Camel Caravan’s Year End

Blowout Sale!!

We are clearing out our current inventory for the end of the year to make way for the new. Everything will be on sale! Come check out

our selection of Hip Scarves, CD’s and DVD’s, Sharif Wear and Gypsy Tribal wear, Zills, Props, Costumes, Accessories and More.

When: Saturday December 4th from 11:00am – 5:30pm Sunday December 5th from 11:30am – 4:30pm Wednesday December 8th from 4:30 – 8:00pm

Where: 10608 130St. Edmonton, AB (Green House)

Find the perfect gift for your dancing friend or purchase a Camel Caravan Gift Certificate. Taking a bellydance class next term? Find

all your dance supplies at up to 35% off tag price.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Address from the Artistic Director:

As a young chiropractic student, I saw Bellydance as theatre art for the first time in 2002. It was Arabesque Dance Company’s production ISIS and, while not new to seeing dance in or as theatre, I remember thinking that it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Completely captivated by the music, dance and visual imagery, I thought the dancers on stage were the luckiest girls in the world. In my mind’s eye, those pieces are as vivid and haunting 8 years later as they were that day.

That memory is the inspiration for Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble and our production of Imraatu and East Meets West. It has been two fun, frustrating and rewarding years to get us to the stage and to fulfil our vision. We hope that the Edmonton community finds these shows moving and motivating and that this is not the end of a journey, but the start of an even bigger and better one.

Enjoy the show!

Aurora Ongaro

THANK YOU’s

There are so many people that deserve a heartfelt thank you, and I have endeavoured to include all of them here:

My family, who are my foundation and support me in everything I have ever done or tried. My loving husband Ralph, who is ever patient with my many nights away, makes sure I stay healthy and fed with delicious home cooked meals, and for every “I love you” over the last 11 years. Natasha & Maria for their creative talents, influences, running rehearsals in my absence and media expertise. Imraatu would not have come together without you. Holly & Kelly for working tirelessly to make sure the fresh ideas keep coming in, all the To Do lists are completed and that the “I”s are dotted and the “T”s are crossed. You made the administration part of this possible and kept my sanity. Mariann & Camel Caravan for their costuming help and expertise on a rather small budget. DJ Rex for editing and mixing our music. Gabriel Cabrolier for his creative help and restructuring of Aahat, Christina & Vicente Munoz for their tango expertise in Otra Luna and Usha Gupta for her knowledge of Indian dance for the piece Yasmina. Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble for their relentless drive to work towards this common vision, late nights, tired bodies and extra rehearsals to make the show come together. Edmonton Middle Eastern Dance community, students and their families for their support and continued help when called upon and support. Thank you to our musicians from U of A Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. Yasmina and Suleiman, thank you for your knowledge and being my inspiration.

And lastly, but certainly not least, to you the audience member... Thank you for joining us on this artistic journey.

Aurora Ongaro

If you don’t plan on keeping the program, please recycle. Thank you!

EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST

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Kristan

Kristan Bickley has been dancing with the Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble since the summer of 2010. Kristan is also involved in the salsa dance community. “Learning from and dancing with Aurora has been an inspiration for me”.

Lindsey

As the most junior member of EBE, Lindsey is thrilled to be here! She fell in love with dance at age four, and has studied Ballet, Ukrainian, and Oriental. Lindsey balances her participation in EBE with her studies: she is a third year law student at the University of Alberta.

EAST MEETS WEST

Friday, November 12, 2010 Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Three Eyes Tribal

Nuwayrah

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Mehrdad

Raq-a-Belly

Suzy / Shimmy with Suzy

Yasmina Ramzy

Intermission

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Yasmina Ramzy with Suleiman Warwar

Finale

FRIDAY – EAST MEETS WEST EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12th

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: Faddah

Welcome! Like an overture, a classic opening sets the stage for the show

to come.

Three Eyes Tribal : Allesandra and Sharia el Souk

Three Eyes Tribal will be performing American Tribal Style bellydance. Using group improvisation, let them captivate you with their expression of feminine strength and beauty.

