Fabulous Fall Festival 2025

Fabulous Fall Festival 2025
By Dancers – For Dancers
Dance – Music – Shopping – Community

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2024 • Noon – 9:00 pm
Grant Park Community Center
1575 Holt Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024
Adults $20 • Kids & Seniors $10

Pre-Order via PayPal fabfallfestinfo@gmail.com
Use Cash or Card at the Door

A Fundraiser for “Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence”

VENDOR SPONSORS:

A-to-Z Belly Dance • Bali Isle ArtWear • Basinah/Lady J • Belly Bolly Bling • Bellydance.com • Carl Sermon • Ma’Shuqa • Dhyanis • TAWC/Terri Hendrix • Studio Davina

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Gala Show Dancers & Introductions

Each year, BABDAMA hosts a gala show composed of illustrious dancers from across our region. In honor of Leyla Lanty’s memory, we’ve invited some of her favorite dancers to perform tonight. Before we begin our show, we wil be taking a moment of silence to remember her spirit, her community support, her love of travel, learning and teaching, and above all her dedication to dance.

Rawiyah: Rawiyah is a classic cabaret-style dancer from Los Altos. Tonight she is paying tribute to her teacher and dear friend, Leyla.

Najla: Artistic Director of Serpentina Dancers, brings over two decades of international performance experience to the stage. Having danced across 18 countries and trained with master teachers in Egypt and Lebanon, she infuses her art with both authenticity and soul. Based in San Francisco, Najla teaches weekly classes at Empress Ouroboros Studio and tonight performs the evocative piece “Albi Eshi’ha.”

Luna Dance Collective: Luna Dance Collective brings the stage to life with “Usti Usti Baba”, a high-energy FCBD Style performance featuring the skirt as a dynamic prop. Blending the powerful vocabulary of FCBD with the expressive flair of Krisztina’s Czigany World Fusion Dance, this piece showcases swirling skirts, playful rhythms, and vibrant ensemble synergy that celebrate joy, connection, and community.

Alia: Alia is an Egyptian-American dancer,  who loves to share culture through music and dance. 

Sister Sirens: Sister Sirens Progressive Fusion Troupe is based out of Martinez. Together since 2006, they are known for their sassy, silly ways. 

 ~INTERMISSION~

Troupe Dhyanis: Dhyanis has been directing troupes since the mid-nineteen seventies. Troupe Dhyanis was conceived after she returned from 5 years dancing her way to Egypt in 1986. This year the members consist of two veterans (over 15 years) Alice and Carolina, 5 years Lily, and two new dancers Momo and Hisae. The theme is based on the old Am-Cab routine with music from Eddie The Sheik Kochak and his East Coast band.

Janelle: Janelle Rodriguez is a performing artist from the Santa Cruz area and has been immersed in the study of middle eastern dance and music since the mid 1990s. Janelle has been a student of the Salimpour School since 2001 and had the privilege to study not only with Suhaila, but with her mother, Jamila Salimpour as well. Janelle continues to study dance and music as well as teaches and owns a dance studio in Santa Cruz, Ca where she hosts many artists from around the world.

Almaz: “Almaz is an award-winning bellydance performance group from Santa Clara, CA directed by Maria Sokolova. Today we present a revived dynamic oriental piece choreographed by Maria back in 2009, a lyrical fan veil dance choreographed by Jillian, and a fun group drum solo. Thank you, the organizers, for having us here at our favorite community event!“

Phillip Ruise: Phillip Ruise, from Petaluma California, is an Avid “GLAMOUR PUSSING PROFESSIONAL” Street & Stage Costume Construction DESIGNER of SPECTACLE “Headdresses” and the Complete LQQK. I Get BOOKED for Spectacle Events Around the Bay Area. STAGE  & Set DESIGNER for the Yearly SIRENSFEST, in Sebastopol, California

Andalee: Andalee is performing a classic piece Lessa Faker, or in English “Do you still remember?”. The melody is beautiful and at times uplifting, but the lyrics reflect devastating heartbreak. Please welcome from Clovis, CA.

Teacher Showcase: 3:30-4:30

In honor of Leyla Lanty, we’ve brought back the Teacher Showcase from our MECDA years. Leyla was a champion of dance education, not only of the dance, but the culture as well. She was keen on crafting a separate space for instructors. We instituted her dream back in our MECDA years, and we’ve brought it back today in memory of her contributions to our organization from our earliest SF/BA MECDA days through to our reorganization as BABDAMA.

Ghanima: Ghanima Gaditana has been teaching and performing for many years in the South Bay. She was a member of the original Bal-Anat, and studied with Jamila Salimpour, Aida Al-Adawi, and Dahlena.

