(As printed in the Quarter 2005 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine)
Review of Belly Dance Superstars Tour in Spokane, WA
As Reviewed by Nizana
I've been reading about the Superstars event for some time, and was pleasantly surprised they planned to stop in Spokane in Jan. My troupe & I had a wonderful night out enjoying the show together! Nadiyah sponsored Amar Gamal from the show in a workshop that day, and I heard she was fabulous.
I had read reviews and promotional information, and heard personal opinions about this event, and was looking forward to seeing for myself. Here's my two cents to add to Zaina's perspective. The dancers were all beautiful and excellent dancers, such as Jillina and Amar Gamal. I was really bummed Dondi was not on this leg of the tour, as I have studied with her and have watched her perform, and wow! Rachel Brice was also unfortunately not at this performance, and we had looked forward to seeing her dance, too.
In some ways, I would agree with those who say this production wasn't wholly representative of Belly Dance, as a lot of fabulous, long established, expressive, and knowledgeable dancers were not part of the lineup. On the other hand, maybe that's not where the show is at (yet?) as there were some outstanding dancers and dancing presented in the Superstars and Desert Roses show. The choreographies were beautiful, with smooth transitions, exits and entrances, with credit especially to Jillina. The music selections were varied and wonderful, the costumes were gorgeous and creative, and the audience was very receptive. (Superstars had to compete against Cher at the Arena, and still got a great sized audience!)
As an event producer and instructor, I couldn't help but to look closely. (They are human!) Everyone in the lobby was just in awe of the wonderful event that took place, as was I, and many also found it special that the performers came out to meet the audience after the show. A "close look" also noticed a pretty late start, a dancer singing to the music, and a lack of some ME dance styles that I thought might add to the flavor of the show. I personally found it heavy on the Egyptian side, and would like to have seen either more cabaret, a staged folkloric number, or a fusion dance such as Gypsy or Arabic-Latin added in. I also would have liked to seen more expression from a number of dancers as they performed. Amar Gamal was very expressive and warm, making really good eye contact with the audience. Jillina danced playfully to the drummer and the audience, putting smiles on their faces.
The drum solos with Issam Houshan were fabulous (Sonia even played zils during hers!) Petite Jamal's fast spinning, veil solo was electric, and the hot pink cullotte-type harem pants were darling! The duet by Tamra-hENNA & Aubre was outstanding! The call and answer traveling movements, the playing off each other-it was way cool.
So we all decided that the show was very well worth it. The blending of Cabaret, Egyptian and Tribal styles in a formal, professional stage production was great to see. The technique displayed was marvelous, the blocking and formations worked very well, and seeing dancers accompany the drummer with the rik was also a treat. I am glad to see that these styles of dance are getting the proper recognition they deserve!
Hats off to Miles and the Superstars and Desert Roses for an incredible presentation!
