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Bask in the gluttony of the Desert Sin Dance Company

How did the Desert Sin Dance Company come about?

Desert Sin was created in 1999 by a family of dancers destined for rock stardom. We were a group of women from different dance backgrounds who found each other while studying Middle Eastern Dance. We all fell in love with its exotic feel and emotional freedom, and were immediately inspired to work together to create a new, cutting-edge form of dance theatre that could employ our diverse talents and our wildest, most challenging ideas. Before Desert Sin really started appearing everywhere, there was very little attention paid to the Middle Eastern world of performance.

Some of your acts are performed topless. This is not typical Middle-Eastern belly dancing, is it?

You're right. It's totally not what you would see in the Middle East because the culture would never allow for it.  However, we are not a traditional Middle Eastern dance company nor do we try to sell ourselves as such. Whenever we perform topless, it's for a purpose. Whether it is an empowering statement or just an artistic aesthetic, we are very aware of what we are doing and would not do so without serious consideration. Often we try to represent ourselves as mythological characters and not just as naked girls on stage. We're embracing the beauty and the visual stimulation of the ancient deities and dance. Desert Sin has performed in front of public crowds of thousands of people while being topless and everyone loves it because it's something innovative, unique and empowering.
 

How many members are in the dance company and what type of training is involved to be a member?

Desert Sin consists of five principal members, and up to 20 additional amazing cast members, depending on the event.  Being a Desert Sinner takes more than just dance technique. Our performers need to understand how to use their bodies and their faces to tell a story, to make the audience feel the emotional and human side of the character or scenario they are portraying.  We work to bring out these talents in each other, always to move a step further—but everyone has come into the company with her own gifts to play with. 

Who founded Desert Sin and what is their background?

Djahari Clark, a dancer with 18 years of theatre under her bejewelled belt, founded Desert Sin in 1999.  She co-directs the company with Sa’ Elayssa, a third-generation Middle Eastern dancer and choreographer with training in a variety of dance styles.  Sa’ Elayssa credits her Russian Gypsy heritage and Djahari credits her childhood in Morocco for early inspiration.

What about the cutting-edge show Musée des Femmes?

Musée des Femmes, meaning “ Museum of Women ,” is a lavish, over-the-top spectacle retelling the tales of some of the boldest, most intriguing women in history and fiction. The carnival-esque show lends an emotional and human twist on fantastic characters such as the Hindu Goddess Kali, Joan of Arc, The Snow Queen, and Mata Hari, and includes a bevy of body-painted dancers, taking us on a virtual dusk-til-dawn tour of the ancient eastern world. We contacted Jeremy Vargus to produce our show. Jeremy really took the show to the next level and made it a commercial success. He’s an amazing and very detail-oriented performer/producer and has an incredible eye for beauty and for what really sells to the general public.

Tell me about the eclectic dance styles performed by the Desert Sin Dance Company?

Our shows combine elements of Middle Eastern dance, ballet, modern, hip-hop, neo-exotica, extensive theatrics, multi-media special effects, originally composed folk and dance music and extravagant costuming and body paints.  We present a tight, highly polished entertainment package. When we’re creating a show, if it doesn’t rock our world—it’s out!

Who was behind the magical effects behind Musée des Femmes that absolutely stole the show?

That would be Jeremy Vargus. Not only did he produce the show but he also created all the special and magical effects as well as the lighting. He is the mastermind behind the “spectacle.” Jeremy booked and produced the Blue Kali segment of our show into a huge, glitzy production in Chicago called “A Night At The Taj Mahal” last August.

Jeremy Vargus’ background consists of over 20 years of professional performing experience. Although he’s only in his mid twenties, Vargus has starred in television, film and live stage shows ranging from luxury cruise liners to major touring productions as a magician-singer-dancer-actor and off-stage he works as a show producer and Illusioneer. Most recently Jeremy signed us [The Desert Sin Dance Company] exclusively to his production company RPI Entertainment. He now produces, manages and handles all  publicity for The Desert Sin Dance Company.

More info on Jeremy Vargus’ work can be seen at: www.JeremyVargus.com and his production company: www.RPIEntertainment.com

What’s next for the Desert Sin Dance Company?

“World domination!” (laughing out loudly) says Djahari Clark.  Seriously, the most important thing for all of us is that we continue to create, to make art, to make beautiful things that really touch people.  To watch our visions come to life is an amazing experience and to see audiences love it as much as we do— to be received with standing ovations and sold-out houses – is even more inspiring.  After the millions of hours of work on Musée, we are now more excited than ever to proceed with plans of touring and putting on more fantastic productions!

Please visit www.DesertSin.com for more information and tour dates.

Hotel Commonwealth  

Luxuriate in Boston ’s pride

500 Commonwealth Avenue , Boston (617) 933-5000 $229 and up

As one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Boston ’s The Hotel Commonwealth has a lot to live up to.  Set in the cultural environment of some of the country’s most prestigious learning Meccas like BU, the inconspicuously small haven is located on Kenmore Square which is abuzz with activity and history.

