******

The Georges Lammam Band

featuring Georges, Richard, Angela, Amina, Loay and Husain

Fridays at PenaPachamama (check for summer schedule below)

(sometimes we also perform on Wednesdays and Sundays)

1630 Powell St. San Francisco (between Union & Green, near Columbus in San Francisco)

 

Early Show - Cuban Late Show at 10 - Georges Lammam & Band & Dancers $10 Cover Charge/Full Bar, Peruvian Tapas

Want to perform ? Let me know.

Summer schedule: Friday July 30

Friday August 6, 13 only then back to every Friday starting September 10

(NO performances July 16, August 20, 27 and September 3)

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Carnival of Stars Saturday and Sunday August 7 and 8, 2010

Amina & The Aswan Dancers teach and perform Sunday August 8.

Amina performs at Al Masri - Sausan's birthday party - Sunday August 22

Want to join Carnival of Stars club? Contact Amina

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Astryd Farah Annual Workshop at Dance Mission

The LATEST and HOTTEST thing in Egyptian dance with Astryd is getting back to the “simpler style” of both the classic and the modern Raks Sharki – YAY!!!
 

Astryd Farah, will be teaching 
Sunday, August 29th - 12:30 to 5:00 PM 
At Dance Mission, 3316 24th Street at Mission St. San Francisco
 

Sunday August 29, 2010 - 12:30 - 5 pm

2 workshops offered

1. Pure Egyptian Dance – Sharki, Shaabi & Balady:: Combos & Drills: 12:30 - 2:30 PM
The stages and streets of Cairo, then and now …

Astryd brings you some of her favorite moves reflecting Egyptian dance both classic and modern!

Techniques, steps and combinations featuring Balady, Shaabi and Sharki - direct from the source.

2. Balady-Saidi Pop Choreography (without cane): 3:00 - 5:00 PM
A fun and upbeat song, this original choreography reflects authentic Egypt in gestures, lyrics, steps and feelings.

Powerful movement and precise technique combined with a sweet and happy style form this engaging Egyptian dance.

Full choreography notes and lyric translation provided, music available.

Contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com or (415) 282-7910.

Following the workshop you are welcome to join Astryd at an informal Giza gathering, details upon request.

Advance price before August 25th: $40 one workshop, $75 both workshops
Send checks payable to The Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St., SF, CA 94114.
At the Door: $45 one workshop, $80 for both.

Many of Astryd's gently used costumes from CAIRO’S TOP DESIGNERS will be on sale during the workshops at rock-bottom prices!CDs also available at the workshops

For registration/info, contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com or (415) 282-7910.

 

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Horacio and Beata Present Oriental Fantasy Show and Workshop

Dance Mission, 3316 24th Street at Mission St. San Francisco

Featuring Horacio and Beata Cifuentes with Patricia Zarnovican and Perlatentia Tribe.

October 29, 30 and 31, 2010

Beata and Horacio created the concept of the Oriental-Fantasy-Shows, a unique full evening theatre show. This concept of taking the oriental dance from the night club to a theatrical level with backdrops, especially commissioned music productions (made in Egypt), splendid luxurious costumes and tours all over the world is a novelty and the two play a trendsetting role for many dancers.

Sponsored by Shaia of Milwaukee - http://www.orientalfantasyUStour.webs.com/

San Francisco contact - Amina Goodyear

Beata and Horacio Cifuentes www.oriental-fantasy.com in "Oriental Fantasy and Friends"

Exclusive Milwaukee and San Francisco engagements

ORIENTAL FANTASY LOCATION:
****NOW AT DANCE MISSION***

**Dance Mission, 3316 24th Street at Mission St. San Francisco**

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Every year since the inception of Oriental Fantasy, an entire new production is created; new music is created, composed and recorded in Cairo in coalition with famous Egyptian composers and top musicians. The dressmakers of Cairo are busy for months creating the elaborate costumes, all handmade and embroidered in Oriental tradition. Beata and Horacio Cifuentes create a magical show that transports the audience to another place and time. They have transformed Oriental dance into an impressive theatrical art form.
This year, Beata and Horacio present a new show, "Oriental Fantasy and Friends", with lots of newly-produced music, fabulous costumes, and quite a few surprises!  Also starring Patricia Zarnovican and Tribal troupe perlatentia.

