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News & photos from all around our world!
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us yours!
vid clips:Gig
Bag Check #1- Monica, Gig
Bag Check #2 Jillina, Gig
Bag Check #3- Malia, New
kid on the block-Nathalie, Valizan
interviews Ozgen,
Rebaba
returns, Sharon's
Gigbag Check, Vashti's
Gigbag check, Ranya&
Maqamikaze, Ivanka
of Panama, Lauren of BDSS gig bag check
Holiday photo from Bijan Reastuarant, Roxxanne
and friends, Yasser Darwish workshop, Linda's group do Algerian
Kabyle and Algerian
Ouled Nail,
Orit in Toronto workshop,
Tamalyn
breaks her leg! Leila workhop in Mexico, RaksW teachers
carpool, Asia's coming benefit. Miles and BDSS
on tour, Najia's Birthday Party, Aziza in Florida, Susu
and TerriAnne in Guatemala
|
 posted
August 25, 2008, submitted by Anaheed
Diane Webber,
1932-2008
Some of you may have already heard the sad news; Tuesday
August 19, 2008 Diane Webber passed away. She was recovering
from surgery in Los Angeles after a reoccurrence of ovarian
cancer and was visited by her son and family before she
passed. She was a member of the Neptune Society and a family
memorial will be held. She is survived by her son, his
wife and two children, and her former husband, Joe
Webber.
She was a very private person, however I feel it is appropriate
to acknowledge and share memories of a brilliant woman
who was a world-class artist in many fields. She was a
famous figure model and actress, breathtaking dancer, dedicated
instructor, and foundation resource for American Cabaret
Belly Dance on the west coast. Do a web search on her name
and there are hundreds of entries.
For those of us who were in her classes, she was one of
the “tough” teachers who produced a huge number of professional
dancers from the 70’s and into the new century. She formed
one of the longest running (and still in existence!) professional
dance troupes, “Perfumes of Araby” and created one of the
first studio “Cabaret Nights” as a performance outlet for
her upper level students. Take a quiet moment and remember Diane at her
best, mesmerizing a rapt audience and teaching us all what
it was to be a dancer, an entertainer and an inspiring
artist.
Blessings and happy dancing, Anaheed
(one of Diane’s students from the 70’s and current director
of Perfumes of Araby)
|
Posted
August 25-08, submitted by Mariah
The Midwest Bellydance Challenge
Saturday August 23rd, 2008
Chicago, IL
Here are the winners! Congrats to all!!
Student Soloist Category
1st Galiah Lavan (IL)
2nd Lisha (IL)
3rd Nasim (WI)
People's Choice Lisha (IL)
Troupe Category
1st Gaia Rising (IL)
2nd Ashar Dance Company (WI)
3rd Ro-He (IL)
People's Choice Safiya Dafiya (IL)
Tribal Soloist
1st Marci Ann (IL)
2nd Mae the Bellydancer (IL)
3rd Jezminda (IL)
People's Choice Marci Ann (IL)
Pro Cabaret Category Finalists:
Drea (IL)
Tipsuda (NJ)
Mariah (OH)
Shahina (IL)
Galatea (WI)
Nandi (MO)
Shara (MO)
Amanda Rose (AZ)
Pro Cabaret Category:
1st Amanda Rose (AZ)
2nd Shara (MO)
3rd Mariah (OH)
People's Choice Mariah (OH)
|
MBC Event Producer Kimahri & Mariah |
left to right;
Mariah (OH) 3rd Place & People's Choice Pro Cabaret
Shara (MO) 2nd Place Pro Cabaret
Amanda Rose (AZ) 1st Place Grand Champion Pro Cabaret |
|
Posted
August 15, 2008
Mesmerized
by Jeff Baum
On
August 9th 2008 I had the pleasure of performing
with my band, High Voltage,
and taking on the role of "Stage Manager" for
the Sonoma Valley Green Music Festival in Northern
California. This benefit and festival was put
on by Emmy of Nomagirl Events and
was a huge success. What helped? Well, In addition
to the killer
bands, great food, interesting vendors and overall
great atmosphere there was BELLYDANCING! I have to
admit that I am a huge fan of this centuries old
art. Ever since I was a youngster sitting in a Florida
restaurant and a mysterious looking, beautiful Bellydancer
graced our table with a fine dance I was left with
a wicked sensation I could not possibly describe.
While everyone at the festival really dug the music
and food, when it was time for the Bellydancers to
do their set I can only describe the crowd as being
MESMERIZED. Being the Stage Manager, I had the pleasure
of working with Elana and the ladies of Raks Rosa
Dance Company.
Professionally speaking, all seven of these ladies
were on time,
prepared and ready to RAK! Elana and
the crew were simply a pleasure to deal with. Then
the action started.
