2016 Year in Review

2016 was an extremely difficult year in many ways, but there were many bright spots in the dance world. One of which was knowing that this amazing community always comes together in times of need. I have been in the western MA dance community for over a decade and this community has existed for over 40 years, but this year really brought a lot of us closer. Another highlight of this year, and every year, is watching my students grow- the brand new beginners, the transitioning professionals, and everyone in between. They are endlessly inspiring. Here are some of the highlights of the year:

Sahina's #2016BestNine

Teaching and Student Achievements

* Taught classes on Classical Egyptian style, fan veil, double veil, modern Turkish style, drum solo, Vintage Oriental veil techniques, Social and Folkloric Dance, floorwork, and more
* Coached Amy, Anne, and Kamri on their first solo pieces and Lauren on her first sword solo
* Taught at many wonderful bridal showers, birthdays, and bachelorette parties
* Mentored Avienn, Aralia, Melissa, and Lisa Wall
* Aralia began teaching beginner classes at Ohana in South Hadley
* Aralia and Avienn both launched their websites and began a new community venue called Bellies and Brew
* Penny, Amyee, and Salazar were all invited to join the Crescent Dancers!

Fun Times
* One of the biggest things this year- my partner and I bought a house and he built me my own home dance studio!!!
* Redesigned my website! After 6 years of the old one it was time for a change
* Was interviewed by DJ Spence along with Aralia and Lisa Wall for the Creative Valley podcast
* Released my first branded merchandise, t-shirts designed by Aralia
* Had a photoshoot with Peter Paradise Michaels, whose work I have admired for many years
* Hosted the 6th annual Secret Habibi gift exchange

Performance
* Hosted the 5th annual Dancing into the Dark and Dancing into the Light student showcases
* Performed at community events including Goddess Lounge, Cairo Cabaret, Athenian Corner, Bellies and Brew, Cultural Chaos
* Performed at the weddings of several dear friends- Victoria and Harley and Veronica and Nicholas
* Performed in Vermont at the Raq-On Community Day and Southern Vermont Dance Festival
* Performed with the Illuminata Dance Company at Bellies & You which raised $1500 for #blacklivesmatter 413 chapter, Safe Passage, and Out Now
* Danced at many amazing private events including a Lebanese retirement party with live music, and many ladies night events, bachelorette parties, and bridal showers
* Danced at a benefit show hosted by Sisters for Peace, proceeds went to a clean drinking water project in Tanzania

Training
* Began private lessons with Victoria Teel after my wonderful dance partners Felicia, Kenna, Avienn, and Aralia bought me a lesson package for my birthday
* Attended the most incredible private training retreat at Artemis Mourat’s house with Nadira Jamal, Sarah, Amy, Amyee, Avienn, Aralia, and more
* Attended the Raq On roundtable discussion of oriental and fusion bellydance history
* As part of the mentoring program Lisa Wall, Avienn, and Aralia all hosted or co-hosted their first workshop events:
      *Co-hosted Elisheva with Avienn
      *Co-hosted Hayam and Ashley Elizabeth with Aralia
      * Lisa Wall hosted Heather Powers
* Took workshops with Phaedra of Boston, Elisheva, Hayam, Heather Powers

Here are my top 4 favorite performance videos from this year!


What were your favorite moments this year?