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To say it was pretty close from all of the 13 performers in the day's last competition would be a stretch, but I can damn well say that overall talent level of those who entered was as good as a live showing anyone would be proud to have, especially for a 1st time out.
Alimah, who believe it or not is a mother of 2, only bellydances once in a while when she gets the chance to (because she's a damn good violin player in an Arabic band called Saltana Band of Seattle), and has a nice raw balance of physicalitry, dedication and beauty (think Hilary Swank meets Rachel George) overwhelmed Charm City in all of her competitions throughout November 21st, and fitting took the final category of the day, the 1st 2009 Bellydance nationals Competition's BDNC-National Champion category, held at the BWI-Hilton just outside of BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (which is a sneeze outside of Baltimore).
In any competition, especially a ''major'', you know you have one shot to execute judes' peak of interest as well as favor of audiences. Alimah, having the excellence of being in a band and watching bellydancers for years and a dedicated teacher in her own right, dazzled (if not bedazzled) all with a heart-pounding Isis Wings opening, adorned in a blend of orange bra/belt with shny beading from top to hipdress and her Isis wings a complement of carnation in flight. Her dancing was clean, crisp and full of energy and emotion (one who has had many lessons on use of facial expressions during her entire efforts today) It didn't matter if she was standing in place, moving around the stage or displaying her layering skills in floorwork, she displayed even better what the judges and the audience with scorecards in their heads was craving for, a ''perfect package'' of defined professionalism and character that justifies the tiara and trophy belonging to her, and did so with authority as proof by her earth-rattling drum solo finale to her routine-the hip isolations (standing and leaning to the floor and back up were joyful) and earth-rattling shimmies with a dash of playful giggling and encouragement of the audience.
It would only be fitting when Alimah comes back in 2010 to pass on her crown and new legacy that has been started by the BDNC in Baltimore, that she gets to both bellydance AND invite her Saltana Band members to come and hear them all play together, if not have them play for her while dancing.
As of the voting announcements (the BDNC website will make it official very soon), Baltimore's SHEMS showed why she's one of the area's best gems, being rewarded for her textbook classic style of cabaret bellydancing as if she was dancing in one of the area's finest restaurants by finishing 2nd--adorned in a medium pink bra/belt and veil with matching sleeves. A woman that makes good of a shimmy as any1 in her own right, her well-rounded frame carved every eye with slow sensuous movements to her opening cabaret music option and bettered herself with excellent locks and isolations of hips for her brief drum solo. She was the 1st bellydancer to go in this category, and set the bar high for all others (of which I learned that the ladies in the pre-registering phase drew numbers from 1 to 13 of wh would go 1st).
DC/Maryland's Zaira of Indra Lazul, and one of the area's most defined and dedicated dancers to the Egyptian bellydance today took 3rd place AND won the Miss Congeniality award channeling downtown Cairo tonight with a jaw-dropper of a combined routine that was solid in technique, attire (black and silver trim bra/belt) and her standing shimmies was superb by far. Alanah (we'll get the correct spelling later when the official results are up) was 4th.
Shems also won the Josephine Baker BDNC Award for her representation of dedicated artistry overall (she's also a fine art and painting genius who has had her works displayed throughout the Baltimore area).
Alimah also won the Solo Artist (accumulating most points in all competitions in the day) and the People's Choice Award.
Performers In Order of Appearance: Shems (Baltimore), Vivica, Mary, Alimah (WA), Athena, Zaira (DC/MD), Deidre, Melody, Massah, Annwyn, Ina, Alanah, Thalia (Baltimore).
BRANDON'S OASIS ''THIRD EYE VIEW'' of the 2009 BDNC Nationals:
1) Alimah (9.90) 2) Athena (9.875) 3) Massah (9.825) 4) Zaira (9.775) 5) Shems (9.75) 6) Ina (9.725)
========================================================================
Granted, this was my 1st ''judging'' from the audience of a bellydance competition, and it was a learning experience for me as well as everyone else involved. I thought Athena (who killed it in lime green and her multi-ethnicity and golden skintone was refreshing) and Massah (a gorgeous full-bodied vision of youth and grace who looks skilled well beyond her years and age dressed in black) were overshadowed and overran, if you will, by experience on this night, but don't sell short thir efforts, and has the makings of future competition champions down the road.
Both displayed liquifying moments of visual enjoyment (Athena's abdominals and can't take your eyes off her bellyriing during her rendition of ''Shik Shak Shok'' and Massah's earthquaking of her body in her drum solo and pinpoint use of the entire stage and synchronized movement across it) I had my sleepers in the evening, and they were it. Neither was ''Alimah-like'' to take 1st place, but as equally worthy of the accolades given to others in the evening.
Zaira and Shems had their years fo dedication proudly punctuated with the hardware they collected on Saturday. How wonderfully fitting that Zaira (due to Kostana having to leave before the Jewel of the Nile-LOTUS Award of Lifetime Achievement winner was announced due to a gig at Cazbar Restaurant downtown) accepted the award for FATEN SALAMA (VA) , whose dedication to Egyptian bellydance from its basic foundations was almost equally fitting--she and Shems, as well as hundreds, if not thousands of Faten's students almost start crying when speaking of her being their teacher. She retired from performing earlier this year at the Amir Thaleb gala show back in April, and her continued tutorial guidance will keep her a local legend in this area for many more years to come. Kostana is beaming with smiles right now as well, being one of Faten's best friends and confidants.
The young bellydancer in a ballarina's body named Ina (going on ear with the spelling), who looked European(Russian) in angel white bra/belt displayed another fresh outlook that showed promise also. With a few more adjustments to timing and energy in her drum solos, she'll do very well in the future.
But it WAS Alimah's night to shine. It's a good thing events like this bring dancers toether and offers new friendships, because Alimah will need help getting all those trophies won today and tonight to her car and back to Seattle. :)
A nice shoutout to Mary (GA), who adorned in a green/gold full bedlah dress that showcased her million-dollar hips offered a modern Egyptian effort that would make the purists smile (and her Grits Raqs....yeah, you heard correct...) got 4th place in the BDMC-Nationals Troupe, and Annwyn (NC) displayed a nice, professional-caliber presence throughout the entire day and her angelic white full bedlah dress/gold trim with drape and matching headband, showing her wide range of finesse of the stage area.
