(As Reviewed in the Quarter 3/05 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine)
Review of "Dance from the Heart" Tsunami Benefit in San Marcos, CA
As Reviewed by: Nizana
Here I was, off to La Jolla/San Diego for a mini-vacation, so I contacted a couple of area dancers who indicated this show was happening on March 5th, 2005, but they didn't have details. After some Google searching, I was able to locate some info and seek it out, and was glad I found it! This show was a benefit to raise money for the tsunami survivors, and carried a lot of sponsors, as well as performers' donations of their time. The announcer did a great job describing the event and introducing performers.
While unfortunately, it wasn't well attended, the event itself was very well organized. There was a great lineup of performers, a good number of helpful staff, a nice program, a raffle of really good prizes, and a snack table. I appreciated the balance of dancers and musicians, as well as the different styles represented.
John Bilezikjian and Dondi were the absolute highlights of the show, and alone, worth the price of admission. Wow. This was my second time seeing Dondi perform, and my first time seeing John. Both of them are very impressive and awe-inspiring. There were two sets, and both included live music. The show opened with a Native American Blessing Dance, and in set two, we were entertained with a Dance of Thailand. Music was performed by John and his wonderful Oud, Frank Lazzaro on percussion (two dumbeks with a foot-operated tambourine,) Qiyan, with some great Arabic instruments, and The Village Mandala Drummers, who are known for a variety of styles of drumming.
Dancers in the first set included Magdi, (the Blessing Dance and live Tribal fusion with Qiyan,) Village Mandala Musicians and Tribal Fusion Dancers, Jheri St James, (live to Qiyan with a basket dance,) Barbara Krans (Spanish Gyspy routine), and Jasmina's Jems. I really enjoyed the choreography and cabaret costuming of Jasmina's Jems, very dazzling and an expressive group as well!
John and Frank opened the second set with three numbers. First was a beautiful ballad, showcasing John's incredible voice, followed by a lively Greek song, and lastly, an instrumental. Dancers following the music with John and Frank included Titanya, another favorite dancer of mine, Shalimar, Jasmina, and Dondi, all dancing live cabaret sets to John and Frank's music. Way cool. Very nice, ladies! JJ and the Habibi's closed the set before there was an open dance/grand finale with all of the performers. I really enjoyed the show, and a conversation with one of the sponsors after the show gave me an idea for an upcoming article!
