ZIZI ZABANEH

November 06, 2008 I performed along with Elviza Isis, Danielle Beckley and Cristy Fernandez for the Mount Sinai Lung Cancer Event. Had a great time at this wonderful event.  Here are some photos taken by Jules Alpern.

Photo:  Elviza, Cristy, ZiZi and Danielle

Sunday October 12th, 2008 I gave a workshop at Belly Motions on Flamenco and Belly Dance Fusion.  Thanks to Zaina Hart for the photos.

The Gala night show for the Kamileh for Breast Cancer event was October 11th, 2008.  An incredible event held in Coral Gables.  The night had 30 performances including artist like Virginia, Jihan Jamal, Nathalie, Samba dancing by Tamara, Portia of Belly Motions, Samay's performing company, Zaina Hart who came all the way from Vancouver Washington and this years guest artists Arish Lam of Puerto Rico and myself.  Arish and I also gave the audience a special treat by performing a Belly Salsa Duet at the end of the event.  All proceeds from this event went to the Susan G. Komen foundation. 

Left: ZiZi & Arish Lam      Right: Zaina Hart & ZiZi

Mustafa, Samay, ZiZi and Jihan Jamal

Friday, October 10th, 2008 kicked off the week long Kamileh for Breast Cancer Benefit.  We had a special show at Superior Superforming Arts.  Arish Lam of Puerto Rico and I where the 2 special guest artist for this event. 

ZiZi, Kamileh (Organizer of the event) and Arish Lam of Puerto Rico

Left photo: Arish & ZiZi after performing a duet.  Right photo:  ZiZi with Monica Silvestri, owner of Superior.

Congratulations to my Flamenco girls at Superior Performing Arts for moving on to the next level. 

Thanks to Winnie Tang for sending me this photo of Saturday's event.

Here we are before performing at the Fairchild Gardens.  Very hot that day but we had a great time. 

Here are some photos taken backstage of Friday night.

Sarah Silvestri, Monica Silvestri and ZiZi

(Left photo: Self Portrait.  Right photo: ZiZi by Monica Silvestri)

5/30/08 Back to the 80's with Atom Smash.  Here are some photos of that event.

Sergio and Alex from Atom Smash.  Photo by: ZiZi Zabaneh

Thanks to Jody for sending me the following photos. 

 5/4/08 backstage after the show. 

Backstage: ZiZi, Portia, Ana & Cristy 4/27/2008 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Friday night I was invited to perform at Sinai Gardens.  I performed Flamenco, the belly dancing was done by Elviza Isis and Andrus.  Here are some photos of the event.

Here are a few photos taken of my performance on Sunday night.  Thanks to my good friend Bradley for the photos.

ZiZi backstage with Flamenco singer Israel Paz of Madrid

The 3rd Festival de Cante Flamenco was on Sunday March 9th, 2008 at the Manuel Artime Theater.  An incredible Flamenco event that included singers Israel Paz, Manuel Palacin and Pepe de Malaga, Guitarist Paco Fonta, Pedro Cortes, Jose Cortes and Paco Aguilera and dancers Celia Fonta, Virginia Moreno and Jorge Robledo.  I had the opportunity of photographing the event.

Here are some photos of the event. (all photos will be on my photography page www.dance-photographer.com)

Dancer Jorge Robledo and Celia Fonta

Singer Israel Paz and Guitarist Pedro Cortes

ZiZi with Flamenco guitarist Pedro Cortes and Flamenco singer Manuel Palacin.  Photo taken at the lecture/demonstration on the history of cante Flamenco Friday night at the Centro Cultural Español in Coral Gables.  Presented by Siempre Flamenco.

On February 12th, 2008 the South Florida Belly Dance Meetup group had a meeting with current members. This was also the date that the group would go out publicly.  In such a short time the group has now over 100 members.  Most of the members are very well known in the belly dance community.  This is a new group dedicated to the artform of Middle Eastern Dance in all of South Florida.  One of the main goals of the group is to educate the public on what "belly dance" really is. From the origins of this dance to the ethics of the business.

