Shimmy Happens

Aleedra at Spiral Cafe 2/24/12

2012-02-24T15:23:00.001-08:00

Wanna see some great dancing to live music? The Raqs Band live in Yelm! Join us Friday February 24th, 2012 at the Spiral Cafe in Yelm, WA. Show starts at 8pm, $5 cover - What a deal! Fabulous Dancers and they have a full bar! Come get your Shimmy on and see you there!

Aleedra

RaqsBand Live in Yelm w/ Aleedra & Saqra on 2/24/12

2012-02-10T14:20:00.001-08:00

Fri Feb 24 - Raqsband Live Arabic Music & Dancing in Yelm starting 8pm Aleedra will be there performing along with Mas Uda, Saqra & many other fabulous dancers!

Raqsband will be playing at Spiral Café, 201 Yelm Ave, Yelm, 98597 (360-400-2233) - it's the ONLY 3 story building in town large white building - if going to Yelm from Olympia, it'll be on your right. Contact me, Kashani via Facebook or e-mail if you'd like a dance slot (let me know whether you want live or recorded). Saqra will contact you with details/time, etc of your slot the day before (let me know if you NEED a specific time frame). I will acknowledge your request so that you know you are on the list. Dancers so far include Saqra, Aleedra, Kashani and Mas Uda Dancers. We hope to make this a regular event come on out and support live music and dancers!! There'll be plenty of open dance time too! Here's info to keep in mind if you are dancing for this event (pirated with permission from Saqra!!): We ask that you keep recorded music times to no
longer than 7-9 minutes for a troupe. Soloists 4-7 max -

Hope to see you there! This is a great opportunity to support a local band at a local venue!

Sincerely Shimmies,
Aleedra

Aleedra at Jimmy Ts this Saturday 2/4/12

2012-02-02T12:08:00.001-08:00

Come and join us for a night of shimmiastic dancing & great music! Jimmy Ts from 6:30-9pm 23803 104th Ave SE, Kent WA. More than worth the $5 - Hope to see you all there!

Hafla Date Change for ShimmyHappens Hafla

2012-01-11T12:47:00.001-08:00

Greetings Sister Bellies!

I'm hoping everyone had an excellent New Year! I'm sorry to announce that we need to change our Shimmy Happens Spring Hafla date from April 21st to May 19th due to unforseen conflicts. I've checked the calendars and hopefully I didn't miss any major event going on that night.

Shimmy Happens Spring Student Hafla will be May 19th, 2012 at Charisma Dance Studio in Lakewood, Wa. Doors open at 5:30 and show starts 6pm. I will begin accepting dancers sign up on April 1st, for 3, 5 or 7 minute solo/duet spots and 5,7 or 10 minute troupe spots. Performers & children under 10 get in Free, otherwise is $5 at the door and you get a free raffle ticket.

More information will be coming soon, you can visit my webpage at www.aleedra.com & click on Hafla.

I can forsee alot of shimmying in 2012 everyone's calendars are booked!

Sincerely,

Aleedra

2011-12-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

2011-11-24T11:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Giggle Giggle Gobble Gobble Shimmy Shimmy Day everyone!!

Performances this weekend!

2011-11-10T16:52:00.001-08:00

Want to see some bellydancing this weekend? You are in luck! Aleedra & Sister's Diama will be dancing at Hasani's Hafla this Saturday the 13th at the 1st Congressional Church in downtown Tacoma. For more information check her out at hasani.net.phtemp.com/hafla.html hope to see you there!

Got a craving for some good Food & good dancing? Aleedra & Sisters Diama dancing Sunday night starting 6:30 in downtown Olympia's Great Cuisine of India so shimmy on down for some fun!

Aleedra

Spooktacular Halloween Hafla

2011-10-28T11:30:00.001-07:00

Come see Aleedra & Sisters Diama at the annual Spooktacular Halloween Show on Saturday Oct 29th King Oscars Hotel in Tacoma, WA.

Festival dancing & vendors free to the public from 3:30-5pm to see Sisters's Diama & then come to the evening show at 6:30 to see Alimah, Aleedra & Nialah Tarab. A spooky steal for $15 at the door!

Bring canned or dry pet food to donate & receive a free raffle ticket for some excellent prizes & don't forget our costume contest & family firendly entertainment. For more information & workshops check out www.halimadesigns.com or go to www.koscar.net for address & driving directions.

Be there or Beware!

Aleedra

Fall Hafla!

2011-09-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well we had such a great show last night! I wanted to thank everyone who came & support ShimmyHappens Hafla! Such wonderful dancers who graced our stage & of course wouldn't be possible without our rockin audience clapping encouragement! Mark your calenders for next Spring Hafla on April 21st and we will see you there!

And remember Shimmy Happens!

Shimmies Aleedra

Shimmyhappens Fall Hafla Line Up - September 17th

2011-09-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

I have attached the updated Line up for our upcoming Fall 2011 ShimmyHappens Student Hafla Line this Saturday September 17th, 2011 in Lakewood, WA. Doors open at 5:30 & the show starts at 6pm.

This is always a fabulous show! Cost for Non-performers is $5 at the door and you get a free raffle ticket. Additional Raffle tickets are available for $1ea. Performers and children under 10 get in free. We are really enjoying our new Location Charisma Dance Studio at 3901 100th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 and we hope to see you there!

Dance spaces are full but you can still support the Hafla as an audience member. Videos from A Productions will also be available and as always its a fun, relaxed show with someting for everyone!

Me and Sister's Diama hope to see you there!

Beg Time Dancer/Group
6:00 7 Sister's Diama (Lucy & Jazz)
6:07 7 Off The Cuff Tribal
6:14 7 Tamzine
6:21 10 Mas Uda
6:31 5 Aleedra Iron Veil
6:40 20 1ST INTERMISSION
7:00 7 Scarlet
7:07 7 Nialah & Debbie Duet
7:14 5 Susan Embaum
7:19 10 Bushra Farah Dance Co
7:29 7 Kashani
7:40 20 2ND INTERMISSION
8:10 5 Sister's Diama (Tabla Talks)
8:05 7 Inaras Solo
8:12 7 Kizmet Solo
8:19 10 Ucanto Student Troupe
8:29 7 Aleedra Solo
8:36 Closing Words and Raffle

Waitlist
1 Gerald

Sincerely,

Aleedra

Shimmyhappens Fall Hafla Line Up - September 17th

2011-09-12T11:21:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

I have attached below the upcoming Fall 2011 ShimmyHappens Student Hafla Line up for September 17th, 2011 in Lakewood, WA. Doors open at 5:30 & the show starts at 6pm.

Dance spaces are full, but I will accept some waitlist dancers so please if you want to dance contact me via email or call me at 360-791-8101 to get on the waitlist. Be sure to identify if you want a duet/solo spot of 3,5 or 7 minutes, or a Troupe spot of 5,7 or 10 minutes.

Videos from A Productions will also be available and as always its a fun, relaxed show with someting for everyone!

Me and Sister's Diama hope to see you there!

6:00 7 Sister's Diama (Lucy & Jazz)
6:07 7 Off The Cuff Tribal (Ucanto Troupe)
6:14 7 Tamzine solo
6:21 10 Mas Uda troupe
6:31 5 Aleedra Iron Veil
6:40 20 1ST INTERMISSION
7:00 7 Scarlet solo
7:07 7 Nialah & Debbie Duet
7:14 5 Susan Embaum
7:19 10 Bushra Farah Dance Co
7:29 7 Kashani Solo
7:40 20 2ND INTERMISSION
8:10 5 Sister's Diama (Laurie, Frances, Katie )
8:05 7 Inaras Solo (last act)
8:12 7 Kizmet Solo
8:19 10 Ucanto Student Troupe (Off Cuff)
8:29 7 Aleedra Solo
Closing Words and Raffle

Sincerely,

Aleedra

Shimmy Happens Fall Hafla September 17th, 2011

2011-08-01T09:33:00.001-07:00

Save the Date, Shimmy Happens Fall Hafla is September 17th, 2011 doors open at 5:30pm show starts at 6pm $5 at the door for non-performers and children under 10 get in free! I am beginning to take dancers and spots are available on a first come, first serve basis so don’t wait reserve your dance spot early!

