The Gilded Serpent
Table of Contents
Recently Posted Articles within the last 6-12 months
Articles, Reviews, News, North Beach Memories, Comics, Archives, Community Kaleidoscope, Letters to the Editor, Gigbag Check Videos, Musical Instrument Tour Videos, Submission Guidelines, How to Feed the Serpent, Ad Guide, The Ghawazi Files,
Articles
2-9-12 Group or Troupe Division of the Belly Dancer of the Univerce Competition Photos and Video,
The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competion is produced by Tonya and Atlantis in mid February each year in the Long Beach Convention Center. Most photos are linked to enlargements.
2-4-12 Nelly, Beloved Star of Egypt, An Interview with Nelly Fouad
I asked Nelly if there was any comparison to the Awalim of Mohamed Ali street and she said no, they were different; the Alexandrian Awalim had a real school for teaching the arts — they were strict and corrected your mistakes.
2-2-12 Last Round of Visits, Family Dinner Party and Wrap Up, A Month In Cairo, Report #6 by Leyla Lanty
I’ve seen this often here, that men and boys will readily play with the little ones in an involved and endearing way.
1-30-12 Bully for You! The Science of Dance
I have observed a cycle in which, periodically, emerging dancers who have obtained slightly more prominence in the craft begin to make recycled attempts to regulate it through instructional devices in order to control it to their own personal ends.
1-27-12
“Sabri worked everywhere, especially the Nile Hilton. He did a lot of weddings, so we worked at all the hotels. We subbed for Nagwa Fouad at the Meridien hotel on her night off. We went all over Cairo and Alex too, so it was a good way to get around and know the area.
1-23-12 Gigbag Check #33 with Sa'diyya of Texas!
Gilded Serpent catches Sa'diyya backstage at the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in February 2011. She shows us her tools of the trade, including:safety pins (of course), mirror, curling iron, carpet tape, and all of her jewelry organized in a binder full of zip lock bags. She also tell us about using a fedora in a modern folk dance from Iran or Persia. Her mother helps her with her costumes.
1-20-12 Sahra's Drum Solo Class with Amir Sofi at the Bellydancer of the Universe Competition in 2011,
Sahra is also given the lifetime achievement award. Lovina gives testimonial to how much she enjoyed the class
1-19-12 Facing the Truth, Working as a Dancer in Egypt
Sometimes the dirty facts of dancing in Cairo can be more interesting than the pristine Oriental fantasy… at least, it is when you tell the story later! PHOTOS!
1-17-12 A Dancer's Destiny, Part 2: A New Dancer Emerges
Lou Shelby had told me to begin that Friday night. (The Fez only had entertainment on the weekends at that time.) An Egyptian dancer, Maya, and a Las Vegas dancer, Cozette, were working there; so I was the third dancer on the program. I came in early for a rehearsal; Lou’s idea was to have a real Hollywood-like production: I was to emerge in a flood of colored lights amidst smoke from a smoke machine and open his show.
1-16-12 A Month In Cairo, Report #5: Weddings, Visiting Raqia Hassan, Some Thoughts about Egypt’s Future
It was stimulating to talk about a wide range of topics, Egyptian politics and societal issues included, such as the continuing trend for Muslim women and girls to wear scarves – many, if not most, to make a fashion statement, others because of family, husband, or peer pressure, and some to make a political statement.
1-15-12 The Golden Era of the Arabic Nightclubs in London Part 1: Making the Move from San Francisco to London
The ten o’clock dinner show featured music, three dancers, and one singer. The real show started at midnight. In the audience were mostly Arabs, dressed in the most expensive designer clothes with diamond watches and jewelry flashing in the stage light. There was a scent of expensive perfume mixed with cigarette smoke. The tables were covered with flower arrangements and lavish silver platters of fruit.
1-12-12 Nightclub and Restaurant Gigs, Paid Auditions or Justified Entitlement
Belly dancing in any public venue, like a nightclub or a restaurant, for compensation is a privilege.
1-10-12 Gigbag Check #32- Emma of Japan at the BDUC 2011
She shares with use her favorite music to help her calm down before the contest. She also shows us her favorite costume that she bought in Cairo.
1-9-2012 The Many Faces of "Baladi"
Baladi is an Arabic word that literally means “my country” or “of the country”. However, it has come to mean, refer to, and imply, many different things, depending on the context in which it is used. Below we discuss the most common uses of the word...
1-5-12 Susu shows us her Tomtoms!
We caught Susu, Terrianne and Amina between gigs at their house in Petaluma. Susu had just gotten out of the shower. They demonstrated the tomtom, bendir, and darbukah for us in their beautiful studio. Rocky and the other dog, Mochi, were there to help. Sorry about cutting the heads out of the shots. Are not the tom toms beautiful?
1-4-12 Queen of Denial, Chapter 7: More Gorgeous Georges and on to Damascus
He kept reassuring me that everything was okay, and finally, the second time that I made for the exit, he pinned me against the wall in the darkened hallway and gave me a long, luscious kiss that made my head spin!
12-28-11 Ask Yasmina #17: Practice and Rehearsal
The key point to solo study and practice is to remember that if you are enjoying yourself, you are most likely not growing or progressing!
12-18-11 Edward and Tahia; Breaking Down Cultural Appropriation Myths
by Shema/ EmmaLucy Cole
But what is “culture,” and how (if at all) have we appropriated it? Who is the implied speaker here, and what makes us believe that there is disapproval being voiced?
12-16-11 Inspiration and a Push from the Stars, A Dancer's Destiny part 1
Around this time, my mother was singing at Mahrajan’s when they held Arabic functions and there was a dancer by the name of Kanza Omar, who was my idol
12-14-11 Photos from Cifuentes’ Sommer Festival in Berlin
The idea of presenting a dance festival together with a contest is to promote talent, encourage excellence, and motivate dance artists from all over the world to come to Berlin and participate and results in this special and amazing event of learning and performance.
12-13-11 Saudis in America, Encounters of a Dancing Kind
However, no. Instead, Prince X sent a drink to everyone at my table, except me, just to underscore his apparent disapproval of my offensive behavior…
12-12-11 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 11- 1977, Research Strengthens the Impression that Until Recently, the Majority of Professional Dancers in Mid East Were Gypsies
"She is a professional singer and dancer, being taught by her mother from her earliest youth, and with the menfolk beating the taboor (drum) and twanging the kamanga (zither) she gives turns at the Beduin encampments for which the "hat" is passed round afterwards.
12-11-11 Egypt's Golden Age, Timeline and Synopsis
From around 1850 to 2000, Egypt saw the birth, rise, and transformation of its cultural expression through dance. With each period, a new energy in the dance was introduced and, with it, new dancers with new dance movements and new costumes.
