Azure skies and sun-kissed palms provided the perfect backdrop for Habibi Hawaii, Honolulu's Premier Bellydance Festival and Celebration. Every October, Taj Productions promises a veritable "Bellydancer's Paradise" of Middle Eastern dance workshops, performances, bazaar shopping and cuisine, and this year's celebration was no exception...

(Read more at the Gilded Serpent)

From the January 2007 issue of The Papyrus
Reprinted with permission from the San Diego Area Middle Eastern Dance Association (www.sdsameda.com)

Recently, several San Diego artists were invited to perform in the Hawaiian islands. Dancer Shadiya of The "Habibi Hawaii" Festival (in its 5th year) contracted Dondi to teach a two day workshop on Drum Solo Technique and Modern Egyptian Pop on October 21-22, 2006 in Honolulu. Additionally, sisters and international performers/teachers Dondi and Titanya were the "headliner" performers at the festival. During the weekend Dondi and Titanya were also the featured dancers at the sold-out gala show at Pyramids Restaurant in Honolulu.

The "Habibi Hawaii" Festival coincided with the 2006 Hawaiian Island tour for San Diego's own Middle Earth band. Middle Earth was the featured band for the festival and drummer Frank Lazzaro was a workshop teacher on the technique and art of the doumbek. Members of Middle Earth include, Robert Rotzler, Andy Villas-Boas, Anthony Sarain and Frank Lazzaro.

During their stay in Hawaii Dondi and Titanya toured the island of Kauai and performed at a wedding on the world famous Hanalei Bay. Middle Earth performed at many concerts and taught workshops on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. On Maui they were joined by San Diego's belly dancer, Shalimar.

For more information of upcoming tours, workshops and performances, visit: www. habibihawaii.com, www.dondibellydance.com, www.titanyaspirit.com and www.frankdrums.com.