Mardi Gras at
Coffee Haven in Long Beach
By Pat Alexander
29
February 2004
For just over a year, the Coffee Haven in Long Beach has been the venue for the
Sunday Shimmy showcase, sponsored by Elemental Tribal Dance Company and the
owners of Coffee Haven. On February 22,
Katerina and her special guest dancers brought the spectacle and magic of Mardi
Gras to this cozy Internet café. Katerina and Saviya opened the program by
handing out masks, candy and beads to all the patrons. Next were solo performances by Sina, Safina
and Lorraine, each demonstrating her creativity in a
unique application of traditional and not so traditional belly dance movements
to music typical of the New Orleans jazz and reggae
styles.
In contrast to the opening festivity, the second act
introduced a darker “voodoo” theme as Saviya sprinkled “magic dust” on a black
shroud and a mummy wrapped in white cloth came to life; breaking free of her
cocoon and dancing with stiff, disjointed movements. Following this brief “bayou segment,” we were
returned to the raucous city with more lively performances by Safina, Lorraine and Katerina. The audience was so jazzed that they
continued to dance themselves after the performers had finished.
Coffee Haven is located at 1708 Broadway in Long Beach (phone: 562-437-3785). The Sunday Shimmy showcase takes place every
Sunday night beginning about 7 pm. Generally, the performance is over by 8:45—which is great for those of
us who have to get up early to go to work the next morning! In addition to a nice selection of regular
and gourmet coffee drinks, they also offer tasty sandwiches and soup and
delectable desserts. The women of Elemental Tribal welcome dancers of all types
to come perform with them at the Sunday Shimmy Showcase. For additional information and performance
opportunities visit: www.elementaltribal.com, or send an email to elementaltribal@yahoogroups.com.
RETURN TO PUBLICATIONS
PAGE
RETURN TO BIOGRAPHY
PAGE