They had a beautifully prepared 20 minute set. The
dancers were beautiful in their multicolored outfits
and clattering gold accessories. The dancers shook,
swayed and rolled to the hypnotic Arabic music and
MESMERIZED the crowd with their searing eyes You
could hear a pin drop while they were performing.
All eyes
were
riveted on the stage. it was as time itself had completely
stopped. For 20 minutes we were at peace with the
world. I felt as if they were performing
solely for me as their eyes drew me in and their
magic kept me hanging on. There were a few group
dances and another very good dance featuring Elana
and one other beautiful dancer with swords. A huge
hit for the crowd! I would have to say that the Bellydancing
was a unique, and yes COOL attraction. Elana
and the girls were very beautiful and gracious and
also let me take a few picture with them (Benefits
of the job, ya know...). The Bellydancing was a major
highlight in an afternoon filled with highlights.
I simply can not understand why there are not Bellydancers
in every hotel and restaurant across the country!!
If there were more Bellydancers in the world it would
be a much better place to live. YES, I am a Bellydancing
fan.. |
Being
the Stage Manager, I had the pleasure of working with
Elana and the ladies of RAKS ROSA DANCE COMPANY |
|
Jeff's
band "High Voltage" performs at the festival.
left to right-- Riffman Rob on bass, Jeff stands
in front of the drummer Rick DaCrusher ot Glen, Dennis,
and Sideshow Bob |
|
Posted
August 13, 2008
Congrats to Ana! The next volumne of this video news magazine
is dropped off at the replicators!
Paulina interviews the musicians from Naked Rhythm,
Avi
Sills and Alex Spurkle, for
BD-TV Volumne 3.
Naked Rhythm is a band based in Los Angeles, CA. This
shot is from covering their CD release party for their album
called
"Frequency." |
Posted
8-12-08
Submitted by Flo of Tribal
Souk, Photos
taken by Rachael Rodgers.
15th
Annual Amaya's
Shake and Bake in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
 |
 Above:
Albuquerque teachers in the "Shake your Hips
on Route 66" show : Nadia, Millie,
Flo Bargar,
Tasha
Banat, Asha, Terri
Unknown
name on photo at the hafla at left
Below:
The
Rogue Bindis perform in Old Town Albuquerque,
Shake & Bake community hafla:
Flo, Dawn, Emily, Dani, Bryce |
|
|
Posted
August 2, 2008, photos by Monica
Rachid
Taha played a free concert in San Francisco's Stern
Grove Sunday, July 13.
Opening act MC Rai had local belly dancer Kristina come
out for a song. Kristina
used to dance with Ultra Gypsy and now solos in the
bay area.
Kristina dances with MC Rai. MC is from Tunisia, used
to live in San Francsico and now lives in LA |
Rachid at mic in red shirt and balck coat, white
hat. He is a French Algerian who played
in
punk bands in the1980s in
France and then rediscover his roots and started
playing Rai |
Fans on stage with Rachid
|
Rachid's band is AMAZING! says Monica |
|
Posted July 28
Party at GS offices July 26, 2008
I forgot to take any pictures until the party was almost
over!
Duane just sent us one he took there, see bleow
Mark
Bell, Paul Onassian, Matthew Montfort, Salah
Takish,
Mary Ellen Donald |
|
|
|
July
23 2008
Jehan of
New York, and daughter Serana's first
song written together.
|
July 21,
2008
Bozenka talks with us at the IBCC in April
2008
|
Posted July 7, 2008
Gilded Serpent reports- Gig Bag check
#4 -Lauren
What does a dancer need to carry in
her gig bag? Debbie Smith asks Lauren,
one of the newer dancers in BDSS, to give us a peek
into her bag! |
June
26, 2008
Gilded Serpent presents a moment with Ivanka
of Panama at IBCC
Just a quick video this time.
We
caught Ivanka backstage for just a moment and stumbled
through a couple of questions.
Hopefully
we will be able to talk with her more soon. A lovely dancer
as you shall see too!
|
posted
June 25, 2008,
text submitted by Artemis,
photo submitted by Copeland's
office- photography by Bree Kristel Clarke
Bellydance RAQS L.A.
This
first-time event co-promoted by Marta
Schill & Miles
Copeland (Superstars producer) took
place on the weekend of May 17, 18, 2008 at the
Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale
, California. What a line-up of teachers: Ansuya,
Morocco, Jillina,
Bozenka, Sonia, Helena Vlahos,
Sabah,
Jayna, Petitie Jamilla, Issam, Kami Liddle, Samantha
Hasthorpe, and Moria.
It will not be on this weekend next year,
since the promoters realized that it was opposite
the enduring Tribal Fest in
Northern California. Nevertheless,
all who attended were enthusiastic with the workshops
and awed by the performances of such greats including
the above teachers, and others such as Fahtiem,
Mesmera, Rania, DaVid, Shoshanna, Judeen,
and many other wonderful
soloists and troupe performers. One of the highlights
of the weekend was the attendance of Huel
Howser of "California's
Gold" television show, and his absolute
delight in covering this event. Look for the
segment to
air in about 3 months. He shot footage of everything
and everybody,
and did a marvelous interview with Mesmera. Saturday
night had a stellar show, and hafla following
the event, and Sunday had the Bellydance Superstars
Auditions.
