The Workshop : This year we celebrated the fifth annual Chicago Shimmyfest and what a fantastic event it was! I am so proud to say that the event continues to get better every year and this year’s was the best yet. The creation of Shimmyfest was inspired by my very own mentor, Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah. In the 80’s and 90’s, Bobby sponsored weeklong oriental dance workshops for intensive training at least twice a year. This was a chance for me to study very hard on the dance I love and to escape from everyday life and inspire me to work on nothing but my dancing with a great artist and choreographer. Bobby’s legacy lives on through his protégés like me and now I want to give this sublime chance to my students, to be challenged mentally, physically and spiritually, to reach a higher level of dance, and to feel the art of oriental dance exude from every pore of their bodies. This year’s Shimmyfest included 23 workshop hours, two opportunities to perform (one to recorded music and one to live music), and extra hours of private coaching for anyone who wanted. The workshop included a) learning an advanced 6-minute choreography to an oriental piece from the cd “Ahlem Jasmin”, b) tips and training on improvisational performance, c) how to ‘feel’ the music and connect better with the rhythms and instruments, d) how to work with a live drummer and be able to ask him any questions, e) practice with dancing to taxims, and f) discussion about theater make up and tips for the show, including what to bring (such as safety pins!) to cover-up, shoes, make up, hair, all that you need to bring and to be prepared for in case of emergency. I’m proud to say that every year so far, Shimmyfest has run at full capacity and included dancers from all over the globe, including Brazil, Korea, Canada and Switzerland. This year’s special overseas addition was Tamara from Stuttgart, Germany.

Jasmin Jahal and the Shimmyfest Dancers. Workshop Photo credits: Bridget Cicenia

Opening Ceremony: The Opening Ceremony endured a terribleweather situation, as weexperienced tornado conditions! Still, thedie-hard audience was there tosupport ourShimmyfest performers as well as thewonderful guest artists we showcased, including the spectacular Blue Lotus Tribe, an exciting duet by the Desert Flames, group and solo numbers by students at the Jasmin Jahal School of Dance and the Jasmin Jahal Dance Company.

Blue Lotus Tribe (left) and The Jasmin Jahal Dance Company (right).
Photo credit: Mike Gordon

Shimmyfest Gala Show: Our Gala Show was sold out! With the drama of the band always enhancing the sheer pleasure of presenting this program, and the razzle-dazzle of the Fashion Show sponsored by Audrena’s International Bazaar, this show stood out as one of the very best ever. DVDs are available, but you better let us know as soon as possible! A very warm thank you to all the folks who helped us run this huge event, as we certainly couldn’t do it without you. By popular demand, Chicago Shimmyfest will continue to mesmerize, please and inspire dancers and audiences in the future. Inshallah!

Our lovely models show off the lastest Egyptian fashions from Audrena's International Bazaar. Photo credit: Denise Ard.

Shimmyfest 2007 Participant Feedback: Photo credit for this section: Denise Ard

"It is a fabulous experience. You learn a lot and really move forward in your dance technique and expression. Thanks for another great Shimmyfest, Jasmin! I know you work so hard and I appreciate it."-- Ceclia Saavedra (pictured right)

"Thank you for challenging me and pushing me to achieve my goals."--Laura Reibock

"I think Shimmyfest is packed with informative information about Middle-Eastern dance, music, choreography, and performing."--Sharon Cail

"I am grateful that I know how to approach my path as a serious student now. This challenge is not just physical, but mentally difficult for me."--Viola Nelson

"The opportunity to dance to live music was important to me--a very rare opportunity. The opportunity to take chances and try new things in a safe and supportive environment is priceless."--Sandra Moore (pictured right)

"The choreography was very challenging to me and is inspiring me to study more and advance my level of dance."--Cheryl Good

"It is always inspirational on so many levels and if you really want to make a quantam leap, this is the workshop to take."--Samarah Greenes

"It stretched me as a dancer and inspired me as a teacher to always push my own students to do better, no matter how much they accomplish. The hafla and show, as always were great fun to dance in and even more fun to watch.  You always bring in the warmest, most supportive audiences."--Christina King (pictured left)

"The workshop was challenging, but definitely inspiring and beautiful."--Lori Dale (pictured below left)

Pictured below are more of the beautifulShimmyfest Gala Show performers. Photo credit: Denise Ard

Our hostess, Jasmin Jahal took the stage in a finale that was a feast for the eyes, complete with a dramatic Isis wings entrance!Jasmin Jahal photo credits: Bridget Cicenia