By Genevieve James
Sanaa means: “to gleam or radiate” like the beauty of the moon. Opened in 2011 Sanaa-Moon is owned by Genevieve James. Originally coming from a drama background and then having started dancing and later teaching belly dancing for many years, she decided to open her own school incorporating her energetic and dramatic flair for this fabulous art form. Later she was joined in teaching by Melanie and Tammy, also very passionate teachers and performers.
Sanaa-Moon’s teaching styles are based in Egyptian and Turkish styles mostly, but also have other influences such as tribal fusion, gypsy and traditional folk styles.All are welcome in Sanaa-Moon (from 8 yrs up to seniors!). Students are encouraged to be friendly and helpful to all levels of fellow students and also including other schools. Evening classes are currently available in Bergvliet. Morning class on a Saturday are available in Durbanville. Performance troupe or solo dancers are also available for hire for events.
A feeling of sisterhood is promoted in the classes encouraging each other through the joy of belly dancing, and also through community charity work. One of Sanaa-Moon’s biggest ways to give back is via the Annual student show. Each year Sanaa-Moon donates the proceeds to a charity organisation, this year’s proceeds will go to Diep River Trauma Rooms for Victims of Violence.
2016 SHOW
Jewels of Belly Dance is a Belly dance show hosted by Sanaa-Moon Belly Dance studio and featured a number of students and teachers of other belly dance schools from Cape Town. Each year we pick a different charity in need and donate show proceeds to them. (Through last years show Sanaa-Moon and cast managed to raise enough to buy Hagar Home a gas stove, gas cylinders, a microwave, clothing, baby nappies, baby formula, food and other essentials.) We are hoping to raise enough to do something similar for Diep River Trauma Rooms.
About the charity – Diep River Trauma Rooms for Victims of Violence:
We are an organisation managed under the auspices of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Diep River. Our mission is to support victims of violence and crime related trauma. Our Volunteer Counsellors support those in need of crime related trauma counselling.
We are not trained Counsellors, Psychologists, Lawyers or Social Workers and therefore cannot advise victims legally, medically or financially; but aim to refer to more qualified persons if we feel we cannot assist any further than support for the initial trauma.
All donations to this organisation go directly to assisting with care packages for the victims of trauma.
Venue: Bergvliet High School
Date: 27th August 2016, Saturday
Time: 7pm
Cost: R70 Adults, R40 for kids under 12. (tickets available pre-sold or at the door)
For more info checkout the Sanaa-Moon website: www.sanamoon.co.za
or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanaaMoonBellyDance
