Zaina Hart/Gabby Tawil Workshop:

Phoenix, Arizona & As reviewed by:  MASALA

     On Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20th, our sister dancers in the desert were treated to the talents of Gabby Tawil, a world-renowned drummer and the lovely Zaina Hart with her Crazy Combinations in an exciting two-day workshop hosted by the BellyDanceShoppe Studio of Phoenix, Arizona.

     I have had the pleasure of calling Zaina a friend for quite some time now, and didn't bat one false eyelash when I had to drive over 4 hours to attend her seminar.  I had never heard of Gabby, though his idea of combining a drumming class integrating dancers' movements with traditional rhythms sounded useful so off I went.  My friend and sister-dancer Susan came along for the experience (and was a terrific alternative to four hours of my CD player).  Susan is a novice dancer and was not sure if the workshops would be appropriate for her level.

     Traffic problems caused us to arrive late to Gabby's first class.  Upon entering the studio we observed a half-circle of dancers seated before Gabby.  He was demonstrating a rhythm to be repeated on their dumbeks.  Gabby was patient and encouraging and the girls were picking up the beats quite nicely.  Since I don't play dumbek, I took out my zills and joined in with rhythms and accents.  Gabby smiled and nodded for me to continue and before long we were all playing as one.  The next part of Gabby's class was aimed at demonstrating more rhythms as well as how a dancer and drummer interact during a live performance.  Gabby answered a number of questions from the participants.  He was quick to point out that an experienced drummer will play to how the dancer is dancing and not to his own rhythm.  He demonstrated how he was able to follow a dancer and anticipate the slow and fast moves as she performed.  He even showed how he would accompany floor-work.  I thoroughly enjoyed this talented drummer and was amazed to find that whatever move I chose to do, he was with me during every beat.  Susan, who had never picked up a drum before, was able to follow this master teacher's instructions and received his praise.  I left these sessions with one thought; I would love to take more instruction from the amazing Gabby Tawil.

     Susan and I headed back to our hotel to get ready for the night's festivities.  Effes Turkish Restaurant would be hosting dinner and performances from some of the area's most talented dancers, with guest star, the spectacular Zaina Hart.  We walked in and were treated to some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten.  The lamb was tender and the sauces were a treat for the palate.  The service was warm and friendly too.  Gabby Tawil added his talents to the live band.  The dancers were well received by all attending.  Zaina was truly the highlight of the evening.  She captivated us with her famous style, loaded with pizzazz and a healthy sprinkling of smiles and flirty eyes.  Zaina is a performer's performer combining a sassy attitude with fine-tuned moves and a heart-warming presence.  All eyes were on this amazing woman and I was certainly looking forward to learning some of these techniques in her workshop.

     Sunday came and the class was packed.  There was just enough room for each dancer, but not much more.  Zaina began with demonstrations on body styling, adding diagonals and texture with level changes and the usage of space.  We learned to "sit", Cha-Cha, shimmy and twist.  She went over her famous "no" and "yes" positions (sorry, you will just have to attend one of these fab workshops to learn what they are) and she taught us to not only think, but also dance, "out of our box".  This wasn't a class based on choreography to one song, but full of combinations and postures that a dancer might use with different kinds of music in different venues.  Zaina worked on not only movements for feet, but also placed emphasis on hips, shoulders, arms and making contact with the audience through eyes and drama.  Her teaching was "user-friendly", by this I mean that, amazingly, Zaina was able to reach all levels and treated all dancers, from beginning through advanced, with dignity and respect.  Susan thoroughly enjoyed this class and had no trouble keeping up.  Three hours flew by and we barely noticed.  Yes, we shimmied, Ghawazeed and sweated but were left with a great knowledge base and new ideas to add to our own repertoire.  Zaina's workshops are a must-take.  Look for her at Rakkasah West, Richmond, California in March 2007.

For Information about Zaina go to http://www.zainahart.com