Belly Dance Newsletter 2011 April

Kanz al Sahara belly dance troupe
April showers bring flowers, which bring beautiful belly dancers.
This weekend, Warda from the Czech Republic is teaching Oriental and Gypsy styles on April 8-10th for the first time in the USA! If you can’t take the classes, at least come to the show to be inspired by international and local Sacramento talent.Belly Dance Feature on Dina
In the Kanz al Sahara belly dance troupe class, we are working on a modern Egyptian style dance to a Middle Eastern pop song. The movements are inspired by Dina. Dina is the number one reining belly dance queen in Egypt known for her outrageous costumes, obvious modifications, and expressive faces. She is one of the most educated belly dance stars, holding a masters degree in psychology.

Interesting article interviewing Dina about being an Egyptian belly dancer:

http://biancaegama.multiply.com/journal/item/31/Belly_dancer_fears_her_art_is_dying_Dina

My absolute favorite video of Dina




Kanz al Sahara

Congratulations to Ariana and Kallista for a fabulous performance at FDF Center’s Feria Flamenco with KINA MENDEZ.

The next Kanz al Sahara performance is not to be missed! They will perform 4 select choreographies at UC Davis Picnic Day on April 16th. Come out and support these hard working ladies. They will perfrom at 3:20pm on the Wellman stage. Get ready for some open floor dancing at the end!

Costumes!

Kanz al Sahrara members and anyone who is interested in belly dance costumes, please read this article about how to pick out your most flattering belly dance costume for Kanz al Sahara performances.

Middle Eastern Recipe of the Month – Beef Kebab! (from Saad Fayed)

Spring is officially here so pull out the BBQ from storage and grill up some delicious kebabs!

  • 2 lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

24 hours prior to grilling, prepare marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, coriander, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Pour marinade into freezer bag and add beef cubes. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Remove from refrigerator and thread meat onto skewers that have been sprayed with cooking oil.

Spray grill with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.

Serve over a bed of white rice or pita bread

Happy April!
Nyla Crystal

Nyla Crystal’s April Performances

April 4th – Kasbah Lounge – Great hang out for mezze, hookah, mint tea and more. Belly dance shows at 9:30 and 10:30pm.

April 9th – Belly dance show with Warda of the Czech Republic in Lotus, CA. This will be an amazing show. Don’t miss it. Also check out the great workshops offered that weekend.

April 10th – Kasbah Lounge – Great hang out for mezze, hookah, mint tea and more. Belly dance shows at 9:30 and 10:30pm.

April 14th – Kasbah Lounge - Be enchanted with live world music by Sacramento’s Sambandha with belly dancing by Nyla Crystal. Show starts at 9:30 and goes till midnight!

April 16th – UC Davis Picnic Day 2011. 3:20pm at the Wellman Stage Come see Davis belly dance troupe Kanz al Sahara perform routines from all over the Middle East.

April 16th – Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant – Authentic Moroccan food in a beautiful restaurant. Belly dance shows at 7:45pm and 8:15pm

April 20th – Love you to Death/Deadly Beauties The famous show for the last time at Yoshi’s in San Francisco. Special guest special guest Melissa Cruz – performing a flamenco / fusion set.

9pm (doors open at 8:30pm)

1330 Fillmore at Eddy on the ground floor of the Fillmore Heritage Center. $10

April 21st – Kasbah Lounge - Be enchanted with traditional live Arabic music by Sacramento’s Flowers of the Nile with belly dancing by Nyla Crystal. Show starts at 9:30 and goes till midnight!

April 22nd – Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant – Authentic Moroccan food in a beautiful restaurant. Belly dance shows at 7:45pm and 8:15pm

April 29th – Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant – Authentic Moroccan food in a beautiful restaurant. Belly dance shows at 7:45pm and 8:15pm

April 30th – Kasbah Lounge – Great hang out for mezze, hookah, mint tea and more. Belly dance shows at 9:30 and 10:30pm.