2008

12-31-08 8th Annual Blood Moon Regale: Disease 101 Photos and text by Brad Dosland
With interpretations ranging from comic to poignant, dancers portrayed a gamut of disorders from Scarlet Fever to Head Lice, Elephantiasis to Anorexia. Many of the performances were touchingly powerful, while others such as Origin’s depiction of Crabs had the capacity audience at the grand old Colonial Theatre laughing out loud (and scratching themselves subconsciously).

12-16-08 Whose Dance is This, Anyway? Where Do Men Fit into the Belly Dance World? by Lara
As soon as he was born, dancers of all stripes immediately started in with "Oh, a new little drummer for the troupe!". Excuse me? Why is there an instant assumption from birth that all little boys will be drummers and all little girls will be dancers just like mommy.
---Added Feature! See our Gallery of Men in Middle Eastern Dance

12-14-08 What’s in a Name? Orientalizing Oriental by Paola
He had already managed to use my definition of my dance form against me, to paint me as marginal, politically incorrect, and strangely enough, to “orientalize” me within the context of that symposium in the ways that Said describes in Orientalism. I was now, officially, “Other”.

12-13-08 What is a Set List? by Aszmara
Finding what makes everyone happy is a little like having a dinner party with a person on a diet, a vegan, and meat & potato type guy. It takes planning, discussion and knowledge to put together a good show.

12-11-08 Parveneh: Promoting Diversity Through Public Access TV, An Interview by Anniitra Ravenmoon
I had always wanted to do something with Public Access. So, the Belly dance and public access came together and “Hafla” was born! Although I have found some attitudes to be exclusive, I decided I wanted to be inclusive; so my show has featured diversity. I have presented larger, smaller, older and younger dancers (and, especially, women of color) who are often excluded here in our local area.

12-10-08 Leila Haddad & the Gypsy Musicians of Upper Egypt " In the Trail of the Ghawazee" March 2008 US Tour, by Amy Bonham
Sponsored by the World Music Institute. "These musicians come from a long tradition that could be as old as the pyramids"

12-8-08 Is Bellydance Good Exercise? by Venus (Marilee Nugent), BSc, Kinesiology, BA Art & Culture
While it is important to love and accept one’s body as it is today—and bellydance is a great way to get actively motivated as well as realize one can feel sexy and beautiful at any size—it is important to continue to move forward from that acceptance on the path of improved health and well-being.

12-3-08 My Dinner with Nadia Hamdi by Fatima Bassmah
We asked if they had any videos, photos, or costumes from Nadia's life as a dancer, but they had none. When Nadia took the hijab and gave up dancing, she destroyed all photos and videos of herself since that life was over.

12-1-08 Ask Yasmina: Evolution, Oum Kalthoum, & Cover ups by Yasmina Ramzy
A first column in a once-a-month series: GS is proud to present this passionate and knowledgeable expert in the field of Middle Eastern Dance; she is an artist, pioneer, and creator of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.

11-26-08 Bellydancer of the Universe Competition 2008, photos by Carl Sermon
held in Long Beach, California, on February 18 & 19, 2008, produced by Tonya and Atlantis

11-20-08 Winning Bellydancer of the Universe by Mia
Puerto Rico is kind of a small island, not that we’re cut off from the world or anything, but we don’t have huge hafflas or competitions here. In fact, after about two years of classes and training we have to travel outside our country to keep up with the whirlwind of innovation that is bellydance.

11-17-08 So You Want to Dance in Cairo? by Leila
Foreign dancers who negotiate their own auditions with hotel managers usually find themselves seated at his private table in the nightclub month after month while he promises that next week he will make her an orchestra and give her an audition.

11-15-08 Bellydance Fashion, American Style: The 2nd Annual Decotach Fashion Show Report by Tanna Valentine photos by Brian Lin
For this year’s fashion event, Ms. Lambru chose to display her costumes in the context of a Berber wedding.

11-11-08 Omar Faruk Tekbilek demonstrates the Ney video by Lynette
Also incuded are short performance clips of Omar with the instruments and band members as well as his wife, Susie, performing a few Turkish style dance gestures

11-7-08 Gift of the Muse: Finding and Using “Dance Energy” by Najia Marlyz
The concept of “Dance Energy” carries with it a power that appears to compel the dancer to move without conscious thought or excessive effort.

11-4-08 The Skinny on Abdominal Strengthening by Venus (Marilee Nugent), BSc, Kinesiology, BA Art & Culture
You’ve probably heard the terms neutral spine and core balance being bandied about, and seen numerous class offerings for Pilates, body ball, and core workouts. You may be wondering, is this the sort of thing you should be checking out?

10-30-08 Aussie ATS Charm in Taipei: Devi Mamak by Lisa Chen
Since both of us are not based in San Francisco, we share many common factors in terms of learning ATS and developing our own visions for it back in our own home venues.

10-23-08 One Dancer, A Journey of Self- Acceptance by Melodi
However, it wasn’t long before I started to realize that the other girls were different than me. More importantly, I realized that I was different from them.

10-17-08 Tajikistan: The Land of Dance, Part One by Robyn C. Friend, Ph.D.
Video features: #1-Introduction by author, #2- A Map Tour on an ancient and modern map.
" Communication with the outside world is difficult and expensive, and nearly impossible during the winter."

10-16-08 Solstice Festival in Catalunia, Spain June 20-22, 2008 photos by Eulalia Grau and Janixia text by Ling Shien Bell
For the third year in a row, Maria Cresswell produced a dance and music festival honoring the Summer Soltice. This year's three day event took place high up in the Catalunian Pyrenees, in a rustic hostel fed by fresh springs and bordered by a rushing river.

10-14-08 Inside Peek at Making Music Videos: Hakim, Khalid Selim, Walid Toufic, Ali el Hagar, Elam, & Samira Said by Leila
I was either crying or yelling at Hakim for most of the shoot and went home each day with a headache from it.

10-8-08 Dance - Deeper than the Moves by Keti Sharif
A dancer who feels “safe” in the rhythm, footwork, technical movement feels grounded and secure as she dances. A grounded dancer will be less "in her head” and allow the authenticity of feeling to come through her body as a flowing, emotive movement that expresses the music and how she “feels” the music.

10-6-08 "Just feel the music when you're on stage!” Interview with Ozgen, Male Turkish Belly Dancer, by Nini Baseema
Well, I think my heart still beats for big shows and productions, as much as I know how stressful and difficult that show-life can be. I seem to not be able to live without it.

10-2-08 Self-Esteem and the Bellydancer by Taaj
…but then, I wondered, why are so many belly dancers jealous, unhappy, competitive and insecure? Does belly dance really build self-esteem?

10-1-08 North Beach Memories- Casbah Cabaret, Part I Circa 1973 by Rebaba
We performed what I have dubbed “conveyer belt dancing”, that is three dancers doing three shows each, starting promptly at 8:30 p.m. without stopping until 2:00 a.m., whether we had an audience or not.

9-29-08 Bible-Belt Belly Dancing in the 1970's: An interview with Azur Aja by John Clow
Azur Aja (Sharon Wright), a belly dancer from the Nashville Tennessee area, is endearingly known as ‘The Lady With The Veils’. Her career has spanned over thirty-five years, and her style has been influenced by some of the most recognizable names in American belly dance history.

9-25-08 Missing Elections… What Happened to MECDA’s Democracy? by Doyne Allen
In most organizations comprised of paying members, only a vote of the membership can enact any change in its charter.

9-17-08 Belly Dance in Japan Reaches New Heights of Popularity by Ranya Renee Fleysher
Japanese audiences are extremely receptive, supportive and interested in this form of entertainment.” Conservative elder Japanese may still disapprove of the sensual aspect of belly dance, but among the younger generation it is seen as cool and trendy.

9-15-08 My First Experience in Egypt by Nadira
I have always felt a pull to visit Egypt to experience the history and culture of this dance I love so much. The chance came about just recently and it was so worth the wait.

9-13-08 Folk Tours 6th Annual Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp Report and Photos by Nina Amaya
held at Camp Greenlane in Pennsylvania, May 2008. The authenticity of the camp is amazing. I love Rakkasah and Tribal weekends as much as anyone else, but watching and listening to Arab musicians play Arab music and Turkish musicians play Turkish music, well, that adds a little something! After the nightly shows, the musicians keep playing to the wee hours and the camp dances in the big dining hall until we drop.

9-11-08 Spirit of the Tribes 2008 photos by Denise Marino
April, 24-27 2008, War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Produced by Maja

9-10-08 Festival Fantasia: A New Direction by Josephine Wise
I had a vision of the whole dance scene becoming one and being aware of one another.

9-9-08 Bert & Me: Vignettes From Our Partnership by Najia Marlyz
Though Bert might like to think of himself as a simple man, in fact, he is a very complex and private person whose lifetime is filled with famous and colorful characters and experiences.

9-8-08 Carl's Raqs LA Photos, Best from the Stage on the Lower Level, Photos by Carl Sermon text by Carl Sermon, Ma*Shuqa and Marta Schill
held May 17-18, 2008 Glendale Civic Auditorium, California, produced by Miles Copeland and organized by Marta Schill

9-1-08 The Broken Vessel by Paola
We, too, must believe in our movements, believe in their purpose and message, and we must deploy them with the array of human faculties that begin to evolve when the Art of the Dance is taken up.

8-29-08 The Hippie Connection: Robert Altman’s 1969 In Utero Belly Dance Portrait of ME by Melina of Daughters of Rhea
There it was, the second of a series of black and white hippy portraits --people raving, a woman blissfully breastfeeding, couples hugging, dogs leaping – THE SEMINAL PHOTO OF MY LIFE – only, I was cut out!

8-19-08 The Mendocino Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp 2008, Part 1 report by Sophia & Lynette
This morning the classes begin. Dinner and breakfast was quite good! The students on scholarship working the kitchen were cheerful and surprisingly bright eyed after being up so late last night!

8-16-08 Randa Kamal by Yasmina of Cairo
"Then the film roles that I've been offered have unfortunately been frivolous, or portrayed the dancer in the stereotypical way they always do. The cinema has done enough to spoil the reputation of dancers, without me adding to it by taking such a role."

8-16-08 Dina: April 2008 by Catherine Barros
It was a late night as usual as we didn't even go out until midnight to have dinner and watch Dina at around 3am . . . but who was watching the time . . . It is CAIRO!

