STUDENT FEEDBACK
Many thanks for last nights lesson.  I really enjoyed your lesson and I’m confident in believing that all those who attended had a great time too.

They way you taught us the moves and inspired us with your own abilities, made the lesson a perfect introduction.  I really do hope we can organise a regular class at Te Tuhi.  If we can gather a sufficient number of student to make it feasible and if you have any time to spare, I’m sure it will be possible in Term 1, 09.   

However, if not, I’m really keen to join your classes outside of Te Tuhi myself! I’ve always loved the music and to be able to move to it would totally enchance my enjoyment.

I’ve attached the Tempo attendance list – I’m so sorry, I was supposed to return it to you after photocopying it.  I hope that the attachment is okay, otherwise please email me your postal address and I’ll mail it to you today.

I look forward to Saturday’s performance and chatting again when you’ve time about possibilities for further classes,

Many thanks,
Renée Tanner
Public Programmes Coordinator


Hi Ishtar,

Its Fiona Walker here, from your Te Tuhi class on Thursday nights :)

I am just emailing to apologise for not being at class last week. Both Sharon and I were sick and couldn't make it!!
But we will be back along tonight and eager to catch up!!

I have just downloaded the veil dance video from your website so I can practise that now :)

Just wanted to say that we are both really enjoying the classes and you make learning this new dance style so much fun!!!!
Your classes are a joy to come to!

Thanks heaps,
Fiona.

"Special Comment" Jan 2009
A Native Egyptian living in the USA was so very generous to send me this feedback of my improvised dance to 'El Fen'.  I am humbled and also greatly appreciative for his discerning and extensive knowledge of 'Raks Sharki' and it's associated music he has shared with me by email.  He has taught me quite alot already!!  Thank you so much Adel for sharing your knowledge with me (from the 'West') who has little knowledge in comparison, but big in heart. I will put it to good use!!

Comment
If you would like to understand what "Belly Dancing with Grace" means, you have to watch this video of Ishtar.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2-Gqmy7lME

A combination of two classic and beautiful music composed by Abdel Wahab: Ya Mesafer (Hey You ... the Traveler) and Nagham ... Fi Hayaty (A Melody ... in my Life).  Ishtar, not only your performance is superb but also you are presenting a piece of Art, waving (what ever this is called in BD) and interpreting the music, singing with your body, just the lyrics came to my mind.  I don't want to tell you how many times I have watched it, so that you don't think; this guy is obsessed with the music or with the dance? may be by both.
Adel, USA

Wedding on Waiheke Island 
March 2008

Hi Ishtar!
 
I can surely say you made our night that extra special.  The comment from everyone was "Wow" and your dancing and costume was beautiful.  You are an amazing dancer, and I could just tell by the way you held the audience everyone really enjoyed it.
 
Thank you also for all your 'shimmying' training for me, everyone thought I could really bellydance!  I think every bride should perform a bellydance for her husband on their wedding night, middle eastern or kiwi.
Warm regards,
Jennie and Neade Karam
 
"Unsolicited Feedback" 
Hi Ishtar, 
I have been in the search for a local Belly Dancer recently, and came across your website.  My fiance is Middle Eastern and I would love to surprise him and have you perform at our wedding. It will be next year 22 March 08, and we are having our reception at The Estate on Waiheke Island. I have viewed your performances on your website and you dance beautifully. Please let me know if you are available and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Jennie Scown

"Peace Software Corporation" for a Bellydance Show at the Prestigous Opium Room, Queen Street, Auckland 30 Nov 2007 Christmas Party.
Hi Ishtar
Show was plenty of variety which was great.  Each act was relatively short and high impact which is what we were looking for.  Much, much better than I expected! You are a true professional and we were all taken aback not only by your costumes but also your stage setting.  I would have no hesitation in recommending you for other functions. Excellent value for money. You are all true professionals, you did such a wonderful job and you were very very flexible and accommodating to our needs which really means a lot.   Your performance is the talk of the office today, everyone is still buzzin from the excitement!
All the best and thank you once again to you and your team.
Mel

Hen's Night - "Desert Moon Dance Class & Goddess Reading" Feb 16 2008 "Unsolicited Feedback" 
Dear Ishtar,  
I can't thank you enough for the fantastic afternoon you gave us at the hen party yesterday!  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we all loved that you joined us for a drink and a chat afterwards.  The Goddess readings were talked about all night, and I'm sure we'll all remember the dancing you taught us for years to come!  I won't hesitate to recommend you to others looking for good value party entertainment.   I've attached a few photos from the day, and look forward to seeing you again in the future!
 
