Interviews & Profiles
[add portraits of individuals
along right margin]
7-12-08 Jodette:
Undeniably Authentic by Sausan
“Why
do students go against their own teacher,” Jodette
continued , “and spread ugly rumors?” I looked
at her a shook my head. It's a lament that I, too, have
experienced from time to time as teacher of this dance.
6-22-08 American
Belly Dancing 1966: B.C. (Before Choreography)
Schehera of Ohio Interviewed by John Clow
The
censors didn’t want me to show my stomach because
you couldn’t reveal the navel on television back
then. Keeping the veil on was kind of hard to do, dancing
with a snake.
6-17-08 Tito
Seif: The Moment of Eternal Shimmy by Stavros
Stavrou Karayanni photos by Samira and Masouma,
videos by Lynette
Tito
is now an international phenomenon. And how wonderful that
a man from Egypt has taken to the West’s belly dance
stages establishing himself as one of the greatest belly
dancers and showmen today. Such development flies in the
face of those American belly dance instructors, students,
and performers who have long considered this art defunct
in Egypt and dependent upon their kind support and cultivation.
6-6-08 A
Moment with Amy Sigil, Interview and Videos
by Lynette Harris
If
life doesn’t get any better than this, then, it’s okay
with me! I feel so fortunate. I know so many dancers that
are more talented than I; yet, here I am! When my time
is over, I will bow out gracefully. I am thankful from
the bottom of my heart.
5-2-08 Live
a DanceDivas’ Life! Interview with Jane
Yee Shan Chung by Lisa Chen
Then
I saw the Suhaila technique workshop announced on her website
and I just signed up without knowing exactly what her format
is. I am the only person who did not learn Suhaila format
before at that workshop. I was so naïve, I simply
wanted to give it a try.
4-18-08 Dancing
with the Legends - honoring the musicians who
shaped our dance world... Eddie Kochak, the
Sheik, the Man by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, & Christy
Guenther
Eddie
found that the melodies from Aleppo still spoke to him
as an adult. He continues, “I thought I could take
some of these melodies, put my feelings to them, and create
what we now call the Amer-Aba sound. We created simple
routines for the teacher to teach and the student to learn.
4-14-08 Taheyia
Karioka, Queen of Oriental Cabaret Dance by
Sausan
In
the 1980’s, the spread of Islam and its fundamental
militancy proved to be a big blow for Egypt’s belly
dance industry. As a result, several dancers publicly
renounced their pasts and donned the Islamic veil.
3-25-08 A
Career Path Less Traveled: Dancing in Movies
and TV in the'60s, An Interview with Tanya
Lemani by John Clow
In "Get
Smart" I enjoyed working with Karen Steele and Don
Adams. They took some of my lines out and Don saw that
I was upset. Don insisted that they give some of them back
to me.
2-18-08 A
Conversation with Dr. Mohamed Geddawi Ahlan
Cairo Nights, August 4, 2007, Dallas, Texas
by Catherine Barros
Dr.
Mo is attentive to the workshop participants, giving a
breakdown on each combination, and provides individual
attention when someone has a difficulty. His no-nonsense
style of teaching is informative, making you think about
why you dance, how to dance, how to be a better dancer,
and making you laugh.
6-15-07 Seeking
Sol Bloom by Kharmine
Unbeknownst
to Bloom, the troupe had a hired Algerian guide, “a
giant Kablye,” who had lived in London and was able
to chide Bloom sternly in an accent “normally heard
in an English drawing room."
5-17-07 Interview
with Kay Taylor by Leila of Cairo
As
Kay seemed a bit older and wiser to the ways of Cairo,
many people assumed she was my manager. They would address
their questions about my fee or my experience to Kay.
11-17-06 Interview
with Safaa Farid by Leila
These days there are times I feel I've seen everything an Egyptian
dancer can do in the first five minutes of her show. She doesn't
change. But foreigners study the dance very hard and they put much
time into their show so that is it interesting for a whole hour.
10-18-06 “The
Bellydancers of Cairo” An interview with
filmmaker Natasha Senkovich by Betsey Flood
As a maid you can find yourself in compromising
positions—not good situations for a woman to be
in—but in Egypt, it is considered so much better
than being a dancer.
8-9-06 A
Meeting with Hallah Moustafa, Haute Couture Costume
Designer in Cairo by Milena Miklos
I’d heard there was an American costume-maker
living in Cairo, but her clients prefer to keep her name
a secret.
7-5-06 Sheikka
Rimitti, Queen of the Rai by
Linda Grondahl
Unlike most of the music
that we are familiar with from
the Middle East that are usually
unrequited love songs or patriotic
love of country songs, the rai
songs are about drinking, suicide,
suffering, colonialism, poverty,
exile, homesickness, corruption
and the passion and pain of actual
love making.
6-27-06 Om
Kalthoum, The Voice of Egypt by Yasmin
She was without contest the most well-known
singer of the Arab world. She was also the most influential
woman of her time in the Middle East.
2-28-06 Loay
Dahbour: Kuwaiti Drum Pro Interview by Yosifah
Rose
In
addition to teaching us about drum solos, Loay also took
some time to share with us his valuable insights as a
musician after working for the past thirteen years with
hundreds of San Francisco Bay Area Bellydancers.
10-26-05 Interview
with Mahmoud Reda Part 3: Film & Future by
Morocco
If
you know about photography, then it will help performing
for the movies or for television because usually the
choreographer stands beside the director of the movie.
