10-Hour Intensive with Raksanna
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ChicagoRaks featuring Momo Kadous
International icon and master of Middle Eastern dance, Momo Kadous returns to ChicagoRaks (TM) as the featured guest artist! This year, ChicagoRaks (TM) is a two day intensive with Momo himself, complete with a gala show in his honor. Co-sponsored by Turquoise International and Raksanna, Momo Kadous teaches brand new choreographies, a special drum solo section, emphasis on rhythms and technique and much, much more!! This exclusive event ALWAYS sells out.
Early Bird Special – on or before Sept 5, 2010
Weekend Package $ 175 | One Day Pass $ 100
Regular: On or after Sept 6, 2010 or at the doorWeekend Package $ 200 | One Day Pass $ 125
All tuition payments are made directly through Ali at Turquoise International. www.turquoiseintl.com 800.548.9422. Contact Ali at turquoiseintl@earthlink.net to register or for payment plan options! Class Size Limit: 30.
Gala Show Tickets
Platinum Tickets (invitation to Wine and Cheese reception with Momo Kadous, Platinum priority seating): $35
Gold Tickets (Advance entrance to theatre, VIP seating): $25
General Admission: $20
All show ticket sales are made through Raksanna Productions. 630.689.3611 or www.raksanna.com/events-workshops/store/ All show ticket sales are final. No refunds, no replacements, no transfers, no exceptions.
Contact Raksanna at Raksanna@Raksanna.com for details (location, time, etc.) and registration form. If you would like to perform, please let Raksanna know. Limited performance spots available.
Dreams Do Come True! My NYC Belly Dancing Debut
Dreams Do Come True! My NYC Belly Dancing Debut | By Raksanna | Published in Zaghareet and Jareeda
Raksanna and Morrocco
When I was a little girl growing up in a small town, I fell in love with the performing arts! Experiencing the passion of artists through their songs, dance, music and acting was inspirational. I dreamed of being able to do the same … and secretly longed to dance my heart out one day in a magical place called New York City.
This week, Morocco made my dream come true.
Between Broadway and Lafayette street, Morocco hosts a monthly show, “Marvelous Magical Mideastern Moments,” at The LaFayette Grill. This regular gathering features her students, her professional dancers, her protégé Tarik and Morocco herself in a showcase of Middle Eastern belly dance.
One day, as we were talking via email, Morocco invited me to perform in her June show as a special guest artist. Needless to say, my heart soared and I literally jumped up and down with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning!
The Big Day
I flew in from Chicago O’Hare to NYC’s La Guardia airport, checked into my hotel, grabbed my dance bag and headed to the subway. Morocco had sent me precise directions on how to get from the hotel to the restaurant for which I was very grateful, as there was a train change in the middle of the journey.
What’s It Like In The Big Apple?
The first thing I can tell you is that Manhattan has a very special energy to it. The air crackles with the creativity of artists, the hustle and bustle of millions of people getting to and from work and the amazement the visitors as they experience the city for the first time.
The subway system is no different. On my way to the restaurant, an all-male quintet played the melophone (the marching French Horn), baritone, trumpet, trombone and drums greeted workers as they made their way from offices around Lexington Avenue down to the subway. As I changed trains to catch the #6, a soulful guitar player strummed the relief of the end to another work day and walking down Broadway, music played from a local restaurant while a street dancer tapped his way to paradise and people passed by, throwing tips in his tin.
Nervous, Scared, Excited – All at Once!
I arrived at The LaFayette Grill about an hour before show time and made my way to the dressing room. Excitement filled me – this was my first time to dance in New York! And I was nervous and shy, too– after all, NYC is known as the capital of the dance world and NYC dancers are arguably among the best in the world. All sorts of questions were in my mind – would they accept me? Would they be friendly? The scared little girl inside wondered if they would like me – and, not only that, I was afraid my hips would freeze and my feet would be swallowed into the earth!
As I entered backstage, I was greeted by friendly faces, warm smiles and open arms. My fears quickly melted away like cold ice cream on a hot summer day! It meant so much to me to be accepted and supported.
I felt the connection between dancers that only dancers know – that pre-show exhilaration, the last minute “can you please help me pin my costume,” “how does my make up look,” and the last minute choreography cram sessions of listening to IPods and marking the dance just one more time.
Morocco arrived shortly after I did and greeted me in the dressing room with a big hug. Knowing this was my first performance in NYC, she quietly coached me as to what to expect and the proper etiquette for this particular show, both backstage and as an audience member. She informed me that dancers were more than welcome to watch the show, as long as we were in cover up. I was thrilled – what a tremendous treat to be able to see the other dancers from the audience as opposed to back stage. I knew I was in for a great time.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Let the Show Begin!
I quickly covered up and took a seat in the audience. The music started playing and the dancers came on stage, one after another. Each dancer created a special moment on stage – some sharing a fun side of his or her personality, some a sensuous side, some flirted and some played… and all were wonderful!
Torkom, a male dancer wearing a gorgeous royal blue costume, played the zills in perfect rhythm, matching both hip and foot movements precisely to the music. Samiha graced the stage with lovely sensuality that oozed from the soul. Karima Nadira lit up the place with her fantastic smile.
I was fourth from the last number. Almost too soon, it was time for me to go back stage to prepare. I took a deep breath and did my usual pre-dance ritual. I envisioned myself spreading joy to each and every person in the room through my dance, connecting and leaving them happier than they were before they came to the show. The words of my teacher, Jasmin Jahal, came back to me … “be the magic” … and I felt them reverberate in my soul.
My music started. The intro played and the time had come! I felt the wind lift my feet and I danced my heart out – giving every ounce of energy to the people. I smiled – and they smiled back! They clapped, they had fun, zaghareets filled the air and their joy come back to me, touching me deep in my heart. As I danced, Morocco caught my eye with a special look that made me feel her love and support.
It felt great! As the music made its final crescendo, I took my bow to a happy, spirited crowd and enjoyed the moment, one I will remember for my entire life. Time stood still for an instant and I drank in every delicious drop of the enchanted experience.
After my number, I hurried backstage to get dressed so that I could enjoy the rest of the show. I had the pleasure of watching fellow guest artist Paola Planton of Kuala Lumpur, who recently starred on Malaysia’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance.” She mesmerized the crowd with vibrant moves and sizzling hip work. Tarik’s sassy, light hearted dance was a pleasure to experience – I had heard so many great things about him and they are all true!
Morocco came on stage and performed a wonderful routine. That woman can move her hips! She had fun with the audience, singing along as she danced during a high energy pop song, paid tribute to Classical Oriental with a beautiful piece of music and dazzled us with a dynamic drum solo.
Tarik and Morocco closed the show with a tantalizing duet. It was spellbinding to watch them mirror each other, moving as though they were one. Their fondness and deep love for one another shined through and created a very special kind of energy on stage. It was truly the perfect ending for a perfect evening.
A Treasured Experience
All too soon, it was time to head back to my hotel. I said my “see you very soon!” goodbyes to everyone, wishing them the best of everything. As I made my way back to my room, I floated on air with an elated heart, tears of ecstasy and every fiber of my being on fire!
Thank you, Morocco, for making a dream come true. I will cherish this memory forever.
Until we see each other again, my friend, happy shimmies.