.
Maja
"the Girl from the Nile"

Reflections of the Spirit of the Tribes
March 2002

Maja, the Girl from The Nile presented
"THE SPIRIT OF THE TRIBES"
2nd year largest TRIBAL BELLY DANCE gathering of the East
On March 8, 9. 10- 2002 - in Hollywood - Florida


The Guest Teachers were:

All Teachers (click for more pictures...)

 

BAZAAR- VENDORS were :

Audrena's,/ Father Dunn's Jewelry,/ Ilia Tribal (NY),/ Deb Chance,/ Jewel of India,/ In your Dreams (NE), Johara's International,/ Miss Bonnie,/ Scheherezade Imports / SwiftWaterbeads/

 

PERFORMERS OF THE WONDERFUL TRIBAL SHOW:

THE GUEST TEACHERS and

THE SPIRIT OF THE TRIBES, IN HOLLYWOOD FL. MARCH/02,
by ALMAZ (Linda Pierce) Review from Zaghareet Magazine

…The Second Year of the SPIRIT OF THE TRIBES that Maja put together in March this year, with hundreds of dancers, teachers, vendors and attendees and like the Gypsies , they came from all over and made their presence strong with a love of the Art of TRIBAL, flowing as if One, moving like the waves on and off the shore, was the most rewarding experience.
The largest Tribal on the East Coast that we know, in 18 hours of intensive incredible full classes showcasing the Essence of the Tribes, the Source, the Beauty, the Creativity, a non stop Celebration of magnificent talented Tribal Troupes performing, and a non stop Drum Jam by Beautiful musicians outside the dance classes


AwalimJill Parker
RakaduGypsy Tribe


The excitement, the magical atmosphere was a blessing to the senses, and so inspiring, to see the colors of flying gypsy skirts, tassels, amazing tattoos, body piercing, Indian cholis and colorful veils heavy jewelry from around the world, and the dancers looked like Ancient Warrior Women, a Clan, Unite Tribe , a Ritual of Beauty a Dream of the Past that touches us deep in our soul .

And in Maja own words, she says: "…. I am in awe to see my Dream come true.  When I was inspired last year to gather Tribals in a Weekend, I would never dream that it would become such a big event, a winner gathering in Hollywood, Fl…"

She brought this year again, a gathering of the most different, intriguing exotic and earthy talented teachers and they made us moving non stop through different techniques, designs, directions and Pure Art. It was so gratifying and inspiring to follow the different perspectives of the Tribal Style, and World Tribal & experience the differences between them.

AMEL TAFSOUT(Algeria) like the wind and fire, and water and earth, she is so grounded and strong, but ethereal in time and space, gave us a sense of what Ouled Nayl in Algeria is about. Her hips and her hands tell stories from all Women from the past. In the Show she gave us 4 dances, going deep into the roots of our Dance

JILL PARKER , director of Ultra Gypsy and dancer ROSE HARDEN were masters to handle over a 100 dancers in groups which took over the huge Gym experiencing improvisations, transitions and communication between partners, following and leading with so much style. Her format and combinations were magical and it was a great opportunity to see how "Tribal" movements have truly evolved, and how Jill created her own combinations out of the Carolena format, where she has started.
In the show, Jill & Rose presented a Tunisian dance w/ vases so delicious, playful, full of ideas, refreshing in its complicity and tribal format and also a more modern up beat Egyptian piece w/ zills. Jill is the most enigmatic, talented mysterious warrior and princess dancer. We were in awe of her beauty, her talent and tattoos.

ZIA ALI director of the Awalim Dance Co, went through a thorough Zill Rhytms Class - a Drill w/ accents rolls and flips w/ different patterns, in half and full time. In new formations working as a team. An awesome class so complete and with so much material to work from .

Her show w/ the Awalim Dancers was amazing. They are the awesome new blood of Tribal. They flowed through their formations showed us such an unbelievable precision traveling through floor work, baskets, zills and a Persian Dance.
Sinduvalli choreographed the most astonishing Fire Dance coming out of their fingers and presented it with Zia. All music by Solace.


ZAFIRA DANCE CO, for the 3 rd. time in Florida and everytime we see them it's a magical show of coordination going through difficult and intricate formations. 

With whirling turns and sudden drops and rises, the fluttering of their shoulders , so unique in their style merging and blending dance styles from central Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Uzbeki .

They performed w/ live music of Gypsy Caravan, and Cristina merged her movements w/ India Rajistani feeling, Olivia and Maria in a duet of an unforgettable scimitar dance and the 3 together showed their Art of merging and playing in the formations they taught earlier.

