Rakkasah East
I love Rakkasah for many reasons – more than anything because of the community it has cultivated through the years. It’s like the yearly family reunion we all get to go to. Being able to check up on the kids, studio, injuries, and current gossip is just down right fun. For me, it is also a way to set goals for myself and my students as well as enjoy watching artists continue to grow. It has been on the Rakkasah stage that so many famous dancers were able to be seen and explore their potential; that is something we should never forget.
This year was especially meaningful because I was able to share the stage with Angie and Stacey. Both women are extremely talented in their own right and for some reason they have chosen my certification program to cultivate their artistry. They are testing for Level 4 in December, and I wanted them to dance two of the six certification choreographies at Rakkasah. (Of course, the two hardest choreographies – the ones with killer cymbals). One was to be a duet, and the other (if my knee was up to it) was going to be a trio with me. Not only was it incredibly meaningful to dance side by side with these two women that I love so much (feeling like the proud mentor that I am) but to also be able to dance full out since my knee surgery was very exciting. They made me proud and it was hard to keep my make up on when we had circle time before the show.
The performance also had deep meaning for me since I was able to have on stage with me fifteen women that are all going through my certification program from all over the East Coast. We all met up back stage, did a quick line up, and then rocked the house with the Level 2 Finger Cymbal Drum Solo!! Not having any rehearsal was a true testament to their dedication and hard work, not to mention great technique 
It was also one of the smoothest vending experiences as well. Shukriya and Michelle are always very good to me but finding the right travel partner for Rakkasah is very important. These festivals are really rough and this time I brought Anna who also works in my office. She rocked my booth and made my experience so much more relaxing. I was able to “schmooze” and talk to everyone knowing that my booth was in great hands. So with Anna and the much appreciated help from Stacey, Angie and her wonderful students, as well as Kim Leary’s help setting up, we had a smooth weekend. Thank you!
I still don’t know what was the most special part of this Rakkasah for me. Maybe it was because my knee was recovered from surgery only one short year ago… Or maybe it was the fact that I was dancing next to Angie and Stacey whom I’m incredibly proud of… Or maybe it was the fact that I was able to have fifteen woman from all over the East Coast that are going through my certification program to be able to rock the Level 2 Finger Cymbal Drum Solo… Or maybe it was being able to hang with my DeVine family… Or maybe the fact that I saw faces from vendors, dancers, musicians, and students that have given me strength and support through the years. Ya… that’s it….. all of it.
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4 Responses to “Rakkasah East”
One day I will make it to a Rakkasah!!
I just recently started taking classes with Stacey. She is an amazing dancer with incredible technique, and I’m so glad to see you singing her praises here. This is my first experience with the Suhaila format, and I leave every class sweaty, sore & thrilled to the bone!
I’m really excited to take your Level 1 intensive in March!
Take care!
Being asked to perform the Level 2 Finger Cymbal Drum Solo on stage with you at Rakkasah was such an honor – THANK YOU!!!! It was truly a testiment to your certification program that we could all get up there and rock the house without having rehearsed together!
Love,
Kelly
It was such an honor to be among the dancers who were on stage with you for the Level 2 Finger Cymbal Drum Solo! Very exciting indeed and a great bonding moment with the other dancers. Thank you!
It indeed was an honor being able to share the stage with fellow students and, of course, you. Thank you so much for that once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will treasure it always!