Quarter Star Dancer Fall 2006 * Aradia
As Written By: Masala
The jewels that make Las Vegas glitter are not necessarily restricted to the boulevard. Close to the Las Vegas Strip is a restaurant called the Marrakech. Nestled within its walls is some of the finest Moroccan food in the city, and also one of Las Vegas' most precious gems, the dancer Aradia.
Upon entering the Marrakech you will be greeted by the owner, Tariq Ali and a handsome waiter in Middle Eastern garb will then escort you to a dimly lit table. You are seated on a wonderfully soft cushion and your hands bathed in rose water. A sumptuous meal is then served in courses concluding with dessert and warm mint tea. The dancer for the evening is the breath-taking Aradia. As wonderful as the food may be, the audience's eyes, ears and heart are in for a treat beyond belief.
The music begins, a sultry intro that swells into a heart stopping rhythm leading to the dancer's entrance. In glides one of the most beautiful dancers ever seen. A vision in white, her skirt and gauntlets were adorned with row upon row of fringe, moving with her slightest shimmy. Aradia's dancing was impressive to say the least. It was subtle when needed and, at the next moment, so dynamic that it could knock an onlooker off their seat. Her personality was so effervescent and infectious that soon every person in the place had put down their food and joined in with clapping and cheers. Aradia's response was one of the biggest, most genuine smiles, making her face light up and her eyes sparkle. She was elegance and grace combined with a healthy dose of energy and fire. To the untrained eye her dancing was captivating. To familiar eyes, her moves were purely Middle Eastern. This kind of technically perfect performance was undoubtedly one that had resulted from years and years of training and experience.
Aradia fell in love with the dance over 20 years ago when, at the tender age of seven, she saw a Middle Eastern Dance performance. She was so inspired by its passion and beauty that she begged her parents to enroll her in "belly dance" classes. Throughout the years, studying Egyptian, Lebanese, Persian, and Turkish oriental dance as well as the many folkloric dances that comprise the Middle East shaped her style and technique. She has studied and performed with some of the top dancers in the world. Aradia refrains from studying any of the classical forms such as ballet and jazz in an attempt to maintain purity in her art. Her style is a mixture of Arabic and Turkish cabaret with and authenticity appreciated by her Middle Eastern audiences.
Aradia has performed as a soloist throughout the United States, Egypt and Switzerland. She has danced at many of the top hotels, restaurants and clubs in Las Vegas. Her biggest credits include dancing in the ShoWest production of "Hollywood goes to Las Vegas", in "The Mummy" premier show for Blockbuster Videos, and at Celine Dion's wedding. Las Vegas performances embrace such famous casinos as the Aladdin, Luxor, Sahara, and a run as Ceasar's Palace's princess. Aradia has graced such videos as the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance's Belly Dance Rocks, L.A. Fever with Dina, and Desert Dreams IV. She currently has two CD's on the market, Sensual Belly Dance Volumes I and II, as well as her instructional DVD, Oriental Dance by Aradia, Combinations for Egyptian, Labanese and Turkish Oriental Dance.
Aradia's sweet spirit, energy, and strength, combined with fluid technique and extensive training make her a sheer joy to watch. Aradia is currently a much sought-after instructor/choreographer, teaching workshops throughout the country as well as one of the most respected dancers in Las Vegas.
Your can read more about ARADIA at: www.aradialv.com
