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Nomadic Tapestry - Middle Eastern Dance Company

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About

About The Dance Company

Nomadic Tapestry is the brainchild of Donna Cucheran, co-owner of Raqs Al Almeh - Academy Of Middle Eastern Dance. For many years Donna has had an idea of her perfect Dance Company in mind. She wanted the Company to be well versed in all forms of Folkloric and Classical Middle Eastern dance.

The Tapestry dancers rehearse at least twice weekly, and spend many hours studying all manner of Middle Eastern dance. Occasionally, they even travel outside the country to do so. Each dancer is adept at Finger Cymbals, Cane, Sword, Veil, Tribal Improvisation, and all have just added the Egyptian Pot Dance to their dance toolkit. A few of the dancers are also well versed in Khaleegy, Tribal Fusion, Tray, Shamadan, and Wings of Isis.

Nomadic Tapestry made its first international appearance at Tribal Fest, in May of 2009, and they look forward to going back this year. Donna and Sarah spent a week in California with the amazing Jamila Salimpour in September of 2009, and Donna has attained the level 1 certification in the Jamila format. She will be starting her certification in the Suhaila format in 2010 as well as attaining Jamila's Level 2.

The ladies of Nomadic Tapestry are very happy to have a permanent home at Raqs Al Almeh and love spending time there, whether it's rehearsing, getting ready for performances, or just spending time together.

Dancers

Donna
Sarah K
Liane
Sarah C
Leslie

Donna

Donna ~ aka Hala

Since early childhood, Donna has had a deep love of all things Middle Eastern. At the age of five, she had a friend who was originally from Egypt, and Donna would love to go to her friend's house after school. There was always music in the house and while the father would play the drum on his lap, mom would dance around much to the delight of the screeching children who would often join in. When Donna's parents were asked if she could learn the dance, her father instantly forbade it, stating, "If you learn how to dance like that, you'll turn into a pregnant teenage criminal." Her dreams wouldn't be dashed forever.

With her children grown, Donna felt it was her time. She started taking classes with Lana Shepard, and the rest is history. Since 2000, she has traveled nearly yearly to study with many world class teachers. Her first trip was to study with Nourhan Sharif, followed closely after by a trip to California to study with Suhaila Salimpour, with whom Donna has continued to study over the years. She recently spent a week studying with the incomparable Jamila Salimpour, and is certified Level 1 in the Jamila format. Donna will travel to the Salimpour 'Mothership" again in September to start the certification process in the Suhaila format as well.

Donna started teaching in the spring of 2002, and has taught at Grant MacEwan University College at the Fine Arts Campus, The City Arts Centre, Castledowns YMCA, and Jamie Platz YMCA. In January of 2009, Donna and her business partner Liane opened Raqs Al Almeh - Academy Of Middle Eastern Dance.

In 2006, Donna and the other members of Zaghareet! Tribal Bellydance travelled to Portland for Tribal Quest and performed at the lovely 'Fez' nightclub. Donna went back again the next year, and has since developed a friendship with Paulette and Jeff of 'Gypsy Caravan'.

2008 brought her first trip to Sebastopol, California for Tribal Fest, and 2009 was the year that Nomadic Tapestry first performed internationally on the Fest stage!

Here are a few of Donna's most memorable offstage moments.

"Sitting in my backyard early in the morning (7:30 ish) with Paulette Rees-Denis and drinking coffee in silence while Jeff plays his Nai for us"

"Playing finger cymbals for a dancer 'drum solo style' at Suhaila's studio, and once done, having Jamila turn to me and say "You play like a madwoman, we should have a duel!"'

These are some of the dancers that Donna has studied with over the years.