Kudos to Marta for sucess in her first-time event!
|
Author Artemis vends
|
Jessenia
(on the left) and Shalimar. The musicians are the Middle
Earth Ensemble. Thanks Larry! |
|
|
|
posted
June 24, 2008
2008 Double
Crown Belly Dance Competition Results
June 20-22, 2008
Veteran's Memorial Building in Downtown Santa Cruz,
California
produced by Bellydance
Odyssey Productions with Zaina Hart
photos by Michael Baxter
Isis (Beginning
Dancers, Amateur Category)
1st - Reea
2nd - Iris
3rd - Johara
Phoenix (Intermediate
Dancers - Amateur Category)
1st Place :: Lara (CA)
2nd Place :: Basinah (CA)
3rd Place :: Leah (CA)
Scarab (Alternative Music Category)
1st - Razi
2nd – Jodi Waseca
3rd - Aminah
Gemini (Duet)
1st – Naiya & Numair
2nd – Folk Infusion
Gypsy Stylist
1st - Mia
2nd - Rebekah
3rd - Kitiera
Nile (Troupe)
1st – Folk Infusion
2nd - Scimitar
3rd – Jaouahir Tahoe
Performing Artist Finals results:
1st Place - Razi (WA)
2nd Place - Mia (Puerto Rico)
3rd Place - LuLu (CA)
|
Razi wins 1st place
in Performina Artist Category |
Folk
Infusion wins
1st place in troupe division and 2nd in
the duet division |
|
Posted
June 18, 2008
Cory Zamora & Gail Tribble married June 17th 2008
Fresno, CA |
Posted June 12, 2008
Gilded Serpent interviews
Ranya Renee & Maqamikaze of
New York City backstage at the International
Bellydance Conference of Canada held in Toronto.
On the Friday evening, April 25, 2008, Backstage in Toronto
at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada, Ranya,
Jaida, Leena, Zahirah, Tais,
tell us about
stage make-up. We
then see excerpts from their performance of
"
1001 Nights... in the Library." We then go backstage
again after the show to discuss more including the comedy
in their storyline.
|
| Subject:
DESERT DANCE FESTIVAL 2007 DVD REFUND ANNOUNCEMENT
Scarab Productions
P.O. Box 3137
San Leandro, CA 94578
June 6, 2008
Contact: Angela Thacker, (510) 317-9875
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DESERT DANCE FESTIVAL 2007 DVD REFUND ANNOUNCEMENT
San Leandro,
CA - Scarab Productions announced today that they
will be
issuing full refunds to those who paid for their
performance videos from
Desert Dance Festival, 2007. After several months
of attempting to
resolve numerous legal disputes between Scarab Productions
and the video
contractor, Scarab Production's President and DDF
founder, Dunia, has
decided to issue full refunds to those who requested
videos last year.
In her
initial statement, Dunia, commented on the regret
she has felt that
this ongoing challenge has negatively affected the
event and her standings
in the dance community. She reminded many of how
the actions (and lack of
actions) of one individual can "damage more
than a few of the friendships
that I've worked so hard to develop over the years." When
discussing the
issue it was very clear that this incident has been
very emotional for
Dunia, who shared with a group of dancers in a workshop
last month that
this episode . "more than saddens me" and
that, when once resolved, the
community over all "can forgive me." And
reaffirming how important it is
that the community should not be forced to live through
the inevitable
completion of any approaching legal action the production
company may be
forced to take. In the end, bringing closure to this
issue for the
public by cleaning the slate and giving them their
money back.
Steps
haven been taken to resolve not just the video
issue, but some of
the concerns last year's location left dancers and
vendors wrestling
through. A new location with more modern systems
to handle the number of
vendors, the heat and staging. And, most important,
the welcoming of
Cheeky Girl Productions to video this year's event,
giving performers the
opportunity to acquire their videos on site the day
of their performance.
For more
information on (and to submit for) your refund,
go to the website
at: http://www.desertdance.com/PressRoom.html. Visit
the website for
workshop, location and other event information.
|
|
posted
June 3, 2008
Gig Bag check #10- Monica Berini interviews Vashti
Monica Berini interviews Vashti of
Santa Cruz, California before her performance in the Bellydancer
of the Year Pageant
on May 24, 2008. Vashti shows us what she keeps in her
gig bag to be ready for this show. We then see a snippet
of her performance. Then we ask Vashti about her recent
projects, producing both Suhaila's solo theatre
performance, The Phoenix, and Zaina Hart's Double Crown
Contest
|
photo
above from the Phillips Au photo collection donated to
Gilded Serpent Archives by Patrick his son.
