P R E S S - R E L E A S E

Couldn't we all use a little more love in our lives?

RHYTHM & RHYME
A Celebration of Dance, Poetry & Percussion
featuring
Grant Smith & Tahya
Tonight's Subject: Love
spotlighted
in _____________________________________program.
(Presenting Org. Name)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Let the words of ancient poets open your heart! Enchantment and inspiration abound in "Rhythm & Rhyme." Performance artist Tahya joins percussionist Grant Smith to take audience members on a magic carpet ride through mystical poetry, intoxicating drum beats and ancient dance movements. Verses of Rumi, Hafiz, Gibran through to Donovan Leitch and Leonard Cohen come to life through rhythms and dance traditions of North Africa, the Middle and Far East. Guaranteed to educate, fascinate and entertain Ð this program has something for everyone. Join this exciting, exotic journey on _(date)_ at _(time)_ at _(venue)_. Tickets start at $_____ - call _(phone #)_ for more information!

Audiences are uplifted listening to recitations of romantic and mystical poetry amidst a percussive soundscape and inspired movements steeped in antiquity. Grant Smith and Tahya celebrate dance and drumming interwoven with beautiful verses from poets who understand the language of the heart and the universal truths of humanity. Throughout the ages these arts resonate across generations, regardless of racial, ethnic, religious or social boundaries. .

Tahya combines 20 years experience performing Danse Orientale, a tradition steeped in antiquity, with the talents of Grant Smith, a brilliant percussionist expertly versed to present North African, Middle & Far Eastern rhythms.

Tahya recites selections of Rumi, Hafiz and Gibran among performing mudra/gesture accompanied by Grant who plays Indian tabla, North African tar, Egyptian Tambourine, Persian Daf and Tonbak, the Handsonic, an electronic/MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) and assorted other percussion creating a lovely soundscape to accompany the poetry and dance.

Independently Tahya and Grant have performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Working together combining their talents, Tahya and Grant have enjoyed successful presentations at a variety of venues throughout the Northeast U.S. This program has been very received and is appropriate for a variety of performance venues including community venues and collegiate literature and/or world religion departments.

"Tahya performances are resplendent with textures and rhythms that affect the senses at their core.
It seems like history comes alive with the glories of the Persian court.
Tahya does a remarkable job of keeping the history and the connection with contemporary cultures alive."

- Deborah Sacarakis, Director of Programs and Outreach
Zoellner Arts Center,
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

"This is an incredibly engaging performance of the mystical poetry of Rumi, Gibran and Hafiz interwoven with a myriad of percussive elements and dance. It is a treasure to see this poetry literally come to life in such a beautiful way."

- Therese Swift-Hahn
Bella Scrittura Calligraphy and Design
Mount Laurel, NJ

"...dancer extraordinaire Tahya dazzled the crowd. The combination of strong musical numbers and considerable stage presence is elegant. Tahya's dance activates the space and Grant's drumming enhances the dance... I highly recommend this program."

- Tom Katsimpalis, Curator of Interpretation
Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland, CO

"A performance by Tahya and Grant is absolutely mesmerizing!"

- Khadija/Katrina Valenzuela
Transformations Center
Cape Cod, MA

"Tahya and Grant Smith's performance "Rhythm and Rhyme" combines an exquisite blend of soaring prose and grounding drumbeats that will awaken your senses, stir your heart, and move your soul. Their combined expertise into a unique presentation of culture, history, music, and words is a gift for audiences of all ages."

- Toni Kellar, Roots to Rhythm
Cambridge, OH

TAHYA is a vibrant and natural dancer with over 25 years of teaching and performance experience both nationally and internationally. Tahya's on-going dance and frame drum classes and weekend workshop/retreats explore multi-cultural sacred and secular dance traditions. Her grounded, earthy, sensual style celebrates the beauty within. Devoted to performing as well as teaching Danse Orientale, her personal technique of dance combining Middle and Far Eastern dance arts, her classes promote Danse Orientale for healing, joy and vitality. In addition to teaching at various venues throughout the Lehigh Valley she has begun teaching internationally. She has also produced a "Healing Dance" video and recorded three CD's, titled "TAHYA Meditations." (For more information, visit her website, www.Tahya.com)

An American woman of Irish and German descent TAHYA is often asked what drew her to studying Middle and Far Eastern arts. She says,

"The intricate melodies and unique (to my background) rhythms of Middle Eastern music so intrigued me that I began my own independent study in 1975 and have continued my study on an on-going basis with masters of the dance and frame drum ever since. With over 30 years of dedicated study, I strive to preserve the cultural form recreating traditional dances and maintaining the dance spirit in new pieces, particularly now with the poetry component. Transmitting an enthusiasm while honoring the traditions of other cultures, I endeavor to serve as a "bridge" to find the rhythm and music that dances within us all, allowing creativity and graceful healing harmony to emerge as part of daily existence."

Tahya has directed the dance ensemble Bannat Tahya in performances for the Allentown Arts Festival, Mayfair and Bethlehem's Musikfest. She has contributed choreography to Muhlenberg College and Colorado State University theatre productions and was featured in performance at a gala reception at the Loveland (CO) Museum gallery. Tahya teaches studio classes and lectures on the art of Middle Eastern dance.