Delicious food, good company, great music and an evening of dancing made for an enjoyable event at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse. An event called “Sacramento Raks! Belly Dance Cabaret Gala Evening Show” took place on Sunday night. Belly dancers from northern California and beyond performed in front of a full house at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse.

Rain in May did not detract from the evening’s event. Master of Ceremonies, Tori Beck, opened the show by announcing “We have Sacramento area’s finest dancers performing tonight as well as our featured guest dancer Ahava from the Bay Area. Flowers of the Nile will be performing during the second half of the show with live Middle Eastern Music.”

Tori went on to inform the guests that delicious home made Middle Eastern food was being sold in the back of the clubhouse. The smell of food was apparent as soon as you walked into the clubhouse and a line had already formed. Several tables were set for eating and many people who were there early were already enjoying their food.

“Our first performer tonight is Deeta,” Tori announced and continued, “She is from Redding and she’ll be performing a classic dance. She’s wearing a costume originally made and worn by her mother, belly dance instructor and award winning performer, Zaramaya. Here is Deeta.” The first set of dancers had pre-recorded music as they came to the stage.

Sacramento Raks performer Deeta (Image by: David Alvarez)

Placerville’s Vahana was the second belly dancer to go on stage. She performed a dance on top of glass goblets. As Vahana danced she also moved the goblets with her feet. Tori said this type of dancing was brought to the U.S. in the San Francisco’s night clubs in the 1970’s.

Sacramento Raks performer Vahana (Image by: David Alvarez)

Henna and Kohl Bellydance Company dancers were directed by Adriane. They performed an Egyptian folkloric cane dance. This dance is traditionally performed by men in a martial arts style of dance. The evening’s cane dance incorporated traditional folk steps, cane twirls and some exciting duets.

Sacramento Raks performers from the Henna and Kohl Bellydance Co. (Image by: David Alvarez)

The next performer was not a belly dancer but Tori announced that they hope he will add variety to their shows. Miguel Vasquez of Sacramento performed dances originating from Seville Spain. The dances were traditional Spanish gypsy performed with castanets. The gypsy flamenco dances were a hit and Miguel was the only male dancer of the evening.

Sacramento Raks performer Miguel Vasquez (Image by: David Alvarez)

Sawako Ama of Sacramento presented another style of belly dancing. “Sawako Ama of Sacramento experiences dance as a connection between body, mind and soul; or prayer in motion. I’ve been privileged to see her dance and definitely that is her style. She celebrates the art of life by blending diverse cultures in her original style of belly dance. Her improvisational dance style invokes a passion and spirit celebrating life and having us follow our heart’s desire.” said Tori as she introduced the lovely Sawako.

Sacramento Raks performer Sawako (Image by: David Alvarez)

Modern Gypsy was another group of dancers. They performed a modern Egyptian cane dance moving graciously on stage. The first half of the evening seemed to be going by fairly quickly. The music selection for each of the performances was perfect.

Sacramento Raks performers Modern Gypsy (Image by: David Alvarez)

Another unique style of dancing for the evening was presented by Daleela Morad. The dance was done to Argentine music; it was a fusion of Spanish gypsy and belly dancing. Tori indicated that Daleela and the dance performed were going to be featured in an up-coming short film by Arabesque Productions.

Sacramento Raks performer Daleela Morad (Image by: David Alvarez)

The featured guest performer was Ahava from the bay area. She is also the featured dancer in the popular "By Dancers for Dancers" DVD series. At this time it was announced that some merchandise was for sale and that a DVD of hers was on the table. Ahava performed a modern Egyptian style dance that incorporated sharp hip movements, accents and facial expressions. With a winning smile and dramatic moves Ahava was the last performance before intermission.

Sacramento Raks performer Ahava (Image by: David Alvarez)

Flowers of the Nile played while guests were encouraged to dance during intermission. At this time a line had once again formed at the food area. Some of the guest did dance and mingled with others in the audience.

