opening act, in addition to their tasks of
coordinating the benefit!!)
 
Thank you to the advertisers in the program, our silent auction
donators, and most of all …
 
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE BENEFIT AND DONATED SO
GENEROUSLY.
 
And if you missed the show, be sure to see what we have in store
for next year … February 2009!
 
With much respect and appreciation,
Katia
www.KatiaSahar.com
www.ArabicBeat.com

Sunday, Feb. 3 –
The 7th WORLD DANCE SHOWCASE
Honors Chinese New Year…the Year of the Rat ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
INFUSION TRIBAL- American Tribal Belly Dance SETSUNA -
Chinese Dance JANINE MARIE - Fusion with a Cabaret Flare
SETSUNA - Egyptian Cabaret LISA YASMEEN - Egyptian Cabaret

6:30-8:30 at The Northside Grill, 8550 Greenwood Ave. N.
Family Friendly - No Cover
No Reservations - Shared Tables
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Check out some photos of the December Showcase! by Siamak
Poursabahian
http://picasaweb.google.com/planetsuzanna/5thWorldDanceShowcase
PhotosBySiamakPoursabahian

Keep checking back, ’cause more will be uploaded soon.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Celebrating the many expressions of dance across the globe,
the World Dance Showcase creates a place for dance artists to
present, exchange, inspire, and get to know the rich variety of
our art form as well as offer a platform for experimenting
across genres. In the same spirit as an open-mike or jam-session
for musicians, poets, or comedians, this dance forum welcomes
performances from seasoned professionals to courageous neophytes.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
There is still some space in the March or April lineup!

Email your dance spot request to planetsuzanna@gmail.com,
and come prepared with an act of 9 minutes max with accompanying
music on one CD to specification, or bring one or two live
acoustic musicians, keeping in mind the limited performance
space.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Review of the December showcase by Gail / Javarah….

“What a terrific event!

Suzanna & Imei kept things hopping and there was a tremendous
dance line-up! I love that - even with the bonus of George &
Erik’s drumming finale - we still ended on time. And the salsa
dancers - so much talent in such a tiny space, I was more than
impressed!! And Elizabeth Dennis, too?! Showing us all how to
really s-l-o-w down and snakey up the room!!

All the dancers were fresh and unique, and I was proud to
participate. The audience was packed in - standing room only!
The Northside Grill was hopping and their food was delicious,
too.

Thanks to Suzanna & Imei & all the many event organizers in our
community. They work hard to bring the dancers and audiences
together, and it really makes our dancing even greater!

I had a great time at the World Dance Showcase tonight, and by
the smiles and dancing feet of others, I’m pretty sure most
people felt the same.”

~ shimmy on ~
Javarah
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Aloha, and see you there!
—— S U Z A N N A ——
www.planetsuzanna.com

Dear Dancers,

This is the most recent class schedules of “Seattle Bhangra
Groove” and “Emiko Noor’s School of Eastern Arts”.

Dr. Sabreena Heart and Emiko Noor DFA hands in hands operate
twin sister companies, in which the large numbers of talented
dancers are shared. Exercising hamonious artistic sisterhood,
SBG and E Noor’s School have been entertaining East-Indian
and Persian communities and Northwest major Festivals.

 
Dr. Sabrina Hearts teaches Bhangra Dance at Skindeep Studio
Please inquire Katrina at mizkatrina@gmail.com or call Dr.
Sabreena Hearts
Central Seattle Location

Dr. Sabreena Hearts teaches Kids and Adults in Bhangra
7:30 pm to 9 pm
Bellevue Location

Emiko Noor teaches Kid’s class in Russian Ballet and Persian
and Central Asian 5-6:30pm
Emiko N. teaches Adult’s class in Persian, Afghan & Belly
Dance 7-8:30 pm
North Seattle

Emiko Noor teaches Kid’s and Adult Bollywood and Bhakti
Indian dance classes   7:30-9:00 pm
Bellevue Location

Emiko Noor teaches Kid’s Russian Ballet, Persian and Central
Asian class 5:30 pm to 7 pm
North Seattle

Emiko Noor teaches Kid’s Russian Ballet, Persian and Central
Asian class  11 am to 12:30 pm
North Seattle

For more details and driving directions:
About Bhangra Dance Classes contact Dr. Sabreena Hearts at
253-797-6584  or e-mail her at sumisola@aim.com  Bhangra is one
of the  greatest caudio workouts on the surface of this earth.
Slimming and Grooving effect for you granteed!!!  Loose the most
inches and pounds by Bhangra and enjoy your life whole a lots
more.