RakaduGypsy TribeKhafiff

More pictures from Spirit of the Tribes 2002...

The best to come were the awarded GYPSY CARAVAN AND MUSICIANS.
Paulette, Cammi and Dulcinea shared with us so many different views of the movements, combinations, and the Tribal art techniques. It was a blessing to have a Drum class by Bruce and the band played also during the class.

The highlight of the weekend was the presence of so many musicians and drummers who were jamming all day outside the Class Room, or in the hotel and the show was an absolute success thanks to their presence and talent and they added to the weekend so much joy and love for our Music and Dance.

Besides the presence of Bruce, Jeff and Wayne From Gypsy Caravan, Judy Piazza master drummer(MI), JAS master drummer w/ the troupe Kafif (PA) & the drummer of of Rakadu Gypsy Dance(KY)

We could not wait to see the Show this year, we could feel in the air a frenesi, a pleasure and this is what it was, a Celebration of talents. An awesome multicultural journey and inspiring parade of pure Grace & Beauty, and I was moved by all the talents presented. I learned and got so much inspired by the different styles and props presented.

Hozuhni (Fl) w/ a poem dance, words and drums by Judy Piazza; Kassar (NJ) adorable pure essence of tribal; Siddique Troupe(Fl) w/ a zills dance taught by John Compton in the last year Tribal, Narah bint Durr(WV) a snaky slow languorous solo w/ JAS Frame drumming; Lilith & Talisen (FL) in a Turkish spoon Dance just wonderful; Sahara Silk (FL) in a mythical Candle Dance w/ such a creative formation, Sala & Kala from Kafif Troupe (PA) in a Guedra, chanting by the Awalim and drums w/ JAS and///////; Spice Rd Dancers (Fl)tribal it its essence; Rakadu Gypsy Dance(KY) & Live music presented an exquisite merging of Flamenco, India, basket, and veil dance; In your Dreams (NE), for the 2nd. Time in Fl, has such a precision and timing in their formation which makes them just awesome to watch; Maja & the Gypsy Tribe gave us the most astonishing Goddess Isis Dance, that we felt as we were in a temple in ancient times, and like last year, they blessed us, with a Gypsy passion dance which is her landmark and was a hit.

And the show ended up with an improvisation in live music of the Gypsy Caravan with all the teachers in a Tribal Bliss.
I feel exactly what Maja wrote in the program "…TRIBAL STYLE came to reconnect our Dance in a more theatrical, dramatic magical dimension and brings up a touch of complicity, of dancing and sharing together, creating a feeling of unity, bonding, merging, improvising and blending our energies…."

I left happy and exhausted hoping and wishing to meet again my Tribal Sisters next year.


Here are some insights from the Dancers who attended
the SPIRIT OF THE TRIBES /02

Maja.. Thanks for your hard work for the Spirit of the Tribes. It was a phenomenal experience all around. While all the instructors were wonderful, I especially enjoyed Jill Parker (truly a dance goddess) and Zafira (such enthusiasm and talent).PATTI BEAMAN FL)

....Wayne and Bruce, the musicians, were so nice to everyone, and Bruce taught a wonderful, inspiring drum workshop. The informal jam session in the breezeway was mesmerizing; I played the Sruti box....NANCY HAYES (FL)

.......Thanks so much for putting together such an incredible event. We got so
much out of it. I was really feeling the need to recharge my creativity and be a student for a change and it was just wonderful.   I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed watching you dance. You have such a beautiful fire about you. Very inspriring.  RAKADY GYPSY DANCE (KY)

... It was an incredible experience, and we are already talking about next year. Everything was so fantastic, from the knowledge and history the teachers shared with us, to the beauty displayed on Saturdays stage. Karin and I are still in awe.Thanks again for letting us be apart of such an inspiring event....
Much love,Melanie and Karin- KASSAR TROUPE-NJ)

...Being at this event was a very positive experience for us.. Jesse has never been on a stage before and he learned to dance and dance with spoons in only a month...so we are very proud of him. He was very excited to meet the Gypsy Caravan musicians and while I was in the workshops, he was drumming outside with them...The workshops were excellent...I love Amel Tafsout...It was like learning to dance with an elder of the tribe...mother or grandmother...what a lovely person she is. Jill Parker is outstanding..very good at breaking down moves.. Gypsy Caravan are just so fun to be around...and they present a very well planned and organized class.
The entire event seemed to be very well organized and the shopping was fantastic!!! I got cool stuff....... Great job, Maja...thanks!!! LILITH & TALISEN (FL)

...and THANK YOU, Maja for a great effort to bring the best quality tribal classes to the southeast corner of the United States. Let's hope that many happy and satisfied participants will spread the word about the wonderful job you do in bringing this information to them . . .and more people will be curious enough to come the next time. Thank you for all of the efforts you continually make to extend the spirit of the dance to moe and more interested parties. You are doing a magnificent job. AUDRENA'S......

