n
l PREVIEW
BY JANET GIBSON UFFINGER
PHOTOS BY RACHAEL SANTILLAN
They are Shadows of the Fire, a troupe of seven belly dancers who
are known for their memorable performances at local festivals, conventions,
military events and private celebrations.
Promising “family-rated” entertainment, the dancers
have earned their share of accolades. Most recently, the group captured
first-place honors and the People’s Choice Award at the 2005
East Coast Classic Belly Dance Competition in Virginia Beach, Va.
“From tribal-inspired styles and Hollywood-inspired cabaret,
to more experimental modern expressions ... we strive to create
our own eclectic art form,” says Deborah Belles, the group’s
spokeswoman.
Belles and two of her fellow dancers have graciously agreed to
perform at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at the free NEXT! Magazine Senior Expo,
at The Fair Barn in Pinehurst.
In the mood to learn some of their moves? Just let Sabihah, Alexandra
or Rajiyyah take you by the hand ...
| DID YOU KNOW?
One hour of intense belly dancing burns about 330 calories. |
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Deborah Belles Stage
name: Sabihah.
Hometown: Chicopee, Mass. Living in Fayetteville for
20 years.
Day job: Owner of Reliable Signs and Contracting.
Why belly dancing? In October 1999, I was working
waaay too much and decided I needed some fun time for myself.
I wanted something unique and different and checked around
Fayetteville for lessons.
Most memorable experience: Dancing at Fort Bragg for
an outdoor event. It started raining and someone put plastic
cover over the speakers, and our music was really horrible
and unrecognizable. We danced in unison by count because the
music did not help.
Other hobbies: Graphic design, engraving. |
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| Rachel Gould
Stage name: Alexandra.
Hometown: Chicago. Living in Fayetteville for 10 years.
Day job: Dance instructor at Cliffdale Recreation
Center.
Why belly dancing? A friend and I thought it would
be fun. That was in 1985.
Most memorable experience: After one of my first public
appearances, all the little children that came running up
to me, asking for my autograph.
Other hobbies: Sewing costumes. |
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Samantha
J. Kerechanin
Stage name: Rajiyyah.
Hometown: Manning, S.C. Living in Hope Mills for 10
years.
Day job: Realtor, Crown Realty Inc.
Why belly dancing? Three years ago, I saw Shadows
of the Fire performing in downtown Fayetteville, and I instantly
fell in love with the beauty of the dance.
Most memorable experience: Performing with the troupe
at the East Coast Classic Belly Dance Competition.
Other hobbies: Cross-stitching, reading, sewing costumes.
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