Kelly - Entel Hob
symbolism). The scene evolves in to all her students being
physically and metaphorically touched by Virginia (and
her legacy), and how they each become their own dancer;
her traditions, or “reflection” vested on to each and every
one of her followers and protégés, who have pursued the
same caliber of dedication and consummate perseverance to
become a great performance artist and teacher, as Virginia
has succeeded in becoming, herself. (If you watched the 2017
Grammys and Beyonce’s performance with all the women, you
can visualize what I’m describing here; when I watched that
on TV, it brought me back to Virginia’s piece and the feeling of
responsibility, as a leader in the craft, to others).
“Entel Hob” – Kelly, music of Oum
Kolthoum/Percussion by Amir Sofi
Kelly is one of the most dedicated of
Virginia’s students, long-standing and
loyal troupe member, and it was great to
see her get a major role in this show. As
always, she did her optimum best solo (she
always commits to excel, in the years I have
observed her performances), and even as
a protégé to her beloved teacher, she still
holds her own and has her very singular
style of Oriental Dance.
“Spring/Al Rebee” – Virginia, music of
Abdel Halim Hafez
This piece was very beautiful, yet distracting
visually, as Virginia performs partially
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The Belly Dance Chronicles
July 2017
on a wooden swing with rope handles
laced with garlands of spring flowers,
while magically suspended from above
the stage. The stage scenery represents
a garden in springtime and the colors
of the stage décor and her costuming
denote an “airy” feeling of freshness and
renewal, just as the rebirth we experience
each spring, when the latent winter gives
in to the aliveness of a blooming Earth.
Virginia, once again, shows her dexterity
for dancing while swinging and swaying
to the music. Although I enjoyed this
number, I wanted it to be a bit more
acrobatic, even if would clash with Abdel
Halim’s musical style.
Summer/Youth (ACT II – (this is a four-part segment) “Desert
Dreams”, Lorena, Kelly, Nawar, Melissa & Cast, music by Amir
Sofi Iquat Khaled” (see description after Tito Seif ’s)
“Melaya/Shaabi” – Amida, Nawar, Melissa, Victoria,
Arielle, Destin y, Music, Mercedes Nieto’s CD, “Bint el Hitta”
Tito Seif, cameo appearance “Saidi” (His own choreography)
Except for the entrance number “Desert Dreams” performed
to precision by members of Virginia’s dance company, “Wa
Nour Al Ayun” (Light of my eyes), and the “Iquat Khaled”
number (see my description below), this section of the show
Melaya