....TRIBAL VIRGIN ...I attended my first Algerian folk dance class at Maja's "Spirit of the Tribes" weekend event, on Friday evening. The class was being taught by Algerian master teacher, Ms. Amel Tafsout. I had heard great things about Ms. Tafsout in the past and I was very much looking forward to taking her class and experiencing her essence and knowledge. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I decided to have no expectations whatsoever, and I went with an open heart and a clear mind, to enjoy and learn what I could of this dance discipline. I arrived a bit flustered, not readily finding where, at the Hollywood Hills high school, the event was, exactly. The streets surrounding the school were "one way" only, so I found myself driving in circles until I saw some familiarly dressed ladies, walking about the premises ...

I had to change my clothes, after paying for class, and by the time I was ready, the class had started. I was very pleased to see that Ms. Tafsout had the students create a circle around her, as she stood in the center and pivoted herself around, observing everyone, and visa-versa - The same I do for the classes I teach, where no mirrors are available.

I related to what I call my *"Circle of Dance", and felt at ease with this familiar arrangement. I also believe there's a special and powerful energy held within the circle, and its symbolism of eternity - No beginning and no ending, but a continuous flow.

I approached the circle to take my place among the other students. My eyes wondered about, checking to see if there were any familiar faces in class. So far, the only ones I had recognized in the school's huge basketball court was Maja, who had greeted me when I arrived, Joharah, whom I spotted at her vending area, and Bipin, of Jewel of India, who was prancing around, as he usually does, socializing and being friendly with all the ladies.

The exotic scent of incense, perfumed oils and body heat lurked throughout the room, and the air was heavy with the sounds of jingling coins and earthy music from North Africa. I scanned the room, and for a moment, I thought I was in a far away land, surrounded by Wild Warrior Women, (and one male), all heavily adorned in "ethnic" silver jewelry, dressed in layers of cotton, gauze and ribbon tops and gypsy-like full skirts and/or "harem pants", with hips armed in coin sashes and huge tassels, ready for the dance! I felt improperly attired in my sparkly, navy blue baladi dress, un-tribal gold jewelry and K-mart hair clip. I knew I stood out like a sore thumb, unlike my warrior-neighbor, with her multiple ear and nose piercings, multicolored dread locks and artistically tattooed tummy, arms and biceps. I think, perhaps, I was wishing I looked as cool as she did! A moment later, I was able to spot some familiar faces and and I didn't feel so much like a stranger anymore.

This happened to be the first "tribal dance" event I was attending - I was a tribal virgin, ready for initiation!

Now, Ms. Tafsout, whose back was to me when I joined the circle, turned around, demonstrating the traveling footsteps pattern and shoulder shimmy combination she was presenting to the class, and she seemed to look directly at me. I have never before felt a jolt of energy come directly at me, from anyone, as I did from this intense and powerful woman. "Whoa!", I thought to myself "I hope I'm not in trouble for coming in late!" Her dark khol-lined eyes were huge, wide-opened and clear, and very expressive ... they say the eyes are the windows to the soul ... I felt her power, and, at first, I was a bit intimidated by it. After holding my glance steadily for what seemed a long time, Ms. Tafsout looked away and playfully proceeded to approach another lady in the circle, dancing towards her and inviting the latter to do the same. "Hmmmm ...", I thought, as I mimicked her dancing and gestures, here's someone who is open and direct, and who likes to let you know what she's all about from
the get-go. Her teaching proved to be as open and sincere, and as strong and powerful as the woman teaching it; uncomplicated in a sense, yet strong and beautiful. She mentioned that she was very strong, because as a child she had had to work very hard, (making bread, cooking, cleaning and other necessary shores) and this made her very body and her movements very strong.

I started to feel quite comfortable after a short while. I concentrated the steps and movements I was learning, and forgot about fitting in on being strange. I enjoyed myself immensely, letting go and just dancing for the joy of it, even though once or twice I caught myself wondering if I looked as if I was unfamiliar or uncoordinated with this dance. Then I remembered what I always tell my students; "First and foremost, you are here to have a good time and to feel happy, and if you learn how to dance, too, that's just fantastic!" JIHAN JAMAL (FL)

.....:SINCE I FOUND THIS NEW WORLD OF DANCING, ANOTHER GATE HAS BEEN OPENED TO ME FOR EXPLORING MY INNER SIDE OF BEAUTY AND BODY AND SOUL EXPRESSION AND YOU HAS BEEN THAT VESSEL AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT MAJA.