10-1-05 Interview
with Maya Gaorry of Italy, Talks about Size, Fat,
and American dancers, by Lucy Lipschitz
Before
there was no rule on how big dancers should be, and now
it’s changing. Changing everywhere
8-19-05 Interview
with Mahmoud Reda Part 2: The Troupe by Morocco
So
what I call my choreography is not folkloric. It’s
inspired by the folkloric.
7-19-05 Interview
with Mahmoud Reda Part 1: The Beginning by
Morocco
The
Ministry of Culture should be of help, not a source of
problems. But anyway, they had control of all the theaters,
so to find a theater we must go to them, but they gave
us problems. I don’t know why; maybe they were
jealous!
7-17-05 Hadia
Speaks: a Telephone Interview by Erica
Hadia’s
experience is that, although many dancers in Middle Eastern
countries are wonderful artists, they generally lack
the skills to teach in an effective, methodical, safe
way.
5-18-05 Atef
Farag: A Life in Dance Interview by Debbie
Lammam
Pure
Egyptian dance does tolerate a lot of sexual innuendo
that is not present in my work.
8-23-04 Smoking
with Dina: a casual interview with an Egyptian
star in California by Alanna “Abir”
I
got to see Dina dance and be herself again and again.
6-10-03 North
Beach and Mark Bell from an interview with
Lynette
A
lot of my getting the jobs was because I was there available
when the opportunity arose.
2-12-03 Interview
with Doug Adams Part II by Lynette
Much of the last decade was very tumultuous. My personal melt down
started around the time that Dark Fire came out.
9-5-02 Interview-
Soraya of Oklahoma City by Lynette
Shani had learned by going to watch the belly
dancers at the Round Table after working as a ‘twister’ at
the Peppermint Lounge”.
7-24-02 Interview
with Doug Adams of
Light Rain Part
1 by
Lynette Harris
I told her, "I could make
music for you."
5-3-02 Uschi
and Akhram's Villa on the Red Sea, Interviewed
by GS Staff
Uschi
also shares her pictures from the June 2001 Cairo Festival
7-31-01 Salah
Takesh Interviewed by
Janine Ryle
For years, he was involved
in the San Francisco North Beach
scene during the eighties as
a drummer while his brother,
Jalaleddin Takesh was a kanoonist
and restaurant owner. We asked
him to recall some of his experiences
for our North
Beach Memories series.
5-7-01 An
Interview with MARLIZA PONS, by Robyn ("Maya")
Hallmark
In a tiny bikini, I'd dive into a lighted pool outside
the restaurant, and come up with a pearl in my mouth!
2-17-01 Yasmeen
and the North Beach of Yore An
interview with Gail by Meredith McGuire
Another
wonderful addition to our North
Beach Memories. Find more names
and faces you have known or heard
about!
10-30-00 Interview
with Nazir Latouf by
Lynette
An
interesting perspective on how
a musician grows through the
ranks in the Middle East. Includes
how music and musicians are controlled
and legitimized by the government
agencies.
9-29-00 Interview with Jamie Miller-Sabah,
an excerpt of "Searching for the Goddess, A
Dancer's Odyssey" in
June 1993 by Anne Hawkins of the Legacy Oral
History Project sponsored by the San Francisco
Performing Arts Library and Museum
9-22-00 Interview
with Michael Beach of the Brothers of Baladi by
GS Staff
We
are a versatile group. One night I play blues, the next
jazz, then I become part of The Brothers, playing either
a drum set or dumbek.
7-1-00 Child
Prodigy grows up, Reda D! An Interview with Reda
Darwish
"I
knew Sahar Hamdi from the time when she used to be a
customer watching Fifi Abdu."
5-26-00 Interview
with Kathryn Ferguson
" I
hate rules! Every time somebody says "rule",
I go the other way!"
5-19-00 An
Interview of Rhea of Athens, Greece,
by Phaedra Ameerah
(This interview has been edited and reprinted with permission.)
5-3-01 Fouad
Marzouk, Interview by Amina Goodyear
I remember at first feeling intimidated dancing to one of Soheir
Zaki's musicians.
Youth
and Children
11-10-06 How
I started a Bellydance Club in High School by Shazzadi
I expected hardly anyone to show up at the first
meeting. I was shocked when over 40 girls showed up and
were very excited about the whole idea. So I was able
to prove interest.
Health
and Body
7-9-08 Journey
into Womanhood by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
Our
mission, as women, is to encourage others to joyfully anticipate
all the decades of their lives. Those who have gone before
us have always and will always help us on our paths.
5-3-08 Improving
Breathing for Better Dance Performance by
Taaj
We
also hold our breath when we concentrate or get nervous.
This brings tension into our bodies. The more tension we
have, the more shallow we breathe. It can become a vicious
circle!
11-2-06 The
Constant Grind by Margo Abdo O'Dell
Today, the bitter truth is that the curvaceous
and fleshy female figure is constantly disrespected by
the media and pop culture.
History
1-18-07 Who
Really Gave Us This Dance? by Sausan
And, in their quest
for self-expression, they, too,
would fall prey to the sweet expressive
motions of a timeless dance only
to find a cure for their soul in
the performance of this expression
in front of an appreciative audience.
Cultural
6-19-06 "It
IS About the Food!"by Margo Abdo O'Dell
The matriarchs were teaching me about a cultural art from my Lebanese
heritage.
Artwork
7-7-03 The
Artwork of Scott Arguette
In
essence, a good dancer owns the stage; she requires it
and manipulates it as a fighter dominates the field.
