2012
Bad Boys of Bellydance & Special Guests
Zhanna Henna
I would like to thank Cheryl the organiser of Bad Boys of Bellydance, Black Orchid Danse, for putting on such an amazing event! Cheryl you are such a wonderful person and we absolutely love you!! I loved every minute of it, I have met so many great talented people, so different, unique and fanastastic!!! Thats why it was so special everybody was so different!! I wish you all the best in the future and inchaallah see you at the next year’s BBB!!!! :) Love, Z
Asiya Dance
I have to thank Black Orchid Danse for putting on such an amazing event. The instruction and shows were incredible from beginning to end. The organizer of this event is an amazing woman, I can’t even say enough about her to to let her know that all of her hard work that she did for us participants was above and beyond and I am so blessed to have met her. I met so many amazing people at this event, and to anyone who might read this I would strongly recommend attending her events. It was a dream come true for me to study with those instructions all in one place and watch their exquisite performances. And Cheryl thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to perform in your “Night of the Rising Stars” Gala. It was truly an honor. I was ready to go home but I was really sad to leave my best friend and all the beautiful people I met down there. Again, THANK YOU it was truly an honor, blessing and a priviledge to have been amongst such beauty and splendor!! I will be stalking your events because they are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April Reeves
Tower Was that the Las Vegas Intensive?….
Asiya Dance
No this was the bad boys of belly dance girl the best event I have ever been too
Kamala Almanzar
The Bad Boys of Belly Dance was probably the most enjoyable event I’ve been to in the US. You are right about everything here!
Zhanna Henna
Wow I couldnt have said better! I feel so inspired and greatful to Cheryl she is such a wonderful person! This was one of the best events I’ve ever attended!!! Thank you Black Orchid Danse and we love you Cheryl!!!!!
Asiya Dance
Zhanna! It was so nice to meet you, your dancing was on point and gorgeous! I really hope to cross paths with you again!!!!
Zhanna Henna
Awww thank you so much! I really appreciate this! It was nerve wracking and such an honor to have shared the stage with world famous instructors… Loved it!!!
Asiya Dance
You rocked it girl!!!!!
Alyssa Springs
Couldn’t agree more Asiya Dance! My second BOD event and it was awesome, of course. Loved the whole thing! Like · 1
Aleya Bellydance
Last night was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen!! Bad Boys Of Bellydance and Black Orchid Danse produced a mind boggling show! Every performer was so different and top top top talent!! I loved it and was grateful to be part of it. thank you BOD for being a pioneer in putting together a show of this magnitude! Amazing!! ♥
Kimberly Richardson
ahhh but of course… I gotta have some of that. That place is fantastic with talent!
Jennie Lynn Paasche
Aleya the show was fantastic, Aziza and Tito are fantastic on the stage together, I just am thrilled I was able to see Aziza and Tito, and take workshops with Aziza! Wow! Every single dance was so fantastic, and Aleya you were such a star on the stage, you looked stunning and so beautiful!
Milt Irvin
There wasn’t a weak performance in the show
Kamala Almanzar
Wish I could have been there to see you dance. Just a fabulous event. Made me so happy!
Aradia Wynn
You are amazing Aleya, and I still want that costume!!!
Aleya Bellydance
Jennie Lynn Paasche thanks! ;) Kamala Almanzar yes it was great. i wish you were here too. Aradia Wynn loool!! my blingy Vegas costume? hehe thank you! you were amazing also. :)
Sal SalMaktoub Vanegas
It really was an amazing show! The talent, the variety, the audience, the loving and supportive atmosphere amongst everyone – something truly magical. Thank you, Black Orchid Danse, for another phenomenal event. =]
Andye AndinhaNiakan
It was so insanely awesome that it made me not want to leave…I barely made it to the plane. Left my wallet and everything. If they didnt offer to mail it back to overnight I would have gladly missed this flight and stayed over one more day. Cheryll, can we have 7 days in 2013? Lol ;)
Milt Irvin
What an amazing show to end Bad Boys of Bellydance. Every performer was world-class. It was stunning. Thank you very much Black Orchid Danse for allowing me to be a very small part of this event. Thank youGlenn Brogan for convincing me to put aside some bitter experience and suit up again. (doors and windows) Thank you Frank Farinaro for being as wonderful a person as you are a performer. Thank youAmira Amirasbelly and Aradia Wynn for once again being so amazing. I feel very privileged to have been able to spend time in the company of so many wonderful dancers.
Leeann Laleh Murphy
A big thanks to Saamiyah and the team of Black Orchid Danse for hosting the Bad Boys of Bellydance Festival! The gala last night was the best show in town! From Ebony’s opening act right through to the finishing duet of Tito and Aziza of Cairo – just simply an aaaaaamazing group of talented and inspiring dancers! Thanking my lucky stars to be fortunate to part of it!