I went in to this entire day, much less the BDNC Nationals, recusing any local attachments to many of the dancers. I took every bellydancer as being from out-of-town and wanted to make my own judgements be a sunbiased as possible. Grading on a scale of 9.0-10.0 (going on stage presence, attire, energy, techniques used, prop use (if any), number of moves in routine, audience participation and reaction (when visible) and musical selection(s) and artistic synchronization to it....), only .25 seperated the winner from 5th place, and the fact that I got Shems and Zaira in my Top 5 makes me very happy. But it does bode well, even though many of the judges tonight were outside of the Baltimore/DC area, that the local showing was as strong in their eyes.
I think it also bodes well for the fact that Alimah and Shems spent most of the day performig in other categories and visualizing themselves with the judges, ''layering'' a mental resume' in their heads and for their eyes of what to expect from them for the Nationals category (just imagine if any of the ladies of Bellydance Soulfire would have entered as a soloist, how difficult THAT vote would have gotten?) :)
It also bodes well in saying that previous experience does stand out, and I'm sure many of the judges were well aware of the standout legacy of the former JOTNP finding amazing new talent (of course that was when the winner would go out and kick ass at the BDUC-Bellydancer of the Universe Pageants held in Long Beach in February). Alimah did that, but seeing Shems and Zaira follow right behind is a plus, but Athena and Massah's efforts were equally up there. It also says tons that Shems' effort, going 1st, stood that strong throughout the entire competiton, but that's Shems for 'ya. Overall though, I like how my overall selections turned out, and getting the winner makes it all worth while. :D
BFJ 11/22/09.
www.bellydancenationals.com
OTHER WINNERS (analysis to come...)
**=correctly selected the winner myself...
===============================
JUNIORS: J.C.
PROPTASTIC: Shems (Baltimore)
ALTERNATIVE FUSION SOLO: Naimah (Baltimore)**
ALTERNATIVE FUSION TROUPE: Gypsy Fusion (Annapolis)**
MASTERS: Thalia (Baltimore)
NATIONALS TROUPE: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)**
NBDC SOLO ARTIST: Alimah (Washington)
Other Awards:
NBDC SHIMMYLICIOUS: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)
JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: Shems (Baltimore)
BDNC LOTUS AWARD: Faten Salama (Virginia)
Congrats to Lotus Niraja and the NDC troupe for a year-long, butt-busting, dedication to bringing this event to Baltimore and adding a gem to the many gems that alredy existed in this town, and to Alexandra Ahnide, who was the originator of the JOTNP before it became the BDNC, held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for many years and for trusting Lotus's guidance and class to deliver the sportsmanship and technical merits any bellydance competition waould expect to have.
BTW, to learn more on this talented winner of the 2009 BDNC:
www.alimahdances.com
Alimah, who believe it or not is a mother of 2, only bellydances once in a while when she gets the chance to (because she's a damn good violin player in an Arabic band called Saltana Band of Seattle), and has a nice raw balance of physicalitry, dedication and beauty (think Hilary Swank meets Rachel George) overwhelmed Charm City in all of her competitions throughout November 21st, and fitting took the final category of the day, the 1st 2009 Bellydance nationals Competition's BDNC-National Champion category, held at the BWI-Hilton just outside of BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (which is a sneeze outside of Baltimore).
In any competition, especially a ''major'', you know you have one shot to execute judes' peak of interest as well as favor of audiences. Alimah, having the excellence of being in a band and watching bellydancers for years and a dedicated teacher in her own right, dazzled (if not bedazzled) all with a heart-pounding Isis Wings opening, adorned in a blend of orange bra/belt with shny beading from top to hipdress and her Isis wings a complement of carnation in flight. Her dancing was clean, crisp and full of energy and emotion (one who has had many lessons on use of facial expressions during her entire efforts today) It didn't matter if she was standing in place, moving around the stage or displaying her layering skills in floorwork, she displayed even better what the judges and the audience with scorecards in their heads was craving for, a ''perfect package'' of defined professionalism and character that justifies the tiara and trophy belonging to her, and did so with authority as proof by her earth-rattling drum solo finale to her routine-the hip isolations (standing and leaning to the floor and back up were joyful) and earth-rattling shimmies with a dash of playful giggling and encouragement of the audience.
It would only be fitting when Alimah comes back in 2010 to pass on her crown and new legacy that has been started by the BDNC in Baltimore, that she gets to both bellydance AND invite her Saltana Band members to come and hear them all play together, if not have them play for her while dancing.
As of the voting announcements (the BDNC website will make it official very soon), Baltimore's SHEMS showed why she's one of the area's best gems, being rewarded for her textbook classic style of cabaret bellydancing as if she was dancing in one of the area's finest restaurants by finishing 2nd--adorned in a medium pink bra/belt and veil with matching sleeves. A woman that makes good of a shimmy as any1 in her own right, her well-rounded frame carved every eye with slow sensuous movements to her opening cabaret music option and bettered herself with excellent locks and isolations of hips for her brief drum solo. She was the 1st bellydancer to go in this category, and set the bar high for all others (of which I learned that the ladies in the pre-registering phase drew numbers from 1 to 13 of wh would go 1st).
DC/Maryland's Zaira of Indra Lazul, and one of the area's most defined and dedicated dancers to the Egyptian bellydance today took 3rd place AND won the Miss Congeniality award channeling downtown Cairo tonight with a jaw-dropper of a combined routine that was solid in technique, attire (black and silver trim bra/belt) and her standing shimmies was superb by far. Alanah (we'll get the correct spelling later when the official results are up) was 4th.
Shems also won the Josephine Baker BDNC Award for her representation of dedicated artistry overall (she's also a fine art and painting genius who has had her works displayed throughout the Baltimore area).
Alimah also won the Solo Artist (accumulating most points in all competitions in the day) and the People's Choice Award.
Performers In Order of Appearance: Shems (Baltimore), Vivica, Mary, Alimah (WA), Athena, Zaira (DC/MD), Deidre, Melody, Massah, Annwyn, Ina, Alanah, Thalia (Baltimore).
