Surreyya for the Gilded Serpent

The Gilded Serpent presents
Surreyya

One of the few singing snake dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Surreyya is a highly sought after performer. She sings in English and Turkish, and dances regularly solo as well as with the bands Mastyka, Hazerfan and Tellus818. Surreyya's performance is full of excitement, and is inspired by Egyptian, Turkish and American Tribal flavors of dance. A passionate and creative performer, she also incorporates props (sword, cane, snakes, veil, finger cymballs) into her repertoire. She also thrives on audience participation, often giving impromptu lessons and adding a comedic twist to her performance.

Surreyya (Beth) Hada began dancing at the age of four, and studied ballet, jazz and eventually modern dance in her teens. A member of the Coronado High School Dance team, she studied under the late Shirley Staten, a beloved student of Martha Graham. Also a vocalist and clarinetist since the age of 5, Surreyya had a deep passion for music, especially eastern scales and rhythms. It was at that time she taught herself to sing in half and quarter tones commonly used by eastern singers. Surreyya performed regularly with the CHS Marching and Concert Bands as well as smaller ensembles, choirs and rock bands.

After attending UTEP, Surreyya relocated to San Francisco, and began Music Industry studies at SFSU in 1994. It was at this time she met Lynette Harris and began studying Middle Eastern Dance. The marriage of music and dance was a profound experience and doors were opened. Sadly, Lynette moved too far for lessons to continue. Surreyya continued study with the guidance of workshops by Bert Belladine, and Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour. She also began voice studies with Kathy Kennedy in 2000.

Wanting to add dance to her rock band performance, Surreyya joined the Turkish influenced HAZERFAN in 2003. At this time Lynette introduced her to Najia Marlyz who helped Surreyya to develop and refine her dancer's edge (read Gilded Serpent Article below). Najia inspired a whole new concept of improvisational dance to her repertoire. With a love of props (and snakes!) Surreyya is adept and skilled with swords, snakes and just about anything else she can balance on her head!

surreyya.com

hazerfan.com

Articles on Gilded Serpent by or about Surreyya:
3-11-08 Serpentessa – Do not try this at home…. DVD review of "Belly Dance with Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent" Review by Surreyya
There are things in this video I can get behind and things I can’t. A blessing and a curse of this video is that there is so much information that it is difficult to navigate through it all.

12-3-07 Bellyqueen vs. Barbary Coast: It’s an east coast west coast showdown! Gina Grandi puts on a show of astronomical proportions. Review and photos by Surreyya
Comedic timing, clever costuming and an endless supply of mojo bring about the wonderment of the early settlers of the California gold rush, with a taste of burlesque, and a taunt of influences from around the globe.

11-5-07 Two For One, Two very different DVDs on Turkish Dance reviewed, DVD review by Surreyya
I Love Turkish Dance by Sarah Skinner & Turkish Style Belly Dance by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat

8-21-07 Flamenco Dance: Secrets of the Professionals Book reviewed by Surreyya Hada
Paco Sevilla, one of the foremost flamencologists, writes nearly an encyclopedia and professional reference book for the ambitious dancer let alone, flamenco enthusiast, musician or dancer.

3-14-07 Morgana's Animal Magnetism, Interview with Morgana of Madrid by Surreyya
After seeing Morgana’s Serpent Dance, where she embodies the personality of the serpent, I was hooked. Any snake lovers or snake dancers will have a special appreciation for this piece.

1-27-07 Mining for Gold in the Gilded Serpent Archives - List #1 Surreyya's Favorite Articles
I've compiled a list of articles that have inspired, influenced and enabled me to cross many intersections when arriving at a challenge.

1-10-07 Ansuya's San Francisco Performance Reviewed by Surreyya
Superstar Ansuya and Belly dancer enthusiast and event producer Gina Grandi provide warm environment to feature up and coming local talent.

12-7-06 Jazayer's "Enchanted Journey" CD Reviewed by Surreyya
“It is easy to make easy music sound good…” they say.

10-31-06 Dancers Arms by Aruna, DVD review by Surreyya
Why you must get this DVD and why some instructors don’t want you to know about it…

9-13-06 Luna’s Café Bellie Serves Up a Mix of Dance Delights Review and Photos by Surreyya
Ten bones gets you a great lesson, and the best local talent worth absorbing…

8-4-06 Field Report from the Dance Gig Front by Surreyya Hada
After a pause, and a little embarrassment, I threw my hands up at him in disgust and walked away. The audience laughed loudly.

6-16-05 Surreyya: Adding Dance to Her Repertoire by Najia Marlyz
Set choreographies are seldom the “stuff of dreams” but simply serve as crutches for the dancer who has not developed a “clean edge”.