Barack Obama elected the 44th President US!!

I'm happy to see that the Obama/Biden ticket won. This is such a historical event in America. I watched all evening and more than likely will stay up until everything is over. I'm so excited.
OBAMA, Yes We Can!

Barack Obama

Today Senator Barack Obama visited St. Louis. The rally was held downtown on the grounds of the Arch. It was estimated to be over 100,000 people that attended. I enjoyed being a part of history, mingling with others and taking pictures.

This has been one of the most exciting political races that I've witnessed. I'm definately hoping and praying for Change.

This will be fun!!!!

For the first three people who respond- and re-post - this challenge, I will send you something. It might be something I've made, or something cool from my hidden stash, it might be a mix CD - or a rubber duck, a book I think you will enjoy, or something else that is awesome. Whatever it is, I promise that I will get it to you in 30 days or less.

The only thing you need to do in order to participate is to be one of the first three to reply to this, AND post this very same thing* - 'cause its fun to give people stuff.

**I'm following Marta's Lead.
***For those who respond, please send me you name and address by email/private message! admin@radhiyataj.com

Zia, Nahid & Selima

It warms my heart when I have a new student, especially when one flowers; by performing in public. This was a success for her and another one of my proudest moments. Teaching does have many rewards. Zia danced in public for the first time at the Loop in Motion Festival. She did have a case of the butterflies, getting nervous is a good thing. At least in my book. Performing 2 days in a row for the first was a big accomplishmet for her. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing her do many more performances.

I have had others start in high school and go on to college....it's been tear jerking when they leave and awesome when the come back for the summer to visit. I'm beginning all over again with Zia and look forward to her growth.

Nahid is visiting from Argentina; she's currently taking classes with me during her stay her in the US. I welcome her with open arms, already a good dancer. Our style is different from hers, but she performed with us this weekend.

Selima has left, she returned to Toyoko, Japan. I enjoyed her joining us in many performance during her stay in the US. Bellydance has allowed me to meet so many women who share the love of dance. I will have many fond memories.

It's Historical!

Sometimes you just don't know when something is history in the making. I was happy to attend the event recently held in Downtown St. Louis, MO. It was renaming part of 4th Street to Dred Scott Way. This year is the 150th Commeration of the Dred Scott Decision. The event was held at the Old Court House. I have posted a few of the pictures in my album to share.

www.thedredscottfoundation.org for more information on this.

Earth Day 2007

The temperature was at least 80 degrees! This year we had the pleasure of dancing in the grassy area ; the pavilion was under construction. We enjoyed being so up close & personal with the audience. It takes LOTS of work to coordinate a large group. This year I'm please to have 2 young troupe members. Teaching them an entrance while playing zills! The banner ladies are my 2 nieces without them no introduction! What a pleasure to work with such a great group of dancers. Having the opportunity to dance is wonderful!

Having grass has backdrop and carpet makes beautiful pictures, falling twigs are not as much fun.

I'm thankful for such a large support group of family, friends, students and of course the audience! They made my day.

Grandmother's Dance

She made many of my dresses for me. As a child, I'd watch her while she sewed. All types of clothing, from jumpers, dresses, blouses, suits and even wedding dresses. There was an abundance of fabric, thread, beads and needles hanging around and I LOVE it all! I even got to play with them from time to time; with scraps of left over fabric. I guess this is one of the reasons I love sewing today. It was a wonderful gift to receive from my grandmother, the art of sewing.

I recently gave her a gift. It was dance...she has never been one to dance. Her father was a Southern Baptist Preacher and she was told not to dance. But she has seen things differently. I was invited to do a presentation at her church. It was for the Senior's Day School program, where she teaches arts & crafts! They wanted to know more about the art of Belly Dance! Needless to say it went over very well and she actually got up and danced with me. I would have not believed it if you told me this year's ago. To me the picture and experience was priceless.

After forwarding it to my brother he could only say "WOW"!

Dred Scott Decision

This year is the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. In STL there will be local event to commemorate this historical event.
I'm glad to be involved with the foundation.

Please take time to visit the website and find out more on this decision and what's happening. Thanks.

www.thedredscottfoundation.org/ds...tml

Enough is Enough

Snow, very fridgit weather, winter has not left yet and the groundhog saw his shadow, but 6 more weeks is just entirely too long to wait......I could just SCREAM!!!! I'm under the weather, my husband is now sick and it's snowing outside. The temperature here has been in the SINGLE DIGITS! It's not easy to figure out; no happy dancer here. When will Spring arrive? Maybe, just maybe the travel channel has a program that features some warm exotic vacation on now?

Tribal Call & Reply

Believe it or not, I had a cold, took medicine all day, the weather did not cooperate either, but everything turned out fine. The support of frends, family & students made me dance harder, and the music was great. What more could I have asked for!

This photo is from this past Sunday, we had a special event at a local restaurant (Red Sea). I had a great time.