October Review

Silk Route’s Arabian Cabaret got off to a fantastic beginning at our new venue and with our enhanced format. Our first belly dance school to be featured was Melissa Pina’s students ‘Bellyssima’ who performed an exciting medley for 15 minutes showing great versatility and dynamism.
The professional part of the show was opened by Silk Route’s artist in residence SHEMA whose musicality and poise make her such an entrancing dancer. An expert in all dances of the Maghreb, she began with Cheb Khaled’s ‘Le Jour Viendra’ later emerging from the audience to a thrilling Moroccan Sha’abi and her finale was a gorgeous rendition of Kariat Al Fingan club mix by Said Mrad.
Our only Duo of the evening MYSTIKA aka Chantel and Cheryl both dancers and teachers with Hipsinc who performed a sinuous tribal piece followed by a great Britney Spears number complete with glow sticks – wow! Chantel later returned to dance solo to a Shakira track much to our delight.
Also making her Silk Route debut was the delicious Nicole Maree captivated us all with a beautiful performance to Ya M’Saher Einy and she was followed by Silk Route favourite and member of the Spirit of the East Dance Company, Elisa who gave a fabulously cheeky performance to the much loved ‘Fakerni’.
Just before the interval we were able to introduce a real treat in the form of the very talented percussionist WADE who played impro for Shema and whose recent work includes two major TV shows with Shakira and her band as well as appearing on Jool’s Holland’s show.
Melissa came to the stage to give a storming belly dance fusion which came complete with Isis wings, floor work, and drum solo and hip hop! Easy to see where her students get their inspiration.
It was great to see so many of the audience join our dancers for the curtain call and dance to the DJ’s tracks after the show; we would like to thank all our performers again and our audience for making the first show in our new venue such a success. See you on 6th December!