8-4-08 My Winning Experience at Leyla Jouvana and Roland's 1st Bellydancer of the World Contest by Khalida
Author is winner of the 1st place in the Solo Raks Sharki and 3rd Place in the Solo - Fusion Fantasy Categories

8-1-08 Fantasy Bellydance, A New & Ancient Reality by Jehan
This trend has been growing steadily since I can remember, but caught fire recently, due to the instantaneous broadcasting of ideas and styles on the worldwide web and the proliferation and availability of video for this generation of dancers.

7-30-08 Ahlan Wa Sahlan 2008, Not So Welcoming this Year by Yasmin
Prices have gone up everywhere, and Egypt is no exception. The reality hit me as soon as I walked into the Mena House. Bottled water was $4.00, where out in the street the same bottle was $.50. A bottle of beer was $10.00. Internet connection was $30.00 / hour. At those prices, life's little pleasures didn't seem important anymore.

7-29-08 Saturday at Raqs LA, One Dancer’s Journey Back Home by Emily Farasha
There was a nice variety of vendors, mostly leaning towards the cabaret style of costuming and props, although there were vendors catering to tribal dancers as well. Dancing on two open stages provided constant entertainment with a variety of performance types.

7-28-08 Suhaila in the Phoenix, photos by Susie Poulelis, video by Lynette
June 28, 2008, Brava Theatre in San Francisco, CA Produced by Bellydance Odyssey

7-24-08 Professional Presence, Stories and Advice from 30 Years Under the Hip Belt and Counting... by Aszmara
The audiences’ first glimpse of you is as you arrive and how they see you affects their opinion of your show. First impressions count!

7-23-08 Making Recorded Music Memorable by Chandani
Through the years we have come up with ways to make pre-recorded performance music sound better, work better and avoid mishaps.

7-17-08 Saturday Gala Peformance Part 2 of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada video and photo report by GS staff
Performers in Act 2 : Aisha Ali of Southern California, Bozenka of Florida, Amy Sigil & Kari Vanderzwaag of Unmata from Sacramento, California, Tito Seif of Egypt, Aida Nour of Egypt

7-17-08 IBDC Part 3: The Community Response- Dream Big by Betsey Flood, Photos contributed by Masouma Rose and Monica
What did those who attended that Las Vegas event last August – the one that strove to become the biggest belly dance convention ever -- think about their experience? Their answers may surprise you.

7-15-08 Egyptian Wedding Stories by Leila of Cairo
All the guests were staring at us. The father of the bride demanded to know who ordered the bellydancer and it seemed a fight was going to break out between representatives of the brides’ family and the hotel organizer.

7-12-08 Jodette: Undeniably Authentic by Sausan
“Why do students go against their own teacher,” Jodette continued , “and spread ugly rumors?” I looked at her a shook my head. It's a lament that I, too, have experienced from time to time as teacher of this dance.

7-9-08 Journey into Womanhood by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
Our mission, as women, is to encourage others to joyfully anticipate all the decades of their lives. Those who have gone before us have always and will always help us on our paths.

7-8-08 When Two Doors Close Two Doors Open, New Venues in New York City, by Sarah Skinner
Scott was thrilled with the new place and said it reminds him of the late night clubs in Istanbul, Turkey. At the end of the night I walked out into the hot summer air feeling invigorated and inspired.

7-3-08 Belly Dancing in Estonia by Ines Karu
As in the rest of the world, the Egyptian style of belly dance is the most popular one in Estonia. Most of the instructors and dancers are specialized in that style. The American Tribal Style Belly Dance is also becoming more known each day. The general impression of belly dance in Estonia is glamorous, feminine, luxurious, modern and elegant. It's a time where Estonian dancers can truly say that they can be proud to be a Middle Eastern dance artist in Estonia.

6-28-08 Tribal Fest 2008, Saturday May,17 2008, Sebastopol, CA photos and video by Lynette
Event Produced by BlackSheep BellyDance and held in the Sebastolpol Community Center, photos and performance clips of Hahbi’Ru, Unmata, Sexy Scallywags, Romka, Tempest, Clandestine, Titanya, RockRose, Natium, Sabrina

6-27-08 The Complete Performance Bag by Anna
The performance bag is that ONE practical and necessary accessory that aids in the creation of that ideal performance environment.

6-22-08 American Belly Dancing 1966: B.C. (Before Choreography) Schehera of Ohio Interviewed by John Clow
The censors didn’t want me to show my stomach because you couldn’t reveal the navel on television back then. Keeping the veil on was kind of hard to do, dancing with a snake.

6-17-08 Tito Seif: The Moment of Eternal Shimmy by Stavros Stavrou Karayanni photos by Samira and Masouma, videos by Lynette
Tito is now an international phenomenon. And how wonderful that a man from Egypt has taken to the West’s belly dance stages establishing himself as one of the greatest belly dancers and showmen today. Such development flies in the face of those American belly dance instructors, students, and performers who have long considered this art defunct in Egypt and dependent upon their kind support and cultivation.

6-16-08 Arab Defamation in the Media: Do Unwary Dancers Add Harm to the Mix? by Najia Marlyz
My frustration rose when the television news commentators expressed their puzzlement over the significance of the “shoe slapping antics” as they attempted to interpret them for western viewers. If they had had any inkling of the enormity of the hatred the insult indicated, they would not have made the silly comments that they made that day!

6-10-08 Bellydance Grows in West Virginia by Narah
It has allowed us to build upon the ties we already have and extend them to other dancers, making a community of sharing and support.

6-6-08 A Moment with Amy Sigil, Interview and Videos by Lynette Harris
If life doesn't get any better than this, then, it's okay with me! I feel so fortunate. I know so many dancers that are more talented than I; yet, here I am! When my time is over, I will bow out gracefully. I am thankful from the bottom of my heart.

6-5-08 Not for Cinderella: The Glass Dance by Tasha Banat
Use new glasses whenever possible, and never put them in the dishwasher!

6-3-08 The Egyptian Dance Code: Technique to the Perfect Dance by Sausan
Twenty-eight years after my first class in Belly dance, I looked at all the dancers once again and realized what they were doing to look Egyptian. I had discovered the Egyptian Dance Code. That was back in 2000.

5-26-08 Betty Th’ Builder: a Little Something Extra to Shake Co-written by Najia Marlyz and Salima
This year's "Grand Dancer" tells of her transformation from body builder to Bellydancer

5-21-08 Saturday Gala Peformance Part 1 of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada video and photo report by GS staff
Performers include: Lopa Sarkar, Sacred Dance Company of Victoria, Nath Keo, Roshana Nofret & Maria Zapetis of Bozenka's BD Academy, Ensemble El Saharat of Germany-
Mayyadah & Amir of Germany, Ferda Bayazit of Turkey, Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra of Toronto

5-16-08 Visiting Cairo: You live a whole lifetime in one week! by Paola
Laughter builds bridges, and in today’s world, bridges – between individuals and between cultures, are becoming more and more of an imperative.

5-13-08 The Ancient Art of Keeping Your Mouth Shut by Neon
Even one’s casual presence in the forums infested with negative-spirited discussions can instantly strip a successful artist of her magical charisma.

5-9-08 Carl Sermon's Photos from the Hoover Hafla
Event produced by The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of MECDA on February 10, 2008, at Hoover Theatre in San Jose, CA

5-8-08 The Dance Zones of Egypt: Sahra Kent's Journey Through Egypt Basic 1 Workshop Report and photos by Debbie Smith
Although not strictly speaking a “dance” workshop, for each zone we got up to learn some characteristic steps and posture, and gestures associated with each dance zone/style, a good way to blend the theoretical with the experiential.

5-5--8 Dances along the Nile, Part 2: Raks Al Balas by Gamila El Masri, Reprinted with permission, from Bennu, Issue Vol.6 #3
Ah, the poor balas (water jug). This is one of the most underestimated and ignored of the dances along the Nile.

5-3-08 Improving Breathing for Better Dance Performance by Taaj
We also hold our breath when we concentrate or get nervous. This brings tension into our bodies. The more tension we have, the more shallow we breathe. It can become a vicious circle!

5-2-08 Live a DanceDivas’ Life! Interview with Jane Yee Shan Chung by Lisa Chen
Then I saw the Suhaila technique workshop announced on her website and I just signed up without knowing exactly what her format is. I am the only person who did not learn Suhaila format before at that workshop. I was so naïve, I simply wanted to give it a try.

4-23-08 to ? From Toronto, Ontario,Canada The International Bellydance Conference of Canada
Video reports by Gilded Serpent Staff Reports are presented in video format inbedded all on the same page.
4-23-08 Day 1 Wednesday Evening Show-remix from last year's stars
-Sofia, Serena, Rhythm Of The Nile, Anita of Dance Poi, pregnant Mayada, Shades Of Araby- Valizan and Sofia, Rayna, Rahma, troupe in shinny black straight skirts? Masouma Rose getting Mayyadah and Amir's reaction to the show. Clip intro reporting by Shira.
4-25-08 Day 2 Introduced by Ferda Bayazit and
4-26-08 Day 2 Thursday Evening Show
-Roula Said's Roulettes M2, Jaida of New York, Ozgen of Turkey and the UK, Ivanka of Panama, The amazing Asha of Atlanta and the troupe, Goddess Bellydance of Korea.
4-29-08 Day 3 Friday Daytime Activities
-Reporting today are Roula Said, Mark Balahadia, and Ranya Renee. Video glimpses included: Tito, Bozenka, Ferda, Lynette Harper, Ranya Renee, Mark Balahadia, Roula Said, Stavros, The "Man Panel," plus more
4-29-08 Day 3 Friday Evening Show
This video clip is a collage from the Main Stage show on Friday night. Performers included: Banat el Sharq, Ishra (we missed her- sorry!), Suha, Mark Balahadia, Nouvel Expose', Mariyah, Dominique, edVenture Arts, Dr Sawa, Danielle, Maqamaikaze, Jim Boz, Leah & Lynette Harper, Sefirah, and Arabian Allspice
4-30-08 Day 4 Saturday Daytime Activities
-Reporting today are Andrea Deagon and Rahma Haddad Glimpses include: Bozenka's class, Aida Nour's class, Amy Sigil's Class, Panel on Teaching Standards, and Aisha Ali's lecture

4-21-08 Strained Relations Comic by Pepper Alexandria
Hi! Remember me? I'm your long lost cousin!

4-18-08 Dancing with the Legends - honoring the musicians who shaped our dance world... Eddie Kochak, the Sheik, the Man by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, & Christy Guenther
Eddie found that the melodies from Aleppo still spoke to him as an adult. He continues, “I thought I could take some of these melodies, put my feelings to them, and create what we now call the Amer-Aba sound. We created simple routines for the teacher to teach and the student to learn.

