Elena Lentini

topic posted Sat, February 26, 2005 - 8:23 PM by  Alexia
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Excerpt from Elena's bio at:
www.bellydanceny.com/p_elena.html

Elena Lentini began performing Middle Eastern dance in 1969, dazzling audiences in New York area Middle Eastern clubs with her grace and intensity. Elena brings to dance a unique lyrical focus, a qualify of mystery, and a commitment to the integrity of every movement as she sculpts fluid designs with her body.

In 1971, when the esteemed dancer Ibrahim Farrah started his company, Elena joined as soloist, teacher and right-hand to Farrah.

.....In June of 1988, Elena started her own company, Caravansary Dance Theater. The group used Middle Eastern dance fonns in conjunction with the many other types of performance which had influenced Elena, presenting startling and imaginative new hybnds.
posted by:
Alexia
  • Re: Elena Lentini

    Sat, February 26, 2005 - 8:25 PM
    A review of Elena's April 24, 2004 dance concert at the Washington Square Methodist Church in NYC.

    www.danceinsider.com/f2004/f0512_1.html
    • Re: Elena Lentini

      Mon, April 25, 2005 - 1:37 PM
      do you know of any videos one can purchase of her performances- old or new?

      sarah
      • Re: Elena Lentini

        Mon, April 25, 2005 - 3:53 PM
        I don't know of any, but since you're in NYC, I would just go to Faisal's Studio and ask her! I got to see a class of hers there back in '99, so I'm assuming she's still there. I'm pretty sure Faisal is her partner.
        • Re: Elena Lentini

          Tue, April 26, 2005 - 6:59 AM
          yes I have taken her class for 6 years. I havent been the last year because I was otherwise distracted.

          BUT- she does very RARE performances she allows on video- so I was hoping someone had some old footage! :)
          • Re: Elena Lentini

            Tue, April 26, 2005 - 8:51 AM
            Well, I have the video from our show in South Bend she was sponsored for by Ruby Jazayre. You could contact Ruby and ask her for a copy: www.rubyjazayre.com. Likewise, I guess anybody that sponsored her would have a video of the show. That might be the easiest route!

            Good luck!

            K xoxo
  • Re: Elena Lentini

    Sat, February 26, 2005 - 8:28 PM
    Elena teaches in NYC. If you are in town be sure to catch on of her classes:

    Elena teaches at Fazil's, 743 Eighth Ave. between 46th & 47th St. Call (212) 245-9504 or (212) 541-4455. Classes: Saturday 2:30-4pm ; Wednesday 1:30-3pm and Tuesday 6:30-8pm are intermediate/advanced. Wednesday 6:30-8pm and Saturday 12:30-2 PM are basic/beginner. All classes cost $15. Email elenalentini@aol.com.

    She also hosts a week long workshop in NYC usually the week of July 4.
  • Re: Elena Lentini

    Sun, March 6, 2005 - 11:59 AM
    I LOVE Elena Lentini! I was fortunate enough to catch her while she was in Buffalo, a few years back!!!!!! by far one of my favorite dancers, i am hopinmg to connect with her when i go to rocky's week long seminar! if you have a chance to take one of her workshops or see her perform DO IT! DO IT NOW!!!!!!
    • Re: Elena Lentini

      Fri, April 22, 2005 - 9:49 AM
      Does she still do workshops around the country? I missed one a while back and I'm still kicking myself over it. She's one of the most creative and expressive dancers I've ever seen.
      • Re: Elena Lentini

        Fri, April 22, 2005 - 10:45 PM
        Yes, I saw her in South Bend, IN, back in 2002. She reminds me of my Martha Graham days; I told her that if she were a Modern Dancer, she would be the "Elena Lentini" style of Modern Dance. She is so unique, and unlike any other ME dancer I know! I really got into her style, and I was thankful that I had a background in Modern, because it gave me a premise from which I can truly appreciate her art.
        • Re: Elena Lentini

          Wed, June 1, 2005 - 2:44 PM
          I've had the fortune of taking a few workshops with Elena...in portland and at mendocino middle eastern dance camp. I am in awe of her unique and powerful beauty~ her timeless dance style combines grace and subtlety, fearlessness and mystery. she was a huge influence for me in letting the dance become my own and to not be limited by definitions or what's been done before.
          she is a precious asset to bellydance and all dance for that matter!
          • Re: Elena Lentini

            Fri, September 22, 2006 - 7:07 AM
            Elena Lentini Oriental Dance Intensive
            October 4-8 2006 ::: New York City