There will be raffles and prizes!

Remember we are at our new location Charisma School of Dance
3901 100th St. SW Lakewood, WA 98499 253-581-8711

For more information check out my website at www.aleedra.com or email me at aleedra@mindspring.com

It's going to be Shimmiastic!

Aleedra

Aleedra & Nialah Tarab at Jimmy Ts!

2011-05-06T08:37:00.001-07:00

Aleedra & Nialah Tarab along with many other wonderful dancers will be at Jimmy Ts in Kent for Saqra's 1st Saturday Live music show on Saturday May 7th. Show starts at 6:30 21 & over crowd only with a $5 cover at is a great opportunity to see some amazing dancers, listen to some fab live music and great food.

Hope to see you all there! Address is 23803 104th Ave SE, Kent WA.

Shimmcerely,

Aleedra

Fabulous Shimmy Happens Halfa

2011-04-21T09:40:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment and thank all the fabulous dancers, volunteers & audience members who came to support out 16th ShimmyHappens Student Hafla. We were packed, the performers were hot & the energy was fantastic. Looking forward to seeing you all there again for our Fall Show on September 17th 2011!

Thank you! Aleedra & Sister's Diama

Spring Shimmy Happens Hafla is upon us!

2011-04-11T17:00:00.001-07:00

We have a fabulous and full dance list for the Spring Shimmy Happens Student Hafla with Aleedra & Sister's Diama in Lakewood.

April 16th, 2011 doors open at 5:30pm show starts at 6pm $5 at the door for non-performers and children under 10 get in free!

There will be raffles and prizes!

Remember we are at our new location Charisma School of Dance
3901 100th St. SW Lakewood, WA 98499 253-581-8711

For more information check out my website at www.aleedra.com or email me at aleedra@mindspring.com

It's going to be Shimmiastic!

Aleedra

April Spring Hafla 2011

Beg End Time Dancer/Group
A 6:00 6:05 5 Sister's Diama (Hip Solo)
B 6:05 6:12 7 Tamzine
C 6:12 6:22 10 Mas Uda
D 6:22 6:29 7 Sweet, Sassy N Shimmy Troupe
E 6:29 7:36 7 Miss Scarlett Marie solo
F 7:36 6:43 7 Jeweled Scarab Dance Company
G 6:43 6:53 10 Banat Iskandaria Troupe
H 6:53 6:58 5 Aleedra Iron Veil
INT 7:00 7:20 20 1ST INTERMISSION
I 7:20 7:27 7 Midnight Oasis
J 7:27 7:32 5 Sister's Duet (Nialah & Debbie)
K 7:32 7:37 5 Lahwa
L 7:37 7:40 3 Ashley Solo
M 7:40 7:50 10 Off the Cuff Tribal
N 7:50 7:57 7 Bushra Farah Dance Company
O 7:57 8:00 3 Youth Belly Silhouette Dance
P 8:00 8:07 7 Abijah Solo
Q 8:07 8:14 7 Revolutionary Divas
INT 8:15 8:35 20 2ND INTERMISSION
R 8:35 8:42 7 Medea
S 8:42 8:47 5 Sister's Diama (Fan piece)
T 8:47 8:53 7 Susan Embaum
U 8:53 8:58 5 Phoenician Phireflies
V 8:58 9:08 10 Students of Ucanto (Troupe)
W 9:08 9:15 7 Nialah Tarab
X 9:15 9:20 5 Sahare Solo
Y 9:20 9:27 7 Aleedra Solo
9:27 9:30 Closing Words and Raffle

Waitlist
1 Elisa Bassett Solo

Aleedra at the Mas-Uda Benefit show Saturday April 2nd 7pm

2011-03-30T12:24:00.001-07:00

Greetings come see Ruby, Mirabai, Mas-Uda and Aleedra at the annual Mas-Uda Benefit Show Saturday April 2nd at 7pm. Show is at the Evergreen State College Communications building in Olympia. For more information on the show or the fabulous workshops both Saturday & Sunday please visit www.mas-uda.com/annual_benefit.htm and email Kashani. Hope to see you tthere!

Shimmies! Aleedra

Beginning Dance Classes with Aleedra

2011-03-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

Beginning Dance Classes with Aleedra at Clover Park Technical College!

Classes will begin on Thursdays April 7th, 2011 for 8 weeks 6-7pm! Only $85, learn essential techniques, posture and foundation movements for middle eastern dance and have fun doing it! To register call CPTC Registration at 253-589-5666 and give them Item# 6804.

Hope to see you there!

Aleedra

Spring Shimmy Happens Hafla

2011-02-28T17:33:00.001-08:00

Well it's that time of the year, we have begun accepting dance spots for the Spring Shimmy Happens Student Hafla with Aleedra & Sister's Diama in Lakewood.

April 16th, 2011 doors open at 5:30pm show starts at 6pm $5 at the door for non-performers and children under 10 get in free!

There will be raffles and prizes!

Dance spots are available in 3, 5 or 7 Minute spots/duets for solos and 5,7 or 10 minute spots for troups. Please indicate what time slot you want when you email or call me at 253-843-2083.

Remember we are at our new location Charisma School of Dance
3901 100th St. SW Lakewood, WA 98499 253-581-8711

For more information click on my Hafla link or email me at aleedra@mindspring.com

It's going to be Shimmiastic!

Aleedra

Check Points, Airports and Wait, Wait, Wait

2011-02-04T13:11:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Feb 1st – Thursday Feb 3rd

We settled down for breakfast Tuesday morning, discussing plans for the day in an empty restaurant (we'd swear we were the only people still there but we heard but rarely saw anyone else). The costumers and fitters were supposed to be there between 10 and 11am, and then we would finish packing whatever wasn't already packed. We planned to leave Wednesday morning after curfew. During breakfast I got a call to the front counter, it was our Guide, who was very tense and a little panicky. She explained that Mubarak supporters (many of which were paid policemen, thugs, looters and escaped prisoners) were planning their own demonstrations to combat the million man march scheduled that afternoon. She said we were all getting out and to tell everyone to be packed and ready by 11am for the ride to the airport. If we couldn't get onto flights earlier then we'd stay at the airport so we were told to bring as much water and food as we could carry, it would be a long crowded night.

At first pandemonium broke out, until we all realized we were basically already packed and ready to go. Having our guide panic on me for the first time made me feel like panicking. Questions came up about the costumers trying to get into Zamelek. The fitters showed up and promised to be fast, so some of us got our costumes and measurements – rushed but at least they could mail them to us later. The other costumer with the completed costumes had not yet arrived, but we couldn't wait for them. With being packed up and waiting for the van to arrive, we got word that the gift shop across the street opened up for a short time, happy to do some shopping which we'd not been able to do most of the trip (All the shopping was scheduled for after the outbreaks) and get some trinkets most of us went next door and while they didn't have much we made rapid transactions, but again no change so we bought more than we intended to, we repacked our last minute purchases there in the lobby.

The van arrived and we checked out the hotel, the driver began loading all of our luggage there were so many of us with luggage they had to pile some of it on top of the van. As we got into the van I passed an Egyptian carrying a bag into the hotel and I saw sparkles and I asked him if he was the costumer and Yay! the costumes came, and they were stuffed into carry on bags.

