Star Dance Vol. 3 By Ibrahim El Samahy Recorded With Dr. Reda Ragab & His Ensemble and Said El Artist Each composition in STAR DANCE 3 was inspired by the performers who the melody is named for. STAR DANCE INSPIRATIONS BY: MONA N’WAL – Verona, WI | SHAKIRA – Columbus, Ohio | ZADA AL GAZIYEH – Lawrence, Kansas | JORDAN DANCER – San Jose, CA | PHAEDRA AMEERAH – Denver, Colorado | FAHTIEM – Los Angeles, CA COMPOSER: Ibrahim El Samahy – Originally from Cairo, Egypt, now residing in the U.S., has a degree in composition and orchestration. Mr. Amr Abdel Kader Hassan, assistant teacher at the College of Musical Education, Helwan University/Cairo, is the recording engineer and production manager. For DISTRIBUTION & LISENCING, contact Bahaia bahaiatx@yahoo.com or 512-401-0202 Special thanks go to: Mr. Amr Abdel Kader, Mr. Ahmed Shawki. Mr. Ayman Shaarawi, & Dr. Ahmed Mostafa for their artistic and technical contributions. Recording Artists: Strings: Prefessor, Dr. Reda Ragab & His Ensemble Saxophone: Samir Soroor | Kanoon: Gamal Lotfi Nay/Kawala: Ibrahim Kawala | Keyboards: Emad El Samahy Accordion: Farouk M. Hassan | Percussions: Said El Artist Recorded at: Helwan University College of Music | Cover Design: Bill Keidel The following liner notes were written in 1995. For updates, please see the contact information below each dancer's bio. MONA N’WAL – Verona, WI ====================== Mona N’wal has received critical acclaim for her presentation of folkloric dances as an expression of character, as part of a woman’s story. Her performances are recognized for poise, sensitivity and refinement. Mona has an extensive background in ballet, folk dance & theater. Instructress since 1980. For seminars, performance, classes, coaching: mona_nwal@yahoo.com 608.445.1510 ZADA AL GAZIYEH – Lawrence, Kansas =============================== Zada has been called a “thoughtful and caring instructor,” and a “strong and vibrant performer.” Since 1977 she has worked toward developing and maintaining a broad range of styles in her personal repertoire. In class and on the seminar circuit, she uses her “cosmic” approach, concentrating on movement eminent from physical centers and using positive thought to promote mastering of those movements. Best known for her folkloric character pieces, she has been lauded for her patience and sensitivity as an instructor, and for her sense of humor. Zada is the artistic director of Troupe Raghsidad, and percussionist with Wazzan Wa Zamir, an improvisational musical group. Her latest endeavor, “Gaziyeh Enterprises, Inc.”, a non profit organization to preserve, promote and present the culture of the Middle East and North Africa through its music and dance. Her American Ghawazee was proclaimed “You are Ghawazee!” by Ragia Hassan of Egypt. For additional information please contact Gaziyeh Enterprises, Inc. via gaziyeh@aol.com or www.gaziyeh.com FAHTIEM – Los Angeles, CA ======================= “Fahtiem brings a touch of class to Oriental Dance, as well as a delightful sauciness, making her not only a grand entertainer but an artist as well. It’s no wonder that as a performer, teacher and choreographer she is so in demand.” Ibrahim Farrah, Pub. Arabesque Magazine “Fahtiem absolutely took my breath away. She is a vision of lyrical beauty. Her artistry combines the most precise and delicate arm movement that I have seen on an oriental dancer. She truly personifies passion and elegance into an exquisite art form.” Dalia – New York “Fahtiem is one of California’s leading dancers. I’ve had the pleasure of performing for and with her at many venues. She is a dancer of many talents and has a charming personality on and off stage. It has been my pleasure to perform with her.” John Bilezikjian - Laguna Beach, California German born Fahtiem produces one of Southern California’s premier events – “Oasis Dance Magic” every July. She is featured on two videos, “Arabian Dance Fever” and “Belly Dance Paradise.” Fahtiem: Award Winning Master Instructor,Performer,Choreographer based in Southern California www.Fahtiem.com fahtiem@ fahtiem.com 626-810-9470 JORDAN DANCER – San Jose, CA =========================== Beauty, expression, lyrical, fluid, perfection...There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the art of my friend, Jordan Dancer. Her strong background in the performing arts and various styles of dance have laid the foundation for her truest expression of self – Middle Eastern dance. Jordan is the founder, director, and prime choreographer of the award winning “Troupe Nafisa,” and is sought after internationally as a workshop instructor. Yet she still finds time to generously give of herself through dance to raise money for various charities, run a successful dance studio (Al Oda Dance Studio) to be an inspirational and supportive friend, and to be a dedicated and loving mother. Jordan’s gentle personality and grace transform the traditional into a dance of unique style and elegance, as her movements intertwine with the music to create a perfect expression of life and beauty. "To watch her dance is to see into her soul." KAMAAL FOUAD “She’s good. She’s really, really, good. She’s really, really, really, good!” HASSAN YOUSEF DEEB JORDAN DANCER (408) 293-4483 jordandancer@sbcglobal.net SHAKIRA – Columbus, Ohio ======================= "She has power and she has magic…Her interpretation of the music is perfect." ( Morocco) "Whenever Shakira teaches, attend, because she delivers quality instruction and exceptional performance skill. You won’t be disappointed." (Najwa Al Qamar) "Shakira’s expertise in movement awareness means that she can give insight into exactly how to perform any move, from the simplest to the most complex…Her teaching brought out not just the steps and how to do them, but also choreographic principles, performance dynamics and background to the moves…It’s rare to get a dancers who is an exciting, clear and helpful teacher, and who also gives her audiences such heartfelt, dynamic performances." (Andrea Deagon) Shakira teaches 6 to 8 seminars a year and performs internationally. She has received Arts grants for performance and choreography. With over 17 years’ dance experience, 4 years of medical school and several years of movement awareness techniques, Shakira’s teaching skills are beyond exceptional. She is known for a range of styles, all marked by her dramatic intensity, sinuous grace and electryfing stage presence. Photo by: Bill Judnick Shakira al Fanninah efannin@columbus.rr.com 614-294-1171 new website TBA Based in Columbus, OH PHAEDRA AMEERAH – Denver, Colorado ================================= Phaedra Ameerah – Passion in teaching and performing. Nicknamed by Hossan Ramzy, London England the “Hanem” (Sophisticated Lady). "Phaedra performs with grace and precision that gives her definite stage recognition.” Amira El Kattan-Cairo, Egypt With her inspirational instruction and artistic, creative choreographies, Phaedra Ameerah has become internationally recognized. In Denver, Phaedra is the Artistic Director of Jawahare Al Layl Dance Troupe. Phaedra Ameerah is the creator of Moon Over Denver Workshop Series out of which Moon Over Denver Vol. I & II were born – two internationally known, dazzling videos featuring a Galaxy of Stellar performers.