WORKSHOP OFFERINGS AND TIMES:
 
Saturday, October 30
10am to Noon - Dark Fusion with Patricia
12:30 to 6:00 pm (break from 3 to 3:30) - Bad Girl Baladi with Beata (warm-up by Horacio)

Sunday, October 31
9am to 11am - Balkan Tribal with Patricia
11:30 am to 5pm (break from 2 to 2:30) - Raqs Sharqi with Horacio (warm-up by Beata)
6pm to 7pm - Horacio will sign his autobiography, "Confessions of a Male Belly Dancer".
You can purchase this book by contacting Shaia at shaia@milwaukeebellydance.com.
 
Patricia's Workshop Descriptions:
Balkan Fusion Style Combinations: Intoxicating, Energetic and Fun!
Patricia and her tribe perlatentia are well-known for their energetic interpretations of Balkan and Slavic music. Coming from a Slovak musician family, Patricia discovered the richness of the Slavic and Balkan culture and art being a mere child. Since Tribal Style Belly Dance is an eclectic mix of many different folkloric dance forms, it can be easily blended with the delicious flavor of Balkan music and movements, that are a fascinating mixture of oriental, Slavic, Jewish and Greek influences themselves. perlatentia's Balkan Fusion Style blends elements and techniques of ATS, Cabaret, Oriental Dances, Gypsy Dances, Slovak & Russian Folk Dances as well a nice portion of contemporary club styles!

Dark Fusion Belly Dance: Dark & Expressive Combinations from the Home Country of Gothic Subculture
Discover the dark side of your dance! There's more to goth than just black costumes and sinister music... Patricia teaches combinations with a gothic touch. The strong, powerful posture and technique of Tribal Style belly dance fused with the dark, expressive esthetics of the gothic subculture evolve into an intense and impressive performance. Patricia's movements, costuming and music choices are inspired by the German goth club scene that she has been part of for over a decade now. As a singer in a German gothic folk metal band, she gets in touch with many musicians and artists, and shows her students an authentic and personalized view of dark music and art.

Show Ticket Prices:

Early Bird Special - Purchase by July 15 for $22 each
Regular Price - Purchase after July 15 for $27 each

Workshop Prices:

Early Bird Special  - Register by July 15:

Patricia's workshops are $25 each.
Beata's workshop is $45.
Horacio's workshop is $45

Regular Price - Register after June 30:

Patricia's workshops are $30 each.
Beata's workshop is $50.
Horacio's workshop is $50.

Payment accepted to shaia@milwaukeebellydance.com at www.paypal.com

or to Amina Goodyear - San Francisco contact -

mail checks payable to Aswan Dancers - 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114

Shaia has also created a special website dedicated solely to this event, www.orientalfantasyUStour.webs.com.  Join the site and you are eligible for the monthly drawing to win a free show ticket!  Go to Members page and click on "Join Site". Click here to read a Gilded Serpentine article written by Bellydance Superstars' Dondi on her experience with Beata and Horacio's workshops.

About Beata & Horacio Cifuentes:
Beata Cifuentes started dancing at the young age of 6 years. After realizing that something was missing in her life she dropped her studies in Medicine and enrolled in a school for theatrical dance in Berlin. She opened her studio for Oriental Dance, the first one of its kind in Berlin. She has performed and taught throughout Canada, Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Monaco, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK), Morocco, Egypt, the Emirates, Kenya, Japan, Canada and the U.S..
Horacio Cifuentes was born in Colombia and grew up there and in Spain, Poland and the U.S.. He began to dance at the age 5. As a soloist he danced eight years in San Francisco Ballet in more than 40 classical and modern ballets. He discovered oriental dance and quickly became very successful (see list of countries above!).
Beata & Horacio met and married in San Francisco. As they joined their private and professional lifes they created the concept of the Oriental-fantasy show, a unique full evening theater show. This concept of taking the oriental dance from the night club to a theatrical level with backdrops, especially commissioned music productions (made in Egypt), splendid luxurious costumes and tours all over the world is a novelty and the two play a trendsetting role for many dancers .

