Samay Performing Arts Presents egyptian Nights
MIAMI, FL Internationally renowned dance director and choreographer Samay promises a mesmerizing night of magic as she takes you on a journey to Egypt without having to leave your seat. The much anticipated yearly Middle Eastern dance recital will showcase the talent of over 200 student performers on Friday April 30th, 2010 at the Manuel Artime Theater. With previous shows having sold out to more than 2,000 attendees in only days, this years production guarantees another eager full house. Titled Egyptian Nights, this show will provide a cultural display of Middle Eastern music and dance including thrilling masterworks and much awaited new choreographies.
Standing side by side with Samay on this yearly production is the School of Community Education of Miami Dade College. Here, students in the Middle Eastern Cultural & Arts Program are offered an array of classes under the direction of Samay to meet different needs. Students in the classes range from beginner levels to advanced troupe levels which provide a chance for certification, or levels of dance that are simply for fun and fitness. Even the choice of learning to dance with customary props, such as Zills, Veil and Shamadan, is offered. Within the program, students can learn and understand all aspects of the art form such as movement, history of dance and music, as well as different styles of raks sharki and folklore from all regions of the Middle East. Since 1997, this successful program at MDC’s Kendall Campus has been and will keep growing into one of the largest of its kind within the state of Florida. I am proud to have trained many future performers and instructors in South Florida and I am determined to continue the hard work and dedication of training future stars, says Samay.
Belly dancing itself has significantly grown in popularity in recent years. Today, the dance is known by over thousands of women who admire its captivating charm and exquisite technique. Although always evolving, there is no doubt that Samay has a love for traditional Egyptian dance. Graceful women like Samia Gamal are within the range of dancers who rose to fame during the golden years of the Egyptian film industry and certainly inspire Samay to choreograph such elegant dances for her wonderful shows. This year marks the eighth anniversary of one of the most awaited events of the year. Directed by an international award winning dance company, it is Samays goal as an artist and instructor to have others embrace the art form of Middle Eastern Dance.