6-12-03 The
Artwork of Ginger Royal
"Not
just the grace and agility, but the total engagement
of the dancer is a gauge of her skill, ultimately inspiring
exuberance and passion in others."
3-20-01 The
Artwork of Marie Soderlund
Bay Area artist Marie Soderlund's watercolors express her passion
for color, dancing, friendships
and the many wonders of life!
2-15-06 The
Danish Caricatures Controversy: a
Muslim-American Political Cartoonist Weighs-In, by
Khalil Bendib
Try as I may, while reviewing
the infamous Islam-o-phobic Danish
caricatures, I fail to discern
in them any clear political statement
other than the questionable assertion
that Islam equals terrorism.
Photo
Spreads
7-30-07 Belly
Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Sunday Photos,
Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle
Joyce, May 27, 2007 Danville, California,
Event
produced by Leea. The competition for the Finalists.
6-21-07 The
San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Weekend
Two, photos by Susie Poulelis
Afro-Cuban,
Chinese, Peru, Korean, Appalachian, Bolivian, Mexico, Tajikistan,
Cambodian, South Indian, Tahitian
6-14-07 The
San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Weekend
One, photos by Lynette Harris
Chinese
Dragon, Kathak, Flamenco, Philipines, Bali, Afro-Peru,
Mexico, Tahitian, and Shabnam does "Belly Dance
Fusion"
6-13-07 Belly
Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Saturday Photos,
Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle
Joyce, May 26, 2007 Danville, California, Produced
by Leea
Saturday's
contest includes Troupes, Duo/Trios, Grand Dancer, and
Preliminaries for Solo's, Finals will be on the Sunday
Photo spread
6-7-07 More
of Carl Sermon's Photos : Rakkasah West '07
Prep
and layout by Michelle Joyce
5-30-07 Photos
of Gala Show for Raqia, photos by Carl Sermon,
prep and layout by Michelle Joyce
On
Saturday night there was a show at the Veteran's Hall.
The Show was: Big on technique; sometimes a little too
studied. The soloists were selected mostly for being Raqia's
students. 4-14-07 Randa
Kamal in Cairo The Photos of Susie Poulelis
I
was fortunate to travel to Cairo on business in April
'06, and managed to take some time to see a few sights
and, at least, one dance performance: Randa Kamal at
the Marriot Zamelek's Empress Nightclub
4-11-07 Bellydance
in '70s Berkeley: Cedar Sposato's Photo Archive
Linda
was a member of Masha Archer's Troupe...
3-22-07 The
Photos of Susie Poulelis, Sunday March 18,
2007, Rakkasah Festival, Richmond, California
Isabelle
shines at 9!
3-22-07 The
Photos of Susie Poulelis, Sunday March 18,
2007, Rakkasah Festival, Richmond, California
Isabelle
shines at 9!
2-7-07 Sunday
Photos PAGE
2-Carnival of Stars Photos by Michael
Baxter
Event
Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12, 2006
Centennial Hall, Hayward, California
1-16-07 The
Costume Contest Carnival of Stars Bellydance & Comic
Book Convention & Costume Contest Photos by
Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November
11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California
1-4-07 Saturday
Photos -Carnival
of Stars Bellydance & Comic Book Convention & Costume
Contest Photos by Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November
11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California
(Costume contest, panal discussion and Sunday photos yet
to come...)
12-15-06 Queen
of the Bay Bellydance show and Competition June
17, 2006 Photos by Michael Baxter,
Event Sponsored by Shabnam and Maurice in Oakland,
California
11-9-06 The
Ethnic Dance Festival 2006 Photos
by Susie Poulelis Weekend
One – "Time" June
10, 2006 Palace of Fine Arts, San Fransico, CA
10-24-06 Adventures
in Turkey 2006 by Michelle Joyce, photos by Michael Baxter
I am not exaggerating when I say that Sandra actually threw
herself into Bella's arms and wept when she first laid eyes on her.
10-12-06The
Soltice Festival, Belly Dance in Spain- Part 2, Photos
by Lynette
held June 23-26, 2006. Part Two- The Evening Show,
Event organized by Maria Cresswell of Tribal Girona at
Sanctuari Els Arcs, Girona, Spain. A medieval hostelry
with a chapel, set in the beautiful volcanic natural park
of La Garrotxa near the picturesque village of Santa Pau.
10-11-06 The
Soltice Festival, Belly Dance in Spain- Part 1, Photos
by Lynette
held June 23-26, 2006. Part One- Workshops and
Setting, Event organized by Maria Cresswell of Tribal Girona
at Sanctuari Els Arcs, Girona, Spain. A medieval hostelry
with a chapel, set in the beautiful volcanic natural park
of La Garrotxa near the picturesque village of Santa Pau.
10-3-06 Rhea:
Greek Flavor and Flair Article by Rebecca Firestone,
Photos by Carl Sermon,
Rhea & Laikis Orientale and Greek Folk Dance
Workshop sponsored by Ma*Shuqa, held Saturday, August 19,
2006, at the Empire Buffet restaurant, in San Jose, California
9-11-06 "The
Spirit of Egyptian Dance" Shareen El Safy-
with the George Lammam Ensemble Workshop & Show,
Photos by Carl Sermon, Sponsored
and produced by Debbie Lammam July 22 & 23,
2006, Dance Mission Theatre, San Francisco, CA
9-5-06 Eilat
Oriental Dance Festival, January 2006 - Report
by Sophie, Photos
by Gali Tibon
As my friends' car was making its way through the desert,
the sense of anticipation, mixed with excitement, was growing inside
me.