We also celebrated the birthday of Miguel Torres (husband of Kamileh Torres). Miguel or as friends call him Sultan La Raja is one of our most loved members. In his honor we had special dance performaces by Luisa of Belly Motions, Elviza Isis and myself.  Also, musical performances by Symphony Howlette and Sergio (Lead singer for Atom Smash).  For more information on the group please visit http://bellydance.meetup.com/347/

(photo on the left by Elviza Isis)

 (1st photo:ZiZi with Elviza, 2nd photo: ZiZi, Miguel & Elviza, 3rd photo: ZiZi wearing Lamis's beautiful red hat) 

Here I am with my good friend Sergio from Atom Smash. Sergio and his girlfriend Portia are the owners of Belly Motions. The photo on the right shows Sergio's future "Famous rock star pose with fan."     

(Valerie, Jodie, Portia, ZiZi, Alexandra, Lilly, & Xiomara)

on Friday February 8th, 2008, I attended the American Red Cross Ball.  This was their 24th Annual Ball held at Signature Gardens. The theme this year was Moroccan Nights.   Every year, more than 300 community leaders and philanthropists attend this event, benefiting local disaster services in South Dade.  For information about Red Cross services in South Dade, call 305-248-2024 or go to miamiredcross.org.

February 5th, 2006 I performed for another Autism benefit.  This time it was held at Uva in Coral Gables.  I performed along with Elviza Isis, Andrus, Roshana, Ikoda and the Lotus Tribe.  Procedes from this event went to the Autism Speaks Walk.  Thanks to Tamara, Sabrina and Jamal (owners of Uva) for having this event.

Photo by: Kamileh Torres

February 1st, 2008 I had the pleasure of performing at the Hope for Autism Benefit in Miami.  This was the first annual dinner and dance event hosted by Karla Sobenes.  All procededs from this event went to Autism Speaks 2008 Miami Dade Walk.  For more information on Autism or how you can help in this great cause please visit www.autismspeaks.org                                                        

 Top photo: ZiZi performing a drum solo. Bottom photos: (left) ZiZi performing Flamenco (right) ZiZi with Rafael Urbino.

Rafael, ZiZi, Michelle, Andrus, Elviza & Karla.

Photos courtesy of Kamileh Torres

  Saturday I was invited to perform at the Asian Lunar Festival in Penbrook Pines.  The festival was filled with people from all over Broward and Dade County.  A huge line up of performers dazzeled the stage with so many diffrent styles of dances and costumes. I performed my Flamenco and Middle Eastern Fusion (Zambra).

The Asian Lunar Festival is an annual event organized by Winnie Tang who is also the coordinated for the Dragon Boat Festival that is held every year at the Haulover Park in Miami Beach.

ZiZi and Winnie Tang

(Left: ZiZi & the Polynesian Dancers)

(Right: ZiZi, Valerie & Alina of Lotus Dance Studios)

(Bottom: ZiZi and Naureen & Naveen Farook)

ZIZI ZABANEH (FL) Takes Oasis of Color 2007

(Kamileh, Tata, Steve and ZiZi)

I was in Orlando, Fl. this weekend with Kamileh.  I performed at Tata & Steve's 1st annual Boo Bash.  I had a great time as always when I am in Orlando.  Got to spend time with my best friend Tata & Stave. It was great seeing Suspira, Jackie, Grisel, Elisha and so many other friends in O Town.  Sunday I actually had a chance to relax at Tata's house and Monday we all went to MGM.  Here are some photos of Boo Bash 2007.

 (Left: ZiZi with Tata  Right: ZiZi with Suspira)  

Photo by Haim (Shoot Miami)

On October 28th, I performed at Uva in a yearly Halloween event hosted by Elviza Isis.  The Spooktacular Halloween show was great!!  One of my favorite events to participate in since we all get a chance to be "evil" and create performances that are spooky.  This year I decided to do a belly dance number to one of my favorite songs by Metalica called Enter Sandman.  I even spray painted my hair RED!!!  Well here are some photos taken by Tata Photography.

  (With Genie of Miami) Photos by Tata Photography

THE OASIS of COLOR 2007 FINALIST:

ZIZI ZABANEH (FL)
SHASKA (NV)

Send your votes to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com
Deadline: 11/28/2007 at 8pm EDT.
Thanks to all who have voted throughout and continues to do so and narrowing a talented field of bellydancers and troupes from all over the globe and the web as you have done!

On October 27th, 2007 I performed at Vizcaya's annual Halloween Sundown Party.  Others performing at the event included Elviza Isis, Symphony, Valerie, Beatrice, Deborah and and many other dancers. It was an incredible party where everyone dressed to impress.   Below is a photo of me and El Zorro (hehehe)

 (With my dance parents Kamileh & Miguel)

On October 20th, 2007 Lotus Dance Studios had a Pirate Show!!  invited guest to perform included Bozenka's dance troupe, Daniela, Bliss, Roshanna, the Lotus Dancers and many more.  I decided to go as the Spanish Gypsy and performed Flamenco.  Here is a photo taken by Kamileh.

