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(Letter from the Editor, Aug 2000 edition)
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| I was recently invited to a live show entitled "Yaleil
Comes Home" in the quaint old town of Ojai ("oh-hi!"),
California. Yaleil is the name of one of the bellydance troupes that
starred in the show. The "Comes Home" part is what is particularly
interesting. |
| The performance was introduced by Jenaeni
Rathor, who produced the show along with her daughter, and star dancer,
Ansuya. Jenaeni, one of the original members of Yaleil from the 1980's,
did not dance, but did choreograph many of the routines. |
Original Yaleil Members
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| She explained that the show's title had a double meaning:
five of the original Yaleil members were reunited for this performance,
and this event also marked the 20th anniversary of her daughter's
first performance on that very stage, at the age of four. |
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Ansuya
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Yaleil Comes Home also represents
the resurgence of Middle Eastern dance as a mainstream form of entertainment
in the United States. Bellydancing was popular in the 1970's, during
the age of "free love," antiestablishment, and the empowerment
of women. It then faded out somewhat, but enthusiasts never let it
die. |
| In the past year or so, it seems that bellydancing has
come back into the limelight. People of all ages, classes, and ethnic
backgrounds are showing an interest in this mysterious and beguiling
dance. |
| Now, I have seen my share of dances,
from ballet to mosh pit, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised
by entertainment level of the show. I expected to find the show very
engrossing for the first few songs, then taper off a bit. By the time
the second act started, I expected to be analyzing the stage props,
observing other people in the audience, and checking my watch. However,
this was not the case. |
Mykael Deva'd
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Mikaela & Ansuya
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The energy and beauty each dancer brought to the stage was nothing
short of awesome.
Not only were the stage design and costumes a visual treat, but
the dances were mesmerizing. This was not a cabaret marathon, but
a truly moving masterpiece.
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I know that I am not alone in my affection for this show, as all three sold-out engagements ended in a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience.
Entire cast in the finale of Yaleil
Comes Home
If you have the opportunity to see Yaleil Comes
Home in the future (it will be held annually), I strongly urge you to do so. If you don't have the luxury of being in southern California when the event is scheduled, maybe you can catch it on video! That's right, a video production is in the works and should be available later this year. Keep checking www.ansuya.com for the Yaleil video and event schedule.
- Ann Berna, Editor
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