American Belly Dance Legends DVD
Release Party
Las Vegas, NV
Sunday, September 13th,
2009
As Written by Masala
The 2009 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive and Festival was
finally over, no more workshops, staged shows, vendors, or casinos. For many, it was off to the airport on
a return-trip home. The City of
Lights would soon be a thing of the past, fondly remembered but faded with
time. For some lucky enough to
score reservations, however, a chance-of- a-lifetime would become reality.
Tucked away in a small venue of this event, known as the “After-Party”
an unforgettable evening would soon ensue. What would normally be local performers sharing dinner and
dancing after the conclusion of this great event turned out to be an
opportunity to witness history, history that made our dance what it is today.
Amaya Introducing DVD Clips
Masala and Amaya
Marisa and Britt, as well as the other dancers of Troupe
Cabernet hosted Amaya’s DVD release of the American
Belly Dance Legends at the Royal Persis Restaurant on East Flamingo.
The restaurant, a family-run business provided a
buffet-style Persian meal with some of the tastiest lamb and baklava I have
ever had the pleasure to eat. Guests
were seated on a first-come basis at long tables. Friends of the owner were provided with private seating. The arrangement of all but a few tables
made it extremely difficult for guests to see. This was frustrating for me because I came to see the
dancers and presenters.
Harry Saroyan Emcee Extraordinaire
The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was none other than the
incomparable Harry Saroyan. Harry,
a legend in his own right, introduced performers who had first-hand knowledge
these honored legends. Amaya spoke
of Roman “Bert” Balladine, Morwenna Assaf gave us a glimpse into Ibrahim “Bobby”
Farrah.Performances included Morwenna and Walid Assaf doing a
Bobby Farrah choreography, and the unforgettable Helena Vlahos, whose mesmerizing
performance finished the show. We
were treated to clips from legends unable to attend or who time had taken away
from us, glimpses of the past that made our dance what it is today. Thank you to all my teachers who felt
that knowing where we came from was as important a foundation as knowing the
movements of our dance.
Masala and Helena Vlahos
Masala and Bert Balladine
Last but not least, Bert,
my funny friend, you taught me that dance without emotion is meaningless,
precise movement without spirit touches no one and a friend remains a friend no
matter how far away they may be.
To Adriana Dahlena, Bobby, Aida Al Adawi, Ahmed Jarjour,
Aisha Ali, and De Ann our dance will be forever touched by your magic.
Amaya, thank you!
You have done a great service to all American Middle Eastern Dancers and
we are looking forward to your next Legends tribute. I personally hope that this one includes you.
