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Student News and Information
Sitamun's 3rd Annual Student Recital was held on June 5 at the Brunswick City Park Building. Kudos to all who attended either as a performer or guest. Tears of Aset started the program with two of their routines, Leyla and Uskudara. Troupe members were senior dancers Aisha, Andaleeb, Feiqa, Payal, Tasya who were joined by new comers Vashti, Hameeda and Zariel.
The next number was a Skirt Dance to Dance Samara Dance, performed by the Level 3 Class. Next Vashti followed with an upbeat Persian Pop number called the Black Cat Mix.
Aisha doing another daring solo performed a Fusion to the Pop song Dancing Queen.
Koly from the Level 1 class followed with a perky upbeat dance to Leyla.
Tears of Aset finished the first Act with a Turkish Spoon Dance.
The second Act open with the Intermediate Class performing a pharonic dance to Enter the Temple. Zariel performing a Tabla solo, this was her first time performing a solo. Andaleeb followed with her classy fan fusion number to Oojami Fantasy. The ever creative Feiqa followed with an upbeat dance to Habait. Graceful Payal followed and took over the audience with a cabaret dance to Rakset Dala'a. Tasya then dazzled everyone with her sword dance to Sudan. Level 1 class then followed performing to Two Gypsies by Solace. Tears of Aset closed the show with their colorful Nubian Basket Dance. Photo's of this years recital are now available for veiwing.
The Conchi workshop and A Night at the Oasis Gala Show was a success. Many students and teachers from Maryland, Virginia and Penn Sylvia attended. Conchi was dynamic and serene instructor. She taught a Greek style of dance to Prosephi at the workshop that included many types and combinations of spins and double veil technique. Later that evening at the show Conchi performed both to Prosephi and a Double Veil routine as well as a mini routine at the end of the show. Other performers included some of the best professional and student dancers the area offers. Pictures of this event are now posted on the website.
The Tears of Aset will be performing in a fun raiser show for, Quinton Ingram, a child in the Frederick Community that has Leukemia. The show will be held at The Oakdale Middle School at 8 pm February 7th 2004. The show will feature a variety of performers from the local area. Tickets $10 and $7 for children attending with paying adults. Email Inger Carlisle for tickets or information on how your group can perform in this event.
Sitamun's 2nd Annual Fall Workshop and Show was held on October 25, 2003. The workshop featured Taaj Fi Qalbi as the instructor. Taaj taught a 21/2-hour Totally Egyptian workshop. The Workshop participants very pleased with Taaj's instruction. Everyone felt Taaj made everything very clear and easy to follow. Many left the workshop feeling that they would never listen to Egyptian music the same. Performing in the 2 hour Gala Show, was Masani, Arabian Jewel’s, Tasya, Feqia, Andaleeb, Kamra, Tears of Aset, Sitamun and Taaj Fi Qalbi. The workshop and show was held at the VFW Post 3385, Frederick, MD.
Oct 04, 2003 Tears of Aset performed at the In the Streets Festival in Frederick, MD. Both performances were well received by the Festival attendees. The Troupe performed twice, once at 12:30 and the second performance at 3:00. Both shows began with Tears of Aset performing to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku. Sitamun followed in a Rom or “Gypsy” style Chift-teli. Andaleeb then braving the gentle breeze that was blowing performed her tribal veil routine. Feqia then followed with her wonderful zill work to Muhabet by Turku. Tasya completed the solo section with her fabulous skirt dance. The troupe then ended their performance with their signature fan dance to Amayaguena.
Sept 06, 2003 Tears of Aset performed at the Frederick County Culture Fair. Tears of Aset began their dance show with their new Nubian routine choreographed by Litani of Baltimore, MD. The troupe then performed a traditional Turkish dance and their much-admired fan dance to Amayaguena. Troupe member, Payal followed with her solo to pop artist Albania, and astonished the audience with her signature Turkish Drop at the conclusion of her routine. Sitamun and Andaleeb then performed a candelabra dance (Raks Shamadan.) The show concluded with audience members being invited up to dance with the troupe to Natacha Atlas singing “I’ll put a spell on you.” The festivals spectators enjoyed the troupes performance and many commended the show for its excellent performance and the troupes beautiful costumes.