9-4-06 Tatseena's
Bellydance Fantasy Festival 2006 Photos by
Lynette & Carl Sermon
July 28 & 29, 2006 Marina Community Center,
San Leandro, California. "This festival was created
for family, friends, and fun!" says Tatseena.
8-8-06 Spirit
of the Tribes 2006 Photos by Juddy Lane, submitted
by Maja, Event Sponsor, April 2006
A Belly dance festival specializing in "Tribal
Fusion" including dance from culturals other than
from the Middle East or North Africa.
not finished- did find & replace for "photo"
Spirituality
Pagan,
Jewish, Christian, Muslim, whatever!
8-10-07 Dance
of Power by Kathreen Saab
The sensual is from the realm of the magical, the psyche, rather than the physical.
2-14-03 God
Belly Danced: Biblical Accounts of Belly Dancing
in the Ancient Near East, Part 1 of 3, by DeAnna
Putman
While Yahweh is not female, the man may have given Chavah a name similar to
Yahweh because the woman and Yahweh had something vital in common
3-13-03 God
Belly Danced: Biblical Accounts of belly dance
in the ancient Near East, Part II, by
DeAnna Putman According to the Hebrew
scriptures, female belly dancers were reputable
and marriageable
.7-10-03 God
Belly Danced, Part III: Biblical Accounts of Belly
Dance in the Ancient Near East by DeAnna Putman
No character in the Bible has been so misunderstood
as Salome. Critics condemn her as a wanton slut. Supporters
embrace her as a symbol of oppressed female sensuality.
Neither is true.
5-15-06 God
Belly Danced, Part IV: The Rise of the Pagan Anti-Belly
Dance League by DeAnna Putman
Dancing girls, wherever they came from, at this
time apparently were luxury import items and thus were
subject to a 25 percent duty tax, equal to that of precious
gems.
Dancing
on the Bema by
Moya Grabina-Smiler
Dancing
for her Temple, next to the Ark of the Covenant!
Props
Goblets
6-5-08 Not
for Cinderella: The Glass Dance by Tasha Banat
Use
new glasses whenever possible, and never put them in the
dishwasher!
2-8-03 Glass-Dancing
Revisited by Yasmela/ Shelley Muzzy
Our response
to the improvisational passages in Middle Eastern
music illustrate the depth of our understanding
of the rich texture and nuance of the culture
11-14-02 Glass
Dancing by Neferteri
The art of dancing on glass is a true measure of talent and nerve. It can be
one of the hardest things you can do as a dancer, but the rewards are awesome!
Snakes
2-11-06 What
Kind of Snakes are Good for Dancing? by Neferteri
“So
many snakes, so little time.” What is a girl to
do? I am often asked what is a good snake to dance with.
Well, that depends on two things.
12-15-05 Dancing
with Snakes by Maria
Snakes
may not need to be walked and played with as do dogs
and cats, but they do like to be handled – in fact – it
is essential that they become accustomed to being handled
by you particularly, in order for the snake to find dancing
with you acceptable.
3-3-04 Belly
Dancing with Snakes by Neferteri
My
snakes have their own room with a scenic view of Las
Vegas, and it is temperature controlled.
7-31-00 More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Living With
Constrictors by Eva Cernik
My
heart beat stronger and stronger, until something
in my human reasoning kicked-in. "I wonder
if I'm causing all this?
6-17-99 That "Snake Charmer" Song by
Shira
a wonderful article on that kitchy didy
your friends sing to you, when they hear you're
a belly dancer. Includes 2 sound files, lyrics,
an animated graphic and antique cover of the original
sheet music
3-14-07 Morgana's
Animal Magnetism, Interview with Morgana of Madrid by
Surreyya
After
seeing Morgana’s Serpent Dance, where she embodies
the personality of the serpent, I was hooked. Any snake
lovers or snake dancers will have a special appreciation
for this piece
Winter of 1999 The
Legend of Julius Squeezer by Sharifa of Martinez, CA
I shall
never forget my most gentle of beasts, my 14-foot
long python," Julius Squeezer"! Weighing
in at 80 lb., Julius was nearly impossible to
pick up all at once.
4-17-02 SNAKE
BOOTH PICS at RAKKASAH
FESTIVAL WEST 2002 photo
prep and layout by Munira
Everyone
had much fun mingling with the reptiles
12-22-05 Comic
Book Artists Portray Dancers
In
addition to the dancing and vending, comic book artists
were on hand to demonstrate their ability to convert
photos into works of art as well as to promote their
work.
Veil
11-21-02 The
Great American Belly Dance Veil Routine by Najia
El Mouzayen
After having said all that, I must add that American style Oriental/Belly dance
is a distinctive style composed of creative elements that are simply outstanding.
Cane
10-28-03 Raks Assaya Instruction
at Najia’s Studio
Demonstrated by Rawan El-Mouzayen (Arab-American,
age 3)
4-3-08 Dances
along the Nile, Part 1: Raks Al Asaya by
Gamila El Masri, Reprinted with permission,
from Bennu, Issue Vol.6 #3
There
is strength in the cane twirl but not aggression, extreme
rapid twirling should be held as an additional sensational
feat, less is more. Have your body of twirling be moderate
so that you can vary from slow to climatic; always reflecting
the music, it's mood and tempo. Get down without getting
crazy.