            Times Circle Rehearsal Studio
            743 Eighth Avenue (bet 46th & 47th sts)


            Focus:
            Choreography -- Arab, Contemporary Turkish Dance, Spanish Dance/Fan
            Dance Studies -- veils, art in motion, zills, rhythm/movement, improvisation
            Exploring the expressive power of movement -- improving stillness, flexibility, balance, perception of contour and imagination



            Early Registation Recommended
            A smaller class is planned
            Workshop Fee: $375
            Check payable to Elena Lentini

            Please mail registration to:
            Elena Lentini
            POBox 148 Radio City Station
            New York, NY 10101-0148

            More Info: 212 860-9783
            elenalentini@aol.com




            Dance Party with Live Music Friday, Oct 6



            "Lentini's solos are note-worthy for the grounded, inward and controlled harmony that encompasses the entire being of the dancer, the viewer is drawn inward toward a contemplative, almost mesmerized state." -- Lorena Sandra

            ELENA LENTINI is acknowledged as one of the leading innovators in the development of Modern Oriental Dance in America. As a soloist in the Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Group and with her own companies, she has performed in many major American concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Yale Repertory Theater and the Kennedy Center. For three decades while teaching and performing in the United States, Europe, in the Middle East, Africa and Australia, Ms. Lentini has immersed herself in the rituals and character of the traditional Middle East.
            Her work has evolved to where her imagery predates the classical structure and form of the Near Eastern dance. The introspection and poetic movement identified with her dance is traced to man's inner life -- a spiritual being, breathing humanity and spirit.




  • Re: Elena Lentini

    Tue, September 26, 2006 - 4:24 PM
    Words alone cant begin to describe the Talent and Expertise of Elena, i have only seen her dance live once, and i can just about still feel the energie from her show.. the zills. her floor work her movements, her soul, just blew me away completely and had me gasping for breath.
    she dances with such deep and beautiful emotion, you cant help but feel this vibe....

    I wish i could study for a while with her, thoughs of you who are fortunate to do so,, im envious of you...
    • Re: Elena Lentini

      Wed, September 27, 2006 - 9:11 PM
      If there is room in her workshop next week take it. We have a group from Wichita that goes every year and Elena is a jewel. She has so much to offer in improving your dancing skills. I have been lucky enough to have taken two of her workshops and am fascinated with what she is able to do. In 2005 she was the guest artist in are studio show and put on an amazing performance. What else is there to say about this American legend of bellydance?
  • Re: Elena Lentini

    Mon, January 22, 2007 - 8:22 AM
    NIAGARA RIVER ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL

    APRIL 21 & 22, 2007 BUFFALO NY

    Celebrate our 16th year of bringing dancers together to explore, mingle, and experience the magic of Middle Eastern Dance.

    Featuring: ELENA LENTINI - NYC
    .
    ..ethereal..heart of an artist..artistry at its finest..and generous...

    Pls join us for the unique opportunity to study for 2 days and see Elena perfrorm in a theater concert on Sat evening.

    Workshop will include

    Choreography -- Arab, Contemporary Turkish Dance, Spanish Dance/Fan

    Dance Studies -- veils, art in motion, zills, rhythm/movement, improvisation

    Exploring the expressive power of movement -- improving stillness, flexibility, balance, perception of contour and imagination

    -2 days of workshops with Elena Lentini

    Sat

    10-3;00

    Sun

    11-4:00

    Sat eve concert 8:00 pm

    Vedning for your exotic shopping needs

    Workshop location:

    New Phoenix Theater
    95 N. Johnson
    Buffalo, NY 14201

    Concert:

    The Church

    Corner of Delaware & Tupper minutes from workshop and hotels.

    Registration info:

    Package by Mar 15 -
    Both workshops & concert $90.00
    One day workshop 37.

    Package by Apr 1 -$100.
    One Day workshop 43.

    Package after April 1 - 115.
    One Day workshop 48.

    Concert Tix seperately 20. adv. 23. day of concert

    Registration to: Folkloric Productions, PO Box 956, Buffalo, NY 14207
    716 876 6291 folkloric@aol.com
    www.folkloric.org




    Suggested hotels:

    Hampton Inn

    Lenox

    Best Western

    for complete bio www.bellydanceny.com/p_elena.html

    -evening theater concert entitled
    :
    "WOMAN & DANCE..a timeless journey"

    showcasing the spirit of women thru dance...

    -Marketplace for all of your exotic retail needs...

    pls see our web for more info www.folkloric.org

    We can be reached at: (716) 876 6291 or folkloric@aol.com

    Join the celebration!

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