4-14-08 Taheyia Karioka, Queen of Oriental Cabaret Dance by Sausan
In the 1980’s, the spread of Islam and its fundamental militancy proved to be a big blow for Egypt’s belly dance industry. As a result, several dancers publicly renounced their pasts and donned the Islamic veil.

4-11-08 I Loved the Old Days at the Bagdad! by Habiba Nawal
I think I was making about fifteen or twenty dollars a night plus tips. It was all about the tips! The girls from New York made twenty-five, if I remember right. Bert sometimes got me shows for about thirty or seventy-five dollars for what he called “The Furry Animal Clubs”, like the Lions, the Elk and the Kiwanis.

4-8-08 Divorcing Belly Dance From Burlesque by Miles Copeland
As it is traditionally understood, I do not find Burlesque, (meaning nudity-no matter how hard one pretends it does not) amusing or creative in the slightest when it comes to including Belly dance, an art that has suffered too long with such unfortunate associations. I find it completely irresponsible and detrimental.

4-7-08 When the Hip Hits the Fan by Princess Farhana
Though fan dancing is not considered traditional in raqs sharqi, due to the increasing popularity of fusion, many Oriental dancers are exploring fusing the many styles of fan dancing and Belly dance with stunning results. When used onstage, fans are FAN-ciful, conveying various emotions to an audience, as well as being a spectacular visual treat. They can be dramatic and stately, or coy and flirtatious and are always a crowd pleaser!

4-3-08 Dances along the Nile, Part 1: Raks Al Asaya by Gamila El Masri, Reprinted with permission, from Bennu, Issue Vol.6 #3
There is strength in the cane twirl but not aggression, extreme rapid twirling should be held as an additional sensational feat, less is more. Have your body of twirling be moderate so that you can vary from slow to climatic; always reflecting the music, it's mood and tempo. Get down without getting crazy.

3-31-08 A New Venue for Rakkasah Festival West by Susie Poulelis
In retail, there is a saying that having an item sell out was a happy problem to have. You want to keep your customers yearning for more, making sure they won't hesitate to buy the next time they see something they want.

3-27-08 To Buy or Not to Buy – A Guide to Mass Market Belly Dance Instructional DVDs by Yasmin
Most producers ask or hire others to write glowing reviews. You will often see the same people reviewing a producer’s entire line of product. Those are suspect. Look for the one-off comments. They will give a better overview, along with anything less than 5 stars.

3-25-08 A Career Path Less Traveled: Dancing in Movies and TV in the'60s, An Interview with Tanya Lemani by John Clow
In "Get Smart" I enjoyed working with Karen Steele and Don Adams. They took some of my lines out and Don saw that I was upset. Don insisted that they give some of them back to me.

3-22-08 Hafla at the Hoover featuring Morocco February 10, 2008, Hoover Theatre in San Jose, CA Video and photos by Lynette
Debbie Smith on scene reporter, event produced by The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of MECDA

3-17-08 From Cabaret to DJ Bellydance in New York: An Overview, 1988 - 2007 by Nina Costanza (Amar)
But the primary forums for dancers, the major New York nightclubs, have closed their doors. Cabaret is gone; it is the era of the DJ. And the new dancer has to have another job.

3-17-08 Photos from Carnival of Stars 2007- A-Z Page 3 Casual photos by Carl Sermon, Duane Stevens, John Kalb, Murat Bayhan, and Lynette Harris
Novemenber 10 & 11, 2007, produced by Alexandria and Latifa Centennial Hall in Hayward, California

3-15-08 Love Stories…The Choreographies of Raqia Hassan, by Astryd Farah deMichele
A new feeling emerged about how the music truly is the dance, it creates the dance… the feelings behind Egyptian music, the soul of the music, are that which we experience as artists and dance to; for performers, so that it can be visually displayed.

3-13-08 Enduring Open Criticism: A Student’s Question about Feeling Humiliated by Najia Marlyz
What is wrong with our form of dance today is a direct result of the current trend for treating dance students as if they were in therapy or grade school (or both).

3-12-08 Just the Facts, In Response to: "MECDA Breaks its Silence by Rachel Lazarus" by Doyne Allen
We have never accused anyone of stealing money. We have brought to the MECDA Board’s attention the waste and bad management of funds.

3-5-08 Learning Matrix: A Long Journey, The Belly Dance Scene in Taiwan, by Lisa Chen
Sometimes, one might have to admit that learning only choreographies might lead students and dancers away from learning the essential elements of traditional Belly dance.

3-2-08 The North Valley Belly Dance Competition- 2007, Photos by Michael Baxter
Held on November 10, 2007, in Oroville, California, event produced by Carolee and David Tamori. It was an exciting contest, covering five categories: Novices, Intermediates, Troupe dancers, Solos and Live Solos. Live music was provided by Doug Adam's amazing Light Rain.

2-28-08 How the Recession Affects Your Classes And What You Can Do About It by Mira
The major issues with attracting students are ever-present. They’re just more pronounced during hard times. Here’s what you’ll likely start hearing from your current and prospective students.

2-27-08 One Night at the El Morocco in Las Vegas by Anajim
Oh God, now we have to stay or be rude. I had a brainstorm, and retorted, "Well, I only like Armenian music. If you can play any of that, we will stay".

2-18-08 A Conversation with Dr. Mohamed Geddawi Ahlan Cairo Nights, August 4, 2007, Dallas, Texas by Catherine Barros
Dr. Mo is attentive to the workshop participants, giving a breakdown on each combination, and provides individual attention when someone has a difficulty. His no-nonsense style of teaching is informative, making you think about why you dance, how to dance, how to be a better dancer, and making you laugh.

2-18-08 A Night at Wahib's Roxxanne Shelaby's "Pure Sharqi" video and photos by Lynette
On January 19, Gilded Serpent was in Los Angeles for Pure Sharqi, a special evening of live music and dance, hosted by Roxxanne Shelaby (Hypzotica Productions), at Wahib’s in Alhambra. The evening featured the house band, led by Mouhamad Salem, along with invited dancers Aubre, Alexandra, the Lumina Dance Company, Debbie Smith, Sahra Saida, and Roxxanne herself, in addition to the regular house dance company the Sahlala Dancers.

2-16-08 An Invitation to Haiku the Bellydance by Najia Marlyz
Haiku often does not take itself or its subjects too seriously and is simply word images and sensory feelings conveyed by means of three lines only.

2-14-08 Photos from Carnival of Stars 2007- A-Z Page 2- L through Z photos by Carl Sermon, Duane Stevens, John Kalb, Murat Bayhan, Christopher Erickson, Lynette Harris
Novemenber 10 & 11, 2007, produced by Alexandria and Latifa Centennial Hall in Hayward, California

2-11-08 Photos from Carnival of Stars 2007- A-Z Page 1- A through K photos by Carl Sermon, Duane Stevens, John Kalb, Murat Bayhan, and Lynette Harris
Novemenber 10 & 11, 2007, produced by Alexandria and Latifa Centennial Hall in Hayward, California

2-8-08 Amina's North Beach Memories, Chapter 7: Yousef – Black Lights and Veils by Amina Goodyear
It was kind of hard to compete with this kind of action when we kept our clothes on.

2-6-08 The Secret of Saiidi Song and Dance-Straight from the Horse’s Mouth by Keti Sharif
"Saiidi". Say this word anywhere in Egypt (including El Saiid) and colloquially it implies someone who is funny, backward - a loveable, gullible character with salt-of-the-earth village simplicity. To call someone “Saiidi” is a local term or endearment for a likeable buffoon!

2-5-08 My First Mid East Gig by Yasmina Ramzy
Once we landed in Amman, we were greeted on the tarmac by solid lines of soldiers on both sides leading to the doorway of the airport, machine guns pointed towards the passengers. I don't recall ever seeing even one Canadian soldier in the flesh and blood, let alone a gun, let alone so many big guns and pointed at me. I don't think I blinked during that endless walk. We were clearly not in Hawaii.

2-1-08 MECDA Breaks Its Silence by Rachel Lazarus Soto
Thomas agreed that this was a good idea, and Schill volunteered to do the paperwork, presumably on the behalf of MECDA.

1-31-08 A Vendor's View by Artemis
Promoters need to respect their vendors, not just for fees that they have given them, but because without the vendors lining the room, where is the color (other than on the stage), and where is the “bazaar” atmosphere of the event?

1-28-08 The Devil's Details, Show Ethics for Professionals Part 5 - Beauty by
For new dancers, mastering the art of glamour can be daunting. But take heart, while internal sensuality requires character work, external beauty is easier to fix

1-22-08 “Dancing In The Streets; A History of Collective Joy” Authored by Barbara Ehrenreich, A Book Recommendation by Delilah
In her book, Barbara Ehrenreich takes one back to the original motivations of dance along a historic journey of how human impetus to dance, has been repressed by societal hierarchy, and religious zealots.

1-16-08 Backstage with the Reda Troupe by Debbie Smith
Seeing the company in performance six times was truly a wonderful experience, because each time I saw some new detail or subtlety in the movements, the costuming, the structure of the dances, and in individual performer’s presences on stage.

1-15-08 Cairo’s Streets Come Alive: Baladina Egyptian Dance Theater and Sharia Mohamed Ali by Erin Crouch photos are by Adrian Fenty
October 13, 2007, Chicago, Illinois. A modern temptress steals a man away from a traditional woman, who then finds a new man of her own. Perhaps a necessity for a dance company composed of mostly women, men seemed a hot commodity in the performance.

1-15-08 Photos from " Hate the Game Not the Player" in Oakland, California Photos by Liza Heider
A day of dance by Bay Area's Award Winning Bellydancers Presented by Shabnam and Mo on Saturday December 9th 2006

1-10-08 John Bilezikjian Where Old World Charm Meets Musical Genius by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat,
First in the series- DANCING WITH LEGENDS… honoring the musicians who shaped our dance world

1-9-08 Remembering Lynn Zalot and the Creation of the Habibi Magazine by Sadira
While everyone knew of Bob Zalot, who came to so many performances sporting his happy smile and booming laugh, many had no idea that his wife, Lynn was the true guts, heart, and workings of Habibi.

1-7-08 IBDC Part 2:- A Gilded Serpent tale, Alex in Wonderland, by Amina Goodyear
Unfortunately, the event did not draw the amount of vendors he had expected and, I believe, because he himself had not yet made a reputation for himself as a credible festival producer, he did not get the numbers of the dancers he wished for. Belly dancers are special people and Alex personally did not understand their basic nature.