BRANDON'S OASIS ''THIRD EYE VIEW'' of the 2009 BDNC Nationals:
1) Alimah (9.90) 2) Athena (9.875) 3) Massah (9.825) 4) Zaira (9.775) 5) Shems (9.75) 6) Ina (9.725)
========================================================================
Granted, this was my 1st ''judging'' from the audience of a bellydance competition, and it was a learning experience for me as well as everyone else involved. I thought Athena (who killed it in lime green and her multi-ethnicity and golden skintone was refreshing) and Massah (a gorgeous full-bodied vision of youth and grace who looks skilled well beyond her years and age dressed in black) were overshadowed and overran, if you will, by experience on this night, but don't sell short thir efforts, and has the makings of future competition champions down the road.
Both displayed liquifying moments of visual enjoyment (Athena's abdominals and can't take your eyes off her bellyriing during her rendition of ''Shik Shak Shok'' and Massah's earthquaking of her body in her drum solo and pinpoint use of the entire stage and synchronized movement across it) I had my sleepers in the evening, and they were it. Neither was ''Alimah-like'' to take 1st place, but as equally worthy of the accolades given to others in the evening.
Zaira and Shems had their years fo dedication proudly punctuated with the hardware they collected on Saturday. How wonderfully fitting that Zaira (due to Kostana having to leave before the Jewel of the Nile-LOTUS Award of Lifetime Achievement winner was announced due to a gig at Cazbar Restaurant downtown) accepted the award for FATEN SALAMA (VA) , whose dedication to Egyptian bellydance from its basic foundations was almost equally fitting--she and Shems, as well as hundreds, if not thousands of Faten's students almost start crying when speaking of her being their teacher. She retired from performing earlier this year at the Amir Thaleb gala show back in April, and her continued tutorial guidance will keep her a local legend in this area for many more years to come. Kostana is beaming with smiles right now as well, being one of Faten's best friends and confidants.
The young bellydancer in a ballarina's body named Ina (going on ear with the spelling), who looked European(Russian) in angel white bra/belt displayed another fresh outlook that showed promise also. With a few more adjustments to timing and energy in her drum solos, she'll do very well in the future.
But it WAS Alimah's night to shine. It's a good thing events like this bring dancers toether and offers new friendships, because Alimah will need help getting all those trophies won today and tonight to her car and back to Seattle. :)
A nice shoutout to Mary (GA), who adorned in a green/gold full bedlah dress that showcased her million-dollar hips offered a modern Egyptian effort that would make the purists smile (and her Grits Raqs....yeah, you heard correct...) got 4th place in the BDMC-Nationals Troupe, and Annwyn (NC) displayed a nice, professional-caliber presence throughout the entire day and her angelic white full bedlah dress/gold trim with drape and matching headband, showing her wide range of finesse of the stage area.
I went in to this entire day, much less the BDNC Nationals, recusing any local attachments to many of the dancers. I took every bellydancer as being from out-of-town and wanted to make my own judgements be a sunbiased as possible. Grading on a scale of 9.0-10.0 (going on stage presence, attire, energy, techniques used, prop use (if any), number of moves in routine, audience participation and reaction (when visible) and musical selection(s) and artistic synchronization to it....), only .25 seperated the winner from 5th place, and the fact that I got Shems and Zaira in my Top 5 makes me very happy. But it does bode well, even though many of the judges tonight were outside of the Baltimore/DC area, that the local showing was as strong in their eyes.
I think it also bodes well for the fact that Alimah and Shems spent most of the day performig in other categories and visualizing themselves with the judges, ''layering'' a mental resume' in their heads and for their eyes of what to expect from them for the Nationals category (just imagine if any of the ladies of Bellydance Soulfire would have entered as a soloist, how difficult THAT vote would have gotten?) :)
It also bodes well in saying that previous experience does stand out, and I'm sure many of the judges were well aware of the standout legacy of the former JOTNP finding amazing new talent (of course that was when the winner would go out and kick ass at the BDUC-Bellydancer of the Universe Pageants held in Long Beach in February). Alimah did that, but seeing Shems and Zaira follow right behind is a plus, but Athena and Massah's efforts were equally up there. It also says tons that Shems' effort, going 1st, stood that strong throughout the entire competiton, but that's Shems for 'ya. Overall though, I like how my overall selections turned out, and getting the winner makes it all worth while. :D
BFJ 11/22/09.
www.bellydancenationals.com
OTHER WINNERS (analysis to come...)
**=correctly selected the winner myself...
===============================
JUNIORS: J.C.
PROPTASTIC: Shems (Baltimore)
ALTERNATIVE FUSION SOLO: Naimah (Baltimore)**
ALTERNATIVE FUSION TROUPE: Gypsy Fusion (Annapolis)**
MASTERS: Thalia (Baltimore)
NATIONALS TROUPE: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)**
NBDC SOLO ARTIST: Alimah (Washington)
Other Awards:
NBDC SHIMMYLICIOUS: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)
JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: Shems (Baltimore)
BDNC LOTUS AWARD: Faten Salama (Virginia)
Congrats to Lotus Niraja and the NDC troupe for a year-long, butt-busting, dedication to bringing this event to Baltimore and adding a gem to the many gems that alredy existed in this town, and to Alexandra Ahnide, who was the originator of the JOTNP before it became the BDNC, held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for many years and for trusting Lotus's guidance and class to deliver the sportsmanship and technical merits any bellydance competition waould expect to have.
BTW, to learn more on this talented winner of the 2009 BDNC:
www.alimahdances.com
posted by:
|
Washington, D.C.
|
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The 2009 BDNC --Where Do I Begin? :D
Mon, November 23, 2009 - 5:33 PMI didn't get a chance to write down some of those who performed at the pre-BDNC gathering at Cazbar Turkish Restaurant on N. Charles Street, but it didn't matter. The mood was awesome, and the ''iLounge'' setting was perfect for all who attended, a chance to collect their thoughts and get into the moment of a new era being born in Charm City. But, I remembered a few.
