It was a real pleasure to meet you too! Dina really was everything you claim her to be, and now - having seen her up close and personal, I realize why people say the full essence of Dina can only be captured in person. While I was well aware of her talent before going to the workshop, I can't express in words how blown away I was by the emotion she conveys when she dances.
Aside from that, I was VERY impressed by her professionalism and kindness. I can't say how nerve-wracking it was for me to dance with her almost within arm's reach. The level of dance was very good, but you'd think a woman of her talent would look down upon us little mortals. But no - there she was, through the 3hr show smiling away, clapping and keeping her eyes glued to every performer. I entered stage shaking like a leaf, but within seconds her warmness really made me feel accepted. She was giving compliments and very tactful/useful advice to many of the dancers post-performance. With all the dancers there, I'm again impressed that she very obviously didn't tune us out and seemed to enjoy us. Her love of dance is very clear.
Her performance was great. I was in awe by her dancing, but the highlight of my weekend was at the end of the Saturday workshop when she danced the choreography she'd been teaching us, end to end. I'm not normally much of a sap, but I was a blubbering mess. So incredibly touching.
The event from start to finish was very well organized and everyone was so very friendly. The band was great, the shopping was great and it was a pleasure to meet some Bhuz gals - some of us did get a picture...
Damiena, Adishakti, Nepenthe, Badyira (hope I spelled that right)
Adishakti, Dina & Ameera
I didn't get a picture of my performance, Carole, Ameera or Damiena's unfortunately, but we did get a picture of the girls in the Hadia ensemble post performance. Left to right: Maha, Salome, Any, Adishakti, Sandra Benjamin, Hadia.
