Special Events:

~ On going ~


* Okbari, Jamileh & Friends at Blue *
650A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Live middle eastern music & belly dance performances every First Friday!

March 6, 2009

 
10:00 PM - Midnight   $5 suggested donation.
FMI    www.mainebellydance.com

* Eric LaPerna’s Middle Eastern Drumming classes*
  FMI       okbari.org

*Middle Eastern Oud classes with Amos Libby*

 Private and small group classes offered. The focus is on maqam modal theory along with compositional forms and rhythmic modes of Middle Eastern music.

okbarimusic@yahoo.com

2009

 2/20 Fri - Raqs Borealis - Belly dance at the North Star Music Cafe
8:00-11:00 PM, $7 Admission - North Star Music Cafe, 225 Congress
Street, Portland, ME
Featuring...
- Aonochi of Paradigm Fusion (see her bio below!), Ayperi & Okbari
Live music, belly dance performances, henna by Remarkable Blackbird,
open dancing & a mini lesson.  Don't miss Raqs Borealis!
FMI: http://www.raqsayperi.com/
Scroll down for info on Aonochi's workshop (register at
www.emmaholder.com/ao ) on 2/21
AND Ramzi's workshops hosted by Josie Conte on 2/21 & 2/22 - super duper
belly dance weekend in Portland!!

2/21 Sat. - Workshop with Aonochi: FOUND in Translation
10:00 AM - Noon at West End Yoga and Dance Studio - 155 Brackett St, 3rd
floor. Portland ME
$25 preregistered ($30 to drop in day of class, if space allows)
Aonochi of Paradigm Fusion will teach a few 4-5 movement phrases that
will then be translated into many different belly dance dialects. Notes
will be provided. All levels and styles welcome.
Registration & FMI: Emma Holder - eholder@maine.rr.com - (207) 415-7204
http://emmaholder.com/ao

2/21-2/22 Sat-Sun - Ramzi el Edlibi in Portland - Workshops!
West End Yoga and Dance Studio - 155 Brackett St, 3rd floor. Portland ME
Registration/FMI: Josie Conte - 47 Tyng St., Portland, Maine 04102 -
207-653-7937
Space is limited! $100 for all four workshops  or $30 each
2/21 Sat: 1:30-3:30 Al-Dabkeh
this workshop will introduce the steps and rhythm of Al-Dabkeh, the most
well known of Arabic folk dances from the eastern part of the
Mediterranean referred to as the Levant.
(Josie Comments: These steps can be integrated into your raks Sharqi or
group pieces)
2/21 Sat: 3:30-5:30 Percussion and rhythm for dancers and Musicians
Drumming for dancers and musicians, bring your zils or any mid eastern
hand drum and learn the popular rhythm of the middle east. We will
surely jam together and have fun.

2/21 Salon hosted by Josie $7 (low stress performance opportunity)

2/22 Sun: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Belly dance oldies (classical)
Learn a short dance to the beautiful Arabic music from the1950's. The
music of that era was with a full big band sound- with no digital or
synthesized sound; the music is fully organic.
2/22 Sun: 12:00-2:00 Belly dance: the new generation: this dance is a
totally vibrant with a up beat that you cannot help but dance.


2/24 Mardi Gras Party
 > MARDI GRAS!!!
 > Don't miss the party of the winter Tuesday Feb 24th, 9-midnight!
 > Empire Dine and Dance 575 Congress st. only $5!!!!

 > Complementing the Whisky-driven Cajun Aces at the WMPG Mardi Gras
Party at the Empire will be:
 >
 > Tempestuous Tribal Fusion (Jaiyana and Sidrah)
 > Tantalizing Tango (Matthew Duveneck and Emma Holder)
 > Spicy Salsa (Rickey Hines and Kelly Newell)
 > Capricious and Captivating Cabaret Bellydance (Ayperi)
 > Jubilant and Seductive Samba (Nyiesha and Co.)
 > Mouthwatering WhistleBait Burlesque (Miss Vivian Vice)

Don't even think about it, just come on down and dance!

FMI http://wmpg.org

 March

3/8, 3/15, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12 Sun - Bellyrobics
Sun 1PM-2PM $10/drop-in class
West End Yoga and Dance studio, 155 Brackett Street, Portland, ME
No experience necessary - all you need for this class is a body and your
sense of fun and humor. Bellyrobics is appropriate for any level of
fitness and stage of life. Bring a mat and water.
FMI: Emma - 415-7204 - eholder@maine.rr.com - www.bellyrobics.net

3/8 Sun - Make-Up for Dancers Workshop with Ayperi - Portland
10:00 AM - Noon, $25/person
Learn to apply dramatic, stage-friendly make-up for belly dance!  Basic
application techniques will be taught--so don't worry if you've never
touched an eye pencil before.  After getting comfortable with the
basics, we will explore various exciting, belly dancer-ly embellishments.
Pre-registration required. FMI & Registration:
http://www.raqsayperi.com/events.shtml

