BDSS Practice Session and Show
My drummer and I arrived in Spokane about 4pm, just in time for him to get a private master class in with Issam, BDSS percussionist extraordinaire. The two of them had been talking the previous week, planning a study session for today. The only thing was that Issam’s plane connection from Portland was late and it was looking like it might be tight to make the session before sound check. The BDSS were performing at the Metropolitan Performing Arts Centre at 8:00. Fortunately, our hotel was a block away from the venue and the airport only 10 minutes drive, so when we offered to pick him up, he was thrilled.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Issam, who lives in L.A., was coming back from 2 1/2 days off and by chance so were Jillina and Stevie, also from L.A. All five of us, fit into our car. Jillina and Issam remembered me but I’d never met the lovely Stevie before, who is the assistant director of the troupe. Slightly squished in the backseat of the ancient Lexus (I knew one day there would be a good reason for this large second-hand sedan) the three of us chatted about dancing, boyfriends, pursuing passions, the challenge of finding organic food while travelling and the BDSS’s impending last 5 tour dates while Issam sat with Lee in the front.
At the venue, Issam decided to do the drum session in the catacombs of the theatre, so in we walked carrying luggag
e, drums and coffee. While those two went off to drum, Jillina and Stevie proceeded to the theatre/stage where all the dancers were about to begin their practice for tonight’s show. “Come on with us”, they beckoned. I followed. I sat at the front in the corner while a few of the women came to say hi and introduce themselves. Amidst “welcome-back” and “we missed you”, Jillina got right to work, directing the troupe in how to deal with tonight’s stage size and going over most of the numbers. Rachel saw me and exclaimed “Hey, how are you?” She came to sit with me and chat in between numbers and and was thrilled that I had taken her advice last year. “You look great. I can tell you’ve been really working” she kindly commented. 
I shared a couple of laughs with Petite Jamila, who was lying in the aisle-way stretching. She’s an outgoing and charming character. Adore, was also very personable, coming up to shake my hand. I noticed she worked as hard in practice as she did on stage. Full out. In between their stretching, pilates and practice, I had to chance to speak with many of the dancers, talking about last night’s show, how much sleep they didn’t get and how there’s only 5 more tour dates before they get a rest. It was a real treat to see how they prepare for a show and gave me even more respect for Jillina, who must adapt the choreographies each night, mere hours before a show to accommodate the venue. They work well together and get down to business, while still having fun. Afterwards, Jillina presented me two strips of white bandage tape to stick on and reserve any two seats in the theatre. “If anyone says anything,” she instructed, “just tell ‘em you’re Jillina’s friends from Canada.”
e, drums and coffee. While those two went off to drum, Jillina and Stevie proceeded to the theatre/stage where all the dancers were about to begin their practice for tonight’s show. “Come on with us”, they beckoned. I followed. I sat at the front in the corner while a few of the women came to say hi and introduce themselves. Amidst “welcome-back” and “we missed you”, Jillina got right to work, directing the troupe in how to deal with tonight’s stage size and going over most of the numbers. Rachel saw me and exclaimed “Hey, how are you?” She came to sit with me and chat in between numbers and and was thrilled that I had taken her advice last year. “You look great. I can tell you’ve been really working” she kindly commented. I shared a couple of laughs with Petite Jamila, who was lying in the aisle-way stretching. She’s an outgoing and charming character. Adore, was also very personable, coming up to shake my hand. I noticed she worked as hard in practice as she did on stage. Full out. In between their stretching, pilates and practice, I had to chance to speak with many of the dancers, talking about last night’s show, how much sleep they didn’t get and how there’s only 5 more tour dates before they get a rest. It was a real treat to see how they prepare for a show and gave me even more respect for Jillina, who must adapt the choreographies each night, mere hours before a show to accommodate the venue. They work well together and get down to business, while still having fun. Afterwards, Jillina presented me two strips of white bandage tape to stick on and reserve any two seats in the theatre. “If anyone says anything,” she instructed, “just tell ‘em you’re Jillina’s friends from Canada.” 
During dinner, I learned that Lee and Issam were totally in sync in their approach to drumming for dancers and had a great session together. Issam is a genuinely kind and passionate person. He was amazed at Lee’s technique. We arrived back at the theatre early enough to see what was for sale in the bazaar and greet a few local dancers.
Then the show began.
In our excellent seats, I was happy to watch for the second time that day, though this time was a little different than practice. The magic and glamour were there. Personally my favourite parts were Petite Jamilla’s double/quadruple veil with the “whirling dancers” on the side, the tribal style troupe, (I had never seen Sharon perform and it was awesome) and Bozenka and Jillina’s dancing, especially the final drum solo with Issam.
I met one of my fabulous teachers A’isha Azar at intermission and we gabbed about the show. She is a gem and a traditionalist with regard to classic Egyptian-style bellydance, so she had a LOT to say about the BDSS. She told me that Miles Copeland had bought her a ticket so that she could have at least seen one of his shows before “criticizing” him further on internet bellydance forums, which she has been known to do. It was a real treat to experience her candor and witness her passion for the dance. For her, emotional variety, energy and respecting the dance are top priority.
After the show Lee and I chatted with and said goodbye to Rachel, Issam and Jillina and watched on the sidelines as people came at them in droves for autographs and photos (many had the BDSS calendars and wanted to get every “month” signed).
We witnessed some creepy fans out there but also many genuine admirers. It has got to be exhausting for them, but the ladies are consistently gracious.
We witnessed some creepy fans out there but also many genuine admirers. It has got to be exhausting for them, but the ladies are consistently gracious.A very fun night!
Petite Jamila & Adore posing
Lee with Issam Houshan on the Performing Arts Centre Stage