After intermission Adriane, the producer of the show and belly dance extraordinaire, came to the stage to say a few words. “I’d like to thank you all for coming out here tonight to support belly dance in Sacramento. We have some of our most talented performers and musicians here.” Adriane said and also indicated that the rest of the dances would be performed to live music.

Adriane thanked members of Flowers of the Nile Band specially Philip Gabriel and Cynthia Rutherford. Philip’s wife and family were also thanked for the wonderful food they cooked. Adriane also thanked Tori Beck, the MC for the event. Kathi, one of the Henna and Kohl dancers, was also thanked for doing the set design and doing a great job decorating the tables. One last thank you went to the Henna and Kohl dancers for all their support, encouragement and volunteering.

Tori Beck spoke a little more about the Flowers of the Nile indicating that they play unique arrangements of Middle Eastern music at dance festivals, theatrical and educational presentations, international and cultural festivals parties and restaurants. They had a CD of traditional Egyptian music CD for sale  . Flowers of the Nile is one of the featured bands at Rakkasahs.

Sacramento Raks performers Flowers of the Nile (Image by: David Alvarez)

Tasha is from El Dorado Hills and was the first performer after intermission. Tasha gracefully came on stage wearing a lovely white costume. With Flowers of the Nile behind her she danced to a popular Egyptian love song.

Sacramento Raks performer Tasha (Image by: David Alvarez)

Mychelle Crown has been dancing in the Sacramento area since 2000. Mychelle performed a classic Egyptian cabaret with a touch of her modern dance background. She can be seen dancing at the Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant.

Sacramento Raks performer Mychelle Crown (Image by: David Alvarez)

With a strong base in Turkish styling Selayma Anan moved to the live music with style. Selayma has also studied Persian, Moroccan, Tunisian and other folkloric and modern day dancing all of which added to her unique dance style.

Sacramento Raks performer Selayma Anan (Image by: David Alvarez)

Badia is an Egyptian belly dancer from northern California. Tori indicated that Badia was also working on her acting and singing career when she is not dancing. She brought a lively performance to the stage very full of energy as she started her exotic dance to the beat of Cynthia’s drumming.

Sacramento Raks performer Badia (Image by: David Alvarez)

Henna and Kohl came back on stage to perform another group dance as Adriane joined them. An enjoyable performance to say the least the dancers fluidly and elegantly moved around the stage.

Sacramento Raks performers the Henna and Kohl Bellydance Co. (Image by: David Alvarez)

The next performance was by Nyla Crystal who comes from Davis. Wearing a sensual pink outfit Nyla’s vibrant dancing was well received. Her alluring dance was very captivating.

Sacramento Raks performer Nyla Crystal (Image by: David Alvarez)

Nabeela El Shalimar, from the Seattle area brought more elegance to the stage. Nabeela performance was in the style of classical Egyptian Sharki. Nabeela delighted the audience delivering a trully enjoyable performance.

Sacramento Raks performer Nabeela El Shalimar (Image by: David Alvarez)

Adriane, producer of the show, also performed a solo dance. Wearing a beautiful fiery costume, Adriane performed a couple of dances. After her performance Flowers of the Nile Band sang happy birthday to an audience member and Adriane went over and danced for the lucky birthday person.

Sacramento Raks performer Adriane (Image by: David Alvarez)

The last performance belonged to Ahava who once again graced the stage. Ahava’s always present beautiful smile and masterful dancing continued to capture the audience’s attention. Her performance was a great ending to a great evening.

Sacramento Raks performer Ahava (Image by: David Alvarez)

This Gala Evening Show performance showcased many talented individuals who brought masterful performances to the stage. Many of the dancers are very talented and not only perform but also instruct in this wonderful field of belly dancing. Beautiful costumes, choreography and music made for a very entertaining evening.

The stage at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse served as a wonderful canvas for the art of belly dancing. Sensual dancing was brought to the stage taking you from your seat to the Middle East to enjoy wonderful music and great performances. The audience was entertained with 17 outstanding dance performances brought to the stage in spectacular fashion.