Zuri Hosts seminar with Mira Betz

Mobile, al January 1, 2008:  The Zuri Dance Company will be hosting a seminar taught by Mira Betz on April 25-27, 2008 at the Ashbury Suites Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. 

The performance for the public will be Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the hotel and is $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 15 to 6, and free for 5 and under.  Not only will Mira be entertaining you, but the show will also include bellydancers and troupes from around the southeast and a variety of styles from traditional to cabaret to tribal fusion.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help 15 Place in Mobile. 

The multi-faceted career of Mira Betz is a testament to her passionate artistry and desire for continual growth. Active in theater, dance and the performing arts for 20 years, Mira Betz has become a sought after dancer, choreographer, costumer, and teacher. Nominated "Instructor of the year" by Zaghareet Magazine, Mira is a valued instructor at prestigious festivals and camps across the nation. Mira is currently facilitating the Barbary Coast Shakedown, a collaboration of Middle Eastern dance professionals pairing performance with intensive dance instruction.

Mira began her training in Middle Eastern dance as a young teen studying with some of the most respected and knowledgeable teachers of our time, such as Katarina Burda, Jamila Salimpour, and Suhaila Salimpour. As a founding member, choreographer, and solo performer of Aywah! Ethnic Dance Company for 10 years, she developed a solid foundation of contemporary, traditional, as well as ritualistic dance forms.

In spring 2006 she was a guest choreographer for Jill Parker and her company Ultra Gypsy. In 2004-2005 Mira toured nationally with renowned drummer Tobias Roberson and was the artistic director of the ECHOS. Mira was a featured dancer at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire from1994-2002.

Mira continues to spread her experience, knowledge and love for dance through her captivating performance and engaging teaching style.

15 Place, the Multi-Service Center of Mobile, will proactively combat homelessness by partnering with the community to provide a comprehensive, accessible array of services to empower the homeless to work toward their optimum level of self-sufficiency in an affirming, safe, supportive, and non-threatening environment.

15 PLACE is a project of LOAVES AND FISH COMMUNITY MINISTRIES, INC.

a 501 -c3, non-profit organization.

Cash and in-kind contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For further information regarding this Center and the work of Loaves and Fish Community Ministries, Inc., or to volunteer, please contact:

Lyn Manz-Walters or Mike McDonald at:
15 North Joachim Street
Mobile, AL 36602
lwalters@15place.org
251-432-7227

Services offered by 15 Place include but are not limited to employment counseling, literacy training, case management, mental health assessments, veteran's services, and counseling services.

Zuri Dance Company was formed in 1982 by Jane McWilliams.  At that time,  there were only 3 or 4 dancers.  It has taken many years to build Zuri into what it is today – a group of over 15 dedicated dancers and a new beginner level sister troupe.

We have had annual performances at the International Festival, the Azalea Trail Run, and Mobile’s and Pensacola’s Renaissance Faires.  Because of our popularity with the crowds, we have become regular performers at these events.   Other places we have performed in the past  are First Night Mobile, and Mobile County/City Day.

Interest in this dance form has increased and so has the membership in the company.  We are still growing. We also now have our non-profit business status.