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Born in Cambridge, England, Helené is now a resident of Northern California and lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Since 1984 Helené has been studying and teaching the Middle Eastern and North African Dance Arts. Her travels in Europe, Asia and North Africa over the last twenty years have been a great source of inspiration for her work and Helené has continued to research the dance; most recently in Egypt in 1993 and Morocco in 1994 & 2004. Helené teaches locally at her studio in Felton, as well as an ongoing series of workshops in other parts of the U.S.A., and has been teaching in Europe since 1990. She is also a SPECTRA Artist and teaches Egyptian and Moroccan Folkloric Dance to children in elementary schools in San Benito and in Santa Cruz through the Cultural Council. At Left, Helené performing traditional folkloric dance. Photographs by Paul Schraub |
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Helené is an international solo dance performer and is also director, performer and choreographer with her dance company, The Sisters of the Desert Sky. Since 1986 Helené has been a producer of Near Eastern and North African Dance Events which have been received enthusiastically by the public and caught the eye of the media. As one of the leading innovators in her area Helené works regularly with top local and international musicians and dancers, most recently with Amel Tasfout from Algeria and Salah Sidi Ben'mm, and popular band Sirocco. She has worked recently with Morocco from New York, Suzanna Del Vecchio and Eva Cernik from Colorado, FatChanceBellyDance from San Francisco, and Cassandra from Minneapolis. At left with "Worlds Collide" Rich Walker and Gary Regina |
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In collaboration with Helené, Gary Regina of Worlds Collide has recently composed inspirational new dance music called "Dance Meditations" to use in Helené's Workshop Series, "The Healing Art of Oriental Dance". This audio tape is available for purchase with an accompanying video tape and Guidebook written by Helené.
Dance Meditations at left |
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Helené was a recipient of the Gail Rich Awards, 2002, for her significant contribution to the Arts in Santa Cruz County. With the local band Orient'al, Helené presents shows of Middle East music and dance regularly at Don Quixote's in Felton, CA. Orient'al plays popular and classical Arabic, Turkish and Armenian music, Band Leader Armondo Mafufo of Sirocco fame is a masterful percussionist, composer and teacher whose expertise has been recognized by numerous awards both locally and internationally. He is joined by outstanding musicians Michael Gruber and Ganapati using traditional instruments ney and oud (flute and lute). Helené's latest dance adventure is performing with members of the Light Rain Band who have been playing for bellydancers since the 1060's, and inspired performances by the Joffrey Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet. Their unique hybrid of Arabic and American musical sensibilities create mysterious and romantic music which sings to the gypsy in our souls. For more about the Light Rain Band. Band Leader Doug Adamz, violins, guitar and recorder |
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8 Week series for each class, call for schedule dates and prices For more info call: 831.335.4567 |
Please click on the thumbnails for larger images |
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Felton Community Hall Felton (Hwy 9, downtown Felton) 7 p.m. MON Bellydance Workout 7 p.m. Wednesday, intermediate Level
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Weekly, Saturday Brunch, 1:30 p.m. At the Crepe Place Bellydance Community Showcase with special guest performers. Call 429-6994
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Helené and Sisters of the Desert Sky Dance Company |
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LOUDEN NELSON CENTER Downtown Santa Cruz
Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. Tribal Bellydance with live Drumming
6 PM Tuesdays Beginning Level Bellydance
7 PM Tuesdays Intermediate Level Bellydance |
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The Backstage Lounge Next to the Rio Theatre Helené and Bellydance International Productions SATURDAY Feb. 18, 7:30 P.M. Featuring soloists: Sharif, Desma, Amberlynn, Alina, Chandala, Parizade, Rica and Catherine Cooper....... RISING STARS OF BELLYDANCE 2012
SATURDAY Feb. 25, 7:30 P.M. BELLYDANCE CABARET featuring Crystal Silmi Student Showcase
$10 at the door. Performers call 831 335 4567 to sign up and for more information. 1209 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz |
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Don Quixote's International Music Hall Helené and Bellydance International Productions THURSDAY MAY 10TH, 7:30 P.M. Light Rain featuring performances by Crystal Silmi and Raks Arabi, Sese, Janette Brenner, Siwa, Helené and The Sisters of the Desert Sky Dance Company.
$15 at the door or $13 in advance. 6275 Highway 9, Felton 831.603.2294 http://www.donquixotesmusic.info/
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![]() Helené with Sisters of the Desert Sky, |
For more info see Mosaic Web Page
831.335.4567 Private lessons available. Call 831.335.4567 |
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