THE PAPYRUS SEPTEMBER 2001

Cover Story: Focus on Abhi-Irena Perakh.

by Mariah

Bold and feminine power, strength, creativity, passion and beauty. These adjectives just touch the tip of the iceberg when describing Abhi-Irena Perakh. Her name reveals the depths of her soul. Given to her by an Indian Master, Abhi means fearless in Sanskrit. It is also her Hebrew name. Perakh means flower in Hebrew.
A fearless flower of many hues and textures, I was captivated spending a warm summer evening with her as she transported me to far off lands. Abhi-Irena was born in Siberia and spent her childhood in Kazakhstan , a USSR Republic highly influenced by Persian culture. When about five or six years old she remembers watching a performance of belly dance on Russian television. She thought to herself, "How can a belly dance? Feet dance, arms dance, but the belly in the center of the body, how can it dance?". Incidentally, it had been Mahmoud Reda's group that she saw.
This realization came after talking with him at The second International conference on Middle Eastern Dance in Costa Mesa. This magical moment of enchantment from childhood influenced Abhi's underlying attraction to the dance and helped determine her destiny as a belly dancer.
Before this destiny came to fruition, as a child Abhi made costumes and clothes for dolls, herself and school performances. At age eight she started formal training in ballet on ice. Progressing to professional she performed with a star from Holiday On Ice.
In the 70's she moved to Israel attending Textile College and graduating with a major in Textile Business Management. In 1984 she became owner and designer of brand name Irena. I was able to see pictures of her work. Also she was wearing her designer jeans and top with gold studs and rhinestones all hand decorated in a classy and tasteful pattern.
I was very impressed with her imaginative way of expression that was spectacular yet sophisticated. Very balanced. Provocative yet simple. Need accessories? Abhi-Irena is the expert. She knows her craft and has won awards for her designer costumes.
In the mid 1980's she met her belly dance teacher, Amoura. Debbie Goldman came to Israel from America and had studied with Jami la Salimpour and Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah. Abhi helped Amoura with her costumes. By working on costumes from Madame Abia and Madame Bella, for example, she learned to make quality costumes with Irena flair that was and is recognized and in demand.

In talking with Abhi it was apparent to me that whatever she takes on she studies it in depth, uncovering any unsolved myster ies, exploring, questioning, practicing, practicing, practicing. She did this with belly dance. Through performing, teaching, creating choreography, and practice, Abhi discovered immense healing powers in this dance form. She believes any pain or discomfort experienced should not be attributed to belly dance. Rather, to the body's execution of the movements. The dance reveals imbalance or tension held in the body that needs attention.
Movement in belly dance done properly heals the body rather than hurts it. From her own experience of low back pain, after extensive treatment through Tibetan Pulsing Yoga, she has danced pain free for the past eight years.
She is also a Reiki Master. Reiki, originally from Japan, is a hands on practice that restores a healthy flow of energy to promote well-being in body, mind and spirit.

Coming to America from Israel, Abhi brings with her a world of knowledge rich in diverse culture and heritage. Since her arrival in 2000 she's performed at Cairo Carnival, Sawdust Festival, Bedouin Bazaar, Marrakesh in Studio City, Moon of Tunis of Hollywood, Greek Town, Greek Palace, Tonya and Atlantis' Showcase, SAMEDA Faire and Cafe Beledy in Van Nuys.
She is currently perfecting her performance for the 8th Annual One Enchanted Evening presented by Marula on November 18th at San Diego Women's Club. "Mozart in Cairo" will be Abhi's fusion of classical ballet and Egyptian style belly dance. This event is a fantastic display of artistic expression. She looks forward to being part of such a valued venue. With laughter in her eyes, a sense of adventure, integrity and professionalism, I welcome Abhi to our community.