About Persian Central Asian, Bollywood, Bhakti and Belly Dance
Classes Contact Emiko Noor at 206-364-3774  or email
safiye11@juno.com   Also visit her website
geocities.com/emikonoor Private lessons available by
appointments. Learn to dance Persian, Bollywood for more Grace,
Inner Joy, Adding Mystery, Better Coordinaion and Confidence in
life.

By the way,  thank you for sharing the great joy of Central
Asian DVD and Video night. We plan to do these educational
events every seasons of the year.  Please do note our “HOT”
Bollywood DVD and Video Night is coming up on the 2nd of
February, Friday at 7 pm.  Do not miss this one out…..
Yes “HOT”….

Salaam,

Emiko Noor

Intensive-Workshop Understanding 9/8 Rhythm with Helene Eriksen,
Feb. 16-17, 2008, Seattle
Skin Deep Studios Ethnic Dance Lab, Beacon Hill
Sat. 11:30-2:30 and 3:30-6:30, Sun 11:00-2:00 and 3:00-6:00

9/8 is much more than Karsilama!  Discover the many ways to
dance to different 9/8 rhythms…with examples from the Balkans,
Greece, Turkey and Armenia.  We will learn basic rhythm
notation, listen to many different music examples (a study CD
will be available) and dance different dances such as Dajcovo,
Karsilama, Zeybek, Roman, Tamzara and more.  9/8 will never
confound you again!  This is an intensive workshop with 6 hours
planned each day for a total of 12 hours.

Helene Eriksen is a international touring artist and dance
ethnologist who has been involved with dances of the Balkans
and Orient for over 30 years. Helene has conducted research in
Bulgaria, ex-Yugoslavia, Romania, Greece, Turkey and Armenia
as well as many other countries. She lived in Bulgaria for over
a year, studying at the Plovdiv Dance Acadamey, followed by 6
months in Turkey as a guest of the Turkish State Folkdance
Ensemble.  She has also had the opportunity to work with some
of North America’s and Europe’s finest Balkan, Turkish and
Armenian musicians.  Helene also leads yearly music and dance
study tours to Istanbul…a perfect place to further your
practical knowledge of 9/8!

Space is still available…so register now!

mail@helene-eriksen.de
www.helene-eriksen.de

Hey friends –
Hands of Kali will tear it up this Wednesday 1/30 at Neighbours
Underground on Capitol Hill. Come join us for some lively
bellydance action, followed by the ever-amazing House of Dolls
drag and burlesque show. Showtime 10:30pm, cover charge only $6,
location Pike & Broadway.
As always, thanks for supporting bellydancing in Seattle.
xoxo,
Hands of Kali

www.handsofkali.com

The first festival dedicated to Tribal Improv Belly Dance is
just one month away!

Troupe Hipnotica is proud to host this amazing event with
opportunities to learn from those who pioneered this style as
well as up and coming troupes.

Featuring:
FatChanceBellyDance
Gypsy Caravan
Unmata
Troupe Hipnotica
inFusion Tribal
Gypsy Fire
Troupe Salamat
and
Ready My Hips

The Saturday Showcase will feature 20 improv acts, along with
lots of shopping and a few culinary delights.

Rumor has it that FatChanceBellyDance will be bringing the
troupe! I believe this is a first for Seattle!

(We had members without the director in 2000 and then just
Carolena Nericcio in 2005)

Workshop registration and Showcase tickets can be purchased at
www.troupehipnotica.com.

And check out the cute reversible T at
http://www.troupehipnotica.com/cues/index.html

(the order is limited so if you like it, you might want to
reserve one soon!)

www.troupehipnotica.com

This is an announcement to let people know that Tribal Oasis on
Feb 16-17 at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino resort has been
canceled due to illness.  I apologize for any inconvenience,
and ask for your understanding.
Yours in Dance,
Mezdulene

The YMCA Benefit is Tomorrow!

J A N U A R Y   2 6 , 2 0 0 8

YMCA Benefit – A Belly Dance Showcase (3rd Annual)

Featuring performances by:
MEAI Dance Co.
Nalini + Blue Lotus Bollywood Dance Co
Elizabeth Dennis
Shamandura + Princess Tori
The Circle
BreAnn
Diana
Sahana
Khan El Khalili
Katia’s Students of the YMCA
 
The proceeds of this Star-studded benefit will directly support
the Partners-With-Youth campaign. 