It was a sight to see the beaming smile that Lotus Niraja displayed when she arrived, just before the dancing began. The decor is nice and has rectangular seating areas similar to Casablanca in Alexandria, VA and Marrakesh in DC. The lighting is very darkened and the narrow walkways to get to and from the bar is a challenge, yet provides an intimate view to watch bellydancers perform, once you pull the curtains that hang from the top of each section when necessary. :)
It's a testament to the dedication of owner/chef Alec Kantar, in an area that was more known for rows and rows of Irish pubs and bars, to cement Cazbar as a well-represented gem in the middle of downtown Baltimore, a city that is still developing a regular resume of restaurants that allows bellydancers to perform on a regular basis, especially in today's slightened economic status. Belly dancing regularly takes place there on Fridays (9pm) and Saturdays (10pm), starting downstairs in the actual restaurant seating area, and then the dancer(s) move upstairs to perform for those in ''iLounge''. The lounge also has a nice seperate indoor section to the far left where you can use hookahs, as well as look out onto the streets below for a nice view as well.
It was nice to see the continuation of Egyptian Sun's solidification at JHU was strong with the dancing prowess of the curvaceous Ouranitsa. As always, Samira Shuruk dazzled in a sparkling red bra/belt, her Pilates excellence proudly showing off her marvelous physique. Ah, the weakness for redheads. :)
Local talent Asali Naimah is a tiny young woman, but her dancing speaks volumes and echoes louder than the music in a positive manner, displaying nice veilwork. The NDC's Makeda Maysa is a physical powerhouse that displayed a playful side in pink, and even felt the need to play ''Do The Bump'' with someone (particularly the one typing this post, nudge-nudge). Never get into a hip bump contest with Makeda, she will not be denied.
And to wrap up the evening (there were a few others including a duet from those who traveled in for the weekend), there was Damiena. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear that she and Samira were sisters or twins. Another firecracker redheaded goddess who is a punctual technique artist that is dedicated to displayng the art form in a professional manner, she offered a gentle grin as she methodically work the hardwood floor by the bar area, taking the pleasures of any eye in her direction. Her drum solos are dynamic, and always offers a point of sensuality and grace.
The food there is excellent (and they keep the beer bottles nice and cold as well). I tried the kebab sampler (lamb, beef, chicken) with yogurt, and it was the 1st time I was willing to try it. It tasted wonderful. The selections of entrees and salads are delicious just to look at, and they offer samplers for group eatings that are a must. By the way, the service staff was top notch, and did their damn best to keep up pace with all of the patrons, and members of the NDC (also are the BDNC staff reps) rose above-and-beyond the duties presented, making sure everyone's RSVP's were in order and Jahzaal was moving so fast, she was going to grow wings. She rose above and beyond the call of duty of making sure things ran in place, with help from the other ladies.
The most important effort of the night was the enjoyment of the interactions of bellydancers and other inquisitive beginners (who were there for the quality lineup of workshops), as people felt comfortable to open up and appreciate being in a vicinity of empowerment, willing to let their inhibitions go and be assertive in what it means to be a bellydancer, either by recreation or as a profession. And to admit, it's always a nice sght to see.
The night was enjoyable and fun. Everyone was in a relaxed mode. It was amazing that many of these folks were going to go back to their homes and/or hotels just after the end of the eveniing (around 12am) and plan to get up to either be in the BDNC or to take a workshop (and in my case, get my ass to the Amtrak at Penn Station and get back to DC, which for me is a skip-jump from Union Station, getting home at 220am). Yet, all were looking forward to Saturday morning. For Lotus and the NDC, THE moment that took a year of mental and internal will, surrounding of great friends and dedicated prepping to get here. And, the path was laid down to follow nicely. All the way back home for me now... Hey, it's only about 3 hours sleep and turn right back to Baltimore, right? Nothing too tough for a 41-year-old to handle? :)~
BFJ
11/23/09.
NEXT: The Birth of a New Era... -
-
Re: The 2009 BDNC ---OFFICIAL WINNERS LIST Now Up :)
Tue, November 24, 2009 - 5:44 PMThanks Lotus for the Winners List up so fast...ahem, Ladies and gents, the 1st BDNC 2009 WINNERS!: www.bellydancenationals.com/2009....html
National Champion
ALIMAH www.alimahdances.com
1st Runner Up - Shems www.shemsdance.com
2nd Runner Up - Zaira www.myspace.com/indralazul
3rd Runner Up - Alanah
National Troupe
BELLY DANCE SOULFIRE www.bellydancesoulfire.com
1st Runner Up - Mode www.mianaja.org
2nd Runner Up - Bellydance Delight
3rd Runner Up - Grits Raqs
National Masters Champion
THALIA
1st Runner Up - Zelina
2nd Runner Up - Asantewa
3rd Runner Up - Gilana
National Proptastic Champion
SHEMS
1st Runner Up - Alimah www.alimahdances.com
2nd Runner Up - Alanah
3rd Runner Up - Annwyn www.annwyndance.com
National Alternative Fusion Champion
NAIMAH www.naimahdances.com
1st Runner Up - Zelina
2nd Runner Up - Khuzama
3rd Runner Up - Saba Eshe
National Junior Champion
JAYCIE
1st Runner Up - Semaj
National Alternative Fusion Troupe Champion
GYPSY FUSION www.gypsyfusion.com
1st Runner Up - Raks Luv
When I get off work tomorrow afternoon, I'll try to scramble my inner thoughts and get into the nitty gritty of the day's events, promise.... ;)~
B.
PS--2010's BDNC has ALREADY gotten slots filling in for next year's competitions, so ya bettr get a jump on festivities... -
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Re: The 2009 BDNC ---BRANDON'S EYE vs. THE JUDGES
Thu, November 26, 2009 - 6:29 AMJUNIOR CATEGORY:
This was a two-dancer competition, which is always a 50/50, right-or-wrong situation.
Granted it was early in the AM, but I was sucessfully wide awake and ready to get things started. The 2 dancers--Samaj and Jaycie, were of different styles. Samaj had a flawless performance, where she used and itilized backbends and hip articulations nicely. Her attire was also well appropriate for a teenager, something I was wondering. Jaycie's performance was a little more challenging (and she was younger than Samaj), involving dancing with a cane. Unfortunately, the cane did not want to cooperate, or it's not an early morning dance partner. Jaycie, with a continued smirk on her face, persevered and continued to dance on, standing and floorwork in her routine, even when the cane wouldn't stay on her head Nevertheless, her routine and efort was well-recieved.
