Shimmy in the holiday season with Raksanna! You’ll enjoy performances from Raksanna’s current students – from beginners through advanced/professionals – and some of your favorite Chicago-land performers!
And directly following the show, be sure to get out your dance shoes because DJ MATT MORAN joins us again for an evening of fun, excitement and a great time!
Location: VFW, Judd Kendall Post, 908 Jackson, Naperville, IL 60555, 630.420.9820, located just past a residential area. Continue through the residential area until you come almost to the end of the street. On the left hand side of the road, you’ll see a flag pole and the Hall is set back from the road. Parking is in the back.
Dancers – $10 each, plus a food dish to share, please also bring a toy for the drive
Guests – $20 each with a toy; Bring a new and unwrapped toy
On or after November 4th, or at the door – $25
SPECIAL: Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free! Buy 10 tickets, get 2 free! (Coupon codes shown when purchasing guest tickets)
Please note – there’s a really great cash bar with wonderful prices!!! (** Please note: If the Paypal button below does not work, please send money via Paypal to Raksanna Productions; raksanna@raksanna.com)
Get Involved in a Mega-Cool Project! OPEN CALL FOR DANCERS
The legendary Momo Kadous and Raksanna have joined creative forces to present Momo’s critically acclaimed masterpiece Zaro in Chicago, Fall 2012. This iconic production is the epic story of the tortured soul, Zaro, his romance with a beautiful lover and his personal transformation.
Originally presented in the late 1990’s, Zaro toured Europe to sold-out theaters in multiple countries. In 2012, this beautiful show graces the stage in one of Chicago’s prestigious theaters for the first time in the United States.
Open Call for Dancers
Raksanna seeks talented dancers to join Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble for this project. Dancers do not necessarily have to be Oriental dancers, although it is a plus and a working knowledge of belly dance movements (shimmy, hip articulations, etc.) is required. All ages, all sizes, all genders, all forms of dance and all locations welcome to audition. Characteristics that are more important than dance style are a shared value system (see below), ability to learn, take direction and be a team player.
Dancers outside of Chicago area are also welcome to participate in this experience; please email Raksanna (Raksanna@raksanna.com) for information.
General Information
• Project Duration: Sept 18, 2011 (auditions) to early fall 2012
• Rehearsal days: Sundays, 2:30-4:30 pm; Fridays, 7:30-9:30 pm (two Fridays on, one Friday off); occasional rehearsals as needed
• Rehearsal location: Fry Family YMCA, 2120 W 95th Street, Naperville, IL 60564 (intersection of Book and 95th), Studio 1 (small studio)
• Major Dates: ChicagoRaks ™ 2011, Oct 7-9 (half of show); March 16-18, 2012 (remaining half of show)
• Show dates and Location: TBA (to be finalized by Sept 15, 2011)
• Tuition Associated and Anticipated Fees: Regular class tuition, Production Company dues, workshop tuition to learn the choreography, some costuming fees (purchase and rental), travel related expenses, show tickets for guests
Chicago based dancers: If you are a member of Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble, then you are not a member of any other dance company in Chicago. Solo work is accepted, but the commitment to Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble is first priority and takes precedence over solo commitments. (The philosophy is the same as a sports team – players for the Cubs do not play for the Sox or any other team. The same holds true for Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble.)
Shared Value System
Members of Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensembleshare these values:
• Loyalty: dedicated to the project, faithful to the team, trustworthy, dependable and reliable
• Honesty: open, honest communication between team members that originates from a place of love and intent to better each other
• Team Player: puts the common goal of the team before personal ego/agenda, understands there is one director and one director only, knows and plays fairly by the rules, takes direction, supports fellow team members, always speaks highly of the team, seeks to build and inspire others, kind, empathetic and caring
• Respect: exhibits pride and respect to self, team, project and art form in behavior, appearance, conversation
• Professionalism: dependable, prepared for rehearsal, strong work ethic and positive attitude required, punctual, ability to compartmentalize personality conflicts (if any) and eliminate drama through focus on the goal
• Commitment to common goal: understands and follows through from beginning to end of the project – the common goal is to present the famous Zaro with first class artistry and have fun in the process
What this project IS:
• An opportunity to train with a world famous and respected artist
• An chance to grow and develop as a dancer and an individual
• A prestigious experience for a resume/vitae
• A rewarding event to network and achieve a common goal with like-minded colleagues
• The possibility of a life time
What this project is NOT:
• A paid performance or position (there are associated fees with the project and there are no paid positions)
• A hafla (it is a theatrical production)
• Targeted only at the belly dance community (Zaro is aimed at the general theater audience)
How to Get Involved:
Dancers interested in this project are required to go through an audition and interview process. Audition requirements are as follows:
• Date: Sunday, Sept 18, 2011
• Time: 2:30 to 4:30 pm (may run slightly longer, depending on number of auditions)
• Location: Fry Family YMCA, 2120 W. 95th Street (corner of Book and 95th), Naperville IL 60564, 630-904-9595
• Requirements: (a) 15 minute solo – 2/3 learned choreography, 1/3 original choreography, must include the use of the following props: veil, stick/sword/tray/shamedon (demonstrates ability to balance), zills a plus, other props welcome, but at least 6 minutes must show case dance without props/accessories; (b) group work – presented a small routine, dancer then demonstrates solo dancer and then with staging for multiple dancers
• Non-Chicago Dancers: video audition required following the same guidelines as the 15-min solo; also need video of you dancing in an ensemble to demonstrate ability to dance with others
Interview is approximately 15-20 minutes takes place via phone or in person with Raksanna and her Assistant Creative Director.