2004 (83 articles)

12-26-04 Undercover Belly Dancer in Iraq- “THAAWUMPFF” by Meena
The women who work in the Ministry are brave women. At first they looked at me with suspicion, not sure of my ethnicity. I sometimes get thanked when they realize that I share the Arab blood.

12-23-04 We Shop, We Bathe, And We Eat! Justine’s Culinary Adventures in Turkey, by Justine Merrill
The Egyptian spice market in Istanbul is a wonderful place to be a new chef, not only does it hold a treasure chest in spices, it has the most charming men, who know how to cook.

12-9-05 New Dance Contest/Theme Party ”A Night at Casablanca!” Photos by Lynette
October 2, 2004 at the Benicia Clocktower Benicia, California Sponsored by Siren In Sanity

12-8-04 Mona el Said in Dallas, Part 2 by Catherine E Barros
12-7-04 Mona el Said in Dallas, Part 1, by Catherine E Barros
Sponsored by Little Egypt at the Holiday Inn, Dallas Texas September 3 - 5, 2004.
It's always nice when you find that someone, whom you've put up on a big pedestal, is down to earth, just "folks" like the rest of us.

12-2-04 The Universal Language: Dancing Makes Us Beautiful and Depression-free by Adry Svraka
After a long time living with my depression, I found something that is better than any kind of pill or therapy.

11-12-04 Mystery Dancer #1: Iklas
Gilded Serpent is looking for clues to the story behind this lovely dancer! If you have any information, please contact us!

11-11-04 Sunday Afternoon at the Desert Dance Festival '04, Page 2 Photos by Monica
11-9-04 Sunday Afternoon at the Desert Dance Festival '04 Report by Nisima Photos & Captions by Monica Page 1
Consequently, I was a very popular girl all day as vendors called out to me to visit and talk. After all, I was a bona-fide Actual Audience Member.

10-31-04 Dancers Belly Up to Beat Bush, by Grace, Photos by James Dudek & Victoria Seidman
Even in the politically minded Bay Area, the dance community rarely seems to take an activist stance.

10-30-04 Fill-'Er Up! by Alyson
"I'm so glad you came to help me Theify!", Alexandria's Belly Dance Comics tm

10-25-04 The First (and definately not the last!) Tribal Cafe! by Tempest
It was the first all tribal belly dance event sponsored by MECDA IE and took place on August 21st, 2004 in Montclair, California.

10-14-04 Undercover Belly Dancer in Iraq by Meena
My name is Meena. Until a month ago, I was a professional belly dancer in Phoenix, Arizona.

10-11-04 Art, Activism & Magic: Krissy Keefer In Her Own Words by Debbie Lammam
...women dancers are not expected to think and speak.

10-10-04 BELLYPALOOZA! Goddess Power Comes to Baltimore by Elaine
This ancient art could successfully incorporate modern styles and music while still getting the same feminine empowering message across.

10-9-04 Belly Dancing in Las Vegas- Part 2 by Neferteri
Who are those good looking and talented men behind the dancers?

10-4-04 Folktour's 2nd Annual Music and Dance Camp Photos by Carl Miller, Report by Mark Balahadia
Pennsylvania, May 2004, Dancers and musicians all over the East Coast (and abroad) came to participate in the four-day oriental dance and music camp.

9-28-04 A Subjective View of Raqia's Cash Cow The AWS Festival 2004, Part 1 by Andrea
First, she came out as a snake, then entered wearing a melaya, next, as a caged lion.  Her performance was very entertaining.

9-25-04 The Ramzy Tour of 2003, photos provided by Hossam and Serena
Photos from:Brazil, Brisbane, MaryBorough, Wellington, London, Singapore and Tibet? Readers- please help us with matching names to these faces!

9-21-04 A Sour Note by Allyson McKellar
Alexandria's Belly Dance Comics presents Adventures in Music Class...

9-17-04 Dancing in Salt Lake City in the '70s- The Athenian by Kalifa
I told her I wasn’t looking for a husband, but she wanted me to meet him anyway, so I did.

9-17-04 A Rug Story by Justine
Rug stores are interesting, the salesman know an amazing information about rugs. Rug men tend to be well educated and full of interesting conversation.

9-16-04 Kismet's Utah's 24th Annual Bellydance Festival, August 2004, photo report by Aziza!
There were more than 500 dancers performing, there were vendors, live bands, and dance, drum and costume clinics to attend.

9-12-04 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 4 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

9-7-04 31st Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Competition, Finalists, May 29, 2004 at Auctions by the Bay, Alameda, CA
photos by Susie and Lynette. Where were the spectators? Plan on coming next year!

8-31-04 High Desert Hip Fest 2004 Report and photos sent in by Janie Midgley, photos were taken by David Ventura
High Desert Hip Fest is held every year, the first part of May in Reno, Nevada.

8-24-04 Dina in LA, report and photos by Catherine Barros
On May 14-16 of 2004, Nora, Dee Dee & Ahmad Asad of Little Egypt presented Dina of Cairo in a teaching workshop and show at the Radisson Hotel at the Los Angeles Airport.

8-23-04 Smoking with Dina: a casual interview with an Egyptian star in California by Alanna “Abir”
I got to see Dina dance and be herself again and again.

8-12-04 The Photos & Poetry of David Ludwig of the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino in August 2003
there is a time each year, when dancers and musicians gather, in a magic forest, to reconnect , with their creative source...

8-8-04 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 3 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

8-2-04 A Whole Latte' Shaking Going On, Belly Dance Comics by Alexandria
"Ok, I think we can stop now!"

7-27-04 Belly Dance Superstars at DNA Lounge page 2, photos by Lynette
More eye candy! Performing in one of the most trendy clubs in San Francisco!

7-21-04 Leila, An American Dancer in Cairo by Catherine Barros,
She would walk into these huge ballrooms filled with thousands of people with a huge stage in the middle of the room while television cameras on cranes are taking note of everything.

7-17-04 Dancing in North Beach by Sausan
On the occasions when the door was still locked, I was often invited to drink coffee next door, where young girls made their money stripping.

7-15-04 Belly Dance Superstars at DNA Lounge Photos by Susie Poulelis
Saturday, April 17, 2004 San Francisco, CA. Yes, that is Petite Jamilla playing a bagpipe,

6-29-04 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 9 & 10, A Visit to my Teacher's Teacher, More Street Performing
I believe it is the signature of a gentleman to make a woman feel as if she is the center of his universe, even if it is only for five minutes.

6-25-04 Romancing the Road (The Bousada Troupe Tours) by Yasmela
We carved our own niche, created our own style, scandalized, delighted, educated and entertained everyone around us, including ourselves. We were “Bou-Saada”.

6-24-04 Saving Grace, Belly Dance Comics by Alexandria
"Could I sit here for a few moments?"

6-19-04 San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival Photo Teaser June 12-27 2004 Palace of Fine Arts photos by Susie Poulelis
Taken last night, you can still see this show tonight and tomorrow and see more next weekend!

6-14-04 The Making of a Bellydance CD by Dunyah
Each phase of the process is expensive, time-consuming, and important.

6- 8-04 Nagwa Sultan: Cairo Soul by Edwina Nearing
Like a number of other Egyptian dancers who retired in the early ‘90s, Nagwa couldn't turn her back on the dance world entirely, however tarnished the glitter had become.

6-6-04 At last! The Sunday Photos from Rakkasah West 2004- Page 1, Page 2
Thanks to all the photographers and volunteers whol help make this happen. We still need a few names to go with faces!

5-28-04 Dance Contests by Yasmela
People being who they are, and dance and art and America being what they are, there will always be the competitive urge, the attitude that success is defined by the amount of your income, the number of your trophies.

5-26-04 Dance Festival or Shop-a-thon? by Nisima
Shukriya, can you hear me now?

5-24-04 Dancing Darkly: The Phenomenon of Gothic Belly Dance by Laura Tempest Schmidt
This may come as a shock to many, but Gothic Belly Dance isn’t really a new phenomenon, and it’s not just centered in California. First of all, it’s simply a merger of two entities that go well together, like peanut butter and chocolate.

5-16-04 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 2 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

5-11-04 Page 4 of the Rakkasah West Saturday Photos The last page of photos for Saturday

5-8-04 Page 2 of the Rakkasah Saturday Photos, Page 3
5-7-04 Rakkasah West Festival 2004 SATURDAY, PAGE 1 March 2004, Richmond, California photos by GS Volunteers including: Biram, Clare, Cynthia, Krista, Lynette, Michelle, Monica, Sandra, Valentino, Yasmine and probably more! *Let us know if you recognize faces!

5-4-04 Belly Dance in Israel by Orit Maftsir
Belly dancers are the hottest trend at the moment, unlike the totally frozen attitudes towards the Arab culture in Israel.

4-29-04 Dynamic Relationships In the Dance Community by Anthea Poole (Kawakib)
Conflicts happen. People take sides. Learning and growing get lost in the shuffle, particularly when conflicts overshadow the classroom.

4-28-04 Belly Dancing in Las Vegas (part 1 of 2) by Neferteri
I am pleased to introduce a few of “The Divas of Las Vegas!”

4-26-04 Class War-fair? Belly Dance Comics tm by Alexandria
"I sprang from the forehead of Isis!"

4-25-04 Shuvani: Music and Dance inspired by the Roma "Gypsy" Trail Photos by Jan Dvorak, Captions and Photos provided by Amy Luna Manderino Saturday, February 21, 2004 Cafe de la Paz, Berkeley, California

4-21-04 Rakkasah West Festival 2004 Friday Evening March 2004, Richmond, California photos by GS Volunteers including:
Biram, Clare, Cynthia, Krista, Lynette, Michelle, Monica, Sandra, Valentino, Yasmine and probably more!
*Let us know if you recognize faces!

4-13-04 Loving Remembrance and Requiem: the Best “School” That Ever Was, Part 3 by Morocco/ Carolina Varga Dinicu
Truth gives us the wings that brought us where we are today. Most of my jobs now are in places that wouldn't have thought twice about slamming the door in my face in the 1960s. I know because I tried and they did, but I kept coming back with more and more proof. Haven't stopped. Won't.

4-12-04 The Bellybus by Dervishspin
For a dancer to be what she is, to dance, she must be free. For a woman to be a full and equal member of our society she must be free to make her own choices about what is best for her.

4-11-04 "Magda, Hurry!" by Majida Anwar
My aunt was coming! I knew there was going to be dancing, and I could feel the butterflies just flying into in my stomach!

4-5-04 Rakkasah West Festival Photo Teaser March 2004, Richmond, California
photos by GS Volunteers including: Biram, Clare, Cynthia, Krista, Lynette, Michelle, Monica,
Sandra, Valentino, Yasmine and probably more! Let us know if you recognize faces!

