Let's Celebrate The Wild Success of INDEPEN-DANCE Day!!!
Today's News is all about the wild success of
my INDEPEN-DANCE day workshops and Gala show
with superstar percussionist / musician /composer --- Issam Houshan ---
and the gratitude I am feeling!
6 months of planning, 183 sleepless nights. Priceless!
I am thrilled with how it all turned out and so very grateful to everyone involved.
It truly took a village!
Thank you all.
Thank you to all of our star dancers:
Bonnie Grate AZ Georgette Jill Collins Kamala Princess Farhana
Shauntel as soloist Sekhmet Dance Co. with Shauntel,
Nova, Perizaad Group, Galadriel, Jacqui,
Surreyya Hada Santa Cruz Russ and Sparks! Sonia DeVilla and
Issam Houshan
Thank you to our MC Perizaad.
Thank you to our Dancegarden support team:
Lauren Bolt, Zoe Nissan, Sydney, Justin and L!
I could not have pulled this off without you!
Thank you Aubre Hill for your photography and good vibes.
Thank you Ron, Kyle and Johnny for being loving and supportive partners
Thank you, Audience!!! We love you!!!
You are the WHY!
NEW DANCE SERIES with DeVilla
New Dance Series with DeVilla begins August 5th.
Held at Evolution dance Studio and on Zoom.
We will have all the details and purchase links live next week,
so open your mail and get all the news!
ABOUT DEVILLA
DeVilla is a prolific and multi-award-winning Middle Eastern dancer based in Los Angeles, known for her polished and dramatic stage presentations. She has studied dance extensively since childhood; including the Ahla Wa Sahlan Dance Festival in Cairo to learn from Egyptian greats such as Raqia Hassan, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Rhanda Kamel, Momo Kadous, and Diana. She has also trained with renowned dancers in America such as Zahra Zuhair, Helena Vlahos, Kamala Almanzar, Fahtiem, Jillina, Ansuya, and Sadie. DeVilla’s performances have been said to be dynamic, mixing contemporary raqs sharqi innovation with classical Egyptian inspiration. DeVilla works both locally and nationally as a soloist and troupe leader. She has held the title of Artistic Director for a multitude of troupes, and currently leads Sekhmet Dance Company, established 2010 and named Cairo Shimmyquake Fan Favorite 2021. DeVilla and Sekhmet Dance Company have performed at events such as A Night of World Dance at PCC Center for the Arts, Jillina’s nationally touring show The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and headlined Cairo Caravan on the historic Queen Mary. Even so, DeVilla and the Sekhmets may be best known for producing the Siren Sundays dinner showcase, which sold out seating for 4 years at Moun of Tunis Restaurant---a hub for North African culture for over 40 years.
ABOUT ISSAM
The union of music and movement is the essence of dance. The union of a musician and a dancer to create a seamless artistic expression of oneness between the two is the ultimate manifestation of such a union. Issam Houshan is one of the rarest of talents as that is exactly what he does, Call him the Wassan Pharaoun, King Of The Drum, or Mr. Magic Fingers and you only tell the half of it. It's his connection to the dancer that is the essence of his magic. It is a merging of egos serving a mutual and identical goal that few musicians ever master fully. Issam is now recognized as the ultimate master of this art. In the BDSS Issam has become a mentor, partner, and inspiration giving selflessly to the good of the troupe as a whole. Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. 24 years ago. He had formal music training in the Damascus Academy of Music and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous belly dancers. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master Mahmood Salahadeen. In the U.S. he performed with Sting on the Grammy's and with the BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam's background, training and experience have made him in huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops. He does these both on his own and in conjunction with Bellydance instructors especially Jillina, Sonia, Amar Gamal, Bozenka, Aziza, Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Kami Little, Zoe Jakes,..and more.
~ DEVILLA RAKS ~
~ dance ~ fitness ~ beauty ~ body & soul ~
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