For detailed information such as schedule of events, requirements for non-Chicago based dancers, fees and more, please email Raksanna@raksanna.com or call 630-689-3611. Divas, drama queens, lone wolves and individuals whose values do not meet the Shared Value System described above need not inquire
A tiny dancer with a huge, lovable personality, Fahtiem is well-known and loved across the world. This dynamic blond bombshell is an inspiration to me, both as a dancer and as a person, and I recently had the blessed opportunity to watch her performance in the one … the only … Carnegie Hall.
One of World’s Most Prestigious Venues
Located on Seventh Avenue, between West 56th Street and West 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan, Carnegie Hall stands with its majestic architecture and rich legacy. 881 Seventh Ave is home to performances from the world’s top talent for musicians, artists, dancers and other performing artists.
The Hall is named after Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist who paid for the construction of the building. Carnegie is considered to be the second-richest man in history after John D. Rockefeller; he founded the Carnegie Steel Company in the 1870’s and made the majority of his fortune in the steel
Street View of Carnegie Hall
industry. By the time of his death, Carnegie had given away most of his riches and when he died, the remaining funds were given away to charities and foundations.
Carnegie Hall The architecture was designed by William Burnet Tuthill. Built in 1891, it is one of the last standing large buildings in New York without a steel frame; it was built entirely of masonry. Although the exterior has been renovated several times throughout the past 120 years, the institution underwent a $60 million restoration and renovation effort that began in 1985. The job was tremendous and included fresh paint, new seats, carpeting and a new stage floor.
There are three auditoriums within Carnegie Hall. Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage (also known as the Main Hall) seats 2,804 people, Weill Recital Hall is an elegant, intimate space that seats 268 people and Zankel Hall, Carnegies’ newest space, seats 599 patrons.
Belly Dance (Middle Eastern, aka Oriental Dance) at Carnegie
In addition to musical concerts, Carnegie Hall hosts a myriad of performing arts presentations including dance, even belly dance.
Of note, Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah both taught Oriental dance at the International School of Dance, Carnegie Hall and presented his legendary dance company, Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Company, on the Perelman Stage.
Speaking of Bobby, Fahtiem trained and mentored under him. She grew and developed her own depth and understanding of Oriental Dance to our art form. On her website is a quote from her inspiration: “Fahtiem brings a touch of class to Oriental Dance, as well as a delightful sauciness, making her not only a grand entertainer, but an artist as well. It’s no wonder that as a performer, teacher, and choreographer, she is so in demand.” (Ibrahim Farrah).
It is no wonder, then, that she followed his guidance and graced the stage of this celebrated Hall.
A Benefit Concert to Turn Up the Peace
Inside the "Great Hall" of Carnegie Hall
Normally, when we think about peace, thoughts of world peace come to mind. However, that’s looking at the big picture … and sometimes, that view can be a little overwhelming.
Two pioneering spirits decided to take a different approach.
Phillip Kanakis and Nandapriya Sattva joined forces to create a not-for-profit organization called Turn Up the Peace. Their overriding philosophy is that peace is not merely the absence of war, but rather the compassion and good will that we, as fellow human beings, show ourselves, the planet around us all and all surrounding forms of life.
To achieve peace, according to Turn Up the Peace, it is essential to create permanent uplifting solutions to people in at-risk situations. For example, one current project is to provide food for communities in Sri Lanka by planting Jackfruit trees to grow fruit that can feed families for 100-200 years.
As you can imagine … achieving this vision takes money.
In order to kick start their efforts, Kanakis and Sattva created a Benefit Concert to raise funds for the initiative. This Benefit Concert premiered on one of the world’s greatest stages – the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.