Nuwayrah: Dark Veil

Dark Veil by Nuwayrah (new-WAY-rah) Translation - Small Fire. Every once in awhile a dancer finds a piece of music that truly speaks to who they are. Brace yourself while Nuwayrah heats up the stage with a little something different. Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: Solo Akkordion

“The dancer is the musical embodiment of the music” – Yasmina Ramzy.

Let the accordion and drum draw you into their individual song.

Mehrdad: The First Love (1952)

Composer, Gambar Huseinli; Tar, Remiz Guliyev. The style is Azerbaijan.

Raq-a-Belly: Egyptic by Beats Antique

Tribal Fusion Piece. Whilst waiting for a train, several Victorian ladies discover that there is danger lurking in every corner…

Shimmy Dance Productions: Pharonic Odyssey

Shimmy Dance Productions is a Middle Eastern Dance Company based out of Airdrie, Alberta. Suzy Brisbin is founder and director. Tonight they will be performing Odyssey which is a dramatic piece choreographed and directed by Suzy. It incorporates wings, cane, shamadan and an exciting drum solo.

Zahra

Zahra is a graceful dancer, whose Egyptian heritage sparked a passion for dancing. In 2006, Zahra began her formal study of Middle Eastern dance and has not looked back since. Having completed her teacher training Levels 1 & 2 with Hadia in 2009, Zahra is currently teaching and performing in Edmonton.

Cyrielle

Originally from France, Cyrielle is a dedicated dancer who began her bellydance training in 2007 in Québec. She moved to Edmonton in 2008 and from there she studied under local instructors; Aldiya, Anya, and currently Donna Cucheran and Aurora. Cyrielle recently became a member of Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble.

Elvira

Elvira Falconer's love for dance includes 15 years of Ukrainian dance (Chumak/Cheremosh, Vohon), Italian Folk, Salsa, and West African dance. She became enamoured with Middle Eastern dance in 2005 and studied with Saskia Aarts, Nancy Bromely, and Viraj Wanigesakira. In 2009 she began bellydancing with Aurora Ongaro, and became a member of EBE in June of 2010.

EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST

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Suzanne

Suzanne began Hawaiian and Filipino Folk dance at an early age. She began belly dancing with various Edmonton instructors (2003). In 2005, Suzanne found Aurora and has been dancing under her tutelage ever since. Suzanne's passion also includes all styles of Middle Eastern dance, choreographing and translating music into emotion.

Margaret

Margret has been dancing for 7 years and has been with EBE since 2008. Her favourite styles include Egyptian and folkloric dance.

Yasmeen

Since childhood, Yasmeen has been exposed to Middle Eastern music and culture, and as a result, has gained a love of Egyptian dance. She is a passionate and energetic dancer whose specialty is Isis Wings. In 2009, Yasmeen completed Level 1 and 2 of Hadia's teacher training, and she is looking forward to teaching in the new year.

Yasmina Ramzy: Khatarna Alla Ballak

Choreography Yasmina Ramzy, Music Arabesque Dance Company Orchestra, Vocals Bassam Bishara

INTERMISSION

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble & University of Alberta Middle Eastern Music Ensemble

Drum Solo

Drum solos are often considered to be the epitome of a dancer’s technical talent. Thanks to Steven Byrne for his musical skills. Back up drummer, Aurora Ongaro. El Enab

“Mother, he bought me some grapes, of which he picked the ripe bunches, Mother I held the grapes (guardingly) afraid of what the wind might do to them” This hit by Sa’d El Soghayer is Shabbi inspired. By the way...he isn’t actually talking about fruit at all!

Asharlee Bil Manadeel

“He signalled with a handkerchief, and said ‘I’m leaving’ his dress is navy and long, his steps I’m following. It’s so sweet, flirty from you sir, when you are angry, you are artist in flirting, right people.” Khaleegy - In Arabic, this word means "gulf", and bellydancers use it to refer to the style of music and dance from the Persian Gulf/Arabian peninsula area.

