Update 2008: Tonya and Atlantis

Our Mission Statement: To present Middle Eastern Dance as a force for good at all times in all ways, with dignity and respect.

2008 was a wonderful year for the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition! With so many special unique categories to choose from, the judges and audience were treated to some of the most creative and talented dancers ever assembled.

Every year Tonya & Atlantis are diligently working on the BDUC and have proven time and again they are "truly innovators not imitators." One can always say, "I saw it first at BDUC!" This year, Tonya & Atlantis received an abundance of accolades from the dance community, acknowledging their aboveboard, professional ethics and, as always, for fulfilling their commitment to their contestants, judges, sponsors and instructors, be it monetarily or personally. The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition is truly an event worthy of Olympic status!

Tonya & Atlantis have produced over 100 belly dance videos and DVDs through the BDU competitions. They are in the process of completing a new performance DVD to go with their new CD, Atlantis. It will feature individual performances to exemplify the styles of Universal, Egyptian and Fusion belly dance. Having the longest running belly dance showcases . . . in the universe, they continue with 3 each month. The 1st and 3rd Thursday every month at the Pelican Isle, Huntington Harbor, CA, and the last Wednesday of every month at Khoury's Restaurant, Long Beach, CA. Their performance with their troupe, Belly Dancers of the Universe, included the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Cairo Carnivale, Anisa's King Tut Returns, Tonya's Annual Spirit of Christmas and a special performance for visiting dignitaries from Egypt at the Egyptian Faire, directed by Dr. Samy Farag, in celebration of Egypt's first float entry in the 2008 Rose Parade. They always enjoy presenting the art of belly dance to the mainstream public, and enjoyed performing at the Los Verdes Golf and Country Club for the Los Verdes Men's Club and their wives. Designated by the PGA and SCGA, they are the top men's golf club in the nation.

Atlantis continues to be in the forefront of the BDUC. She performs and choreographs for many glamorous star studded events. Her busy schedule is filled with nite club and dance performances while maintaining her entertainment agency, Belly Dancer of the Universe. She also taught and performed at Tribal Fest '07 and the Desert Dance Festival, both in northern California. Atlantis will be teaching in Cancun, Mexico, April 4-11, 2008, and is thrilled to be invited back to teach and perform Tribal Fest '08, May 14-18 in Sebastapol, CA. She will be teaching on Friday afternoon, May 16, 2008 at 12:45 pm and will perform that evening. On Saturday, May 17,2008, she will be teaching a drum workshop in the SF Bay area. Contact Amina Goodyear, aminajune@aol.com. Atlantis was also honored and included in the Biltmore Who's Who among Executive and Professional Women.

Tonya has achieved great success with her new cd, Atlantis. This new release includes Black Eyes, a dynamic composition, dedicated to Tonya, written and performed by Mr. John Bilezikjian. There are also original compositions from Tonya herself that fulfill the various musical requirements for the different categories of BDUC. The musicians include John B (his latest recording), Andreas Tsianis, Greg Hosharian and George Bilezikjian. The highlight is a beautiful vocal duet to the title song, Atlantis, performed by both Tonya and John. This CD is a MUST have for your musical collection, so pick one up today or order online.

For info on Tonya's popular BD classes at Cerritos, Cypress and Golden West colleges, or her personal private BD training schedule, go to www.tonya-and-atlantis.com. Tonya continues to enrich her life by serving as a practitioner for the Center for Inspirational Living . . with services held Sunday 10:00 a.m. at the Long Beach Playhouse. She would love to see you there!

Tonya & Atlantis are proud to once again serve as MECDA President and Vice President for Beach Cities Chapter. The Chapter's accomplishments in 2008 include major monetary donations to The Smile Train and to Nature's Conservancy (Rain Forest Project.) They also produced a benefit show featuring top entertainers of Middle Easter Dance for John Bilezikjian.

They also continue to fulfill their commitment of care and feeding of their 5 rescued horses at the Equus Sanctuary, P.O. Box 3673, Glendale, CA 91221. Please help if you can.

This year's event is in honor of their beloved friend and long time Trophy Sponsor, Mr. Ralph Karapetian, who made his transition in 2007. He will be deeply missed by all.

Tonya & Atlantis pledge to continue to provide an event of integrity, ethical thought and excellence to the dance community. They THANK YOU for Celebrating 18 years of Champions with them and look forward to seeing you next year, the weekend following President's Day weekend, February 21 and 22, 2009 at the beautiful Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

Love & Peace to All,
Tonya and Atlantis