Classical Oriental

- Jamila Salimpour of Berkeley, California

- Suhaila Salimpour of Berkeley, California

- Nourhan Sharifof New York

- Saboura

- Beata and Horacio Cifuentes of Berlin

- Hadia of Montreal

- Yazmina Ramzy of Toronto

- Petite Jamila of Los Angeles

Folkloric

- Lee Ali (Moroccan Folk, Trance, Dancing to Live Music)

- Amel Tafsout (North African Frame Drums, Zar, Sufi, Arabic Storytelling, Arabic Singing, Nuba Steps and Movements)

- Karim Nagi (Arabic Folk Dance Intensive, Arabic Drumming)

- John Compton (Egyptian Folkloric)

- Elizabeth Artemis Mourat (History and Technique of Finger Cymbals)

- Sabine (Double Sword)

- Zi'ah Ali (Fancy Folk Footwork)

- Lynea Gillen (North African Dance)

Tribal

- Paulette Rees-Denis of Gypsy Caravan

- Jeff Rees of Gypsy Caravan

- Quinn of Gypsy Fire

- Safira of Urban Gypsy

- Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance

Tribal Fusion

- Amy Sigil of Unmata

- Zoe Jakes of The Indigo

- Rachel Brice of The Indigo

- Kami Liddle

- Mardi Love of The Indigo

- Sharon Kihara

Sarah K

Sarah has been involved with dance and music from most of her life. From ballet

as a child, through concert clarinet and vocal work as a young adult.

It had been an important part of her day and when she graduated, it

was sorely missed. Fast forward 5 years later and a close friend of

Sarah pointed her in the direction of a bellydance class at the local

college. From that point on Sarah was hooked.

Sarah started with a classical style and has grown into folkloric and

improvisational tribal style (ITS). She is looking forward to

continuing to grow in these sytles and is always willing to try

somethign new.

She has been learning and dancing under the primary instruction of

Donna Cucheran since 2008 and in 2010 was honoured and excited to join

nomadic Tapestry. She has also tried to take part in as many workshops

as she can and has receveid training from Sadie and Paulette

Rees-Denis. Sarah is looking forward to the Suhaila Salimpour workshop

in the fall of 2012.

Liane

Was it fate or the best stroke of luck imaginable? Liane doesn't care, as long as she gets to keep bellydancing! The little spark that lit the bellydance flame took place in a change room in late 2004. A 4X6 sign on the bulletin board was all the enticement Liane needed to try bellydancing. It sure sounded more fun than aquasize! Liane was soon taking multiple bellydance classes per week and loving every minute. What a fantastic foil to her usual status in the old boys club of her professional career in forest hydrology. Liane had been an honourary member of this club for years. Re-immersion in her musical, creative and feminine sides were key.

Liane loves dancing with Nomadic Tapestry and has very fond memories of its humble beginnings in a small room of Donna's house. Liane sometimes marvels when she contemplates troupe accomplishments and compares them to earlier challenges. Liane is continually inspired by the members of Nomadic Tapestry and is very proud to be among such fine dancers and people.

The strong foundation of Liane's training has taken place in Edmonton with Donna Cucheran. Liane didn't have to register for classes in so many locations once she and Donna opened Raqs Al Almeh - Academy of Middle Eastern Dance in January of 2009.

Liane has also traveled to the United States (California and Oregon) since 2008 to attend workshops in Classical Oriental, Folkloric, Tribal, and Tribal Fusion styles (specific workshops listed below). Highlights of Liane's dance memories outside Canada include the afterglow of her first Tribal Fest in 2008 and dancing with her troupe-mates in their debut on the Tribal Fest stage in 2009.

Training outside of Canada:

Classical Oriental

- Suhaila Salimpour

Folkloric

- Lee Ali (Moroccan Folk, Trance, Dancing to Live Music)

- Amel Tafsout (Zar, Sufi, Arabic Storytelling, Arabic Singing)

- John Compton (Egyptian Folkloric)

- Elizabeth Artemis Mourat (History and Technique of Finger Cymbals)

- Zi'ah Ali (Fancy Folk Footwork)

- Lynea Gillen (North African Dance)

Tribal

- Paulette Rees-Denis of Gypsy Caravan

- Jeff Rees of Gypsy Caravan

- Quinn of Gypsy Fire

- Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance

Tribal Fusion

- Amy Sigil of Unmata

- Zoe Jakes of The Indigo

- Rachel Brice of The Indigo

- Kami Liddle

- Mardi Love of The Indigo

- Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy

Sarah C

Sarah

Sarah has pursued many different dance forms throughout her life including Ballet, Jazz, Latin, Ballroom and Argentine Tango. In 2007 she was looking to explore a more sensual form of dance that she didnt necessarily need a partner for. Sarah has always had a deep love of ancient culture and was intrigued by the idea of trying a form of dance that has roots as far back as the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Bellydance was a perfect fit!