Old world charm and cutting edge technology converge at this hotel that has also been named one of the Top 10 New Business Hotels Internationally by Forbes.com.  The hotel’s 150 luxurious guest rooms are designed to offer state of the art communication amenities like complimentary T3 high-speed internet access and wireless phones which work throughout the hotel so you can enjoy dinner at their award-winning seafood restaurant, Great Bay , and still stay connected.

The lavishly appointed rooms, like the hotel itself, are tastefully decorated so that the design sensibilities of the Shraggers and Dodd Mitchells are bypassed for a more classic look that aptly bears the hallmark of its culturally rich environment.  Divided into three types, the rooms either face the celebrated Kenmore Square , the legendary Fenway Park or in the luxurious 500 ft. Commonwealth rooms, the historic Commonwealth Avenue .  But, if you are feeling a little more indulgent, opt for a presidential suite which offers sweeping views of Boston ’s Bay Back and boasts a gas fireplace, oversized luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool spa, private kitchen and a large dining room that comfortably seats eighteen of your closest friends.

No matter where you hang your hat, you will find upscale marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane products to pamper you, 27” televisions with dvd/cd capabilities with a complimentary DVD movie library.  Frette linens and in-room refreshment centers make this a cozy haven that you may never want to leave except to relish the delights of Chef Jeremy Sewall and James Beard-winning Chef Michael Schlow at Great Bay , Boston ’s top-rated seafood eatery.

A mermaid unfurls and welcomes at the front window, the curtains look like billowing sails and all around, shades of sunset and the aquatic bath the room in an ode to the cuisine.  A ceviche bar holds court in the center and the main dinning room extends into an inner sanctum that feels more formal.  Chef Sewell’s menu changes daily and although fish and seafood dominate, there is also the New York strip, but why bother?  Chilled Duxbury Oysters open the feast and are followed by what is arguably the best New England clam chowder around, the rich but light broth poured from teapots and onto mounds of shallots, pancetta, parsley, cubed potatoes and clams.  While everything on the menu is notable and sure to delight the palate, there are the standouts like the Gulf of Maine wolffish which is heartily flavored, crisp on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside, and comes in a coriander infused broth.  Let Sommelier Scott Fraley do the wine pairings and accentuate the flavors and experience.

Be warned, leaving the Hotel Commonwealth won’t be easy.  As if the romantic charm of Boston with its real seasons, intellectual discourses and genuine conviviality isn’t enough to make you consider extending your stay, this little hotel will become the second home you won’t want to give up.

Jetsetters, why not let American Airlines complement the experience by flying you first class where even small pleasures like a bowl of warm mixed nuts, a bottomless glass of wine and sumptuous four-course meals zap away travel time? 

Four Seasons Canary Wharf

London Style

Four Seasons Canary Wharf , Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf , London E14 8RS , England

Tel +44 (20) 7510-1999, Fax +44 (20) 7510-1998

When the commotion of Central London with all its shoppers and tourists leaves you weary, and you’re craving a more subdued atmosphere, Canary Wharf is the ideal getaway.  With restaurants, wine bars, and shopping as well as river front beauty, Canary Wharf is morphing into a new epicenter of activity on the London map. During the week, Canary Wharf is bustling with life, mainly due to its business clientele.  On the weekends, however, the pace slows down and it’s possible to walk along the river front enjoying the cool breeze of the Thames without bumping elbows with hordes of tourists.

In choosing a hotel, the contemporary Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf is the most luxurious option. The hotel rests along the River Thames just a short, scenic ferry ride away from Central London (or a 20 minute ride along the famous London Underground).

Upon entering the property, the attentive staff is ready to assist you from handing you an umbrella for the unpredictable weather to planning an evening out on the town. As with any Four Seasons property, your comfort is their top priority.

The lobby sets the tone for the weekend: London style minus the attitude. It’s a perfect place for an evening nightcap after a long day in the city or a pre-theater aperitif to get your evening started. Or dine at the adjacent Quadrato, the hotel’s signature restaurant featuring hearty Northern Italian cuisine – perfect for a sumptuous Tuscan Brunch on Sundays!

The hotel caters to businesspeople and carries an air of formality which is softened once you enter the privacy of your room.  Splashes of wine red and forest green, taupe and gray are juxtaposed against walnut woods creating a soft ambience in an otherwise modern room. Your attention immediately tracks to the bay widows that frame picturesque views of the river and London skyline.

Sink into the silky white cotton sheets and fluffy duvets and erase jetlag. The marble bathrooms with spacious sit-in tubs, power showers, and L’Occitane products will not only revive your senses but give you the feel of a private spa.

If you’re looking to de-stress after a busy week of meetings or sight seeing, the Holmes Club Fitness Center offers guests state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as specialty spa treatments. Or if you prefer the outdoors, weather permitting, a jog along the river front is always a welcoming option.

www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf 

Rooms from £320 or $600

-Shayan Rayani

European Desk Editor