Belly Dance Magic 2004:
an Evening with the Daughters of Rhea and Friends
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| Pho
Pharaonic Melina
& Piper
A duet inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphs, back by
popular demand! Choreographed by
Melina. Music: Un world mysteriouse by Dimitri of Paris.
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| Turkish Romany (Gypsy) Dance Artemis
This dance includes the dynamic and legendary
Romany skirt and hand gestures, along with the finger cymbal percussion and
dramatic floorwork that the Turks are famous for. Music: an archival recording of Herbi by
unknown musicians.
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| Habibi Ensemble
“Habibi” means sweetheart in Arabic. The Baltimore Daughters of Rhea Dance
Ensemble Beginning Group performs this American Cabaret style choreography by
Piper. Music: Habibi Ya Aini by Ali Arsoy.
click image for photos and choreography notes
click HERE to see a video of this performance
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| Pom Pero Pero Melina
While much of Turkish Belly Dance is influenced
by dances of the Turkish Rom (Gypsies), the roots of Flamenco go back to Rom
who traveled to Spain
with the Moors in the 1400s.
Additionally, some ethnically distinct traveling performing groups of North Africa, such as the Ghawazi and the Nagar, also
have Romany heritage. Melina brings this
Gypsy Mélange together with her favorite fusion: belly-flamenco-circus-theatre
dance in flouncy-costumed splendor.
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| Fatamorgana Piper
A dance of longing for a protected world filled
with childhood hopes and dreams. Music: Fatamorgana
by Ofra Haza.
click image for photos and choreography notes
click HERE to see a video of this performance
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| Hey Mama Valarie
A mod, modern twist on an ancient fertility
dance. This celebration of motherhood
proves that nothing slows a good belly dancer down! Music: Hey Mama by the Black Eyed
Peas.
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| Çengi Dance Artemis
During Ottoman times, dancers came from all over
the empire to perform in Constantinople. These Çengi dancers were famous throughout
Europe and the Far East; it was said that
their dancing had the power to melt a stone.
They often played hand held percussive devices while dancing, including
tambourines and wooden spoons or clappers called çalpara. Music: Kara Üzüm Habbesi, a song about
“beautiful dark women who have eyes like sweet dark grapes”.
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| Rhea
Instigator of revolutions, innovator of style and form, Belly Dance pioneer, legend in her own time, master of the exciting Greco-Turkish style! Rhea's dynamic dancing blends principles of ancient Greek dance with modern Turkish Cabaret. Music: selections from Ali Arsoy's Ali bi ghani li Rhea with live acompaniment by Ian Hesford and Jason Sage of Telesma.
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| Hasapiko Rhea,
Melina, & Piper
Rhea and her daughters link arms once again to
bring you their favorite Greek folkdance, developed over years of practice in
smoky Athenian tavernas (restaurants with a stage and live music). Most Greek folkdances are associated with
outdoor village life of a bygone era, but the Hasapiko evolved among refugees
in city tavernas and Rembetika clubs after the forced exchange of populations
between Greece and Turkey (the exchange occurred as a result of the failed
attempt by Greece to recapture
Constantinople in 1919). The Hasapiko is un-choreographed and thus
usually performed by small groups of friends who can follow the leader by
prearranged signals passed from hand to shoulder.
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| Zembehiko Rhea,
Melina, & Piper
Like American Blues, Rembetika is the Greek
version of the outsider’s music. The
Zembekiko is the classic Rembetika dance, an individualist expression of inner
turmoil and struggle. Sometimes called the drunken sailor’s dance for its seeming
clumsiness, the Zembekiko actually requires a great deal of athletic skill and
dexterity.
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| Nagoua’s Dance La'ila
& Melissa
A
contemporary Egyptian style Raks Sharki piece inspired by Jillina and, of
course, the incomparable Nagoua Fouad.
Choreographed by Piper. Music: Nagoua’s Dance from the Belly Dance
with Nagoua Fouad CD.
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Aşhuk
Maşhuk Osman Mouratoglu
In Turkey, this ancient comedic dance
is performed by men, often village people who simply twist their shirts into
turbans and paint faces on their bellies.
Researched and choreographed by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat. Music: Istanbul
Havasi from the Gypsy Music of Constantinople
CD.
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| Rêve Melina
& Sacha
Romantic trapeze duet choreographed by 5th
generation Czech circus artist Alexandre Sacha Pavlata, and embellished with
oriental stylings by budding trapeze artist Melina. Music by Ramasutra and Chris Spheeris from
the Nirvana Lounge CD.
click image at left for photos of their beautiful duet
click HERE to see a video of this performance
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| Rampi Rampi Ensemble
The Baltimore Daughters of Rhea Dance Ensemble
Intermediate Group performs this energetic and up-tempo number to a popular
Turkish song about living for today – with gusto! Choreographed by Piper to the Karsilama
rhythm. Music: Rampi Rampi by Ali Arsoy.
click image for photos and choreography notes
click HERE to see a video of this performance
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| Set al Hos’n Piper
The name of this classic Egyptian orchestral
piece means “Dance for the Princess.” Music from the Voice of Stars Belly Dance with Samara CD.
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| Of Wings and Flame Melina
Pushing the boundaries of Belly Dance once
again, Melina lights up the stage with her wild wings of gold followed by her
trademark candle dance, performed to Edith Piaf. Her music choices reflect her linguistic
passions and global sensibilities: Greek
and French. Pourquoi pas, γιατι οχι?
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| Turkish Oriental Dance Artemis
Artemis begins with a passionate Romany song, Trakya
Karsilama, from the part of Turkey
known as Thrace,
where East meets West. This is followed
by a soulful Turkish pop song, Başi Belalim, sung by Ibrahim
Tatlises. She finishes with a dramatic
drum solo, Sahra Saidi.
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| Aziza Piper & Ensemble
Piper and the Baltimore Daughters of Rhea Dance
Ensemble do Aziza, American Cabaret style Belly Dance at its best!
click HERE for choreography notes
click HERE to see a video of this performance
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