ME: Samaj (9.50), Jaycie (9.20) *based on a scale of 9.0-10.0
WINNER: Jaycie
There are two ways t look at this, and in no way do I want to slight Jaycie's overall effort, but I have no clue what the criteria of judging was for the Junior category. is it on overall effort in a routine or how hard you persevere through a routine. If there was a sympathy vote here, then Jaycie deserved it for getting through her routine. If you're in a competition and you use a prop and the prop doesn;t get used correctly, and someone who doesn't use one does a routine with no technical errors, how does samaj lose??? I'm sorry, but I don't get that. Anyone who sees footage on these two dancers are going to wonder why Jaycie's performance bettered samaj's when it clearly didn't. And, I don;t want to 2nd guess the judges, but they're not making this easy for me. With all due respect, I'M calling this a wash and making it a draw, because Samaj did NOTHING to lose, even if there was only a competition of 2, pweriod. If there was any consolation, Samaj got a trophy for 1st runner-up. Jaycie's cute appeal and innocent effort also won her Miss Congeniality, which I'm in agreeance with. I know I'm beating this up arly, but at the least, this should've been a tie. That's why I'm sitting in the audience and not in a judge's chair.
=============================================================================
PROPTASTIC CATEGORY
CONTESTANTS: Eva nadirah, Zelena, Zen orah, Melody, Jaycie, Alimah, Alanah, Kiana, Nandi, Shems, Annwyn.
HIGHLIGHTS:
*Dressed in angelic white, with a gothic flair, Eva Nadirah (Baltimore) jaw-dropped the entire audience with a heart-pounding, 3-song medley of soft orchestral and caeltic sounds combining veil with poi balls in one of the more exhilarating visuals I've seen in a long time. Her standing and floorwork techniques were astounding and the rotation adjustments in transition were near perfect.
*Zelena decided to go with a Wizard of Oz look, even dancing with a plush Balck cat on her head as a prop. The outfit also came with a broom, of course, a witch just has to have one, right? :)~
*Irony is fun sometimes, as Jaycie entered again, and this time, doing the same routine, the cane actually cooperated with her and didn't fall off her head once throughout. Justice served. And, well done.
*Alimah, stunning in orange/gold bra/belt with equally captivating veil made good use of the stage and her veil technique, and her use of facial and physical expressions were amazing.
*Alanah, wearing a pharonic-like attire, dazzled in her use of the fan veil, dancing a ray of sunshine.
*Kiana leaned to the goth side in balck w/ red trim, displaying a killer set of schmitars and a nice spiked-
crown head dress. With numerous Celtic rhythms and drums pouunding away at the ears, her balancing
skills (2x on head, over shoulder, floorowrk w/ belly-sword roll, hip & head) were awesome. The only ''fault''
was a brief wobble doing head & knee, in which she had to kneel towards the floor to catch the lower one.
Finished with a double sowrd Turkish drop that she nailed.
*Shems...is Shems. As always. When hasn't she done a performance that was not as punctual and textbook classy as expected? Oh, but this was ''competition Shems'', she brings out special efforts for special ocassions. Adorned in a curvaceous-gripping gold bra/belt, she offered a nice sowrd dance and showed off her twirling skills with double sticks.
*Annwyn can handle a veil in her own right, too. The cross-the-stage drag was classy and the carry across the arm across the stage was very sensual. She also did a cross-twirl where she made an ''X'' over her shoulders with the veil wrapped around her ribcage that was just off-the-hook, at least to me (hope I'm explaining that correctly...)
MY TOP FIVE: Kiana (9.85), Eva Nadirah & Alimah (9.80), Shems (9.75), Jaycie & Annwyn (9.65).
WINNER: Shems (Baltimore)
MISS CONGENIALITY: Alimah
PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Alimah
1st, I want to say that Eva Nadirah deserved a better reslt than she got. not even in the Top 4 announced. Ouch. I'm calling it ''1st Dancer Out'' Syndrome, it was worthy of at least a Top 3 finish. She's one of B-more's underrated talents and was nice to at least get some visible pub in a competition of this magnitude.
OK, back off the soapbox. Shems had a combination of skill and stage presence that made her stand out and deserve to win the category. Another stunner was Kiana not getting any love from the jusges, maybe that wobble had something to do with it, but she had the highest ''degree of difficulty'' throughout her performance that her artistic merits should have gave her a better standing, and in my opinion, won the category outright.
Zelena's caranial intrigue was also noteworthy as well. Annwyn, if she returns in 2010, will definitely win an award (or many) in her competition future as well. Alimah displayed a professionalism that will be important as the afternoon kicks in. But it was definitely Shem's time to shine. Not that I didn't think her effort wasn't win-worthy, but as a local person wh has seen her dance, I go back to looking for something outstanding from all as if I was seeing them for the 1st time. Shems has perfected dancing and stage presence for more than a decade, and she as far as a performing resume' was the elite class of the list. I still say there were performances with a higer ''degree of difficulty'' that managed to upstage her solid effort and should've taken home the BDNC category honor. But, it was nice to see a local gal get hers in the process. Shems is a bellydancer who didn't need to win to have already been a winner in the bellydance community to begin with. :)
It sometimes pays to look back on one's own initial findings and try to 2nd guess yourself at what other people are doing, and there could be some adjustments in my Top 5+, but the effort as well as the prop were taken into account. And I like how my judge's card came out in the end in this category.
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BFJ
11/26/09.
NEXT==Alternative Fusion, Soloist and Troupe...
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Re: The 2009 BDNC ---BRANDON'S EYE vs. THE JUDGES
Fri, November 27, 2009 - 9:25 AMALTERNATIVE FUSION CATEGORY (SOLOIST):
CONTESTANTS: Sabah Eshe, Khuzamna, Gelina, Naimah, Haleema, Zelina and Melanie.
