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Bellydancing:
"The Universe respects us when
we work,
but loves us when we dance."
-Sufi Proverb
Clanging symbols, flowing veils, the heartbeat
of the drum…the mystical world of bellydance
awaits you.
Bellydancing is an art from Egyptian temples,
Rajasthani deserts and nomadic tribes. From the Guedra in North
Africa to the Gitan people of Romania, bellydancing is an ever-evolving
form of expression for people around the world. Its ancient roots
lie in the spiritual, ritual and social traditions of tribes that
live close to the earth.
Combining the backgrounds of American
Tribal Style, Cabaret, Folk, Ritualistic, and Expressive movement
Almine and Ahndine will delight the senses and transport you back
through time. Utilizing props such as veils, zills, and swords
you will see anything from beautiful floor work to adventurous
Turkish 9/8 rhythms.
Ahndine,
known throughout the local community for her graceful turns, mesmerizing
floor work, and sassy kicks, has a rich history in performing
and teaching bellydancing. She has delighted the audiences of
Middle Eastern restaurants, festivals, showcases, and holiday
parties to name a few. She has performed in Jane Archer's Neo-Tribal
student troupe "Mandala" and was simultaneously asked
to join Portland's Cabaret troupe, "The Tiger Lilies."
She has taught classes at "Euphoria Studio," "Act
1 School of Dance," and "Full Spectrum Health Center."
When asked what bellydancing meant to her she exclaimed, "It
is a powerful force that can come through an individual dancer.
It can be even more enriching to bring forth that same positive
energy in numbers to foster a feeling of community within the
dance." Ahndine has been touted as "an exquisite performer,"
and is a known to be seen dancing duets with Almine and performing
solo to a variety of audiences.
"Ahndine is an exciting fresh face new on the scene deliciously
blendingTribal and Cabaret creating a vivacious style all her
own!""
Nemra Khan, Portland, OR
"I have never seen anyone descend as smoothly as you, (Ahndine)
in
performance"
Tamara Khan, N.Y., N.Y.
When Almine was asked what moved her to
begin bellydancing, she explained: "When I was young, I used
to watch my mom practice for hours. She brought bellydancing to
a level of majesty. When you watched her, even though she was
moving outwardly, you could tell inside she was perfectly still."
Seen throughout Portland pushing her own limits with Turkish rhythms,
East Indian ritual dancing and Spanish influenced pieces, Almine
has made bellydancing a way of touching souls. You can't help
but want to move in your chair when you see how much fun she is
having.
Almine
has performed in Jane Archer's Neo-Tribal student troupe, "Mandala"
and has been seen dancing in Turkish weddings, local middle eastern
restaurants such as Pasha's Mediterranean Grill, and was the previous
director of the dance troupe, "Apsara." She has taught
bellydancing at Full Spectrum Health Center, and Bally Total Fitness.
Almine's joy not only comes out in her dance, but through her
voice as well. Her toning has been heard on releases such as Tom
Kenyon's The Gandharva Experience, and she has sung for
teachers like Ammachi. She particularly enjoys singing East Indian
kirtan and bhajans.
"When I watch Almine dance I am reminded of the power
of the goddess within myself as well as the goddess within all
women and men. I am mesmerized by the webs in which she weaves
with her dance of passion and grace. Almine and her dance is
an inspiration, exploration, and extension of female power."
Schamet Horsfield, LMT
Performance Artist, Fire Dancer, Film Maker
Wellington, New Zealand
For booking performances or further details, call (503) 750-0526
or (503) 756-5602
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