Finger
Cymbels (Are
zils a prop?)
4-17-07 Finger
Cymbals by Melina of Daughters of Rhea
Above
all this cross-cultural cacophony soared my mom’s
perfectly paced zills, right left right, right
left right, right left right left right left right.
If you put me in a room blindfolded, I could distinguish
her playing from any other dancer on earth.
7-20-06 About
Cymbals & a Workshop Checklist, Rhythm and
Reason Series, Article 13 by Mary Ellen Donald
Believe it or not, playing cymbals can be a
real pleasure. Playing them well can greatly enhance
your dance performance. Playing apologetic or offbeat
cymbals can ruin your dance performance.
2-17-01 Zil
Thrills in the '70s, Memories from another Viewpoint by
Najia
My experience with Bert was the opposite, however;
the cymbals were hardly a secret.
10-7-05 Rhythm
and Reason Series, Article 5, Cymbals & the
Music by Mary Ellen Donald
But
that’s not the rhythm. As I say at the beginning
of each workshop, “Rhythm is the patterned arrangement
of sound and silent.”
4-6-05 The
Rhythm and Reason Series Article
1- Cymbals, Beyond Basics by
Mary Ellen Donald
Each
rhythm has a distinct arrangement of accents. If
you are sure of where these accents come, you
can bring a unique flavor to each section of
your routine.
12-27-00 Peter
Fels, Master Cymbal Maker by Shelley
Muzzy/Yasmela
Peter
made the most exquisite finger cymbals. Each
one was a work of art.
Balas or Water Jug
5-5--8 Dances
along the Nile, Part 2: Raks Al Balas by
Gamila El Masri, Reprinted with permission,
from Bennu, Issue Vol.6 #3
Ah,
the poor balas (water jug). This is one of the most underestimated
and ignored of the dances along the Nile.
Fan
4-7-08 When
the Hip Hits the Fan by Princess Farhana
Though
fan dancing is not considered traditional in raqs sharqi,
due to the increasing popularity of fusion, many Oriental
dancers are exploring fusing the many styles of fan dancing
and Belly dance with stunning results. When used onstage,
fans are FAN-ciful, conveying various emotions to an
audience, as well as being a spectacular visual treat.
They can be dramatic and stately, or coy and flirtatious
and are always a crowd pleaser!
Seasonal
12-11-06 Happy
Holiday Download! Comic by Alexandria
Click
on image for larger file- dowload, print, and
color!
Salamat
Valentine by Amina Goodyear of San Francisco, CA
Would
my "Valentine" want to celebrate the
day a day early or would he be mad that I would
rather be at Salamat Sundays?
Terms
Tributes
7-25-07 Tribute
to Reema by Taaj
Hali
said, “The day of the contest, backstage we could
all just feel her. We were like, ‘This is for Reema!
She’s here!”
3-16-07 In
Tribute: Rhonda/Baseema of Troupe Ooh La La by
Shabnam
There
were times she could barely walk due to a flare up of
Lupus, but she always came to rehearsal and gave a 110%--despite
the pain or trouble, she was going through that day.
Rhonda soon became the troupe mascot because of her courage
and commitment. "If Rhonda can do it, you can
do it!" became our motto. She was a great source
of inspiration and motivation for all members of Ooh
La La.
11-4-01 Tribute
to Dalilah!
Dalilah
began dancing in the 1950s...passed on September 18,
2001
12-30-00 Tribute
to KATRINA HEGG 1950 - 2000 by Anisa Beverly
Katrina was going to support herself dancing while
auditioning for modeling and acting jobs, all the while
taking acting classes.
2-25-00 George
Elias- a
tribute written by his daughter, Nadia Elias
12-13-00 DeAnn
Adams of Light Rain dies after long illness
8-14-99 Sabah-
Jamie Miller's recent illness
|
Teaching-
technique, philosophy, etc
12-30-06 I
Dance; You Follow by Leila
As Westerners interested in an Eastern dance form, we might want
to ask ourselves if we are missing certain critical aspects of
Raqs Sharki because we are not open to Eastern teaching methods.
12-26-06 Teaching
at the 2006 Ahlan Wa Sahlan Cairo Festival by
Leyla Lanty
Performing on teachers' night is a good way
for new teachers to attract more students to their classes.
11-28-06 Back
to Basics by Najia Marlyz
Belly Dance is most meaningful when we define
it as a communication of mutually held emotional response
and truths between people
9-28-06 Teacher
Student Rivalry, Rhythm and Reason Series, Article
16 by
Mary Ellen Donald
"After all I did for her, why did she turn on me that way?" "I'll
show her that I can do just a well without her help?"
9-15-06 The
Taxim from a Dancer's Perspective:Tarab or Tyranny? by
Najia Marlyz
Sometimes, these improvisations can be quite
elaborate. The effect is somewhat like modern jazz and
stays within the framework of the traditional maqam or
maqamat.
7-25-06 Freedom
From Choreography: A Lucy Report by Nisima
Lucy certainly did “Free me”! ...
Business
5-13-08 The
Ancient Art of Keeping Your Mouth Shut by Neon
Even
one’s casual presence in the forums infested with
negative-spirited discussions can instantly strip a successful
artist of her magical charisma.
2-28-08 How
the Recession Affects Your Classes And
What You Can Do About It by Mira
The
major issues with attracting students are ever-present.
They’re just more pronounced during hard times. Here’s
what you’ll likely start hearing from your current
and prospective students.
