"Karri brings a touch of class to Belly Dance, as well as a delightful sauciness, making her not only a grand entertainer, but an artist as well. It's no wonder that as a performer, teacher, director and choreographer, she is so in demand."

One of my greatest achievements, is being the ONLY entertainer to participate in All the Gilroy Garlic Festival since its existance (25 years).

Her troupe, The Soraya Dance Company is continuing my reign since my move to Texas in Jan. 2005. The Garlic Festival, which Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World has attendance of 120,000 people in the 3 day event.

Karri is also the Promoter of the People's Choice Belly Dance Contest, 1998 - 2004 & the Desert Rose Awards, 2000-2004.

The People's Choice contest was opened to all dancers solo and troupes, where the judges were belly dancers, entertainers, fitness instructors and local newspaper and radio personalities. The audience had it's own vote where they choice the Palace Dancer winners. troupe and solo categories. The winners received a custom gold brooch pen that said Peoples Choice and the year. The first year winner was Jordan of San Jose, CA, second, Janelle of Monterey, CA, and third Yolanda of San Jose, CA.

The Desert Rose competition, were belly dancers that had won or placed in a previous contest, all dancers received trophies, because they were all winners, and only one carried the Desert Rose Winner title and the audience choose they're choice as the Desert Star. Also troupe and solo competed in this category, and were given besides the custom designed trophy, prize money, a paid performance at Karri's Garlic Extravaganza show and a 14 caret gold Desert Rose necklace. Troupe winners received same, except sterling silver rose rings for each member. Both contest only had to perform once and only one costume determined the winners. We felt that the winners would shine and no need for additional costumes, and routines were needed to save cost and additional stress to the competitor. Judging was done by professional belly dancers with 15 + yrs, experiance with variety of styles to their accomplishments. Our first winner was Saqra of Washington and Desert Star, Una of Santa Clara, CA and Hassan Deeb of San Jose, CA.

Karri is pleased to announce that her tradition is still being carried out by Jara of San Jose, with the People's Choice Competition, and Vasti of Monterey, CA for the Desert Rose when Karri moved to Texas. Both ladies are unique dancers with the fire needed to carry on the torch, and the right mix to keep it a success.

See web sites for details:
People's Choice Belly Dance Competition www.belly-dancing.com
Desert Rose Awards
http://www.bellydanceodyssey.com