Jillina as Kaa - Photo by Bruno O ’ Hara
Describe a “ high point ” that stands out for you . Scene , episode , a moment in time that was particularly wonderful .
Tales of Scheherazade show in Morocco
There are so many moments in my career that I have been grateful to consider as high points . My most honorable moment in my career would have to be when I was contacted by Moroccan Arts Ambassador and fellow Moroccan dancer , Dalal Bennani Smires . The idea proposed was to reimagine and direct the theater production of The Tales of Scheherazade , by combining inspiration from both classical ballet and belly dance . It took me and my team over a year to organize and prepare this 2-hour show which consisted of professional ballerinas , and belly dancers from Europe , Morocco , and America , as well as the Moroccan Philharmonic ( an orchestra of over 100 members ). The show combined the original score from Rimsky-Korsakov of Scheherazade typically played by western orchestra and a full Arabic orchestra to play Oum Kalthoum and other traditional Arabic arrangements . The culmination of the project is that we ’ d perform this show in newly built theaters around Morocco , specifically to accommodate the unique collaboration of Eastern and Western art . The shows were such a success that we are already in pre-production for producing another classic story for the future .
Identify a key turning point that marked an important change in your life story .
Pandemic creates deep dive and exploration
I think the biggest and most identifying turning point is happening now . I have never had to cancel and postpone an entire years ’ worth of bookings for not just my performances but my local and touring companies as well ! My dance studio has been closed for 6 months and it is unclear when my business can resume . This also marks the longest time I have been off tour and stage in my entire career .
Though this Global Pandemic has changed everything , I count myself lucky for all that I have , and the dance community I continue to embrace . In the spirit of optimism , I have found this unexpected time has allowed me to dive
October 2020 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 17