11-16-07 Nonprofits
for Middle Eastern Belly Dancers, Is a 501c3
Right for You? by Dawn Devine
By
understanding the nature of non-profits, how they are organized
and run, you can see their potential for developing successful
arts organization, performance space, dance company or
troupe.
11-14-07 Three
Web Apps for Busy Dancers by Asim
Since
part of my day job is to keep up with technical information,
I thought I would write about three free useful online
services for busy dancers, and see if these can give you
a hand—without killing your Bella Budget!
7-16-07 Music
Copyright Law for Belly Dancers (or for any Performing
Artist) by Yasmin
From
Hollywood blockbuster movies down to clips on YouTube the
law is the same and it applies to anyone who uses someone
else’s music for their own purposes.
5-4-07 The
Devil's Details, Show Ethics for Professionals, Part
1- Booking a Party by Yasmin
When a dancer
looks good, she, or another, will get called back to perform
again. When she looks bad, customers might be turned off to
our lovely art form forever. Therefore, a bad dancer not only
ruins things for herself, but for all of us
5-6-07 How
to Charge What You Are Worth by MIchelle Joyce
The
first step to becoming an effective negotiator is to emotionally
detach yourself from the outcome. If you can’t walk
away from the deal, you have already lost.
2-5-07 Tips
on Getting Tips by Zaheea
Some
audiences don’t know that they are expected to
tip. Don’t take it personally.
10-29-06 Opening
a Bellydance Studio, Tips for Success by Keti
Sharif
She has recently retired fully from bellydancing
but offers great advice on business plans for dancers
wishing to expand their hobby into a career.
8-30-06 Independent
Contractor or Employee? by Taaj
The important thing is that the relationship
between worker and payer be classified correctly for
tax purposes so that you are aware of what taxes and
filings you are liable for
6-20-06 Unionizing
Belly Dance:MECDA's Beginnings, Part 3:Tying Up
Loose Ends, by Samra /Sherifa,
The problem was that after the first strike,
where the issues were so clear cut – no one had
been paid since the owner gambled away our money, tip-sharing
had just been instituted -- people were unwilling to
continue with strikes for getting contracts all over
town.
Controversy
and Community Issues
4-8-08 Divorcing
Belly Dance From Burlesque by Miles Copeland
As
it is traditionally understood, I do not find Burlesque,
(meaning nudity—no matter how hard one pretends it does not)
amusing or creative in the slightest when it comes to including
Belly dance, an art that has suffered too long with such
unfortunate associations. I find it completely irresponsible
and detrimental.
3-12-08 Just
the Facts, In Response to: "MECDA Breaks
its Silence by Rachel Lazarus" by
Doyne Allen
We
have never accused anyone of stealing money. We have brought
to the MECDA Board’s attention the waste and bad
management of funds.
12-5-06 The
Ethics of Fusion by Naajidah
If the culture that you’re borrowing your
moves from objects to your fusion, does it matter? Are
you being respectful or exploitative if you borrow steps
from a culture that doesn’t want their music
and dance used that way?
9-14-06 Territorialism
Undermines Event Sponsor's Efforts, Interview with
Dee Dee Asad by Lynette
Open discussions of such issues will help dancers,
musicians and those people who surround and support them,
to recognize similar patterns in their own local environments.
6-26-06 The
Spirit of the Dance: A Response to the Criticism
of my Tribal Fest 2006 “Pierced Wings” Performance by
Sashi
I was originally hesitant to write this article
regarding my Tribal Fest 2006 “Pierced Wings” performance
as I personally believe that a performance should not
have to be explained by the artist, rather it should
rely on what it evokes in others.
6-9-06 Weird
Rituals and Beyond: Exploring Current Controversies
in Middle Eastern Dance by Barbara Grant
If you are like me, (I know that many are not)
you first responded viscerally and negatively to both
situations. Then, as the shock wore off, perhaps you
tried to make sense of it all.
Critique
5-13-08 The
Ancient Art of Keeping Your Mouth Shut by Neon
Even
one’s casual presence in the forums infested with
negative-spirited discussions can instantly strip a successful
artist of her magical charisma.
4-12-03 On
the Subject of Critique
- The
Critic; Real Critics Don’t Mince Words by
Najia El-Mouzayen
Either we are a sisterhood of ego therapists and our instructors are politically
correct in all they say and do—or we are tough artists in search of
ways to improve our art form by ruthlessly weeding out the lame from our
herd.
- The
Emperor’s New Clothes by Yasmela/ Shelley
Muzzy
Until we see ourselves in the context of a larger society, no one outside
of our community will accord us the respect we desire.
- Critiquing,
the “Agony & The Ecstasy” by
Nisima
It’s
an unnerving experience to be “critiqued”by
your peers, but my personal opinion then and now is
that when you perform in public, critiquing just goes
with the territory of performing.
8-15-06 Bellydance
Journalism, Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 14 by
Mary Ellen Donald
One powerful tool used to mislead is bellydance
journalism.
"How
To's"
7-20-06 About
Cymbals & a Workshop Checklist, Rhythm and
Reason Series, Article 13 by Mary Ellen Donald
Believe it or not, playing cymbals can be a
real pleasure. Playing them well can greatly enhance
your dance performance. Playing apologetic or offbeat
cymbals can ruin your dance performance.
12-12-00 Producing
a Middle Eastern Dance Festival by Ellen
Cruz
"It is necessary to combine your organizational and public relations skills
with your creativity."
