Today, my dear friend Salome from Columbus, Ohio, passed away shortly after midnight. She was a dancer, performer, choreographer and the leading sponsor of seminars/shows in Columbus, Ohio . October 13, 2007 was her "Orientale Dance Symposium #XXVIII and her 5th Annual Recognition Awards. " I'm still in shock even though Salome has been fighting cancer for almost 10 years! She was involved in Middle Eastern Dance for over 32 years teaching, performing and choreographing and was also the artistic director of Raks Shadan Troupe. I can't even describe all the awards and recognitions that she has received during her career as a Middle Eastern Dancer but the most important fact is how much she was loved and admired . Salome, I will miss our talks over the phone and I will miss your support and encouraging words. It was an honor to have shared with you our love for Middle Eastern Dance but most of all for bieng my FRIEND!