It would be nice to say that we met under great historic circumstances, such as watching the television when Armstrong first walked on the moon. But we didn't.
The truth is that we were but a sparkle in the eyes of Lina and Raul, when Lina met Hanna and Ken at a monthly Jewish sing-a-long at Yehuda's house. Lina was instantly impressed with the overwhelming talent of the two. She "strongly suggested" that they needed to do more performing. Coincidently, they already had a Purim gig in the works. Lina went and snuck in a few dances at the end, and history was made.
Raul was very interested in having the group perform for the Greenbush Reunion, a state of mind for Madison Italians and those influenced by the historic Greenbush district of Madison, WI. In the district, Jews made up the second largest population in the district, just after the Italians. Italy is, in fact, the oldest home of Jews in Europe. It seemed natural for us to be a part of it.
Our first official performance was to be Israeli Independence Day. However, we had a chance to open the Edgewood Variety Show, which was just a week before it, so that was our debut.
Ken and Hanna have performed together in the past, they've even cut their own CD along with Joanie (see below). Hanna and Don work at adjacent stands on Library Mall in Madison. Lina and Rebecca (former member) had known each other for a while, and were both part of the aforementioned sing-a-longers. Nijme and Lina go way back professionally, although Lina doesn't remember it :-)! We later met through a Spanish conversation group and Argentine Tango. Honestly, when two bellydancing librarians get together how could anyone forget!
Later, but not lesser, additions to our group were Lake, Ruthie, Jeanie, Joanie, Janie (yes, these three are sisters!) and Dan. Lest he be forgotten, there is also our trusty videographer and promoter Raul, to whom we are deeply indebted.
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