Kamala Almanzar
Thank you for the most amazing Middle Eastern dance event the US has ever had! Just top quality instructors, performers & location. You ladies were gracious & lovely. I thank you from the bottom of my heart & will recommend your festival to everyone!
Andrus Ramir
Today is such an important day for me in my career :) I am honored and thrilled to be among the likes of such a prestigious lineup of instructors at the Bad Boys of Bellydance and Special Instructors on my first invitation as a festival instructors. Would like to take a moment to THANK the organizers (Black Orchid Danse). As well as my family, friends, and everyone else who have supported my career. “Thank You.” Tonight I will be sharing the stage with some of the worlds most acclaimed and sought after performers. I don’t have words to describe what I feel. I hope to bring the best of me and shower the stage with light and love…. :)
Kamala Almanzar
You ladies went the extra mile to make your guests feel special & welcome. I’ve been to many events in the US in the 30+ years I’ve been in the business, but this one ranks at the top. You took a chance in bringing not the usual teachers on the American circuit, but the top teachers from around the world. This was a must attend for instructors & lovers of dance wanting a one stop shop to further their own education. I just wish I could have afforded the whole weekend (maybe better create a savings account now for next year!). The location was reminiscent of The Mena House, and gave the feeling of being in Cairo. Everyone was so nice & happy & such a feeling of community. I’m sorry for those who missed this great opportunity, but boy am I glad I went. Thank you!!
Andye AndinhaNiakan
Thank you too Cheryll, We know Black Orchid Danse is no easy task to put together…yet somehow we enter that event like a stampede of raqs obsessed people and leave as if we’ve all just gotten married to each other at the same time…all those hugs and sincere kisses between stars and fans. You’d have thought we all had the same parents…Black Orchid Danse remains an experience! Nothing compares! Nothing! We loved our instructors this year…and I want to be combination of Amel and Sema when I grow up too! Their grace, gorgeous faces, beautiful smiles and energy are a force! ♥ ♥ ♥ Here’s to more Giant Pizza eating with Tito and Aziza…Nights wrapped in excitement and hugs…and enough shimmies to shake the roof off the next lovely resort you house us in for 7 days! Cheers!
2011
Najm al Cairo
MissBellyDance.com
We had a great time when Aleya of Cairo visited for Najm Al Cairo! Many thanks to Black Orchid Danse for making Pera Dance their choice for the event! We were very excited to have them there with us!
Dee Boyd-Aslanidis
Thanks to Black Orchid Danse for bringing us Aleya yesterday for a really fun workshop!
Cairo Christino
“what a fab day!! Great instructor and good eats with the girls. Thank you Cheryl and Aleya.”
Lara Baker Whelan
“Thank you for today!! What a treat! Many blessings. :D”
Wendy Mramor Whedon
“Thank you for hosting Aleya today. She is a wonderful talent and you are a class act. Shimmy on!”
2011
Najm al Danse Orientale
“There really aren’t any words to describe how you’ve topped yourself in each year in bringing us the best in belly dance combined with a beautiful, exciting experience. This year was no exception! I’ve never been to any out of town (or in town for that fact) seminars that are so well done and thoughtful of participants and that are fun!!!!!” Diane (GA)
“Thank you for the fabulous event! Thanks for giving me a chance to see the performances on Sunday that will stay with me for the rest of my life!” Ziah (GA)
Marjorie Mellet Portocarrero (Peru)
Never is so late to say thank you. Thank you so much Black Orchid Danse, Thank you, dear Cheryll for all your kindness. The workshop was so spectacular!! I came back to my country with renewed and reloaded 2.0 energies!! Thank you so much!”
Andye AndinhaNiakan (GA)
“It is overwhelming the number of talented and absolutely beautiful people that Black Orchid Danse hosted in 2011. I cannot get passed it. I can’t get their gorgeous images out of my head for nothing!’
Cairo Christino (GA)
‘Every free moment I get I am finding a way to hold to the BOD experience. I have attended twice and it keeps getting better and better. A huge hug. Love you.”
Alima Dance (GA)
“How do you say, Thank you, for the love and the joy! As I view the pics my heart swells with the knowledge that our dance form brings people together. We become one!! How blessed to be a dancer for so many years and come to this time and see the power of our dance. Cheryl, look what you have done!! Black Orchid is only three years old. Let us all look to the future and the brotherhood and sisterhood of our dance!!!”
Nube Portugal (Peru)
“I don’t have enough words to tell you how great it was, the experience to be in Black Orchid Danse 2011!!! Everything was so good, the amazing teachers and all the old and new friend we found there….
Thanks a lot and see you soon!!!”
Willow Chang (HI)
“I had the most exquisite, lovely and inspiring time with you and the BOD family- thank you for allowing me to share aloha and bask in the joy that is bellydance! “Was it a dream?”
Patrice Isis Raqs Caldwell (GA)
“Walked in to work almost an hour late. Why am I sitting here looking like Lois Lane after the incredible weekend I had with Black Orchid Danse? I should be dancing.”
