Yallah Ya Helwa CD Release Party
Held at The Elks Lodge in Rutherford, NJ

Packed to the hills with attendees ( 110 at last count )
we had an open bar, pretzels and trail mix, salad and rolls,
a 4 course hot Italian buffet, coffee & dessert. 
But more importantly -
Fabulous Dancing to Fantastic Live Music!

Performances by order of appearance:

Aviva! - She opened that night's dancing, and what a way to start an evening of fun and dancing - by showing everyone a fabulous performance!

Emily - a first grade Teacher, performing to live music for the very first time, the audience couldn't tell.  She exuded confidence and talent and danced like she's been doing so for a long time.

Audie - with her earthy soulful performance.  The audience were treated with her wonderful style of dancing.

Chanah - a lawyer by profession a dancer at hearth.  A student of Aviva's!  She made her teacher proud.  A true joy to watch.

Leeya of the Desert - handling the cane like a pro,  Leeya looked great on the dance floor.  She was shining in perfection with her Saiidi number.

Shamira - A dramatic entrance by our CD's Cover Model.  The audience waited for Shamira's arrival and when she came, she conquered.  

She is picture perfect on the CD, she was picture perfect that evening.  Shamira was indeed the star of the night!  With her Beauty, Dancing, Style, Grace and Presence, Shamira always knows how to capture the audience. 

She sold the CD like crazy - signed with Love!

Aisha - the founder of NJNMED (New Jersey Network of Middle Eastern Dancers) opened the second part of our show, immediately after dinner.  Her performance was better than dessert itself!  She loves performing to live music and it showed.

Sarah - opened her routine with "Layette Hob" and made the most of her time under the lights with very high energy.

Gia - Performed to "Yallah Ya Helwa's" Rumba piece.  Gia showed style, grace and talents.  Oh and she's only been studying under Shamira for less than 5 months.  What a ham!  Looking fabulous in her turquoise costume,  she gave our rumba piece true meaning.  It was indeed a welcome surprise, seeing our music danced to LIVE!

Levanah - has grown into a better performer and it showed.  Dancing in front of her teacher Shamira, Levanah did her teacher proud.  Straight good dancing style.  Rayhana, another teacher of Levanah's, was there to cheer her on too.

Angie - confidence, technique and charisma.  She had it all and she shared it with us effortlessly.

Rayhana - closed the evening's festivities with her charm, style, grace and beauty.  

Rayhana was the icing on a perfectly layered cake! 

Sealed with a kiss!
A perfect performance to close a perfect evening!

And YES!,
the audience did get a chance to Dance that night too.  Though I wish we had more time for it.  We could have partied the whole night.

with a special treat from Ira on the bendir

and two of our CD's fantastic musicians -
Jawad on keyboard with Amir on Drum and what great singers too!

This was indeed the HAFLA they will be talking about way into 2003!

To those who attended, thank you!  We love the e-mails and great reviews you sent our way.  Thank you too for buying and enjoying "Yallah Ha Helwa-Let's Go, Beautiful" CD.  

I promised you all a wonderful evening and a fantastic CD. 
Now you know I always say what I mean and do what I say.

My thanks to each and everyone who helped me put this night together.  From our wonderful dancers to our great musicians, the very receptive audience, and the crew behind the scenes.  The place was exquisite, but the party was even better!  

To old and new friends, I thank you all for sharing with me a very successful event.  Regards Angeline