On June 14, 2004 at the Hampton Inn on Ballenger Pike, Sitamun presented her 2nd annual student recital. Sitamun and her students transported guest to another time and place. This year's theme was "Midnight at the Oasis". The show started with Sitamun's and Andaleeb performing a candelabra or tradition Egyptian Wedding precession dance. The ever-entertaining Feqia performed a spunky routine to Lebanese music. Payal then dazzled everyone with a Tunisian style dance. Karma then graced the audience with a pop fusion routine to the music of Natasha Atlas. Next Sitamun's beginners Debra, Laresya, Osiris, Tasya and Cindy performed a number to "Azzia". Sitamun then performed a comical sword routine. The first half of the show ended with Tears of Aset performance to Uskudara Gidariken.
Tears of Aset Dancers started the second half of the show with their fan dance to Amayaguena. Many first time soloist were up in the second half. Tasya bewitched the audience with a lovely skirt fan sty piece. Ribiyah performed a lovely veil number as her first ever solo. Andaleeb performance was totally enchanting in her Madam Abla costume. The next two numbers were by two very brave beginner class members Cindy and Osiris who both did veil routines for their solos. The second half of the show ended with what has become Tears of Aset's signature dance a tray and veil dance to "Bedia" . Curtain Call and special thanks to the following folks for helping make our recital such a success. Aisha (Laurie) who located the was Sitamun's co hostess for the recital. The beautiful recital program was and created by none other that our very own Fequia (Connie). Ron Roberts video taping the recital for us. Gamaliel for taking care of the music during the recital. A special "Thanks" to all our family members for their support and help during the year to pull this event off. Sitamun also hosted a student picnic the following weekend and would like to thank Andaleeb for her help in coordinating the covered dishes.
On April 12, 2003, Sitamun & the Tears of Aset attended Melina’s and Xena’s Workshop and Halfa. Zara was the workshop instructor. Zara taught a tribal routine to music by Solace, she included zill patterns and combinations. The workshop was well attended and received by the workshop attendees. The second portion of the workshop was a lecture on Make-up. Zara was a superb instructor and asked the class to performed the routine we had learn with her at the Halfa. The Tears of Aset Dance Troupe performed to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku followed by a fan dance to Amayaguena. Sitamun performed a solo to the music of. Melina and Xena are always fun and a learning experience. The troupe really enjoyed Xena and her camel Clyde's final number The troupe looks forward to attending Melina’s and Xena’s next event in the Fall 2003.
The Tears of Aset performed at the Record Street Woman's Home on March 25, 2003. Troupe members Noor, Feiqa, Kara, Ribiyah and Andaleeb performed to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku. The troupe with Sitamun went on to perform a fan dance to Amayaguena. Feqia entertained the audience with her zill work and Noor performed her mesmerizing veil dance to "Marrakesh Night Market" a Celtic Moroccan fusion piece by Loreena McKennitt. The third troupe number was Tears of Aset's much requested tray balance and veil dance to Bedia by Cheb Mami. The Record Street Women's Center is a one of kind facility in Maryland. It is assisted living home where women in the final stages of life can go and live with all the comforts of home and no matter what their care level they never have to be transfer to a hospital or hospice. The Troupe had a wonderful time performing for the residents. After the show the residents ask many questions about the culture and dances of the Middle East.