3/19 Jessica of Nayas Trance - student showcase

Jessica hosts a student showcase every session with
Portland Adult Ed. This showcase is a way for students to celebrate
their learning experience with family & friends in a very low-key,
friendly environment.  The student showcase is even LESS formal than the
Naya's Trance Belly Dance parties. The showcase is a week night
*recital* and potluck with some open dancing at the end.  Admission for
guests is 1 non-perishable food-item
to be donated to Preble St food pantry. Students should all be asked to
contribute a potluck dish to share. Participating teachers or student
groups will be asked to help facilitate the event in some way. So join me!
This winter my showcase will be held on Thursday March 19 from 7-9 p.m
at the Lincoln Middle School Cafeteria in Portland. To teachers:
If you are interested in showing a group piece, or if you have
intermediate/advanced students who are ready to show solo & small group
pieces, please email me with your intent to participate. Every teacher
may request 2 slots for class or student solo/groups & 1 for yourselves.
RSVP by Feb 19.

3/22 Sun - Karim Nagi in Portland - Dance/Drum Workshops
Deering Grange Hall, 1408 Washington Ave, Portland, ME
$35/wksp or $60/both wksps
12-2 PM: DANCER/DRUMMER COMMUNICATION
2:15-4:15 PM: MAQAM FOR DANCERS
FMI & Registration: Jamileh - www.mainebellydance.com

3/21 Sat - Spring Belly Ball!
Bath Dance Works, 72 Front Street, Bath, ME
8PM til Midnight, featuring DJ Karin Nagi at 8PM and Okbari (Eric
LaPerna & Amos Libby with Michael Gallant joining them on violin) at 9:30PM.
$15 per couple, $10 per person, $5 for kids, 12 & Under free.
FMI: Josephina - josephina@suscom-maine.net or 442-8880 -
www.josephinagasca.com

3/27 Fri - Okbari Middle Eastern Ensemble with Jamileh
West End Yoga & Dance Studio, 155 Brackett Street, Portland, ME
8 PM, $7/suggested
Unique and authentic program of Sufi Mystical music from 16th century
Turkey and will be joined by Jamileh for an authentic Raqs Sharqi
performance.
FMI: www.okbari.org - www.maineweddingbellydance.com


3/28 Bangor Apri Fools Hafla - I'll be going to this one and anyone who
wants to car pool with me is welcome. Another opportunity to perform.
 

April

Saturday Evening, April 4th, More Details TBA

ALHAN ARABIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE,

JAMILEH AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT AT THE HISTORIC FIRST PARISH IN PORTLAND

4/4 Sat - Alhan Arabic Music Ensemble, Jamileh & Friends in Concert
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress Street, Portland,
8 PM, $12/at the door.
Jamileh is delighted to be joined by Erin, Josephina, Kamileh, Virginia,
Susan, Kendra, Kimberly Clark, MaraNajla & Dorothea for this wonderful
concert of Middle Eastern music and dance with the amazing Alhan Arabic
Music Ensemble.

4/5 Sun - Belly Dance Bazaar & Festival
Brunswick Elks Lodge, 179 Park Row, Brunswick, ME
3-7 PM, featuring Okbari, Jamileh, Adira, Naya's Trance, Bowdoin Belly
Dancers, Zeina, and raffles, vendors & food!
$10 Adults / $8 Students / Kids free
FMI: Holly - hspicer@suscom-maine.net

4/18 - Najmat of Boston - Workshop - Oriental Technique & Stage Presence
Lotus Rising Studio, Rollingsford, NH
1 - 4 PM, $45 paid by 4/10 or $60 after
All levels. Najmat is known for her strong stage presence and
performances. To see her perform live is the ultimate treat. Come and
learn some of the basic techniques that can help bring your
interpretation to the next level. Note: Please bring your own veil for
this workshop
FMI & Registration: http://lotusrisingstudio.com/
 

* Belly Dance Bazaar & Festival *

April 5, 2009

 Brunswick, Maine

Stay tuned, more info coming

 5/30 Sat - Embracing Beauty - Workshops & Performance hosted by Naya's
Trance
Deering Grange Hall, 1408 Washington Ave, Portland, ME
$Low-cost or no-cost. ETA 10am-4pm
A day of workshops for girls and young women focusing on body-image &
self awareness through belly dance, theater, and music.
Evening Spectacular Showcase: An evening of professional and
semi-professional performances. Light refreshments & vendors. ETA
6:00-8:00p.m.
FMI: www.nayastrance.com

6/13 - Tamalyn Dallal in Vermont - Worskhop, Show & Book Tour
St. Johnsbury, VT, $75/paid before 3/31
This is a very, very, special and rare event. Meet the mom to Amar
Gamal, Bozenka, and many other amazing dancers!
FMI: Amity - http://www.raq-on.net/workshops.htm


6/20 Sat - Autumn Ward of NYC in Portland - Variety Performance at One
Longfellow Square!
8:00 PM, Featuring Autumn Ward, Ayperi, Samuel James & more!
Details are coming soon....