Posted
June 3, 2008- Thank
you Monica and Yasmela
Sirocco in
Crisis
SIROCCO is the duo Sulyman el Coyote (on
right),
and Armando
Mafufo.
In case you have not heard, Sol has lost almost everything
he owns.
If his neighbor hadn't wakened him at 6am on the 22nd of
May, Sol would not be with us right now. He saw embers blowing
toward him at 40mph. He was one street over from where the
fire started. Sol had just time to grab his guitar, fiddle,
laptop, (couldn't find his cat unfortunately) and got out
with the flames chasing him.
He went back after the fire was out (we were all hoping that
he was one of the lucky ones whose home was bypassed by the
flames) but unhappily he found a pile of ash. Instruments,
drums, costumes, photos, music collections - ash.
His jewelry, zil and shoemaking machinery, tools supplies,
stock and workshops were all gone- a lifetime of history
gone.
A PayPal account for him has been set up and can be accessed
from his website. http://www.fingercymbals.com/.
|
Posted
May 30, 2008
submitted by Anniitra Ravenmoon
Standing:
Ba'E l -Cynthia- Ravenmoon- Oshun Parveneh-Tracey Farmer-
Freya
Kneeling: Jessica Daliah Deva'- Dangerouz'
Absent: LaShonda Melia- -Tamara -Alkmia- Canece
Goddesses Unleashed-
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Goddesses Unleashed are committed to bringing the joy
of North African and Middle Eastern Dance to the Greater
Los Angeles Urban area, West Coast, and the World by using
the beauty of dance and its related arts to build self-esteem
in every woman.
Leading by example through our sisterhood, we share the
richness of our various styles by educating and reacquainting
our cultural families with the beauty inherent in all of
us in a supportive environment that cherishes every woman
from ages 2 to 102 and her body: embracing her size, shape,
ability and spirit.
Create it! Dance it! Own it!
|
Posted
May 28, 2008
Ruby wins Grand Champion at the 2008
East Coast Classic Competition
in Virginia Beach, Virginia
East
Coast Classic Competition 2008
Winners: |
Rising
Star
People's Choice- Zaaharah (VA)
Third - Aiden Angeli (DE)
Runner-Up - Zaaharah (VA)
Winner - Lara (CA)
Troupe
People's Choice- Ruby Scarab (NC)
Third - Hippy Chicks Raks (VA)
Runner-Up - Sholeh (NC)
Winner - Troupe Little Egypt (CT)
Headliner
People's Choice- tie - Rachel (VA) and Akilah Noor (VA)
Third - Deirdre (NC)
Runner-Up - Gamilla (AZ)
Winner - Elektra (NY) |
Fantasy
Artist
People's Choice- Athallia (NY)
Third - Athallia (NY)
Runner-Up - Mariyah (NY)
Winner - Alarah (NY)
Grand Champion
People's Choice - Ruby (WA)
Third - Mariyah (NY)
Runner-Up - Sandra (CA)
Winner - Ruby (WA)
competition website
|
|
Posted
May 28, 2008
Lava of Sisters
of Alchemy, Vancouver,
interivewed in April
at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada in
Toronto
Thanks to Samira of www.sh-photography.com for
opening photos
Lava
discusses her new projects, her influences and mentors,
Tribal fest, Serpent Rouge, Carolena's branding of ATS, and
more.
|
Bellydancer
of the Year 2008 Results
click for larger photo
Names: Krischana, Maribel, Magidah,
Alimah, Deeta, Natasha, Lily, Mia, Nandi, Johana, Miriam
Marzie, Vashti,
Ahava, Juliana, Haifa, Jamila, Namira, Naima, Mandadan,
Kaorlina, Kimarhri
2008 Belly Dancer of the Year is *AHAVA*
1st
runner-up: Mia
2nd runner-up: Namira
3rd runner-up: Karolina
4th runner-up:
Mandanah
Congeniality: Magidah
Duos & Trios:
Winner: Naiya & Numa'ir (also won Congeniality)
1st
Runner-up: Scimitar: Surreyya, Crystal and Khalila
click for larger photo
Troupes:
Winner: Raks Awalim
1st Runner-up: Verbatim (Congeniality)
2nd Runner-up: Raks A'Diva
Grand Dancer:
Winner: Salima Sishi
1st runner-up: Jasmina
Congeniality: Malika
|
Posted
May 23, 2008
Gig Bag check # 8 with Sharon Kihara of
the BDSS!
Backstage
with the Bellydance Superstars. Sharon Kihara gives us
a peek into her bag!
What does a dancer need
to carry in her gig bag? I think Sharon's load is a little
unsual!
|
Posted Mary
19, 2008
Tribal Fest 2008, Sebastopol, CA
Rebaba/Rita dissappears
for 3 years due to an illness and has now returned
to dance with Hahbi'Ru. Rita talks with us after the
show on May 17
at Tribal Fest 2008, in Sebastopol, California. Also
included is just sample of their stage show that day.
