Sahra Saeeda and “Postcards from the Mediterranean”
Seattle, WA
As reviewed by Nizana

There are some events that I will make a big effort to travel to, this was one of them, and it was definitely worth it.  MEAI really knows how to put on a serious ME dance event, and I appreciate that they provide this opportunity for the Belly Dance community. MEAI sponsors artists who are renowned in the field, who are the foundation for what belly dance really is, and who have made great contributions to the art form. This year was the fabulous Sahra Saeeda (Kent), whom I had seen perform when she co-hosted the two International Conferences of Belly Dance in Costa Mesa, CA several years ago. (Now THOSE were to-die for events!)  I know a number of dancers besides me came from far away to take part in this exciting weekend in Seattle on Sept 11-13, 2009. I have to apologize for no pictures, but a request was made at the show for no photos which I of course, had to honor.

Sahra held two workshops on Sat and two on Sun. The gala event was Saturday evening and then a Sunday night “Community Song and Dance” evening (with Sahra and Helene Eriksen!) concluded the festivities.  I took Sahra’s first Saturday class, a class on baladi Cairo-style, and baladi progression and enjoyed it immensely. She was chock full of history and references to dance greats and personal dance information from her studies and performances in Cairo and Los Angeles. Sahra demonstrated movements, explaining them in detail and drilling us on them. She taught us about dancing at high center and low center, something one of her teachers said was very important to share with her students, especially for Cairo baladi and progression.

Her second Saturday workshop covered a  theatrical stage choreography which incorporated Classic Era highlights that she had recently taught in Texas. On Sunday, Sahra taught Saidi basic, Assaya and double Assaya. I really wish I could’ve taken THAT one! This was followed by a workshop on Melaya Luff - where she brought her authentic Melaya and a handout describing the costuming.

Saturday evening was the gala show at the Broadway Performance Hall, and while the audience was enthusiastic, the seats should have been filled for this event. Programs were provided, and this show was as much about music as it was about dance. Opening the show was the musical group Gypsy Strings Reeds and Skins and the melding of their instruments was unique and effective. George Sadak was supposed to drum with the group, but had just broken a finger and another drummer (I missed his name, sorry!) stepped in and it’d worked like they’d been playing together for a long time. Their sound was Mediterranean Fusion. Dahlia and four of her VDP Intermediate students joined them for their last number in Dahlia’s first fusion choreography that had a number of Khalege moves in it.

Next up was Gigi Gulhan performing Turkish in a stunning purple costume starting off with gold Isis wings. Helene Eriksen performed a Croatian dance in native costume called “Lindjo” with musician Nick and singer and dancer John, who opened the set with a folk song.  Then, Janet Raynor, starting from the back of the audience in a hot pink dress, joined accordian player David Locke on stage and they performed French Cabaret.  Sahra Saeeda came out next to dance a flirty Melaya Leff in a sassy blue dress. This dance is part of many of Cairo’s dancer’s shows today, and Sahra certainly did it justice!! The next performance was a dance called the Macedonian Cocek presented by Helene Eriksen to lively music of the Balkan Region.  Closing out Act One was Amel Tafsout performing a set of North African Maghreb dances- high energy, fascinating costuming and movements. Strong conclusion for the first act!

Act Two opened with David Locke and Janet Raynor again, this time she was in a lovely red dress,  with more French Cabaret.  Her voice is perfect for French songs. Artemisia, all the way from Belgium, performed Orientale in green and gold and brown cabaret costume, and her cute smile and twinkling eyes were infectious!  Janelle came out next to take us to the Suez Canal reflecting fishermen’s dances of Egypt’s Northern Mediterranean Coast. This interesting routine included playing the spoons. Next, Helene Eriksen transported us to Tunisia in complicated and challenging costuming to go with her artful skill of balance.  Her balancing skills are always impressive. Gigi came back to perform Turkish Romany in red and black, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone dance in heels that high before! After her entrance piece she took them off, but none the less, that was quite an accomplishment!! Very interactive and high energy performer. Closing the show was the lovely Sahra performing Golden Age Egyptian Orientale in a black and silver fitted dress. Classy and beautiful, Sahra showed us what it was like in the day of the greats like Sohair Zaki and Fifi Abdou. A lovely performance by a lovely lady! Thanks, MEAI, and glad to hear you have more fun plans in the works!