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Middle East Arts Iinternational (MEAI) is proud to present it's 2008 Gala Show:

The Voyage of Ra

Get ready to be transported! In this show, you will journey through the dances and music of Egypt from the times of antiquity to today as Ra has traversed the blue and starry skies for an eternity. Show time is 8pm, October 4, at the Seattle Art Museum auditorium. 

This gala show comes amid a weekend of folkloric and classic oriental workshops taught by Yousry Sharif, a contemporary of Ibrahim Farrah, and is followed by a week of classes on Vashon Island with Cassandra Shore. This show takes its inspiration from these two master artists, leaning heavily both on Mr. Sharif’s aim of “honoring the roots of classical Egyptian dance and going beyond!” And on Cassandra’s commitment to “bringing the rich folkloric heritage of the Middle East to the theater stage as a living art form.”

Here are a few highlights to look for in the lineup:

Cassandra Shore of Jawaahir Dance Co and Oasis Dance Camp bringing her folkloric and classical oriental to the stage.

Aubre Hill of Bellingham & Los Angeles & of the Belly Dance Superstars, bringing us her Fosse fusion and contemporary oriental.

Angela Palmeri-Davis of Las Vegas, choreographer and producer of world and Arabic dance shows at the Winn and Caesars Palace, bringing us a Yousry choreography and her own distinct style as influenced by Bobby Farrah, Mr. Sharif, and Dahlena. This gorgeous dancer has also opened for Amr Diab and the Killers!

Savannah Fuentes and Rubina Carmona, bringing you a unique Flamenco experience.

And MEAI Dance Co members Tina Sargent, Elisa Gamal, Mirabai, and guests Noor, Magidah, and more! Rounding the show out with a group Yousry choreography and a dazzling group Shamadan!

We are also very excited to announce the recent addition of House of Tarab to our line up, and George Sadak of MB Orchestra!!

Though Mr. Sharif has retired from performance, Seattle’s own MEAI Dance Company and two of Mr. Sharif’s students, Angela Palmeri-Davis and Sacha Biondi of Las Vegas, will bring his choreographies to life. As well, the spirit of his teachings will be present in the fusion and Flamenco pieces. And finally, MEAI is proud to be bringing the artistic brilliance of Cassandra Shore to stage as she performs her own folkloric and oriental pieces.

The Voyage of Ra will take you on one adventure after another! Don’t miss this one-night-only showing.

About MEAI

Founded in 1997, Middle East Arts International is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting excellence in Middle East-inspired dance and music and nurturing cross-cultural awareness.