Jim Boz and the SoCal Scene
(Retrospective, Characters, Horizon)
And we're Back!
Congrats to Zaina Hart, editor and owner on the new format! We missed an issue due to the hurdles Zaina's had to jump through. Like the Phoenix, she returns even more beautiful than before! Congrats Zaina on the New Format! I know everyone on the staff here hopes you enjoy it!
DeeDee, Ahmed & Nora do it again!
For 22 years, the owners of Little Egypt have brought some of the finest treasures to the US. With their business based in Garland, TX, Dee Dee & Ahmed Asad began 'importing' instructors in 2003, starting with Raqia Hassan, to major US cities, including Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles.
"LA is our favorite," mentions Dee Dee. February 24, 25 & 26 LittleEgypt brought Aida Nour and Magdy El-Leisy for 3 days of workshops! Also featuring performances by Leila from Cairo, Egypt, the event was a combination of workshops, vending and showcase performances. I've had first hand experience with Dee Dee & Ahmed's events - not only are they bringing these world renowned Egyptian instructors for the first time to California, but their hospitality is incredible!
Of course, they have learned how to outdo themselves.
Friday night's show offered a selection of talent from Southern California and beyond. We were treated to a veritable smorgasbord of shimmies, fusion, traditional and excitement with names like Fahtiem, Angelika Nemeth, Aradia from Las Vegas, Farhana Masri and Christina Rizkallah and (interestingly enough) yours truly.
Even if you don't think you could take it anymore, the Saturday night show offered us a full length showcase of Aida Nour, Magdy el Leisy and Leila. One after another, costume changes, mood changes, style changes...and entire Egyptian showcase that was a treat, a delight and excitement.
If you missed the event, you can always get the videos from their website. Even though LittleEgypt is booking events nationwide with Egyptian stars, look for the next event in SoCal and consider visiting us. Tell them 'Jim Boz' sent ya.
Little Egypt can be reached at www.LittleEgypt.com or call 1-972-840-8450
Speaking of icons in SoCal...
We are lucky to have so many international stars right in our backyard. Sometimes it almost seems that with the smorgasbord o'stars, we can get a bit overhwelmed. As always, a refreshing and inspirational delicacy is Fahtiem. A true star in our international dance scene, we are lucky to have her as one of our local inspirations.
Fahtiem gives the late Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah credit for a lot of inspiration in instruction. "It's one thing to have passion, it's another thing to know how to express it so that it's appealing, and that it's art."
For Fahtiem, inspiration is always the music and the textures in the music. She says she spends quite a bit of time picking out her music, something I think we all can relate to! What gives her inspiration one day might not be the same the next day. She takes several pieces of music to a show and listens to each piece. One will hit her more than the others. It's like 'who she is' that day. What her spirit connects to can be different day-to-day.
"I am someone who loves what she does completely and all the facets of it, and that includes teaching, performing, the social part of it with students, the grandeur of performance and also having it be recognized - one of her goals having it recognized as the true beauty and culture of the artform it can be."
www.Fahtiem.com/626-810-9470
Event Horizon
Cairo Carnival
MECDA stands for the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association, but it doesn't end there! Hosting a variety of talent, connections & vendors for events such as burlesque, gothic and fusions, MECDA has been a Southern California staple for decades. Cairo Carnival, now in a new location, is their annual fundraiser featuring showcase performances, vendors and much more. June 11th & 12th. Visit www.MECDA.org for more info.
Mahmoud Reda in San Diego!
Morwenna and Walid Assaf will be hosting an event featuring workshops with the Master Mahmoud Reda in San Diego July 22nd & 23rd! Visit www.DancerAndDrummer.com or call 760-688-0106 for the latest info
Summary
We have little to recognize a change of seasons here in Southern California. One extra special result is that we get to play host to our dance sisters and brothers with our mixture of sunshine, incredible weather, restaurants and dance excitement. So just in case you need to make a run to the sun, consider coming out our way.
We look forward to showing you our Southern California hospitality, dude!
To contact Jim Boz go to:
www.jimboz.com * webmail@jimboz.com