Siwa and Sandra
assist in the interview. Rita will be writing more
soon regarding her illness as well as contributing her
North
Beach Memories to Gilded
Serpent's history section on Middle Eastern music and
dance in San Francisco in the '60s through the '80s.
|
Kostana-
"One day after lessons, the Tuzsuzs’ youngest daughter,
Gulezar picked up the davul and played a 9/8 for
us."
Gulezar playing Davul outside her home |
posted
May 16, 2008
Reyhan
Tuzsuz
Text
by Ferda and Kostana
Photos submitted by Kostana
Reyhan
Tuzsuz - the Turkish Romani dancer from
Istanbul that everybody is talking about - needs
our help! She and her family are being forced
to leave their home in Gazi Osman Pasa, where
they have lived all their lives, where her children
were born and have grown up. Unfortunately, it
is the same old story repeating itself, just
as in Sulukule, the oldest Romani settlement
in recorded history, the Rom people are being
forced out of their homes to make way for new
condos. Some are offered small monetary compensation,
but not nearly what is needed to purchase a new
home. Please
read on to find out more about Reyhan, her family
and
how you can help them.
MORE
TEXT COMING
|
Photo of destruction of home next to and in front
of Reyhan's |
|
Photos of Reyhan teaching & performing
at last year's Herdeljezi by Carey Wilkerson |
Reyhan at top of stairs to her old home in Gazi Osman
Pasa |
|
Kostana: You
can enrich your own dance AND help Reyhan by attending
any of the classes she is teaching, or by sending
her family much needed money . If
you are interested in sponsoring her in your area
during the Tuzsuz Fall Tour please contact me at kostana@wmfolklifecenter.org or
contact Jennet Shook at yildizdanz@yahoo.com. You
can find out more about how to help Reyhan on my
blog at www.raks-n-rhythms.com/blog. You
can find out more about the plight of the Rom people
in Turkey here
Ferda:If
you want to help preserve this treasure of a teacher
there are 3 things you can do:
You
can learn more about the Rom people and explain
what is happening here to the Rom people to others
to raise awareness all over the world
You
can collect small donations and send it 2 ways
One
is by Western Union, online, to Reyhan Tuzsuz, Gaziosmanpasa İstanbul.
There is a 20% fee but after you get the number and
send it by email to me at ferdabayazit@hotmail.com I will give
the code to Reyhan who goes to Western Union with
her identity card to pick up her money minus the
fee. Expensive but you know it will go directly to
her as only she has her identity card.
Send
an email to ferdabayazit@hotmail.com requesting
a CD which I will mail to you. (20 USD + postage)
|
|
Posted
May 12, 2008
May 10, 2008, Pena Pachamama Restaurant in North Beach
San Francisco.
The Kervan Ensemble,
a local Turkish band, warms up the
crowd before George Lammam's band comes on.
Kervan members:Halik Kecelioglu, Eliot bates, Ahmet Cegin,
Sean Turgis, Samuel Foster.
|
posted
May 10, 2008, sent in by TerriAnne Gutierrez
Here are three pictures
of workshops that Susu and I taught in
Guatemala City this April. We were sponsored by Arte Centro
Cultural, which is
funded by the Paiz family of Guatemala. We spent 10 days
there teaching workshops and performing for a very warm
and appreciative Guatemala people.
It seems that Belly
Dance
is very popular there!
Drum Workshop
|
Terrianne and Susu
|
|
|
Posted
May 10, 2008 (Happy Mother's Day!)
Valizan Interviews Ozgen for the Gilded Serpent
Valizan talks with Ozgen backstage at the International
Bellydance Conference of Canada held in April 2008 in Toronto. Valizan
and Ozgen are both male dancers in a predominately female
artform (at present!). Ozgen danced with a rope at this
stage performance
and Valizan asks him about using the rope as a prop in his
dance. |
May 1, 2008
Notes from Miles and BDSS on tour
This is a shot with the US Ambassador to Morocco, Thomas
Riley with Sonia, Jillina, Issam,
Kami, Me and Embassy
staff,
back stage after the show in Casablanca April
26 |
May
1, 2008
I'm here in Marrakech with my wife taking in the
sites for a few days. The BDSS did extremely well
for the 2 shows in Casablanca, Fri sold out (850
seats) and Sat 90%. Ambassador Riley and many of
the US Embassy staff came and loved it. I was invited
to stay with the Ambassador in Rabat for two days
and we had the opportunity to discuss the positive
affect of the BDSS show on East West relations.
The show in Dubai also was a big success. It reinforces
my belief that bellydance is a natural bridge that
can have a real affect in diminishing the negative
feelings this US Government has projected to this
part of the world. Given the state of world politics
it really does allow us all to claim that bellydance
is the most socially significant dance art in the
world today.
