Judges score sheets

2009 Jewel of the Sierra Judges

Monica is a San Francisco, California based dancer and instructor with nearly two decades in Middle Eastern Belly Dance. She has an extensive performance history as both a soloist and an award winning troupe dancer and director. Monica teaches several group classes a week at the San Francisco Dance Center . More information on upcoming performances, workshops, and classes can be found at www.monicaraqs.com.

Yasmine has been belly dancing since 1996. She is a professional dancer, instructor and co-studio owner of Sirens In Sanity. She currently teaches in Magalia, Paradise and Benicia. She has professionally performed & taught workshops in Jamaica, Kauai, Oregon, Montana and many California and Nevada locations. The instructors she receives the most inspiration from are Saiedeh, Dunia and Fahtiem. She also enjoys modeling for photographers and still artists, cooking, hot rod & motorcycle shows, camping and fly fishing with her family. Yasmine extends much love and devotion to her husband, John, her son A.J. and her wonderful family, whose support and patience allows her to share the joy that dancing brings her. Please visit www.sirensinsanity.com or Yasmine's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/sirenyasmine.

Cynthia Rutherford, Cynthia has pursued an interest in Middle Eastern arts and music for over 25 years. She was a belly dancer in the San Francisco bay area, then joined troupe Raks Orientale of Sacramento, winning the Belly Dance Troupe of the Year award. Seeking to increase her knowledge about music, Cynthia switched her artistic energies to Middle Eastern percussion in the early 1990s.  After studying with several notable bay area drummers and developing performance skills, she became lead percussionist in “Flowers of the Nile” band in 2000, collaborating with Philip Gabriel (the band’s other core member) in creating unique arrangements of Middle Eastern classics. The band has been active in the bellydance community for many years, accompanying soloists and troupes at dance showcases throughout northern California. They have been one of the regular featured live bands at Rakkasah West Middle Eastern Dance Festival. Their diverse engagements have included international and cultural festivals, educational and theatrical presentations, and receptions for the Egyptian embassy. Their CD, “Egyptian Classics”, was released in January 2008. Cynthia believes it is important to include music/rhythm study in the overall training and education of a successful dancer. www.myspace.com/flowersofthenile
http://cdbaby.com/cd/flowersofthenile

Philip Gabriel is a singer and oud player originally from Cairo, Egypt. His lifelong love of music led him to play several instruments before settling on the oud as his preferred way to express himself musically, as well as to accompany his singing. He arranges Middle Eastern classics both for listening and for belly dancing. He has conducted workshops in dancing to live music and has coached American belly dancers in their interpretation of Middle Eastern music. Philip partnered with Cynthia Rutherford in 2000 to form “Flowers of the Nile” band. Their live performances frequently feature professional belly dancers and other musicians accompanying on various instruments. Philip’s song arrangements can be heard on Flowers of the Nile’s 2008 CD, “Egyptian Classics.” www.myspace.com/flowersofthenile
http://cdbaby.com/cd/flowersofthenile

Mina is an award winning teacher and choreographer. Founder of the Dalloua Dance Company, she directs with over fourteen years of experience. Through her classical training and love of the dance, Mina has developed a unique style which combines classical training and styles with a variety of modern theatre styles. Her unique style and grace have charmed audiences in California, Nevada and the Midwest, she can be seen performing throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento. Please check out her upcoming classes and booking schedule on www.dalloua.com 

 Scott Schappell is a professional photographer with ten years experience photographing the art of Bellydance. He is also a Middle Eastern percussionist under the tutelage of Mary Ellen Donald as well as a former clarinet, tenor saxaphone and piano musician. His unique insight into the world of bellydance is from the perspective of the photographer and musician, merging his artistic vision and knowledge of Middle Eastern rhythms with his enjoyment of the unique performing art of Bellydance.

Hala has been dancing to the rhythms and melodies of the Middle East since she was a child in Alexandria, Egypt. Praised not only for the authenticity of form and style but also for the immaculate rhythms of her choreographies, Hala, a native of Egypt, has risen to be one of the most authentic dancers today captivating audiences with her passion and energy. Hala performs solo and with her troupe.  They present and educate the public about the wide spectrum and richness of Middle Eastern dance (aka belly dance).  Hala has been performing and teaching her native dance all over the world since 1997.  She taught Middle Eastern dance through the Dance Dept at Stanford University in 2007; which was the first time one of the top Universities endorses Middle Eastern dance as part of its dance curriculum!  The “Hala Dance Troupe” was selected from over 115 dance companies to represent Middle Eastern dance at the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2004.  In 2005, Hala performed with master percussionist Hossam Ramzy in London, England and presented her native art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts in celebration of the King Tut exhibit.  In 2006, Hala opened Halanda Studio in San Jose where they offer classes in many international dance styles.  In addition to performing & teaching, Hala leads annual dance tours to Egypt, hosts dance workshops and shows by Master Egyptian teachers & provides information, performances and assistance to schools, cultural institutions & magazines on the origin and survival of this beautiful art form.  For more information, please visit www.HalaDance.com