April 25 & 28, 09 Raqs L.A. sponsored by Bellydance Superstars –The second annual at Glendale Auditorium, which has a huge proscenium stage (perfect for the evening Superstars show and the many troupes who danced during the festival days). Many were wonderful to watch, with the L.A showbiz polish up front. Most notable for me were the Feldthouse family band with all ages of dancers. The youngest are now lovely teens and 20’s whose interpretation of the music is so natural and sweet. Also I spied an East Indian apparition, familiar from the film “When the Road Bends – Gypsy Caravan,” Queen Harish. Headdress and gorgeous shisha outfit and perfectly groomed face, this fellow’s history is chronicled in the film. He performs the knee twirling dance from his native Rajasthan, keeping history alive. Wow – very exciting to see him up close.

May 1 – 3, 09 Spring Caravan in New Jersey sponsored by the Rakkasah crew, though more a fusion event headed by Shukriya’s daughter Michelle Divine at the Ukranian Center in Somerset. A favorite of mine on stage was Dalia Carella who performed the slinkiest Karsilama in a tight skirt, and seems to be aging like very fine wine! Many sisters showed precision and joy dancing together – including Michelle’s bevy of beauties in slightly gothic garb doing fabulous synchronized floorwork.

May 23 – 24,09 Bellydancer of the Year Pageant in San Ramon, CA, the longest-running competition in our field is well-run and congenial. Troupe Dhyanis has entered multiple times and finally won in 2003. We went back again this year and placed second runner-up, happy with another trophy for the studio collection! The winners of all categories were well-deserving, especially the “Bellydancer of the Year 09” Maria from the South Bay.