Many thanks,  
Bex :)

Hen's Night 22 Nov 2008
Thank you so much Ishtar, we all had such a fantastic time! The games were incredibly fun and overall the night turned out better than
anticipated. We all especially loved that you incorporated little history lessons throughout the night, which were very interesting. I
would recommend your services to anyone.  Thanks Stace

Hi Ishtar,   
Last night’s show was FABULOUS!!... And your dancing was amazing. My flat mate and I enjoyed the show immensely. It made us feel proud to be women, and we definitely left the show feeling empowered!   All the dancers were great and the costumes were fantastic!  We look forward to the next one!
Holly McLaughlin
Radio Consultant 
The Radio Network Auckland

The show you did was great and we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Bharat Jamnadas 
Senior Reporter/Director 
Asia Down Under

Hi there
Congrats on the concert I was impressed, your Arabic pop was awesome!  Cheers Kali-Zahira

So enjoyed watching you dance last night! Helen is and will always be my most favourite dancer, and you are my 2nd!
Cheers Glennis

"Unsolicited Emails"  
These selected comments below are emails sent to me from bellydance fans from youtube or viewing videos off my website.  

March 2009 (Ishtar's Improv to Omar Khorshid)
Thank you Ishtar for making and sharing this video. Excellent smooth flow of movements, no gymnastics, this is what we call Raqs Sharqi. Almost at 1:00, 2, 3 & 4, you didn't miss a beat, absolute harmony with the music, or like they say: You became the music. Adel 

11 April 2009 (Ishtar's Raks Sharki Improv to Habibi Ya Eine by Kuwait Musician)

Hmmmm... It's almost hypnotizing. Once I start to watch, it is very difficult to take my eyes away. But also, it is hard to watch too. I don't know where to look. Her hips or her eyes? I don't know which is more seductive. And a very excellent natural interpretation as well. 10 stars! :) 
Nowatts, USA

1 April 2009 (Improv of Omar Khorshids music)
Ishtar, that was beautiful. Classy and superb. Can you please tell me which cd is this song from? You have very good taste in music and I love all your videos. You bring your own flavor to the dance. 
Marie2214 USA

Hi IshtarBellydancer,
I saw your video at the Dorothy Winston theatre Ethnic Festival, they are amazing.
It must have been a lot of hard work preparing for it durring the months, but it was truly rewarding just to see these. They showt you did work really hard on them and that you showed real passion doing them.
have a good day.;) 
jerome fortin 
USA

Hello! Ishtar, I saw your videos .. and was really impressed about your dance!   You are charming! I like your dancing very much
My name is Hosam, I live and work in Cairo-Egypt.  You are very talent and beautiful 
Hosam Egypt - youtube fan

Hi Ishtar,
Nice sagat playing. I sent to some other dancers, and they all loved your vid as well. Yes, other dancers do play to the feel of the music, but most common do the 123 gallop. Your variations are very interesting.
Catch ya! Yeow - Aus

Hi
i loved your performance very much and i really liked the song you danced to the drum solo.
Samira - Los Angeles USA
youtube fan

Hi Ishtar
I have been following Raks Sharki for several years and am convinced it is the most attractive and appealing - especially to me as a man I guess. I watched some of your videos and you are very good. I especially like your shimmies, awesome abdominal control and the slow sections, very well done indeed, and very attractive. Thanks so much for your style.
Bruce Dallas USA
youtube email

Hi Ishtar
Just a note saying how much I really appreciate your knowledge of drum solo dancing and your awareness of the music. I hope youre well. 
Sahib, USA

Hi Ishtar
Wow, you're a belly dancer. I'd love to see you dance, but alas, you are on the other side of the world. So, I'll have to settle for your YouTube videos.
Frank
USA