Review: The Art of Belly Dancing and Danyavaad at San Diego’s Stage Bar and Grill

August 11, 6:02 PMCarmen Fitzgerald

A series of belly dancers, including local favorite, Leilainia and Adelaide of The Shimmy Sisters™, graced the stage along with Danyavaad at San Diego’s Stage Bar and Grill.

Danyavaad’s melodic instrumentation was the musical backdrop for the lucid, undulating moves from its muse of belly dancers. Exotic belly contortions were artfully executed as the music manifested itself in full physical form. The audience witnessed what music looks like when it shimmies, turns and belly rolls.

The act is a journey into a mystical wonderland housed in the modest spaced provided by the Stage Bar and Grill. To the left of the stage was a red brick wall with six, gigantic vertical mirrors hanging at top. To the right was a medium-sized plasma screen television showing a nude female silhouette languidly moving in front of changing neon, psychedelic patterns. In all, the ambience was spontaneous and electrifying.

The experience was a welcomed, cultural break and a sad reminder that the next day would require attendance at work for the few who braved the week night to be transported to the Middle East. A trip well worth staying out late for, thanks to Danyavaad.

It’s no surprise that Danyavaad together with The Shimmy Sisters™ are nominated for “Best World Music” at the 2009 San Diego music awards http://www.sandiegomusicawards.com/ scheduled for September.

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