Of all the dance styles she has tried, belly dance as taught at Raqs-al-Almeh is the most welcoming and friendly Sarah has found. It is also the most challenging! Many of the movements use muscles that no other style of dance even mentioned, and many of the movements came awkwardly at first, but the more she stuck with it, the easier it became. As time went by Sarah branched out from Classical style to Cardio Shimmy, Folkloric, and finally, Tribal.

Sarah has been greatly honoured to learn from Donna Cucheran (Hala), Paulette Rees-Denis (Gypsy Caravan), and Mira Betz. Sarah travelled with troupe mate Donna to California for the Jamila Salimpour Level I workshop in September of 2009.

In 2008 Sarah was both humbled and honored to be asked to join Nomadic Tapestry and participated in the original debut. Some of the performances that Sarah loved most were at the Paulette Rees-Denis and Mira Betz workshops, and most recently, Shimmy in the City. Sarahs favorite props include Wings of Isis, veils and swords. She is also proficient with zills and gypsy skirts and is currently learning the Egyptian water pot dance along with the rest of Nomadic Tapestry.

As a relative newcomer to the bellydance scene, and particularly the Folkloric and Tribal styles, Sarah is also very grateful for the support of her troupe mates!

Leslie

Leslie is our newest dancer. She has been studying bellydance for several years and has developed a deep love for all things Folkloric. Recently, Leslie has become enamoured with the Tatyib, and has a great deal of fun swinging her stick. She is also embarking on the certification program with Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour.

Past Performances Picture Frame

Past Performances

September 24 2011 - Suhaila Salimpour Gala Show

Calgary was the setting for a fantastic weekend with Suhaila. Nomadic Tapestry shared the stage with members of Eighth Wonder Bellydance.

September 2011 - Kaleido Outdoor Festival

The outdoor stage saw Nomadic Tapestry perform their new Tatyib dance for the first time.

July 9 2011 - Knights Of The Northern Realm Summer Tournament

Due to rain, the event was held indoors for the first time in history.

May 7 2011 -

April 30 2011 - 3rd. annual Beltaine Faire - Richie Community hall

This afternoon was all about the coming of spring. There were pagan rites, musicians, and plenty of see and buy!

November 20, 2010 - The Silk Road

Glenora Community League Hall

This show was a folkloric based student show hosted by Stephanie Shiedler, and showcased dances from all along the silk road.

November 19, 2010 - Corporate Booking

Gold Dust Casino, St. Albert.

Nomadic Tapestry was the surprise of the evening at this gala affair. No one but the organizers were aware of the surprise that awaited the guests. It was a thank you dinner for the Mayor of St. Albert and many contributors and organizers of a large fundraising weekend to benefit seniors in the city. There were swords involved and the mayor got up and danced with one on his head!!!

November 12, 2010 - Gala Show Imraatu

Stanley Milner Library

The girls performed two of their favourite dances. The first is 'Raqs Al Sagat', a finger cymbal dance choreographed by Jamila Salimpour in 1968 for her master class students and her Dance Company "Bal Anat". The second dance is a group choreography with all members contributing. The girls grabed their water pots and performed a folkloric dance that would easily be seen along the Nile at any celebration.

Private Wedding

October 23, 2010

One of our very own was married in a beautiful ceremony at Fort Edmonton Park, followed by a fabulous reception. The bride even performed in her wedding gown!

Kaleido Festival 118 Avenue

September 12, 2010

The girls braved wind and rain to show 118 ave. the folkloric style they are known for. It was the debut performance of the newest member of the dance company. Welcome Sarah K!!

