July 07th, 2010
The Mohamed Shahin Gala Show on Saturday, July 12th sold out with supportive local belly dance students and families to enthusiastic patrons from upstate New York. Both workshops Mohamed taught, Raks Sharqi on Saturday and Shaabi on Sunday, were also well attended. Another thank you to everyone who helped me make this amazing weekend such a success:
- All of our fabulous performers for their time and talent: Embers & Emeralds, Tahya, Zarina, Sonziry, Fatima Bassmah. Zahra, Sand Shimmers, Abzahrah, and Mohamed Shahin!
- Phoenicia Fine Middle Eastern Cuisine for our Middle Eastern treats, especially George for all your help
- Sugarmama’s for our mouthwatering cupcakes
- Hookah Turka for an awesome after party
- Dream Star Studios for beautiful promos
- Our videographers/ photographers: Kim & Candice Bjorheim
- Mama Burr for Abzahrah’s adorable Haggala wraps
- Sahar for your support and Abzahrah’s Nubian dresses
- Amy Dimmick for last minute costuming
- Mirjana and Sand Shimmers for your support
- Abzahrah for your time and dedication
- Our ticket booth salesman: Kevin Barron
- Our ushers: Mike Garrison and Tony Arredondo
- Our café clerks: Christine Paden and Mary Lou Hutchinson
- Touchstone Theatre for allowing us to use your wonderful venue especially, Lisa and Emma for all your help and our sound/lighting tech, Zach
- My parents for your wisdom, guidance, support, and love
- My husband, for your constant support and unconditional love
- My parrots for my inspiration and joy
And all of you who attended this weekend’s festivities, for supporting the Art of Middle Eastern Dance!
What wonderful workshops and show. I attended both workshops and got quite a workout with many new combinations and a better understanding of egyptian dance moves. Mohamed Shanin is truly a master instructor and performer. I was mesmerized by his Tanoura dance in the show. At one point, the lady sitting to my side looked at me and laughed. Without realizing it, I had been sitting forward on the edge of my seat, mouth shaped “with a wow” and eyes wide open!!!! To her I must have looked like a kid in a candy store. I had not even realized I was sitting in that manner, I was totally capitvated and enthralled!!!! I hope to be able to study with him again!! Thank you Amala for bringing him here and for all the hard work you put into bringing it all together.