Rhea of Greece Belly Dances at Grapeleaf Taverna 1991

[MrsCaptJack]

Thank you SO very much for leaving in the spot where her sword slips! So many times my students have asked me what to do when things like this happen and I have to try to fake the slip for them and explain how to react so the audience is comfortable. So many pros edit these things out of their videos and it gives new dancers no place to see that things happen during live performances and the pros just make it part of the show! Brava to your mother and to you! I loved all of this!

[webnanny]

I'm sorry to tell you, roboraper, that Rhea was born and raised in the USA. She was living and working on and off in Greece at the time of this recording. Her style here is the American belly dance style of the 90s, however. Not to discount her skills. She had the best stomach muscles I've seen and great hips and arms. At that time I was a belly dancer myself and photographed belly dancers for their use and for instruction. Rhea, apparently still dancing, was tremendous to watch.

[roboraper]

theres something special and unique about Greek belly dancers

[roboraper]

omg ! her veil work outstanding, and this song is great to

[bonnydancer]

Fabulous! Very earthy and passionate.

[dancegypsy8]

Very beautiful dancing, you can tell she is really feeling it.

[mightymurid]

whoa - that shoulder to hip veil makes her look like she's dancing backwards at the beginning. cooooool.

[ANIMAWAVE]

OMG!! Rhea Rocks!!! I was the lucky gal with a big ole borrowed VHS camera that night and fell head over heals for Rhea. I can't believe the first video footage I ever shot happens to also be my first footage on YouTube. Gracious of them to credit me. So glad they chose to share it with the world! It was also the night of my very first performance, and a very special night for me.

[lilydelvalley]

Beautiful dancer. However, The Grapeleaf closed its doors in 1996.  Al-Masri is now in its place -- a wonderful Egyptian restaurant owned and run by yours truly (Sausan) and Dr. Hatem El Sayed. I used to help run The Grapeleaf, and I sponsored Rhea in the belly dance workshop that finished with her dancing at The Grapeleaf. It was a very nice evening.

[lilydelvalley]

The late Mimi Spenser on Qanun and Mary Ellen Donald on doumbec.

[Nilyore]

A true entertainer of passion, style, and energy, she embodies the soul of this art with all the fire of a blazing sun. She has inspired me to pursue more in dance than just the motions that I knew. Thanks for putting this up! Hope someday to join the daughters of Rhea on the dance floor

[RockmySoul11]

Wow - she is amazing and inspiring!! And she also does the work of an entertainer besides that high-level-dancing...Unbelieva­ble! Tell your Mom that she has a new fan in Austria ;)

[CirquePassion]

Thank you for commenting!!! I will tell her, RockmySoul, it means a lot to get great feedback -- I am so proud of my mom who has devoted her life and soul -every fiber of her being!!!-- to this dance. I'm off to Greece next month and will deliver your message in person!!! Take care, hi to Austria, xox melina

[LiaVerra]

very very good!!!!!!

kisses from greece

[ILIANANDA8]

Had a workshop with Rea, years ago at Pilio.

She is lovely. Greetings.

[moonduck42]

There's only one Rhea and she is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing : )

[MariaAya]

We love her also in Greece !!!! kisses and take care xoxo

Maria Aya

[fay7]

Unbelievable!!! Thank you Melina!! Your mother is a goddess! Just like you!

[Erzuliedancer]

Where is Grapeleaf Taverna located?

Is that a lady drummer? Cool!

I love Rhea!

[CirquePassion]

Hi! Thanks for your comment. The Grapeleaf is in the SF Bay Area. The drummer is the fabulous Mary Ellen Donald - she worked with Rhea for many years and has been to the east coast to teach at Rakkasah East. -- xox Melina

[MariaAya]

Thank you for sharing !!! Rhea is just amazing :D

Maria Aya, Athens

[CirquePassion]

Thanks Maria Aya!

I love my mama.

xox melina