Ala Nar has had a tremendouly fun year thus far! The highlight of our Spring had to have been our trip to Toronto for the International Bellydance Congress of Canada (IBCC) hosted by Yasmina Ramzy of Arabesque dance. Yasmina put on an amazing event, 5 full days of workshops, lectures, demos, workshops, discussions, shows, and workshops! Guest instructors and lecturers included Jillina, Cassandra Shore, Sema Yildiz, Amel Tafsout, Dr. George Sawa, and many many more.
Ala Nar was chosen out of hundreds of auditions to participate by performing on the Main Stage. Not only was it an honor to be chosen, it was wonderful to be with so many dancers from Vancouver and BC, representin' the West Coast! We learned from some incredible instructors and even today are still processing the information.
More recently, Ala Nar had the pleasure of a first time experience: dancing in the rain. We attended the Southill community festival last weekend and we danced our hearts out on the wettest, coldest stage we have ever encountered. Puddles had to be swept off the stage before we started. It was certainly a first! (and perhaps for myself...a last.....) Special thanks to our Tribal "sisters" Floreo for braving the weather to be with us!
On a warmer, dryer note, "Rouge et Bleu - Dance Against Disaster", a fundraiser for Haiti, went off without a hitch that same night. Leona and Michelle did a great job organizing and puting everything together, and the performers were wonderful. What variety - Ariel Silk dancers, Kathak, Broadway Jazz, Belly Dance, Bhangra, Flamenco and so much more. Great job everyone, and it all went to a great cause!
Looking forward, Ala Nar has the usual busy schedule planned! Canada Day celebrations at Sunset community center, Renfrew community center and at the Kitsilano showboat; our student show on July 8, and of course, our yearly mega-show at the PNE! Mark your calendars for September 2 at 6pm, it will be the show of the year!
In other news - big congratulations to Iva, our Muffin - she is getting married!
Keep your eyes open for summer classes and events, and keep shakin!
Ala Nar is a fiery Vancouver dance troupe specializing in the Egyptian raqs sharki style of belly dance. The troupe is Leona, Iva, Michelle, Aradeeya and Nina D. These five dancers work collaboratively to develop choreographies that reflect traditional styles as well as modern influences. They dance with passion and grace, letting their love for dance light up their performances.
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