Zaina’s Zany Adventures

     I started August with a fun-filled workshop in Phoenix, AZ.   As some of you may know, I am originally from Phoenix - - a true desert rat "I am" so when the opportunity came up to fly to Phoenix to spend some time with Manny and then drive back to Washington, via Napa Valley how could I possibly resist? 

     It was somewhat bitter-sweet for me as my dear friend Jack who lived in Phoenix, had passed just a month earlier and his wife had passed only six months before that.  It was so hard to hit the Valley of the Sun, knowing I would not see his wonderful face or hear that voice I have cherished since we met at 15.  We have talked each other through so many things in life, I just wasn't sure I could be in Phoenix without him. 

     But, the wonderfully warm reception I received from Naj at The Belly Dance Shoppe, and meeting new dancers, my dear friend Masala, Manny's support and seeing friendly faces helped ease the grief.  (For those of you who may not know Naj who owns the shop and studio, give her a peek www.bellydanceshoppe.com).  She is a wonderful part of the Phoenix Dance Community; positive, compassionate, and motivating, and I feel honored to have had a chance to get to know her a little more.

    Masala, my Rakkasah Buddy, came down from Ft. Mohave, AZ.  She lights up a room the instant she walks in.  Manny and I met her at the hotel to make the drive to the restaurant in Mesa - - a fun drive, sharing stories and silliness.  What an incredible group of ladies and dancers in Arizona.  The workshop was an absolute blast, very fulfilling for me to have students who just ate up the information and who wanted to know when I would be back to "do it all again".  (Just give me a date and time and I am there).

    I was also thrilled to finally meet Helena Vlahos - - she is such an incredible performer and instructor and I can’t help but still get a little “giddy” when in the presence of such amazing talent. 

    There were more highlights of this trip.  And a few I will not soon forget like spending time at the show with my friend Les from Phoenix - - another great friend I have known since I was 19.  We raised our kids together - played poker with spaghetti sticks.  He is one of those wonderful guys who put up with listening to me sing the praises of Wayne Newton (now that is a friend for sure).  

     Getting to see Gabby again - WOW, who performed and played us some fabulous music at the show on Saturday night.  I have often talked about a drummer I knew in Phoenix who, when he played, was always spinning his drum.  He absolutely fascinated me and I couldn't look at him when I was dancing, because I would get distracted - almost mesmerized by that drum.  Now that was in the early 80's, and times have changed.  I would now look forward to that drum spin, just as I look for Carmine Guida to throw his right hand up in the air when he is drumming or for Michael Beach to hold his hand to the side for that final dancer/drummer "doum". 

     When I saw the picture of Gabby, I just couldn't believe it was the same guy I had worked with all those years before and I was going to once again have the opportunity to perform with him, now as a "grown up" dancer.  What a fabulous experience. 

     I felt so blessed to have had this opportunity with this magnificent group of dancers and musicians.  The trip through the Napa Valley was relaxing and lots of fun even though I was working on the magazine on the road.  Manny drove and I had the lap top plugged into the AC Adapter, and was working away while we were on the road - taking our breaks in Napa's numerous vineyards - now that right there is some serious fun.  I felt somewhat renewed and ready for September and the Double Crown after this fun filled trip. 

     You will find a brief review or perspective of this year's (2006) Double Crown by Nizana in the Competition Mania Columns.  We had so much media coverage this year we didn't quite know what to do with it all.  Drew Carney from local TV Station KGW even came in for a quick belly dance lesson, then he plugged the heck out of the competition.  Gotta love that.  Suffice to say, with all the coverage, a great staff, and tremendous dancers, judges, vendors and supporters - it was our largest competition yet and we are still digging out from under boxes, left over CD's and videos that dancers forgot to pick up, and oh my paperwork to heck and gone.  To say I was exhausted afterwards would be an understatement.  But then to tell you it was just two short weeks later that Krystal, Oberon and I hit New York and New Jersey for a week, would perhaps put into perspective my complete exhaustion by November.