May
1-
Hi Lynette,
We had an interesting situation the other day
at the photo
shoot we did with the BDSS in Casablanca to capture
the atmosphere of being here. The promoter set
up several places the first of which was Rick's
Cafe.
We arrived and were welcomed by the American lady
(Kathy) who runs the place and
the ladies went off to a room to change only to
start yelling
my name
a few moments later. I arrived at the room on the
second floor where a man would not get out of the
room where they were changing and some were already
half dressed. Turns out the venue had not been
warned that we were there to do photos, some
crossed wires
and they thought we were Russians there for tea.
The American woman came up and I apologized that
she had not been warned but please have the man
get out of the room so the ladies could dress.
I then
asked how we could arrange to do photos there,
if there was a more convenient time, we would
be happy
to pay etc. Jillina was
standing near me at the time. The lady then
told me
in no uncertain
terms that
we could never take photos there as she did
not want her venue associated with "Oriental
Dancers".
Needless to say that did not go over well
and we left. We sent to a second place, Sqala run
by a Moroccan who could not have been more gracious
and accommodating,
did not want money and bent over backwards to
enable us to get a great shoot. To repay
him I ordered
a Moroccan lunch for everyone and that turned
out to
be great and repaired the mood totally so we
got a great shoot in spite of the insult
delivered
by the Rick's Cafe lady. So if you are a
bellydancer in Casablanca I strongly suggest
and recommend
Sqala
for atmosphere and great food and avoid Rick's
Cafe like the plague. -
Miles Copeland
April
22, 2008
The Dubai show was a great success. People were
stunned after and were even more stunned when they
discovered it was all American dancers. They are
now talking about shows in Beirut and Amman. Morocco
is sold out for the Fri night (850 seat theatre)
and 70% on the saturday so far. The US Ambassador
to Morocco and his wife are coming on Fri to see
the show.
We went shopping in Casablanca today and had a great day. Tomorrow we all take
a day trip to Marrakesh to check it out.
Jan
24, 2008
Hi Lynette, some news for you.
I have confirmed
the BDSS to perform in Casablanca, Morocco on April
25 & 26. this will follow our Italian dates
and Dubai which we are trying to fit in. What is
most interesting is that the promoters are insisting
that we do a lot of the fusion elements --Tribal,
Bellynesian, Ballet, as they feel this is an exciting
addition to the dance and shows its world relevance
and adaptability to compete with the other great
dances of the world.
On the event front we are now confirming the teachers for the LA event as, Morocco,
Jillina Ansuya, Bozenka, Sonia, Issam Houshan, Helana Vlahos, Petite
Jamilla(double veil), Sabah (ballet for bellydance), Sonia will do a special Bellynesian
workshop with live Tahitian percussion. We are also going to have a free workshop
for children (12 and under) Sunday morning. We will have a great show Saturday
night followed by a hot live band, The Milli Collective who are fronted by three
Iraqi Americans (including the singer who sings in Arabic) with a Brazilian,
Pilipino, Iranian, Jamaican -a virtual united nations of 13 players who play
great up beat bellydance music.
We are also holding auditions for the BDSS starting at 6: pm on the Sunday.
|
|
posted
April 18, 2008
Najia's Birthday Party in Berkeley, CA
enlargement here
Names are coming! Would
you like to help?
Najia is in the middle, front row, black dress.
Some other names, not necessarily in the correct order. Can
you match these names to the faces?
Mohamad, Rawan,
Rima, Sonja, Sheila, Mayan, Zahara, Yosifah, Cindi,
Sven-ove, Janet, Gail, Nathan, Pamela, Evone, Chris, Lillian,
Hilda, Gabriella,
Morat, Salima,
Hayat, Lawson, Farida,
Khalila, Alena, Sonia, Nazik
and her kid troupe. Missing
from picture because they were in the dressing room- Amira
and Surreyya |
Posted
April 14, 2008, sent by Emily
Park Avenue Studio Bellydance
"Here's a photo for the CK section of the website.
This is A Park Avenue Studio of Dance troupe, photo
taken
yesterday right before our show at the Good Ole
Days festival in Pacific Grove, CA.
top row: Zorba, Tracy, Ina, Hassan, Karen, Adina, Kristy,
Sue, Emily
bottom row: Katie, Janette, Thiem" |
|
Posted
April 11, 2008- Thanks to Lisa!
click photo for enlargement
Students from the Aziza Professional and Teachers weeklong
help
in Orlando, FL the first week of April, 2008
Top row: Sylvana; Winston Salem NC; Samira,
Norfolk, VA; Lisa Zahiya, Asheville, NC; Vivianne,
Brazil/College Station, TX; Sha'Ni, Atlanta,
GA; Gina, Atlanta, GA; Amira,
FL; Sophia, OH; Maribel,
Austin, TX
Middle row: Rania, Austin, TX; Sadiyah, TX; Cassia,
TX; Melinda, FL; Stacey, Austin, TX; Cynthia,
MI
Front Row: Andrea (organizer) FL; Gigi, Seattle,
WA; Aziza; Ramona,
Washington, DC; Yasmine, Austin, TX; Dorthy,
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted
April 4, 2008
Meet Nathalie, The New Kid on the Block!