We began our ride to the airport; about 11am normally this would have taken an hour maybe hour and half with traffic. We were stopped at many checkpoints literally one every block. At first it was the policemen, questioned the driver, opened the doors stared into the van, opened the back to look. Then it was the soldiers who did the same thing, then was the street patrols. Our van apparently was suspicious as we were constantly stopped. Eventually we locked the back of the door, and they just craned their neck, and Astryd pretended to be American so just the driver told them we were getting out, but we were stopped about two dozen times and had to answer questions.

When we finally arrived at the airport it was crazy, we walked past tents of people waiting to be let in, we were told this was either large groups who had tickets and where waiting for their flights to come in, or they were people waiting to see if they could get someone else's seat I'm not sure. When we did finally get into the airport to check in, we had to first go through security. I cannot describe how many people and the crush of bodies, luggage, the noise and yelling, children crying. We all get our feet run over by carts and feet, just a mass of bodies trying to move in the same direction. We got into the "line" for security and luggage we had to take the luggage off the carts and onto the security scan. Luggage was piled on top of each other, through the scanners. I don't know how they would have been able to tell whose was whose, what was in what, they were all just crammed in there. We were trying to stay together, and stay with our luggage as we've heard how the policemen will steal things out of the luggage but it was impossible.

We finally got through and the terminal was almost as bad. We stood in line with our luggage and with the efforts of our Guide and another worker we had tipped really well to help us. Finally we understood that they would not let us check in until 5am. It was now almost 3pm. They tried to tell us to go back through security and wait outside, told us we could come back when the terminal cleared out later that day but our guide and the worker argued and told them we would stay here. We took over a corner and managed to get some more carts to keep the luggage together. We sat on the luggage, an old security scanner, the floor and a table to guard out luggage. The bathrooms were horrible; they were dirty, flooded many times, and just filthy. Then they would be cleaned and okay for a while and they would get bad again. We tried to time our bathroom breaks with the cleaners, however we were running low on change to tip the attendants and they weren't very clean so we tried to avoid the bathrooms when the attendants were in there.

Finally the terminal cleared out and there was almost no one there but us, on either side of us there were whole families camped out on the ground talking, but we took over our area being such a large group and that seemed to keep most everyone else away. Bored someone got their I-Pod out and we again got up to dance. The airport employees loved it, as well as the tourists many walked by, took pictures and videos of us. We practiced choreography, did improv solos and did group tribal, it helped to pass the time. We made friends with some of airport employees which came in handy later when we needed information. We met other dancers from Korea who came up to dance with us, and some Egyptian men stopped and danced with us as well. This helped to pass some of the time.

We had brought water and snacks which was good, but as time went by we got tired and cold. The air conditioner was stuck on, and the employees said they could not turn it off. At first it felt really good with the crush of people but after the masses cleared out, it got very cold. We huddled together and tried to fall asleep about midnight. Some us slept on the luggage, chairs, on each other. It was so cold we had a very hard time, some people were able to get their cell's to work for texting and some calls to tell our families where we were and we just tried to settle in for 5am.

5am came and went and no employees from Delta showed up, now we were getting concerned as we were told we had to check in no later than 5 hrs before our flight or they may give your ticket away and we were almost at that time, then we began to 2nd guess – were we even in the right terminal? After talking to the friends we made they said there was no employees from our flight company anywhere at the airport, and that they'd come in around 9am (assuming after curfew). At 9:20 am a few showed up, so we quick as possible lined up, as the terminal began filling up again about 7am and we were very tired by now from lack of sleep and muscles just aching from the night of cold. We all felt our patience was seriously lacking. The employees ignored us and socialized, talked and began decorating the area with their company logo. Finally about 10am they started at the back of the line asking security questions and sending people forward, and we had to work our way with our luggage to the back of the line before they'd give us the sticker that we were "safe" to check in our luggage. We had a lot of traffic problems pushing our luggage in and out of each trying to move in different directions, but finally we checked our luggage in and got our boarding passes.

Walking out to the main check in lobby once again it was loud and noisy, but not as bad as it was the day before. We got through immigration and customs; I swear they never even really looked at me or the passport before pushing us through. While in line, an older women was crying she was leaving her home because it was unsafe and wasn't sure when she'd be able to come back or what it would be like when she came back. We helped each other through the line.

On the other side I was amazed, it was quite warm, clean and there were restaurants and shops, completely different than the last 22 hrs. Some of the restaurants were closed or had limited menus, but the coffee shops and duty free shops were open, we didn't have much time as our flight was leaving in two hours. We got a quick sandwich and something to drink and then tried to find our terminal, but they had not yet assigned one to our flight. It was definitely crowded, and it was obvious some of the families had been there all night, but it was not like it was downstairs. Finally about 40 minutes before we were supposed to fly out, they assigned our terminal and luckily we were close by as we got 2nd in line. It was difficult lined up, as it was outside in the main hall with everyone rushing around with us, and their luggage, we were in the way and caused a major traffic jam, people pushing around us angry at the traffic block.

The plane was supposed to depart at 12:15 at 12:30 some policemen and Delta employees showed up, they were talking, laughing and then they would leave, the reader board kept saying we were leaving on time but the flight should already have left, then it changed to "check in" and then it changed to boarding, but we were still standing out it was about 1:30 we had been standing for almost 2 hrs in the traffic. Many of us had either thrown our water away or chugged our water as we knew we couldn't get on the plane with more than 3 oz, so we had to go to the bathroom or was very thirsty. The Employees refused to talk to anyone who tried to talk to them, but the policemen seemed more preoccupied with their cigarettes than security, as they sat on the luggage scanners and smoked, incidentally directly underneath the "No Smoking Sign" and about 15 ft from the designated smoking section. Then the policemen put up a sign that the terminal was closed, and told us it was the wrong terminal, but when we asked which terminal it was supposed to be he only shrugged. Not knowing what else to do and figuring the plane wouldn't leave without all of its passengers we stayed there.

Finally about 2:00 they turned on the scanners and began checking luggage, which was quite ridiculous. The police scanned the luggage and then when you got to the waiting room, the employees looked through the bags. We were quite tired and annoyed, when the man who was examining tampon, tried to break it and then question me as if it was drug paraphernalia, I yelled very loudly "It's a Tampon!" he became quite red in the face and let me through.

There in the waiting room we waited for another hour, and talked to some Americans who worked in Cairo and was being sent home by their offices. Other Americans had literally just gotten off the planes, been held up for 2 days at the airport and when they got out, were sent home by their hotels and came back to the airport, other had never even left the airport. Some of our traveling companions who were supposed to catch a connection flight in Rome, were concerned about missing their flight, as they only had an hour between arriving in Rome and connecting and the plane was already 3 hrs delayed. They waved goodbye, looking happy from across the terminal but there was too much of a crowd to talk to them, we had to assume they got a different flight but unable to confirm it. Finally we boarded the bus to go to the plane about 3:30. We were quite thirsty and everyone had to hit the bathrooms first. Then we stayed in the airport for another 40 minutes while there was a problem with the flight plan and communications from Cairo to Atlanta to leave and then we were off.

Things went much smoother after that, having spent the last 24 hrs just waiting. Luckily they immediately served water and food and we got to Rome with no problems. We stayed in the plane while they refueled and switched passengers, but there was surprisingly enough room. As we buckled down for the long 11hr flight to NY, I was able to change to a row with no one in it, and then eventually just stretched out and slept for the first time since Sunday night. Almost feeling human again when we arrived in NY a little after midnight, I was sweaty, grimy, achy and sleepy but so overjoyed to be safe and back in America.

