Zaina’s Zany Adventures
“Moon Over Miami”
First Installment of the 2007 Adventures * February 2007
Of course most of you are aware, January and the New Year brought changes to The Belly Dancer Magazine by way of iShimmy.com. As I worked through that process, I was blessed mid-way (Feb 2-6th) to be heading to Miami, Florida and Kamileh’s Breast Cancer Charity event where not only did I have the opportunity to teach and perform, but VACATION with some wonderful friends as well.
AND, I met and fell in love with a wonderful “guy” with the “romantic moon” over Miami. But I will get to him later.
Let me shimmie back to October 2005: I met Kamileh, Zizi and Tamara in Orlando when I taught at Festival on the Nile 30 with Jim Boz. These ladies captured my heart immediately. Tamara, the Samba Girl and Zizi were dancing the “Samba” during one of Cheri’s evening shows at the festival and I was mesmerized.
Z and the Samba Girls (TaTa, Zizi)
This led to “show me how to do that cute little samba step please”! They did and the challenge was ON. Tamara, told me that if I came back to Florida I would have to incorporate this move into my dance. Hmmmmmm. Now there is a challenge. Kamileh, one of the most endearing women I have had the pleasure of meeting, was for me like meeting a sister from a past life. We immediately became “buddies”. Zizi, affectionately referred to as “East Coast Z” is the Gypsy girl of the threesome.
We stayed in contact over the months and I was so very honored when Kamileh asked me to teach and dance at her very first production, and one that is so close and dear to my own heart.
There are so very many highlights to this event and weekend. But I want to stress the most important parts of this trip by telling you the Miami Belly Dance Community ROCKS (which really is an understatement). They came together with Kamileh to help the women of Egypt who struggle to obtain basic care for Breast Cancer. Miami Belly Dancers have so very much to offer. They are kind to each other and are more of a family than just a group of dancers and once you become part of the family, it seems you are fam forever. They spend holidays and family events together, help each other when they are sick and/or in need, celebrate babies, graduations, birthdays, - sharing life, dance, friendship. I LOVE MIAMI Belly Dancers.
So, back to the skinny: I had been asked to teach 8 hours of workshops including a master workshop, offer 2 lectures, and participate in 2 shows. I really had my work cut out for me - - but that work quickly turned into fun and frolic in the City of Miami. Kamileh had invited me to stay in her home - - what an honor. She even had a wonderful "Morrocan Room" all set up - - made me feel like royalty. And getting to know her family; her parents, Dona Teresa, Miguel, doesn't get better than that. And then there was the set up with the "new man" but again I will get to him later.
We started off Friday evening with a lecture about competitions at the new Lotus Dance Studios where I had the pleasure of meeting its proprietress “Alina”. (See the In Your Own Backyard Feature this quarter on this wonderful studio and dynamic lady.)
The Saturday workshops were mega fun and touching as I taught the workshops with Zizi assuring I had plenty of cough strips – handing them to me between photos, and the Doc (Mani who overwhelmed me with her kindness and humor) was close at hand, taking the workshops - - so I was in good hands all the way around. Then TaTa and Steve showed up about the same time as Bill and Chris who set up for video. Who could not have energy with this band of Pirates, Gypsies, Doctors and Ladies around?
We took lunch down the street at another WONDERFUL Cuban restaurant where I was introduced to “old shredded clothes” (literal translation) a tasty shredded beef concoction. Then back for another two hours of workshops.
The show that evening was literally standing room only with Mike Gregarian on hand for fabulous live drumming moments.
Tamara (affectionately referred to as TaTa)
It was intense offering the amazingly talented dancers of Florida. One of the highlights was Lamis with her tribute to the troops - - something I won’t soon forget. Tamara with her Sergio Mendes “Samba” piece - - yeah, the Samba girl and that fab step and hot pink costume. Zizi the gypsy through and through hit that stage with a sizzle. I was so happy to have a seat up front.
Portia opened the show with a heart felt performance technique AND heart. Cristy the Ballroom aficionado was a pink vision of veils and grace. Nathalie stole my breath – a little dynamo, power and glam in one tiny package. Shayna with electric blue Isis Wings entered like a Goddess, followed by the bubbly Elviza – Saucy, Sassy and Sizzling. Alina’s Shri Shambhala was next, precision and skirts and more skirts. Andrus – young, strong, entertaining and heart stealing. He has a unique style that is clearly his own – keep an eye out for this one. Symphony, true to her name moved in an electric fashion, not skipping a beat of the music and thoroughly enjoying every moment. Stacey presented a fusion piece complete with the cutest pink frills around. Belly Craft - - WOW, the most amazing arms ever, slow drops to the floor, back layouts, just amazing. Sadly, I missed a few dancers before my performance - - only capturing glimpses here and there, one in particular, stole my heart before she ever hit the stage, sweet, kind, and from what little I did see, again, I say, keep an eye on this little one . . . Roshana Nofret. (And a big Happy Birthday to both Roshana and Portia this month – July. Wish I could have been at their Surprise Birthday party Sunday the 15th - - someone MUST give us the skinny on how that went). 
