Imagine an unusually creative day where women forget about their to-do lists and focus on themselves through expressive artful dance on the beach. Well imagine no more because Gem Suslovich, a community yoga instructor and the Art and Film Salon host, created that very event! It was a day for women, by women, to envelope themselves in captivating dance.
Set at Shelly Antebi’s beautiful home on the ocean, over 100 Sephardic women gathered to engage in the wonderful art of dance. Live musicians, a DJ, a Zumba instructor, and two belly dance teachers guided the women into rhythmic movement. Gems message to the crowd was that “The Torah encourages music and dance to elevate the soul which refuels and rejuvenates our body to rejoice.” It was a special day for women to recharge themselves through movement.
To further relieve stress, a masseuse was present giving massages for a dollar a minute. Complimentary sangria and delicious lunch by Crawfords made guests feel relaxed and pampered. Linda Harary exclaimed, “What a glorious afternoon; who could want anything more!” Participant Valerie 
Betesh said she enjoyed getting together with friends and letting loose.
Women of all ages and of all dance levels blended beautifully, allowing the magic of music to join them harmoniously together. As Nancy Oved danced gorgeously to the beat of the tarbukah (Arabic drum), she expressed, “The women only forum allows us to enjoy the music genuinely and dance to our hearts content.”
The day ended with a stunning performance by Raquel Laniado, who belted out “Enta Omri” by Oum Kalthoum. The women couldn’t help but dance to the wondrous beat. Fabulous dancer, Sarit Botton said, “Whether you were there to watch or partake in the dancing, you couldn’t help but feel joyfully alive.” Susan Franco called the event “an amazing day.”
Thank you to Gem for constantly surprising our community’s women with new and inspiring events. Thank you to Shelly Antebi for opening her home and being a gracious host. Gem thanks her inspirational dad Hymie Zebede who started the Syrian musical parties for the community over 50 years ago; Thank you Lee Zebede for supporting the continued legacy. Another thanks to all the belly dance teachers and Zumba teacher, including Galit, as well as the wonderful drummer and violinist and a very special thanks to Lillian Srour for devoting her time to make sure that the party ran smoothly.
Thank you from Gem, to all the community women who joined in making this event a success.
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Raquel Gabbai Laniado is a graduate of Hunter College. She is a singer, a performer, and a writer for IMAGE Magazine and Sephardic Bikur Holim.