We called those on the west coast to let them know we were safe and get the word out, our cell phones worked as well as internet so we were able to get on and started going through the mail and messages. Our flight was scheduled for 7:45am but we couldn't check in our luggage after customs until 4:30am so we settled down in a terminal for another wait with a Jamaican security guard. We tried to wash our hair in the bathroom sink, switched out our cloths to something clean. We kept the CNN on and watched the news, to see the Mubarak supporters mow down and whip through the crowds, as well as the Molotov cocktail fight between protestors. I think that had been the worst part of being at the airport in Cairo was complete lack of communication and news as to wait was going on back in Cairo. I had long conversations with an Egyptian who had been on the plane with us, and he taught me to say "Yahia A SowRa" which is "Long Live the Revolution" in Arabic. Then we discovered that our traveling companions had not gotten another direct flight but instead had checked into a Cairo Hotel near the airport and were waiting for their new flight to Paris. Concerned again at how they were doing, we finally heard they were boarding for Paris and we had a sigh of relief. We also got word from our beloved Tour Guide Astryd that she'd made it to Dubai safely. We all agreed and were relieved that we'd gotten out when we had. We finally got checked in, and got coffee and loaded onto the plane for the last leg of the journey home.

The flight was beautifully un-dramatic compared to the rest of our travels, but we were so tired and exhausted it was difficult to react to anything. I don't think I've ever been so glad to see grey skies as when we arrived safely and early in Seattle at 10:40pm. By the time we got through to Baggage claim it 11am and we realized we'd been traveling for more than 58 hrs, including the time change and no wonder we were dead on our feet.

Our friend Angie surprised us at baggage claim; it was so great to see a smiling. She began to cry and that made me cry, she brought us peace lilies which was a lovely gesture. Everyone had been so worried, she also surprised as with KOMO 4 news. I declined to give an on air interview as I felt disgusting and tired, but did give a radio interview with John. It was difficult describing it to him, and then when the camera's showed up I just finished the interview with her. I've heard it's been on the radio but I don't remember what I said or what they asked me, I think I was on autopilot.

Angie gave me a ride home which was great, I was trying to get through all my messages, I still have 23 messages to go, and I hadn't even touched my email account yet. When I did get home, I just dumped my luggage and held on to Sister in Law and my dog. Then my mother showed up, she'd brought me white roses and I was so touched.

I took a shower which was so heavenly but was so tired I forgot to condition my hair, so I had to go back in and do it over, my mother was laughing at me. I sat down and tried to describe it, told her I wanted to blog this all from memory before I forgot. My nephews showed up and we had lots of conversations. I showed them what few photos we'd managed to take before we'd been advised to stop taking photos. My sister planned a dinner for me, but I was so tired I don't remember much other than the wonderful fresh salad, I finally crashed about 7:30pm.

I do remember waking up at 2:30am having a small anxiety attack, something was wrong and my heart was racing. I finally realized it was that it was quiet, there was no shouts, gunfire, screaming, no prayer calls, or horns honking it was just quiet. It took me a while to calm down and my dog was whining so curled up with her and fell fast asleep.

This morning talking with my family and going over the pictures made me realize how lucky I was to both be home and safe, but also to have been there in the thick of it. To really know what is in the hearts and minds of the Egyptian people, and what they are going through. They have a long journey and my heart goes out to them, that they have to fight for the simple freedoms to speak, to have a different opinion then their government. I hope some day I will go back to Egypt and it will be better for them. They are a race and culture of such pride and history but so little to show for it beyond their relics and tombs. When we think of Egypt we think of the pyramids and long lost pharos and Gods. When I think of Egypt now I think of the people, the way the smile when they talk to you, they way the apologize for things outside of their control, their passion in their pursuit of their freedom, their perseverance in the face of adversity and oppression.

I wanted to thank all of my traveling companions for sticking together during this time; we had fun first and foremost, keeping each other sane during tense moments. Laurie, Francis, Arild, Shelley, Nona, Janet and Billie. I'd survive a revolution with any of you in a heart beat. I also wanted to thank your Dancing Tour Guide Astryd, from bellydancetours.com she did an amazing job, and we had so much fun! Even when things turned south she kept it together, kept us informed and kept us safe. Also wanted to thank Ashraf our Egyptologist Tour Guide and Khalid our Driver from Giza Travel Company, not only for the excellent tours, interesting stories and history, but especially for keeping us safe and sound on the road from Alezba. We owe you so much more baksheesh than you can imagine and we hope it gets to you soon. I'd also like to thank the hotel and staff at the Flamenco Golden Tulip Hotel in Zamelek. Everyone was so kind and gracious, the staff helpful and smiling through it all. Often times it felt like we were the only people in the hotel and they were running it just for us. And lastly I wanted to thank the local community men in Zamelek for their street patrols. I know they were taking up arms to protect their own families and businesses, but for those few nights we were part of their family and they protected us as well, so thank you.

YaHia A SowRa & Shukrin Jazelin!!! <sp>
(Long Live the Revolution & Thank you Very much)

Signing out~!

Aleedra, aka Sheli Sledge

Dance, Jets and Change of Plans

2011-02-04T13:08:00.001-08:00

Monday Jan 31st

We woke on Monday to some good news, one of our dance teachers had agreed to come into Zamelek during the day and teach a final dance class as part of our tour. It seems petty now light of what was going on in the city but we were so excited for the distraction. The studio was only 6 blocks or so from the Hotel. Very excited to get out of the Hotel we began to get ready. My Teacher from the balcony next door stopped by very early and said they had heard there may be some European evacuation flights starting at the airport and they were heading over to see if they could catch some. We exchanged information to make sure we all got home okay the lobby was chaos everyone was getting out, and the hotel restaurant was completely empty. People were piling into the cars with luggage trying to get everything to fit.

We went to dance class, Dianah Tarken was awesome! A lot of fun combinations, interesting level changes and flirty movements, we were excited to have something positive to work on. I like how she broke down what the words/meanings of the song was an incorporated it into the choreography. On our way back from the Studio we stopped off at a Pharmacy that was closing early for curfew and hit the Market one last time. The Market was frantic, the President had increased the curfew from 3-4pm and everyone was trying to stock up and get home before curfew. People had to pay more items or not buy items as no one had change. The hotel gift shop was unable to sell me something as he didn't have change for the larger bills, and I ended up buying more than I wanted to since there were no small bills. We were also excited as we had costume fittings we were missing, and alterations on premade costumes, Astryd talked to the costumers and they agreed to deliver the finished costumes to Zamelek Tuesday, and send some boys to take measurements to being construction on the custom costumes. This was one of the main reasons we went to Cairo was for costumes so we were very excited.

We had dinner in the hotel again; we all believe we've personally imprinted the hotel menu selection on our brains we'd been there so often. Again the restaurant was dead, we were the only customers. We attempted to get onto the Internet again and made some phone calls to the family to let them know the plan to go to the airport on Wednesday and try to catch a flight. That night things seemed calm to begin with, the soldiers were out patrolling the streets along with the street patrols, rounding up prisoners and trying to keep the looters at bay.

Fighter Jets made several passes over the city and many their were many conversations was it a show of force by Mubarak, or the Military who ordered them and what was their statement? A threat, a show of support, the soldiers still had not picked a side, and some Egyptians felt this was a positive thing, while others said this was a silent support for Mubarak. Towards the evenings we heard fights breaking out, looters and the soldiers stepped into to stop some of the beatings. We began to get notice that there was a call for a million man march planned for Tuesday the 1 week anniversary of the first set of demonstrations tomorrow. Our Guide became concerned that this would make traveling difficult and further inflame tensions in the Square. Then we got notice that Pro-Government supporters may be attending on Tuesday, and that was quite a scary thought.

