Hailed by
Middle Eastern Dance New England as "enthralling...high caliber...well crafted theatre."
The Riskallah Riyad Dance Theatre Company is a Connecticut based Middle
Eastern dance group presenting innovative choreography by Artistic Director, Riskallah Riyad. The company is dedicated to
bringing the dance and culture of the Middle East to a wide audience.
The Riskallah Riyad Dance Theatre Company
was established in 2003 with a mission to bring Middle Eastern music, dance and culture to a broad audience. Their repertoire
includes folk and classical Oriental styles, as well as contemporary fusion, created by Artistic Director and Choreographer
Dolores Matzen, known professionally as Riskallah Riyad. Hailed by Middle Eastern Dance New England as "enthralling...high
caliber...well-crafted theatre," the company is widely considered Connecticut's premiere belly dance ensemble. They had
the honor of performing recently for, and garnering the attention of, the legendary Egyptian choreographer Mahmoud Reda, known
for his precision and high standards both on stage and in the studio. Among other theater venues, RDDTC has performed on numerous
occasions at the Charles Ives Concert Hall and the stages of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. In keeping
with its educational agenda, the troupe has regular engagements at public schools, libraries, and ethnic festivals throughout
the state. The Riskallah Riyad Dance Theatre Company has also danced at the invitations of Aziza Productions on Cape Cod in
Dennis, MA, and the celebrated Beach Blanket Beledi in Nags Head NC, presenting at the latter twice by popular demand
Testimonials
That “wow” thing. That is the extra punch, that special
something that accomplished Connecticut dancer Riskallah Riyad claims that she can teach. Well, she can and she proved it
in a delightful and well-paced afternoon of dance… The genteel Ives Concert Hall on the campus of Western Connecticut
State University was the setting… Hats off to Riskallah Riyad for producing a show of high caliber and good taste…not
a moment wasted or detail overlooked.” (Pam Renaud, Middle Eastern Dance in New England)
Riskallah Riyad's show dancers are professional, beautifully costumed and perfectly rehearsed---the
result is a fun, exotic, exciting and unforgettable evening. Riskallah's choreography is exceptional, raising Middle
Eastern dance to new heights, and lead dancer Lorelie is exquisite." (Cortney Davis, Award-winning author of I Knew a
Woman)
What a production! The costumes, the choreography,
the backdrop, and the dancers! I really appreciate that you brought the remarkable performances to a theater and gave
it the classy environment it deserves." (Tava Auslan)
Your
concert was wonderful! I was so inspired afterwards that I returned home full of energy. Your staging, particularly
of the large group numbers, was just beautiful, and the lighting added a wonderful depth and richness to every dance. The
dancers' discipline was very evident in all the numbers. Even the newer students did a nice job and it is good to know that
newcomers to the ME dance world still have an outlet for their dance and a teacher who (obviously) encourages perfection.
There were so many numbers that I liked, but the one that stands out most in my mind was the large veil mesmerizing number.
It felt like water, sky and mist as the dance evolved. I've not seen anything like it before and the memory of that
diaphanous veil is still with me.You've obviously done some superhuman work to present such a beautiful, varied and detailed
production." (Kanina, RI)