Funds support YMCA programs:

Kids’ University (after school enrichment program)
Homeless Youth (meals, fitness, tutoring, vocational training,
counseling) 
Teen Extreme (adventure, leadership, self-confidence)
Camp Sandpoint (summer camp)

Date: January 26, 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Sandpoint Education Center - Auditorium
(6208 60th Ave NE; Seattle 98115)

Suggested donation: $10/person or $20/family

For inquiries, please contact: Katia@KatiaSahar.com
http://katiasahar.com/2008benefit.htm

YMCA:
“We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.”

Katia
www.KatiaSahar.com
www.ArabicBeat.com

Hello from Abyssinian Dance Center,
 
We’ve lined up some great workshops for the first part of 2008!
For further information on the fabulous instructors, please
visit our web page at abydance.com
 
 
Saturday February 2, 2008
1:00pm to 3:00pm
 
A Taksim Journey with Sana’ Olwi
 
Come take a journey along the Taksim Way with Sana’ Olwi.  There
is much to explore and enjoy on this path, so let us allow the
violin, the oud and the nay to be our inspirational guides to
express beautiful movement.
 
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door
 
 
Saturday February 16, 2008
1:00pm to 3:00pm
 
Subtle Accents and Focal Points in Performance with Setsuna
 
Look for more information on this workshop soon!
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door
 
Saturday March 15, 2008
1:00pm to 3:00pm
 
Belly Yoga Flow and Sneaky Release Workshop with Imei
Level: Gentle to Moderate
Ages: Teen to Adult
 
Yoga postures have been shown to improve concentration, relieve
stress, treat a variety of illnesses and condition the body for
a variety of sports, including dance. Initially, the practice
of yoga can be intimidating. Imei makes it fun and accessible
for every level of dance! Borrowing heavily from her practices
of Kripalu Yoga, one of the top ten styles of yoga in America
according to Yoga Journal Magazine, Shake Rattle and Pose
(developed by Kimberlee Jensen-Stedl) and movement from
bellydance and beyond, Imei will lead you through a one hour
and fifteen minute practice of Belly Yoga Flow, Imei’s personal
creation. BYF combines the worlds of meditation, yoga, dance
and eclectic music grooves on a journey through movement
exploration, laughter and simple release moves to help you
dance your yoga and reap the benefits of this ancient healing
practice.  The last 45 minutes will address both generalized
and individual questions about how to incorporate yoga into
your conditioning routine, as well as dance choreographies for
sneaky “in the moment” release moves that may reduce the
incidence of injury and/or muscle tension during and after a
vigorous performance. Bring a water bottle, a bath-sized towel
and your own personal sticky mat if you have one. Some mats may
be provided.
 
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door
 
 
Saturday March 22, 2008
1:00pm to 3:00pm
 
Shimmy Choreography with Halima!
 
Back by popular demand…learn a dynamic shimmy choreography
with Halima.  Halima will focus on technique and timing. She
will also work with the importance of skeletal and muscular
control.  This well-rounded routine will encompass all of
those aspects effortlessly.  If you have never experienced
working with Halima, this is not to be missed!
 
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door
 
 
Saturday April 26th, 2008
1:00pm to 3:00pm
 
The Emotional Spectrum of Belly Dance with Amira
 
Classical Egyptian belly dance music can often be daunting.
The complex shifts in rhythm and expression cxan send any
dancer running for comfortable 8-count pop music!  Amira has
developed a simple and easy tool to explore the intricacies of
classical Egyptian music, understand how to move to various
patterns and tap into emotions that will resonate with the
music and with audiences.  This tool will transform the way
you listen to music and make creating choreography a breeze.
In this two-hour workshop, Amira will demonstrate how to lay
down the framwork of a long, complex piece of music in only
minutes.  There will be plenty of time for dancing, so be
prepared to sweat!
 
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door
 
Please email Abydancecenter@qwest.net or call (206) 988-4897
to register today!
 
Fitness For Your Body and Soul
Abyssinian Dance Center
2038 SW 152nd Street #4
Burien, Wa. 98166
 
(206) 988-4897
AbyDance.com

Hello Dance Friends!

The dancer schedule for Hasani’s Hafla is up, with dozens of
your favorite Northwest dancers, and a couple of cool
montages from past Haflas!

     http://hasani.net/sched.html

Hasani’s Hafla

Saturday, February 9, 2008
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Wells Hall (at the Episcopal Church)
310 North K St
Tacoma, WA

     Directions:  http://hasani.net/fprint.html

Bollywood Workshop with the lovely Nalini before the Hafla!
2:00 – 4:00 PM, at Wells Hall (same location as Hafla) 
     http://hasani.net/hafla.html

Hope to see you!
~ Hasani
Gig Harbor, WA
http://hasani.net
253-858-2755