(As printed in the Quarter 3/05 issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine)

SHIREEM'S 21st Annual

Shimmy By The Sea 2005

May 13-15, 2005 - Chorpus Christi, TX

     Shireem has been producing this fabulous event for her community and fellow dancers with her intention of presenting quality teaching and a wonderful learning experience for all. Having it at the Radisson Sandy Shores Beach Hotel right on Surfside provided an opportunity for sun, surf, shopping and visiting the local attractions like the Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium.

     It had been 10 years since i had been a quest teacher at this event and it was so fun see familiar faces and catch up on "da stories". This event attracts dancers from all over the US and of course Texas.

     Friday's opening class was conducted by Urban Gypsy-Sahira & Zymirrah of Houston, Texas. They incorporate a unique blend of Egyptian, North African and Indian Dance in their Tribal Basics 102. On Saturday they taught a brand new tribal fusion choreography. This gave dancers an opportunity to try out a new dance form and of course create new ideas for costuming.

     Saqra from Washington,  presented her workshop on Saturday and Sunday. Her clear method of breakdown and use of layered concepts, shimmies with modern Egyptian steps and techniques were an inspiration to the dancers. Of course her warm and infectious smile added to the magic of her classes.

     Racardo of Corpus Christi, conducted a Sunday workshop in Flamenco. He has an extensive background in this dance form and has performed with the Paris Opera Ballet and the Ballet Espanol de Madrid. His knowledge of how to fuse some of the dance steps for dancers were welcomed. Spanish dance and Middle Eastern dance are flow beautifully together.

     The Friday evening show highlighted many of the local dancers, Shireems Oasis Dancers, Cleopatra's Daughters, and many other wonderful performers and of course yours truly who performed a Hawaiian dance. Open to the public, it brought out many family and friends who contribute and support this event and the dancers.

     Saturday Evenings show  was a showcase of dancers such as Saqra, Pacific Islanders, Urban Gypsy, Soraya of Oklahoma, Mystic Dancers, Karen Barbee Atkisson and a host of other fine performers. It was such a treat to see such a variety of styles in the show. Everyone had a wonderful time and i am sure they are looking forward to next years event.

     The place to eat great food and drink was Blackbeards which is across the street from the hotel. It was here that we all would relax , smooze. "talk story" and just have a great time.  I must comment on the delicious key lime pie that they serve there...I had 2 pieces...Ono -licious!

     A big Thank You to Shireem and her great staff who were so accommodating. I just love that Southern hospitality. See Y'ALL next year!

Erna Woo

Life Arts (c)