12-9-11 An ATS Family Reunion, FCBD’s Annual Production of Devotion
FatChanceBellyDance’s 2011 production of its Devotion was presented on Friday, June 17 at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley, California. This year’s theme, “The Home”, was explored by six troupes and soloists and accompanied by FCBD’s home musicians, Helm.
12-8-11 Undercutting the Competition, A Problem of Ethics or Practicality?
The Internet presence has created a whole new style of “elitism” in the dance world.
12-6-11 Interview with Nawarra of the UK and Morocco
We met Nawarra in Marrakech, at Simona's Mediterranean Delight Festival held there in June 2011. Nawarra grew up in Casablanca graduating from the university there. She now lives in Leed, near Manchester in Northern England. She has a troupe there, teaches and also takes several tour groups per year back to Morocco. She explains to us the term "sha'abi" and how it is used in the Moroccan dialect of the Arabic language.
12-1-11 A Month in Cairo, Egypt, Report #4: Classes, Performing with Safaa Farid Band, Closing Gala, Classes at AWS
She finished off the teaching part of the class with a cane dance filled with a variety of cane movements that were playful and fun. At the end, she had a real treat for us: She performed a short Oriental number in her unique style for us to watch and enjoy.
11-30-11 Gigbag Check #32 - Tito Seif
In October, 2011, we found Tito Seif backstage at Hala's Show in Redwood City, California. Tito is currently the most famous male dancer in the world. He shows us several of his costumes all of which he designed. Also included is a clip of one of his dances at Hala's wonderful show. Thank you to Hala and Tito for your time and sharing.
11-28-11 From Syria with Love! Queen of Denial, Chapter 6: My Arrival
You may think that the life of a traveling Belly dancer is filled with intrigue and love affairs, but this couldn’t be further from the truth!
11-23-11 Know Your Bellydance Audience
A part of us may feel like we’ve earned an audience because we’ve worked so hard and perform a quality show. But the truth is that you have to win an audience every single time.
11-18-11 A Gilded Serpent Time Capsule Presentation, Rakkasah 1984 and 1986 (25 years ago) Photos by Lynette Harris
While taking a nostalgic look through my photo albums recently, I realized that if I was ever going to share these photos, I had better go ahead and scan them into the computer now before they deteriorate even more than they already have. Yes, they are discolored and blurred, but I think they will be of some value to those who pay attentions to costume styles or those who were there and simply enjoy re-visiting the memories
11-15-11 2011 Eliat Festival with T and A!
Eilat is a bustling attraction for many tourists, boasting world class beaches, diving, and great weather, which was one reason that we picked this destination in January!
11-12-11 Simona Minisini of Italy Video Interview
In June, 2011, Gilded Serpent was present at the Mediterranean Delight Festival in Marrakech, Morocco (produced by Simona Guzman). There we were able to get some time with Simona Minisini of Palmanova, Italy. She told us about her school, the coming World Dance Tropy Competition and her own history in Oriental dance. She and her husband Igor have a studio called Club Sunshine with mutiple dance rooms, 2 pools and a "Bed and Breakfast". This video also included a sample of her performance at the festival in Morocco.
11-10-11 A Month in Cairo, Egypt,
Report No. 3: Fresh Eggs and the Festival Begins, Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Part 1
One of the aspects of AWS that I enjoy most is the contact it offers with dancers not only from Egypt, both Egyptian and foreign-born, but from all over the world. It’s a rare opportunity to find out that our dance idols are real people who are warm, friendly, and eager to share their knowledge.
11-7-11 Jillina Drum Solo Video from International Bellydance Conference of Canada
Jillina dances for drummer, Suleiman Warwar. This performance was held at the Acrobat Lounge in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
11-4-11 SFBA MECDA Gala Show & Festival 2010
Produced by the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association, held on November 15, 2010, in the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos, CA
11-2-11 Radio Bastet, Where the Hafla Never Stops!
An Interview with Its Creator, Marisa Young
Here’s one thing that is very frustrating: finding out that you have two or three copies of the exact same record, released on different labels, with different artists names, different track names and arrangements, and different covers!
11-1-11 Ballet-ification of Belly Dance
When did Ballet become a requisite for Belly dance, and why is it stated that it should be an essential part of a Belly dancer’s daily regimen?
10-31-11 Sirat Al-Ghawazi,
Ghawazi Research, Part 10: 1977, Nawary Gypsy Background of the Mazin Ghawazi
"They came to the aforesaid Shah and asked him for dwellings in his country … the greater portion he placed in Mazandaran as a check to the pride of the Uzbak, Turkmans, Umid, and the nomad Tatars, who are always starting raids, and acting as highwaymen."
10-28-11 Europe- Helm Musical Adventures, Part 3
Last winter my husband, Mark Bell, and I were hosted in Paris and Slovenia to teach Middle Eastern rhythms and present Tribal Belly Dance with live music. The following are photos from our adventures.
10-27-11 Why I Went to Camp This Summer, A Report of Bahaia's 2010 Camparet
Before much time had elapsed, I found myself dancing while bound mid thigh with a hot pink velvet stretchy band and a drinking straw inserted between my teeth. Crazy? Yeah, like a small red fox.
10-24-11 An Opposing View, South Africa's Dance Community Thrives
Nonetheless, we are still a closely-knit group–with, perhaps, a handful of people who have decided to set themselves aside from the mainstream of our community. Unfortunately, we find that those are the same dancers who are giving their opinions and critiquing the rest of the community and its dancers.
10-18-11 Belly Dance Costuming Evolves, Photos and Commentary from a Rising Star of Costume Design
Video interview with author. "Because our colorful dance form is still living, changing, and evolving day-by-day, the costume designers will inspire us endlessly. This movement is a never-ending energy flow full of elegance and ferocity, sensuality and femininity. I hope that I will be a part of this wonderful Oriental dance life for a long time."
10-18-11 A Month in Cairo, Egypt,
Report No. 2: Housekeeping, Internet, Costume Shopping, Reconnecting with More Friends
When I think of my first trip here in 1977, I can see what amazing changes have occurred since then – most of them for the better.
10-17-11 Sunday Photos from Rakkasah East- October 2010
Barakat, Basema, Dena Shazadi, Fatima, Fire Blossoms, Ghada Girls, Habiba, Laura, Leila, Rega, Saiedah, Shadia, Tempest, Willow, Yuliya, Zenaiede
10-14-11 Saturday Photos from Rakkasah East- October 2010
Amity, Anka Kusu, Belly Mystic, Bliss, Calixta, Desert Moon, Dorothea, Eddie Kochak, Scott Wilson, Serpent Secrets, Fantasha Dancers, Isis, Jamileh, Kelebek, Latifa, Lily...
10-13--11 Friday Night Photos from Rakkasah East- October 2010
Desert Embers, Dharma, Fahtiem, Leila Haddad, Mystic Wiles, Nadia Layla, Najma, NightShade, Phoenis, Raks Shiva, Troupe Shahibat
10-12-11 Bellydancers "Gotta have a Gimmick!", Excessive Use of Props
I get the impression from watching such performances that a prop wasn’t incorporated in the show because it helped the dancer express an emotion in the song, but the property was intended to be the focus of the performance.
