Experiencing the joy that is Randa

You haven't truly experienced belly dancing until you've seen an Egyptian dance.

My night begins with a bus full of dancers headed to the Nile for a dinner cruise aboard the Nile Maxim. Decending the steps from the road to the dock, we enter another world. A gaggle of musicians adorned in white galabaya and head wrap greet us and the festivities begin. Some of you are familiar with the Arabic moulid, (festival), or zeffet (the procession that preceeds a wedding party). This was it. Let the fun begin!! They play and we dance. It's the party before the party. We procession to the boat, horns wailing, drums beating, and as we approach some of the musicians start dancing and spinning. Quite a show.

The boat is luxurious, with carpeted floors, lovely lighting, a huge stained class window overhead and tables for 500 or more. A large stage. Our hostess, the amazing Sara, takes the microphone and announces a 'very special guest,' a dance legend, responsible for much that we belly dancers are today. The acolades go on and on. I think, no, it couldn't possibly be, it was. The legend herself, Nagua Fouad. I immediately start to cry and am teary again just thinking of it. She is absolutely beautiful and gracious. She patiently takes photos with many of us and later graces us with a short dance.


Immediately after dinner Randa Kamel takes the stage. I've seen many dancers and many I've adored, but none like this. It was the most emotional performance I've ever seen. We got crazy, like patrons at a Pat's game, cheering and begging for more. Here is a dancer who exudes passion and joy at the same time. She's a strong dancer, very strong and very sexy. Her stride is long and moves are big, yet she stays completely over her move every time. The audience was rivited. She does two shows, long shows, with two or three costume changes for each (I can't remember now...lots)! During the costume changes, singers are on stage entertaining us. Did I mention that Randa was backed by an 18 piece orchestra?


We return to the hotel around midnight, but much to emotionally charged to sleep. Sleep finally calls at 3:00. I'll be up again by 8:00 for my first day of classes with Randa.