Horacio and Beata - Recipients of The Giza Award:

The Giza Award for the Best Classical Theatrical Show presented to a live audience is well-earned:

“Enchanted Gardens” Oriental Fantasy XIII,  Beata & Horacio Cifuentes.
This production which toured two dozen cities: from Europe, to Canada and the US, then Tokyo and Buenos Aires…has only the Bellydance Superstars to compare itself too. These are the only shows that tour on this scale...why the stream of awards to these two dancers?...Each year they get noticeably better, until they now exist in class of their own, unchallenged. Therefore the Award goes to the show as a whole for Beata and Horacio’s combined talents.

 

****

BELLY DANCE OF THE UNIVERSE BECOMES "LEGAL"

Celebrate BDUC'S 21st Birthday with Amina in Long Beach California

Amina teaches Shaabi workshop at BDUC

****

Giza Club

Saturday September 26, 2009 1-5 pm

*****

Giza Awards

Sunday November 1, 2009 1 pm

*****

Keda? Keda Ho!
Amina Goodyear and Debbie Smith present
A Two-Day Workshop on Shaabi Music & Dance
Oct. 3 & 4, 2009 12-4:30

This workshop covered the who, what, where's and why's of Shaabi music.

A brief review of what was covered in our last Keda? Keda Ho! workshop, plus a discussion on the importance of the other Shaabi singers and their songs, how Shaabi music is changing and the latest trends.

The literal origin of the word Shaabi (Sha’bi) in Egyptian Arabic: Of the common people.

Debbie Smith and Amina Goodyear share with you decades of knowledge about Egyptian Shaabi.
You will be given an in-depth look at Shaabi music and its place in Egyptian culture- from a historical, social and artistic perspective.

Through looking at the great Shaabi singers of the past and present, we will explore dimensions of class, neighborhood, and urban life unique to Cairo, and the movements you can use to bring the spirit of Egyptian Shaabi music to your dance.

This class is a "must attend" if  you want to dance to songs by Ahmed Adaweya, Hakim, Saad el Soghayr, Ameina, Abdel Basset Ha mouda,Hasan al Asmar, Mahmoud el Leisy, Mohamed Huseiny and the new crop of Shaabi singers. We will help you understand the words to the songs.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
In addition to learning about Shaabi and how to recognize Shaabi music vs Pop, you will be treated to many visual aids in the form of video clips taken from Egyptian movies and Satellite TV. These clips were (and are continued to be) made by Amina. They are unique in that 1,000's of hours have been spent viewing and compiling these clips showing Egyptian Shaabi history, neighborhood life, and its singers and its dancers. This is the next best thing to living in Egypt. You will see the Shaabi culture as a native. Tourists usually do not get to experience this.

Since the Saturday workshop is in Amina's studio, space is limited. It is necessary to RSVP to hold a spot for this workshop.

We do not believe that Shaabi is a dance. It is a Dance Style; therefore we do not want anyone to attend Sunday's dance class
unless they have first attended our Keda? Keda Ho! workshop and understand what Shaabi is.

If you cannot come on Saturday, but attended our last Keda? Keda Ho! workshop, you can take the Sunday class without taking Saturday.

Registration:
Both Days $85 by Sept. 20, Saturday Only, $40
After Sept. 20 - Both Days $100, Saturday Only - $45
NO Sunday Only Enrollment- unless you attended  Keda? Keda Ho! #1
(if you did - Sunday only is $55)

Send Checks payable to
The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. S.F. CA 94114
 Email Amina to RSVP please

Saturday Oct. 3: 12-4:30, at Amina's Studio (829 Elizabeth St., S.F.)
Historical overview, discussion and analysis of Shaabi music: roots, musical structure, and words (including translation), a look at the singers who have defined Shaabi music over the last few decades, and the "cassette culture" that spread their popularity. An investigation of the social, historical, and class structures of Cairo and its population that created a new genre of popular music in Egypt, including rare footage from Amina's extensive collection of film and video.
 