Debbie Smith interviews the newest member of the Bellydance
Superstars, back stage at the March 1st show
in San Rafael,
California.
Jillina joins in to help describe how Nathalie
joined the troupe.
|
Posted
March 31, 2008
Gig
Bag Check #3 featuring
Malia
|
Asia
and Stasha at Carnival of Stars
March
31, 2006
Benefit for Asia
A Benefit for Asia to be held at 3 pm,
on Sunday, April 13th to help cover the expenses incurred
during
a gap in her medical
insurance. Asia had to receive emergency blood marrow
tests and blood transfusion along with a stay in the
hospital
before her medical insurance kicked in. Asia has Non
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is receiving chemotherapy. She
has a great
prognosis but will have to deal with this condition the
rest of her life. She is managing to teach and perform
and will be performing
at this coming event. Be sure to come and help support
Asia in her fight with this disease. The event will be
held at Sanchez Concert Hall in Pacifica, California.
Pacifica is on the beach just south of San Francisco.
Tickets will
be $20 for adults and $10 for kids over 5 years old.
There will be easy ample parking. Stasha will
also be performing
just after her recent surgery. Also on the program is
Asia’s Troupe, the Arabesque Bellydance and Drummers,
and Mara Reggae Samba Dancers.
Arabic food for sale. Call Nisima for more details: (650)
359-3195
|
Posted
March 30, 2008
Rakassah West Teachers, 2008:
Dondi (driver)
Ava Fleming (passenger)
Oreet (back passenger)
Kaeshi Chai (back driver)
 |
Posted
March 27, 2008. Thank you Alheenaa and Niral!
Leila of Cairo's Seminar in Tijuana, Mexico.
"This is
the group of students and Leila at Marriot Hotel. The seminar
took place on March 8 and 9, 2008."
click for larger photo
Names
needed!
Niral
sends us help with names:
"first row from right to left on
pink
Michelle Olga Nayelli, Alheena with a big smile, the
little
one
is Kate then Leila
her son and Niral on red Samirah
Anel Fercha, Francis and Jayanti, lay down
on the floor Nadia and Nefertiti
beside Leila on her back from the right to left Giselle,
Mariamor, Jesica, Selene, Natali, Atifa, Maryam,
in the last row on foot
from right to left
Rosy, Linda, Airam, Claudia, Patty, some
girls from Ensenada,
Araceli, Cinthia from Mexicali, Desiree
Zaidm also from Mexicali, Rosy
and i cannot see
the other girls.
Thanks so much for this"
|
Posted
March 22, 2008
Rakassah West Festival, Sat. March 22 Algerian Ouled Nail
with Jasmyn,
Linda, Janine,
and Amy
 |
 |
Posted
March 17, 2008
Tamalyn breaks her leg!
Before;
Me, in the Swiss Alps, with Oriental dancers from
Switzerland,
Aziza and Meissoun getting
ready for downhill sledding.
|
 |
After
hitting a piece of asphault and breaking my leg.
I'll be back dancing in short
order. I have been practicing zils like crazy since
I can't be shimmying and tipptoing around for the
moment. Unfortunately, I had to postpone 7 workshops
in some pretty amazing places, like Spain, Poland,
Wisconsin, and New York. I get the cast off April 22,
just in time for my Teachers Training weekend workshop
in Seattle (April 26-27) Of course, not all the shimmying
will be done by me. Participants will be treated to
Hanan who will be flying in from
Miami to help me. We'll have a dance party afterward,and
everyone is welcome. Next- Santiago, Chile, May 17-18.
The doctor said I can teach alone by then, but easy
on the spins in the show- Try to stick to beledi with
lots of zils (The doctor is a Turkish woman). Then
I am good to do whatever I want by June 8, just in
time for a full summer of; Argentina, South Africa,
Spain, Mexico, Atlanta's Southern Fusion Fest, and
last but not least, teaching a week long workshop in
Seattle with guest, dance ethnologist, Helene
Eriksen. There is still room left in
both Teachers Training (April), and my week long, Aug.
25-31. Please log onto www.tamalyndallal.com for info
or e mail me. |
|
Recent
performance photo, taken in Miami Beach by Denise
Marino. The unique dress was
embroidered by the
women of Egypt's Siwa Oasis when I revisited after writing
my book "40 Days and 1001 Nights". If you would
like to support a dancer with a broken leg and no insurance,
in lieu of sympathy, go on the website www.40daysand1001nights.com
and read excerps from the book. Then, of course, I hope
you will be sufficiently tempted to buy the book and
read it. That's what I wrote it for...
