So this weekend is the annual Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival at the Coronado Performing Arts Theatre. We’ve been preparing for months: extra rehearsals, new costuming, new dances, and new props hand-made by us. As the show approaches, promotion kicks up a notch. Today we got up at 2:30 in the morning to get all dolled up in full makeup and costuming for a promo spot on the NBC 7/39 morning news. The good news about having to be down at the theatre at 4:30AM? There was no traffic and parking was a breeze. The bad news? It was 4:30 in the morning and we were just there the night before for our tech rehearsal! But, you only live once and we were excited for the opportunity to be on TV.

Once we got there, everyone was really excited for the segment to start. A short interview with the news crew, a couple runs of the lineup, and pretty soon the camera was rolling and we were live! The live segment went great and they plan to rerun some of it at the 4:00pm slot that afternoon!

After 15 minutes of fame, we grabbed breakfast at a café on the island and it was off to our day jobs. Ah, how we all long to only dance and teach for a living…. Later that night, we were at Zorba’s for two shows. No rest for the weary. Now, blessedly, it’s time for bed. Poor Vilia has to go back to the hospital with her son, but at least the rest of us get to sleep in our own comfortable beds tonight. We rest while we can, for tomorrow is the big show!

Until next time….

We were scheduled to perform at 2pm.  We all finally arrived and were changing in the makeshift dressing room in one of the offices when were were told they were ready for us to go on at any time.  After gathering our things, we made our way to the Community Room where an eager crowd was gathering.  Confusion quickly set in when we noticed that a man dressed as a pastor was speaking to the group already seated in the room.  The confusion was compounded when we were told he was not a scheduled speaker.  As the clocked ticked on, we entered the room and started setting our props, still waiting for this impromptu sermon to wrap up.  The rambling, however, continued.  The crowd started to get a bit restless as talk of the Christians, Non-Christians, Jews, Muslims, and various prophets was severely delaying the commencement of the belly dance performance.  In the little kitchen off of the room, we were trying to stay mentally prepared for the show as we continued to wonder when the religious talks would end to the belly dancing could begin!  By this time the talk had become political as the speaker began talking about the war in the Middle East and making statements about America.  Finally one woman had had enough.  From the back of the room, her voice rang out loud and clear “You are a guest here.  Take your politics somewhere else.  I am Chaldean and I love this country!”  With that, the room burst into commotion and the “guest” was finally quickly ushered off the podium as others tried to calm the crowd.  Then the voice of reason cut through the chaos as Dilek proclaimed “No one go anywhere.  We are going to perform now!”  Within moments our music began and we took the stage...45 minutes late!  Well, I guess we were on belly dance time after all!

The crowd was immediately swept away by our gold shimmering veils and began clapping along with the music.  Out of reality and into a sea of blue velvet and sparkling jewels.  Audience participation was at an all-time high for the duration of the show.  We had lots of people up and dancing by the end.  We received lots of compliments too.  I think the most memorable was a man telling me that I looked like a fish!  At first I was very puzzled, especially when his two friends began to agree fervently.  I asked if it was a compliment and they assured me that it was.  All I could say was “thank you?”  :)  Vilia thinks maybe they meant that I looked like a mermaid, since we were wearing our blue velvet trumpet skirts with gold bra/belt set by Bella.  Either way, it makes for a funny story!

We spent another half hour or so with the crowd taking a million pictures!  It was like the Paparazzi!  Everyone wanted photos!  Pictures with the kids, now just the adults, now the whole family, now just grandpa.  It was nice to feel appreciated and we’re very glad everyone had a good time!

Until next time...

For years we have been saying we should have our own reality TV show.  There is never a dull moment or boring gig!  There is always something crazy, odd, off-the-wall, or funny happening!  So finally, after all this time, we still don’t have a TV show, but we did decide to start a blog.  We hope to use this blog as a way to chronicle some memorable moments of our dance careers as well as pull back the curtain a little and let our friends and fans share some of the crazy experiences we’ve had.

Let’s start the blog off with a little introduction:
Arabina Dance Company is Vilia (artistic director), Dilek (promotional director), Rebecca (aka Alexa), Heather, Maren, Alethea, Laurel, and Claudia.  In November 2010 we celebrated our 3 year anniversary.  Every Friday and Saturday nights we assume our role as the Zorba’s Starz performing 2 shows each night at our home stage, Zorba’s Greek Restaurant in Chula Vista.  We are also on the library circuit; performing at cultural events held at the San Diego County libraries.  Of course we perform at private and corporate events as well.  Each offers a unique challenge and opportunity for hilarity!

We hope you enjoy sharing in our adventures!