Aisha - Anne Lippe
The first time I saw Anne Lippe - stage name Aisha - was at Zorba's Greek Restaurant in Tarpon Springs, Florida in 1976. My husband and I decided to visit Tampa since we had just moved to Orlando, Florida. I suggested going out to dinner at Zorba's hoping to see some mid-east dancers. And, Wow...I was lucky and saw Anne. I simply asked my husband if he would ask her if he could take her picture. She said, "Sure." She posed in the doorway leading into the dining area and this magnificent photo came out - so beautiful. The 12 piece band at Zorba's was dressed in black and they were wonderful. Ann's performance was terrific. She played a pair of zills that were larger than anything I knew existed. I knew right then and there I needed a pair of those zills and I needed to take classes with Anne.
I saw her again at a workshop in Miami, Florida performing her famous sword balancing routine. This was the very first time I had ever seen a dancer perform with a sword. I was mesmerized. I liked her so much I asked if she would teach at my upcoming convention in Orlando. In this photo Anne is teaching the "Egyptian Hip Circle."
I took classes with Anne and she came to my studio in Orlando and taught a number of workshops. I asked her what she thought of my dancing. She said, "sloppy feet." I said, "What!" She replied, "your feet are too far apart." Yikes! From then on I watched the position of my feet. I said, "what else is wrong - maybe I should just quit since I can't seem to do anything right." She said, "Oh, that is all I see but you will never quit now, Veda, because it is in your blood. Just like me you will be dancing forever!"
Anne was the first dancer to get a contract for her students to perform at "Bush Gardens" in Tampa, Florida. Her students were very good and you could definitely see Anne's technique when they performed. Over the years Anne has taught and performed at a number of workshops and conventions. This photo was taken of Anne at my convention featuring Anne and Karen Gillis [stage name "Ayesha"] at the Sheraton Hotel in Orlando.
Anne has performed all over the world and spent many summers performing in Egypt.
The last I heard, Anne was living in Jacksonville, Florida. Her family is in Tampa and she used to tell me she loved to dance all over the world but she missed her home and would always return to Tampa. So, if you are out there Anne, let me hear from you and I hope you like my little tribute to a famous and wonderful dancer! Veda.