Posted December 20th, 2007:
The Daughters of Sophia performing in 'Silent'
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On Sunday September 9th, Tribal Dance Arts hosted the crew from the feature film "Silent" - in our backyard! The Caravan was open and the cameras were rolling.
On December 1st, 2007, the film finally wrapped. Congratulations and Happy Holidays to Director Mike Plekaitis, his wife Andrea, and the hard working crew of from Revscope Pictures.
We took some of our own pictures during the filming which Giovanni has finally posted. To see the photos, go to the Silent Page at our sister website, DaughtersOfSophia.com.
click on photo to to see Movie Trailer
Click here to see the Teaser for "Silent" on YouTube. (Or click on photo to left.).
November, 2007:
Caterina being filmed in the movie 'Silent', Sept 2007
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Our Thanks to Laura Rickardson of the Global Education Task Force at Ocean County College for inviting us to participate in the Global Day of Thanksgiving on November 15th. Ashtar and our friend Caterina performed dances from Northern India and Spain and Ashtar discussed the culture and traditions of the Romany people. The presentation was well received.
November, 2007:
Ashtar in folk dress, Slovak Embassy, Washington,DC
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On Friday, November 9th, Ashtar visited her father's ancestral homeland, Slovakia! She was at the Embassy of Slovakia in Washington, D.C. to participate in a celebration of Slovak folk dress. The event was coordinated by Ashtar's dear friends Helene Baine Cincebeaux and Helene's mother, Helen Zemek Baine, owners of the third largest collection of folk dress in the world. Ashtar joined Helene and Helen at the Embassy in 2003 for a similar event. At that time, she had the priviledge of meeting President Rudolf Schuster, who was in the US to discuss the problem of international terrorism with President Bush.
Ashtar was invited to both events at Helene's request. Helene asked that Ashtar wear the kroj (suite of folk dress) Ashtar's Dad had commissioned for her. It consists of pieces made specifically for her, and items from the family collection. Some of the pieces are antique, and all are hand sewn and embroidered. Helene says that it's one of the few kroj she's ever seen that is complete.
September, 2007:
The new fall schedule of Tribal Dance Arts classes is up and running. There is room in the Tribal I class on Monday and also in the new Tribal I class on Wednesday now that some students have moved on to Tribal II.
Please note that our "Welcome!" package is now available. If you are a newly enrolling student, you will receive one automatically. If you have been in Ashtar's classes and haven't yet received one, be sure to tell her the next time you come for class.
Ashtar, as Julie Gale, would also like to start a Ballet class for adults on Thursday. She welcomes your feedback and will start a waiting list as soon as interest is expressed.
September, 2007:
Daughters of Sophia Lakewood Renaissance Faire, 2006
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Tribal Dance Arts enjoyed the best Renfaire ever this year on September 15th and 16th, 2007. The Faire, which is hosted each year by the Lakewood Lions' Club and the Barony of Carillion of the SCA, was in its 26th year. The weather was perfect, the crowds huge, and the Caravan Stage was filled with hours of joyful dancing.
Insinuous Tribal Troupe and the Legion of Doumbek, Trance Formation, Vorona, Perizad, Yudita, Zahra, Rai'ida, Courtney, Sacred Soul, and others danced the afternoon away. We look forward to next year's Faire eagerly and offer heartfelt thanks to our guests.
The Daughters of Sophia presented the "Bracelet Dance" from the increasingly popular Sephardic Connection, several solo numbers, and an impromptu reprise of "Marco Polo" featuring Fatin in the role she originated in the dance.
Ashtar with the Film Crew from "Driving Jersey"
click on photo to to see Movie Trailer
P.S. We looked for the crew from the independent documentary film "Driving Jersey", scanning the horizon continually on Sunday the 16th, but to no avail. Turns out that there is so much interesting footage of so many interesting people from all over the State of New Jersey, that the producer, Steve Rogers, was unable to attend the Faire. However, he is now planning to create not just a feature documentary, but a TV series. We'll keep you posted as things progress.
If you would like to learn more about this documentary, check out this News article: On the road in pursuit of the spirit of New Jersey.
Click here to see the "Driving Jersey" Teaser on You-Tube.
Coming soon to an exit near you...
September, 2007:
The "Villain" from the film 'Silent' on the Gypsy Theater Caravan, 2007
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On Sunday September 9th, Tribal Dance Arts hosted the crew from the feature film "Silent" - in our backyard! The Caravan was open and the cameras were rolling. Director Mike Plekaitis, his wife Andrea, and their crew of filmmakers and actors worked for seven hours to craft what will become the opening scene of the film.
A friendlier, more unpretentious group of folks would be hard to find, and yet their efficiency and creative drive was apparent.
