Aziza's DVD Release
Party
for (Arms, Hands and Poses)
Portland, OR - December 2009
As Reviewed by Nizana
Severina, Oberon, Nemra, Tamara and Ann
Manning the DVD Sales Table
My newest troupe member, Cheryl, and I flew from
Spokane to Portland, OR for the weekend with the goal of attending Aziza's DVD
Release Party at Portland’s Greek Cuisina on Dec 20th, 2009. Aziza released an
instructional DVD called "Hands, Arms, & Poses" that was
available for sale and was playing on the TV monitors. I bought a copy and need
to find some time to sit down and watch and perhaps review it!
Cheryl and I first went shopping over the weekend-
Lloyd Center, IKEA, Powell's Bookstore, (where we scored a bunch of belly dance
books) Mint Tea, a quaint little shop in Vancouver, WA (across the bridge) and
over to St. Helens to Fairy Cove Silks where we found fabulous veils, scarves,
skirts, tops and pants and got to spend time with Meagan who showed us the silk
dyeing process. That entire Pacific Northwest region has a great number of
shops for where to find belly dance items!
The venue Aziza (formerly of Portland, now of
Montreal) chose to highlight her new DVD at is special to her as she is a big
part of the Portland dance community and used to dance at the restaurant. Along
with her supportive husband, many of her friends, mentors and supporters showed
up to help her celebrate, and she took the time between sets to recognize
everyone, and not without shedding a few joyful tears! The Greek food was
wonderful and the bartender came up with something special for Cheryl as
requested. I would say the down side of the venue was the crowded cafeteria
seating which left many people being unable to see much at all and having to
get up multiple times in the middle of their dinners to let other people in or
out. We ended up splitting appetizers with the lovely dancers seated
across from us and had a really satisfying meal.
Nalini's Blue Lotus Troupe from Seattle opened the
show with entertaining Bollywood routines flirting behind the veils they wore
on their heads. Their hand gestures were sharp and the troupe was very together
in their movements. Rachel Brice, who recently moved to Portland, was next with
two alternative tribal fusion numbers that I'd wished lasted longer. Her back
bends and slow movements oozed with complete control and regal nonchalance.
Belly Dance Soulfire, from Portland and winning awards nationwide, came out in
fiery cabaret and I can see why they are so known to be so hot! We really
enjoyed their performance - great choreography and technique along with
expressive dancing from the heart. Blue Lotus came back with a costume change
for another energetic set performing Cabaret-Bollywood fusion that had some
members of the troupe doing different parts of the sets before they came
together again. Then it was time for the fabulous Aziza, looking stunning in
black and silver cabaret, starting off her set with a silk veil. She also
played zils at one point and her smile was just radiant the whole time. I
studied with Aziza again earlier this year and highly recommend her for her
instruction. She is an international talent to watch and learn from, and
tonight she was shining and joyful, clearly at home in her element.
We had a good time in Portland, came back with
goodies and found an enthusiastic audience at the show from mostly around
Portland/Vancouver as well as a contingent from Eugene. Congratulations to
Aziza on her new DVD release!
