Summer 2006 Issue
July/Aug/Sep 2006
Review of Eva Cernik Show and Workshops in Spokane WA
Reviewed by Nizana
On the weekend of May 20th-21st, 2006, Spokane was lucky enough to have the wonderful Eva Cernik in town. Wow! What a great event! Belly Dancers Un-limited and Nadiyah, who strive to bring quality Middle Eastern Dancers to the area, sponsored Eva in "A Turkish Delight." This enchanted evening not only had Eva, but many other fantastic regional performers as well. Vending was by Eva and Nadiyah.
Starting with the workshops, Eva taught Turkish Oriental Moves and Combos on Saturday, and a veil choreography to an Anatolian song on Sunday. Eva is very well versed in Turkish dance, and it was very evident in her teaching (and dancing, of course!) She applied her learning from world travels to these classes, sharing some great information and moves. Eva differentiated between Turkish and Egyptian moves, and taught us how to "Throw the Belly." We drilled, and reviewed, which was helpful for note taking and really comprehending the technique. She is fascinating to watch, and can talk and flutter at the same time like it's nothing!
The event at the Women's Club included Turkish desserts and coffee by Azar's Restaurant in the admission price. Raks el Sehr Shamal, under the direction of Katie, opened the show with a fun and lively set. They came all the way from Kent, Wa, and performed dances that included a duet and a basket dance. (Missed you Saqra, and the troupe did great!) They engaged the audience right away and exhibited some nice blocking! Nadiyah Vahdahty & Shamal, wearing Turkish folkloric costumes, danced a choreography by Tayyar Akdeniz with Turkish Spoons. I believe they learned that from when Belly Dancers Unlimited sponsored Alexandra King in Spokane last year. Marion Moat, from Seattle, told a story, and then danced, playing Turkish spoons in a colorful Romani costume. Very dramatic! Shamal, from Couer d'Alene, danced a solo with giant peacock fans, moving in to the audience for part of her routine, always smiling and energetic! Next up was the sweet, bubbly, Ravisha. She also moved in to the audience for part of her routine, and is just the most fun dancer to watch, you can't help but smile back at her. Wrapping up the first set, was Eva Cernik, performing Romani. Wow, she really captures the essence of the dance, putting feeling in to it that made you wonder if you're really in Spokane! Her costuming, gestures, nuances and overall dance was just outstanding!
During intermission, many wonderful prizes were raffled off, and the audience was given a chance to stretch. Opening the second set, was Desert Silk Dance Company, with a five part Turkish American routine. Nizana (who also was one of two main emcees and Evening Program Manager) choreographed the set that they danced in new troupe costumes to. Nadiyah then performed a Whirling Derviche in traditional costuming. She whirled for a long time, deep in to the constant, steady spinning. The vibrant Kaela, from Wenatchee, danced a cabaret choreography to Tarkan. Great stage presence and clean moves. Hasna Hadiyya, Nadiyah's student troupe, then danced a lovely set, featuring soloists from the troupe, including Nadiyah. Very pretty and unique costuming, and very nice "hold" poses by the group while the soloists were taking their turns. Once again, to close out the second set, Eva graced the stage, this time dancing Turkish Oriental. She did things with a veil I have never seen done before although she shared some of this at the workshop, way cool.) I couldn't stop grinning at how fabulous her dancing was for the whole performance. A zil slipped off, and she kept doing her dance and came back later and made it part of her dance to get it back on. Impressively professional.
I feel watching Eva and studying with her will certainly enhance my dance. She is quite incredible! It was an overall very nice weekend event, and as exhausted as I am, I was glad to have been a part of it!