There are four vendors at the Course and I’ve been eyeing their costumes all week, keeping student requests in mind. Aurel, who makes any costume look spectacular, graciously offers to model the ones I‘m most interested in. By the time we finish, I’ve chosen six and will meet with the designer when we return from Luxor.
By 8:00 we’re in the ballroom, and you can feel the excitement as the stege lights come alive and seven musicians on stage tune their instruments. We dancers are all jittery and encouraging one another. There will be three shows this evening, starting with the last heat of the dance competition which features seven dancers. Each dancer has submitted a list of ten songs, and the band will choose one for her performance. They are all accomplished, beautiful dancers, but I can’t imagine the stress they are feeling!
I’m leading off the second show, which I’m really grateful for. Once I’ve danced I can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Aurel is in the third show and won’t dance till about 11:00.
The festivities begin with a drawing for a costume created by the wonderfully innovative and creative designer, Hisham Ozaki, whose costumes remind me of David Bowie meets Cairo. They’re really fanciful and new age. All of us who are brave enough to perform have been entered into the raffle. Suspense builds as Sara spells out the winner’s name…K…A….I can’t believe my name has been called and just sit in my seat till it’s called again! After much applause, hugs from Randa and Hisham, and picture taking I return to my seat thinking…my birthday is in just a few hours, let the party begin!!
The dance competition is amazing, and I am in awe of these beautifully talented dancers. In no time, it’s my turn my turn to dance, and as always, when the music begins my jitters evaporate. The music is GREAT and when I hit the stage I’m immediately enjoying myself. I can’t believe I’m in Cairo dancing live with an Egyptian band; it’s like a dream. The audience is very supportive, though I can feel not see them -- the stage lights are blinding.
The band is playing one of my favorites, Sawwah. I have three versions on my iPod so am prepared for each but I’m expecting the Sohair Zaki version (old Egyptian) with a solo vocal piece midway through the song. I’m concerned about the vocals because Egyptian ‘style’ doesn’t really use the beautiful snaky arm movements I favor. But I’ve planned some Randa moves before the solo, so I hope to appear sufficiently Egyptian. About a minute into the show, our wonderful singer, Samir, begins an extra-long and slow solo. OMG. The special Randa-like moves I’ve been practicing go out the window and I do what we performers must always do, dance what is second-nature to us. For me, not especially Egyptian, but LOTS of fun. I love working with live music -- the show is always a surprise and I am transported by the passion of the moment.
Now it’s time for me to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. I’m eager to see Aurel’s performance, in which she’ll be dancing and singing Batwannis Beek. She doesn’t disappoint, in fact she steals the show. The audience goes wild as she begins singing and her dancing is perfect. I’m videoing and standing behind Randa’s table and I can hear her and her guests yelling “Aiwa!!” (YES!!) I am so proud to be her friend.
The evening winds down and we are each called for a photo op with Randa as we receive our Course certificates. When my name is called, she gives a big hug and signals the band to play happy birthday. Everyone sings, first in English, then Arabic. Wow, it’s going to be a good year.
Aurel and I are much to excited to sleep, and my lights finally go out at 3:00. My bags are packed and I’ll get 90 minutes rest before we head to the airport for our flight to Luxor.
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