"A Thousand and One NIghts" Belly Dancing Event

On Sunday, June 10, 2012, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, R.I. will be the site of a showcase event celebrating the art of Middle Eastern belly dance.

“A Thousand and One Nights” will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The general public is encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as there will be limited tickets available the day of the show.

Conceived and organized by Kanina, a Wickford resident and professional dance teacher, the event promises to be an authentic afternoon of Middle Eastern music with performances by top-notch professional bellydancers Phaedra and Kanina, a showcase of Kanina’s Beledi Dance Company, and group performance by student dancers. A Middle Eastern band from Boston, the Mitchell Kaltsunas Ensemble, will play live Arabic music and accompaniment.

Local dancers from Kanina’s classes in Wakefield, Cranston and East Providence, who range in age from 10 to 65, are among the student performers. “I constantly seek ways of encouraging my students to bring the beauty and artistry of Middle Eastern Dance to people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to experience it,” states Kanina. “I’m proud of my student performers and am thrilled to present a showcase of colorful and exciting dances to our friends, family and the public.”  

Kanina has studied, taught and performed Middle Eastern dance for over 40 years and has been greatly influenced by the Arabic, Turkish and Armenian traditions. She began her studies with Adonna and Morwenna Assaf of Boston and has taken ongoing seminars and master classes from nationally recognized experts. Travels to Greece, Morocco and most recently Turkey and Egypt have enhanced her knowledge and appreciation of the art. She has dedicated much of her life to helping others learn how to belly dance, teaching over 1,500 students. In 1974, Kanina opened Rhode Island’s first studio dedicated solely to the study of Middle Eastern Dance.

The featured soloist at the event will be Kanina, performing a traditional cabaret-style belly dance with veil and finger cymbals. Also performing solo Dance Orientale is Phaedra, a professional Boston-based dancer, well known throughout the East Coast for her extensive dance repertoire and dynamic performances. Attendees are encouraged to participate by dancing line dances and other folkloric-style dances to the live band throughout the afternoon.  

The Mitchell Kaltsunas ensemble features: Mitchell Kaltsunas (oud and vocals), John Nassar (keyboard), George Mansour (doumbec), Joussef Aitelhadj (deff & katim)

is located at 60 Rhodes Place in Cranston, RI. Tickets for the 3:00 p.m. show are $18 for adults and $10 for children under 10. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis by visiting www.kaninadance.com.