HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GALA SHOW - CELEBRATING DANCE 2005
BY JANE CLARIDGE

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It just gets better! This years Gala Show had everything, and everybody! Polished performances from all; variety and imagination with everything from traditional to fantasy. The only thing it lacked was a proper stage with lighting and props! Large roof supports did I’m sorry to say, block the view as the dancers moved around the floor and I found myself bobbing and weaving in an attempt not to miss anything. The show was divided into two halves with all the performers dancing more than once throughout the evening.

Our host Afra is probably one of the most technically accurate dancers around, but introduce some props into her routine and you get even more for your money. A performer with obvious acting talent and a taste for the daring! I held my breath during the double sword balancing, and considered momentarily my own feeble efforts to balance one scimitar. How does she do it and play the finger cymbals? Impressive.

We first saw Afra’s Isis wings at last years show and this year our host had created yet another character using the wings. Afra appeared as “The Siren” on a raised gold plinth, the lighting dimmed and the wings held open. Her whole body shimmered gold, her eyes were coated with glitter and her white and gold costume completed the illusion that a supernatural being had appeared in front of us. Her performance was a mixture of dance and drama. Her facial expressions matched the dramatic; and at times melancholy mood of the piece, whilst she used the wings to their full potential. Afra excels at this type of performance and I look forward to the many wonderful treats in store for us from this very talented dancer and teacher.

Sara Shapnell and Emma Pyke are two of the most interesting and imaginative dancers around. Emma’s triple veil was very impressive. As the veils billowed out from her body as she spun around, she appeared almost ethereal. A lovely dance and I would very much like the technique to try it for myself! Her comedy routine was beautifully done and I loved the Fez! Accomplished, entertaining and just down right enjoyable. Sara did not disappoint us either, and both her dances were as usual lively and fun. But it was during the tribal dance that these two accomplished performers really shone. I am slowly but surely becoming a follower of tribal and easy to understand why when you see just how good it can be. The two worked as a team and their timing was superb. Most outstanding was the floor work that they included in the routine. Their costumes were fabulous and all their own work I understand! Headdresses of flowers, plaits and the all important heavy tribal jewelry completed the look.

Kay Taylor puts heart and soul into her performances. This lady loves to dance! You wanna get up there with her!! Loved the witch’s hat, nice touch, and everyone wanted the chiffon cape!! If you were lucky enough to join in one of Kay’s workshops over the weekend, you will all know just how accomplished she is and what fun she is to be with! Fun is what we got from Yasmin and Tony, but not before Yasmin had “blown us away” in the first half of the show with a fantastic fusion routine and drum solo. This lady is quality stuff, and if you’ve not seen her perform you are missing out!! Husband Tony joined in for the “Dance of a Thousand Cuts”, treating us to more of Yasmin stunning performance and Tony’s special brand of comedy magic. Not your cup of tea? No matter its show business and it was good!

Vashti is just so accomplished and graceful I could watch her for hours. She is definitely my icon and over the years I have known her she has taught me so much. Both her performances were as usual, simply stunning, and with the contrast of traditional and folk, it’s easy to see why Vashti is a “national treasure”! During the folk dance she appeared to glide on air around the floor whilst her arms and hands were just beautiful. I was lucky enough to take part in the workshop the following day and found out how the gliding step is done. Not easy!

The first international star of the evening was Dondi of Bellydance Superstars fame. Dondi is a wonderful dancer, perfect in every way from her lovely smile right through to the costume to die for! Could we ever become that good? I was very impressed at how beautifully Dondi handled her veil. It seemed to have a life of it’s own and she was so light on her feet. A lovely performance and the dramatic drum solo featured in the second half of the show, left us without a doubt that Dondi is indeed a Superstar!! Who can follow that? Morocco can! We cheered and clapped. We want Rocky!!!

What can I say about Rocky? Wonderful or what? An earthy, no holds barred style, but the technique is stunning and the atmosphere she creates by just being there has to be felt as well as seen. A member of our party was reduced to tears of emotion at seeing Morocco dance for the first time! No one handles a stick as well or the zills for that matter and I was as usual inspired greatly to improve at both or else!! Two wonderful performances from an outstanding performer and a lovely person.

Thank you Afra for a great evening of the best!

Jane Claridge