Up to today each day around dawn, most of the demonstrators had cleared out of the square, but today a large majority stayed. They became very vocal against the President; he had appointed 3 new positions and made a statement earlier in the week he'd step down for re-elections in September. Then suddenly he changed his mind, stating the demands. He continues to call this an Egypt Uprising or Unrest, when in reality in the hearts and minds of many Egyptians this is a Revolution. Calling it an Uprising or Unrest makes it sound as if they are misbehaving children, looking for attention from their benign father, but this is not the case. After years of corrupted officials, authoritative leaders, rigged elections and hopes smashed for their future the Egyptian Protestors vowed to stick it out until their current President steps down. Tension towards the US was also growing as President Obama had not made another statement, after his message to Mubarak to "follow through with his promises"; the news had many reports of Egyptians asking the US to support the revolution.

This afternoon when prayer calls came on we could hear the crowds singing and chanting their prayers from what is now called "Liberation" Square as if it was next door they had so many there in numbers. There is something incredibly surreal about hearing prayer calls singing beautifully on the PA system, hearing the chanting and singing of thousands of people, as well as sporadic gunfire, screams, sounds of breaking glass. Later that evening more mobs of people marching down the street, singing, chanting as they moved from checkpoint to checkpoint.

Conversations of getting out sooner than Thursday became the topic of the night. One of our travelers works for an Airline and he made a few phone calls to the States to see if there was anything his coworkers could do, to change our flight plans and get home sooner. We got calls back about 2am and luckily the manager was sympathetic and worked with us to get us knew itinerary. Unable to get earlier flight than Wednesday at 12:15 and we agreed to meet the next morning to discuss leaving early Wednesday right after curfew to get to the airport.

Soldiers, Tear Gas and Window Watching

2011-02-04T13:01:00.001-08:00

Sunday Jan 30th

As I'm back-blogging this from memory I want to give a quick disclaimer. What I'm describing is from a condensed version. While some things were ongoing seemingly all night, in reality it was sporadic and you'd hear sudden shouts, screams, gunfire and by the time you'd jump to the window to see what it was, or how close it was it would be gone. I annoyed my very patient room mate but jumping up constantly to search out the balcony. I think for me it was the not always knowing what was going on, or understanding what was happening that was so stressful, combined with being cooped up in the hotel room with out distraction became very wearing and the hours seemed to meld together and we lost track of timing.

After an uneasy night, Cairo was plagued with gangs on motorcycles looting businesses and break-ins the Street Patrols would rush them as they drove by telling them not to slow down or stop here. Our Guide called us in the morning and said she was still trying to reach the US Embassy and she'd left messages but had not heard anything back other than recordings telling US citizens to stay in doors. She was checking if it was safe to take us to lunch a few blocks from the hotel during the day to discuss our options, but that due to the curfew we'd want to be back with plenty of time.

Since we were in Zamelek removed from the fighting and demonstrations we were told it was safe to go to the Metro Market (across the street from the hotel) and stock up on water and supplies. The hotel seemed crowded in the morning with travelers showing up having just now gotten out of the airport, or being turned away from the airport. Most of the morning reports seemed calm.

We got the call for the reprieve and got to take an escorted walk through Zamelek to go to Lunch at a Pub near out Travel Company about 6 blocks away from the hotel. The changes in Zamelek were apparent. Most businesses were closed, windows boarded or painted, steel doors closed down in the middle of the day. Men congregated in the street passing information and plans for evening security. The Market was slammed with long lines as people tried stock up, tissues, water and cigarettes became scarce.

At the pub everyone tried to predict the future, was it going to calm or was it going to escalate? We bandied rumors, ideas, predictions, hopes and fears. Most of us wanted to stick together, but some wanted to stay, others did not. Then came the conversations of can we get out? With reports coming that the Airport was overcrowded, flights canceled and people stranded with no food or water. Was it worth it to brave the streets to get the airport and then be worse off when we get there? Word from the airport was in order to get a ticket you had to be at the airport as without internet there is no way to know seat availability. Even going to the airport was no guarantee flights were available. Also there were financial repercussions and concerns, since the Embassy had not yet officially begun evacuating US citizens the Flight companies did not want to change flight plans without additional charges, or were charging you for another flight entirely. We wouldn't know the cost until we got the airport, and we'd have to pay for it with our dwindling cash on hand as there was no way to know if the ATM's worked at the airport any better than they did anywhere else in Cairo.

We then got word while at lunch that Delta was sending flights Tuesday morning to assist people getting out. 6 of us had tickets out on Thursday but those who had pre-existing tickets would get first pick. It was decided tentatively that Tuesday would be a mad house and insane to try and go and get a flight with everyone else already stranded there getting on those relief planes and it would be better for the 6 who already had tickets to try and their existing flight plan. The flights were early on Thursday, and we realized that to be at the airport for check in before Curfew we would have to leave Wednesday afternoon, with plenty of time to drop us off at the airport and get checked in. This was all contingent on the demonstrations and general tone of violence, if things get bad we could always go early. Our Guide suggested we pack up almost everything and live out of the suitcases just in case things changed so we could move at a moments notice.

Heading back to the Hotel a little lighter for getting some air and having a plan, we confiscated the 8th floor Hall that had a large mirror and practiced our dance choreographies for a few hours, much to the amusement of the hotel employees. We then had Dinner at the hotel restaurant again. There we met a young man working as a waiter who told us proudly that last night he had carried a sword like Zorro and stood watch outside, patrolling for his community. His cousin was out there tonight, and he'd switch with him the other night, until President Mubarak stepped down and things went back to normal. He pointed out the Boss Chief, out the window who had organized the patrol with schedules. The night watches wore arm bands to distinguish themselves and checkpoints every block, as well as monitoring who came and went from the island. He and many of his peers apologized constantly to us for the revolution interrupting our trip and we had many conversations with the locals about the need for this, and how they wanted the president to step down.

During this time we saw the soldiers and tanks come rolling in, the Egyptian people I spoke too seemed very pleased with this development as they hoped the soldiers would help the Anti-Government protestors and keep the policemen from making trouble. We had heard the police were not going to come into town except to protect the ministry, and the Soldiers were there instead. As they braced for another night of outbreaks, demonstrations and looters I saw a father walking with his young son maybe 5 or 6. The man was holding a 2x4 and his son was carrying a stick and was practicing hitting things with it.

Almost immediately we saw smoke on the horizon and turned on reports about the fight between policemen and demonstrators outside the Ministry. The soldiers did not help, but nor did they stop it. The soldiers did help stop looters as possible, the tanks moved around the city all night long. We constantly heard chanting, cheering and screams from across the water, impossible to tell the difference sometimes. At one point we could hear the artillery shells and gunfire, we saw the tear gas well up behind the Ministry of Culture, as we were discussing if the wind was blowing the right direction our eyes began to water and we began to choke, we shut the window and balcony to try our luck with the Telly.

Reports were coming in about escaped Prisoners and if they were released on purpose by the government to add to the Pro-Mubarak movement (We heard rumors many of them were offered up to $20 a day to come support Mubarak and encouraged to be violent against protestors. When the average pay is $2 a day this was a fortune) As well as general outrage and sadness about the damage done at the Museum of Antiquities, the soldiers vowed to keep Egypt's treasures safe and moved near the museum, pyramids and sphinx. We felt very blessed that we had just been there before the damage was done. We discovered the attendants, waiters and chefs at the hotel were working long shifts from 4pm-8am as they couldn't go home due to the curfew, and taking shifts each night serving street patrol. Many of them were still there when we came down to breakfast the next day.

We needed a tension break and attempted to watch a movie that night, but each loud bang, explosion and outbreak of gunfire had me hopping up and running to the balcony to see how close and what was going on. I had long conversations with a stranded teacher in the room next to me from the balcony as we spent a large portion of the evening gossiping what we heard and from whom and what our plans were for getting out. We witnessed large mobs of people moving like amoebas down the street to different areas two or three times, shouting, cheering and yelling.

