UPDATE - Blessings to all. 2000 was another amazing and wonderful year. We continue to make the necessary changes to ensure that the Belly Dancer of the Universe and Open Dance Festival continues to be the ultimate learning and pleasurable experience for all.

After her wonderful fitness and dance segment on CBS Channel 2 Network News, Atlantis captured national television coverage on Monday Nite Football Labor day - Rams vs. Buccaners, followed by a cameo on ABC Channel 7's Monday Nite Live with Bill Weir. The next weekend again featured this NFS Darling gliding across the screen during the starting line up announcements at the nationally televised USC game, Sept 9, 2000. Christmas brought Atlantis another segment on Channel 7's Monday Nite Live with Bill Weir. She lovingly directed, coordinated and choreographed this spot and was happy to share it with former BDUC Champions and members of Essence of Veils. They received rave reviews from cast, crew and viewers! Catch Atlantis at Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro - tell them Atlantis sent me!

Our most wonderful surprise came when we were inducted into the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Associatin's Hall of Fame, an honor we shall treasure forever.

My classes at the various colleges and privately continue to thrive and I love working as a Practitioner through the Seal Beach Church of Religious Science. Atlantis and I have rescued a fifth horse, Calypso, through the Equus Rescue and Santuary, P O Box 3273, Glendale, CA 91221. (818) 768 3469. All donations are deeply appreciated. - Tonya

Dear Tonya & Atlantis,

Thank you for your Herculean efforts in making Belly Dancer of the Universe possible. The whole day was unforgettable, but placing 1st in the Junior Category was the highlight of my dancing experience. Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement.

Peace & Love - Katie aka Adara

Pictured here: Adara and her sister Kalila

Dear Tonya and Atlantis,

Thanks so much for putting on the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition. The whole day was fantastic! You make belly dancing special.

Love, Ginny aka Kalila

Dear Tonya and Atlantis -

Thanks so much for such a wonderful event - the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition 2001!

I had a wonderful experience! You have great volunteers helping out, great dancers competing - it was a very pleasant first competition for me. Doing as well as I did was an added bonus!

Please thank your volunteers for me - and I would like to thank you both for all of your hard work!

Best wishes on a great year! Tracy

Dear Tonya and Atlantis:

I was a contestant in this year's Egyptian category, Sheila Behunin (Zoraya), . . . I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a wonderful experience. I had a great time and met a lot of wonderful people. I hope to compete again next year. If you have a mailing or email list that goes out I would like to be added to it.

Thanks Again!
Sheila

Dear Tonya and Atlantis,

Our Troupe, As'haab of the Middle East, is still talking about all the fun we had at your event. It truly was an experience that we will cherish for a long time.

Beledi Blessings, Suaad Borchardt

Thank you - You have provided us with an opportunity to grow as dancers and human beings. Beledi Blessings, As'Haab of the Middle East, Yayoi, Jeanie, Suaad, Nailah, Mounira, and Najib.

Dear Tonya and Atlantis,

We would like to thank you for offering such a wonderful event for those of us dedicated to the advancement of Dance Oriental.

Our troupe genuinely enjoyed participating in the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition. Your kindness and warmth set the stage for all who participated, to be treated with respect as valued members of the dance community.

Although our troupe was very honored to receive the Halame Congeniality Award for the group category, it was the gracious example you set that created such warmth and rapport among all of the participants.

We appreciated the supportive dressing room attendant, along with the cold water and mints that were provided. These things, along with the camaraderie amongst the other fellow dancers who shared the dressing room made even preparing to perform a joy.

We look forward with anticipation to next year.

Sincerely, As'haab of the Middle East

Dear Tonya & Atlantis,

I have been meaning to write to you since the competition and thank you for such a wonderful day. This was the third (I think!) time that I have attended the competition and again, it was fabulous! I had such a great time and, of course, spent way to much money!!

I would hope that everyone has thanked you for the great job you did, but just in case they haven't, let me do it now! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Several of my friends at work saw the ads in the newspapers and my husband even heard your interview on the radio!

I was reading your credits and I had no idea all the things ya'll are involved in. Wow! Don't you two ever sleep! I missed seeing Atlantis on TV after the football game, but everybody at my office saw her! I think Atlantis is one of the most phenomenal dancers I have ever seen. I always recommend Papadaki's to my friends and the reviews have been great. It is such a treat when she dances at the Sheraton, and I am always disappointed when she doesn't! I also look forward to seeing her with the troupe. The costumes are always to die for!

I also want to thank you, Tonya, for giving me the nicest introductions when I have danced at the Sheraton! I find dancing to live music pretty scary, but you made me believe that I was a star! Thanks so much!

I am looking forward to being more involved in the dance community this year and would like to thank you for presenting bellydance in such a positive light. We dancers owe both of you a debt of gratitude and if there is ever anything I can do in return, please feel free to ask.

Hugs & Shimmies! Nadirah AKA Terri Robson