We would like to thank Alma Novotny, Historian for Houston Area Belly Dance Association for this wonderful review. Thank you!!!
 

Review: In the Garden of Gaia, August 11, 2007

“We came out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.”

With these words Stephanie Peacock introduced the journey through sacred time conducted by the Sisters of Avalon in “The Garden of Gaia” at the University of St. Thomas on August 11. Traveling to the compositions of E Muzeki, the Sisters produced a unique range of interpretations based on Middle Eastern traditions with mixtures of Hindu, Spanish, Celtic, Greek and American Tribal elements. In modern usage Gaia, the original Greek goddess of the Earth and mother of the seasons, symbolizes the unity of the biological and non-living systems of our planet and provides the perfect metaphor for this group of talented and innovative dancers.

Amiya was perfectly cast as the Spring Maiden, introducing the cycle of life with optimism and innocence. In the early part of the season, she balanced a crystal globe, representing the Earth, with playfulness and dexterity. She then led her fellow dancers Lotus, Sirena and Tala Ali through a series of varied and joyful patterns using swirling skirt accents. Silvia, representing the Life Force that drives the change in seasons, drew on cultural traditions Gypsy and Flamenco to provide a dramatic transition to the full fruit of summer.

Dancing as the Mother, Marisela Ali performed a witty competition duet with Silvia as she took charge of the Garden. She then filled the earth-space with a dance using fan-veils, a relatively new prop for Houston audiences. We’re hoping she introduces this technique to her fellow dancers, as it allows her to provide exciting floating accents without compromising her ability to perform complex movements. She then opened the Garden to her children. Shannon, Julie, Lotus, Tala Ali, Sirena and Amiya celebrated the season while Silvia and Dania lounged, presenting fruit to the audience. As summer drew to a close, Silvia returned and brought in autumn with a dramatic number involving sweeping floor passes.

Sirena, as the Wise Woman, presented us with a Crone worthy of both personal and archetypal emulation. She communicated wisdom and strength to her attendant dancers Dania and Julie with a poignancy that comes from experience as a dancer and as a woman. Their veil routine flowed with matched fluidity in the moves that were synchronized and perfect counterpoint in the accents. She faced the end of her time in the Garden with great dignity in the duet with Tala Ali, counter-pointed by Silvia reappearing with the balanced sword.

In the culminating Death and Rebirth sequence, Tala Ali superbly evoked the goddess Kali. As she confronted Wisdom, she exemplified the power and seduction of destruction. Watching her dance, the audience understood why people have worshipped this goddess for centuries. As the Destroyer, she led Lotus and Marisela in a hand candle sequence whose swirling lights promised that death would turn and lead to renewal. The lighting for this number was particularly effective in that the dimmed stage spots allowed the audience to see the dancers without washing out the glow from the candles. The background of moving lights added texture and suggested the final turn of the seasons.

As the show closed, Silvia expressed the effort of rebirth in a stunning dance sequence. She performed wearing a white costume that tied her to the reborn Maiden, whose final emergence brought the cycle to completion and the audience to its feet. In the course of the evening the Sisters had demonstrated mastery of a variety of dance moves, props and expressive styles. The lush costuming emphasized the movements and maintained the allure of mystery. All of the presentation techniques were subordinated to the expression of the message and beauty of the dance.

The greater Houston area currently provides the dance community with an exciting center of creative expression. The groups Qantara, Solange, Khazana and Tribal Glitter have all won prizes from the Choreography Project at the recent Middle Eastern DanceTroupe Competition. Urban Gypsy enjoys international recognition for its unique style and inspiring instructional DVD. The Sisters of Avalon are part of this greater community and have applied their talent and training to a truly innovative format that resonates with the spirits of our community members. The audience was deeply involved and responded to the evening with enthusiastic clapping, cheers and a standing ovation.

If you missed this wonderful evening, the Sisters of Avalon are considering an additional performance, and HABDA will help spread the word once there’s a date. The Sisters will also be performing excerpts on September 15 at the Zahirah Noor Studio, 14250 Memorial Drive, suite 57. On October 7th, 4 to 8 p.m. they will again support AssistHer at a fundraiser at the South Beach Club, 810 Pacific Street and on October 13th they are headlining the Witches Halloween Ball at Orene’s Palace, 6817 Homestead. You can find more information and pictures on their web site, www.sistersofavalon.com . HABDA is pleased to support these inspiring and creative members!

Al Mamun