Comments from student performers from April 28th 2007:

“I have always wanted to take belly dance lessons and I was walking out of the gym and grabbed a magazine and Lurainya
was on the cover. I called her as soon as I got home and she answered. Turned out she had an opening for that upcoming
session which started that Wednesday. So I asked a girlfriend if she would go with me. Now it's a whole year later and I am
still taking class and I love it. Lurainya is a phenomenal dancer, she is absolutely mesmerizing to watch! We are so fortunate
to have her as our instructor! As for her show, I never would have imagined that I'd ever perform on stage in front of 250
people, but I am so glad that I did! It was truly a fantastic experience. I can not wait until next year’s show!” ~Lorraine “Neveah” Vollrath

"I can't wait for the next performance.  It was so much fun learning the beautiful routine that Lurainya put together for us. I never danced on stage before but performing in her show was a wonderfully positive and unforgettable experience!  It was a great confidence builder and practice for the show really helped get back in shape. A thousand thank yous to Lurainyafor all her hardwork and thoughtfulness."  ~Lisa Menz

"I initially dismissed participating in the recital, but I am so glad that I took that leap of faith.  It was one of the most invigorating things I've done in years!  I had so much fun, not just on stage, but also preparing for it.  I learned a great routine, increased my skill, and totally built up my confidence.  Stepping out of my comfort zone had a huge pay off, and I loved every minute of it!"  ~Lorna Knaub

"When I started taking bellydance, I never really thought about performing at all.  I thought it would take me years to be good enough to actually show anyone what I had learned and I was really only taking the classes for the pure enjoyment of learning this beautiful dance. But, Lurainya promised us she'd make sure we were ready to perform, and she kept that promise.  We all put in many hours of practice and preparation together and on our own.  It was a great experience.  Not only did we get our moment to shine, literally, dressed in full bellydance costume, but we also formed a bond with each other that is
beyond words.  There we were, 5 women who barely knew each other doing something we all thought we'd never be able to do and sharing this simultaneously frightening and exhilarating experience together with Lurainya cheering us on the whole time. It was quite a rush - we were bellydance stars for a little over 4 minutes, but we will be connected to each other through our memories of the experience for a lifetime. I'm so glad I decided to take part in the recital, and I will definitely
be doing it again next year!"  ~Jenifer L. Prince

Beginner 1

"Performing in April's recital was a chance to conquer my fear of performing in front of an audience.  I had not performed in front of an audience since childhood. It was a great experience working up to the recital. The rehearsals gave an opportunity for me to meet and interact with the other dancers from Lurainya's other classes.  It was a wonderful opportunity to bond with the other dancers.  It was so much fun dressing up in costume and makeup.  It was stressful and hard work, yes, but it was
worth it.  Yes, I would do it again." ~Leilani

"Last May, a friend approached and asked me if I would be interested in taking a bellydancing class with her.  I thought, sure, why not, it will be fun!  I had retired from professional dancing 5 years ago, with no intention to go back, ever.  I was burnt out and my body was destroyed, so was my spirit.  But I still went to those classes with Lurainya every week.  There was no criticism, no telling anyone we weren't good. Nothing but positive feedback all the time!  It was so odd for me coming from the background that I was used to, because nothing we ever did was right, or good enough.  Slowly, dance had become fun again & I remembered why I loved it so much, and really, how much I needed to do it.  It's like breathing to me.  I really thought that part of my life was over, and than, Lurainya wanted to put on a show....I said no at first for whatever reason, but with an amazing email (that I have framed) and some encouragement, I couldn't imagine not being partof her show.  Lurainya also asked me to be part of the finale - which was an amazing honor.  The whole show experience was a blast.  She had every little detail ironed out, which was amazing.  Not to mention all of the routines to choreograph, I know how overwhelming that process is. I just looked at her in awe.  She never complained.   Everyone who sat in that audience was amazed by the show, and all that she accomplished. I heard nothing but positive feedback.  My family said that I never looked happier performing, truth be told, I don't think I ever was. So, to my teacher, mentor & friend, thank you for the wonderful experiences.  Thank you for helping me fall in love with dance again. You are an inspiration to us all, and I'm lucky & blessed to have you in my life." 
~Sue

"Performing in Lurainya's Bellydance Recital is an exhilarating and fabulous experience!  I am so glad that I decided to perform in spite of feeling nervous and anxious about doing so.  Although I thoroughly enjoy Lurainya's classes, it is very exciting and gratifying to combine moves into an actual dance.  Lurainya's choreography is marvelous, and you develop a lovely rapport with your fellow dancers during rehearsals.  Wearing performance costumes and make-up is also really fun, and demonstrating your skills to your family and friends leaves you with a great sense of accomplishment!  I highly recommend it to everyone!"  ~Barbara Chiesa LaSalle

Beginner 2

Reviews of April 28th 2007:

By Jamela:
Review of “Lurainya’s Bellydance Show – Student Recital, Hafla, and AMRITA CANDRA™ preview”.
April 28th, 2007 Warminster, Pa.
By: Jamela, Philadelphia, Pa.