10-6-11 Dreaming in Massachusetts, Photos from MassRaqs 2011
The celebration of those traditions, along with the fervor of Boston’s intellectual culture, the talent of our local community of dancers and musicians, and a desire to connect that beautiful history to the global present and future of our dance drives the work we do in our event.
10-5-11 MaShuqa interviews Ali Hamidzadeh of Turquoise International,
Ali tells us about how he came to produce his first cymbals. He is interviewed by MaShuqa. He also talks about Dahlena, Bobby Farah, his education, inferior copies of his zils, how to know that you have genuine Turquoise cymbals. Testimonials from Jillina, Princess Farhana, and Marta Schill.
10-3-11 Assiut / Assuit, Fascinating FAQs
However, mosquito netting was invented by the Egyptians and dates back thousands of years.
9-28-11 Aubre Hill, New Fussion Energy in Taiwan
As time has passed, the local community has found itself on a changing path. The heavily choreographed (written notation) dance trend remains the staple of the main stream while increasingly, local dancers (and instructors as well) have begun to realize that there is something else in addition to set notations of dance movements to learn.
9-27-11 Competition Strategies, A Judge's Suggestions
Choosing a costume that fits and flatters your choreography is equally important. If you want to highlight your amazing hip work, be sure to choose a costume with lots of fringe and tassels on the hips so the judges cannot fail to see that hip work.
9-27-11 Ba Olek Eh (Tell You What)
A new feature and an experiment! Amina' has such an interesting life. Let her tell you about it.
9-26-11 Video Sample of Band Rehearsal for Tarabiya Concert at Amina's House
Jalal Takesh, Faisal Zedan, Husain Dixon Resan, Hana Ali, Sandy Hollister, Amina Goodyear
9-25-11 Ahava and her Workshops, A Fan's Viewpoint
“Usually, the up accent is on the downbeat,” said Ahava, “but if you are doing a hip drop in the modern style, the drop would be on the down.”
9-18-11 A Month in Cairo, Egypt,
Report No. 1: Settling In, Post-revolution Egypt, Reconnecting to Life in Cairo
No one has ever seen the square being used in any of these ways over the last 30-some years. Everyone has remarked about this and is happy about it.
9-16-11 3 South African Dance Pioneers, Reaching Out to the "New Woman" of Their Country
One should dance with the fullness of knowing her role in life, honoring that knowledge in its purity, and following the ideal of Middle Eastern feminine essence rather than dancing from a competitive space.
9-15-11 Becoming the Object of Your Own Fantasy, Part 3: Diane Webber and the Perfumes of Araby in the 1970s by Stasha Vlasuk
In an almost archetypal will to power, Diane encouraged us to utilize our costuming – and our dance – as a way to search out and expand our own unique spirit, fantasy and physique, something I try to continue with my students today: become the object of your own fantasy.
9-14-11 An Innovative and New Series in New York City, Photos from "Atelier Orientale"
Artists are encouraged to present new works, whether traditional, contemporary or experiemental, and can present solos or bring a troupe.
9-14-11 Dancer's After-Life, Have You Prepared?
It would have been a true tragedy to lose these items that are rich in dance history and were priceless to Marliza.
9-11-11 Gig Bag Check #31 with Alina, Mher's Daughter
Maria and Mher of Hollywood Music show us whats in Alina's gig bag or diaper bag. Gig bag checks are a regular feature on GildedSerpent.com
9-9-11 Video Interview with Hakima of Morocco
GS met Hakima at Simona's Mediterranean Delight Festival held in Marrakech in June 2011.
Hakima is a native Moroccan dancer. She was teaching workshops an performing. She had a friend help us with translating.
Hakima now lives near Barcelona in Spain. She can also be found and contact on Facebook Check out her hair braiding during the drum solo!
9-8-11 Roma Tribal Forum, More of Helm's Musical Adventures
The growing interest for both styles of Tribal Dance inspired them to hold a Tribal Meeting in this ancient city.
9-7-11 "Are You a Hippie?" The Value of Internalizing Your Dance Music by Amina Goodyear
These songs are still the ones played and requested today. Arabic classics are here to stay!
9-6-11 Lauren of Arabia,The Americanization of Arab Dance in America
by Karim Nagi
An intro and premise of a video of Karim's lecture as presented to The Arab American National Museum "Diwan" Conference in Deerborn Michigan in March 2009.
9-2-11 Debunking the "Golden Era" of Bellydance, Part 2, Finding Your Gigs
Nevertheless, you don’t have to wait for someone else to hire you; you can hire yourself!
8-30-11 Tribal Fusion in Mexico, Its Phenomenal Growth by Martha Duran
If you want to call what you do Tribal or Tribal Fusion, or anything Tribal, you should study ATS (American Tribal Style Belly Dance) and know what true Tribal is before you fuse it with something else.
8-29-11 Debunking the "Golden Era" of Bellydance, Part 1
Just like today, dancers had to create the place, the time, and the excuse to show or “sell” our newly-found artistry or resign ourselves to dance in parks and on street-corners or in syncopated troupe dances forever. So much for creativity and self-expression…
8-26-11 "Objects of Desire, Photos from Venus Uprisings April Performance
The 7th fantasy bellydance concert produced by the New York City artistic salon Venus Uprising took place at the Merce Cunningham Studio on April 15th and 16th, 2011. Invited dancers were asked to create new works based upon the theme "Objects of Desire". The performers responded with an interesting array of interpretations, ranging from the literal to the highly abstract.
8-22-11 Video- Finding the Lammam Ensemble at the Cotati Accordion Festival
A collage of clips of various music styles included in this world music festival in Northern California.
8-18-11 Arabian Nights at 12 Adler Place, North Beach Memories, Part 1:1961
Leona had introduced me to her friend Josephine, whom she described as a lovely Sicilian American woman who had recently taken the stage name of Jamila.
8-18-11 Dallas Observer’s Recent Belly Dance Ruckus
The silver lining in all this is witnessing the wrath of Belly dancers scorned.
8-15-11 “Ghannili Shwayya, Shwayya”, (Sing for me a little, a little), Musings: Music Choices at BDUC 2011
Thirty-one contestants and thirty mergencies later, I had my answer.
8-13-11 Your Stage Name, Choosing the Right One
Beware of letting others name you! Years ago, dancers were often surprised before going on stage to dance as they were announced by musicians or club owners by a name unknown to them that they hadn’t selected.
8-11-11 Gigbag Check #30 - Suhaila Salimpour
Suhaila take us on a tour through her gig bag and what is important for her to have with her for performance. This video was shot in May 2011 in the dressing room at Tribal Fest in Sebastopol, California.