6/21 Sun - Autumn Ward of NYC in Portland - Two workshops - Advanced &
All Levels
"Clean Lines and Elegant Artistry: Belly Dance for Theatrical Performance"
More info coming soon... FMI: http://www.raqsayperi.com/
Check her out at http://www.autumnward.com or
http://www.youtube.com/autumnward

8/1 - Dunya in Maine - Spiritual Bellydance Workshop Intensive
Unitarian Universalist Church, Auburn,
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM, $TBA
FMI: Chontel - inthecompanyofwomen06@yahoo.com - www.dancemeditation.org

Mirage

August 22, 2009

* House of Hunan Hafli *

Every third Sunday of the month, at House of Hunan in Brewer.
Wilson street across from Mardens. (big yellow restaurant)
Come eat, dance and be merry. Bring music you want to hear!
FMI  e-mail   aonochia@adelphia.net

OCTOBER 2008

* Karim Nagi presents The ARAB DANCE SEMINAR *
A weekend of workshops and classes on the dances of the Arab World, Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, Dabkaat, Khaligi, North African & Bedouin. Focal Topic: Marriage & Movement : How Dance & Music Are Central To weddings in the Arab World. Teachers include Karim Nagi, Cassandra (MN), Amel Tafsout & Kay Hardy Campbell.

Friday 4pm till Sunday 4pm. October 24th-26, 2004,
Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA,
Complete info available at
 arabdanceseminar.com

OKBARI at the Stareast Cafe

October 31st  6:30 pm 

646 Forest Ave.    Portland, Maine

207-775-0013

NOVEMBER

* From KEF to CLASSICAL II – CD Release Party and Benefit * Featuring the music and repertoire of ALAN SHAVARSH BARDEZBANIAN
An evening of Al’s amazing music played by his students and proteges
including
members of Okbari, Zhok Therapy and more as well as a dance performance by Jamileh
Frontier Café, Fort Andross, 14 Main Street, Brunswick.
 Friday, November 7th, 8:00pm 
Frontier Cafe

 "Gypsy Caravan: Where the Road Bends"

Ayperi, Adira & Manjula will be hosting a screening of this fantastic film

11/14 Friday 7:00 PM
30 Eastern Promenade, Unit 127, Portland, ME

It's the big high-rise on the corner of Walnut St.
(CALL when you arrive - 409-9540 - no doorbell)

    Visit the website to learn about the documentary http://www.gypsycaravanmovie.com/
  

Desert Sin workshop in Boston

11/16 Sunday - 12:00-4:00 PM -
The Julie Ince Theater @ the Dance Complex, Cambridge, MA
"Creating and Destroying the Rules of Dance" with Djahari - Director of Desert Sin
$65 before Nov 9, $75 after
Pre-register: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/descentworkshops.htm


*Naya's Trance Fall Belly Dance Party & Student Showcase *
Performances, Open Dancing, Vendors!
North Deering Grange, Washington Avenue, Portland
Sunday Nov.16 from 3-5 pm
$5 general admission, $3 seniors, $1 children under 12.
FMI    Naya's Trance

* Raqs Borealis Belly Dance*

at North Star Music Cafe
North Star Music Cafe, 225 Congress Street, Portland. 
featuring Helena Melone, Ayperi, Okbari, and henna by Remarkable Blackbird   
Friday, November 21, 2008, 7:30 - 11:00 PM  $7
FMI     raqsayperi.com

 

Brazeo Workshop w/ Helena

Saturday Nov 22nd

$25 before the 22nd, $30 day of

For info.  emmaholder.com/brazeo

DECEMBER

 

BOWDOIN COLLEGE MIDDLE EASTERN MUSIC

AND DANCE ENSEMBLES WINTER CONCERT

• Monday, December 1st, 8:00 pm at Studzinski Recital Hall, 

Join the talented students of these two wonderful ensembles for their annual winter concert. The Music Ensemble is directed by Eric LaPerna & Amos Libby of Okbari and the Dance Ensemble by Jamileh.

Free & Open to the Public.  

January

Saturday, January 17^th from 10 pm-12 pm

 MJ’s Grille and Tavern        94 Maine St., Brunswick, Maine

    Okbari and the lovely dancing of Jamileh (Jeanne Handy)

Jan. 24^th at 8 pm

West End Yoga and Dance Studio