Tamalyn Dallal |
|
|
|
|
click for larger photo
Back
row: Rachelle, Amanda, Mary, Melissa, Annie
Kristina, Rebeca, Lisa, Kelly
Middle row: Tristan, Lauren, Anna, Susan, Nicola, Laura, Marilou,
Orit, Voual, Michelle, Alice, Heathir, Donna, Marie
Front: Kyra,
Vicki, Angela, Samantha, Priscila, Amelie, Andrea,
Heather, Karen, Christina, Ioana.
|
|
Posted
March 6, 2008 at 2:20pmThis clip will be available
as soon at YouTube finishes processing it.
Gig Bag check #2
Debbie Smith interviews
Jillina of the BDSS backstage at the Marin Civic Center
|
Posted
March 1, 2008 at 4pm-
Gig Bag Check #1b featuring Monica
Berini
|
Posted
February 19, 2008
Danse Maghreb at Ashkenaz
in Berkeley Jan. 2008
with the Moh Alileche Ensemble performing dances of
the Algerian Kabyle |
Posted
February 7, 2008
Yasser
Darwish taught at Dance Mission
Theatre on January 13, 2008 sponsored by Amina Goodyear
all photos by Masouma Rose
Who
are these people?
back row: 1, 2, 3, Shaunte, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Christina
Amar, 11, 12, 13
front row: 1, Masouma, Yolanda?, Yasser, Monica |
Yasser teached in the beautiful corner studio looking
across Mission Street
|
George Lammams worried about this head!
Pachemama's in North Beach district of San Francisco |
|
?,
Sahra, Marcia, Kira and Roxxanne
posted
February 7, 2008
Roxxanne poses with friends at her event-
Hypzotica
at Walid'a restaurant in Alhambra, California, on January
19, 2008
Report and photos to follow. |
posted
1-7-08
Hey
there! Here is a holiday photo of the dancers of the Bijan
Restaurant from our holiday get together
at the Cheesecake Factory in Pleasanton: (from
left to right) Naiya,
Etana Hayal,
Salena,
Surreyya,
Setareh,
Samireh (& girls),
Shabaana,
Samira,
Khalila,
only Crystal is missing |
-
- June
2007 through December 2007
Pasha Restaurant of SF sells to new owner,
FCBD in SF Gay Pride Parade, Contests, Hadia in TX, Baby
BDr, Randa in TX, Video Clips begin!, Astryd teaches,
Turk Fest, Miles rescues Suhaila, Mendocino ME M&D
camp, Helene's travels, Helm at home in Fairfax, Miles
and the bigwigs of the ME, Mr Ahmed Asad dies suddenly
during workshop weekend in Montreal, Fiesta in Albaquerque,
Spirit of the Tribes in Florida, Holiday greetings from
all over!, DDF, Cartoonist runs for president, Bobby's
Girls reunion, Rakksah East, Dancer photos from Mexico
and Colorado and more
- January
2007 through May 2007
BDoY 2007 winners, Leila's beautiful
baby boy!, East Coast Classic, Dondi, Aziza's
world adventures, Rhea's dtr Melinda marries
in Greece, Serengheti Nights benefit , Reda's
Son's BD party, Kami Liddle Workshop, Siren Insanity,
Tribute to Rhonda, BDSS audtions in San Rafael,
Kaya's Baby girl!, Dancer night at San Jose pizzaria,
back stage video shoot pics.
- June
2006 through December 2006
Flamenco in West Marin, John
and Sharlyn pose together again, Sherry and
Taiwan dancers, Sahira teaches in Taiwan, Michel
and Sophia play dress up in Spain, Leyla Lanty
dancing at AWS in Cairo. Snake dancer gives
birth to a troupe!, BD cruise, Pr Farhana is
as a tattoo, Mark of Wash DC in SF, Holiday
photos, contests.
-
January
2006 through May 2006
grade school
interpretations of world dances, Helene's
intl travels, Goth DVD teaser video, BDSS
auditions, Aida, Magdy and Leila in LA,
cruising sites in SF, Salahs family in
Iran, Contest, Dondi workshopp, Suhaila
workshop, Vince gets down with fellow beatniks,
Helm making a CD, Jill Parker's undulation,
Meena in Iraq, MaryEllen with students
from Taiwan- Cheg yi and Sherri, SFMECDA
officers for 2005,
-
April
through December 2005
Alexandria
in London, Khalid in SF, BD in Maui, Gia and pet,
Tracking BDrs after Hurricane Katrina, Papa's Taverna
in N California, Princess Farhana Teaches, Angelika's
tour in Turkey, Giza Awards for video, Egyptian Folkloric
troupe in SF, contests all over, gilded serpent sited
in zoo, BDr in local parade. Bdr dolls hit toy stores
|
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