Naima Sultana (NC)
“You are so amazing and the event was spectacular. Instructors were stupendous!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!”
Sue Healy Souzan (FL)
“Thank you Cheryll and the rest of the Black Orchid family! Another wonderful event. Now I am back in the everyday world with a smile on my face thinking about how blessed we all are that you brought us all together. I just can’t thank you enough!”
Susan Poloski (MD)
“Thank you so much for making me feel like a member of the BOD family. This past weekend was the best!”
Naomi Takahashi (NJ)
“Thank you Cheryll for everything! YES, I WILL next time (you know what I’m talking about) ;) Last year was the first time for me to go outside of NY area to meet other dance community people, and I was not myself. BUT this year I saw so many familiar faces from last year, and had chance to talk to all instructors, and many participants. My body is screaming at me right now, but I really had great time there. Thank you again Cheryll! Love”
World Belly Dance Alliance (GA)
“Big thank you to Black Orchid Danse for hosting another fabulous event! The featured instructors delivered top notch material, the performers were amazing. Loved spending time with old friends & making new friends. Thank you to everyone who participated & helped Cheryll (Saamiyah) coordinate this special weekend. Special thanks to Cheryll Bolden!”
Nath Keo (CA)
“Thanks for everything Cheryll! My utmost gratitude and love sent your way!”
Francis Hernandez (FL)
“Thank you for this beautiful event! Congratulations! We spent a great weekend! Happy to see you and the girls! I hope you can come to Rakstar. It’s time to party in Miami! :). Thank you for your love!”
Suzanne Pace Estrada (GA)
“Wow, the last 4 days have been incredible! I learned so much and lived a dream to learn with such great instructors! Thanks to Black Orchid Danse for such a wonderful event!”
Hannah Trimbath (CA)
The show was fantastic!!! Such a pleasure to be a part of it.
Salvatore Pantano (Belgium)
“I came from Belgium expressly to see Tito:) First lesson today: he is fabulous! Thanks”
2010
A Weekend with the Stars of Bellydance & Bollywood
“…suffice to say, my deepest gratitude to Saamiyah, all the volunteers, the instructors and my fellow dancers for a magical weekend and ongoing inspiration.” BJ (GA)
“This was the very best line-up of artists I have seen in a long while. Each building upon the other in an evening of spectacular artistry! Tito is not simply a talented and accomplished showman, he is God-gifted. Add a live Tito performance to your “bucket list”!” Amani Jabril (GA)
“It goes without saying that this past weekend was one of the best intensives I’ve ever attended! The instructors were awesome, the shows beyond spectacular, and everything went as smooth as butter thanks to our gracious host Saamiyah (Cheryll Bolden of Black Orchid Productions).” Diane (GA)
Saamiyah, thanks so much for being courageous enough to sponsor such a huge undertaking this weekend. The event was well organized and informative. The classes were awesome and inspiring. The Sunday Gala was fantastic, the best ever! I hope you can bring Tito back next year. He is an excellent instructor and what an entertainer! Thanks again for bringing some of Egypt to Atlanta.” Zuhra (GA)
“Thank you so much for having me at your wonderful event, sharing your great people and seeing to it that everyone is taken care of. I think you did a fabulous job making this event a success. I felt well attended and couldn’t possibly ask for more.” DaVid of Scandinavia
“Unforgettable! Cheryll…We love you! and Thank you for your love and light:)” Amalia Maya (FL)
“Thank YOU for organizing such a wonderful event!!! You RAK!” Maya Salm (AL)
“¡Gracias! I’m so happy I made it to Atlanta. I enjoy the weekend. Thanks for your effort and hope to see you next year :)” Maite (PR)
“Ms. Cheryll–our own little Bellydance Goddess who brings us all joy, wonder, excitement and experience. What do you do after an experience like that? Work harder and stay more inspired. Thank you for bringing all that fabulousness to our lives! See you again soon!” Saniyah Raks (GA)
2009
Danse Fest Orientale
“THANKS FOR THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!!!!”….Diane (GA)
“She had her own vision and she knew what she wanted and she got it…she got more than that in fact! And so did we as participants and guests of what can only be called the BEST RAQS WEEKEND Atlanta may have ever seen…” Andye (GA)
“Thanks for such a fun workshop. I loved meeting Jim Boz, he was hilarious, and Karim really inspired me with his sagats.” Sonja (TN)
“It was fabulous. I learned so much. Thank you for all your hard work. It was an amazing weekend.” Lacy (GA)
“I had so much fun and learned so much! Thank you for all your hard work on making the retreat wonderful. It was worth every tear and drop of sweat and blood :) Can’t wait for your next one!” Dahne (GA)
“I think I only got fired once maybe twice! whoo! Hoo!” Cary (NY)
“Stop firing your mom! ;0)” Azhia (CAN)
