The Beat Goes On into the New Year!

Happy New Year!

Some of the Yuval Ron Music Ensemble relax at the reception that Dancepatheatre hosted for them in November, 2008. From left to right: Norik Manoukian, Smadar Levi, Yuval Ron, Jamie Papish

To continue where I left off last year, the Yuval Ron Ensemble concert at the Jewish Community Center was simply wonderful. With Yuval’s calming yet fascinating way of sharing historical and cultural tidbits to introduce the songs from Sephardic, Sufi, and Armenian Christian music traditions, everyone was left floating on a cloud. The music played and sung by these world class musicians on traditional instruments was simply rapturous! The ensemble’s beautiful dancer Maya Karasso highlighted the evening with occasional dances in her very personal, unique style that blends traditions from around the Middle East and Far East. I felt how lucky Dancepatheatre is to have been granted permission to use many of the Yuval Ron Ensemble’s recordings in our Al Andalus Project!


In addition to the concert and book signing was Maya’s Belly Dance Master Class, held in the JCC dance studio. I’d never before attended a dance class that was accompanied, not just by a musician, but by a band of 5 musicians! This was truly a unique experience. Maya often signaled to the musicians to continue playing the magical-yet-earthy music softly, while she spoke to us of philosophy and mystical imagery while demonstrating the flow of energy through her torso and limbs. Then she would glide us through various exercises, and finally would give us time to improvise on the principals taught to full volume musical accompaniment. She strongly emphasized the inner experience of the dancer rather than creating a “look”. All participants I spoke to afterwards agreed they had never been taught in quite this way before. Students included belly dancers as well as western-trained dancers and world dance lovers. I have since been enjoying experimenting with Maya’s teaching approach in my Modern Andalusian Fusion classes.

Al Andalus musicians Isabelle Ganz (2nd from left) and Sam Masri (far right) jam with our visiting musicians.

Maya, herself, is a beautiful vessel of light…a class with her is like an initiation. From her teaching it is obvious that this dance is a spiritual practice for her and that she delights in sharing it. Seeing her perform in the concert only confirmed that for me.



Two highlights for me, personally, of the Yuval Ron Ensemble’s visit to Houston were not even on the official agenda. Before they left on Sunday, I had lunch with the gang at a local café. Yuval and I talked and learned of one another’s history with dance and music, our artistic/life values and goals. It was fun to hear Yuval speak of his college days in Israel, when he began accompanying modern dance classes and collaborating with choreographers and learned the importance of holding a steady tempo for the dancers. Among his many accomplishments are his CDs specifically for modern dance. How magical to come full circle, to have a modern dance choreographer seek him out for his sacred ethnic music! Of course Yuval and I spoke of our greatest shared value: the importance of using our art forms to bring people together in peace; to uplift and inspire and invite people towards respect and peace through the performing arts.



The other highlight was a rather last-minute reception that I held for Yuval and the three ensemble members that arrived to Houston early with him. What a delightful evening! Two of our top-notch Al Andalus musicians, Isabelle Ganz and Sam Masri, attended and enjoyed jamming with our guest musicians once everyone finished eating and sat down to play. Our guest from Houston’s Spanish Consulate joined in the music aptly playing my castenettes, and enjoyed dancing with the ensemble’s singer, as did others (including yours truly) who could not resist the lure of the clarinet, drum, oud, and other instruments. It was a warm, vivacious gathering of Al Andalus and Yuval Ron enthusiasts, musicians and dancers.

Smadar dances with a guest.

The warmth and inspiration I experienced through my encounters with these talented artists continues to vibrate within.