The Daughters of Sophia
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The Daughters of Sophia, in full regalia, endured ninety degree heat in order to make their contribution to the scene. Somehow, Mike even talked Giovanni (John), Ashtar's husband, into costume and makeup. Toting his Revolutionary War musket, as the Constable's deputy, he was stabbed in the back by the villain's henchman and died an over-the-top melodramatic death on the caravan. Mike's response was "That was great! Let's do it again!" (some seven times, I might add).
At the end of the day we were sorry to see Mike and his staff leave. We can hardly wait to see "Silent".
click on photo to to see Movie Trailer
Click here to see the Teaser for "Silent" on You-Tube. (Or click on photo to left.)
August, 2007:
The new Tribal Dance Arts dance space is nearing completion. Mirrors which will cover two entire walls of the studio are on back order, and only a few minor details remain. As of September 1, 2007, the new dance class schedule and fee schedule will go into effect. Please see the Dance Classes page for complete details.
Ashtar is happy to announce that in addition to her teaching schedule at Tribal Dance Arts, she is entering her second season with Inspira Performing Arts and Cultural Center in New Brunswick, NJ as a ballet teacher. As Julie Gale, she is excited to be able to share her training in Imperial Russian Style Ballet with eager and talented young people. Having spent most of her life as a ballet dancer and teacher, being back in the ballet classroom is a homecoming for her. "I have always believed that dance is the Mother of the Arts and that ballet is the Queen of the Dance; now I also believe that bellydance is the Grandmother of the Dance."
June 2007:
And now for something completely different: Ashtar and Giovanni love to participate in 18th century reenacting. During the most recent reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth in June, 2007, Ashtar played the part of a Molly Pitcher. The "Molly Pitchers" were women (often married to men in the ranks) who brought water to the cannons during battle. Our "Molly" followed the Continental and Militia forces to help quench their thirst on a hot day. (Most of the casualties during the original battle 229 years ago were from heat stroke!)
Molly (Ashtar) giving water to a wounded militiaman
click on photo to to see Video
If you would like to glimpse Ashtar in a totally different context than you are used to, Click Here for a video from The Star Ledger, (Or click on photo to left.) (Hint: She's the only woman seen in the video clip).
July, 2007:
On July 30, 2007, Ashtar attended the Annual Meeting of Dance New Jersey. She participated in the Annual Review of the bylaws and the election of new board members. She also team taught a workshop in Tribal Style Bellydance and Flamenco with Eva Lucena. The workshop was well attended and got very favorable feedback. Ashtar was pleased to be able to meet many of her fellow dancers and teachers from all over the State of New Jersey, as well as meeting and conversing with Robert Johnson, the Dance Critic from the Star Ledger who gave the Daughters of Sophia a generous review back in September of 2006.
We recommend membership in Dance NJ to all dedicated dance students, teachers, choreographers and dance school owners.
July, 2007:
Aysha, Ashtar, & Avani Sephardic Connection, June 2007
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Our most recent performance of the increasingly popular "Sephardic Connection" was presented at the YM-YWHA of Northern NJ/Jewish Community Center in Wayne, NJ on July 17, 2007. A new dance was added at the beginning of the Second Act by our talented troupe member, Aysha, who portrayed a Turkish dancer of the Sultan's court, entertaining the newly arriving Separdim with a zil dance. Future performances throughout the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area are planned.
June, 2007, updated Feb 1st, 2008:
Ramzi El Edlibi and Giselle Revollar, Sephardic Connection 2006
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On Saturday, June 9th, 2007 the Daughters of Sophia joined Alborada Spanish Dance Theater as Guest Artists in a SOLD OUT performance of "The Sephardic Connection", this time at the George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ.
We shared the stage with Master Middle Eastern performer Ramzi El Edlibi, cantor Laurie Fechter, and a cadre of superb Spanish dancers and musicians. The DofS performed "The Bracelet Dance" to the music of The Noga Group, who were also guest artists for the show. DofS also presented "The Water Jug Dance" and joined in the ensemble number, "Miserlou".
We are thrilled to say that this performance was filmed by NJN Television and will be aired on the Emmy award-winning program Images/Imagenes. The PBS film crew completed their filming of "The Sephardic Connection" on Aug 16th.
Avani, Ashtar, & Aysha Sephardic Connection, Sept 2006
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On Sunday, Sept 17Th, 2006, "The Sephardic Connection" was presented to a sold-out house at the Richard P. Marasco PAC in Monroe, NJ. This is the largest crowd to date that the Daughters of Sophia have been privileged to entertain, with over 950 people filling the seats and aisles. Ashtar and Avani were also interviewed by "Flamenco Buzz" e-zine before the show and during intermission. We also received a much appreciated review from The Star Ledger.
Click Here to see photos from the first performance of "The Sephardic Connection" in Sept, 2006.