1-28-03 How
I Accidentally Became a Successful Belly Dance
Teacher (and you can too!) by Michelle Joyce
Now
mine is the most popular class, which led to a snowballing
of other gyms adding belly dance aerobics classes.
4-18-07 Antique
Textiles: Renewed Life for Dance by Najia
Marlyz
In
fact, we often danced for many little luncheon gigs in
offices and other places as a surprise birthday gift—to
the music of our own solo sagat. Now, that is a skill
that I have never seen anyone repeat since the early
seventies!
Music-
live and canned
Drumming
7-30-01 RECREATING
RITUAL Enhancing our daily lives with drumming
and dancing, by
Tahya
The
rhythmic patterns and dance movements of this
tradition, steeped in antiquity, steeped in women's
ancestry, rekindle a natural and sacred state
of well being.
9-6-00 A
Drummer's Advice to Beginning Dancers -
by Kirk Templeton
"...Know
your rhythms! I have drummed for bellydance classes where
the instructor not only couldn't clap baladi but didn't even
know what it was..."
3-22-00 Dancing to Live Drumming by
Lucy Lipschitz
The
Drum can express all human emotions: joy, sorrow, elation,
and grief.
Interviews
with Drummers
7-1-00 Child Prodigy grows up, Reda D! An Interview with
Reda Darwish
"I knew Sahar
Hamdi from the time when she used to be a customer watching Fifi Abdu."
2-28-06 Loay
Dahbour: Kuwaiti Drum Pro Interview by Yosifah
Rose
In
addition to teaching us about drum solos, Loay also took
some time to share with us his valuable insights as a
musician after working for the past thirteen years with
hundreds of San Francisco Bay Area Bellydancers.
7-31-01 Salah
Takesh Interviewed by
Janine Ryle
For years,
he was involved in the San Francisco North Beach scene during the eighties
as a drummer while
his brother, Jalaleddin Takesh was a kanoonist and restaurant owner.
We asked him to recall some of his experiences for our North
Beach Memories series.
9-22-00 Interview with Michael Beach of the Brothers of Baladi by
GS Staff
We are a versatile
group. One night I play blues, the next jazz, then I become part of
The Brothers, playing either a drum set or dumbek.
Reviews
of drum related products and events
3-15-03 Review
and Rating of 2002’S MIDDLE EASTERN DRUM
CD/TAPES by Sierra/Sadira
This
is a review of eight of the most popular Middle Eastern
Drum recordings produced this year. Incuding works by Reda,
Susu, H Ramsy, Zaid, Mafufo, and more...
5-29-06 P.U.R.E.
Danceby Dhyanis
A collective of dancers and drummers plan to take music and
dance out into the streets this summer on July 15 in cities across
the nation and globe.
1-17-07 Perfectly
Masterful Teaching: Drum Solo Master Class with Jim Boz Reviewed
by: Rebecca Firestone
With his shaved head tied up in a bandanna, with a burly torso,
powerful legs, and a thick neck, he looks more like a biker, a bouncer,
or a circus strongman. Thus, his grace and posture is even more amazing.
8-17-05 Workshop
with Issam Houshan March 26, 2005, San Francisco Reviewed
by Rebecca Firestone
In the solo improvisational forms of Middle Eastern Dance,
the chemistry between the drummer and the dancer is a vital ingredient.
6-14-05 Dancing
With A SuperStar Jillina’s Drum Solo Workshop in Vancouver by
Erica
If you have the opportunity to dance with this amazing, educated, experienced,
beautiful, and did I mention fun? woman, do not hesitate to do it. It is worth
every penny and every minute!
11-15-05 Shareen
el Safy's Exploring the Drum Solo “DVD” DVD
Review by Mara al-Nil
I am pleased to report that what she said was true—everything
she covered in the workshop is on the DVD. Finding it, however, is
another matter.
2-21-02 Egyptian
Drum Solo Choreography Video, Volume 1
By: Al Wahid Productions Featuring: Jamilla Al Wahid and Reda Darwish on drum
by Gennevie Hebranson
If you are looking for a video that will inspire you ...
12-12-00 Armando's
Drumming Dazzles the Dancer by
Claire
Video review of "Uncle Mafufo's Riqs & Defs: a practical approach to
Middle Eastern Frame Drums"
9-29-00 "Halawah" on
Compact Disc by Reda Darwish review by Najia El-Mouzayen
San Francisco's favorite
Egyptian drummer has again produced a musical offering for the dancer
and Middle Eastern music fans.
10-31-03 Workshop
in Perth, Australia-Hossam & Serena Ramzy's International
Tour August 8th - 12th, 2003 report by Ayesha
Hossam’s
presentation requires the student to listen – and I mean LISTEN.
Costuming
7-31-07 Part
Two of Antique Textiles: Costuming Before the
Reign of Egyptian Costumers by Najia Marlyz
I
view today’s dance values as interlopers—meant
to mitigate Belly dance’s checkered past by exchanging
its innate free emotional expression for speed and difficulty
of execution and an over-the-top outpouring of energy that
is neither sensual or exotic.
4-18-07 Antique
Textiles: Renewed Life for Dance by Najia
Marlyz
In
fact, we often danced for many little luncheon gigs in
offices and other places as a surprise birthday gift—to
the music of our own solo sagat. Now, that is a skill that
I have never seen anyone repeat since the early seventies!
1-25-07 One
Banat: An Exploration of Some Belly Dance Costuming
Origins by Tasha Banat
Since
the establishment of Israel, the definition of the term “Middle
East” seems to have changed and now has come to
refer to a conglomeration of a number of unrelated countries
in the Asian and African parts of the hemisphere.
