Raksanna Raks Knoxville!
Raksanna Raks Knoxville!™ | By Neran, Producer of Hillbelly Raks | Published in Chronicles and Zaghareet!
When you think of Tennessee, the first things that come to mind are usually Nashville and country music, Oak Ridge and science or the Smokey Mountain Range. Belly dance is not a typical activity that comes to mind!
However, for a dazzling weekend this Spring, nearly thirty dancers participated in Raksanna Raks Knoxville, sponsored by Hillbelly Raks. They gathered at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for a workshop with Raksanna and The Academy Ballroom, a local dance studio specializing in ballroom dance, for a fun gala show.
The Gala Show
On Saturday evening, the show kicked off the festivities. The performance featured local talent and, of course, Raksanna as the guest artist. Held at The Academy Ballroom, the event attracted nearly seventy-five (75) guests. The audience was very warm and receptive, cheering and “zaghareeting” the whole night long. Solos, quartets and troupe dances showcased the talents of more than twenty-five (25) dancers.
Mahsati, a dancer from neighboring Ascheville, NC, entertained the audience with a fan veil dance followed by an energetic drum solo. Her style was soft, intricate and she was an audience favorite!
Shahira, also known as Cynthia Turnage, also performed. She danced a modern choreography created by Momo Kadous and the audience loved her! Shahira was a student of Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah for many years and she recently returned to Oriental Dance after a brief hiatus.
Raksanna closed the show with her award-winning number featuring a medley from the modern Egyptian band, REG Project. The audience clapped and zaghareeted along as Raksanna let her quintessential playful and flirty Egyptian style shine through.
Workshop Fun
On Sunday, the dancers gathered at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. The first workshop ran from 12:00-2:00 pm and featured an exciting 3 minute drum solo choreography to a piece by Hassam Ramzy.
Known for her commitment to each student, Raksanna taught the workshop choreography and technique at a pace where all levels and abilities could catch on. Beginners were encouraged in a nurturing way to try at their own pace if things became too challenging, individuals with specific concerns (one dancer was 8 months pregnant and could not do floor work) were given modifications that looked great for the dance and advanced/professional dancers were given the advanced movements and tempos.
“I firmly believe that any choreographer or teacher worth their salt should be able to accommodate all levels of dancers and all abilities into choreography or technique,” said Raksanna. “The role of a teacher is to inspire and love the students – and give them content that will grow their skills and make them stronger dancers in a way that is loving, fun and with the heart to devoted to building them.”
After a half-hour lunch break, dancers turned their attention to advanced technique and patterns. In her recognized Egyptian style, Raksanna taught several intricate dance movements and patterns that could be used together or used as independent movements and incorporated into choreography or improvisation. “The mental challenge was great – it was so nice to have different hip movements combined with fun foot work! I really felt I could sink my teeth into the technique and enjoy it for a long time,” said one of the dancers.
At the end of the workshop time, Raksanna provided hand outs with notes on choreography and technique, walked through any and all questions and then gave time for videotaping the choreography and the technique. “My goal is for each dancer to be able to take the content and use it in their dance,” remarked Raksanna. “Take the movements and the dance and make them yours! It is such an honor and compliment when a dancer feels so inspired by my work that she or he performs it or uses parts to create his or her own art.”
Feedback from Dancers
Every dancer left the weekend feeling stronger, happier and like they had learned new technique and movements. “Raksanna has a very special gift that makes each and every person feel as though she is dancing or teaching just for them,” remarked Shahira. “She reminds me of Suharzeki with her ability to touch each person on the soul level.”
About Neran – A belly dancer for many years, Neran proudly sponsors high quality dancers for workshops and shows in the Tennessee area. During the day, she works for a law firm. When she is not working, dancing, or studying the history of dance, she spends time training her Belgian Malinois, Shuvani, in Agility, Rally, and Schutshund. She can be reached at 865.696-5947 or neranraks@yahoo.com and is pleased to highly recommend Raksanna for workshops and shows.
About Raksanna – An award-winning, internationally recognized teacher and performer, Raksanna is known for her dynamic, powerful performances and her fun-loving, nurturing teaching style. She is a frequent instructor at Egypt’s “Ahlan Wa Salan” and travels across the United States and the world teaching workshops and performing. For more information about Raksanna or to book her for your next seminar, please visit www.raksanna.com, call 630.689.3611 or email Raksanna@raksanna.com. You will be delightfully pleased and wonderfully inspired!