8-10-11 From Town to Goat Track, A Tour of the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan
One lithe young girl twisted her way through this crack and into the tiny cave, and brought back some mineral crystals, said to have healing powers.
8-8-11 Becoming the Object of Your Own Fantasy, "Perfumes of Araby" in the 1970s, Part 2
We are packed tightly shoulder to shoulder, impulsing to the dramatic beat with great solidarity: traditional hand gestures, chest drops, all very serious and trance like. This mood was broken however by a guy at the back of the 200 plus audience, who stood on his chair, raised his beer glass and shouted "The one in the yellooooow…." then actually fell completely backwards like a tree that had just been cut! I hope he was OK!
8-5-11 Carnival of Stars, Page 4: O-Z Photos
The Carnival of Stars Festival is produced by Pepper Alexandria and Latifa at the Richmond Auditorium each year at the beginning of August. The stage at this facility is hard to beat. The wonderful lighting and the large stage make every dancer feel like a diva! Once again, Carl has done an amazing job catching the character of each dancer.
8-4-11 Intervew with Ahmet Ogren, Bringing Gypsy Dance to the People
Ahmet is a sexy and masculine dancer who combines a sense of playful humor and has the dedication and drive of a consummate professional. He pushed us hard, laughed, and encouraged us.
8-2-11 Carnival of Stars, Page 3: I-O Photos
The Carnival of Stars Festival is produced by Pepper Alexandria and Latifa at the Richmond Auditorium each year at the beginning of August. The stage at this facility is hard to beat. The wonderful lighting and the large stage make every dancer feel like a diva! Once again, Carl has done an amazing job catching the character of each dancer.
8-1-11 Incredible Helena Vlahos! Magic, Mojo and Inspiration
There was this beautiful, magical Belly dance woman who was bold, confident, and paving a wave of inspiration and independence.
7-29-11 Dancer Cancer, Part Two: Who? Me?
Still, the human heart is woven with threads of hope, and mine did not doubt that if I could make it through the onslaught of doctors, surgeries, pain, and gymnastic therapy, I would, someday dance again.
7-26-11 Carnival of Stars, Page 2: D-H Photos
The Carnival of Stars Festival is produced by Pepper Alexandria and Latifa at the Richmond Auditorium each year at the beginning of August. The stage at this facility is hard to beat. The wonderful lighting and the large stage make every dancer feel like a diva! Once again, Carl has done an amazing job catching the character of each dancer.
7-25-11 Dance Festival Warms Oslo Winter, Oslo Oriental Dance Festival 2011
This competition is not open to professional dancers, and judges are required to give constructive feedback to encourage growth.
7-24-11 Bellydance 'n All that Jazz, Trends in Tribal Fusion
For some dancers, it can be easier to relate to music from one’s own culture than it is to music from halfway around the world.
7-23-11 New Video added to Serpent Tour 2011- Shopping with Asmahan and Anna in Marrakech
7-22-11 Turkish “Roman Gypsy Dans”, Melting Any Heart!
This dance of the Gypsies is about becoming a life-like character. It contains a wide range of moods and feelings for the dancer to express: The gray quality of everyday tasks turns into colorful dance that does not distinguish between the relative value of one color over another.
7-21-11 Japan, Post-Tsunami BDSS Tour by Miles Copeland
The dates were nearly sold out already; the dangers had been grossly exaggerated.
7-17-11 India, Helm's Musical Adventure by LIng Shien Bell
We were delighted when Colleena Shakti invited us to teach classes concerning Musicality for Dancers at the Colleena Shakti School of Dance in Pushkar, Rajastan. Last January, we made the trek over water and mountains to reach this fascinating land. Pushkar holds the only temple dedicated to Brahma, the creator, as well as many other temples.
7-16-11 Carnival of Stars, Page 1: A-C Photos
The Carnival of Stars Festival is produced by Pepper Alexandria and Latifa at the Richmond Auditorium each year at the beginning of August. The stage at this facility is hard to beat. The wonderful lighting and the large stage make every dancer feel like a diva! Once again, Carl has done an amazing job catching the character of each dancer.
7-13-11 On the Road to Zimbabwe! Queen of Denial, Part 5 by Rebaba
I think it was around this time when I had gotten to know my co-workers and escorts well enough to allow them to try explaining their way of life and thinking processes to me, that I realized I was in a “no win” situation.
7-12-11 Ask Yasmina #16, New Baby Dance, Taqsim Shimmies, and Cane Music
However, there are many who had to resort to Cesarean after a long and arduous labor as well. It might be negligent to throw around such claims.
7-9-11 Egyptian Percussion Instruments by Dr George Dimitri Sawa
From the medieval era to our own time, Arabic music has been predominantly rhythmic. For this reason, much effort has been spent to write a theory of Arabic rhythms.
7-7-11 Permits, IDs, Licensing, Foreign Dancers in Cairo,
It dawned on me that some dodgy nightclub manager, whom I didn’t know personally, had complete control over my passport and my freedom to leave! So, I had no alternative other than to end my contract in order to get my passport back which also meant halting the lengthy paper process.
7-6-11 Dancing with Tigers, In China with Fleurs d’Egypte
We had no idea what to expect of the actual location. However, with ticket and costumes in hand, we rode the wave. Arriving late at night, we were ushered to our rooms and straight to bed to sleep off our jet lag. We had no concept of the overwhelming size of the park and over-the-top eye-candy awaiting us the next morning!
7-5-11 Becoming the Object of Your Own Fantasy, "Perfumes of Araby" in the 1970s, Part 1
The Belly dance scene in 1970s Los Angeles: It is difficult to spotlight succinctly even one portion of a vibrant, vast and quickly growing community of Middle Eastern dancers, their enthusiasts, and the ethnic communities, musicians, festivals and supper clubs that supported the dance arts. The abundance of inspiration in that era was almost beyond understanding; yet once upon a time before the Internet, music, imagery and information was less readily available.
7-4-11 Inaugural "Art of the Belly" Festival Rings in Spring in Style, Bellydance comes to Ocean City, Maryland
Inside the hotel, waves of positive energy radiated all around. People were not just glad to be at this festival, they were honored. If you were from Maryland, this was your belly dance festival. Dancers were representing both themselves and the elements of various fusions. They wanted this to be done right.
6-29-11 Photos from Rakkasah West 2011, Pg 4: Sunday M-Z by Carl Sermon
Maria, Nadika, Naiya-Hayal, Onyx Moon, Oreet, Raks Al Khalil, Raks Terayz, Raks the Casbah, Reda Darwish, Ruby, Sabiba, Sassafras, Shimmy Amour, Tatseena's Troupe, Terry, Titanya, Troupe Aneena, Yolanda, Zahara
6-26-11 Dancer Cancer, Part One: Hopping on One Foot
Still, I was confident that there would be no further problem and that I was letting my vanity get the best of me. By wanting to look good, I had caused all my own discomfort, I reassured myself. He said I would have the biopsy report in a few days and to call my referral doctor to hear what the UC San Francisco laboratory report said.