4-3-04 Part 2 of Photos by Ram, the Featured Stars, Aida Nour & Magdy El-Leisy, and Wafaa Badr
in Dallas, Texas, January 9-11, 2004, sponsored by Little Egypt

3-25-04 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 8 Early Street Performing by Zaharr A. Hayatti
They actually threw money in our hat!

3-24-04 "I'd Rather Stay Home with my Kids" by Amina Goodyear (chapter 2)
I asked her how to take it off, and she told me to figure it out when I was on stage. Then I heard - "Our "guest" dancer, Amina, all the way from upstairs!"

3-18-04 Najia's List of Recommended CDs, 2004 update
Print and compare this list to your present collection or take it to the next festival to help you find these treasures!

3-11-04 Aida Nour & Magdy El-Leisy in Dallas, Texas, January 9-11, 2004, sponsored by Little Egypt

• Report on the Saturday Night Show by Rhonda McGiffen, photos by Ram
• Report on Workshops and the Friday Show by Candace Bordelon, photos by Ram
• Report on Workshops and Both Shows by Catherine Barros photos by Ram
• More Photos by Ram, the Americans and the Featured Middle Eastern Stars, Aida, Magdy, and Wafaa Badr

3-8-04 Hindu Extremists Riot at Belly Dance Show by Michelle
At the time, I was beginning to understand that this was a potentially dangerous and explosive situation. But I had no way of knowing how much danger I was really in.

3-3-04 Belly Dancing with Snakes by Neferteri
My snakes have their own room with a scenic view of Las Vegas, and it is temperature controlled.

3-3-04 Bert and Amaya Workshop Photos by Ed Lampo and Report by Monica
“He makes you feel special and sexy!”, one participant was overheard to exclaim.

2-29-04 You've Got Mail! Comic Strip by Alexandria
Female Clones from Zayda III are being killed and robbed of their family jewelry!

2-16-04 Turkish Shop 'til you Drop by Justine Merrill
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the Mother of all shopping malls and covers over fifteen acres.

2-12-04 Hamam 5 by Kayla Summers
"Take me to a hamam," I begged. She took me to the Besiktas Hamam.

2-11-04 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 1 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

2-11-04 My Tribal Fusion Festival in Florida by Maja, the Girl from the Nile
If we have a dream, we should go for it….

2-8-04 Kalifa's Big Comeback by Kalifa
I felt butterflies in my stomach – my throat was dry – and my fingers already damp where I lightly held the ends of my skirt. All the old familiar feelings a performer experiences just before going on stage.

2-1-04 Youth, Beauty and Branding, The Virgin Megastore Grand Reopening, part 2 photos by Lynette
with Jillina, Sahlala Dancers, and Issam Houshan San Francisco, California, December 3, 2003

1-17-04 Virgin Megastore Reopening featuring Jillina & the Sahlala Dancers & Issam Houshan, photos and layout by Susie
San Francisco, CA, Wednesday, December 3, 2003

1-25-04 One Ad Changed My Life by Amina Goodyear
I was very desperate and determined to get back to my old self.

1-14-04 Understanding Middle Eastern Rhythm by Frank Lazzaro
The rhythms of the tabla inspire the dance, so to understand these rhythms is to fully blossom as a dancer.

1-7-04 Luna Gitana 2003 photos and layout by Susie Poulelis
Featuring Kamaal and Shoshanna Presented by Vashti, A Bellydance Odyssey Production, Santa Cruz, CA November 15, 2003

1-3-04 Khairiyya Mazin Struggles to Preserve Authentic Ghawazi Dance Tradition by Edwina Nearing
But when Khairiyya Mazin retires, one of the most distinctive traditions of Ghawazi dance may come to an end.

12-27-03 Getting Shagged on Virgin Atlantic by Kayla Summers
This is about a trip that took two days but never went anywhere.

12-16-03 Egypt 2003 by Zahraa
The winner was also the worst dressed dancer. Her name is Ronda and she has the reputation of being too cheap to invest in a quality costume.

12-15-03 Playing Hello Kitty by Jetara
I would do anything for my children...apparently, even make a complete idiot out of myself to put food on the table!

12-13-03 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 7 Putting it together by Zaharr A. Hayatti
"Well, I planned a little treat for you today,” she confided, “let’s see how this works.”

12-12-03 Belly dancing in cyberspace – The LiveJournal Belly dancing Community by Lilly
It is analogous to keeping a public diary, and asking people to comment on it.

12-9-03 Miles Copeland Responds to Questions from GS Readers
If we are to dominate the world let’s try to understand and appreciate the good in other cultures as we are trying to mitigate the bad.

12-7-03 Report of the Eastern U.S. Middle Eastern and Balkan Music and Dance Camp October 2-5, 2003 report by Tahya
The camaraderie of a camp - bunking with strangers who soon become friends, "breaking bread" together, learning new dance steps, songs, and drum rhythms - has all the ingredients for a treasured experience, and this camp lived up to that potential.

12-6-03 Photos from the The 10th and Final Festival Fantasia photos by Susie
produced by Rose Productions, Black Sheep BellyDance and the Sebastopol Community Center
October 11 & 12, 2003, Sebastopol, California

11-23-03 Egypta, a Revivification of Ancient Sacred Dance performed by The Silk Road Dance Company
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Washington D.C. report by Pen Katali, M.L.S.
Egypta impressed me as a stunning artistic success, splendid beyond belief.

1-17-03 2nd Annual San Leandro Festival produced by Tatseena photos by GS staff
it seems that this event is destined to grow each year.

11-11-03 MORE Photos from The Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino by GS staff and friends
Just the extra photos of our art and faces you know projected into a beautiful natural setting.

11-6-03 Nour: A Biography by Ekaterina
This dance, having its own rules, was like the flight of a soul, especially for one who sees dance as art and not just personal exhibitionism.

11-6-03 Of Hamams and Bathing by Justine Merrill
The attendants giggle while dumping scalding hot water on the screaming, howling clients.

10-31-03 Workshop in Perth, Australia-Hossam & Serena Ramzy's International Tour August 8th - 12th, 2003 report by Ayesha
Hossam’s presentation requires the student to listen – and I mean LISTEN.

10-27-03 Dancing on Broadway in the ‘70s by Kalifa
One of my strangest experiences on Broadway involved getting a small part in Carol Doda’s movie...

10-25-03 Photos from Utah's 23rd Annual Belly Dance Festival Photos by Randi Mears
Captions provided by Yasmina, Event produced by Kismet Dance Company, August 30-31, 2003, Salt Lake City, Utah,

10-25-03 Hossam & Serena Ramzy's International Tour, Photos from the Workshop in Singapore held on July 4-7, 2003
This was both a challenge and a great learning experience, clearly illustrating the differences between prerecorded and live music for amateur and professional dancers alike.

10-17-03 The Greek Scene by Elaine
There were the usual politics at the Taverna, of course, and if management felt that a dancer was holding back on her tips, she rarely made another appearance.

10-14-03 Kismet's Festival Salt Lake City Photos and Report by Aziza!
Its purpose is to focus on culture and the arts to celebrate the richness of talent, creativity and experience among the diverse peoples of the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains, so it is a perfect place for Kismet's Festival.

10-13-03 The Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino by Yasmela
There is nothing like immersing yourself in study and in the strange and unique culture of the Middle Eastern music and dance “scene”.

10-13-03 The “Tuck It Under” Phenomenon by Vilia (Valerie Cherry)
“Tucking under” is for ballet, and it has less to do with posture than it does with enabling the execution of the kinds of movements and positions that ballet demands.

10-11-03 Orient House Istanbul by Justine Merrill
Despite fears about our security from friends, everywhere we went in Turkey, we met with nothing but perfect friendliness and assistance.

10-3-03 Belly Dance and Healing from Sexual Trauma by Lucy Lipschitz
The main reason I teach this is because of my own issues and a major traumatic event that changed my life.

9-30-03 Belly Dance in Reno … You Bet! By Janie
No hotels canceled our events after the September 11 tragedy or even considered it — in fact, I have found that they actively court our events.

9-29-03 Azad's Mother's Kitchen by Kayla Summers
I could see her mom doing the mental calculations of where to put everyone while she discussed with Azad the doubtful wisdom of this impromptu rendezvous.

9-26-03 Zaharr's Memoir, Parts 5 & 6," I Arrive at My Teacher’s", "Cost Plus and Woolworth’s"
And there she was this little girl transformed before me, gliding and twirling around the room with a big smile of encouragement on her face.

9-16-03 Delightful Dina in Dallas by Amaya
By far the most controversial costume was the last one. It was barely there.

9-16-03 Facets of Success in Dance by Ireena
At times, I’d been afraid not to follow the status quo of what I was expected to do in each step of my dance life.

9-15-03 A Tale of Two Gigs in the City by Jawahare
It was in this space of scarcity that I accepted a Christmas party gig by telephone that left me with some doubts.

9-5--03 Loving Remembrance & Requiem: the Best “School” That Ever Was, Part 2 by Morocco/ Carolina Varga Dinicu
So much great stuff; so little time to see and learn it all. So much of it disappears down the oasis daily.

8-28-03 Dance Journey to Nepal, Part 2 by Daleela
The music had suddenly changed pitch from regular speed to very fast speed.

8-25-03 Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation, My Journey in the Process by Lilly
He made it very clear that he did not want to discuss with me, but that he had the feeling that I should be reading that book.

8-14-03 Our adventure brings us to a rare treasure! Yair Dalal in Concert in Marin County, California Report by Lynette
It described a last minute concert in West Marin that was going to be outside at night, and you had to take a shuttle to get there!

8-14-03 "What is Belly Dance?" The First Presentation in the New Symposium Series, by World Arts West A report and review by Sadira There has been much controversy surrounding the particular groups and soloists who have been chosen to represent the Middle Eastern Dance category in the Ethnic Dance series throughout its entire 25 years of production.

8-13-03 Photos of Suhaila Solo at Lesher Center for the Arts California, August 2, 2003 by Susie
The standing ovation, however, was clearly for Suhaila!

8-8-03 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 3- Teas of Green and Gold, & Part 4- My Teacher Arrives by Zaharr A. Hayatti
The friend who was a dancer had told him she would teach me for free! “She’s only sixteen”

8-5-03 Kayla’s Travel Journal, The Prince Islands, Istanbul by Kayla Summers
One picture that caught my eye was that of a dark virgin, named Mirtidiotissa

7-27-03 Justine and Her Plant Visit Saqra's Annual Showcase by Justine
Standing in the door, clutching my plants, vendor fever struck.