“WOW!” That’s what was going through my head on April 28th, 2007.  I have seen many Bellydance shows over the 9 years that I’ve been dancing, and I can tell you that Lurainya’s show was one of the best!  Her organization was impressive, her attention to detail was impeccable, and her creativity amazed me. If this was just a "glimpse" into the world of Bellydance Fusion as Lurainya envisions it, then I can’t wait to see what she does next!  Overall, this was a night of wonderful entertainment. This was so much more than a “student recital” or “hafla” -- it was a Production!

The show was held at the Warminster Recreation Center and its theatre-like set up proved to be the perfect venue for the launch/preview of Lurainya's dance-theatre production: AMRITA CANDRA (Nectar of the Moon).  Doors opened at 6pm, and by 5:45pm there was a long line all the way down the sidewalk!  The show was sold out, with 250 people in attendance. The mystical/magical mood was set as soon as one entered the room:  Lighting along the walls/entryways; a spacious and raised stage with dramatic lighting and a great sound system; ten vendors displaying a wonderful array of products; two large tables offering different styles of delicious food, desserts and beverages; plus a raffle table where for $1 you could win prizes ranging in value from $60 to $140!  Adding to the excitement were four cameras documenting the event, including a behind the scenes camera, which I can’t wait to see. The volunteers on staff that night were well informed of their responsibilities, carrying through with proficiency and adding to the professional quality of the event.

The show was divided into three parts as follows:

• Part One of the evening consisted of student performances - which did not disappoint!  They were fantastic – and a true testament to Lurainya’s teaching abilities!  Especially when you find out that many had been dancing for less than 16weeks, and there they were, on stage in front of hundreds of people - dancing well!  Others had been with Lurainya for 1-3 years, exuding control and confidence. 

I was very impressed with Lurainya’s choreographies - not only was she able to choreograph for so many different styles and experience levels, but each was very creative and entertaining to watch!
The two beginner groups were jam-packed with Bellydance moves; one using flowing veils, the other an exciting drum solo which incorporated a “dance off” like no other!  There was an adorable intermediate Sharqi duet to Amr Diab’s “Mrkafesh”, and a wonderfully artistic sword duet to U2’s “Mysterious Ways”.  The three advanced solos also varied in style - one using veil, another zills, and another dancing to “Back in Black” from AC/DC.  They portrayed a mastery of movement that not all members of the bellydance community have yet to achieve.  It’s obvious that Lurainya expects a lot from her students who choose to perform, but it’s also obvious that she makes sure they have the tools to deliver. 

Lurainya’s solo concluded the student portion of the show.  Dripping in white cabaret costuming, she made her entrance with a mysterious taxim, peering out from under her veil, which was wrapped in such a unique way that I couldn’t tell where it began or ended!  Following her moving veil piece, she ended with a high-powered Tahitian flavored drum solo. 

• Part Two of the evening was an incredible professional lineup.  Not only were different styles of Bellydance represented, but also Bharata Natyam and Flamenco. Hayet danced traditional Sharqi to the classical favorite of “Azziza”.  Her articulations and playfulness were true to Egypt.  Alexia performed a powerful Turkish Rom piece, incorporating traditional Romany gestures. I think the audience wanted to clap, but they weren’t sure what to do with a rhythm so foreign to their ears!  Hipnosis performed an ATS duet beginning with an upbeat fusion choreography followed by a hypnotic ‘lead and follow’ piece.  Shaily Dadiala performed a beautiful Bharata Natyam (Classical Indian) piece depicting a mother going about her daily routine of chores, while keeping a watchful eye on her children. Pasion y Arte performed a modern Flamenco duet. One in lyrical dress and one in traditional Flamenco dress, they let their bodies talk to each other through the dance.

•  It was time for Part Three of the evening, the AMRITA CANDRA preview!  I’ve heard a lot about this dance-theater production over the last year, so I was excited to finally see some of it!  The anticipation was building as an announcement was made that a fog machine would be used, in case anyone had asthma (like I said, Lurainya’s attention to detail was impeccable).  The lights went dark, the stage started to fill with fog, and then the music began.  The eerie sound pulled the audience in as they waited to see the figures positioned in the fog.  The lights slowly faded in as the intensity of the music grew.  We could see 6 figures, two glowing in white with feathered headpieces, and 4 in dark, ragged costuming with dreadlocks and tattoos all over their bodies!  How Lurainya went from a glamorous cabaret costume to having dreads in her hair and big tattoos on her thigh, arm and stomach, I’ll never know, but it was a remarkable transformation!  The choreography that ensued was like nothing I’ve ever seen.  It was a combination of modern and ballet, with fleeting hints of Bellydance, Indian and African. Lurainya’s innovative composition told the story of the “struggle, strength and sensuality within everyone woman”. The dancers moved with precision and power.  I was left feeling inspired and in awe!   You can be sure that after seeing this preview I will be anxiously awaiting the full debut of AMRITA CANDRA!

