1001 Nights Middle Eastern Dance
In the News...
A Note From Sylvana

Wow-ee! I don't know how this happened. I don't know when the polls went out
or exactly who voted, but one of my students informed me that 1001 Nights
Middle Eastern Dance was awarded an Honorable Mention in Smitty’s Notes
First Annual “Best of Winston-Salem” Awards for Best Performing Arts Group.

Wow-ee again! This is amazing on so many levels. First of all, I have seen the
alban elved dance company perform, and though the meanings behind their
performance were a bit esoteric for me, I am amazed at the athleticism and
amazing physical strength of their dancers. I am honored to be considered in
the same category as that dance company.

Secondly, the institution of 1001 Nights Middle Eastern Dance basically
consists of me. I churn away behind the scenes looking for performance
opportunities and trying to get anyone that I come in contact with interested in
trying out the dance or joining our musical group.  However, I can tell you the
award is not just for me, but rather for all the people in the community who
have been exposed to this art form through one of the many activities that I
participate in around the community.

The people who have been exposed to 1001 Nights Middle Eastern dance
may have attended the December 1, 2006 Holiday Hafla and seen amazing
student dancers from all over the Triad perform.  They may have seen
students of the Raks Sharki studio performing at local malls and festivals.  
They may have seen me and the musicians of Majnoun perform at 6th and
Vine on a Sunday night, or they may have enjoyed my performances with the
Velvet Glove Kabaret Theater. In short, though the steam of 1001 Nights M.E.D.
engine comes from me and my obsession with dance, the glory goes to all the
people who enjoy the music and dance and keep performing, playing music,
actually hiring us (for real money!), or coming out to attend our events.
Congratulations to you all! I can't wait to make it bigger and better throughout
the next year!

-Sylvana
A sampling of 1001 Nights Middle Eastern Dance events from the past year (2006-2007):
Newspaper / online
 In December 2006, the Winston-Salem Journal  published an article featuring
Sylvana on the increasingly popular inclusion of bellydancing at local
restaurants! Click here see the article and link to the video.
Television
 In February 2007, FOX 8 News featured Omid Aghamaleki and his Middle
Eastern drumming classes in their "Roy's Folks" feature.  Click here  to link to the
video.
Magazine
 The Triad's own Hippo Magazine mentioned Sylvana's appearance at the Twin
City RibFest with the Red Elvises of California
On July 3, 2007, WFDD featured Master Percussionst Souhail Kaspar and
dancers Sylvana and Gypsy in "Triad Arts Up Close" with host Bradley George.  
Souhail talked about the upcoming workshops and show and the importance of
mood in creating his special magic on the tabla.  Click here  to listen.
NEWS FLASH! (July 2007)
"1001 Nights Middle Eastern Dance"  has been awarded
an Honorable Mention as Best Performing Arts Group in the
"Best of Winston-Salem" Awards by Smitty's Notes!
Click here for more information.