Aziza : Aurora

Improvised solo with band.

Ghana El Hawa

One of the most well known pieces by Abdel Halim Hafez. “Love has come our way, Love’s thrown a net our way, that dark eyelash there caught us in love’s snare, love caught us and we got sleepy, the one who caught us can set us free. My love is on my mind.” It is with great honour that EBE performs Yasmina Ramzy’s choreography.

FRIDAY – EAST MEETS WEST EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE

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Yasmina Ramzy & Suleiman Warwar

Dumbek Mania Improvisation by Suleiman Warwar back up with Aurora Ongaro Majnun Composed by Suleiman Warwar, choreography by Yasmina Ramzy . Majnun is the first Drum Solo Suleiman composed especially for Yasmina. Back up drummer: Aurora Ongaro

Join us for our Closing Party

Sunday November 14 at 5:30p.m.

at Co Co Di

11454 Jasper Ave NW

Drinks, Dinner and Dancing

Visit with Yasmina & Suleiman

Music by Dj Johnny

All are welcome!

No cover charge with your ticket stub.

Trisha

As a child, Trisha dreamed of being a dancer but never had the opportunity to pursue that dream. As an adult, she happened upon 'Bellydance' and has been in love ever since! Since her first class in 2003, she has taken every opportunity to learn, including becoming a teacher herself in 2008.

Kelly

Kelly first began her love affair with Middle Eastern dance in 2002. Since then, she has studied extensively with Hala of Raqs al Almeh Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and Aurora of Edmonton’s Bellydance Academy. Kelly has also taken classes with local instructors Anemone, Aldiya, and Shahenda.

Holly

Holly has been taking classes with many local and international Middle Eastern dance artists and instructors since 2002. She became a graduate of Arabesque Academy’s Intensive Professional Middle Eastern Dance Course in July 2010. Holly is a student and instructor at Edmonton Bellydance Academy, and member of Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble. “Immaculate Technique” – Yasmina Ramzy

EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE SUNDAY - IMRAATU

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Kristin

Kristin has been part of EBE/EBA since its inception. Dancing and teaching dance are her passions. She performs regularly at restaurants and various community events and is a graduate of the Arabesque Academy Professional Middle Eastern Dance Program.

Natasha

Natasha has been devoted to the art of dance for more than two decades. Her training consists primarily of Classical Ballet; the Royal Academy of Dance & the Cecchetti Method. She has also studied Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Character and Tap. Since 2005, Natasha has been studying Middle Eastern Dance with Aurora; EBA & EBE.

Maria Kiturah

Maria Kiturah is a principal member of Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble and is an instructor for Edmonton Bellydance Academy. As a soloist, she has appeared on television and is a featured performer at two local Greek restaurants. Her choreographic talents are utilized by both EBE and the academy. Maria Kiturah currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta.

IMRAATU

Sunday, November 14, 2010 Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre

Aurora

Bedouin Beats

Clarissa Schram of Usha Kala Niketon Dance School

Maria Kiturah

Nomadic Tapestry

Veronica

Oksana

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Lindsay Cottin

Three Eyes Tribal

Aldiya

Aurora

Intermission

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble:

IMRAATU

SUNDAY - IMRAATU BIOGRAPHIES

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14th

Aurora

Gawaher So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round one of the competition choreography. Oriental Style. Choreographer: Heather Curcio

Improvised Drum Solo So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round one of the competition, originally performed with Uncle Malfufo. Thank you to Steven Byrne for his musical skills.

Bedouin Beats: Return to the Goddess

Music by Desert Wind. Choreographer: Alyne Hazard. This difficult, but visually stunning double veil dance was brought to Canada by Denise Leclair. The addition of the Wings of Isis gives it a whole new dimension.

Clarissa Schram: Rajasthani gypsy (Ghoomar)

Choreographed by Usha Gupa, Artistic director of Usha Kala Niketan Dance School. In this dance the dancer is showing her emotions through her dance, hand gestures and expressions. The pirouettes in the dance give it the name 'Ghoomar'.