The Tears of Aset performed at the Hampton Inn for the Long and Foster Customer Appreciation Breakfast on March 22, 2003. The hostesses of the event was Long and Foster Real Estate Agent, Laurie Roberts. Troupe members Tasya, Noor, Feiqa, Kara, Payal, Ribiyah and Andaleeb performed to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku. The troupe with Sitamun went on to perform a fan dance to Amayaguena. Andaleeb went on to dazzle everyone with her solo an upbeat veil routine. Noor then performed her new drum solo. Payal did one of her wonderful Indian Fusion Dances and Feqia performed to the Lebanese song Min Aboukra l'Ashiye by Emad Sayyah . The third troupe number was Tears of Aset's much requested tray and veil dance to Bedia by Cheb Mami. Noor closed the show with a routine that she choreographed herself, which was a humorous spoof on Belly Dancing to the tune Istanbul. On February 22, 2003, The Tears of Aset performed at the Raleigh Shrine Club show featuring the amazing Amaya. The hostesses of the workshop and show was Belly Revelations a well known troupe in North Carolina. Troupe members Aisha, Tasya, Feiqa and Andaleeb performed to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku. The performance was well received and at curtain call and some audiences members requested photos with the troupe. Amaya is an international dance star and recently won Dancer of the Year award by the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. Other performers of the show were Sheherezade, Avani, Nuria Jihan, Blue Moon Belly Dance, Shahzaadee the Princess of Belly Dance, Ruby Scarab Troupe, Jasmine, Naima, Ravia, Zarifa, Sharifa and Ha Nah. Also direct from San Francisco a very Special Guest Star Aneena and her amazing double veils. Pre-dance and Intermission Entertainment was by the very talented group Blue Moon Tribal Percussion. See this link for photos.
On January 27, 2003, The Tears of Aset performed their first troupe performance for the New Year at the Edenton Center. The troupe performed for the Men’s monthly luncheon at the Blossom Place restaurant. The performance was well attended by residences of the Edenton Center. The troupe performed to Uskudara Gidariken by Turku and a veil number to Eddie Kochak's Phaedra Pharaonica , solo numbers were performed by Dolunay, Feqia, Noor, Andaleeb, Kara, and Sitamun. Dolunay performed a upbeat dance to Talakik by Hakim. Sitamun performed to Habibi Ya Albi by Ihab Tawfik. Feqia performed to the Lebanese song Min Aboukra l'Ashiye by Emad Sayyah . Noor performed one of her delightful veil routines to the music of Raja Zahr. Kara performed a dynamic drum solo to Hossom Ramzy's Brazilian Pearls. Andaleeb performed a fast moving veil routine to Eddie Kochak's music.
On December 21, 2002, Students and Troupe members attended a dinner at the Memsahib restaurant in Rockville. The restaurant walls are decorated with colorful painted patterns and guest sit on pillowed couches as they dine. The food was wonderful and spicy. Our first serving was a traditional salad which we scooped up with flat bread. The salad was also served with lamb patties. Our second entrée was a spicy whole chickens. The third dish was a spicy shrimp and rice dish, which was followed by chicken kebabs. For dessert we were served fruit basket and a tradional Indian tea called Masala Tea. The restaurant played Indian videos during much of our dinner. We also enjoyed a performance by a Belly Dancer. We did not get her name but she performed a veil number and then visited our tables playing her zills. Some guest were able to briefly dance with her:) Our next outing will be in the spring at either Marrakesh or Casablanca Restaurant..
On November 16, 2002, Sitamun & the Tears of Aset attended Melina’s and Xena’s Workshop and Halfa. Elishaba was the workshop instructor. Elishaba taught technique, zill patterns and combinations. The workshop was well attended and received by the workshop attendees. The second portion of the workshop was a lecture on how to handle bloopers. Elishaba was a charismatic instructor who taught in “old school” method. Elishaba also performed to live music during the Halfa. Hopefully we will see more workshops with this wonderful dancer. The Tears of Aset Dance Troupe performed to Bedia by Cheb Mami. Sitamun performed a solo to the music of Nabil Shueil. Melina and Xena were gracious hostesses making sure all workshop attendee questions were asked. The troupe had "beaucoup" fun and looks forward to attending Melina’s and Xena’s next event in the Spring 2003. On November 02, 2002, Sitamun held her first Workshop and Halfa. Malika Negwa was the workshop instructor. She hails from the Washington, DC area and has been performing and teaching for 10 years. The workshop was well attended and received by students. The first portion of the workshop was a lecture on stage presentation and stage persona; the second portion was concerned with exercise to benefit Belly Dancers, techniques and embellishments. Malika was a dynamic teacher.