THIS FESTIVAL WAS AMAZING, SO MANY BEAUTIFUL DANCERS-SISTERS OF ALL SHAPES AND STYLES, THE PRETTY COSTUMES, THE DANCES AND ABOVE ALL...ISIS...WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY... I REALLY FELT TRANSPORTED TO A FAR AWAY LAND AND YOU MAJA YOU ARE SUCH A PERFORMER...GODDESS...ALL WAS SO NICE, AND THANKS FOR MAKING THIS CELEBRATION POSSIBLE....…...MIRIMAM from BOCA

.....The Instructors were great and I felt I could improve my skills and knowledge in all Midle East dancing and culture. Your dancing as always was
the Best. My family told me you dance and expression filled the whole show room with magic and art. Thank you for what you did for all os us.... ANGELA RICO

.....Luckily, I was able to participate in most of the classes being offered. I took Jill Parker, Gypsy Caravan and the drum classes. They all were incredible. I enjoyed that there was a variety of types of classes offered. I especially felt that the teaching style of the Gypsy Caravan member who taught the drum class was very clear and exciting. He guided us to understand the whole process of drumming and how to coordinate our self-learning.
As a performer, I felt so honored to be in the presence of such beautiful and talented people. It was so exhilarating to be on the stage with such a large audience. I could feel the energy of the other performers and the audience. This helped me stay focused and enjoy the moment.....Lynn Santos GYPSY TRIBE FL

..... Absolutely, we ALL enjoyed the workshop. The troupe (and I) had a wonderful time. We are all looking forward to doing it again next year. Like all the workshops we attend we always discuss what we liked and
disliked about the whole event. All of us pretty much agree on what is brought up. I will share some of what was discussed both positive and negative.

POSITIVE

NEGATIVE: Actually only one thing!


All in all it was *again* the best workshop we attended since your last one. I hope you will have us back!
P.S. My dancers were quite inspired by the performances of you and your troupe. Very beautiful, strong and spirited dances.....we loved them! Bright blessings......JULIANNA BATTAGLIA - SAHARA SILK FL

.... MAJA, Thank you so much for an awesome weekend. You really out-did yourself this year. There was such a nice variety in classes offered and performances in the show. We all had a great time, and we feel honored to have been a part of the event. ZAFIRA (PA)....

... Thank you very much for the opportunity to perform at and attend your seminar. I'm sure I can speak for all of us in saying that it was just wonderful. Thanks so much for your compliments on our performance, as well! We received a lot of supportive comments, and are looking forward to creating new choreographies -- maybe for performance next year (insha'allah)!

The show was a very good length and style this year, and I greatly enjoyed all performers. We are very proud of Troupe Khafif, and we appreciate your praise. Thank you very much. SAFA, TROUPE KAFIF(PA).....

....Your events have certainly grown and become the standard for this type of workshop. I don't know how you keep up with everything. Workshops are stressful enough without so many teachers and all to plan for. And the shows certainly define "tribal" with all the variety you are able to show.

Thanks and Keep up the good work. .... (LIBBY TROUPE SIDDIQUE FL) .....

..... You did it again!!! Your seminar was GREAT! We had such a great time. I took my first drum class and the only complaint I have was the drum class wasn't long enough.  The MC was very good too. She kept the numbers moving, one after another.

My only complaint about the whole show was some of the groups took too much time. You may want to consider time limits on the numbers (except the guest teachers, of course).

I hope you do this again next year. We will be there with bells on. You are the only one who supports the tribal style and we LOVE it. I know putting on a seminar is a lot of work, but it is really appreciated. Thanks again- Adena of Troupe Zahara. FL.....

MAJA, What a fabulous weekend, full of great workshops, performances, and friendships. You did it again Maja! thank you so much for including me and Gypsy Caravan. People seemed to be quite pleased with the whole thing! You are blessed! PAULETTE.....

.... And thank you for holding this wonderful seminar. It is such a great opportunity to come together and dance, learn and create (and outside of the SCA). I did enjoy the show more this year. I think the time limit was a good idea.

All the instructors were wonderful!! I am especially thankful for the opportunity to learn from Jill Parker/Rose Harden and Amel! I had not taken lessons from them before and their unique input was much appreciated. Of course, the rest of the instructors were great too, I am just more familiar with them.

I also appreciate your love for and dedication to this dance. We all have benefited greatly from that! Thank you! Love,Narah Bint Durr (WV) I

 

Maja
"the Girl from the Nile"
Email me now: Maja

Click here for 'home' page...

MajaNile.com