7-24-03 1001 Nights Oslo Belly Dance Festival, The Show May 2 - 4, 2003 by Lunacia
The festival began with a show at Oslo Concert Hall, and this year's guest star was Lulu Sabongi from Brazil, who opened this year's show.

7-18-03 My Greek Transformation A Conservative Engineer meets the “Instigator of Revolutions” by Barbara Grant
Rhea displayed boundless energy, far beyond my own at the best of times. How would I be able to keep up with her?

7-18-03 The Sacred Surprise of Tribal Fest 3 by Shahana Cartahi
However, I now understand, in retrospect, that I had been really drawn to Tribal Fest 3 for another reason.

7-12-03 Communication + Cooperation = A Problem Solved By Janie "Jenee" Midgley
Once upon a time, two events were created in two different states.

7-11-03 Dancing in the '70s at O Aitos Taverna by Kalifa
Suddenly someone yelled, “FIRE!”

7-10-03 God Belly Danced, Part III: Biblical Accounts of Belly Dance in the Ancient Near East by Qan-Tuppim
No character in the Bible has been so misunderstood as Salome. Critics condemn her as a wanton slut. Supporters embrace her as a symbol of oppressed female sensuality. Neither is true.

7-9-03 Photos of the 25th Anniversary San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival photos by Susie Poulelis
Weekend 3, held June 21 & 22, 2003 presented by World Arts West at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California

7-8-03 Dance Journey to Nepal by Daleela
I will never forget Nepal and the dance adventures we encountered. They will remain etched in my mind forever. What I found most amazing is how much I learned about Middle Eastern dance going to Asia.

7-7-03 The Artwork of Scott Arguette
In essence, a good dancer owns the stage; she requires it and manipulates it as a fighter dominates the field.

7-7-03 Baraka & the Bus or What happened to Baraka? by Baraka/Beth
By now, having lost my home, my studio, my library, my recordings, and my database, you would think I would start to get the hint that it might be time to move away from dance. Having been a dancer literally all of my life, I simply couldn't give it up!

6-29-03 Photos from the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival, The Opening Night Gala by Tahseen Alkoudsi and Shira
held at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel on June 10-17, Cairo, Egypt. More promised!

6-16-03 The 30th Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant photos by Susie
Abrupt musical transitions were rampant throughout the pageant. The competition was fierce in the Duet / Trio category...

6-16-03 Breaking News from the Ahlan wa Sahlan 2003 in Cairo reported by Shira
The flavor of the instruction and dancing are very different from that offered by the U.S. festivals, and it offers an exciting opportunity for immersion in the Egyptian dance arts.

6-16-03 Rainy Night in London Town by Justine Merrill
That’s how after a day at the Tower of London, I found myself navigating the Edgware district after dark, in the fog and light rain, looking for dinner. Christina trailed behind me, feet dragging, whiney and hungry, but hanging on after a full day or of walking.

6-12-03 The Artwork of Ginger Royal
"Not just the grace and agility, but the total engagement of the dancer is a gauge of her skill, ultimately inspiring exuberance and passion in others."

6-10-03 North Beach and Mark Bell from an interview with Lynette
A lot of my getting the jobs was because I was there available when the opportunity arose.

6-10-03 Tribal Fest 3 photos by Lynette
Event produced by Ellen Cruz and Kajira, held May 17 and 18, 2003, in Sebastopol, CA

6-9-03 A New Series! Zaharr's Memoirs, Part 1- Washington D.C. and Part 2- New York to Berkeley by Zaharr Hayatti
I got really excited, and begged to be allowed to sign up. There was only silence from my family.

5-20-03 Loving Remembrance & Requiem: the Best “School” That Ever Was, Part 1 by Morocco/ Carolina Varga Dinicu
I looked at her & said, “If I can’t do better than that, I’ll hand in my feet!” A case of having more guts than brains.

5-15-03 Professional vs. Amateur: What is the Difference? by Nisima
There are dancers of every gradation in between the two labels of “professional” and “amateur”: dancers who work at dance jobs intermittently, or have part time jobs in addition to regular performances.

5-13-03 Dancing with Shelties by Justine Merrill
Bashing zills and barking shelties competed.

5-13-03 Fusion Category added to Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition by Luna
"You know, we're really making history here..."

5-9-03 Kayla's Travel Journal Continues--Hamam III by Kayla Summers
At that point the steward says "now" and you jump off.

5-8-03 Reconnecting with the Dance: a Performance Critique of Aziza by Shelley Muzzy/Yasmela
There are several dancers on the scene that I admire and enjoy watching again and again, but I just saw one that made me stop in my tracks, sit right down on the floor, and pay attention.

5-6-03 Rakkasah Festival West Photos - Sunday by Susie
Fahtiem, Aziza, Mesmera, Amaya, Shanna, Akiko, Leila, and more...

4-5-03 Rakkasah Festival West Photos - Saturday by Susie
Zahra Zuhair , Shoshanna, Bal Anat, Margo, Anaheed, Elena, and more...

4-14-03 Act Your Age? Notes from a Middle Aged Belly Dancer by Karen Andes
But sometimes, dancing near a gorgeous young dancer, I wonder how long I’ll feel comfortable performing.

4-14-03 Why Belly Dancers are Natural Snowboarders by Lauren Traub
OK, it sounds strange. But If you’ve enjoyed dancing Oriental you probably already have a lot of the skills needed to snowboard.

4-12-03 On the Subject of Critique

The Critic; Real Critics Don’t Mince Words by Najia El-Mouzayen
Either we are a sisterhood of ego therapists and our instructors are politically correct in all they say and do—or we are tough artists in search of ways to improve our art form by ruthlessly weeding out the lame from our herd.

The Emperor’s New Clothes by Yasmela/ Shelley Muzzy
Until we see ourselves in the context of a larger society, no one outside of our community will accord us the respect we desire.

Critiquing, the “Agony & The Ecstasy” by Nisima
It’s an unnerving experience to be “critiqued” by your peers, but my personal opinion then and now is that when you perform in public, critiquing just goes with the territory of performing.

4-11-03 An Evening with Einstein's Daughters, by Sarah, Photos by James Radke
Do pots and pans that dance and clang before us mean more than light - than science - than thought? What choices are left when the mouths at the table hunger for bread and not for knowledge?

4-5-03 Rakkasah Festival West Photos - Friday by Susie
Leila Haddad, Ultra Gypsy, FatChanceBellyDance and more...

3-27-03 Belly Dance in Brazil by Thania
...they are trying to organize a Code of Ethics

3-13-03 God Belly Danced: Biblical Accounts of belly dance in the ancient Near East, Part II, By Qan-Tuppim (DeAnna Putnam)
According to the Hebrew scriptures, female belly dancers were reputable and marriageable

3-12-03 Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition 2003 Photo Report by Lynette
Sponsored by Tonya & Atlantis and held in Long Beach, California. Finalists are expected to be able to improvise spontanious choreography!

3-9-03 The Joy (and Pain) of Collecting Tips by Sandra
I've been collecting tips for almost 10 years now, and it's only in the last 2 or 3 years that I've really felt confident about it.

2-23-03 Hawaii Workshop by Latifa
Floor Work is a moving Yoga, and as in Yoga, one must let his/her body grow into more flexibility which develops with practice.

2-14-03 God Belly Danced: Biblical Accounts of Belly Dancing in the Ancient Near East, Part 1 of 3, By Qan-Tuppim
While Yahweh is not female, the man may have given Chavah a name similar to Yahweh because the woman and Yahweh had something vital in common.

2-14-03 High Desert Hip Fest in Reno by Janie “Jenee” Midgley
Fahtiem was wonderful and really put the workshop attendees through their paces, but they loved every moment.

2-12-03 Interview with Doug Adams Part II by Lynette
Much of the last decade was very tumultuous. My personal melt down started around the time that Dark Fire came out.

2-8-03 Glass-Dancing Revisited by Yasmela/ Shelley Muzzy
Our response to the improvisational passages in Middle Eastern music illustrate the depth of our understanding of the rich texture and nuance of the culture

2-6-03 The Tale of Two Faires by many
It seemed that the ren faire we all knew in Black Point, Novato, kept changing producers and locations. Now their were two ren faires!

2-1-03 How I came to Turkey by Kayla Summers
There are few people more cynical than I, but I maintain that I saw what I saw. Dada will not confirm or deny the incident; he just laughs.

1-28-03 How I Accidentally Became a Successful Belly Dance Teacher (and you can too!) by Michelle Joyce
Now mine is the most popular class, which led to a snowballing of other gyms adding belly dance aerobics classes.

1-17-03 Weight Loss The Bert Balladine Way by Gladys Harrison aka Al Qahira
That was not the first time I had nearly starved to death “on the road with Bert”.

1-13-03 An Evening to Remember by Havilah
"...it shows us the kind of beauty that happens when you go beyond set boundaries and allow yourself to be free

1-12-03 Belly Dance Birthday Bash by Shaloe/Zazahn
I’ve heard rumors that Ireena and Parri host excellent restaurant extravaganzas, and this one lived up to the reputation.

1-12-03 Photos from "Rockin' the Casbah"
An event produced by IAMED on Sept 28, 2002. The best from multiple photographers.

1-1-03! “My Adventures in the Big Apple” by Nisima
So there was really a “mystique” in the 1980’s about dancing styles in other parts of the US, and especially about the New York style, so different from what we were used to in the Bay Area.

2002 (50 articles)

12-29-02 Dance/Poetry Festival, Reported by Kalifa
The Dance/Poetry Festival was a blend of different kinds of dance, but Middle Eastern was in the vanguard of many of the performances.

12-20-02 “Kayla, the Beach Girl, Tree Dweller”, Kalbak Beach by Kayla Summers
...picture yourself on a guru orange air mattress, ever so gently floating atop a crystal clear turquoise ocean ...

12-14-02 Welcome, Dance Students by Layla Katrina
If you don’t feel the music and the dance, and don’t have a love for it that is a connection in your heart and your soul, you will have a much harder time learning this love than learning technique.

12-9-02 Photo Gallery of “The Festival Fantasia 2002, A Rose Production” by Lynette Harris
These random photos are of shoppers, vendors, musicians, dancers and their fans.

12-8-02 Oriental Dance: Myth and Reality, The Harem Slaves By Jalilah Lorraine Chamas
To say so would be like saying that playing music, singing, and reciting poetry are also only the occupations of slaves.

11-17-02 Tease-O-Rama, A Weekend of Burlesque in Old North Beach by Susie, Lynette, Sierra
Curious to learn if women were drawn to stripping for some of the same reasons they are drawn to bellydance...

