~ The Silk Road ~ links   The silk road is one of the worlds oldest and most important trade routes.   It connected east, south, and west Asia with the Mediterranean, north Africa, and southern Europe.  Not only was it a pathway for silk, but it served to channel countless other products as well--both the tangible and the intangible. The cultural and technological exchanges that happened along the Road linked and influenced tradesmen, merchants, pilgrims, missionaries, soldiers, nomads, and city dwellers. A traveler on this road would make many stops and meet many people.  Below are some of the many people I've met along my silk road whom you may also enjoy!   Performers Along the Road  Merchants Along the Road Aalim School of Dance   ~  offering instruction at all levels, plus specialty classes and workshops.  Located in Minneapolis and Inver Grove Heights, MN. The Glass Matrix  ~  Mesmerizing dichroic glass jewelry; glass straws; hand-made beads; slumped glass; stained glass. Custom work available. Afsana  ~  Minneapolis-based fusion dance troupe; host of the bi-annual all-fusion RaqsAfsana show (January & July). Boars Head Leather ~ If you can dream it, Boars Head can make it! Great standard line and fabulous custom work. From traditional to fantastical! Al-Bahira Dance Theater  ~  blends authentic Middle Eastern dance with modern ethno-fusion and theatrical works. PCML Photography ~ I swear this girl can make anyone look good!  Awesome bellydance portraits and incredible animal shots! Alyiah Sahar  ~  performer, instructor, and co-director of  “The Sisters of the Sahara” (SOS) Dance Ensemble 815 Chocolat ~ Hand-made gourmet specialty chocolates and delectables guaranteed to please.  Amara Middle Eastern Dance  ~ performer, instructor, and founding member of Al-Bahira Dance Theater.  Her double-veil work will mesmerize! Camelot Enterprises  ~  If it can be feathered, they'll feather it!  Check them out in person at Renaissance fairs in MN, WI, and TX. Basimah (Sheila Matthews)  ~ bellydance performer and instructor at Over The Top Dance Studios in Duluth, MN.  SaraCura ~ this cozy and ecclectic shop in Dinkytown soothes a dancer's soul! Don't forget their special dancer discount days Guild of Oriental Dance  ~ a great resource for all things bellydance in Minnesota Akashawear  ~  hand-made dance performance and practice clothing, featuring Akasha's exclusive DanZ PantZ designs Julianna and the Blue Lotus Dancers ~ Noted instructor and performer; frequently performs in the Twin Cities as a soloist and with the Blue Lotus Dancers   Jawaahir Dance Company and the Cassandra School ~ Sometimes the classic original really is the best!    Massive Tassel  ~  Kansas City's Badassiest!   Mirah Ammal   ~  performer and instructor.  Artistic director of Al-Bahira Middle Eastern Dance Theater and director of Aalim School of Dance (see above).   Mischievous Djinn  ~  Fusion bellydance theatre which has become a staple in the Twin Cities. Hosts of the always popular  'Djinn HARDCORE' show   Ms. Zuza ~ performer and instructor.  Frequently graces the stage with her innovative, tribally-inspired, collaborative fusion pieces.  Ms. Zuza Productions sponsors periodic guest dancers and events.   Shimmy Twins ~ performers and instructors; members of The Blue Lotus Dancers.  Their exquisitely choreographed tandem work is not to be missed!