Maria Kiturah: Lucy

The piece was titled Lucy because the track was recorded from vinyl but the song name has been lost. It was composed for the dancer Lucy in the '80's. The piece is an opening and was Maria’s entry for the Ahlan Cairo Nights Queen of the Nile Competition judged by Randa Kamal, Aida Nour and Lubna Emam. Choreography by Maria Kiturah and Maya Christina inspired by Cassandra Shore.

Veronica

Veronica started her bellydance journey in 2004 with Toronto’s Arabesque Dance Academy. Folkloric Egyptian dances became her passion, submerging into full training (2006-2007) with Nada Krysko, an Egyptian and previous member of the Reda Troupe. In 2007, she became part of Nada’s Rhythm of the Nile Dance

Company and Mayada’s Banat El Sharq Dance Troupe. She recently has joined the Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble family.

Yasmina Ramzy

After many years of performing throughout the Middle East for royalty and heads of state, Yasmina Ramzy founded the critically acclaimed Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra, Arabesque Academy and the International Bellydance Conference of Canada. She received her key training from leading masters in Egypt and Syria including Aida Nour and Mohammed Khalil of the National Folklore Troupe of Egypt.

BIOGRAPHIES SUNDAY - IMRAATU

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Three Eyes Tribal

Three Eyes Tribal is a dance troupe located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They primarily perform American Tribal Style bellydance (ATS) as created by Carolena Nericcio, director of Fat Chance Bellydance. The troupe consists of 5 beautiful women, who after years of studying various forms of bellydance,

discovered that the empowerment, joy, and excitement entrenched in group improvisational dance continually draws them to ATS. This love of presenting ATS blossomed into the official troupe formation in 2008. We improvise; we synchronize; and we mesmerize audiences with our colourful costuming and swirling skirts. We are Three Eyes Tribal.

Usha Kala Niketan Dance School

Usha Gupta is the Artistic Director and Choreographer of Usha Kala Niketan dance school as well as an established artistic, choreographer, and teacher in Edmonton. She has been honoured with the City's 'Salute to Excellence' award in the category of Performing Arts and the Government of India's

choreography award in New Delhi. Usha has a masters degrees in Indian classical vocal music and dance. Usha Kala Niketan opened in1989 and now boasts 100 students in Indian classical and folk dance who perform in shows and tour conferences and festivals across Canada. Students have won gold medal awards and trophies in such competitions as Dance Power, and EFCL. They perform regularly at Kala Nidi Festival (Toronto) and Kimberly International Festival, and danced in three shows with Edmonton's Great Storybook Productions Association.

Nomadic Tapestry: Raqs Al Sagat and Raqset Al Hajella

Nomadic Tapestry is going to perform two dances for you tonight. The first dance is “Raqs Al Sagat”, which was choreographed by Jamila Salimpour in 1968 for her master class students, and is one of the required choreographies for the second level of her certification program. “Raqset Al Hajalla”, the second number, is an Egyptian Water Pot dance that was choreographed by the members of Nomadic Tapestry, who also made and decorated the pots they dance with.

Veronica: Hagallah- based on the original choreographies of Mahmoud

Reda and Nada Krysko

Hagallah- a word believed to mean skip or stomp in Arabic; it is a folkloric dance of the Bedouin (settled gypsies) of Western Egypt and parts of Libya with strong hip accents, stepping and small twist-jumps. Traditionally; a rite of passage to the coming of age of young girls into married life, the girl is the centre of attention while it would be her only chance to dance, flirt and mingle with all the single men in the tribe, until she finally chooses her husband-to-be. This piece is a tribute to Mahmoud Reda and Nada Krysko.

Oksana: Tabel Ya Issam

Egyptian oriental with fun intermix of baladi, drum and saidi.

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble : Ana Saidi

“I am Saidi” The Saidi dance is from Upper Egypt, between Gizeh and Edfu, and the people are typically farmers. Saidi dance is lively, energetic and earthy. The stick itself is about four feet in length and is called an Assaya.

