Review: GypsyFest
February 2000
Review: GypsyFest
GypsyFest featured Dalia Carella, who is one
of those exceptional dancers who can teach very
well and also perform very well.
Plus, she does some very interesting fusion things
with the dance.
Not only is it always fun when you
take a class with her, it's also stimulating.
This weekend was no exception. She taught sessions on 4 different styles/techniques/whatever you want to call them. On Saturday we first had Dunyavi gypsy, her fusion style blending Turkish Rom, Indian Kathak, and Spanish gypsy. Then was Saidi, worked a bit for a more cabaret style (she has a video coming out on this soon). Sunday she started with veil technique with a Spanish flair, suitable also for doing with a shawl. She closed with El Mundo, her new fusion of Spanish and Arabic.
The only remotely negative thing I could say about the workshop is that we didn't learn any complete choreographies (we didn't have time!) However, the pieces we did learn were just delightful. (I suppose this was in part a teaser for Dalia's weeklong workshop in NYC in May.)
One thing I liked about the workshop was that Dalia
explained that she still is always taking classes to
expand her knowledge and skills, and she pointed out
that all dancers, no matter how "advanced" they think
they are, should continue to take classes.
The highlight of the evening show on Saturday was, of course,
Dalia herself. She delighted everyone by performing twice,
one more oriental (left)
and the other her classic
Dunyavi gypsy (top, and also
here).
She also included a couple of the pieces she'd taught, which
I always appreciate.
Always a favorite, of course, was Ric Weber (right,
and look
here and
here for a
couple more pictures that'll make you say "Ouch!")
More pictures:
