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A taste of the Mediterranean comes to Boondock’s Grill
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
People attending a special function at Boondock’s Grill June 6 probably didn’t know what to expect.
But by the time they left after enjoying three hours of terrific food and entertainment, there wasn’t a person who left disappointed.
Boondock’s staff cooked an authentic Arabic meal followed by belly dancing courtesy of Connie’s Dance Class.
“I loved how they (the dancers) had concentration and confidence,” says Rhona Range, who attended the function with about 100 others. “And the Mediterranean meal was incredible.”
Boondock’s owners Ali and Seham Mouallem began planning the evening with dance instructor Connie Sabo two months ago.
“There were lots of meetings between us to make sure the night went perfect, how everything was going to happen, etc.,” says Mouallem. “We spent many hours going over what to prepare and in making the final decision on what the meal was going to be for the event.”
The meal began with appetizers including Hummas, a chick pea dip, and pita bread. The main course included Fattoush salad, Mediterranean rice, beef kabob, spiced chicken kabob, Kafta (spiced beef) and steak cut potatoes. Bakalava was on the menu for dessert and complimentary coffee and tea was provided courtesy of Boondocks.
The meal itself took over eight hours to prepare and cook. There were four cooks who prepared the meal and four who cooked the meal. The meat was all marinated for one day before cooking.
The dancers impressed the audience and Sabo.
“It was our first public performance,” says Sabo, who has danced in Mexico, High River, Olds and Calgary. “I am so proud of my ladies I could burst at the seams.”
Ragan agrees.
“To me, that was just incredible,” she says. “Every costume had detail. Each costume spoke to you in a different way.”
Each dance had a theme and appropriate costume lending the evening to incredible variety. The accompanying music also brought outstanding energy to the dancers and audience.
Sabo suspected the audience was going to be apprehensive, especially about dancing with the girls when invited during the show.
“We had some dancers in the audience at certain points,” says Sabo.
That way, people were less shy about dancing with the performers. It worked as several people took the plunge and danced for a few minutes.
Sabo started the club three years ago and always welcomes new dancers. Beginner classes start in September.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three,” she says. “My parents encourage me in that direction.”
Today, her biggest fan is her husband, Robert Sabo, who understands all the long hours spent dancing and planning. Her love of dancing has blossomed into her desire to teach others. Today, she has about 16 dedicated dancers but has had up to 65 attend classes.
“Some attend just for the exercise and that’s OK,” says Sabo.
The group is comprised of one three-generation family of dancers: Alona Burger, Kirsten Burger and Erin Burger.
“I was pleasantly surprised at the age levels,” says Ragan.
“Dancing is for all ages,” adds Sabo.
The event was so successful that the Boondocks and Connie’s Dance Class are going to host another event in late August or early September. Tickets will be available to purchase at the Boondocks Grill in early August.
“We’re going to hold another show, we’re in rehearsal now,” says Sabo, adding they are already talking to Boondocks.
“We’re also going to be in the Gordon Buchanan Centre, probably in October,” says Sabo.”
Details of the second show will be announced later.
The group is also working on having a formal name for the club. Each dancer is suggesting a name before vote takes place.
“We’re hoping to become a formal dance troupe,” says Sabo.
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Dancers in Connie’s Dance Class performed at Boondock’s Grill June 6. In the back row, left-right, are Judy Williscroft, Shannon Soucy, Connie Sabo, Anita Fisher, Kylie Williscroft, Donna Sawchyn, Diedre O’Dell, Shirene Napier and Alona Burger. In the front row, left-right, are Amanda LaPointe, Erin Burger and Kirsten Burger.
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Amanda Lapointe carefully balances a sword on her head during her Tribal Sword Dance. Long hours of practice are necessary to perfect the intricate moves in this dance.
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Kirsten Burger shows the balance necessary during the Candle Dance. Particularly impressive was how dancers waved their arms in circles, yet always had the candles upright.
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Donna Sawchyn performs the Folk Cane Dance. Many attending the evening were impressed by the intricate detail on each dancer’s costume, in addition to the skill and precision.
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Shirene Napier shows the amazing colour during the Oriental Veil Dance. In larger venues, the dancers move around more freely; at Boondock’s moves were limited by space and the low ceiling.
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Connie’s Dance Class instructor Connie Sabo uses Oriental Zills in her dance. The zills, like small bells, were a nice touch.
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Instructor Connie Sabo, left, enticed Alice Coker to join her during the Turkish Dance. Coker was one of many people who took the plunge and tried their hand at dancing at the insistence of Sabo and the audience.
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