Celebration of the Dance II



By Norma Westover

On Leap Year Day, February 29th 2004, Phoenix restaurant/nightclub, the Bacchanal, was host to a “Celebration of the Dance II”. This delightful Middle Eastern Dance Recital and Revue showcased a well-paced and consistently lively variety of dancers and instructors. Featured instructors were: Alexia, co-hostess/owner of the Bacchanal; Rose, of Paradise Valley Community College; Katayna from her Cannedy Centre studio; and Helena Vlahos, also out of the Cannedy Centre, in partnership with Katayna. In addition, instructor Naj of the north central Phoenix “BellydanceShoppe.com” did a superb job of managing the music for the evening’s performances, and Phoenix Area Drum instructor Gabby Tawil was on hand, having graciously agreed to accompany Helena for her performance. Stage management, by host George Gicoudis, was handled professionally and effectively, making the most of the venue’s floor space and lighting equipment. This very warm and friendly Greek club had that “neighborhood” feel, and a layout tailored to showcasing dancers; restaurant and bar service operated smoothly throughout the show, making it a cinch to relax and enjoy the drinks, great food, and performances.


Helena was master of ceremonies for the first half of the show; and my troupe had the opening spot that evening. This was nice; it lessened our uncomfortable anticipations. As I stood with the other Beginner Dance Troupe members from Helena’s school in the dressing room, I noted we were all edgy. We were all costumed and made-up in the striking Gold Sequin Cloth Belady Dresses designed and sewn for us by intermediate troupe member and assistant instructor, Pam Goss. We swapped jokes back and forth about stage fright, costumes and make-up, and also spoke of personal experiences of performances. It surprised and pleased us to learn that, in member Tami’s case, it was her first ever public performance! In addition to Tami, the troupe members were Flo, Catherine, Kelly, and I.


Our time came. Drumbeats and Fatme Serhan’s voice guided us all through our moves; we were nervous, but it was truly great fun. I was able to feel that, the more one did this, the less nervous you’d become. As our number “Ya Omdah” ended, it seemed to have passed too quickly. Rather than wanting to flee from the stage as I thought I would, I wished everyone in the club would just get up and keep dancing with us! The most outstanding feature of the whole evening-long show was each and every performer’s great enthusiasm. This ambience carried over to the audience, and soon everyone was in celebratory spirits, clapping, shouting “Opa!”, whistling or zaghareeting.


We all changed and returned to watch the show. The second performance was a solo by Laura, a lovely golden-haired student of Rose, who thrilled guests with her crisp moves and joyful, dynamic presentation that included lots of well-executed turns. Her costume was a bewitching bedleh in shades of Purple, and complemented both her appearance and choice of music beautifully. A classy, graceful performer!


On the third spot in the evening’s agenda was a solo performance by instructor Katayna, featuring the debut of a gorgeous new bedleh, an original design hand-crafted for her by Helena. The dazzling outfit was crafted of Black Sequin Cloth adorned lavishly with Crystals and Silver beading. Katayna’s performance brought the costume to life with a display of power, rhythm, and mischief in equally charming proportions. Wonderfully varied selection of musical styles. Masterful!


Next, a fine rendition of choreographed line dance by instructor Alexia, featuring co-performers Lara and Michelle. Every detail in this presentation showed careful thought and a command of production techniques, from the costuming, to the music, to the moves. The enchanting simplicity of crushed velvet cholis in jewel tones, paired with full skirts in complementary colors, created a vivid moving display; each lady added her own character to the beat with eyes and smiles that lit up the whole spectacle. Strong, insistently engaging music drove the whole piece. A joy to behold!


A perfect follow-up kept the mood highly charged when Sasha hit the stage for her solo performance. In a striking Red bedleh custom-made by herself for the show, this elegant little firecracker wowed us with pretty eyes, and then proceeded to zip and twirl delicately around the floor like someone who’d just won the lottery; she is one charged-up and charming lady! A dancer all her life, she's had the privilege of working with many fine teachers. As a fairly new student of Helena, Sasha promises to be a great achiever on the basis of her very spirited and talented delivery this evening.


Occupying sixth position in the lineup was professional dancer/ instructor Rose with her sultry and sassy rendition of classic cabaret solo. From her dreamy and fluid costuming, to her wonderful magnetism, Rose made a splendid offering. Her articulation was excellent, and she had an exceptional ability to create instant rapport and build enthusiasm while traveling through an audience. Musical choices offered plenty of variety, showcasing her beautiful moves perfectly. Sweet, mysterious and bold performance!


