Aziza's DVD Release Party
for (Arms, Hands and Poses)
Portland, OR - December 2009

As Reviewed by Nizana

Severina, Oberon, Nemra, Tamara and Ann
Manning the DVD Sales Table

My newest troupe member, Cheryl, and I flew from Spokane to Portland, OR for the weekend with the goal of attending Aziza's DVD Release Party at Portland’s Greek Cuisina on Dec 20th, 2009. Aziza released an instructional DVD called "Hands, Arms, & Poses" that was available for sale and was playing on the TV monitors. I bought a copy and need to find some time to sit down and watch and perhaps review it!

Cheryl and I first went shopping over the weekend- Lloyd Center, IKEA, Powell's Bookstore, (where we scored a bunch of belly dance books) Mint Tea, a quaint little shop in Vancouver, WA (across the bridge) and over to St. Helens to Fairy Cove Silks where we found fabulous veils, scarves, skirts, tops and pants and got to spend time with Meagan who showed us the silk dyeing process. That entire Pacific Northwest region has a great number of shops for where to find belly dance items!

The venue Aziza (formerly of Portland, now of Montreal) chose to highlight her new DVD at is special to her as she is a big part of the Portland dance community and used to dance at the restaurant. Along with her supportive husband, many of her friends, mentors and supporters showed up to help her celebrate, and she took the time between sets to recognize everyone, and not without shedding a few joyful tears! The Greek food was wonderful and the bartender came up with something special for Cheryl as requested. I would say the down side of the venue was the crowded cafeteria seating which left many people being unable to see much at all and having to get up multiple times in the middle of their dinners to let other people in or out.  We ended up splitting appetizers with the lovely dancers seated across from us and had a really satisfying meal. 

Nalini's Blue Lotus Troupe from Seattle opened the show with entertaining Bollywood routines flirting behind the veils they wore on their heads. Their hand gestures were sharp and the troupe was very together in their movements. Rachel Brice, who recently moved to Portland, was next with two alternative tribal fusion numbers that I'd wished lasted longer. Her back bends and slow movements oozed with complete control and regal nonchalance. Belly Dance Soulfire, from Portland and winning awards nationwide, came out in fiery cabaret and I can see why they are so known to be so hot! We really enjoyed their performance - great choreography and technique along with expressive dancing from the heart. Blue Lotus came back with a costume change for another energetic set performing Cabaret-Bollywood fusion that had some members of the troupe doing different parts of the sets before they came together again. Then it was time for the fabulous Aziza, looking stunning in black and silver cabaret, starting off her set with a silk veil. She also played zils at one point and her smile was just radiant the whole time. I studied with Aziza again earlier this year and highly recommend her for her instruction. She is an international talent to watch and learn from, and tonight she was shining and joyful, clearly at home in her element.

We had a good time in Portland, came back with goodies and found an enthusiastic audience at the show from mostly around Portland/Vancouver as well as a contingent from Eugene. Congratulations to Aziza on her new DVD release!