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Totally Romany Hafla and Intensive-September 12, 2009
Highland Park, New Jersey
Morning Intensive
In an open room with beautiful hardwood floors, stood roughly 30 men and women who were all there to listen and watch the legendary Artemis Mourat who stood upon a gorgeous open stage at the New Reformed Church of Highland Park. Her voice emanated out to us-her loyal and awed subjects. The intensive started with an intense and thorough review of basic isolations. Seriously, Artemis covered everything from belly rolls to basic traveling steps. Once we were sufficiently warmed up, Artemis provided a historical lesson on the Romany People’s music, culture, and a perspective on their lives today here in the US and other parts of the world. I was fortunate to record some the information digitally, but I would have liked to have recorded everything. Artemis is one of my dancing idols and I’ve been years to study with her. This opportunity may not present itself again. Her knowledge of the Romany is extraordinary.
Artemis started the dance portion with the differences between Romany and Turkish Cabaret styles. This included posture, gestures, and hip movements. Then she introduced some key moves used by Romany dancers. After a short break she taught detailed isolation and traveling combinations. I tried to write everything down, but I didn’t want to miss anything. I was there to learn not write. Still I was able to take notes that broke down her combinations thoroughly. She also taught some Turkish words and phrases as well. I look forward to teaching some of these moves to my students., as well as fusing them into my own choreographies. The combinations were fun, but challenging and they were in perfect sync with the music. Your body was working hard, but it didn’t feel that way. The intensive concluded with Artemis demonstrating how to play Kasik (wooden spoons). She had a few pairs with her and Farasha was able to scare up a few pairs of her own. Together, there was enough to allow every participant a chance to try out the technique. Unfortunately, I regretfully declined. I do not have the same mobility in my right hand since my car accident earlier this year. I have to stay away from things that would be a burden to my surgerically repaired hand and wrist. Still her demonstration was brief but impressive and all of the participants including myself, were pleased with what we learned. I plan on practicing once my hand is better.
Hafla Madness
The afternoon hafla was a treat and reward for everyone, whether you participated in the intensive earlier or you were there as a spectator, you were happy to attend. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and festive on all fronts. As I stated above, the venue boosted a large beautiful hard wood stage that provided 3 separate entrances. The fact that it was a raised stage only increased the energy and excitement for the performers and audience. There was a nice mix of dance still performed by talented dancers of various levels of experience.
Set 1
The first set featured numerous talented soloists and duos from this area. I was the second performer in the first set. Ra’idah, an instructor from Gloucester Township in south Jersey, opened the show with an elegant Egyptian cabaret routine. I was a little nervous which is normal, but the fact that Artemis was watching really cranked up my nervous energy. I couldn’t help wondering if she would like my routine, my costume, my choice of song etc. I hoped that she would be able to identify the combinations that I picked up from her DVD and from the intensive held earlier that morning. I like to mix choreographed and improvised moves in my routines, so I didn’t have an problem adding new gestures. But the atmosphere was light and festive, I just went out there and had a giant smile on face and danced like I was amongst family and friends. My piece was a fusion number that incorporated some Romany, some Cabaret, and some club/dance elements. I wore my Las Vegas themed costume. When I was done performing, I received warm reviews from the other dancers. Artemis gave me a hug and she said “That was a hot song, and I loved how your moves matched with the music”. To say that meant a lot to me is an understatement. To be recognized by Artemis is the ultimate compliment.
Spotlight
After I was done performing, I was able to sit back and enjoy all of the performances. I watched the entire first set from backstage because I wanted to speak with the dancers to get to know them and get their perspective on the show. There were good performances in the 1st set, but I would like to spotlight on Ra’idah for her opening number, that established the mood for the hafla. Tashira (who closed out the set and was amazing), and Samina and Anala.
Set 2
After a brief intermission and some browsing of the merchandise that was on sale, I rushed to change and watched the beginning of set 2 in the audience. Farasha opened the second set with a beautiful piece. I’ve chatted with Farasha on few occasions at other belly dance events, but our interactions have been on a customer-vendor basis; every time I see her I am purchasing something from her. She was looked hot in her red and black costume and her graceful movements were a pleasure to watch. I watched the next two performers: Surayyah and Imani from the audience before I went backstage again to watch the remaining performances and chat with the dancers. The set was closed out by Su’ad, another legend whose high-energy piece had everyone dancing backstage. I loved her foxy black mesh costume.
The final performance was the headliner and Turkish Romany Queen, Artemis. I sat as close as I could to the stage because like everyone else, I didn’t want to blink. She is beyond amazing. The first few minutes of her showcase covered much of what was learned in the intensive, yet since it was Artemis doing the dancing, it looked so much more regal. Immediately I noticed that she used a very small portion of the stage. Yet, she still appeared larger than life. She floated across the stage like she was riding an invisible cloud. My former ballroom dancing instructor always said that you can’t teach someone to have stage presence, they either have it or they don’t. If it were possible to teach it, Artemis would be the perfect example. She owns the stage. Her Zill technique was flawless. And when the music on her CD stopped and that’s when the show got even more interesting. First, she starts playing the theme song to ‘The Adams Family’ with her zills and she encouraged everyone to sing along and we did and it was cool. Then without hesitation, she started playing and dancing to the theme of ‘Green Acres’ and again, we danced with her from our seats. She finished off with an improv zill number that was beyond my belly dancing skills as well as those of most other dancers I know. Artemis is phenomenal and I don’t think any dancer can be compared to her. Her expertise and knowledge is something that I think most professional dancers strive for and God bless us all if we are ever able to reach that point.
Spotlight
All the ladies were excellent and it was hard to spotlight particular performances. Of course, I have to spot light onto the Farasha and Su’ad for their great performances and for putting together a great event. I missed DanceFest NJ earlier in the year, but I will make sure I don’t miss the next one. I am shining the light onto Surayyah, whose lively Turkish piece was a perfect with the hafla’s theme and Sirrah Nor, who performed before Su’ad. The spotlight will belongs to the legendary Artemis Mourat for an amazing and educational intensive and for blowing my mind with her performance.
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