That evening a Halfa was held at the American Legion Post 168 in Thurmont. The Tears of Aset performed two of their numbers and soloist were Kamra, who performed a drum solo, Feiqa, who performed to Raks Leyla, Noor, performed to Egyptian music, Andaleeb, performed double veil routine, Leyla, performed drum solo, Dolunay, performed a tribal set, and Rabiyah, performed to pop Egyptian music. The Halfa was also honored to have Melina from Lancaster, PA perform a fantastic sword dance. The Troupe would like to thank Gamaliel for doing the music and Mike for handling the ticket sells and door.
On November 22, 2002, Sitamun performed at the Mount Saint Mary's All Star
Review. The review spotlighted poetry, singers and dancers. Representation of dances included everything from hip hop to flamenco. Sitamun performance representing the Middle Eastern Dance to the popular Egyptian Song “Habibi Ya Noor El Ayn”, which was a crowd pleaser. Sitamun also taught a two day workshop to the college's, Dance Club.
On August 31, 2002 at the Ballenger Community Center on Jefferson Pike, Sitamun and her students transported some Frederick County residents to another time and place with Sitamun's first annual Student Recital. The show started with Sitamun's beginner class performing a spunky routine to Misirlou. Sitamun then graced the audience with a perky Spanish fusion piece to "Pero Pom Pero". Tears of Aset Dancers performed two dances in the Recital. A tray and veil dance to a Algerian Rai number called "Bedia" and a Turkish styled routine to the music of Turku. Besides the troupe numbers seven students performed solo routines. Sekhmet performed a dazzling dance to the Egyptian music, "Zenia". Leyla performed a dynamic drum solo with music from Morocco. Fequia performed to Arabic styled music and wore a face veil the entire time she dance to "Raks Leyla" by the king of Belly Dance George Abdo. Dulunay did a wonderful Indian fusion piece and she wooed the audience with her zill work. Noura did a mesmerizing veil dance to "Marrakesh Night Market" a Celtic Moroccan fusion piece by Loreena McKennitt. Aisha and Andaleeb performed a dynamic pharonic veil duet. Sitamun second performance was an upbeat Turkish ROM style karsilama. At the end of the program audience members were invited up to dance with the students to the music of Hakim. After learning a few moves they performed a mini routine to the Music of Natasha Atlas. For their bravery they were given Egyptian figured ink pens. After the recital students and guest enjoyed a "Pot Luck" reception with punch, cake fruit, veggies, cookies, chips, and cokes.
Curtain Call and special thanks to the following folks for helping make our recital such a success. Aisha (Laurie) who located the community center for the recital. The Recital Program was beautiful and created by none other that our very own Fequia (Connie). Leyla (Jeannie) was the focal point for the reception and student bouquets were created by Sekhmet (Janet). Joe video taping the recital for us. Gamaliel for taking care of the music during the recital. A special "Thanks" to all our family members for their support and help during the year to pull this event off..
Student Preformances 2005!!!
Student Recital on TBA May 2005.
Student News & Announcements!!!
Sitamun's second Spring Workshop and Halfa will be held March 19-20, 2005. Our Spring instructor is the fabulous Shakira of Columbus, Ohio. Shakira has
Sitamun's fourth annual Fall Workshop and Halfa will be held Sept. 10, 2004. Our instructor is the fabulous Autumn of Brooklyn, NY. She was a past dancer of Silk Roads and has been featured dancer in IMEAD video.
More information on the instructors listed above can be found on their websites. Shikira (Ohio) and Autumn Ward (NY) for the 2005 workshops.
Winter Sessions Start, Januray 15, 2005!!!