Lurainya is bringing to the belly-dance world what Riverdance has brought to Irish dancing -- passion, vision, talent, creativity and mastery.  She’s a one-woman force -- choreographing, teaching, performing, producing and directing. Watch for Lurainya in the future... I promise, you won't be disappointed!

~ Jamela, Philadelphia, Pa.

By Jennifer Brank of PhillyRaqs.com:
Review of Lurainya’s Bellydance Show – Student Recital, Hafla, and AMRITA CANDRA Preview!
Saturday, April 28th
Warminster, PA

I had a wonderful evening at Lurainya’s Bellydance Show – it was truly one of the most well-put together and well orchestrated shows that I have attended in some time. 

Facility:
Held in Warminster, it took place in the Warminster Recreation Center, which was a perfect place for the event.  The rec center had a spacious room set up with a stage, lighting, sound, and plenty of room for seats, vendors, and food.  There were several vendors there, with a wide range of services and products, and the refreshment table included lots of delicious Middle Eastern food.  It was very popular, with long lines whenever it was open. 

Schedule/Audience:
First, I would like to commend Lurianya and those assisting her for keeping very close to their proposed time schedule – the event began promptly and, even though it ended a bit later than planned, it still ended at a reasonable time.  I really appreciate this – I’ve been at a lot of dance events lately where they have begun hours (literally) late and ended late into the night.  For a show that has a family audience and many children in attendance (like this one), I could tell that everyone appreciated the schedule.

The audience was filled with lots children and adults who were experiencing belly dance for the first time.  Everyone had a lot of fun and it was so great to see audience members entranced by the performers.  The audience was a bit quiet, which is pretty usual for first time audiences, and I think it would have been very helpful to have an introduction to the show.  Perhaps a quick welcome from someone close to the event and an explanation about audience participation (We like it when you clap in time to the music!  Hoot and holler when you feel like it!  Hiss or say “Aiwa!”) might have put a few audience members at ease.  The gentleman a few seats away from me almost fell off his when I let out my first loud zaghareet!

Performances – Part One:
The first part of the show was performed by Lurainya’s students, from beginners to advanced.  I really enjoyed the wide range of performances – there was a veil number, a sword duet to U2’s “Mysterious Ways,” a drum solo, a sharqi duet, a fusion piece, a solo with veil, and a nontraditional numer to AC/DC’s “Back in Black.”  Lurainya closed the first part of the show with a fusion veil and drum solo.

I was very impressed with Lurainya’s students, especially when reading the comprehensive program that included their bios and how long they have been taking lessons.  Many of Lurainya’s beginners had taken 2 - 4 eight-week sessions or less, and they were on stage, in costume, performing!  And they were excellent! I also really enjoyed their costuming – costuming for beginners and first shows can be very tough and everyone looked great, well put together, and comfortable.
Lurianya’s intermediate and advanced students were wonderful as well during their solos.  The energy was very upbeat and positive for the first part of the show.  A lovely touch came at the end of the first half, where Lurainya brought her students back onto the stage and presented each with a rose as thanks for their hard work.

Performances – Part Two:
The second half of the evening was dedicated to professional dancers from the area.  Performers included Hayet, doing traditional raqs sharqi; Alexia performing Turkish Rom; Hipnosis doing American Tribal; Shaily Dadiala performing Bharata Natyam (classical Indian dance); and Flamenco performed by Pasion y Arte.
Every performer listed above is a master of her dance genre, so it was very exciting to see such a collection of talent on one stage.  It was also a nice juxtaposition of different dance styles, and one could easily see the influence each dance has on belly dance. 

In my opinion, including professional dancers in a variety of dance styles really elevated this show above a typical hafla or student recital – it was truly a SHOW, bringing together all levels of dancers with a variety of dance backgrounds. 
By breaking the show into two parts and by presenting a variety of performances and dance styles, the night seemed to fly by and it helped keep the audience engaged and excited. 

Amrita Candra Preview:
The night ended with a preview of Lurainya’s latest project, and quite the labor of love – Amrita Candra (Nectar of the Moon).  Amrita Candra is the title for Lurainya’s dance-theater production about women and world dance which is currently tentatively scheduled to premier in Spring 2008.

The short piece was riveting.  Definitely more modern dance/world dance than straight belly dance, it was entrancing and original.  The piece was very powerful and it had an aura of Cirque du Soleil type characterization, with gothic undertones and impressive athleticism (such as the coordinated handsprings).  I’m not the best at describing dance performances, and would not do the performance justice by trying to describe it, but I can say that this preview was wholy original and I look forward to seeing Lurainya’s vision unfold in the complete production.

Overall, I had a wonderful evening – I am still processing the music and the performances, mulling them over and incorporating them into my dance knowledge – which is a great sign that I enjoyed the show.  I felt that the show appealed to every level of audience member - it gave me, a more experienced dancer, a lot to think about and take away.  It was entertaining for family and friends of the performers, and it gave Lurainya’s students, as well as the professional performers, much to absorb as well. 
Congratulations and thank you to Lurainya, her volunteers, her students, the vendors, and the professional performers for a memorable night! 

Jennifer Brank
www.PhillyRaqs.com