After all the adrenaline of a show is over and you are ready to hit the sheets, you can't help but be thankful! You think of all the people that make your event happen and, of course, the people that appreciate your efforts.
Sahara Nights started in July 2005 with Lily, Maribel, Rania, Stacey, and Yasmin. Our aspirations were simple: to have a venue to dance both as a group and as soloists, to have control over the arrangement of our music, and to present a monthly staged show of quality belly dance that Austin can appreciate.
Achieving this "simple" aspiration meant committing to weekly rehearsals for the next four years to present group choreographies, nearly daily correspondence to plan a succinct show that we enjoy and that appeals to the general audience, monthly flyer design and distribution, online marketing charges, newsletters, organization of lights, decor and stage props, coordination of complimentary food, managing logistics of special musical guests, and regular check-ins with management to make sure all expectations are met, i.e. profits for the club and market our show to all of Austin!
The responsibilities that we took on to achieve a successful monthly club night revealed each of the hats we wear to make the business of Sabaya "work." Our most celebrated result of this common project is the friendship and respect we continue to grow for each other and for the group. A sampling of some of the mutli-tasking responsibilities we each perform include:
- Creative graphic design by Rania
- A professionally designed website by Yasmin and Lily
- A monthly newsletter written by Yasmin and edited by all
- Effective marketing by Maribel
- Rehearsals led by Stacey, who keeps us all on point
With Austin being the live music capital of the world, one would think we could easily find Middle Eastern bands, DJs, and drummers. Not really... After realizing that our show would have to be a fusion of Middle Eastern music, we explored the various musical styles available to us. We formed a partnership with Austin's favorite world music band, Atash. We were able to explore Jason McKenzie's Sunray Project with Indragit, the sitar player. We were able to work with el John Selector, the percussionist from Thievery Corporation and, most recently, the musical talents of Jef Stott for our 4 year anniversary celebration. Special thanks also to Sean Mecredy who contributed his time and talent to the show.
We are very thankful for the opportunity to bring beautiful music for everyone to dance to at Sahara Nights. Sabaya thanks all our friends who make Sahara Nights special:
Silvio Ramos (Copa Operator), Vance Strickland (photography), Kelly (Ararat Middle Eastern Cuisine), DJ Avatar, Atash, el John Selector, Sunray Project, Jef Stott, and all our friends who consistantly come to share this special night with us.
Looking forward to sharing another exciting year with you!
Love,
Sabaya Bellydance Collective: Lily, Maribel, Rania, Stacey, Yasmin