Mirit: Mirit is a belly dance artist from Mountain View. She is a performer, instructor, choreographer, and a troupe director. Today she is pleased to perform for you with her troupe Levanah.

Adriana: In San Jose, Adriana’s school brings dancers and Arab musicians together, mentoring all levels on how to perform with live bands. The next workshop happens Sunday, Nov 23rd at El Morocco with Khader Ahmad, Youness, and Reda Darwish—don’t miss it! And if you’re craving a deeper dive, join the 2026 Crete retreat (only 2 spots left!) featuring the incredible Khader Ahmad and keyboard virtuoso Elias Rishmawi for an unforgettable mix of dance, music, nature, and adventure.

Helwa: Helwa has been a featured dancer at many San Francisco and Peninsula restaurants and clubs.  She has written show reviews and profiles of prominent dancers for Habibi Magazine and Gilded Serpent.com and is a former Habibi staff editor. She is deeply grateful to the organizers of Fabulous Fall Festival for their support of this wonderful community—and is VERY happy to see some of her former students perform here today.

Malia: Malia is a long time teacher and performer with a decades long love affair with Middle Eastern and North African cultures, music and dance. She teaches weekly classes in Pacifica, San Mateo and Redwood City. Her class schedule can be found on her website at http://www.bellydancer.net

Festival Dancers & Introductions: Noon – 3:30pm

This year’s festival dancers have traveled from across the San Francisco Area and beyond. They sent in their introductions that share who they are, where they are from, and thoughts about their dance program. If you see any dancers you like, look for them across the various social media platforms to learn more.

Dark Star Tribal: Dark Star Tribal is a new bellydance group from Sacramento. They  mix different ATS dance styles with gothic and heavy metal elements to present a darker style to structured improv. They hope you enjoy this really fun, dark fusion project!

Jenni: Jenni has been belly dancing since high school, and she has been studying with many great teachers. She wants to become an advocate of this beautiful dance, bringing it to a wider audience and attracting more participants.

Zillanah: Zillanah found dance at 8 years old. Through dance she discovered how to support her community by helping with a benefit showcase in her home town. Thank you for this opportunity and happy fall yall!

Nelli: Nelli’s dance career began in Los Angeles, where she was introduced to the rich realm of folkloric Middle Eastern, North African, and Central Asian dance. Today she brings you a taste of Cairo Balady, fresh from her study trip to Egypt.

Zilvia: Zilvia is a vivacious dancer from Madera Ranchos, California.  She began her journey into this amazing art form in the spring of 2021 and has fallen in love with Raqs Sharqi ever since.  Zilvia loves dancing at weekly classes, workshops, haflas, and festivals throughout California. She is grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Fabulous Fall Festival 2025.

Mari: Mari is a member of Jewels of Beladi, also a member and choreographer of the Japanese fusion duet, Miyabi-no-Mai.  Mari brings in traditional Japanese dance, which is stylized and full of subtlety. Her dances contain layers of language and culture that Western audiences won’t always notice, but she hopes that some of the story telling and spirit will come through to be enjoyed by all.

Qabila Dance Company: Dance brings people together, united in humanity. The Qabila Foundation is dedicated to sharing the joy and diversity of Arabic folk dance rooted on the strong belief that art can build bridges of understanding across cultures, ages, genders, ideologies, and backgrounds and allows us all to belong. 

Celina: Celena, the Killer Ziller, is happy to perform for you today. Her roots are in the old traditional Bay Area style. Please enjoy her performance!

Hour 1 – 2pm

Troupe Alisa: Troupe Alisa is based in Belmont and we share a love of classic style belly dance. Performing for you today are Ana, Isabelle, Meghann and troupe director Alisa, who teaches in Belmont and South San Francisco. We are grateful to the organizers of the Fabulous Fall Festival for allowing us to  dance today!

Rasha: Rasha was born in Baghdad, Iraq and grew up watching Egyptian golden era belly dance. With a passion for belly dance from early age then ignited in 2012 after moving to the Bay Area, Rasha dedicated years of training in the art of belly dance under the guidance of renowned instructors in the Bay Area, CA

Bethsheba: Bathsheba started dancing almost 30 years ago to try to heal from severe head injuries when doctors told her that they couldn’t do anything to help her. Dance gave her back her life, which she celebrates every day. 

Mona-Hisae: Mona-Hisae is an artist from Japan and now living in Novato, California.  Dance is her passion. It creates a sense of freedom mentally, physically and spiritually.

Melody: Melody is from Richmond, CA.  She is dancing to a classic Egyptian shaabi song and is delighted to be performing at this year’s Fall Festival.  Melody also dances in the folkloric troupes Qabila, Alexandria’s Ghawazee, and small informal troupes with other dancers.

Linah Dance: Linah is from Sacramento and is the owner of Linah’s Boutique. Costuming is her passion. She loves Arabic music and dancing feeds her soul!

Serpent Sirens: The Serpent Sirens are a diverse tribe of dancers that enjoy many styles from classical to fun fusion theatrical Bellydance, directed by Tatseena who hosts Dance Art & Dancing Poetry Festival with Artists Embassy International. Thanks to all who help keep our community alive and for sharing their art.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Azura: Azura hails from San Jose and has been dancing since just after she learned to walk.  Her dance stylings are primarily American Cabaret and Raqs Sharki.  Throw in a sprinkle of energy and charm and you have an effervescent performance. Azura will be dancing in honor of her friends passing. There was nothing more that made Teresa  as happy as when she danced. 

HOUR – 2 – 3pm

Sherifa Javaheri: Sherifa Javaheri has studied many forms of Middle Eastern related dance since 1985, and is a creative choreographer.  She is a member of the troupe Collective Elements.  She enjoys sharing different elements of herself, including her soft side and her strong side.

Raks Zs: The Raks Zs have been dancing and creating unique choreographies together for 25 years. They always have fun, and they hope you have fun and enjoy their performance today.

Julie : Originally from Berkeley Ca., Julie started belly dancing in the SF Bay Area, drawing from many different teachers and dancing styles. Now living in far Northern California, she continues to study dance in the SF Bay Area and beyond with a focus on Egyptian Dance, music, and culture.

Troupe Daima: Troupe Daima (pronounced DIE-MA) was started in Sunnyvale, California over 20 years ago by belly dance performer and teacher Alcina, who continues to teach and inspire her students of all backgrounds, experience and ability.  Sharing a love of sisterhood and belly dance, this year, Troupe Daima is performing 2 songs choreographed by Alcina from Silicon Valley. Please welcome Troupe Daima!

Janan: Janan is an Oakland-based dancer who is comfortable in a variety of styles of belly dance. She currently dances with Collective Elements, Dancers of Nyx, and the Bay Area chapter of Qabila. She has participated in the Fabulous Fall Festival several times before and is thrilled to be here again.

House of Inanna: House of Inanna is delighted to be shaking their groove things on the Fab Fall stage, and just want to let you know that it’s still Spooky Season!  Also, thank you to Davina, Zamira, and all the volunteers who have made this event possible today!

Ma*Shuqa Murjan: Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan (translates sweetheart of treasure) – is an internationally recognized entertainer, a studio owner: belly dance school, The Oasis Circle for free dance events, and dance coach for award winning performers. The Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan School of Belly Dance in Los Gatos, California, USA opened in 1976. Her Ma*Shuqa Method promotes unique, personalized dance styling for improvised performance movement matching musicality of Middle Eastern music for emotionally connected dance.

Mara: Mara is a belly dancer based in the San Francisco Bay area. She has trained with many amazing local Bay Area Belly Dance instructors as well as international Belly Dance artists. She is known for her energetic and playful dance style on stage. Mara has also just completed the SharQui Belly Dance fitness certification program. Find out about upcoming classes at Maradanceraks@gmail.com.

HOUR – 3 – 3.30pm

Hip Logic: From Berkeley CA, Hip Logic is a fusion dance troupe directed by Niusha. Despite managing busy kids’ sport schedules and slow healing injuries, HIp Logic continues to find  time to dance together and perform because dance heals all things especially when shared with love from the heart with friends. Please enjoy a slice of friendship with love from Hip Logic. 

Sabiba: Sabiba, who has been enchanting audiences in the South Bay many years, is thrilled to support Fabulous Fall Festival. She will be teaching at a new studio opening at Adira Dance in San Jose beginning in January 2026….come join her. Please give a warm welcome to Sabiba.

Collective Elements: Collective Elements hails from the Berkeley area where they fuse their collective years of folkloric, urban, and classical training to create art that speaks to our contemporary experience.

Kanako Ishikawa: Kanako is truly honored to be here today. She would like to dedicate her performance to Ms. Layla Lanty.

Amara: This piece Amara is dancing today is from an online workshop and video project. It is FCBDstyle and Flamenco inspired Manton dialect. Amara hopes you enjoy this performance.

Stasha: Stasha is an author, performer and teacher of Shamanic Middle Eastern dance and costuming that spans many decades. From folkloric to contemporary styles, in supper clubs, on stage and in films, her captivating performances since 1975 exceed 14,000 shows: across America, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. https://stashamania.dance/

Jillian: Jillian is a dynamic dancer from Palo Alto. She enjoys performing as a soloist, and as the principal dancer of Almaz Dance Company. When not dancing she puts her creative energy into her art, including pet portrait commissions, and costume making.