Lotus & The NDC - News and Reviews
"I know you may not have time to read this, but I'll write it anyway.  I cannot wait to see you perform on December 17th!  To me, you are the best belly dancer out there in the Wash. DC, Va., and Maryland area.  Your dynamics, techniques, and stage presences is worth gold girl!  All I can say is, when I see you perform in action, nobody can do it like Lotus can, and that's the God honest truth!  I'm sure belly dancers don't want to give you your credit most of the time, but all I can say is let them eat their hearts out because the sister is BAD!  You are as they say in good terms, "OFF THE CHAIN GIRL!" -R. Woods
"An amazing troupe that blends, poise, beauty and exciting choreography lead by Lotus Niraja. This troupe´s dance style is a unique blend of ancient and contemporary dance fused together that Combines innovative choreographies and respect for traditional Middle Eastern dance. (MD)" -Bella On Line   (www.bellaonline.com)
"Lotus Niraja, Belly dance instructor and performer; anything but ordinary... "-Vanessa
"Lotus & crew totally RAK'd Rakkasah in March ...I was so blown away!!! Made me consider a cross country residential MOVE from Seattle to MD!!  - Ravem
"I was lucky to see them perform at the IAMED taping a couple weeks ago. I guess that you can assume that anyone being featured in an IAMED video is gonna be great, so its no surprise that they rocked. I'm one of those people that tends to prefer seeing solo performances (because I like to focus on each persons individual performance), but they were definitely fun to watch and beautiful dancers. They were soo in sync with each other & all were very pretty ladies."  -TaMa
Beautiful pics!!! I have also preferred solo performances, but after Lotus Niraja and her dance Co, (IAMED), I became an immediate fan and also have a greater appreciation for Lebanese style belly dance as I have never really seen it performed before. -Shaunte
"Wow!  You were SOOO wonderful tonight!  I just love watching you perform. -S.S.
"Lotus, and by the way you ROCKED at the 5 Seasons Restaurant in November. I have never seen a full Lebanese routine and you have made me fall in love with bellydancing all over again.
-J. Linden
I always love watching you dance.  I can tell when I watch you dance that you truly enjoy what your doing and thats great!  -S.T
"Lotus, Thanks again for your inspiring workshop on Sunday! I have never been worked so hard, yet come away with so much! How do you come up with such innovative material? I am hooked (your fault) I want to book you for a couple of private lessons.  I really enjoyed the workshop Sunday and was inspired to buy Lebanese videos and CD!" -Anon.
"Hello Lotus, I heard about you through another dancer, came to see you perform and WOW! You really stole the show!  I am looking for a mentor to critique my dance and help me to "arrive" as a polished dancer. I've heard such wonderful things about you and like your focus on style."
"Lotus, thank you for yet another great workshop!  After you left, everyone made plans to have you back again! Everyone really liked today's workshop" - K. J.
" I'm so proud to know you and study with you and learn from you.  You deserve more and more notoriety for your dancing style and spirit as a person!"
Reprinted and posted with permission.
Performances
Workshops
It was once again a pleasure to learn from you.  Besides being so wonderfully talented, you share it generously by providing these valuable notes.  I have been a fan since I met you last year at BOCA in the Super Shimmies class and seeing you perform after.

You have a beautiful spirit.  One of the best teachers I have ever experienced!  The performance Saturday (BOCA)was fantastic! I plan to attend your workshop when you come to Philadelphia in September!
~Jhanita
Parties, Wedding and Private Events
"Hey Lotus, I just wanted to say thank you so very much again for performing at my family reunion. You were truly the highlight of the evening. Everyone is still in awe from your performance." M. Peterson
"I am Egyptian and for my wedding I wanted someone who not only could dance, but was Egyptian. I had just about given up when I saw you dance at (local event). As you remember, I booked you on the spot, then was shock when I found out you were not Egyptian! My wedding was just what I wanted and your performance was EGYPT!  You are Egyptian, you just do not know it yet. We have recommended you to everyone! ~
"....I was so excited to have you at my bridal shower. When you came out and danced, I could barely keep still! Although I have been married for 3 months, my friends and I still talk about great time we had that night!" - R. Dahan
"Lotus, you were a hit at our party! Can you teach me to move like that?!? Thank you so much for your performance. Your costume was stunning!"
Hi Lotus! Thank you so much for the wonderful wedding performance!  All of the guests keep talking about your performance, I think that was the best part of the reception!  You looked so beautiful and moved without any mistakes!

We noticed that when the DJ switched the music to Persian, you were able to flawlessly change to Persian style dance. My family was so happy! Thank again for everything and you can bet that we will recommend you to everyone!!!

Keep in touch,
Sani & Rahsaan
"I just wanted to thank you again for dancing at my husband's 40th birthday party.  You are beautiful, and your performance was exquisite--first class all the way!  Thanks for helping make the occasion utterly unforgetable.  I will recommend you to everyone." Samila Nashat