Belly Productions LLC proudly presents

A hidden jewel of Las Vegas, folkloric dance artist

ZARINA KOBILOVA STANDRIDGE

in a double-feature workshop with

AMIRA of Las Vegas

Sunday, February 19th
11am -3.30pm
At Soulfire Studios
8540 W.Lake Mead Blvd. #110
Las Vegas, NV 89128

11am-1.00pm:

Tastings of the Far East & Russian gypsy dances.
Come and experience the national dances of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russian gypsies. A-must-have course for every serious belly dancer for expanding their knowledge about oriental dance and cultures. Taught by Zarina, an authentic multi-award winning folkloric dancer from Tajikistan.

1.30pm-3.30pm:

Fan veil techniques and full choreography
Back by popular demand Amira is unveiling the beauty of silk fan veils and teaches an entire beautiful choreography with them. First timers welcome! Bring your own fans or buy a set at the location. 

PRICING:
$25 each or
   ONLY $40 for both classes

via paypal:

which class or both

Zarina $25.00 USD Amira $25.00 USD both $40.00 USD

Or via check:
Belly Productions, PO BOX 30833, Las Vegas, NV 89173
via credit card: email Amira@amirasbelly.com
or call 702-338-9479 with ANY questions

We’d also really appreciate your help in spreading the word about this event!

Thank you!

About Zarina:

Zarina is a professional dancer from Tajikistan, specializing in Folkloric dance of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia. Not only are Zarina’s dances unique, graceful and wonderful but they have been taught and handed down to her throughout centuries of tradition and culture.

At the age of 13, Zarina began dancing with Ensemble Zebo in the capitol of Dushanbe.  At the age of 14 Zarina began to tour with Ensemble Zebo, founded by Aminzoda Zebo the winner of the Order of Lenin award 1970 for dance and the Lenin Komosomol Prize in 1982 for her contributions to Tajikistan culture.

Zarina blossomed into a great dancer under the direction of Aminzoda Zebo and began to earn solo performance opportunities around the world at the age of 18. Three years later in 1991 Zarina was named Honorable Dancer of Tajikistan by President Qahhor Mahkomov; this award is similar to National Medal of Arts.

 In 2001 Zarina again received a great honor from her country when she received the
” Woman of the Year 2001”.

That same year the Aga Khan Trust for Culture chose Zarina to represent Tajikistan in the upcoming 2002 Silk Road Festival that traveled thru Asia, Europe and the United States.

Upon completion of the Silk Road performance in Washington D.C, in the middle of the night, Zarina defected to the United States with the help of an Iranian expatriate.

A few of Zarina’s venues:
- Vahdat Palace Dushanbe Tajikistan,
- Emomali Rahonov, Boris Yeltsin
- Grand Kremlin Palace, Moscow Russia, Michael Gorbachev Mariinsky Theater,
- St.Petersburg Russia, Vladimeir Putin, Michael Gorbachev
- Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi India, Rajiv Ratna Gandhi
- Tajbeg Palace Kabul Afghanistan, The Taliban
- Cite’ de la Musique, Paris France
- Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi India, Prince Aga Khan IV
- Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo Milan Italy
- Sulla via della seta , Auditorium di Santa Margherita, Venice Italy
- Festival of Burgas, Burgas Bulgaria
- World Folklore Festival of Bad Godesberg Essen Germany 
- Festival International de Folklore de Montoire , Montoire-sur –le –Loir France
- Smithsonian Folk life Festival, The Silk Road Festival, Washington D.C.
- Smithsonian Institute, Dignitaries performance, Washington D.C. Colin Powell, Senator Ted Kennedy, Madeline Albright.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FAR EAST DANCES

A woman’s freedom of expression is limited in this part of the world and dance is an outlet of this expression.

1. Sharob Unusual song of Uzbekistan.

Sharob is the story of a woman who due to a broken heart finds solace in the arms of alcohol. You will see Zarina several times in the dance raise her hand to her lips in a drinking motion, and the pain of a woman in this condition is felt thru the moaning during the song.

2. Navruz Dance, New Years

One of our prominent Celebrations in the USA is New years, it’s the biggest one in Tajikistan for over 2500 years. There they Celebrate Navruz, a Muslim New Years Holiday from the Arabs. Navruz, The NEW DAY, March 21st & 22nd is when farming starts anew. Time to visit relatives, throw out old belongings, clean the house. The dancer falls on her back then slowly rises, symbolizing the new life she dances, as you will see with more vigor, as new life begins… You will also see the sowing or throwing of the seeds in the motion of the dance.

3. Jon Dodarakhan

This dance as many Tajik dances, tells a story of a meaningful event or personal feelings.The words describe the love of sister for her brother:

"My dear Brother, you are like a jewelry box to me. You possess a heart of gold.  Don’t be sad that I am getting married, you will find a bride who loves you and cares for you like I do. I will always have a place in my heart for you."