11-17-02 White Out Wedding by Sarah
"The first day I donned my giant, fluffy blue ballgown and tiara. A nice man named Bob let me play with his flame thrower. There never was a happier princess." Sarah finally goes to the Burning Man Festival

11-15-02 Dancing again in Afghanistan By Qan-Tuppim
As I had suspected, Afghan women belly dance.

11-14-02 Glass Dancing by Neferteri
The art of dancing on glass is a true measure of talent and nerve. It can be one of the hardest things you can do as a dancer, but the rewards are awesome!

10-25-02 The Photography of Cynthia F Cushman, Full size photos, smaller photos (and files)
Dramatic choice photos of Leila, Dalia, Momo and Suzanna

10-20-02 Visions of Delight, A History of Belly Dance in the United States Reviewed by Bobbie Giarratana & Susie Poulelis
Photos of MECDA performers & layout by Susie, Third Annual Bay Area MECDA Showcase

10-17-02 Music and Style by Yasmela / Shelley Muzzy
ATS seems to be pushing Middle Eastern dance, at least in the U.S., back into that safe and sexless area, sans the real knowledge of true folk movement

10-14-02 Kayla's Travel Journal- "The Turkish Flim-Flam Man" by Kayla Summers
...foodstuffs still glued on, --no black marks from any recent explosion,--I believed it to be “working”...

10-9-02 Middle Eastern Dance, a Beautiful, Ancient, yet Misunderstood Art by Hala Fauzi
Why are all the books about this dance written by Westerners?

10-7-02 Adventures out of the Gilded Serpent Lair, Late Summer in Marin County, California,
photos and report by Lynette. Photos from various events in late August and early September, 2002

10-3-02 Kayla;s Travel Journal- Turkish Bath/Hamam 2 by Kayla Summers
Some of the men joked: …if I really wanted to... but I opted out.

9-6-02 Summer Caravan 2002, Sunday Photos from July 28, 2002 by GS Staff
extras include- extra photos of Leila Haddad's amazing show and candids shots of faces you know!

9-5-02 Interview- Soraya of Oklahoma City by Lynette
Shani had learned by going to watch the belly dancers at the Round Table after working as a ‘twister’ at the Peppermint Lounge”.

9-4-02 Summer Caravan 2002, Saturday Photos from July 27, 2002 by Gilded Serpent Staff
a "Rakkasah" event, held in the old, but beautifully restored, Scottish Rite Temple in Oakland, California.

8-26-02 "Still More Dancing in the '70s" By Kalifa
"I felt a stabbing pain in the vicinity of my kidney"

8-14-02 Kayla’s Travel Journal -Ferry to Kadikoy; Kayla’s Furniture Safari by Kayla Summers
Muslim women in full dress (but no mask) were “high fiving” each other,

8-4-02 Saturday Night In San Francisco July 13, 2002 by Lynette Harris
Effective improvisation becomes more consistant with experience.

8-3-02 29th Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant sponsored by Belly Dance! of Walnut Creek, CA
Sunday, May 27 Benicia High School, Benicia, CA by GS Staff
Troupes, Duets, and Grand Dancers' photos at last!

7-31-02 A Rose by Any Other Name……Is this an identity crisis? by Nisima
"...but was truly mortified all the same and swore me to absolute secrecy"

7-24-02 Interview with Doug Adams of Light Rain Part 1 by Lynette Harris
I told her, "I could make music for you."

7-19-02 Kayla in Turkey, (A Daily Journal) Turkish Bath House (Hamam 1) April 22, 2002
All my Turkish girl friends, had of course been to Hamams, but only in their youth,

7-15-02 Child's Journey into Bellydance by Jawahare
I could feel Alexa wilting by my side.

7-9-02 29th Annual Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant sponsored by Belly Dance! of Walnut Creek, CA
Saturday, May 26 Benicia High School, Benicia, CA by GS Staff
Wow, is she easy on the eyes! Not only that, she rocked the house!

7-8-02 Rakkasah Trend Report 2002 by Dawn “Davina” Devine Brown
...the hottest and latest new styles from across the US, Turkey, Egypt and beyond

6-28-02 Workshops- Pandora Opens the Box! by Janie, Ann, Andrea & Heather
Two differing views of a Las Vegas dance workshop introduced by an author of a book on the subject

6-27-02 Middle Eastern Dance Meets Hip Hop Culture by Latifa
Issues Confronting a “Vintage Dancer” when her Audience is Half Her Age

6-1-02 "Come with me to the Casbah" by Nisima
...flung me right into her husband's lap, yelling, "Kiss her Henry...

5-31-02 The Art of Tempest
The first image, "Dance," is inspired by the Minoan priestesses and is a monotype/mixed media

5-26-02 Winners announced! Belly Dancer of the Year 2002
in Benicia California. More details and photos to follow

5-25-02 A New Series! Kayla's Travel Journal-Turkey
Episode#1 The Honey Hunt by Kayla Summers
"He may not have it", since it was rare and very expensive.  Off I went. 

5-19-02 Rakkasah West Festival 2002 Sunday Photos by Susie
Dalia Carella, Eva Cernik, Suhaila Dance Company, Ma'Shuqa, Parri and more....

5-3-02 Uschi and Akhram's Villa on the Red Sea, Interviewed by GS Staff
Uschi also shares her pictures from the June 2001 Cairo Festival

4-28-02 Rakkasah West Festival 2002 Saturday Photos by Susie Poulelis
Bal Anat, Hahbi'Ru, Shoshanna, Domba and more...

4-22-02 MORE DANCING IN THE '70's, The Cowboy Bar in Montana by Kalifa
Out of breath, I asked her, "Why didn't you warn me?"

4-18-02 Egyptian Travels after 9/11 by Scheherezade
I feel safer there on the streets than any place in the U.S.

4-17-02 SNAKE BOOTH PICS at RAKKASAH FESTIVAL WEST 2002 photo prep and layout by Munira
Everyone had much fun mingling with the reptiles

4-7-01 Rakkasah West Festival 2002 Friday Night Photos by Susie Poulelis
Dalia Carella, Leila Haddad, Ghawazee, Cory Zamora and more...

3-30-02 Rakkasah West 2002 Photo Teaser by Susie Poulelis
Some of our favorites....more to come in April...

3-18-02 Salah Takesh and Janine Ryle present 911 Fund Raiser Middle Eastern Music & Dance Jam
There were more than half a dozen bands...

3-17-02 Rakkasah East Report, More Photos, Part 2 Photos and comments by Zulieka
A last minute add in the schedule, Ailet from Israel. She was great!

3-9-02 Images of Morocco by Susie Poulelis
pictures from a trip in January '02...

3-5-02 Rakkasah East Report, Part 1, by Zulieka
the show in New Jersey ran early...

2-28-02 Shahrazad and I By Thania
Anyone who wants to tell about Brazil and belly dance must refer to her.

2-16-02 "Remembering the Legends" The John F. Kennedy for the Performing Art presents
the Silk Road Dance Company by Janet Jubran, M.A.
Laurel Victoria Gray and her Silk Road Dance Company have opened a door to an world that
has long remained mysterious to the West .

1-22-02 The Healing power of Dance by Sharifa
Many dancer enthusiasts I have encountered come from wounded childhoods.

1-22-02 The Photography of Ken Keep
They lit me up! It was a life-changing event

2001 (38 articles)

12-25-01 Najia's gift -Stage-worthy Names for Dancers
A whole book of names in a PDF file!

12-22-01 GETTING FLOORED by Helen Patrise
I flopped when I should have bent gracefully like a willow

12-21-01 Dancing at Zorba's in the '70's by Kalifa
By show time it was a full house!

12-19-01 MultiKulti, San Francisco's Marketplace of Treasures! by Princesse Meroe
True to his culture as one would see at Cairo's famous bazaar, the Khan el-Khalili...

11-29-01 Nomads of the Spirit by Sierra Suraci
Know what are you contributing - either to their dilution as a people or the strengthening of their true image.

11-25-01 The IAMED Fifth Annual Awards of Belly Dance!
Photos from the awards ceremony performances and list of winners.

11-23-01 The Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Bad Jokes and Good Shows by Bobbie Giarratana, photos by Susie Poulelis
Fighting accusations that I live in a cave...

11-17-01 Scared Silly, A Letter of Advice to a Beginning Performer by Lynette
Don't give up on the improvisation!

11-12-01 SUMMER CARAVAN 2001, Scottish Rite Center, July 28 & 29 by Susie Poulelis
another beautiful photo spread by Susie

11-4-01 Tribute to Dalilah!
Dalilah began dancing in the 1950s...passed on September 18, 2001

10-26-01 Dispelling the Myths: The Many Faces of Belly Dance, by Susie Poulelis
A Teachers' Showcase July 7, 2001, Berkeley, California
One of the first events produced by the recently formed San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of MECDA

10-24-01 Karen Andes: World Dancer By Jawahare
Karen Andes has cooked up a unique fusion of eastern and western movement that that provides rich nourishment for the minds, bodies and spirits of women.

10-21-01 "Dog's Day Afternoon, my audition," by Lucy
I BELONGED at that luncheon!

10-5-01 DANCING IN YEMEN by Jalilah Part 2 - EL AROUS
I had been to many Middle Eastern weddings before, but none were as visually
impressive as the ones I attended in Sanaa, Yemen.
Jalilah's recommend reading list just added-10-24-01

9-22-01 Raqia Hassan's Dance Festival (Ahlan Wa Sahlan 2000) By Latifa
Then my dance idol, Suhair Zaki, walked in, creating eddies of excitement that ran through the crowd.

8-2-01 Fire and Ice by Yasmela/ Shelley
What makes some of our dance good, what makes some of it bad is puzzling to me...

8-1-01 I Walk In Pain And Beauty by Lucy Lipschitz
I also walk with the Hope that other dancers will read this and know that they don't balance
on this double-edged sword alone.

7-31-01 Salah Takesh Interviewed by Janine Ryle
For years, he was involved in the San Francisco North Beach scene during the eighties as a drummer while his brother, Jalaleddin Takesh was a kanoonist and restaurant owner. We asked him to recall some of his experiences for our North Beach Memories series.

7-30-01 RECREATING RITUAL Enhancing our daily lives with drumming and dancing, by Tahya
The rhythmic patterns and dance movements of this tradition, steeped in antiquity, steeped in women's ancestry, rekindle a natural and sacred state of well being.

6-21-01 Alice is Alive and Well in Oakland, California! by Bobbie Giarratana
During the auditions, there was an ongoing dialogue among the panelists concerning guidelines for
festival performances; cultural accuracy vs. artistic expression became an issue.