We shared our admiration for the Egyptian people and our disgust at the lack of response from our US Embassy. Again for the 2nd night we went to bed wondering what was going on outside that we could hear but could not see.

The ride back...

2011-02-03T04:13:00.001-08:00

Saturday Jan 29th

After receiving a frantic phone call from our main tour organizer in the middle of the night (She'd been calling every hotel from Sekkura to Cairo trying to find us once the phones came back up) we woke early dried our clothes with the hair dryer and got our free hotel breakfast (all bank & CC machines were shut down and we used what little cash we had with us to get the hotel room) we got in the van (where the driver, tourguide & security officer slept overnight) and began to try and head back to Cairo.

Cell phone & internet still down as we got through the 1st checkpoint we began to see signs of violence. Rows and rows of police vehicles burned out or beat up. Signs and buildings with gaping holes, still smoking and broken windows. We finally made it back to our hotel on Zamelek island. The hotel attendants were so relieved to see us as they had been very worried when we didn't come back. We got a message from Astryd to not leave the hotel while she checked with the US Embassy. Meanwhile we began to get the stories from the local Egyptians that had not been on the news

What had begun as peaceful but passionate (as all Egyptians are) demonstrations, the detoriated when the police - long standing symbols of a corrupt government rife with abuses of power decided to quell the disperse the demonstrators with a show of violence. The demonstrators already enraged at the government, pissed from the technology blackout began to fight back and overpowered the police.

We rested in the early afternoon as we were all still exhausted and then Pres Mobaruk did two things. He announced a 4pm curfew stating anyone in the streets after 4pm would be in danger & then he sent all the police away. In a city that has a min of 1-3 policeman on every corner, he told them all to go. The neighbourhoods concerned because a large number of homes and bizs the night before had been attacked by opportunist looters who took advantage of the choas, began to organize neighbourhood safety watches.

As evening prayers began, we saw groups of local men gathering on the streets carrying makeshift weapons, pipes, golf clubs, 2x4s and sticks. It was a long night as the city braced for potential threats and the protestors tried to maintain order and the rest tried to protect their homes and bizs. We were told they set up barriers on the Bridge to our island to keep the gangs away.

As night fell we could hear shouts, gunfire and screams as the cement & tile city echoed down the Nile to our balcony. We watched newsreports religously jumping from CNN, BBC and when desperate the arabic channels as they were live even if we couldn't understand them. Our egyptian friends on Zamalek were safe but worried about their friends and families, especially when we began to get reports that the neighbourhhod watches had taken down many of the looter gangmembers and found their policemen id badges. Outraged many of the Egyptians believed the President sent his policemen out to loot and cause problems on purpose, it could also be that already corrupt policemen decided to get some revenge and took advantage of the situation I do not know.

Things were definately escalating, still having not heard back from US Embassy other than to stay in our hotel room we tried to sleep amidst the noise, outrage and confusion.

Riots, Road Closures & Ramses II

2011-02-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

Yes I'm back in the States in NY waiting for my next flight back to Washington. As many of you may have heard the Internet was shut off in Egypt and I was unable to blog the events that unfolded. I will attempt to back blog the last week to fill you in, but wanted to first post that we are safe & sound. Egypt however is not.

Thursday Jan 27th

We made our way into MahMoud Reda's Dance Studio inthe heart of Cairo. The building was quite antique and MahMoud had had it for 30 yrs. The 82yr old was spry, smiling and very quick witted. His Assistant Nesrin became his body as she worked us through some of his artistic-folkloric choreographies but this did not stop him from getting up and showing us footwork and spreading wisdom. Really a memorable experience with a middle eastern dance icon.

From there we went to Eman Costumes and met her and her talented sister Hoda. We had a fashion show of her latest line and fell in love with many costumes. She is designing a custom dress for me in a dark violet color that I just can not wait for! So talented and she really understands dancers and their bodies.

We now headed back to the hotel to rest up for Dina's late night show. Protestors were calm but worried about traffic we went the long way around. When we got there Dina was canceled as she didn't want to leave her house due to the protestors. We decided to stay and see the substitute. We got to see a small Egyptian Cover Band and then Yosra an Egyptian Pop star and her dancing boys. They did not know what they were getting when they pulled some of us up onto the dance floor to dance & they were so happy to see we could keep up with them. I can know honestly say I danced on a Cairo stage lol it was a lot of fun with their full orchastra and all these young men trying to get you to do different moves.

Dina's sub was California born Sabriya who danced to a full Orchastra. She did 4 sets including a cane peice all lovely of course but not Dina. However it did give us a chance to see an Egyptian night club but it was not very crowded due to people not wanting to brave the streets due to demonstrators. We had a lovely night and got home around 4pm.

Friday Jan 28th

Having heard notive that the peaceful demonstrators were making a call for more demonsrtations we left early to head out to Sekkura & Memphis to see more sites as our tour guide wanted to avoid the big planned mid day protest. We had been assigned a security officer for the last three days but was told it wasn't really neccesary but just a precaution. Up to know all they had done was keep us together as a group and help us in & out of the van really.

We left early and went to the Coptic Christian temples and Jewish mosques. We had a great private tour and it was lovely. We then traveled to the countryside and visited Sekkura where Ramses II main seat of power and Imotheps Tomb was. It was amazing to see so much stone & rock shaped and learn how the Pharoahs were tested. We also got to visit a carpet school and see the beautiful artwork the children do there. We stopped for a late lunch in a little village called Alezba and had a traditional out door grill very very good food! Will be dreaming about their shish Taouk for the rest of my life.

As we attempted to leave we hit our 1st notice that something was wrong. All the drivers, security officers and tour guides from all the vans and busses were in intense conversations listening to the radios. We heard then that President Mobaruk had turned off cell phones, phone & Internet in an attempt to quell the growing demonstrators as well as having closed down all roads back into Cairo to keep them from coming into the city.

We settled down for a wait and got to flirt with the local villagers and their children until they finally decided to head back towards a nearby resort to await word while they tried to get permission from the police to get us back to our hotel. Finally about 11:30 or tour guide finagled us a deal and we got rooms as we were exhausted from running around the ruins and a lot of waiting we rinsed out the clothes we had on our back, showered and turned on the news to see that the peaceful demonstrations had turned into riots as the police had began firing on and beating unarmed demonstrators. We went to sleep with images of burning vehicles, bloody demonstrators and screaming masses with the plan to get up early and try to get back into Cairo.

This was for us as tourists the beginning really of the Lotus or otherwise known as the Facebook revolution.

Costumes, Camels and Cairo Cough

2011-01-27T02:01:00.001-08:00

We started yesterday off at the amazing Egyptian Antiquity museums, our Egyptologist Guide Ashraf was very detailed and funny. He explained that the musuem had over 160,000,000 antiquities and if we were stop at each one for 2 minutes we'd be there for 3 months, 24/7 so he promised to hit all the key elements, some random ones and we also had some free time to explore on our own. We started early before it got crowded and had so much. I learned so much about Ancient Egypt, Pyrimids, King Tut (The Famous but not "important" boy King as the Egyptians say). It was fascinating the sheer amount of history, religous and beauty, we could have spent days there and still found something new.

We went to a lovely Papyrus museum and got to see how they make papyrus paper, and painting it. Made my first real tourist picture of the Egyptian Calendar and Tree of life, they are lovely.

From there went to lunch at a restaurant overseeing the 2 of the Great pyramids and then traveled to the pyramids. I can't say they were huge as even that is an understatement, but it is difficult to describe the size and scope of the pyramids. We talked alot about construction and the theories on building with Ashraf but he says to this day the historians and scientist have not yet proven a method of building with ancient technology, nor with modern technology. We then had the fabulous adventure of having Astryd barter for our camel rides, which was a wonderful thing to hear her expressions on his first astronomical price and then their back and forth until they came to an acceptable price. We each got assistance getting on the camel, which I have to say was much easier than the Indian Camels. Boys of about 10-15 led the camels on foot, we got some great pictures, until we got out to a very scenic spot in which we could see all 9 of the pyramids in one shot. The boys took pictures of us, on the camels in front of the pyramids and then we went back. We were filthy, smelling of camels but we all had huge grins on our faces and dismounting a camel is really quite graceful and lovely.

