More photos because we all like photos. Saheed, Gail Smedley, was the last dancer to join Bou-Saada. Gail taught in London. One of her most notable pupils, Wendy Buonaventura, went on to publish several books on Middle Eastern dance and to create her own threatrical dance productions with a decidedly feminist/middle eastern flavor. Gail borught her own unique style to the troupe, quickly mastering our group material, learning to play in the band, and eventually adding her lovely voice as we expanded into vocal interpretation. This first shot is of Gail teaching before she moved to Washington State and joined Bou-Saada.

Two Gail solo shots:

Gail and John Zeretzke

Gail performed a basket dance to an Armenian piece, and became my partner in the Algerian/Ouled Nail.