6-24-11 Dancing on the Roof of the World, Community Festival in Tajikistan .
After all my many travels to Tajikistan, filled with the frantic bustle of dance lessons, rehearsals, teaching, doing trip logistics, hunting for traditional bits and bobs for costuming, and getting fitted for stage costumes, I finally decided to try being a more-or-less normal tourist in one of my favorite places on Earth, the Pamir mountains of Badakhshan, eastern Tajikistan.
5-31-11 Serpent Tour 2011 Journal- London, Madrid and Marrakech! NEW VIDEO UPDATE-7-8-11
An experimental travel blog. Let see how it goes! The plan is to update this page frequently.
5-30-11 Photos from Rakkasah West 2011, Sunday A- L
Adira, Anisa, Ashley Lopez, Orchids, Damascus, Danielle, Desert Dream, Diana, Dondi, Dancers of the Desert, El Asaab, Evangaline, Fahtiem, Fatima, Ghawazee, Alexandria, Jamilla, Joweh, Karavansary, Lisa
5-25-11 The Transformation of Beauty, Inverting the Gaza, Part 3
As women and performers, why cannot we see beyond physical representation, when we, too, are trying our hardest to achieve such beauty in our own lives? Such hypocrisy ensures that we can never escape the limitations that society and, thus, we place these same limitations upon our own bodies.
5-24-11 Belly Dancer of the Year 2011 Contestants! Who Will Win This Coming Weekend?
Sneak preview of who you will see this weekend at this year's contest
5-20-11 Iraqi Ra’qisa’s Life in America, North Beach Memories and More!
“When I was watching you dance, I thought I was watching an Egyptian movie!”
5-19-11 Walk Like an Egyptian
Before I learned to "walk like an Egyptian", I wanted to drum like an African! Since my early teens, I had been collecting African drum LPs (as well as conga and bongo drums) and was either dancing like a possessed child or trying to make rhythms happen on drum skins.
5-17-11 A Moulid in an Egyptian Village
After the feast, the traditional Sai’eet (story teller), who could be a man or a woman, started telling stories accompanied by a full traditional orchestra. The entire village enjoyed stories about life, love, religion, and wisdom. Throughout history, the Sai’eet has been the educator, entertainer, and critic of life.
5-16-11 Back from Bahrain, Tiny Kingdom’s Riots are Puzzling
Approximately at the same time as the invasions of the French, British, etc. upon the Ottoman Empire the art of Belly dancing was introduced in cabarets of Egypt and Lebanon, as well as Turkey (Istanbul).
5-12-11 Get Over It! Soundbyte Bellydance Part Two
Imagine yourself dancing inside of a huge plastic jug full of gel or detergent. Pull and push your movements through the viscosity with conviction!
5-11-11 Moroccan Dreams: My New Festival in Marrakech
There is a mixture of faces in one region. There are so many different cultures that live in harmony –in the same place– that it is difficult to remain indifferent.
5-10-11Ana Ra'asa Showcase: Egyptian Bellydance Past & Present
My purpose for doing this show was to bring Bellydance to the stage. We have such amazing talent in the Bay Area, and I feel that those dancers deserved a stage to showcase such amazing talent.
5-4-11 Raqs Royalty Lights Up Atlanta! Black Orchid Danse, 2010
She turned this modern Maghreb raqs raissa into a belly dance fusion fanatic.
5-3-11 Rakkasah West Festival 2011, Saturday, Page 2" J-Z
This group of photos is from Saturday, March 12, 2011. Bands in the background include: Vince Delgado and Coralee, The Mediterranean Raqs Band, Pangia, and Al'Azifoon
5-2-11 Paula, 2011 Champion of Champions, Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
I do not know exactly what will happen, but I know it’s a beautiful start to present a Dominican dancer to the dance world. One very important thing also is that this award means to me that dreams do come true. I always wanted to be a dancer, and I could never really make it work because my country does not considered it a true profession.
4-25-11 You Say Zills, I say Sagat, So What’s the Difference?
Nevertheless, many dancers outside the Middle East still think the only difference between zills and sagat is semantics – “two words for the same instrument.” If you’ve played both – correctly – I doubt you would agree.
4-23-11 Sahra gives us a reports on her friends in Cairo since the Jan 25 revolution.
Sahra Kent with the help of Roxanne Shelby reports on what she has heard from her friends in Cairo since the protests began less than a month before this interview on February 20, 2011. It was conducted at the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California
4-20-11 Hip Hip Hooray for Bellydance Day
Bellydance Day was created by Shabnam to inspire, educate and celebrate the beauty of this often misunderstood dance form. The dances presented on August 21, 2010 included Saiidi, Modern Oriental, Egyptian to Fusion.
4-18-11 Fashion Trend Report 2011 What's New This Year at Rakkasah?
What I noticed, first and foremost, was not the costuming, but rather, a change in the sellers themselves. The seller demographic has radically altered, creating a new vendor landscape. Without a doubt, this is a response to the on-going sluggish economy and the need for companies to reduce expenses. The reduction in costumes and products coming out of Egypt also affected the merchandise. Many small factories had a gap in production, and shipping has become even more problematic.
4-18-11 Rakkasah West Fest 2011, Saturday, Page 1: A-J
Afrita, Ahava, Ava Fleming, Bala Anat, Al Azifoon, Alea, Alnisa, Aruba, Banat El Hoggar, Black Diamond, Black Opal, Dancer of the Crescent Moon, Dancers of the Pharoah, Desert Heat Dancers, Elnora and Rhonda, Fringe Benefits, Hamsa, Hanna Lissa, Jasmine Jennifer, Jewels of the North
4-17-11 The Fundamentals of Fusion by Laura Tempest Schmidt
Gothic Bellydance has taken years to develop fully and define itself more exactly, but it has developed. Steampunk has different origins, but there are very specific things that are unique to it as well.
4-13-11 The Controversy, Learning to Love Eternal Debate
The path of artistic innovation is not a forward pointing line; it is a pendulum. Art doesn't move foreword cleanly; it bashes against ideas and is repelled by them! Movements emerge from conflict, not despite it.
4-11-11 As the Music Fades, Egypt's January 25 Revolution's Impact on the Muscians and Dancers
We can't attain what they had in the past because we are not free. Our minds are full of work and what we should and shouldn't do. There's no time for good art. Politics mixed with religion does not make for an atmosphere where the arts can flourish.
4-10-11 Sound-Byte Bellydance, Part One: Evolution of Bellydance
Through her clear description of what she wanted to learn, I was able to look inside our recent dance evolution and see what we dance teachers in the west have done to change Bellydance here in the U.S., how we have changed and modified it into something it never was in the lands of its origins.