9-22-06 Kohl:
Drawing the Line by Dawn Devine
Along with henna, kohl has been part of the
beauty regimens of women since the dawn of history, and
an unbroken line connects the eyes of today with those
of the ancients.
Contests
and Pageants
7-30-07 Belly
Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Sunday Photos,
Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle
Joyce, May 27, 2007 Danville, California,
Event
produced by Leea. The competition for the Finalists.
6-13-07 Belly
Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Saturday Photos,
Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle
Joyce, May 26, 2007 Danville, California, Produced
by Leea, Saturday's
contest includes Troupes, Duo/Trios, Grand Dancer, and Preliminaries
for Solo's, Finals will be on the Sunday Photo spread
1-16-07 The
Costume Contest Carnival of Stars Bellydance & Comic
Book Convention & Costume Contest Photos by Michael
Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12,
2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California
12-15-06 Queen
of the Bay Bellydance show and Competition June
17, 2006 Photos by Michael Baxter,
Event Sponsored by Shabnam and Maurice in Oakland,
California.
12-8-06 It
Wasn’t About the Trophy: The North Valley
Belly Dance Competition in Oroville, Ca. 2006 by
Salima
I have done many things in my life and by forcing
myself to have other performers judge my performance,
I have motivated myself to step up to the plate and accomplish
what I had set in my mind to do.
10-17-06 Judging
in Germany, The Summer Festival and the International
Raks Sharqi Contest 2006 by Dondi S. Dahlin.
photos by Klaus Rabien, Berlin, Germany. "It
is also an easy out for judges who need to find a reason
to drop a dancer’s score…especially if the
competition is tough."
6-21-06 Photographic
Review of the 33rd Annual Bellydancer of the Year
Pageant Photos and report by Michael Baxter
This show has some wonderful traditions.
6-12-06 Belly
Dancer of the Year 2006 Photos by Susie Poulelis
Danville, Ca, Sunday May 28, 2006 BD of the
Year - Finals, more photos coming!
12-7-05 The
Universal Categories of The Belly Dancer of the
Universe Competition, report by Amy Bonham
held
February 19-20, 2005 in Long Beach, California, photos
by GS staff
7-12-05 Belly
Dancer of the Year 2005 Finals photos by
Monica and Susie
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.
7-5-05 Belly
Dancer of the Year 2005 Preliminaries photos
by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.
6-18-05 Belly
Dancer of the Year 2005 Grand Dancer, more Duos,
Trios & Troupes photos by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.
6-3-05 Belly
Dancer of the Year 2005 Page 1 Duos, Trios & Troupes photos
by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.
4-29-05 Power
Failure Halts Troupes & Finals Categories,
The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, Part
1, Sunday Evening, held February 19-20, 2005,
in Long Beach, California report by Amy Bonham,
photos by GS staff
Willow
Street outside the Grand Willow Street Center was a raging
river on Saturday morning and the rain continued through
the weekend with intermittent dry spells.
12-9-05 New
Dance Contest/Theme Party ”A Night at Casablanca!” Photos
by Lynette
October 2, 2004 at the Benicia Clocktower Benicia, California Sponsored by Siren
In Sanity
9-7-04 31st
Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Competition,
Finalists, May 29, 2004 at
Auctions by the Bay, Alameda, CA
photos by Susie and Lynette. Where
were the spectators? Plan on coming next year!
12-29-03 The
11th Annual North Valley Belly Dance Competition photos
and layout by Susie Poulelis
Feather
Falls Casino Orovile, CA, November 8, 2003
3-12-03 Belly
Dancer of the Universe Competition 2003 Photo Report by
Lynette
Sponsored by Tonya & Atlantis and held in Long Beach, California. Finalists
are expected to be able to improvise spontanious choreography!
8-3-02 29th
Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant sponsored
by Belly Dance! of Walnut Creek, CA
Sunday, May 27 Benicia High School, Benicia, CA by GS Staff
Troupes, Duets, and Grand Dancers' photos at last!
7-9-02 29th
Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant sponsored
by Belly Dance! of Walnut Creek, CA
Saturday, May 26 Benicia High School, Benicia, CA by GS Staff
Wow, is she easy on the eyes! Not only that, she rocked
the house!
5-26-02 Winners
announced! Belly Dancer of the Year 2002
in
Benicia California. More details and photos to follow
11-25-01 The
IAMED Fifth Annual Awards of Belly Dance!
Photos
from the awards ceremony performances and list of winners.
6-11-01 Bellydancer
of the Year Pageant May 19th, 2001 Editorial
by GS staff Photos by Susie Poulelis
A well produced event with talented performers,
the Pageant afforded us the luxury to sit back, enjoy the
dancing and philosphize the genre.
3-3-01 Giza
Academy Awards of Middle Eastern Dance Video 2000 by
Leyla Lanty
And the winners
are.... Photos added on 5-1-01 take another look!
2-26-01 The
Fourth Annual IAMED Awards of Belly Dance by
Marula
Seldom does one see a bellydance production as
professionally staged and presented
12-99 Second
Annual Giza Academy Awards by Amina
Goodyear
The
judges seldom agree the first time around. So begins a
process of arguing the various merits of each video performance
as it pertains to the category for which it is being considered,
until finally a consensus is reached.
Belly Dancer of the Year
Contest 1999 (added 6-16-99)
- Leea's
official photos of
Judges and contestants
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