Sacred Surprise of Tribal Fest 3

           by

Shahana Cartahi

Text originally published in Gilded Serpent Magazine

     Just walking into Tribal Fest 3 was an exotic experience in itself. Outside it was a typically sunny California day, but as I passed through the doorway I found myself transported into the strange but alluring world of the Casbah! My first impression was of the sweet Eastern smell of incense, I believe it was frankincense.

     As my eyes adjusted to the soft golden lighting, I saw the huge life-sized wall-hanging of an ancient pillared temple, the very realistic backdrop for the large stage. Surrounding me were table after table of unique and authentic Middle-Eastern merchandise. There were Persian rugs, gold-trimmed veils, brass and jewel-handled scimitars and daggers, intricately exotic clothing and costumes of every description. In every sense it was an Eastern bazaar, with fascinating merchandise too numerous to mention.

     And, impressive as it was, all of the above seemed to suddenly melt away as the sound of doumbeks and ouds filled the air and a procession of red and gold clad dancers moved onto the stage. Practically in a trance, I found myself drawn to the seating area and was fortunate enough to find an empty chair. At last I was finally here, at Tribal Fest 3!

     My husband and I had traveled all the way down from Portland, Oregon to attend Tribal Fest 3 (in Sebastopol, just north of the San Francisco Bay Area). We had come mostly because I am a big fan of Gypsy Caravan. And I, of course, experienced no disappointment on that account. Gypsy Caravan performed as the grand finale later that Saturday afternoon And, as usual, their performance was fun and energizing, in every way a pleasure to watch.

     We enjoyed a wide variety of outstanding entertainment that day. I got to actually see performers I had only read about or seen in videos up until now: Eowyn and her dance of the three swords, Tribal Feat, Fat Chance, Urban Tribal, the gracefully undulating Rachel Brice, and dozens more! Tribal Fest co-host, Kajira Djoumahna, danced with her troupe, United We Dance.

     It was unquestionably a well-planned, fast-paced show, drawing on some of the top talent in contemporary dance. But I now understand, in retrospect, that I had been really drawn to Tribal Fest 3 for another reason.

     I know the entire week-end was fabulous. Sadly, due to other demands, we were only there on Saturday. But Sunday promised to be just as exciting, with big-name performers including the legendary John Compton, Amara, Troupe Salamat, La Linda, and (the other Tribal Fest co-host) Ellen Cruz and her Dance Journey.

     I've been a dancer for many years, and of course I've have been to Middle Eastern dance festivals before. I can recall none better than Tribal Fest 3, but still I pretty much knew what to expect. And I wasn't expecting any surprises. But Fate, or more likely the Goddess, had a real surprise in store for me that Saturday, Monique Monet!

     She was the only entry in the Sacred Dance category. Dressed kind of Turkish and kind of like an old-fashioned traditional Catholic nun, she came slowly and prayerfully on stage (in front of the beautiful back-drop of the ancient temple) a short sword in each hand.

     Her choreography and movements were excellent, but I have to say she was much more attitude than mere technique. Her eyes and expression, her energy gave me goose bumps. I truly felt I was witnessing the prehistoric matriarchal deity, Inanna, fighting heart and divine soul against the barbarian hordes that would destroy her world of peace and beauty.

     My husband leaned close to me and said, "I'd hate to get in her way. It looks like she really knows how to use those knives." He was as awed with Monique Monet's dance as I was. Later he said, "She wasn't just playing a role. Whether she knows it or not, she really is a priestess."

     Rather than launch into a page and a half of metaphysics, I'll simply say that I think my husband was right. Monique Monet's performance was definitely in the correct category. It was truly, and almost frighteningly, a sacred dance. I've often read of the Goddess Inanna, I've seen photos and small statues representing her. But that Saturday, at Tribal Fest 3, I feel I experienced the reality, the living presence and incredible power of the Divine Feminine. It was a real surprise, an encounter I didn't expect at a Belly Dance show.

     Tribal Fest 3 was, as the program states, "a celebration of American Tribal Style, Fusion, Folkloric and the Sacred Aspects of the Belly Dance Genre". It was an outstandingly beautiful and well-organized festival, and I look forward to this October's Festival Fantasia (also produced by Ellen Cruz and Kajira Djoumahna).

     Entertainment and self-expression are important and enjoyable facets of Middle Eastern Dance. But beyond that, I feel good to be associated with a dance form that, among many other aspects, actually acknowledges the sacred. Also, I look forward, maybe someday at some other festival, to another sacred surprise.

     (Regarding my bio: I am not a dance teacher or
vender so I have nothing to promote. Basically, I'm a
public school teacher in the Portland, Oregon area who hasbeen fortunate enough to have enjoyed the many facets ofMiddle Eastern Dance for nearly ten years.)

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