4-7-11 Our Changing Dance World, a Response to Leila's "Dance for Dancers"
Of course, we learn musicality and so forth, but where dance classes in some places are an hour long, teaching long choreography is not sustainable to an instructor.
4-6-11 Video Interview with Shadi of Diamond Pyramid on the Community Kaleidoscope
Gilded Serpent interviews Shadi of Diamond Pyramid regarding the business scene since the Egyptian Revolution less than a month before this interview. This interview was conducted at the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California on February 20, 2011
4-5-11 Rakkasah West Fest 2011, Friday Evening, Main Stage Only,
Aisha, Arabian Jewels, Azura, Dancers of Denile, Ariellah and Deshreet, Tatseena and Dreams of Cleopatra, Elnora, Ghanima, Goddess Force, Halima, Diana, Inami, Khalilah, Latifa, Kiyoko, Leila Haddad, Shaida, Shadya, Tanya, Zia!
3-31-11 On the Road, Queen of Denial, Chapter 4
That night, I would find out that my arrival and subsequent feelings of having "made it to the top" couldn't have been farther from the truth!
3-30-11 Joweh's "Call to Dance" in Guatemala, Part 2 of Dream Trip to Guatemala
Waiting in the wings of the nearly completely darkened stage, holding fire-colored fan-veils aloft, listening to the first strains of Egyptian orchestral music, I couldn't help thinking that this experience was both familiar and foreign, in the literal and figurative sense.
3-29-11 The Magic of "The Grapleaf", 1976-1997
Back in the early '80s when I was performing at the Bagdad Cabaret on Broadway, a customer strolled into the Northbeach nightclub and told me about a little known restaurant
3-25-11 Is "Cabaret" a Dirty Word? Using the Terms Cabaret vs. Night Club
So, is "cabaret" a dirty word? It depends on whose definition you want to use! In Arabic, the name "cabaret" is interpreted differently from what it is in English, leading to the confusion about nightclubs and cabarets. Here in the U.S., we think of a cabaret as a synonym for nightclub.
3-24-11 A Transformational Week, A Fan's View of Jillina's Weeklong Intensive Report
I think that's another benefit of having scholarships in the world of Bellydance because it gives dancers another goal to work towards: "What do I have to do to rise to the occasion, to receive this other kind of award?"
3-17-11 Empowering Women in India through Belly Dance
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The company works with less fortunate and troubled families and women, and pays the women a decent sum for their crafts as a way of helping them out.
3-15-11 MaShuqa interviews Dahlal and Tim Kent on the Cairo Revolution for the Gilded Serpent Video report on the Community Kaleidoscope
In February 2011 while at the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, we catch Dahlal/Debbie Sinclair and Tim for an interview.
Discussed are the affects of the curfews, blocked streets, and lack of cell phone coverage on the production of costume orders. They also talk about the difference between Cairo and US designed costumes.
3-15-11 Shamadan or Candelabra: Dances Along the Nile Part 4
The style is very earthy and includes great "tricks" like the splits, stomach work while on the floor, rolling over full length on the floor and posturing -- complete with quivering buttocks, and various other individual talents.
3-10-11 Cultural Traditions vs Sexual Stereotypes Part 2 of The Female Gaze or "Medusa Dualities in Female Bellydance Performance and How the Gaze Continues to be Relevant Today"
There is a fine line between respecting cultural traditions and histories and reinforcing behaviours which are inherently damaging to the perception of the female body and its rights.
3-7-11 Gigbag Check #29 with Samantha of the Bellydance Superstars
Samantha is from Brighton, England. Sam starts to tell of her start with the troupe when Rachel joins the conversation briefly to help out and testifiy to Sam's talent and commitment. Sam was discovered in Rachel's workshop in Birmingham. Sam also shows us her gig bag and her favorite skirt made by Madi Love. Sam suggestions bringing a sewing kit and tells of problems getting her belt ornaments tangled in her bracelets. This footage was filmed February 15, 2009 backstage at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, California
3-4-11 Pangia Does Texas: A Warm Howdy!
Carmine Guida (New York) Pat Olson (Californina) and I, are all members of the band, Pangia. In August of 2010, we had the pleasure of teaching workshops and performing at Yaa Halla, Y'all! in Grapevine, of the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. It was a distinct delight to have enthusiastic, involved, and engrossed participants in attending our workshops.
3-2-11 Video Report of Barbara's recent trip Cairo,
We caught Barbara at the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach in February 2011. She tells us of her trip to Cairo trying to attend the Nile Festival. Included are descriptions of getting to her hotels, rode blocks, checkpoints, neighborhood militias, attending classes, cell phone video, curfew, teachers including Aida Nour, How caring Mohamed was of his group. Barbara is a vendor of belly dance costumes.
2-28-11 The Cairo by Night Festival, November 4-7, 2010, Stockholm Sweden
From the first moment that I arrived in Stockholm until I left, I felt warmly welcomed, relaxed, and it felt so fantastic to be with Zeina and Mohamed Abu Shibeka, that I spend my most memorable time there!
2-26-11 Not So Steam punk Belly Dance
Since Tribal Fusion is also easily accessible, there have been dancers who begin performing and calling themselves professional when really they are just hobbyists. A professional belly dancer would never label her dance genre based on an aesthetic.
2-23-11 Shaking Up Shibuya" The Belly Dance Scene in Japan
While belly dance in Japan originally came from American roots, it quickly grew to include Egyptian, Turkish Oriental, Turkish Roma, and various Tribal styles.
2-22-11 Gigbag Check #28 - Stevie of the Bellydance Superstars
Stevie is a cabaret dancers as well as a Stilt Dancer. She is from Kansas and now lives in Los Angeles.
She tells us of her dancer history including her western and eastern dance teachers.
2-16-11 Magana Baptiste, San Francisco Dance Pioneer by
This was in the 1920s and 1930s and at that time there was no TV and barely radio. For entertainment, Magana's family asked her to don her tap shoes and perform for the family and for company.
2-14-11 Gigbag Check #27- Kami of the Bellydance Superstars
Kami is a tribal style belly dancer. She shows us how she organizes her costumes in net bags. She is also very fond of the robe that Miles had made for each of the dancers. She tells of almost walking onstage with the robe still on.
2-10-11 Other Categories: Kids, Troupes, etc. Photos from the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
Melanie, Kat, Punkin, Shanti, Wiiz, Ahgaar Karyma, ALyeeza and Julian, Babylon Mood,...
2-8-11 Mama Raqia: Approachable Dance Deity Visits Mexico
Raqia Hassan gave away 3 prizes in the event. One in recognition to Niral for her outstanding effort on organizing the event and welcoming her to Mexico. Raqia took about 20 minutes on the stage saying that she was so sad and angry that other teachers didn't come to greet her at the event.