Lindsay Cottin: Ya Sha Eyya

Cabaret style with improvised drum solo.

Three Eyes Tribal : Sahra and Huda

Three Eyes Tribal will be performing American Tribal Style bellydance.

Using group improvisation, let them captivate you with their expression of

feminine strength and beauty.

SUNDAY – IMRAATU BIOGRAPHIES

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Aldiya: Enchanted Gardens and Drum Solo, part 1

Music - Enchanted Gardens from Oriental Fantasy vol. 11 and Tabla Solo from Millenium by Amir Sofi. Choreographers - Orit Maftsir and Aradia. This piece showcases the first part of a beautiful and dynamic choreography by Isreal's Orit Maftsir. The music features six rhythmic changes within the first 3 minutes.

Aurora: WalkaNottaTalka

So You Think You Can Bellydance? Round two of the competition. Hip Hop bellydance fusion. Choreographer: Sara

INTERMISSION

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble: IMRAATU

Love, jealousy, loss, and rebirth collide in a busy village marketplace. A group of gypsies have arrived to do business and enjoy the delights that the village has to offer. The Gypsy Queen, earthy and unrestrained, flirts outrageously with her favourite, Kasim. Teasing him, she proceeds to sport with all the other men available, hoping to spark his jealousy. The careless flirting is interrupted by the arrival of refined, delicate Intisar. Taken by her delicacy and refined beauty, Kasim becomes infatuated with Intisar. They meet and fall in love, but Intisar is unaware of the Gypsy Queen’s mounting rage. Mad with envy, the Gypsy Queen attempts to kill her rival. As she lunges to deliver the death blow, Kasim moves in the way and is inadvertently stabbed. Intisar plunges into despair, consumed by the thought that it was she who was supposed to die, not her lover. Tormented by her grief, she begins a journey that will force her to face her demons and be transformed, redefining what it is to be whole, strong, and triumphant.

Raq-a-Belly

Raq-a-Belly dance is Edmonton’s longest running bellydance troupe. Our motto? Variety is the spice of life. We take pride in the diversity of our dance as well as our diversity as women from various backgrounds at various

stages of our lives. We perform several styles of bellydance, mainly Oriental, American Tribal Style, and Tribal Fusion. Though some of us have a style preference, we all perform every style as we want to express our many facets, from the sparkly to the scary.

Shimmy Dance Productions

Shimmy Dance Productions is a Middle Eastern Dance Company based out of Airdrie, Alberta. Suzy Brisbin is founder and director. Tonight they will be performing Pharonic Odyssey which is a dramatic piece choreographed and directed by Suzy. It incorporates wings, cane, shamadan and an exciting drum solo.

Suleiman Warwar

Suleiman is a sought after master dumbek artist who is invited around the world to teach. He is the lead dumbek player for the Arabesque Dance Company Orchestra and has composed many popular drum solos available on his CD entitled "Beyond Rhythm" and the Arabesque Dance Company CDs entitled "Nawaem", Asala 1 and Asala 2.

EDMONTON BELLYDANCE ENSEMBLE FRIDAY – EAST MEES WEST

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Nuwayrah

Nuwayrah started her Middle Eastern dance career at Isis Dance Productions (Edmonton) in 2002 after accumulating considerable experience in musical theatre and martial arts. Although her discipline is now largely Raqs Sharki, she also has a strong leaning towards Tribal Fusion style. She continues to build upon her repertoire and has taken workshops with artists such as Beata & Horacio Cifuentes, Nath Keo, Amir Thaleb, Hadia, Sabura, Sonia, Petite Jamilla, Kami Liddle, Gypsy Caravan, Unmata, Ariellah & Sadie. When not teaching Nuwayrah can be found performing at a variety of events with

Edmonton's most diverse Middle Eastern dance troupe, Raq-a-Belly dance!

