To THE COMMUNITY--You will forever have a special place in my heart.
Every single one of you. Every time I see a new dancer "spread
her/his wings" I am inspired. Every time I see someone gain more
confidence from this art, I am amazed. Every time I see someone
reach a new level in their dance/art/life I am reminded of the
journey. Every person that shows up at a hafla just to be quiet
observers (even if they haven't danced [yet]) contribute energy to
this space, for which I am ever-grateful. It is this dance that
brings us together, but it is all of us collectively that creates the
container. And this Vegas container of juiciness is really amazing
and astounding. I hope each and every one of you feels this lovely
connection we share. I feel it, and it rocks my world.

To Tori--Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, for always
reaching for a higher vision, for your endless support and your
listening ear. It's awesome to have a co-creator who shares such a
beautiful vision for this community.

To Danya--Thanks for being my best CRACKBERRY friend!! I love ya!!
You are awesome!! Your humor is the best antidote to a stressful
day. I really appreciate that!

To Linn--You really have been such a staple organizer of this
community for so long! You are an inspiration and a wonderful human
being. Your constant support of Shifting Sands and your vision for
Renn Faire has been astounding. I know that you are about to pass
the torch, and I must tell you that your legacy will be felt for a
long time.

To Jasmine--It has been so strange to see you sell your studio, but
I'm so grateful you are still teaching. Your longevity in this very
transient town is an inspiration and a joy.

To Marliza Pons--You are the matriarch of this Vegas scene. You are
not forgotten...in fact, there are many of us who still appreciate
your contributions. You paved the way for so many of our
professionals, and I thank you for that.

To Daughters of Durga, Ethnophonica, Seraphina Fire, Raqaseen, Hand
of Fatima, Tabu, the RA Dancers, Cabernet, and all the other Vegas
troupes--I am forever enthralled with the emergence of
sisterhoods/troupes in this dance. I've never really been a part of
a formal troupe, and so I am perpetually intrigued to watch the
beauty of how this art is conveyed through this process. It's also
great to see Vegas represented in the world at large, and often it is
these troupes that are getting seen. Thanks for being beautiful.

To Hannah/Naimah--I genuinely love sharing this journey of friendship
with you. I am glad to have you as a workout friend and as a sister-
in-spirit. You are an amazing and inspiring artist with such thought
provoking insights. It is wonderful to see you bring your joy to
your young middle-school troupe (whoo hoo Courtney Cobras!).

To Tanya--Thanks for sharing the "professional" part of my own
bellydance journey. It's nice to have someone who remembers all
the "glory days"...LOL. Thanks for all the trouble we got into and
all the wild crazy stories I have to remember.

To some of my favorite local dancers...Sacha--You have no idea just
how breathtaking you are. Farasha--You have no idea how delicious you
are. Thank you both!

To Angela Palmeri--thank you for taking your teaching so seriously.
Your commitment and dedication to your students is incredible to
watch. And your dance, is always...wonderful and amazing.

To Joshua & Deborah--my spirit family. You speak a language that I
love and I deeply love your contribution to the world and your
intimate conversations that have moved me to my core. I may not get
to spend as much time with you as I would like, but I do genuinely
adore you both.

To Ashtalea--You have been a rock to me. You are forever someone
that I can trust and rely on. I am grateful to you for being a part
of the Vegas scene. You are a lovely dancer, teacher, mother, and
friend.

To Carolee Cameron--You can't imagine how impressed I am with you!!
Despite your own challenges with breast cancer, you are perpetually
positive & joyful. WOW!! You have given me such a profound
perspective in just the right moments!! And you have been such a
supportive, understanding, and patient friend! You AMAZE me!!

I am certain that there are many others in the bellydance community
that I should acknowledge. I'm always so worried that I might leave
someone out. I am touched and moved by so many of you...even if I
can't name your name at this moment.

I have to go prepare some food for the traditional feast today, and
to spend time with my perfect little miracles (Sierra & Tristan) as
well as my parents who are joining us from Salt Lake City.

Much love to everyone...and may you all have a wonderful
Thankgsiving.

With an attitude of gratitude...
Samira