Roxanne Bruscha
Director of Carnivale Mijnoon Music and Dance Company, has been studying a variety of Middle Eastern Dance styles since 1998, through classes, workshops and events both in the US and overseas with various professional teachers, and performing since 1999 in a variety of public concerts, festivals and private venues and at Renaissance Festivals across the country. Her range of stylistic training includes:
Traditional Dance Forms:
- Egyptian
- Lebanese
- Saudi Arabian
- Folk Turkish
- Moroccan
- Tunisian
- Algerian
- Persian
- Dervish style spinning
- Rajasthani
- Flamenco
With specialty performance experience in:
- Single, Double and Multiple Sword Balancing
- Sword Combat Dancing
- Single, Double and Multiple Circular Veil Spinning
- 5 Yard Veil
- Mask Dancing
- Fire Dancing – Poi and Fire Fans
- Snake Dancing
- Dancing with Zils and Turkish Spoons
- Fusion Fan Dancing
- Scarf Dancing
- “Gypsy” Skirt Dancing
- Knife Dancing
- Zar – Exorcism Dance
- Tray and Basket Balancing
- Cane and Stick Dancing
Rune Palland
Rune Palland started out his musical career playing low brass at the age of 12. After high school, he played with the Wayne State University orchestra for 3 years. In autumn of 2000, he began studying Middle Eastern percussion and music, and has studied from Oussama Naja, Souhail Kaspar, Raquy Danzinger, and Kevin Hartnell.
Rune has performed at local renaissance fairs and festivals, Lebanese and Egyptian weddings, Middle Eastern restaurants, the International Arab Festival in Dearborn, MI, several museum exhibit openings, Pennsic, and other private events. His playing style has been inspired and influenced by his teachers and such performers as Hossam Ramzy, Issam Houshan, Setrak Sarkissan, Tobias Roberson, and Faisal Zedan.
Rune continues to study Middle Eastern percussion and music, participates in the local drumming community, and is the lead drummer for the Carnival Mijnoon Dance Company.Elisa O’Bryan
Elisa has been studying a variety of Middle Eastern Dance styles since 1989, through classes, workshops and events with various professional teachers, and performing since 1990. With a broad range of skills, Elisa has been performing yearly at the Michigan Renaissance Festival since 1990, as well as at the Arabic International Festival from 1990 to 1999, and is the Assistant Director and Choreographer for Carnivale Mijnoon Music and Dance Company.
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman is the pioneer of the CLF Music Project. See www.clfmusic.com for more on Chris and his wonderful sitar styling.