Oksana

For Oksana, born in Russia, dancing has always been a passion. In school, she was a frequent performer and winner in the annual dance competitions. The Art of Middle Eastern Dance was introduced to Oksana in 2006, and it was an eye opener for her and a love from the first class. She has been studying with many teachers and internationally known dance artists including Sahra Saeeda (USA), Yousry Sharif (USA), Tito (Egypt), Cassandra (USA), Louchia (USA), Jillina (USA), Yasmina Ramzy (Canada), and Hadia (Canada) with

whom she completed the Certified Teacher Training Level 1 & 2. In 2008, Oksana became a founder of the Moondance Shimmy dance group for which she is the instructor, lead choreographer and artistic director.

Aldiya

Aldiya has been teaching and performing Middle Eastern Dance as a full time profession for 8 years, and loving it!! She has travelled to Egypt and Turkey to experience the culture and dance first hand, studying with various instructors at home and abroad. Before pursuing MED as a career she earned a degree in Anthropology, working in various museums. These days her 2 year old daughter, Maria, keeps her on her toes as much as dance!!

Aurora

Bellydancing since 1999, Aurora is often credited as being an accomplished and graceful dancer with most of her training from Arabesque Academy. In 2010 she competed in the So You Think You Can Bellydance? Competition in Las Vegas and won first place giving her the Ultimate Bellydance Artist title. Aurora is the Founder and Artistic Director of Edmonton Bellydance Academy and Ensemble. She has performed and lectured at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.

Bedouin Beats

These dancers hail from Bedouin Beats in Edmonton and are performing a magical choreography by Alyne Hazard of California with stylistic changes from the dancers. Dancers include Stacey Peacock, Denise Leclair, Susan Stolte, Kristy OHeir and Leah Hopkins.

BIOGRAPHIES BIOGRAPHIES

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Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble (EBE) is comprised of the teachers and students of the Edmonton Bellydance Academy. Sharing a determination to be successful individually as well as in the group dynamic, EBE has delighted and dazzled audiences throughout Canada. EBE has performed at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Heritage Days, Festival of Trees and Feats Festival.

Lindsay Cottin

Lindsay Cottin is a Middle Eastern dance performer

and instructor based in Regina Saskatchewan. She is versatile in Flamenco, Caribbean, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Latin styles. She also enjoys teaching hip hop and a fitness dance called Socacize. For more info on Lindsay you can visit her site at, www.rhythm-dance.com

Maria Kiturah

Maria Kiturah has been named an elegant and adept dance artist. Her formal training includes both Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti methods. In 2007, she was hand selected to perform with Jayson Molina’s Sabor a Fuego, Edmonton and at the 2007 International Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico. She has been

principal dancer with Ballet Folklorico Heurquen, Ballet Folklorico Pucara and has danced with Movements Afro Caribbean Dance Ensemble. Maria Kiturah’s Middle Eastern dance career has been guided by local instructors and by highly acclaimed international artists. She completed the

Arabesque Professional Course in 2010. Maria Kiturah teaches for Edmonton Bellydance Academy and has taught for Dance Fusion Academy.

Mehrdad Shokouhi

Mehrdad is a multimedia artist specialized in Printmaking at the University of Saskatchewan, but he uses any medium to express his creativity. I was born in Tabriz, Iran where the roots of his passion for art started to grow deep in his existence. In 1995, an inner search for freedom brought him to Canada and back to his true calling as an

artist. Art helps him to connect to his real self, to others, and to the universe through his deep belief that everything and everyone are connected together as part of one source. Dance also brings him back to such connection! Mehrdad is honoured to be one of the founders and performers of Edmonton Azerbaijani Music and Dance Ensemble, Araz.

Nomadic Tapestry

Nomadic Tapestry is the brainchild of Donna Cucheran, co-owner of Raqs Al Almeh - Academy Of Middle Eastern Dance. For many years Donna has had an idea of her perfect Dance Company in mind. She wanted the Company to be well versed in all forms of Folkloric and Classical Middle Eastern dance.

The Company rehearses tirelessly, and spends many hours studying all forms of Middle Eastern dance. Occasionally, they even travel outside the country to do so. Nomadic Tapestry made its first international appearance at Tribal Fest, in May of 2009.