Knights of the Northern Realm - Summer Tournament

July 10, 2010

Each year the knights hold their summer tournament in old Strathcona, next to the farmers market. There are knights fighting with rubber chickens, rousing games of hunker down, medieval tents full of maidens, and much mayhem and laughter.

Second Annual Beltaine Faire

May 1, 2010

Ritchie Community Hall

There were games, minstrels, Knights of the Northern Realm with a 14th century tournament and historic displays, shamanic drumming circle, Nomadic Tapestry belly dancers, maypole dance, craft vendors and tarot readers, wiccan ritual for Beltaine, and a potluck picnic feast. The girls performed a twenty minute set that included Michelle performing her new candle tray dance for an amazed audience, Carla showed off her skill with a sword, and everyone busted out their zills.

Sadie Marquardt Gala Presentation

Saturday, April 24, 2010

The girls of Nomadic Tapestry were thrilled to have shared the same stage as the amazing Sadie. They performed their choreography to Ibrahim Farra's 'Bedouin Wedding', and their newest creation, an Egyptian water pot dance to the song 'Raqset Al Hajallah', by Hossam Ramzy

The 8th Annual Livia Stoyke 24 Hour Spin Event

Friday April 2, 2010

To the beat of live music, art, dance, movies and energetic spin instruction, teams of relay riders cycled on stationary bikes in an exciting 24 hour team relay. The event was held on the skating rink at West Edmonton Mall. The girls performed a forty five minute set that included both choreographed and improvised dances, there were cymbals, swords, and water pots used. The Livia Stoyke Foundation has partnered with numerous charities and created some truly original and creative programs in support of women and children in need...

www.spin24.ca

Knights of the Northern Realm - March Masque

March 27, 2010

There was an authentic five course masquerade feast featuring Nomadic Tapestry Middle Eastern Dance Company. The girls performed two sets of both improvised and choreographed dance. There were water pots, swords, and finger cymbals aplenty.

For more information on the Knights and their events;

www.knightsofhtenorth.ca

Shimmy in the City - March 6 2010

The studio of Aurora Ongaro was the place to be that night. There were solos, duets, class performances, and tons of fun. The girls busted out Raqs Al Sagat, a master class choreography by Jamila Salimpour.

Breakfast TV - A Channel - January 2010

Bridget Ryan came to the studio very early one morning and hung out with us for a while. We put finger cymbals on her fingers, a sword on her head, and wrapped a coin scarf around her hips. Much giggling was had, and the evidence is up on Youtube.

Mira Betz Workshop Calgary, Alberta, - November 2009

Several members of the Company were lucky enough to be able to spend a weekend with the amazing Miss Mira Betz. The Friday night show was tons of fun, even with Carla's torn assuit.

Jeff and Paulette Weekend - August 15 2009

The first weekend workshop at Raqs Al Almeh absolutely had to be with Jeff And Paulette of Gypsy Caravan, who Donna is proud to call her friends. The dancers even took their mijwiz's up onstage and jammed with Jeff, showing off what he taught them the day before.

Knights of the Northern Realm -Summer Tournament - July 2009

Each year, the Knights hold a Medieval tournament in the heart of Old Stgrathcona. Nomadic Tapestry are proud to be their dancers and look forward to the event each year.

Beltaine Festival - May 2009

The beginning of each May brings the annual Beltaine celebration. 2009 was only the first, but there were some amazing folks there, a Maypole to dance around, and wonderful things to buy and eat.

March Masque - March 2009

The Knights of the Northern Realm hold an anual masqued feast each March, and we are their official dancers. There are two sets performed over the evening.

Grand Opening of Raqs Al Almeh - January 2009

January 2009 was the grand opening of Raqs Al Almeh - Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. The studio was co-owned by Donna and Liane, and is home base for the Tapestry girls.

Student Party - November 2008

Our Debut as a student troupe was in November of 2008 at the end of session student recital. The girls performed John Compton's choreography to the song 'Shashkin', as well as their own choreography to 'Bedouin Wedding' from the album 'Music of The Quaria'.