School Events and Assemblies

Schools and assemblies of all sizes have enjoyed the Aabla Raqs presentation of "Friendship Flies the Sun" (the ancient Egyptian legend of Scarab Beetle). In conjunction with Author Days and Egyptian studies, this educational and entertaining production brings Egyptian dance, music and legend to life. It has become the perfect "in-house" field trip.

Through dance, narration, puppetry and live percussion the students experience the thrill of meeting another culture.

Below you will see some examples of the schools where we've performed.

Ladue Middle School - December 21, 2006

"My students really enjoyed when they got to participate in the dancing."
Laila Crabtree, 7th Grade Teacher

Fashion Show of Middle Eastern Costumes

St. Joseph's Academy -
A Dance Lesson for the SJA Angels - November 11, 2006

Parkway South Middle School - Egypt Day - September 28, 2006

"The students enjoyed the interactive book reading and learned a lot from
the informative fashion show. Learning to play zills was great fun for our
students. Thank you for adding so much to our day."

Jodie M. Priess Sanders, Teacher

Fashion Show of Middle Eastern Costumes

Southwestern Illinois College - September 21, 2006

"I got so many responses back about your PowerPoint presentation!
I thought the belly dancing was going to be great but we got the
whole package! The students loved the book! I thought everyone
had a great time! Thanks for being so wonderful! You Rock!"

Dianna Rockwell Shank, Honors Program Coordinator

Forsyth School - December 16, 2005

"The show was lovely. Very colorful and vibrant. Our students loved the fashion show
and the belly dancing in particular. We truly enjoyed the program. We hope to have you back soon."

Jane Paradise, Drama Instructor

Fashion Show of Middle Eastern Costumes

Du Bray Middle School - Fort Zumwalt - October 14, 2005

"I loved the fashion show and the dancing,." Cindy Aslin

"Loved the presentation. . .really liked the dancing." Kathy Blanc

"It was awesome! It was great! We loved it!" Cody Hammock

"Bravo! The clothing was beautiful. ...Excellent overall presentation." Laura Piatchek

"Great dancing performances. I also enjoyed the fashion show. Very interesting" Lyn Barry

Fashion Show of Middle Eastern Costumes

Ronald S. Beasley School - MICDS - September 22, 2005

On Thursday, September 22, 2005 we welcomed Ann M. Mracek to our first RBS Assembly of the year. Ann is the author of Friendship Flies the Sun. Ann and her group, Aabla Raqs Belly Dance Company, performed the ancient Egyptian legend of the Scarab Beetle that “shows that when we give of ourselves in love and kindness for others, those selfless acts are the ones for which we will be remembered.” This is a message that resounds with our theme of Respect and Responsibility.

Sandra Lee

Saul Mirowitz Day School - May 17, 2005

We loved when Ms. Ann and company came to our daughter' school. All of the kids were engaged and mesmerized throughout the entire performance watching the belly dancers, listening to the story, and wondering what would happen next. After the show, we had an ice cream party outside on the playground and all of the performers joined us and answered questions and talked with the kids. It was not just a cultural and educational event, it was a great afternoon of fun.

Mrs. Lauren Schuver, Parent

To get a taste of this program, view the sample on the Children's Theater and the Fashion Show page.