The end of the show brought us all up on stage, with yours truly and Kamileh dressed all in pink – the color of the evening, leading the pack dancing, sharing, hugging, and playing. Genie who was the evening’s announcer (as well as fabulous dancer) kept us on our toes and moving along the entire night. Chris, his wonderful wife (who I am hoping can do a “rendition” of the Zaina performance by the time I get back to Miami <giggle>) was the official videographer of the night. We finished up with pictures on and around that marvelous “chaise” that I was hoping to drag back to Vancouver.
The Whole Gang
Sunday had us back to workshops at Belly Motions Studio - - we were packed in like sardines, which always lends to much more fun. We broke into groups, challenging each other by group - - was like an episode of “bring it” <grin>.
Zaina at the Coral Castle
Monday and Tuesday, Kimeleh, Elviza, Zizi and I went shopping, eating more wonderfully addicting Cuban food, a photo shoot by Zizi at the Coral Castle (now I ask you, have you ever stood barefoot on coral?). Yeah - - a somewhat exhilarating experience – certainly keeps you moving. Zizi took some 700 photos, with Kamileh running to and fro offering suggestions - - and me just trying to keep from falling backside first into the fountain.
Monday evening was the Meetup, where Brad presented me with a framed photo of Kamileh and I that I will treasure forever. A conversation about belly dance politics and the friendships we make in the dance community that we cherish always. It was a fun evening with picture taking, good conversation and sometimes, just downright silliness.
Alligators Baby
Elvisa, Zizi and Kamileh also took me to the Alligator Farm on Monday (or was that Tuesday <grin>) - - some of you may or may not know, I do reptile rescue in my own little community of Vancouver - - so getting to a rep farm is always fun for me. I had been tasked with getting a photo of me pretending to fight off the Florida gators equipped only with my cell phone showing the gators a picture of my nephew as protection. (Okay – so Jameson figures if the gators see him, stick in hand, on the cell phone, they will run the other way – he was not yet 4 when he figured this out but he was quite adamant about the process). I can’t begin to tell you of the antics that day, but suffice-to-say, with me semi hanging over the fence cell phone in hand, and Kamileh giggling and poking me on the backside - - I nearly had a “close encounter” with one of those big eyed brutes.
My Darling Kasim
We took a drive to Key Largo for “real” Key Lime Pie and I was finally able to have a drink after finishing that round of antibiotics - - so yeah, a Key Lime Martini - - can you say YUM? We also stopped off at a Harley shop, which was built somewhat like a Pirate fortress and then home where I could hug my new boyfriend – Kasim. (Pictured here). Yes, it was love at first site when I saw this gorgeous man - - well, on my part anyway. I was wearing all black when I met him – he is not a fan of black clothing, so after donning my bright yellow tweety bird pjs - - he scooted in close for a quick kiss. Yeah, this little man definitely “had me at hell – oooo – is that your tongue little man”? On Wednesday it was hard to leave him, but even harder to leave these people who I have become so attached to. I am proud to call them friends, but even more so, honored to have been welcomed so openly into their Miami family. Kamileh is one of those women who is a driving force in the community because her heart is genuine, she is always happy to help, and the kind of person we all should strive to be. I love her dearly.
Miami Meetup (that is our wonderful Brad on the left)
There is another remarkable “prize” in Miami. Bradley Marshall, photographer extraordinaire. He is responsible for the picture of yours truly that was the cover of the last issue / quarter of iShimmy.com, The Belly Dancer Magazine. He is also the photographer behind this Quarter’s Quarter Star Dancer, Portia. Brad not only presented me with the framed picture of Kamileh and I (seen here) that now hangs in my home, but he also sent a photo album complete with a picture of every performer in the show as well as the entire audience. Brad has a keen eye, understanding dancer’s movement, and is able to capture the moment of emotion that a dancer brings to the stage. This is no easy task – but for someone who loves the art and what they do, it is a true gift. Thank you Brad! Seen here with the group at the Meetup Lecture and Meeting.
Kamileh and Zaina
So, Miami, look out! I am coming back - - don’t know when, but I gotta have some more shredded clothes, key lime pie, gator pics, and more Florida “love”. What are you all doing New Year’s Eve?