Our last number before intermission proved to be a very moving and memorable performance by the beautiful Alexia. This very talented, long-time feature performer has the grace, power, and bearing of a Queen; and physical strength and endurance to match! She mesmerized everyone in a hypnotic show of cape-work; done with a Burgundy Chiffon full cape, glittered with Crystals. Her costume was finished with wonderful filmy, swishy Black skirting and a Black choli. Music choices were great, from the mysterious to the majestic, to the earthiest of folkloric. A joy to watch and, obviously, a dancer who experiences great joy from the dance!


After our break for refreshment, Alexia took over the microphone to introduce the acts for the second half of the show. We were about to be treated to a first-time solo by Michelle, student of Alexia. Alexia praised Michelle’s learning ability and natural aptitude, and her performance certainly met and exceeded expectations. In choreography of her own device, Michelle held the audience spellbound with her fluid and energetic delivery of a superb cross-section of styles. Especially nice was her very effective handling of the veil, simple but right on, adding some perfect spice. Captivating and memorable!


Next up, Helena & Katayna’s Intermediate Troupe took the stage. This included my dance buddy, friend, and fellow assistant to Helena, Pam Goss. I was excited for all the ladies in the troupe, actually. I’d seen Pam working hard on her routine many times, and watched the gorgeous personalized Black Sequin Cloth, Silver and Crystal bedleh costumes they’d made themselves coming together for the past six months. The musical number was Hakim’s “Hayel”, and the choreography was done by Katayna. The lively, intricate music and insistent beats were a perfect medium for the crisp, syncopated moves of the sparkling dancers. The illusion created was spectacular! Troupe members besides Pam were Michelle, Lisa, Dee, and Barbara. Congratulations ladies on a great job!


The tenth presentation of the evening was a solo by Lara, the regularly scheduled dancer who delights the Bacchanal’s guests with her well-honed dance skills and delicate beauty. This evening Lara wore a costume made by the famous Badia, a bedleh in Purples, creating a soft mystical quality that complemented her long dark hair admirably. Great choices of Arabic music really gave her the opportunity to show her skills, and she met the challenges with ease and grace. Really nice spins and smooth delivery. This house favorite performer is dedicated and consistently entertaining!


Almost at the top of the show now, the audience got ready for Helena & Katayna’s Advanced Troupe. The music began and the ladies jumped right in, wearing sparkling, fitted Balady Dress costumes in hues of Purple and Blue. Copied from a picture, the dress and headdress patterns were drafted by Nancy Clarke, then sewn by nancy and the ladies themselvesThe ladies had my respect right away since they tackled Gamal Goma & Jillina’s “Saidi”, a fast-paced Arabic number that’ll weed out the unskilled in short fashion. Members Kathi, Diana, Shazi, Christine, and Katayna grabbed hold of the groove and bit right in, shaking and snaking their way through an awesome display of control, rhythm and picture-perfect presence. A truly commendable team effort, ladies, your hard work shows!


After all this wonderful entertainment, still to come was the star of the show, Helena Vlahos and her very special guest, drummer/instructor Gabby Tawil. The whole club was keyed up and ready for excitement, and it came. That night, you heard her zills first; her mastery of those tiny instruments is undeniable. A spectacular entrance was made; she was awash in a bedleh of shimmering Vegas-quality Iridescent Rhinestone Crystals on a Copper Satin backing; her skirt, the classic straight skirt with the heavy, long ruffled flounce. An incredible tiara of the rhinestones crowned the outfit. As Helena traveled the crowd, the audience was thrilled with free-spirited displays of intricacy and grace where every detail was executed with her best effort. Then Gabby came in on the act, at first accompanying her, and then as promised, challenging her abilities with his drum work. It was great fun to watch these two very talented people playing off of each other! No trick was spared in the teasing, and a great, humorous rapport grew up between them that was a delight to witness. Finishing off the presentation was Helena’s famous coin trick. All in all, Helena and Gabby provided a superb and worthy crescendo to an evening full of delightful talent.


Between Helena and Alexia, there are so many to thank for the evening’s success. To all the instructors and performers, and their families, a thousand thank-yous, your effort makes it happen! To the club’s staff and owners, outstanding job, let’s do it again, soon! To the guests, we hope we met and exceeded your expectations for a fun and worthwhile evening; please, please continue to patronize the dance! Helena wishes to personally acknowledge the following people of her support staff for their indispensable help in producing the show: Barbara McDonald, Helena’s website designer and student; Pam Goss, assistant instructor, costume designer, secretary and student; Norma Westover, publicist, website journalist and feature writer, artist, costumer, and student.