2-7-11 Gigbag Check #26- Jayna of Bellydance Superstars
Jayna is the daughter of Marta Schill a well known dancer in the community, especially in the Los Angeles area.
Jayna takes a moment back stage at the Marin Civic Auditorium in San Rafael, California to show us what she carries with her to get ready for performance. Kami Liddle, who is a tribal style bellydancer had her station next to Jayna. This was filmed in February 2009.
2-3-11 Getting Home, Report from Cairo
As a new Egyptian national, I am proud that people are demanding their basic human rights, and at the same time, sorry for the economic hard times that have already begun here.
2-2-11 "But others do it too!" Pirating Recorded Music
I figured we were investing in our future. "One day", I thought, "we can retire from dance and collect the fruits of our efforts as music producers." For a while we were able to retrieve our investment and go into profit. Unfortunately, this has changed now.
2-1-11 Attention Dancers: Have You Seen this Man?
I promised that I would let the world of Belly dance know about this singular character! Watch (out) for him at you next event, for he could be anywhere!
1-30-11 Fun Times at the Third Annual North Bay Belly Dance Bazaar, A Northern California Community Event
Deborah Bennett and TerriAnne Gutierrez co-produced the third North Bay Bellydance Bazaar (NBBB) which was held on September 18 & 19, 2010 at the Sebastopol Community Center in Sonoma County, California.
1-28-11 The Unpleasant Truths, Part 3 of Being a Professional
If you really want to be a professional, first and foremost you must understand you are not so much a professional dancer as you are an entertainer.
1-27-11 Joweh's "Call to Dance" In Guatemala, Part 1: Arrival
Even our exhaustion couldn't dampen our excitement and eagerness to explore our fascinating new surroundings.
1-25-11 The Fusion Category, Photos from the 20th Annual Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
Amani Jabril, Apsara, Dilek, Eliza, Gina, Jane, Kellie, Khuzama, Lucia, Maria, Mireya, Rachel, Tiaja, Tracy, Valentine, Zondra
1-24-11 Smooth Growth of Community Event, Las Vegas Intensive
It was interesting to note that everyone I talk to said they came to the convention so they can say that they had danced in Las Vegas.
1-20-11 Queens in Arizona? USA Belly Dance Queen: Arizona Arab BD Contest
To be honest, my favorite part was that the show presented an interesting challenge to many American dancers. They were required to identify the regional and cultural style of music they would be dancing to and represent that root in their technique, costume, and dance styling.
1-18-11 Delilah, Women, Nature and the Body
This belief in the force of the earth is central to Delilah's approach to teaching belly dance.
1-18-11 Europe's Newest Dance Destinataion, Split Tribal Festival in Croatia
It's like an Italy that one can actually afford, due to the fact that it is not yet an European Union country, and therefore not subject to the massive cost of living spikes of EU member nations.
1-16-11 Sword Disasters: A Lighter Outlook on Belly Dance, Part 2 of The Dumb and the Restless
I laughed at him, but that very night during my grand finale Sword Act… you know – that dramatic spin where you stop and the sword continues to spin on your head like a helicopter blade?
1-15-11 The Universal and Egyptian Category Finalists, Photos from the 20th Annual BDUC 2010
Kendra, Maria, Rachel, Samara, Dilek, Grinnelly, Katya, Masha
1-13-11 Lost in Translation, Fusion Confusion
Moria says, "Masking sloppy technique with cheap costuming and putting it all to break-beat music does not make you a fusion dancer. Fusion is like a good marriage; both components have to be very strong before the two work as a combination. "
1-11-11 Farida Fahmy Set the Record Straight, Innovation and Costuming of the Reda Troupe
The current troupe is an abomination of a wonderful enterprise.
1-10-11 Foreign Dancers in Cairo Timeline New Resource Page
Amera Eid, Asmahan, Astryd, Feiruz, Jalilah, Keti Sharif, Leila, Leyla Amir, Nesma, Nour, Outi, Sahra, Shareen el Safy, Yasmina of Cairo, Yasmina Ramzy, Yasmin Henkesh, Zeina, and many more
1-7-11 The Drum Solo Cartegory, Photos from the 2010 Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
Aspira, Celestia, Erica, Evangaline, Gina, Innah, Jane, Jessica, Katya, Kenya, Lapis, Maiara, Maria, Masha, Nandi, Ninyshka, Rachel, Safira, Viridiana, Zondra
1-5-11 Gaining Respect for Bellydance Artists, Ask Yasmina #15 by Yasmina Ramzy
The following is a kind of "manifesto" or set of guidelines that Bellydancers could follow that might help contribute to our community of artists in gaining respect
1-3-11 I am Become Pure, Destroyer of Dreams, the Belly Dance Police
The fact of the matter is, nothing in the universe is constant: except change. "Inauthenticity" becomes "authenticity" over space/time – and vice versa.
Reviews
2-3-12 Conditioning and Floor work; Two Strong Strengtheners!Cassandra’s Conditioning Class, Ruby’s Flawless Floorwork,
It was with a bit of concern that I agreed to review these DVDs, as I have an extensive background in these topics.
1-19-12 Two Musical Sundaes with Dancers on Top, “Babelesque Live in Tokyo 2009”, Bellydance Superstars Series, “Dancers for Dancers, Volume 5”, produced by Cheeky Girls,
Two DVD’s. Two live shows. Two very different productions! It is hard to stand them side by side.
12-29-11 Hossam Ramzy Plays Fast and Loose, Two CDs for Classical Egyptian Dance
Honestly, I hadn’t expected to like this album (noodling has not been to my taste in the past), but I found it refreshing and rather healing, as the relaxation and delight shifted my state of mind every time I danced to it.
12-19-11 Ramzy's Take on Egyptian Classics for Dancers, “Best of Om Kolthoum and Mohammed Abdul Wahab”, “Best of Abdul Halim Hafiz, Hossam Ramzy and his Egyptian Ensemble” ,
I find this to be the best of all possible worlds, if you have a short workshop performance or an Arab event there is a selection suitable for you.
12-19-11 Are These the Droids You've Been Looking For? Two Pop & Lock Fusion DVDs Reviewed
I’ve seen some very groundbreaking, mindblowing blends of belly dance with modern, hip hop and world dances. But more often than not, I see dancers in an easily definable costume, dancing to easily definable music, without stylized movement. I believe it takes a balance of all three elements to achieve good fusion, with stylized movement being the strongest ingredient in any form of dance.
12-19-11 Learning to Dance the U.K. Way,
Hillary’s "Beginners’ Egyptian Dance" and Charlotte’s "Learn to Bellydance"
Strange names for movements used in the U.K. such as “snaky arms”, and the most repeated “wobbly walk” and “wobbly movement” in describing shimmies, as well as “quiver in your bellybutton” are off-putting.