 On October 14th, 2007 one of Miami's finest dancers Nathalie had her DVD release party.  The event was great!!  It included performers such as Portia, Xiomara, Roshanna, Andrus, Isis San Miguel and many more.  I was invited by Nathalie to perform Flamenco at the event.  The photo at the bottom was taken by Tamara.

On October 13th & 14th, I along with MEAPA and the Diva Foundation joined forces to bring Belly Dance and Middle Eastern culture to this great festival that is held every year.   Winnie Tang the organizer of this event was thrilled to have us not only performing but having our booth at the event.  Another highlight is that Shoot Miami (a photography group that is organized by Rich Veliz and I) was present at the event.  The photo of me on the left side performing a fusion number was taken by member photographer Joe Paul.  Photo of all the photographers below was taken by another member photographer Wasim Ahmad.

On Sept. 30th Flavour night club in Coconut Grove hosted a breast cancer benefit called the Think Pink Gala.   Many of Miami's top belly dancers donated their time for this great cause.  Performers included Portia from Belly Motions, Rejane, Valerie, Elviza Isis, Symphony, myself and many more.  Here is a photo of all the dancers that performed at the event.  Procedes from this event went to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

After a field of 64 for Oasis and fields of 48 for Troupe Oasis and Oasis of Color, voters and fans of Middle Eastern dance has chosen four ladies and troupes that remains in the Final 4 voting for the month of October. Voting begins on october 1st and last through the 28th.

The TWO who recieves the most votes will move on to the Finals in November. The bellydancer or troupe of the two that doesn't advance that has the most votes will recieve 3rd and 4th places, respectively.

THE OASIS of COLOR 2007 FINAL FOUR:

ZIZI ZABANEH (FL)
BOZENKA (FL)
KAESHI CHAI (NYC)
SHASKA (NV)

Send your votes to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com
Deadline: 10/28/2007 at 8pm EDT.
Thanks to all who have voted throughout and continues to do so and narrowing a talented field of bellydancers and troupes from all over the globe and the web as you have done!

On Friday 9/14/07 many belly dancers from all over Miami and Ft. Lauderdale gathered to dance for The Wallflower Gallery. It was great to see all dancers unite. Here are some backstage photos of the event.  For more information on The Wallflower Gallery please visit them at www.myspace.com/wallflowergallery

Had a great week in our week long Flamenco advanced class with Antoni Granjero. He was amazing.  Not only is he an incredible dancer but an excellent instructor as well.  Here I am with Antonio, Clarita and the rest of the advanced class.

Here I am with Master Flamenco Teacher/dancer Antoni Granjero of Jerez, Spain.  This week he gave a weeklong intensive workshop on Tientos and Tangos.  Thanks to Clarita Filgueiras of Flamenco Puro who made it possible to bring this incredible Flamenco figure to Miami.

Last Saturday (1/20/07) I was invited to perform at Musaic.  A mixture of Middle Eastern, Flamenco, and Latin Music.  In the Photo above I am with (from left to right) Legendary Violinist Fred Elias, Costa Maniatakos, Daniel Almeria, and Joe Zeytoonian.  I want to thank Michael Husson for the invitation. Also To MEAPA (Middle Eastern American Professional Association) For supporting this event.

For more information on Musaic please contact Michael at mjhusson@bellsouth.net

For more information on MEAPA please contact Darlene at meapamembers@yahoo.com

On Saturday after the Lotus Grand Open house I went to the Colony Theater (Miami Beach).  I was invited to photograph Flamenco Gypsy Zambra and Lorca, a show produced by Clarita Filgueiras (Director of Flamenco Puro).  It was a breathtaking show.  Clarita and Antonio Granjero of Spain were absolutly amaizing.  Here are some of my favorite shots.  For more information on Clarita and her classes, shows and company please visit www.claritafilgueiras.com

I had a great time at the open house of the new Lotus Dance Studio.  Alina the proud owner graced us with her hospitality.  The mini classes were great, taught by some of the best dancers in Florida.  All the dancer had incredible performances.  It was great seeing belly dancers from all over florida.  I want to congradulate Alina for her new studio and I wish her the best. 

Here are some photos of this weekend.