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Reviews: Shows, Music, Videos, and More! -
Show Review * Belly Dancers in Paradise Show and WS in Waikiki
by: Nizana (Nov 21 2009)
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Annual Belly Dancers in Paradise Dinner Show/Workshops
Waikiki, Hawaii, November 15-16th, 2009
As reviewed by Nizana
Author, Nizana
Malia and the Belly Dancers in Paradise presented their annual fundraising event in Waikiki, Hawaii, Nov 15-16th, 2009, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it! The last few times I’ve been to Hawaii, I’ve gone to Maui and Molokai, so I figured it was time to re-visit Oahu. I had mentioned to Malia how I would actually be on vacation over there during her event and would be able to take a workshop but not attend the show as I was scheduled to leave that day. But then I was able to maneuver a date change to stay over that last night so I could attend the show, too, and Malia was kind enough to ask me to dance in it! Wow, the show headliners were Malia and Sausan and Andrea, so I was honored.
Garden Nile Belly Dance Troupe
The array of workshops over the weekend by the three headliners was wonderful! Sausan taught “Intro to Egyptian Dance Code: Overview of Belly Dance movement with comparisons to Classic Egyptian and Modern American Styles,” and a “Layali Zaman” cane choreography. I heard some very good things about Sausan’s workshops and how knowledgeable she is! Andrea taught “Hummus and Jalapenos,” which I took. Andrea presented combinations which included Egyptian and Saudi (Hummus) and Salsa and Merengue (Jalapenos) and then put it together for “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. Andrea and her workshop were high energy and full of variations to use with both Arabic and Latin music. She also taught Dynamic Diva Dance - A Rainbow of Feelings.” Malia, the lovely hostess who instructs all over Oahu and beyond taught “Beginnings of Belly Dance Fusion with Finger Cymbals” and “To Kill For Technique and Drills.” Wish I had the energy to take all of these offerings! Very tasty variety of classes!
The show was held at the Hale Koa Banyan Tree Ballroom, a lovely setting for a dinner show. (Ok so there’s not too many places in Hawaii that aren’t lovely…) It was nearly sold out and there were a lot of dancers made up of soloists, duets and troupes that made up the over two hour show, a three course dinner event. A really cool touch I haven’t seen elsewhere was at the dinner setting (in addition to rose petals and little Dove chocolates!!) was a large postcard of the troupe, autographed by each of them, with the program on the other side! How cool is that?
Malia and Belly Dancers in Paradise
Opening the show for the big crowd with aloha was Malia’s Belly Dancers in Paradise, a big troupe doing a cabaret veil routine, one of many numbers of which Malia choreographed. They also closed out the show with a sword dance in cabaret, and made up many of the solo and duet performances. I liked how they were able to make their bedlah look completely different when paired with skirts or those really fun panne’ flared pants. The troupe had a classy look about them, were enjoyable to watch and I also thought it was good to see them using finger cymbals in a routine as well. I applaud Malia on her direction of the troupe (not to mention the entire weekend event.) Guests included students of Malia, the Kapolei Belly Dancers performing a really cute number! The Garden Nile Belly Dance Troupe from Kauai was another guest, and I really enjoyed them and their routines. Shakti Dance Movement presented the only Tribal Fusion of the evening, however, there were some other fusion numbers as well presented in the show. I danced a set in hot pink and silver with zils and veil. Andrea presented two solos; I missed the first one getting ready, but her second set included a really cool Egyptian cane number in a red beledi cut out dress and bra with bright blue coin hip scarf. Loved the cane, very uniquely decorated! The wonderful Sausan presented an Egyptian routine in a sparkly black beledi dress, connecting with the audience and shimmying to beat the band! 
Malia and Belly Dancers in Paradise
"I had a great time, met some really nice dancers and appreciate the work that went into this event. It was a marvelous venue, a great overall event, and a fabulous way to end my vacation! Thanks, Malia and Belly Dancers in Paradise!!"
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