Review: Gainesville with Cassandra
February 2000

by Sherezzah Bint al-Waha

With Cassandra, my favorite teacher and performer in the world, how could I be anything but delighted? I was especially pleased that there were two shows, and she performed in both. It was also nice to see a lot of old (and new!) friends from Oasis Dance Camp there.

I try to present a balanced view of the workshops I go to, but the only sort of negative thing I can come up with for this one is that the preferred hotel was a bit far from the workshop location (like 15-20 minutes), and that made it awkward for the pre-show performer meeting on Friday (a little early to be getting all made up, but otherwise you'd probably be late to the show). Overall, Zarifa Sa'id does a good job with Global Dance Arts.

But enough chitchat, on to the pictures!

Friday Show

• Sherezzah Bint al-Waha, here and here
• Banat al-Waha in some really lovely assuit!
• Zarifa Sa'id doing sword
• Iesha doing Spanish-Arabic fusion
• Cassandra, here and here

Saturday Show

• Sai'da Bint al-Waha, here and here
• Pari doing Orientale (she did Persian on Friday, but I was unable to get a good picture)
• Sallamah Chimera
• Angelia dancing with a candleabra
• Chandra
• Nubian Belledis doing "Afro Belly Dance fusion" in some really cool costumes
• Na'ila dancing on glasses
• Rising Phoenix Dancers, here, here, and here
• Beledi Dancers doing a Turkish spoon dance
• Sahara Silk
• Cassandra, left, and also here and here