From then we moved onto the sphinx which was quite crowded and really not able to get very close but had some great photos from a distance.

After the dust and camel ride many of us have come down with a sore throat and what I've dubbed the "Cairo Cough" but we are holding up well, and learning all about Egyptian cough rememdies LOL and finally we went to Amira El Katan otherwise known as Pharanics costumes. Amira was amazing, so kind and detailed, very funny and very sharp. I think we all ended up purchasing at least one of her designs and some of us (Two, yes yours truely) but unfortunately as they are being made from scratch I will not get them for a month, but I am so excited.

However our evening plans for the Zar were interrupted as the Riots are still ongoing. We hear from the news they got out of hand, and 38 people arrested and 6 dead. Rather than brave the Riots we took a night off and ate the the Hotel on the top of the restaurant with a fabulous view of the Nile at night. As sad as we were to miss the Zar (might be able to fit it in again) we were all quite exhausted and happy for the excuse to be home early.

Today we had our lesson this morning with Astry to give us some hints on adjusting our American Dance techniques and did a general introduction to Egyptian style. She is a great, very lovely and she kept us entertained through our lesson.

Today will be a long day, we have broken for lunch and if downtown Cairo stays clear we are going to Mahmoud Reda's studio for class then on to Eman Costumes. Then the plan is to rest up for Dina's late night show starting at 11am.

I hope everyone is doing well and I will see you soon!

Shimmies!

Aleedra

Riots and Contrasts

2011-01-25T22:10:00.001-08:00

Greetings,

I wanted to interrupt the regularly scheduled blogging to send a quick note, that if you were wondering of our safety during the Cairo Riots last night we were unharmed. Supposedly they looked very bad on the camera's but for the most part they were fairly calm and contained. We did not actually see much more than the riot crew, all dressed up, looking very tired and young (mostly boys it looked like). Yesterday was a policeman's holiday and they were supposed to have a day off, however that is when they choose to hold a Anti-government demonstration due to the economic oppression and rapant corruption. Really it just amounted to having to go around alot of blocked roads.

Cairo is a city of contrasts, we drove through the streets with alot of poverty and broken down houses, vehicles etc and went to the Hotel Grant Hyatt in Cairo and went on a Marquise Dinner Cruise, were were saw an entertaining Tandoori dancer (Sufi spinning) three sets by the lovely Nessma in different costumes. The food was excellent, the boat was exquisite, very posh and upper class. Everything was clean and elegant. Music was very loud, but Astryd says my ears will adjust LOL.

This morning we are doing the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, the Pyramids and costumes at Pharanics.

I can't wait!!

Shimmies!

Aleedra

Farida, Food and Fabulous!!

2011-01-25T07:22:00.001-08:00

Greetings,

Well we arrived in Cairo late in the afternoon on Monday, weather was humid but cool with the breeze. Our driver was excellent pointing out several famous buildings and historical points on our way from the Airport the Heliopolis area of the Cairo into Zamelik our neighbourhood for our stay in Cairo.

Traffic was our first main introduction to Cairo, very full, heavy and hot with alot of waiting, honking and pedestrians crossing. We met Astryd officially and such a wonderful welcome! Our rooms are quaint overlooking the Nile and two Mosques. After rest and clean up, Astryd took us to a Welcome dinner at Sequoia restaurant which was so beautiful! It is a boardwalk restaurant on the Nile River with a covered tent area, beautifully decorated with fauna, candles and canvas. The food was excellent and atmosphere very posh and relaxed.

Day two began with a 5am Prayer Call over the speakers, but we could not be annoyed as it was lovely to hear! We had a Tour of the local Zamelik seeing all the shops, banks, coffee houses and crafters that we might visit over our stay and then immediately jumped into our first lesson with the Fabulous Farida Fahmy. Farida is a traditional Egyptian dancer and drilled us on egyptian technique, arms, posture, knees and traveling steps. She had some excellent combinations and timing lessons for us and I recommend her for anyone visiting Cairo.

From there we had lunch and zipped off to Raqia Hassan's Costume Shop, Where the girls tried on costume, after costumes till they found the style and color they want. I am holding out for the next two designs but her styles were lovely and some of the girls ordered and or bought straight off the rack.

Tonight we have a show and a cruise and tomorrow we see the pyramids so we are very excited! I will check back in as I can.

Love and Shimmies to you all from Cairo!

Aleedra

& so the journey begins...

2011-01-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Sitting at the Seatac airport having breakfast waiting to board the flight. Heading to Detroit, then to NY and finally to Cairo.

Laurie my "Travel Date" and I keep saying in high girly voices "I can't believe we are going to Egypt!"... soon soon soon :)

Back to the blog

2011-01-06T21:00:00.001-08:00

Well I took a break from blogging during the holidays but I'm back & boy is there a busy 2011 ahead.

I will be dancing at the clelestial ceremony at Rustycon in January, Hasanis Hafla in February, Rakassah in March & of course our spring Hafla in April. I can't forget my long awaited trip to Cairo! So excited only 17 days to go. I'm hoping to do frequent blog updates on the trip & our activities so I can keep you all connected.

I hope everyone had a wonderful winter holidays & a fabulous New Year! Bright Blessings & talk to you soon!

Aleedra

Aleedra at Enat's on Saturday November 20th

2010-11-15T09:58:00.001-08:00

Please Join us this Saturday November 20th!!

An intimate, Monthly performance of a variety of Middle Eastern Dance, folk, tribal, and fusion featuring Aleedra with guest dancers Genevieve and BreAnn with student dancers Niallah Tarab and Sherah!

$5 cover, all ages, full bar for 21+ w/ ID
Open dance to Arabic pop until 9 pm
Enat Ethiopian Restaurant
11546 15th Avenue NE / Seattle, WA (Northgate area)
(206) 362-4901

Arrive by 5:30-6 pm for dinner and best seating!

Please forward this on to your students, friends, or family members that might be interested in a fabulous show with wonderful and inexpensive dinner options.

For information on Enat, please visit www.leylalarab.blogspot.com or contact
BreAnn at breann@raqsbreann.com

Check out Leyl Al Arab next month December 18th featuring Hasani!
www.hasani.net

Shimmy like your Mummy Halloween Hafla

2010-11-03T13:32:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to send a shout out to Susan in Randle for throwing a fabulous Halloween Halfa! Thank you for inviting me & Sister's Diama. We had a great show with mummies, aboriginals, corpse brides, fan veils & wonderful dancing.
Coming soon Hasani's Hafla in Tacoma on the 13th of November & yours truely performing in Seattle at Enats on the 20th. Have a fun filled Fall and hope to see you at a performance soon,

Shimmies, Aleedra

Fabulous show tonight!

2010-09-18T22:54:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to send a shout out to everyone who braved the traffic & weather to come & support the Shimmyhappens Hafla! We had a great show & we will see you again the 3rd week of April! & Remember Shimmy Happens!

