Sahra Saeeda and “Postcards from the Mediterranean” Seattle, WA As
reviewed by Nizana
There are some events that I will make a big effort to
travel to, this was one of them, and it was definitely worth it. MEAI
really knows how to put on a serious ME dance event, and I appreciate that they
provide this opportunity for the Belly Dance community. MEAI sponsors artists
who are renowned in the field, who are the foundation for what belly dance
really is, and who have made great contributions to the art form. This year was
the fabulous Sahra Saeeda (Kent), whom I had seen perform when she co-hosted
the two International Conferences of Belly Dance in Costa Mesa, CA several
years ago. (Now THOSE were to-die for events!) I know a number of dancers
besides me came from far away to take part in this exciting weekend in Seattle
on Sept 11-13, 2009. I have to apologize for no pictures, but a request was
made at the show for no photos which I of course, had to honor.
Sahra held two workshops on Sat and two on Sun. The gala
event was Saturday evening and then a Sunday night “Community Song and Dance”
evening (with Sahra and Helene Eriksen!) concluded the festivities. I
took Sahra’s first Saturday class, a class on baladi Cairo-style, and baladi
progression and enjoyed it immensely. She was chock full of history and
references to dance greats and personal dance information from her studies and
performances in Cairo and Los Angeles. Sahra demonstrated movements, explaining
them in detail and drilling us on them. She taught us about dancing at high
center and low center, something one of her teachers said was very important to
share with her students, especially for Cairo baladi and progression.
Her second Saturday workshop covered a theatrical
stage choreography which incorporated Classic Era highlights that she had
recently taught in Texas. On Sunday, Sahra taught Saidi basic, Assaya and
double Assaya. I really wish I could’ve taken THAT one! This was followed by a
workshop on Melaya Luff - where she brought her authentic Melaya and a handout describing
the costuming.
Saturday evening was the gala show at the Broadway
Performance Hall, and while the audience was enthusiastic, the seats should
have been filled for this event. Programs were provided, and this show was as
much about music as it was about dance. Opening the show was the musical group
Gypsy Strings Reeds and Skins and the melding of their instruments was unique
and effective. George Sadak was supposed to drum with the group, but had just
broken a finger and another drummer (I missed his name, sorry!) stepped in and
it’d worked like they’d been playing together for a long time. Their sound was
Mediterranean Fusion. Dahlia and four of her VDP Intermediate students joined
them for their last number in Dahlia’s first fusion choreography that had a
number of Khalege moves in it.
Next up was Gigi Gulhan performing Turkish in a stunning
purple costume starting off with gold Isis wings. Helene Eriksen performed a
Croatian dance in native costume called “Lindjo” with musician Nick and singer and
dancer John, who opened the set with a folk song. Then, Janet Raynor,
starting from the back of the audience in a hot pink dress, joined accordian
player David Locke on stage and they performed French Cabaret. Sahra
Saeeda came out next to dance a flirty Melaya Leff in a sassy blue dress. This
dance is part of many of Cairo’s dancer’s shows today, and Sahra certainly did
it justice!! The next performance was a dance called the Macedonian Cocek
presented by Helene Eriksen to lively music of the Balkan Region. Closing
out Act One was Amel Tafsout performing a set of North African Maghreb dances-
high energy, fascinating costuming and movements. Strong conclusion for the
first act!
Act Two opened with David Locke and Janet Raynor again, this
time she was in a lovely red dress, with more French Cabaret. Her
voice is perfect for French songs. Artemisia, all the way from Belgium,
performed Orientale in green and gold and brown cabaret costume, and her cute
smile and twinkling eyes were infectious! Janelle came out next to take
us to the Suez Canal reflecting fishermen’s dances of Egypt’s Northern
Mediterranean Coast. This interesting routine included playing the spoons.
Next, Helene Eriksen transported us to Tunisia in complicated and challenging
costuming to go with her artful skill of balance. Her balancing skills
are always impressive. Gigi came back to perform Turkish Romany in red and
black, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone dance in heels that high before!
After her entrance piece she took them off, but none the less, that was quite
an accomplishment!! Very interactive and high energy performer. Closing the
show was the lovely Sahra performing Golden Age Egyptian Orientale in a black
and silver fitted dress. Classy and beautiful, Sahra showed us what it was like
in the day of the greats like Sohair Zaki and Fifi Abdou. A lovely performance
by a lovely lady! Thanks, MEAI, and glad to hear you have more fun plans in the
works!
