A’Sheela & Nayima At The Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan – Adelaide Fringe Review

Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan, Fri Feb 27 In the true spirit of sisterhood, two seasoned Adelaide performers have come together in a creative shimmy. Sheena and Nayima’s ancestry provides a storyline for an evening of cultural fusion that inspires participation and joy. Sheela Sheena Langeberg’s is renowned for her storytelling and this program highlights that passion. Sheela opened the show with a vibrant dance number setting the mood and ensuring that the audience participated and were smiling. Sheela and Izzy Jane dance sing and chant celebrating life’s ups and downs reminding us all how lucky we are to live this life. This program did reflect both the harshness and beauty of the elements andwas a true reflection of the people of Kilimanjaro’s resilience, but most importantly their zest for life. Lungs to laugh with, is a vibrant celebration lifting the spirits by taking you through the journey and capturing your heart. Adelaide’s own Jewel of the Nile, Egyptian descendant and belly dance extraordinaire, Nayima Hassan is a 4’8” pocket rocket who shimmies like no other putting Beyoncé and Shakira to shame. Nayima’s show Open Sesame, which commenced with her embellishing Isis Wings in an elegant display of Middle Eastern beauty. Her exotic red silver beaded costume sparkled supplemented by the exotic venue adorned with Egyptian artifacts, made you feel like you were in the Middle East. Most dances were upbeat with the exquisite beats of the Tabla driving Nayima’s body. Nayima balanced swords on her head, shimmied whilst standing on a 23cm Tabla, has a contagious smile, quick wit and ability to make people laugh, which makes her an all round entertainer. The A'Sheela & Nayima Show wakes up your soul and heightens your senses through a myriad of exotic shimmies, chants and dance moves which leaves you with a greater sense of your own self. Amanda Bennett