The competition threw everything out there on stage. From Gelina's beehive rendition of the B52's ''Love Shack''-to- Zelina's holiday inspired ownings to the man at the North Pole-to- melody's gothic cheerleader rendition to Toni Basil's ''Mickey''.. It didn't matter. It seemed like the category was wrapped up when her name was announced to the crowd. Naimah, a Charm City staple and growing in national reputations for her multi-fusion dance style and techniques, proudly takes pride in her engaging 5'11'' ultra-lean frame with a killer 6-pack of abdominals that defy the human eyesight in isolation, muscle control and flexibility. She has compared to a ''man-eating plant'', a ''tribal robot'' and ''a mechanical snake''.. She has a wingspan that could change the air conditioning inside and the jet stream outside, screwing up the local weatherman's forecast. And, she has one of the most eclectic ears of music to dance to in the art form genre today, especially in the areas of gothic and industrialized (techno/metal) music.
Minutes of supreme pop and locking, with a few start/stop body movements dashed in for good measure, Naimah had the crowd in a daze.
She can also design her own costuming, dazzled in black from head-to-toe with a blend of red shades on the pants work. She commands complete control of her body and the audience in a special blend that few can match right now, and her backbend-to-floor drop nearly brought the house down.
*Khuzama's Michael Jackson-like medley was a nice addition to the mix, but the songs were so choppy and out-of-place bouncing back to the same songs in-and-out), it made the performance overall a little hard to follow, having to take the best segments of it, instead of forming a fair overall opinion, but well done for what it was presented.
*Gelina reaching in to her bra and tossing out plastic coins into the crowd during her B52 song was a comedic bright spot, and her vibrant energy was well welcomed.
*Zelina's Christmasy dance routines to Alvin & The Chipmunks Xmas, Santa Baby and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (think holidays with hard rock and a backup orchestra) was equally outstanding and well thught out in her use of stage and her presence on it.
MY TOP FIVE: Naimah (9.95), Zelina (9.85), Gelina (9.70), Haleema (9.65), Khuzuma & Melanie (9.55)
WINNER: Naimah (Baltimore)
MISS CONGENIALITY: Khuzama
PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Naimah
Lesson for future bellydancers, especially the alternatives and goths of the planet. Dress cabaret/modern for non-alternative categories, because this seems more fitting. This was the slam dunk of the early afternoon, and there was no doubt Naimah would be beaten here.
Zelina rightfully got 2nd. Khuzama got a nice 3rd, her Congeniality a help in her scores, but she needs to work on dubbing and mixtaping her musical selections, an improvement that hopefully dancers and judges will advise her how to for future situations.Sabah Eshe has plenty of talent, but it just felt like her routine was very straight-forward, not bad at all, and got a 4th placing from the judges. In looking for something to be surprised, it should not overlook Haleema dancing to Sean Paul's ''Temperature'' a singer who is at least double Haleema's age and put forth the efforts of a teenager dancing to it in a club. :)
ALTERNATIVE FUSION CATEGORY (TROUPE):
Another twosome for this category. Strange, very strange.
Was expecting a few more troupes for this category to at least show up and get some exposure, but it had to be awkward for Raks Luv , who put forth a nice effort, but was basically overmatched by the representation alone in the audience, much less the seasoned bellydance fusion styles of Gypsy Fusion, who makes their mark between Baltimore and Annapolis. Despina Bast continues to intertwine new members added to the fold and present themselves in a professional manner.
MY PICK AND WINNER: Gypsy Fusion (9.60)
MISS CONGENITALITY & PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Raks Luv (9.45)
Gypsy Fusion had a better choreography set that went flawless and was error-free, in the minds of most folks and myself. It's hard to really get happy in a 2-troupe competition, but it is what it is, to no fault of either troupe. Home cooking definitely helps in some case scenarios, and for Gypsy Fusion, a nice feather in their cap to build on, and hopefully comeback stronger to defend this new category's title for 2010, and hopefully for Raks Luv, their experience will equally be somethng to build upon, including a website and info to even know who they are, that would help as well, too.
BFJ
11/27/09.
NEXT: Masters (49+) and BDNC National Troupe... -
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Re: The 2009 BDNC ---BRANDON'S EYE vs. THE JUDGES
Sun, November 29, 2009 - 7:17 AMMASTERS (49+) CATEGORY:
This category, I think in time, will gather a special connection with bellydancers, those who are ''seasoned'' (a term nicely made in description of a veteran bellydancer of many years or decades by Massachusetts' Za-Beth) and those in the ''Golden Years'' who may be teenagers in the discovery of the art form.
CONTESTANTS: Gelana, Delilah, Sitamun, Asentawa, Zelina, Thalia (Baltimore).
HIGHLIGHTS:
*As well as her nice rendition at the 2009 WAMEDA Annual Hafla (with Sadie and Kaya), Frederick/Hagerstown's own bellygem, Sitamun, made her presence nicely felt, an area that has had a silent but loyal bellydance following, and she has been one of the standouts in making this happen.
*Thalia had a lot of local home cooking in the audience and energy in her hips with her green/gold bra/belt with drape and a candy red veil, floating away in the air.
*Asentawa stole the show (and the category), at least to me, in a dazzling black and silver beaded dancing dress with a lovely white feather placed on the right side of her head, dancing away with a nice compliment of lock and isolation shimmies, showing nice grace and use of the entire stage throughout her routine.
MY TOP THREE: Asentawa (9.85), Zelina (9.80), Sitamun (9.75)
WINNER: Thalia (Baltimore)
MISS CONGENIALITY: Asentawa
PEOPLE'S CHOICE : Thalia
Congratulations is in order for another local bellydancer trophy earned, as Thalia's career standing was well rewarded by the judges and the audience, but Asentawa's effort (3rd palce) was equally worth being rewarded, in fact, could have swept all the trophies in the category. And I was feeling bad for Zelina, who could have gotten better results throughout the day, and was probably the most consistent bellydancer who didn't win an award , she got 2nd place in this category. I thought Thalia's performance was well done, especially since it was the 1st time I can remember seeing her dance live, ironically at the BDNC, I also thought that I was looking for someone to ''challenge the locals on their own turf'', a pattern that was becoming habit-forming.Her experience with stage work and technique was a clear advantage over many of the dancers, and definitely played a factor in the judges' minds, I'm sure.
