No pictures of the show, since cameras were forbidden, but all I can say about Tito is WOW. What a performer. If you think about it, he basically did the same dances I've seen on youtube -- the tahtib with the 4 sticks, dancing on a tabla, imitating famous dancers, dancing in the audience and making us all shriek and clap (plus a lot more... no, wait, that sounds like we were ripping his clothes off or something, and we did NOT do that. I meant that he did several long numbers and I may have forgotten to mention one or two segments
) -- but the performances seemed fresh and exciting. Of course his stage persona is totally charming, and he's got really incredible technique, and he's a very strong dancer... but I can't figure out what keeps these performances so fresh. I was thrilled to see him in person. And I want his shimmy, although I believe Lauren may have first dibs.
I can't give a total show review because I didn't take notes. My hubby and I were delighted to see our hometown gal Saphira from Saffron Dance (VA) doing the announcing. I have no idea how she did such a good job without notes, but we've come to expect amazing things from Saphira. Next to Tito, my fave performer by a large margin was Virginia. I love her because she has the usual percussive hip movements that we've come to expect in the current interpretation of Egyptian style, but also a lovely lyrical quality that is very uncommon but very welcome. And she's so juicy and feminine, and I mean that in the best not-hitting-on-her way.
It was wonderful to catch up with some of my long-time NYC friends -- Morocco, Tarik, Phaedra, Ranya Renee, and of course my buddy Dalia Carella. And the FIT theater was really lovely. The only down side was having our eardrums blasted by Lubna's music. My hubby and I had a heck of a time making converstaion on the subway afterwards because we couldn't hear each other! Ears are better now though.
Did I miss any Bhuzzers??
Just bought tickets. The mister and I are overdue for a visit to NYC anyway...
Linear Mode
