Review of Spokane’s 3rd Annual Belly Fest

By: Nizana

    Nadiyah’s sponsored the 3rd Annual Belly Fest in Spokane on Jan 19th, 2008 featuring Belly Dance Super Star Sonia in a workshop. This event was also a fundraiser for the local YWCA Women’s Confidential Safe Shelter, and the first area local event of the year. There were many activities throughout the full day to participate in, and a “Bellynesian“ theme was welcome in the midst of a cold, snowy winter!  



    First to start the day was the “Bellynesian” workshop, which was very well attended. Sonia was comparing and contrasting South Pacific and Middle Eastern dance movements, and followed it up with a choreography.  I had seen demo clips of her video on this subject, and had really been looking forward to taking live demonstration. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it, although some notes to go with either the choreography or the South Pacific names of the movements would have been nice. As the focus was mainly on the Tahitian style, it was energetic and a good workout, and her presentation was easy to follow. As someone headed to Molokai in February, what better to get me in the mood?   

    A dumbek workshop was taught by Robby Parker, following Sonia‘s workshop that afternoon. Robby taught dance rhythms of the Middle East, and has been studying and playing dumbek for 14 years.  I have heard good things about Robby. Unfortunately, I had to miss it as I volunteered to take Sonia to the airport. But that was a great opportunity to spend a few minutes with a BDSS! Sonia was dealing with a back injury, and you probably never would have known if she hadn’t shared that with the class from the beginning. She was very apologetic that she was not quite up to herself and supposed to be resting to heal. I have seen her perform with the BDSS before, and will again as the BDSS are headed back to the Pacific Northwest to perform in March.   

    Vending all day long was Moondance Bellydance out of Portland, a favorite vendor of many dancers! It was good to see them over here, and they had lots of goodies. Our troupe has quite a few of their items and are always eyeing (and finding) more… Sonia also had some wares for sale, including her new video. Henna tattooing was available by Heather, whose prices were reasonable and her artwork was intricate.  Of course, I indulged….D’Zaar catered the wonderful Moroccan & Polynesian dinner for the evening with generous and delicious servings. A raffle of donated prizes from some of the dancers raised money for the Y‘s Safe Shelter.  

    While Sonia couldn’t stay for the show, there were a number of wonderful performances by local dancers. Desert Silk Dance Co opened the show accessorized for the occasion, adding shell/flower leis, and flower clusters with ribbons to their “shell” costumes (shell bras by Moondance, no less…) They performed their candle dance, sans candles, but with the holders filled with colorful lei flowers (which also satisfied the “no fire” rule.) They finished with a Chiftitelli and a lively skirt dance. Nizana, of DSDC, choreographed the set and assisted with emcee duties for the evening's performances with hostess Nadiyah.

Next up was Talia, who recently moved north of Spokane from the San Diego area. She performed a lovely Egyptian routine in green cabaret costume, and has jumped right into the Spokane dance scene.  Sisters of Selket from Couer d’ Alene, Idaho were up next with a tribal fusion number. They looked and danced great, but I sure missed seeing most of the Sisters that I know up there with them. 

Robby Parker started the next set by playing three songs on the oud, and was joined shortly after by Nadiyah dancing in an orange cabaret costume.  On the third number, Nadiyah pulled up a couple of audience members to dance, too. Then Robby pulled out the dumbek and Nadiyah performed a drum solo. It was a treat, especially in Spokane, to see live ME music.  

Following that set were Janelle Jackson performing Tribal Fusion, and then her dance partner, Kendra Searles, also soloing a similar style of Tribal Fusion. Lots of locks and pops and rolls to electronica music. They ended the first half of the show before intermission allowing for more shopping. An artist, who was a former client of the Y’s Safe Program, also had lovely homemade colorful pins for sale.

Shenteelah from the Tri-Cities was a good choice to open the next set in a purple cabaret costume performing two numbers. She is always fun to watch. Nefabit, who recently moved from Hawaii also performed a solo in purple cabaret, and she and her mother Delilah Ra (who unfortunately had to stay home ill) have also jumped right into the Spokane area dance scene. Mary Eickman performed a solo in a red cabaret costume (and she had a major costume fan in the audience, so hope she didn’t get mugged on the way out!) Khamara performed a blessing dance with a glowing vase that she used for part of her routine.  Lucy, eleven years old, came out and danced a choreography, with finger cymbals, the only one in the show!!! You go, girl! Very impressive with room to grow.

A raffle drawing was held, then Nefabit closed the show with a Hawaiian number, including Hawaiian dance props. Nice to see she put her time to good use while in Hawaii! This was an overall really good event, and even though the snow was falling outside, it was hot inside!! Looking forward to the 4th Annual Belly Fest!