BDNC-NATIONAL TROUPE CATEGORY:
CONTESTANTS: Grits Raqs, Bellydance Soulfire, Tears of Aset, M.O.D.E. (MiaNaja Oriental Dance Ensemble), Bellydance Delight.
What started off as anticipation for the last 2 (and biggest) awards to be handed out on this Saturday afternnon, it ended up being a battle in belydance terms worthy of the film, ''300''. After a nice effoert from Grits Raqs (led by Mary out of Georgia), four ladies took to the stage. They could've ben called ''The 4 Elements''. Like earth, air, fire and water--the women of Bellydance Soulfire (Portland, Oregon) didn't just take to the stage, they took it over and conquered it.
Light-year speed synchronizations and professionally-detailed articulations from head-to-toe. Every movement in their choreography was textbook to the last nanosecond. You had to challenege yourself to find one thing out of place. Sedona, Claudia, Ruby and newly added Shara (from the DC area, then north carolina before relocating to Portland and striving to work with these ladies) has only been together for a short time, and came in wirh a 2009 Bellydancer of the Universe Competition Troupe title already in their hipdresses. As dynamic as their collaborations, you can imagine the capabilities they each can display as soloists. They each have a unique, diverse background resume' of dance styles that they have brought together, and for one shining moment in Charm City, they cemented their presence as a foursome to be reckoned with for many years to come.
There was no standing ovation, there was a standing eruption.Unprecedented as anything I've seen and/or heard watching bellydance competitions on video or a DVD. And the ladies were appreciative leaving the stage, proudly confident of what they left on it.
After nice routines by Tears of Aset (created by Sitamun) and Bellydance Delight (led by Towson's Nina Amaya), the ''Caravan from Columbia'' marched in place.
nder the leadership of MiaNaja, M.O.D.E. has had an equally impressive following and competition showing over the last couple of years. Their travels almost reads like a corporate company resume'. She, as well as eight of her finest in the troupe painted the stage in sky blue and white, all with isis Wings taking flight to display their professional flair, succeeding as expected. Considering the size of the stage (which was well-sized for all, and the grand ballroom area of the BWI Hilton is ENORMOUS DELUXE), M.O.D.E. did well in keeping in place while not getting disjointed in the crowded spacing tha 9 ladies had to occupy. Alternating in 5-4 (left/side/right saide), 4-1-4 and 4-5 alignments, MiaNaja was the anchor that kept the routine and her troupemates floating along for the entire routine.
MY TOP THREE: Bellydance Soulfire (9.90), M.O.D.E. (9.80), Bellydance Delight (9.75)
WINNER: Bellydance Soulfire
CONGENIALITY: Grits Raks
PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Bellydance Soulfire
No, really? :D They bodyslammed it. As great as M.O.D.E. was (2nd place) , it would have taken the ''mother of all troupe choreographies'' to knock the judges heads over asses to take down this powerhouse of a foursome that headed back to the Pacific Northwest knowing they are a special set of women with a ''belly bond'' that few can claim to have.Don't be surprised if in 2010, these ladies come back as soloists in the BDNC National Solo Category Nina Amaya's troupe welcomed a 3rd place recognition, bringing her whirlwind and successful journey through 2009 complete. She took over back in 2006 for the All-Seasons Hhafla, held (almost) every 1st Sunday of the month then in Towson and handed over duties to Tydirah back in October, moving it to Parkdale, and her hard-earned efforts was deserving enough of recognition to the dedications she has brought out in keeping bellydance alive in this area. But on this late afternnon, it was the ''Soulfire'' burning brightly on stage and in the sky, leading a shadow of promising delights to follow up on.
BFJ
11/29/09.
NEXT--The 1st BDNC 2009 Nationals...... -
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Re: The 2009 BDNC ---BRANDON'S EYE vs. THE JUDGES
Sun, December 6, 2009 - 6:08 AMBDNC 2009 NATIONALS CATEGORY:
CONTESTANTS: Shems, Vivica, Mary, Alimah, Athena, Zaira al Zahara, Diedre, Melody, Massah, Annwyn, Inna, Alanah, Thalia.
Every bellydancer had their game faces on during the early evening hours, this was what everyone was waiting for. For a few, their previous competitions earlier in the day would have them more focused on what the judges were looking for and not to do in front of them, as well, to better position themselves. The ballroom at the BWI-Hilton was almost filled to the back of the room, with a few folks standing and even a few of the hotel guests from other areas filtering in, as word got around to what was going on, and the energy had a nice slow build to its conception.
SHEMS (Baltimore)
Somehow not shocking that the beauty of Charm City would go 1st (I learned later from another bellydancer that they all drew numbers from 1 to 13 to select the dancing order), and she made her initial exodus to the new BDNC era off to a rousing start, dazzling the audience and judges in fuscha pink with matching sleeves, showing off her multi-facted array of shimmies, articulations and body control. A fan of veil work, her classy professionalism was also displayed nicely, a wman who has a textbook dedication and descriptive manner in her approach to any routine in any situation. A nice start, indeed.
VIVICA
It was sort of visiblw that this was her 1st competition, because she was very nervous from the start, and was a relieving sight that she loosened up towards the end of her routine, as her choppy movements became a little more softened out towards the end, wearing purple and beige with a light purple/light green veil. As the old saying goes, you never forget your 1st one, and she'll have a lot to learn from and will get better over time.
MARY (Georgia)
Wearing a full bedlah, green dress with a hint of gold tone and a multi-colored veil, Mary was a ray of sunshine dancing to traditional Egyptian bellydance music and displayed a joyful, gleeful character, her shimmies making the hipchain wrapped tightly around her waistline dance with her in unison. Displaying the foundation movements of a seasoned professional, she represented the Peach State nicely.