May, 2007:
Vorona (Crow) Nov 2006 Hafla
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On May 19th, 2007 Tribal Dance Arts presented its 2007 Spring Hafla at Om Baby Yoga Studio in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. This time we tried to devote more of the evening to drumming and dancing (everyone loved the 'dance club' atmosphere). Lots of delicious food and drink was served. Special guest artists included:
• Yudita and her dance troupe
• Eva Lucena, Artistic Director of Alborada Spanish Dance Theater
• Vorona
• Insinuous Tribal Dance Troupe
• and, of course, Ashtar
Yudita Nov 2006 Hafla
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We would especially like to thank Yudita who offered an afternoon workshop on "Flow of Movement for Bellydancers". Yudita's dancing expertise includes decades of experience in Traditional, Folkloric, and Fusion styles of bellydance. And she is always a pleasure to work with.
Update: The Home News filmed an excellent video interview of Yudita which also showed her teaching class.
If anyone has pictures from the Hafla, could you kindly email them to ashtar@tribaldancearts.com. To see pictures from the last Hafla in Nov 2006, go to the Autumn Hafla, 2006 Gallery Page at our Troupe's website - DaughtersOfSophia.com.
May, 2007:
DofS performing 'Marco Polo' - May 2006
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On Friday, May 11th, both the Daughters of Sophia and the Tribal Dance Arts student dance group performed at:
Celebrating Global Rhythms, An Evening of percussion and dance from around the world
This performance was part of a week long event sponsored by the Coexistence Festival. The Daughters of Sophia offered their signature piece, "Marco Polo", while the students shared Ashtar's new choreography, "Enchanted Egypt".
May, 2007:
Avani with the Daughters of Sophia, Feast of Sarah 2006
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Once again The Daughters of Sophia joined the Alborada Spanish Dance Theater in "The Feast of Sarah, A Gypsy Festival". Guest artists included Peter Suarez (principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, NY), the Hungarian Dance Ensemble, and the Gorski Brothers Gypsy Band. The performance was held at the Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ.
Click Here to see photos from the last performance of "The Feast of Sarah" in 2006.
We Loooove Alborada.
May, 2007:
On Thursday May 17th, 2007 Ashtar presented a series of dance workshops at the Somerset County Teen Arts Festival. The festival was held at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchberg (about 10 minutes west of Somerville, NJ). It was a pleasure to teach three groups of young people who showed so much enthusiasm and appretiation of our art form. It was especially gratifying to have several young gentleman in each class who performed the combinations with seriousness and sincerity.
April, 2007:
Daughters of Sophia and new friends, Drew University, May 2007.
click on photo to to see larger picture
On Sunday, April 29th, the Daughters of Sophia performed a mixed program of dances at the Spring Festival at Drew University in Madison, NJ. The event was held out-of-doors and was open to the public. We would like to thank all the students who welcomed us to their school and especially Olivia Dreizen for inviting us to dance. And a big thanks for setting up the stage.
April, 2007:
Fokine and Fokina, Scheherezade 1910
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On Monday April 16th, 2007 Ashtar repeated her lecture and demonstration on "Women, Culture and Art" before a cultural anthropology class at Georgian Court University. She would like to thank her student, Cynthia Ninivaggi PhD, for this opportunity. The lecture included segments on the influence of the Ballet Russe on the development of American bellydance, Ruth St. Denis as a founding mother of American bellydance, and a discussion of Tribal Style Bellydance. These themes were woven into an exploration of Orientalism and its effects on the culture of dance. Ashtar also performed her solo "Lotus Blossom", a 2003 choreography created as a tribute to Ruth St. Denis.
March, 2007:
The Daughters of Sophia joined Alborada Spanish Dance Theater at a Gala performance and fund raiser honoring Willie Sanchez, NJN TV Executive Producer. It was held at the Spain Inn on March 25, 2007. During the festivities, Mr. Sanchez announced that WNJN-TV will be filming one of our upcoming shows with Alborada. We look forward to being able to share our dances with a larger audience, via PBS television.
March, 2007:
On Sunday March 4, 2007 Ashtar presented a workshop on Tribal Fusion Bellydance sponsored by Dance New Jersey as part of their Professional Development Series. She presented a taste of Daughters of Sophia Style Bellydance, which has elements of jazz, ballet, modern and more fused to create a unique and exotic dance experience.
Eva Lucena
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Ashtar was joined by Eva Lucena of Alborada Spanish Dance Theater. Eva taught a workshop on Flamenco which focused on the feet, arms and palmas.
We would like to thank Dance New Jersey for sponsoring what turned out to be their best attended program to date.
Don't forget to check out What Was New in 2008
Don't forget to check out What Was New in 2006
Don't forget to check out What Was New in 2005 and Earlier
