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photo page 37 |
The best belly dancers of Israel have their yearly workshop in a luxury hotel at the Dead Sea. During this weekend, several teachers
give parallel lessons at various levels in different rooms, and the pupils can freely roam from one to the other. Every evening
there is a big show of all the teachers.
When we arrive after two hours driving through the Arava, Tamar has already started her first class. She specialises in 'shimmy',
lightning fast moves of the hips. |
In the room next door, Miri Allon gives a much relaxter lesson, aiming most of all at the pleasure of the dance.
The fun and energy reverberates through the room. |
The show of the first night starts spectacularly when Fifi Ness, who organises the event, enters the main auditorium dancing with
a heavy candelabra on her head. |
Miri's performance has a surprise as her golden dress suddenly spreads open during the 'soefi' (turning). |
The grand-old-ladies of belly dancing, Miri and Fifi, dancing together. |
Friday morning, the lessons proceed. Sonja follows a expression lesson from Fifi.
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At the end of the day there is an open stage, where pupils can perform in the big auditorium. To our surprise, a couple of men
attended all the dancing lessons. Ishi even performed on stage as dancing derwish. |
Fifi's daughter at the open stage. |
Second evening, second show, and Fifi gives yet another marvelous show. |
Expression is indeed her speciality.
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The most spectacular show of the evening was without doubt by Orli.... |
...who really made the audience go wild.
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Saturday, and yet more lessons, although fatigue and aching muscles are taking their toll. Sonja dances with Natali. |
That weekend, the entire Novotel was dominated by the belly dancers. You could hear the tingling of the hip cloths everywhere,
in the elevators, at dinner, in the lobby. Over 300 people were present for the event, which was organised like clockwork.
Big compliments for the people of Ya Salam.
More info (in Hebrew) on their website:
Ya Salam. A movie impression of these days is available on
You-Tube, with Sonja in the background of several lessons.
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