     As always, Rakkasah East was a great experience, right up to when I had an allergic reaction to an old product in my travel bag, and, well, my eyes swelled up like I had taken up boxing.  Never a good look.  The after parties this year were bigger than ever, the only thing missing were the brides/grooms of years gone by.  The place is always packed, and this year was certainly no different (as you can see from Pat Olson’s antics here - WHAT was he thinking?  <giggle>)

     We have a new vending space, right on the main aisle and within easy view of the stage.  We also were surrounded by fellow Rakkasah Teachers, Fahtiem, Susanna del Vecchio, Mesmera, Ansuya, Hadia, Suhaila and Jim Boz.  No better way in the world to be "surrounded".  It lead to lots of crazy antics, silly behavior and fabulous dance moves - - the dance offs were way fun as we showed our fav trademark <giggle> veil moves in the aisles.  This is an event I don't imagine missing, "ever".

     This year we had a very very special treat.  A few of us noticed when he came in the door, a familiarity.  The place was so hectic, at first we couldn’t seem to make it work in our brain that it was really HIM.  But there he stood, in the PEKO International booth.  EDDIE “THE SHEIK” KOCHAK. 

     Pat Olson and Dennise Mannion, along with Suhaila, Scott and Carmine scrambled to get Eddie set up on stage to SING US A SONG.  It is moments like this that those of us who cut our “dance teeth” on his music LIVE FOR.  I stood in front of the stage, tears in my eyes and watch and listened as Eddie seranaded the room.  Most of us were spell bound and for those who may not have been - - well, too bad for you, we had a true legend with us.  Of course, one of the first things he said was, “there is a rumor - - see, I am not dead, I’m here”.
 

     Along with Eddie was Phaedra - - another legend and Krystal, my daughter nearly knocked me down to get to her.  How I wondered di d this 24 year old even know who she was?  Well, Krystal said, “Oh mama, I used to look at her on those albums you had and I dreamed of being her some day”.  So, camera in hand, again Krystal in the lead, we were blessed with pix with Eddie and Phaedra both.

     It was an amazing moment, one that goes on my list of top tens and one to be cherished in this lifetime of dance.

     We also were able to present Ali Hamidzadeh with his Life Time Achievement Award from the 2006 Double Crown Belly Dance Competition.  Ali was the male recipient and Jaleh, of Puyallup was the female recipient.  Both long time supporters of Middle Eastern Dance Arts as well as our endeavors at Double Crown Productions, LLC.  We are eternally grateful for all their support and hard work in the dance community.

   After Rakkasah, Oberon, Krystal and I were off to New York for a few days of fun, and of course SHOPPING.    I don’t think I have ever seen or been in so many shoe stores in such as short amount of time.     Monday it was Oberon’s Birthday - - and it was Krystal’s first time in NY, so I took them on a fabulous carriage ride through Central Park at dusk.  Now THAT is fun and if you get to NY, it is a MUST DO on the list. 

     Well, then I hit November like a freight train hitting a brick wall.  Really, that is the only way to describe it.  Exhaustion is complete.  My work schedule is so ugly most people don't believe me when I tell them I work 16 to 18 hour days on Tuesdays and often 9 to 10 hours each day after that.  The hours were so exhausting, for the first time ever, I was having trouble focusing when I was teaching dance class - the very thing I love to do. 

     It has become clear I need some time away from work, the magazine, next year's competition preparation, and classes, so the month of December is my own.  I will re-group, hibernate, and hopefully will start the year with a fresh outlook, new perspective, and those ideas that have been brewing - - will have developed into full on process. 

     It seems, I am the embodiment of "The Phoenix"; no matter what life has thrown my way, I get myself back up, dust off the ashes, and take flight again. 

     So, look for the wings to spread in January, and climb on board, because there is a breeze in the air that will lift not only my wings, but all our spirits as well with the coming New Year. 

This ride will be "From the Hart".