A
grand and glorious example of the dance orientale was demonstrated in the
Ohio town of Youngstown on May 14 this year. Truly, it was a "Gathering
of Thunder".
The show included such talents as Shakira, Zimra, Zillina Sundra, Angela, Dahmia, Raihana, Ileena, Zana, Lana, Mizella, Davina, Alexandria, and Tamara Cheekea. Troupe performances were rendered by such ensembles as "The Sands of Egypt", led by Mya Najaah; "Foreign Intrigue" led by Najwa Al Quamar; and the "Shimmering Sands", who performed a choreography inspired by Shakira.
Anisa, daughter of Mya Najaah, performed with her mother's troupe for the first time, and eleven-year-old Marisha rendered her first performance in the form of a duet with her mother Tiana Al Shaheen. Also appearing in her debut performance was Akasha of "Shimmering Sands".
Two veterens of local restaurants, Angela and Zana, performed their first seminar show solos with great success. Although I had seen Dahmia perform Polynesian before, this was the first Middle Eastern performance by her which I had seen.
The unforgettable Shakira started her second dance clad in a bathrobe and hair net, holding a coffee cup as she sauntered to the popular song "Black Velvet". As the song progressed, the fantasies it prompted seemed to come true as she lost her props, revealing an eye-popping black dress in which she proceeded to totally enslave the audience.
A truly memorable display of mystic allure was presented in a performance by Mya Najaah (formerly known simply as Mya), whose dance within the confines of the mist of a fog machine was nothing if not enrapturing.
Nothing but praise comes to mind when I think of Tarik Abd Al Malik's (now Tarik Sultan!) performance. He was the first male dancer I had seen, and I was astounded. His movements held a crispness and a focus that I had hardly expected. As one who has had varied experiences with the martial arts, I have only seen such precision displayed by men in Kata demonstrations (set forms). He displayed incredibly fluid zill work.