Sunday Oct. 4, 12-4:30, location TBA
In this dance workshop, learn how to add the movements and meaning to your dance that will make it a truly "Egyptian" expression. Both k nown for their deep understanding of Egyptian music and their interpretive ability, Debbie and Amina will bring their unique, individual approaches to Shaabi song and dance as a for m of authentic expression through movement, rather that just another choreography or set of steps.
 
See What Our Past Workshop Attendees Have Said:  
"I wanted to tell you again that I LOVED your Workshop yesterday! My only critique is that you need to have these workshops more often! It would be great if you could put together one of these workshops once a quarter, choosing a different Egyptian song each time participants can study through the translation and how dancers and musicians interpret the song. I certainly have a much better appreciation of Arabic dance, language and music that I did prior to taking these workshops so I want to sincerely thank you both for deepening my knowledge."
 "I loved the class you guys did yesterday. It was informative and fun."
"Just a line to say that your mini-course in Arabic language and music was first class (as is usual for everything you do), and the hand-out materials most generous. Anyway, thanks a lot for all your work; and I enjoyed your informal presentation of Egyptian history - it was just enough for people to get an overall idea of what's been going on there."
"I just want to thank you again for=2 0putting together what I consider to be the best workshop of its kind! I'm sure as other dancers hear about it they will be asking you to do a repeat! Your Special Language and Music Workshop for Middle Eastern Dance rs was excellent; both you and Debbie were most informative  and the handouts prepared obviously took a lot of thought and will be very  useful. A lot of time and effort was put into yesterday's workshop and it is most appreciated." 

 

 

Astryd Astryd, a contributing member of The Giza Club, shares in our desire to preserve the movements, attitudes and style of traditional Egyptian dance from the Golden Age to the present. If Egypt and Egyptian dancers choose to westernize their dance, it is up to us to work on maintaining and preserving its eastern roots. Astryd Farah passes on her knowledge by teaching precise, defined technique as the vehicle to express the emotional aspects of the music - her warmth and clarity in teaching has inspired hundreds of students. When she's not busy "bringing Cairo to you", she "brings you to Cairo", by hosting personalized tours for dancers desiring to travel to and study in Egypt: www.BellydanceTours.com. .For more information about Astryd Farah Visit her website at www.DanceAstryd

**** Astryd Farah teaches - The Latest from Cairo - August 30, 2009 at Dance Mission SF 3316 24th Street at MissionSan Francisco, CA Sunday, August 30, 12:30 - 5 pm ** 12:30-2:30 pm Pure Egyptian Dance from Cairo Steps and feelings of a time now past. We will revisit the old nightclubs with music and movement of authentic Egypt. Tarab, baladi and shaabi. Techniques, transitions, gestures. Notes included - Music available for sale. 2:30-3:00 pm - lunch break 3-5 pm - Classic & Modern Choreography: TBA A luscious Old Cairo nightclub-style choreography with a lovely song by one of Egypt's most heartfelt modern singers. Authentic technique and feelings create the mood for this piece. Notes and lyric translation included - Music available for sale. Advance price before August 25: $40/one - $75/both - $85 incl.party Send checks payable to: The Aswan Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. S.F., CA 94114 At the door: $45 for one or $80 for both. After Party at Amina's Studio 6 - 9:30 pm - $12 Bring a costume and dance Your musicians Husain Dixon, Angela Ramsey, Feisal Zidan, & Amina (Featuring the soulful singing of Husain Dixon) Contact Amina Goodyear at aminajune@aol.com (415) 282-7910 for further info