12-17-11 A Whole Lot of Sax Going On! A Review of 2 CDs from Hossam Ramzy Featuring Saxophone Music, Afrah Baladi with Mostafa Sax,
The saxophone was popularized in beledi music starting in the 1970s. Although I wasn’t introduced to Middle Eastern music until the ‘80s, I believe the first recordings I happened upon featured Samir Sourour.
11-16-11 Dance Combinations – Uneven, Misnamed Productions Still Worthwhile, “Cool Combos ‘a La Galit” and “Combin-Ography by Bahaia"
Through the process of comparing and contrasting these two DVDs, I learned that in our technical age, although there are many people out there that have knowledge that can and should be shared, production value really does count for something.
10-17-11 Metamorphosis of a Latin Belly Dancer, DVD review of Bozenka’s ¨Journey of a Dancer¨
This caused me wonder: she states she improvises 99.9% of the time she performs, but how does she improvise her work while she performs on stage (if she likes it, she memorizes it?) and teaches it later in her workshops?
10-11-11 And Here’s a Work from…the Lovely Jenna DVD: "Bellydance, The Next Level"
When I’ve gone to Jenna’s classes, I noticed she had a knack for making the students comfortable with themselves while learning new steps. This persona still comes across on DVD.
9-18-11 Three CDs: Movie Music! "Domtekastan" The Darbuki Kings, "Cairo Blue" Sands of Time, "Cinematic" Zikrayat
In the case of their inserts, however, all three leave a little something to be desired. It often occurs to me that I’d like to know more about the artists and also would like more information about the music and songs they are playing.
9-5-11 Bottoms up! Two Belly Dance Starters, Bottoms Up! Two Belly Dance Starters Cory’s "Learn Belly Dancing" & Said’s "Get Ready to Dance"
Reviewers of Cory’s other DVDs have often complained that the quality of filming and lighting were not good. I didn’t find this to be a problem with Learn Belly Dancing. Although it’s not a slick production, you can see and hear everything you need to perfectly well. Cory has a clear, pleasant manner of speaking that is easy on the ear.
5-27-11 Listening with the Arabs, ASWAT's February 2011 Concert
The concert consolidated a much needed expression of hope, excitement, and pride. I felt lucky to be in the audience, to share solidarity, and to be exposed to songs novel to me.
4-29-11 A True Arabic Experience, November 2010 Arab Dance Seminar in New York City
His seminar emphasizes the cultural roots and context of this dance form; it is a form that is experiencing a disconnect as more dancers are entering the community through fusion and often not developing an understanding of its historical origins. Each seminar is themed to focus on a variety of elements within the culture, dance, and music of the Arab world.
4-17-11 Global Glances, Homage to Mahmoud Reda: A Life for Dancing, Full-Tilt Boogie presents: Belly – Sensual, Scarred, Sacred
As Unmata’s Amy Sigil observes, the dance is taking place in a kind of self-supportive bubble to which the general public is really irrelevant.
4-4-2011 Beginnings Made Easy: Basics, Improv, First Shows!
Cassandra, Tanna Valentine, and Nadira Jamal. While all three are classified as "basic" level videos, one is geared to the absolute beginner, another to the newer dancer ready to perform, and the third to the performer who is ready to graduate from choreography to improvisation; a dancer should take care to choose the correct one for her current developmental stage.
3-22-11 Taiwan Bellydance: 2 Events Are Perfect Ending for 2010, Nefertiti Bellydance Carnival & Bellydance Evolution
I admire those dancers participating in the production for their talents, skills, and artistic qualities, however, I feel the framework of story-telling compromises dancers from better expressing their love for this dance (or through it). They are acting through dance rather than dancing to the music.
3-16-11 Amera's Dina DVD Reviewed An evening of Arabic Dance and Music featuring World Renowned Belly Dance Artist DINA
Nonetheless, we need to move beyond her expressions. Her dance is Dina. She is agile, melodic, rhythmic, and her movements are so intertwined with the lyrics and the music that she exists as the music–always reaching out to us and, thereby, bridging the gap.
3-9-11 Off the Beaten Path Cory Zamora's "Belly Dancing for Seniors" & "Learn the Art of Male Belly Dancing"
However, I have a couple of issues with this DVD. One of my issues is that, other than stating the ages of the students (60, 63, 75) and making a fleeting mention of a few physical issues they have (problems with feet, back, etc.), there is not a great deal of material specific to senior dancers.
3-6-11 A Day of Middle Eastern Rhythms Taught by Adriane & Tezrah
The two workshops combined a brief tutorial in the history of rhythms, practicing skills, and learning new combinations. I received a solid foundation in identifying and developing a familiarity with Middle Eastern rhythms.
2-15-11 Turkish Dance DVDs: For the Birds? Danceuse by Asena" and "Sema Yildiz: Turkish Belly and Gypsy Dance"
I enjoyed her Roma dancing the most and felt that it would be amazing to watch Sema in person to experience all the facial and tiny pelvic movements.
2-11-11 Egyptian Classical Music: Entertainment or Education?
The Art of the Early Egyptian Qanun Vol. 1 & 2, performed byThe Traditional Arabic Music Ensemble & Egyptian Taqasim: Produced and distributed by Nesma
1-17-11 Get Down to the Root of it! Yasmina Ramzy's Asala I & II,
Ramsey's ability to show movements of grace and femininity comes across strongly by presenting the dance as respectable and as a valid form of dance expression.
Check our Review Archives for more!
Other Departments
Comics
9-7-10 Cult or Bellydance Class? Cartoon
"Pity those who do not study on our path, for they know not what they do not know!"
4-21-08 Strained Relations
Hi! Remember me? I'm your long lost cousin!
10-27-05 Gilded Serpent Awards or CERTIFICATE for Self Promotion!
Get your own Gilded Serpent award in any field you choose!
1-25-05 Intruder, BEWARE!
"How dare they pollute our pond!"
1-11-05 Romancing the Stonewall
"Hi, dear, can you send me a payment?"
10-30-04 Fill-'Er Up!
"I'm so glad you came to help me Theify!", Alexandria's Belly Dance Comicstm
8-2-04 A Whole Latte' Shaking Going On,
"Ok, I think we can stop now!"
6-24-04 Saving Grace,
"Could I sit here for a few moments?"
4-26-04 Class War-fair?
"I sprang from the forehead of Isis!"
2-29-04 You've Got Mail!
Female Clones from Zayda III are being killed and robbed of their family jewelry!
8-11-00-Yasmina's First Club Gig
"You're so beautiful! Wouldn't you like to audition to dance for us?"
10-19-99 Belly Dancer Paper Doll
Print this paper doll. Then color, cut her out and PLAY!
2-99 Fabulous Fritz's Adventures in Show Biz. Adventure #1
"I'm just a photographer, I don't know these women!"
? -99 Fabulous Fritz's Adventures in Show Biz #2
"I have just enough time to drive back..."
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