Bellydance Hafla Shimmyhappens Student Hafla Saturday 9/18/10 in Lakewood, WA

2010-09-17T10:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

This is your friendly reminder of the fabulous Fall 2010 Shimmyhappens Student Hafla is this saturday on Sept 18th at Charisma Dance Studios in Lakewood, WA. We've had a few changes to the line up & our Doors open at 5:30, cost is $5 (children under 10 & performers free), Dancing, Fun & Prizes, For more information please see http://www.aleedra.com/hafla.htm

I have included the line up below so please check out the wonderful dancers & we hope to see you there!! If you are performing, please check in at the door, you will be given an intro card, complete the intro card & indicate if you are starting on or off stage, give your intro card and your music cd to the sound man & enjoy the show! There will be a dressing tent set up in the main lobby for your convenience. My cell phone is 360-791-8101 if you having trouble finding the place or some emergency comes up. the address & Map along w/ details is at my website www.aleedra.com click on Hafla, but I've included it here for you as well. I respectfully ask that all dancers be there before the show starts if not before the doors open at 5:30 & dancers can purchase raffle tickets for a $1. Videos will be available for purchase of $10 each. I'm so excited to have you all performing at the show!

Charisma School of Dance
3901 100th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
253-581-8711

Shimsincerly, Aleedra
September Fall Hafla 2010

Beg End Time Dancer/Group
6:00 6:05 5 Sister's Diama (Fans)
6:05 6:12 7 Abijah Solo
6:12 6:19 7 Medea Solo
6:19 6:26 7 Tamzine Solo
6:26 6:33 7 Inaras Solo
6:33 6:40 7 Hanan
6:40 6:50 10 Mohini Moon
6:50 6:55 5 Aleedra Iron Veil
6:55 7:15 20 1ST INTERMISSION
7:15 7:20 5 Katana Solo
7:20 7:27 7 Nialah Tarab Solo
7:27 7:37 10 Bushra Farah Dance Company
7:37 7:42 5 Sister's Diama (Veil)
7:42 7:47 5 Samia
7:47 7:52 5 Jeweled Scarab Dance Company
7:52 8:04 5 September
8:04 8:11 7 Troupe Du Jour Hanan's Student Troupe
8:11 8:31 20 2ND INTERMISSION
8:31 8:36 5 Nona Solo (JSDC)
8:36 8:43 7 Midnight Oasis Seniors
8:43 8:50 7 Alessandra Solo
8:50 8:57 7 Kashani
8:57 9:02 5 Sister's Diama (Masrawadi)
9:02 9:07 5 Kiara Solo (JSDC)
9:07 9:14 7 Sahare Solo
9:14 9:21 7 Aleedra Solo
9:21 9:30 Closing Words and Raffle

Fall 2010 Shimmyhappens Hafla Sept 18th in Lakewood

2010-09-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

This is your friendly reminder of the fabulous Fall 2010 Shimmyhappens Student Hafla this saturday on Sept 18th at Charisma Dance Studios in Lakewood, WA. Doors open at 5:30, cost is $5 (children under 10 & performers free), Dancing, Fun & Prizes, For more information please see http://www.aleedra.com/hafla.htm

I have included the line up below so please check out the wonderful dancers & we hope to see you there!!

Shimsincerly, Aleedra

Beg End Time Dancer/Group
A 6:00 6:05 5 Sister's Diama (Fans)
B 6:05 6:12 7 Abijah Solo
C 6:12 6:19 7 Medea Solo
D 6:19 6:24 5 Waitlist #1
E 6:24 6:31 7 Inaras Solo
F 6:31 6:38 7 Hanan
G 6:38 6:48 10 Mohini Moon
H 6:48 6:53 5 Aleedra Iron Veil
INT 6:53 7:15 20 1ST INTERMISSION (+ extra)
I 7:15 7:20 5 Katana Solo
J 7:20 7:27 7 Nialah Tarab Solo
K 7:27 7:37 10 Bushra Farah Dance Company
L 7:37 7:42 5 Sister's Diama Veil
M 7:42 7:49 7 Susan Banat Iskandaria Solo
N 7:49 7:54 5 Jeweled Scarab Dance Company
O 7:54 7:59 5 Waitlist #2
P 7:59 8:06 7 Troupe Du Jour Hanan's Student Troupe
INT 8:06 8:30 20 2ND INTERMISSION (+ extra)
Q 8:30 8:35 5 Nona Solo (JSDC)
R 8:35 8:42 7 Tamzine Solo
S 8:42 8:49 7 Alessandra Solo
T 8:49 8:56 7 Mas Uda: Kashani & Marhaba
U 8:56 9:01 5 Sister's Diama Masrawadi
V 9:01 9:06 5 Kiara Solo (JSDC)
W 9:06 9:13 7 Sahare Solo
X 9:13 9:20 7 Aleedra Solo
9:20 9:25 Closing Words and Raffle

Shimmyhappens Fall Hafla September 18th 2010

2010-07-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

Now accepting dancers for our Fall 2010 Shimmy Happens Student Hafla
September 18th, 2010
Doors open at 5:30pm,
Show 6-8:30pm
$5 at the door & get a free raffle ticket!
(Performers and children under 10 free)

Interested in dancing, please send an email to aleedra@aleedra.com and specify your name and solo/duet for 3, 5, or 7 minutes or a troupe peice for 5,7, or 10 minutes.

Additional raffle tickets available for $1 each

At Charisma School of Dance
3901 100th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
253-581-8711

See you there!!

Thank you for a Fabulous MedFest!!

2010-07-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to send out a Thank you to all those who worked so hard to put on Medfest!!!

So on behalf of Sister's Diama & Aleedra

Thank you for the Shimmiastic Event!!

Aleedra

Medfest or Bust!

2010-06-28T16:28:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update that Aleedra will be performing on Saturday at Medfest http://www.babylonianensemble.com/ on Saturday July 17th 5:32pm and Sister's Diama is performing on Sunday July 18th at 1:24pm. We hope you will come and support this incredible local venue, with lots of shopping, dancing and all around fun.

I also wanted to give a shout out to two of my dancers, a mother and daughter set, amazing women, strong, kind, generous and loving! You go girls & love you!! & Keep up the fight and I see such amazing and beautiful things in both of you futures!

Love and Shimmies,

Aleedra

Journey Blessings

2010-05-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

To the most amazing woman I have ever known, who taught me the value and joy of unconditional love, Thank you for all that you have done for me, especially the love you gave me. My Grandmother taught me to do what I love with joy, pride & laughter, and I do that in dance. Every performance is a legacy to my Grandmother, Diana.

I will miss you always, & you will always be in my heart. Blessings on your journey, and may you find your wings that I always swore you had. All my Love.. your Grandaughter.

Alauda's & Saqra's Showcase

2010-04-23T15:46:00.001-07:00

Thank you Aluada's, the SkyLark Club & all the beautiful dancers for the wonderful Show on Tuesday night in Seattle, there were some great performances and alot of fun! I was dubbed "Shimmiastic" on Tuesday and I think I'm going to use it!

Sister's Diama are getting ready to head to Saqra's Showcase, see everyone in Hillsboro Oregon on Sunday April 25th at 5pm. Check it out http://www.bellydanceshowcase.com/aprshowcase.html

Shimmies & Shopping, Can't beat that!

Aleedra

Hafla Thank you

2010-04-20T18:01:00.001-07:00

I wanted to take a moment and thank all the dancers and attendants to our Spring Shimmyhappens Hafla this saturday. We had some amazing dancers and the belly buttons get a special mention they were so beautiful!!

Upcoming shows include Saqra's Showcase this Saturday April 25th, Hasani's Hafla and Sumay Indian Restaurant in May hope to see you there!

Hugs & Shimmies!

Aleedra

New Website.. It's so pretty!!

2010-02-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my new favorite Brother-In-Law who along with my Sister surprised me with a new website it's so lovely and I have a new blog so I can keep people up to date on me and my Sister's Diama's performances and events. Please bear with me as I delve into the new world of blogging, until I get used to this new fangled technology. Please feel free to subscribe to my blog so you can get notifications and updates to events, performances and workshops!

Love, Blessings and Shimmies!

Aleedra