ALIMAH (Washington)
What more can be said of this hottie? If I was actually possible, she saved her best for last, and adorned in orange with multi-colored beading on her bra/belt attire, she started off the routine spreading her wings, isis Wings that is, like a beautiful butterfly. Her approach is direct. She attacks the stage, not just dances on it. Her strong arms allowed for multiple framings of the eyes of watching the wings in flight better than those who normally uses them. If that wasn't enough, she decided it was time to let her hips take over, offering a drum solo as a soloist rivaled only to the drum solo ender of Bellydance Soulfire as a group earlier in the day. Either standing, going down to the floor and back up or shimmyng from side-to-side on stage, Alimah made it clear she will be remembered for a day of grace and beauty that will be a benchmark for future BDNC's to come. Do I sound just a bit smitten with giddyness? :)~
ATHENA
The multi-ethnic pint-sized gem candied the eyes in lime green bra/belt attire with same veil and displayed a sense of youthful energy this category was hoping for. She definitely won for the category of best bellyring, that's for sure. Offered a resoundingly nice rendition of a drum solo to ''Shik Shak Shok'' From beginning-to-end, her routine was a nice surprise with very few visual or technical errors to be found.
ZAIRA al ZAHAIRA (DC/Maryland)
One-half of Indra Lazul, Zaira is also a dynamic soloist, having performed in tons of events up and down the East coast. A dazzling black bra/belt with an Egyptian flair with silver glittering trim and shwing off killer curves, Zaira looked and danced with an enchanted elegance as if she was in a Cairo hotel after midnight on a Friday night, allowinh her vanilla cream veil to serenade the air in the ballroom as a best friend on stage. She's also famous for her thunderous, earthquaking shimmying expertice, allowing her softened abdomen to turn into a rippling ocean of raw power. As always, she had her routine well in-sync and organized with very little out-of-place.
Deidre and Melody offered subtle and nicely-rounded dance routines each. deidre was in gree/silver with a gold veil, while Melody was in a red/gold bra with red/black hipdress belt wh golden fringewear and a multi-swirl veil.
MASSAH
Another youthful participant with dazzling curves and skintone that beamed from the lighting, she sported balck/white bra/belt with gold trim and was an equal to the enrgy and stage presence that Athena had. For an unknown, she danced as if she was doing this for decades, her technique and articulative movements were very polished and defined--sharp when required and smoothed out when necessary. Also displayed great footwork and side-to-side stage technique. She has a great professional future, if nt a few awards to win, in the future. A nice sight to have seen this evening.
ANNWYN (North Carolina)
A solid day of dance for her concluded in angel white with belly drape and gold trimming and wearing a white headband. Her style is very straight-forward and makes for a lovely combination of professionalism and sensuality with her beaming smile. She is a gem to those in the carolinas, and will hopefully ripple a new crop of future professionals to emerge from the now-rich Southeastern US.
INNA
A bellydancer with the physique and mentality of a prima ballerina, she was breathtaking in her leg work and full body articulation to orchestral music. Dressed in white bra/belt with silver trim an white veil, she offered a differentiation from the series of dance performances before that offered a nice change of pace. Ended her routine with a lovely split.
ALANAH
Another dancer who had a solid day overall, Alanah's pink bra/belt with silver trim and matching veil offered an easy routine on the eyes, putting together her best attributes with hip and veilwork, and had a nice sense of stage presence to go with it.
THALIA (Baltimore)
Wrapping up a banner day for the BDNC, the baltimorean worked the stage and the audience in pink/blue/silver bra/belt with drape amd a pink veil, her well-rounded body matching her well-rounded energy and emphasis on facial expressions of joy. Added a nice stick dance for good measure, putting a nice finality to the effort the 13 bellydancers offered in this initial year's competition.
IMMEDIATE AFTER THOUGHTS:
I was feeling good about myself of what I saw, this being the 1st major bellydance competition I had attended.
The judges were spending the entire category mulling over their scorecards like it wasn't even funny. I haven't seen so much double-checking of one's work since my final exams in my senior year of hgh school. (Cardozo SHS, 1986, in case if you were wondering). :D
They had some tough decisions to make, being that they wanted to make sure in their own minds they got the order of placements right, knowing that the results would have a long-lasting tone to be set for future competitions for years to come. As I had to do with all other competitions, all local dancers and those who I knew had to have that factor thrown out, although audience and ''home cooking'' reactions will always play a factor in the judging, after all, this IS Baltimore, Maryland. :)~
Nevertheless, those who traveled far and wide across the US may be the ultimate catalyst, as for the BDNC to gain momentum and ''belly cred'' for the next jurney, those who are internationally seasoned in bellydance competitions will be wartching the results to see if there is a place on stage and in future history for them as well.
MY TOP TEN (Based on a scale of 9.0-10.0 on multiple dancer factors & audience reactions):
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ALIMAH 9.90
Athena 9.875
Massah 9.825 (*My Miss Congeniality selection)
Zaira 9.775 (**My People's Choice selection)
Shems 9.75
Inna 9.725
Mary 9.70
Alanah 9.70
Annwyn 9.675
Thalai 9.60
Deidre 9.60
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2009 BDNC NATIONALS SOLOIST CHAMPION:
Alimah (Washington)
1ST RUNNER UP: Shems (Baltimore)
2ND RUNNER UP: Zaira al Zahaira (DC/Maryland)
3RD RUNNER UP: Alanah
PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Alimah
MISS CONGENIALITY: Zaira al Zahaira
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Although my selections of Massah and Athena didn't pan out, they were worthy of being in the Top 5, I thought, but in the case scenario, it's a shocker that the 2 who I had monitring my Top 5 were the ladies who got 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Shems will most likely to be a 2010 BDNC fave if returning, and most likely will. Zaira is also due for a major title, and her double trophy day will only heighten the craving for more.
The local bellydance community, especially in the Baltimore area, represented well, and the DC area also got good rep on the stages and category placements.
In the end, Alimah made it difficult to count her out of any competition she entered, and left no doubt in anyone's minds the title and the moment belonged to her. The sexy mother of two and a supremely-talented volinist for an Arabic band (Saltana Band), who privately taches and gets a rare chance once-in-a-while to perform live showed her diversified capabilities as an all-around performer. Visibly humbled by the accolades of the entire day, she was very touched by her impressive showing and left a positive impression on her peers and judges, as well as added another shining gem that makes the Emerald City n the west coast sparkle yet again. If only Hilary Swank could bellydance, but then again, she'd be lucky to meet the qualities and equally supreme giftsdisplayed by Alimah on this Saturday in November. And Baltimore was the recipient of this mark in bellydance competition history. Thank you, Lotus Niraja and the NDC!! :D
BFJ 12/6/09.
NEXT: The Gala Show Finale....
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