Astryd Astryd Farah deMichele splits her time between Egypt, Europe and the United States, performing and teaching Egyptian Oriental dance professionally. For over a decade she has spent time living, studying and traveling throughout the Middle East; touring not only Egypt, but also Jordan, Syria, Lebanon,Morocco and Turkey. Performing in Cairo, Egypt, she has been showcased at Royal Gardens Hotels, as well as in weddingsand parties, and in past years she's worked at other locations in both Cairoand Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. When in the United States, Astryd Farah is adjunct faculty for The University of Oregon, instructing Middle Eastern dance with an emphasis on Egyptian styling, and travels nationally instructing workshops and giving performances. Astryd Farah's powerful technique and stunning interpretation of Arabic music delights audiences East to West -- her extended time in the Middle East having integrated into her body a profound understanding of this beautiful art form. She is one ofthe featured dancers in top Egyptian choreographer Raqia Hassan's technique videos (volumes 7 & 9); Raqia is one of Astryd Farah's main instructors of the dance form. She has had the pleasure of studying under many other distinguished Egyptian choreographers as well -- developing her dance technique as and her understanding of the music she love

****

Amina Goodyear and Debbie Smith present

The Third in a Series - Yanni Eh? Eh Da?

A Special Language & Music workshop for Middle Eastern Dancers

Have you ever wondered what you were dancing to? The meaning of the song or how to dance to the music - the drums - the phrasing or the instrumental changes?

Let two perpetual students of Egyptian Arabic language, music and dance share their experience with you.

Two classic songs, Baeed Annak (Om Kalsoum) and Tab Wana Mali (Warda), will be used as a base for learning to listen to the words, the rhythms, the instruments, the phrasing and more.

You will also learn about the lives of these great singers and of the legendary composer Beligh Hamdi, who composed the music for these and numberless other Egyptian standards.

This workshop is suited for dance and music students of all levels.

Pre-registered Students will receive a packet with translations, vocabulary, drum rhythms, and a CD.

When: Saturday, August 1, 1-4 pm
Where:  Amina's Studio, 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114
Registration: $30 advance, received by July 27- $35 at the door.
Make checks payable to: The Aswan Dancers
For more information please call 415-282-7910
 

See What Past Workshop Attendees Have Said: 

"I wanted to tell you again that I LOVED your Yanni Eh-Eh Da Workshop yesterday! My only critique is that you need to have these workshops more often! It would be great if you could put together one of these workshops once a quarter, choosing a different Egyptian song each time participants can study through the translation and how dancers and musicians interpret the song. I certainly have a much better appreciation of Arabic dance, language and music that I did prior to taking these workshops so I want to sincerely thank you both for deepening my knowledge."

 "I loved the class you guys did yesterday. It was informative and fun."
"Just a line to say that your mini-course in Arabic language and music was first class (as is usual for everything you do), and the hand-out materials most generous. Anyway, thanks a lot for all your work; and I enjoyed your informal presentation of Egyptian history - it was just enough for people to get an overall idea of what's been going on there."

"I just want to thank you again for putting together what I consider to be the best workshop of its kind! I'm sure as other dancers hear about it they will be asking you to do a repeat! Your Special Language and Music Workshop for Middle Eastern Dancers was excellent; both you and Debbie were most informative  and the handouts prepared obviously took a lot of thought and will be very  useful. A lot of time and effort was put into yesterday's workshop and it is most appreciated."

 

******

Amina teaches an all inclusive workshop 12 - 5 Saturday, July 11, 2009

12noon - 3 pm

Rhythms, Phrasing, Instrumentation, Lyrics (Arabic and English translation). video clip,

dance combinations, mannerisms and a mini-choreography for Abdul Halim's song

Gana al Hawa

This mini-workshop will give you the tools to understanding Arabic songs so that you can interpret and choreograph other songs for your pleasure or performance.

3 pm - 5 pm

Relax and watch the movie My Father up a Tree Starring Abdul Halim Hafez

(includes the song Gana al Hawa)

The movie provides great cultural insights.

Class at Amina's studio 892 Elizabeth St. - limited enrollment - Reserve now.

$25 - at door -- $20 by July 6

mail check to: The Aswan Dancers 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114

****

 

Keda? Keda Ho!