Top World Talent – from Marla Maples to Chamber of Orchestra of New York to Dan Reed to Fahtiem
The evening began with world famous Marla Maples as the Master of Ceremonies. Her sunny personality known around the world for her co-hosting of Miss Universe Pageant, Miss USA Pageant and Fox after Breakfast, to name a few, set the tone for an enjoyable experience.
Acts included beautiful music from the Chamber Orchestra of New York, whose violinist, French Hornists, cellos and other members of the orchestra filled the Hall with rich notes filled with passion and joy and at times, stirred the audience to tears.
Dan Reed, known for his work as an opening act for RUN DMC, UB40, David Bowie, Bon Jovi and more, graced the stage with songs from his newest album Coming Up for Air. He played acoustic guitar and was accompanied by a fantastic drummer (whose drum was a wooden box that he used as a chair AND a drum). One song depicted the Wall in Jerusalem. His gritty voice sang out of Jews who prayed at the wall at sunset on the Sabbath and the Muslims who prayed at dawn on the other side. The audience could feel the pain and tension and the longing for a peaceful co-existence; Dan literally transported us to the Holy Land.
Backstage at Carnegie Hall, Fahtiem with her dancers
Our lovely Fahtiem presented a gorgeous choreography featuring male modern dancers, ballerinas, jazz dancers and her own Oriental dance. The piece showcased veil work, Isis wings and dancers without any accessories. The music was light, uplifting and beautiful. Fahtiem’s work highlighted her talent for beauty, grace and elegance by skillfully incorporating the different dance genres that honestly “put the magic into every step” in a magnificent, spellbinding performance.
From My Perspective
Fahtiem is one of my personal inspirations. Her dance is beautiful, she is a professional role model for dancers like me who seek to dance and teach for an entire lifetime and her personal life philosophies of creating the reality we want have resonant at a deep level for me.
As a friend and a colleague in Oriental Dance, it was such an honor to share this special, magical moment with Fahtiem. To share what is arguably the pinnacle of her career – to dance our art form on the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall – was deeply meaningful and I thank her for the invitation to be a part of the experience with her. I am so proud of her and happy for her!!!!
Gilae, Fahtiem and Raksanna celebrate at Planet Hollywood, NYC
And in my personal opinion, it is not a stretch to say that the same spirit felt on the May 5 1891 … the official opening night at 881 Seventh Ave in Midtown Manhattan when Tchaikovsky set the stage for musical excellence … Fahtiem has once again set the standard for excellence in Oriental dance.
My professional troupe and I, Raksanna and the Desert Flames, competed in two fantastic events last year.
The piece below is an original Raksanna choreography to the magnificant Dr. Samy Farag and his musical number, Habipti. When I choreographed this piece, I wanted to tell the story of our team – the overall friendship and commraderie of our team as a whole and the celebration of the friendships and relationships that are between each of us.
International icon and master of Middle Eastern dance, Momo Kadous returns to ChicagoRaks™ as the featured guest artist! This year, ChicagoRaks ™ is a two day intensive with Momo.
ONLY 30 SPOTS!!!! This exclusive event ALWAYS sells out.
Agenda, Saturday, Oct 8 – Order and topic subject to change
- 9:30-10:00 am – Registration
- 10:00-12:00 noon – Oriental Choreography, Part I
- 12:00-12:30 pm – Break
- 12:30-2:30 pm – Oriental Choreography, Part II
Agenda, Sunday, Oct 9 - Order and topic subject to change
- 9:30-10:00 am – Registration
- 10:00-12:00 noon – Baladi, Part I
- 12:00-12:30 pm – Break
- 12:30-2:30 pm – Baladi, Part II
- 7:00 pm – informal potluck dinner at Raksanna’s home (bring a dish to share)
Workshop Location
Fry Family YMCA
2120 W 95th Street (corner of Book & 95th)
Naperville IL 60564
630.904.9595
** for driving directions, please visit http://www.randmcnally.com
Tuition
- One day – $150
- Both days – $250 (save $50!!!!)
- Payment plans available!
Coming from Chicago and taking the train?
Transportation to and from Rt 59 (Burlington Northern line of the Metro) can be arranged. Pitch in $10 to cover the price of gas and time for the driver (much cheaper than a taxi!) Email raksanna@raksanna.com for info.
Need Lodging?
Recommended hotel (5 minutes from workshop location, free breakfast, free Wi Fi, reasonably priced) – Super 8, 4228 Longmeadow Drive, Aurora IL 60504, 630.898.5419
On a budget? Limited number of rooms available at fellow dancers homes. Email for details.
