Cassandra's 2009 Weeklong Intensive

March 15th - 22nd Halima, Kalista and Odessa packed 8 days worth of clothing, food, accessories, and sparkly jingles into 6 carry-on bags. Here's a shout-out to all the plane passengers who helped us shove, punch, kick and pound oversized bags into overhead bins... not to mention their help to then retrieve them. To whomever you were, we love and appreciate you!

Let's not even discuss the trip back as we now have acquired new make-up, hip scarves, music and accessories we simply could NOT live without; again in carry-on luggage.

Cassandra Shore is no less than a Goddess. We danced all day, everyday for 6 days straight. We attended 3 incredibly entertaining and quality shows. We ate very healthy and delicious food which we then topped off with chocolate and ice cream. We drove like manics through downtown Minneapolis daily (why the police didn't remove me from the streets I know not). And yes... we visited the Mall of America.

In addition to daily technique and choreography with Cassandra and her "teacher's assistants" we also had quality time with a make-up artist, a dietitian, a history lesson by Cassandra, and percussion and melody lessons with exquisite live music by Tim O'Keefe and Laura Harada.

We started the week off with a strong focus on Orientale style and ended with Folkloric. I must say that every one of my 6 senses were satisfied and our already strong sisterhood was enhanced. We were all so impressed and proud of each other. The UTAH GIRLS ROCK!

Jawaahir Dance Company

BDSS After Party

Thanks Sherry!

Bellydance Superstars

March has been an exciting month, full of belly dancing. A group of us went to the Bellydance Superstars performance. Thank you Sadira for carpooling us to Park City.

The performance was amazing, full of shimmies and flutters. There were several drum solos that exhibited amazing techniques of layering moves. There was a ballet belly dancer who gracefully danced with two tribal dancers. One of my favorite moves of the evening was a toe shimmy were the dancer looked like she was floating across the stage.

We also enjoyed (what seemed like) the endless spinning dance of Petite Jamilla. She spun around for the entire song with veils. At the beginning she had two of her own veils, then seamlessly picked up two more from another spinning dancer, then another two, and finally another two. Meanwhile, in the background there were four dancers with full circle skirts that were spinning the entire length of the song. At the very end, one-by-one, Petite Jamilla dropped each of the veils and came out of her spin to a stand still facing the audience without looking like she ever got dizzy.


We thoroughly enjoyed all the energy the dancers brought on stage.

At the end of the performance, Basimah and J'adore hooked us up with after-party tickets to meet the dancers. Some of the dancers that we got to meed were Zoe, Samantha, Sonia and Adore. They were very nice and happy to talk with everyone. Arayliah was called the "purple princess" by Adore. Adore was very kind and had some advice to give. Training in jazz and ballet is a very helpful background for being a good dancer.

Zoe said that palates and Rachel Brice arms are two things that have helped her out in her dancing. She spends about 2 hours a day dancing and sometimes doesn't feel like that is enough.

Sonia said that there is always something new. I believe as dancers we are always looking for new ways to express ourselves.

Adore has a great passion for dancing and the sisterhood she interacts with in their troupe. Every one of the dancers bring their own background into the group and help each other out. None of the dancers are out on the stage to be a diva. That is what makes them unique. They are a unit and wouldn't be who they are without each other. I think that this is what Desert Gypsy Dance Company strives to achieve.

Mark's Pictures of Spring Fest

Desert Gypsy Spring Recital

Desert Gypsy and all three troupes together.

Desert Gypsy Spring Recital

Bellydance Spring Fest III

Bellydance Spring Fest II

Here is the link to the news on Gypsy Melody's dance: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705289447,00.html.

Bellydance Spring Fest

Here is a link to the Deseret News slide show: http://deseretnews.com/photo/slideshow/1,5587,6100,00.html.

Upcoming Classes

Desert Gypsy Dance Co. is pleased to announce Intermediate and Beginning classes held at Halima's Home Studio.

Beginning Middle Eastern Dance
Wednesday
March 25- May 6
7-8 pm
6 weeks no class held on April 15th
$40

Intermediate Middle Eastern Dance
Wednesdays
March 25-May 6
6-7pm
6 weeks no class held on April 15th
$40

Intermediate Middle Eastern Dance
Wednesdays
March 25-May 6
10-11am
6 weeks no class held on April 15th
$40

Home Studio address:
DGDC
701 Bateman Lane
Alpine Ut 84004
360 7575

Checks payable to: Desert Gypsy Dance Co.
New students! sign up with a friend and take $5 off your class tuition
Returning students! Refer a new student and get 1/2 off a private session with Halima

Questions? 360 7575