6-13-01 Rakkasah 2001 Festival West: Sunday Photos by Susie Poulelis
Alexandria, Momo Kadous, Soraya, Leila Haddad, Elana, Suhaila, Jamila, Dhyanis....

6-11-01 Bellydancer of the Year Pageant May 19th, 2001 Editorial by GS staff Photos by Susie Poulelis
A well produced event with talented performers, the Pageant afforded us the luxury to sit back, enjoy the dancing and philosphize the genre.

6-4-01 Rakkasah 2001 Festival, West: Saturday Photos by Susie Poulelis
Shoshanna, more Dalia, Good Vibrations, Lunatique, Morocco, and more

5-28-01 Rakkasah 2001 Festival, West: Friday Night Photos by Susie Poulelis
Leila Haddad, Elena Lentini, Dalia Carella, Near Eastern Dance Company and more. Saturday and Sunday coming soon.

5-16-01 Yousef Mustafa, Master of Percussion by Jawahare
When the musicians came from Egypt we promoted this type of music for the shows here too. So, now it has become more popular.

5-7-01 An Interview with MARLIZA PONS, by Robyn ("Maya") Hallmark
In a tiny bikini, I'd dive into a lighted pool outside the restaurant, and come up with a pearl in my mouth!

4-11-01 Rakkasah '01, March 23-25, Richmond, CA photos and layout by Zuzu
photo sampling...more to come later.

3-21-01 Crone Dance by Mimi Albert
There's an attitude here toward life, toward the art of movement in general, which expresses the affirmation of a belief in the human spirit and its manifestation in oneself, one's gender, one's position in society.

3-20-01 Doing it my way by Bert Balladine
For me, dance is not cerebral, but highly emotional.

3-20-01 The Artwork of Marie Soderlund
Bay Area artist Marie Soderlund's watercolors express her passion for color, dancing, friendships
and the many wonders of life!

3-20-01 Living in Yemen, Part I - Tafruta by Jalilah (Lorraine Zamora Chamas)
A simple question was all they needed to get them into motion!

3-20-01 The Art of Allison Lee Merriweather
Allison Merriweather lives and paints in Pearland, Texas

3-01"Where's The Hook When We Need It?"Review by Bobbie Giarratana Photos by Susie Poulelis
Desert Dance Festival 2000San Jose, California

3-17-01 Dunia's response to a review by Bobbie Giarratana, titled," Where's The Hook "
"My dear: some of these people have zills older than you."

3-14-01 Nabila Metwali On Tour! Review by Bobbie Giarrantana and Susie Poulelis,
"The Christmas Eve performance was exceptional, another fantastic night at El Valenciano!"
Don't miss these photos!

3-3-01 Giza Academy Awards of Middle Eastern Dance Video 2000 by Leyla Lanty
And the winners are.... Photos added on 5-1-01 take another look!

2-26-01 The Fourth Annual IAMED Awards of Belly Dance by Marula
Seldom does one see a bellydance production as professionally staged and presented

2-17-01 Yasmeen and the North Beach of Yore An interview with Gail by Meredith McGuire
Another wonderful addition to our North Beach Memories. Find more names and faces you have known or heard about!

2-14-01 The Art of Jan Padover
Famous for the CD cover art he did for Reda, here is more of his work!

1-07-01 Palestine Fundraiser OMEN Production, Palace of Fine Arts, SF
This production marked U.S. Omen's fundraising launch for Palestinian aide and presented an evening of first-rate performances including solo vocalists, children's dance troupes, and choir.

2000 (51 articles)

12-30-00 Festival Fantasia 2000 October 7 & 8 photos by Zuzu

12-30-00 Shake and Bake Festival 2000 by Sandy Keller
It's a true happening, an experience, and for all who attend, an adventure.

12-30-00 Tribute to KATRINA HEGG 1950 - 2000 by Anisa Beverly
Katrina was going to support herself dancing while auditioning for modeling and acting jobs,
all the while taking acting classes.

12-27-00 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2000 with Troupe Dhyanis by Dhyanis
The rough and ready Scots do love a party! No coincidence then that they host the world's
largest performing arts festival in their capitol city of Edinburgh each August.

12-27-00 Peter Fels, Master Cymbal Maker by Shelley Muzzy/Yasmela
Peter made the most exquisite finger cymbals. Each one was a work of art.

12-14-00 Curly Black Hair, Eyes Like Black Pearls by Tanja
At a certain point a fake horse was brought out...

12-14-00 Troupe Tabu goes to China! by Nanna
.It should be noted that somewhere between passing the audition and performing, it was announced
that three out of four dancers in the group (not including myself) were pregnant.

12-14-00 My Visit to Dancers of the South by Tanja
It is a place with no address...

12-12-00 I am Neferteri by Ann Lucas
There appears to be some curiosity about the racial background of a dancer. I don't fully understand why anyone in today's world would care, but they do.

12-12-00 Producing a Middle Eastern Dance Festival by Ellen Cruz
"It is necessary to combine your organizational and public relations skills with your creativity."

12-12-00 A Metmorphosis Before My Eyes by Sharon/Mahirimah
"I know I never could have danced and studied eight hours a day for 4 days straight without the energy and passion for the dance which surrounded me each day."

10-30-00 Interview with Nazir Latouf by Lynette
An interesting perspective on how a musician grows through the ranks in the Middle East. Includes how music and musicians are controlled and legitimized by the government agencies.

10-30-00 Saudi Searches Save Lives by K. J. Mushung
Life, living on a compound in Saudi Arabia

More North Beach Memories!

9-29-00 My Lessons with Hillary and Aida Al-Adawi (part 1) by Satrinya / Masalima
"After only three classes, they would teach belly dancing!"
10-17-00 My Lessons with Jamila Salimpour  (part 2) by Satrinya/Masalima
... would dance instead, without pay.
12-15-00 Reflections on North Beach: Part III by Satrinya/Masalima
to the East Bay
9-29-00 Interview with Jamie Miller-Sabah, an excerpt of "Searching for the Goddess, A Dancer's Odyssey" in June 1993 by Anne Hawkins of the Legacy Oral History Project sponsored by the San Francisco Performing Arts Library and Museum

9-24-00 Cairo's Costume Disasters by Leyla Lanty
Tacky, Bizarre, and Surprising Costumes Worn by Cairo's Stars of Oriental Dance

9-22-00 Interview with Michael Beach of the Brothers of Baladi by GS Staff
We are a versatile group. One night I play blues, the next jazz, then I become part of The Brothers, playing either a drum set or dumbek.

9-6-00 A Drummer's Advice to Beginning Dancers - by Kirk Templeton
"...Know your rhythms! I have drummed for bellydance classes where the instructor not only couldn't clap baladi but didn't even know what it was..."

More North Beach Memories

• 8-3-00 Nazir Latouf on North Beach - This is a nightclub?
• 5-22-00 Kirk Templeton-The Last Night at the Casbah

7-31-00 More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Living With Constrictors by Eva Cernik
My heart beat stronger and stronger, until something in my human reasoning kicked-in. "I wonder if I'm causing all this?

7-31-00 The Dancers of the Infidel Emperor by Kirk Templeton
Did you know that Belly Dancers played a significant role in the life and destiny of a great European monarch?

7-28-00 The Persian Soul of the Music of Sima Bina by Yasmela
So there she was, a beautiful Iranian woman with an all-woman band!

7-1-00 Child Prodigy grows up, Reda D! An Interview with Reda Darwish
"I knew Sahar Hamdi from the time when she used to be a customer watching Fifi Abdu."

6-29-00 NIA: A JOURNEY IN MIND and BODY FITNESS by Jawahare
I believe that I am on a fascinating journey and that on of the destinations is the path, itself.

5-26-00 Interview with Kathryn Ferguson
" I hate rules! Every time somebody says "rule", I go the other way!"

5-25-00 Farouk by Nefertiti
"I am always looking for ways to enhance my performance and leave a memorable impression"

5-19-00 A Cure for Depression? by Carolyn J. Pedrotti L.C.S.W.
My experiences have given me new insight into women's needs for a creative outlet in their lives.

4-14-00 Rakkasah Festival 2000 Photos- photography and layout by Susie Poulelis

Friday Night - Leila Haddad, Daila Carella and more!
Saturday afternoon Photos -posted 4-20-00
Saturday night Photos- posted 5-6-00
Sunday Photos- posted 5-6-00

3-22-00 Wave #2 of North Beach Memories!

1-4-00 Latifa-The Rest of the San Francisco Dance Scene-(Powell St Station)
2-25-00 Bert Balladine- at long last Bert begins his story
2-25-00 George Elias- a tribute written by his daughter, Nadia Elias.
3-22-00 John Compton- Finnochios, Bal Anat, to Hahbi'ru
3-22-00 Abdullah Kdouh- well known musician interviewed by mail

3-22-00 Dancing to Live Drumming by Lucy Lipschitz
The Drum can express all human emotions: joy, sorrow, elation, and grief.

3-22-00 FANTASY DANCER by Tanja
TAK TAK ... DUM, In the sacred wood that night, The old Indian had kept his word, He would play for me...

2-19-00 Ramblin' Rant About Truth in Dance Advertising by Najida Da'nna
Thoughts and observations from sitting high up in the bleachers, amidst the pigeons and the dusty popcorn.

2-19-00 Honoring Our Connection Between Navel and Nasal by Delilah
People looked at us strangely, wrinkled their brows and said "Aromatherapy and what?"

2-19-00 REIKI DANCING IS MY PASSION! by Lori Marie McDonald
Enhancing Belly Dancing with Reiki

2-19-00 Is it double vision? No, its double tambourines! by Natica Angilly
All other instruments are apart from the clear connection between the dance and the tambourine.

2-18-00 Pele's Gift by Laurel Victoria Gray
As Nona began to demonstrate the first dance, I noticed many gestures in common with Central Asian dance. I felt as if another piece of our giant dance puzzle had fallen into place when Nona gestured to her heart and said, "the real hula comes from here."

2-18-00 Joy of Teaching by Yasmela
Dancers need to go beyond the "tricks of the trade" and connect with the audience, whether they are in a club, at a faire, in a concert, or with fellow dancers. I have learned the value of simplicity.

1-4-00 The Day I Danced with Metallica by Lucy Lipschitz
Aside from my family, the two passions in my life are Metallica and belly dancing.

1-4-00 Preparing to Teach by Anthea Poole
This questionnaire is presented here to help you clarify your goals and ideas about teaching.

1-4-00 Using Magic is My Style by Ann Lucas
Do you want to make more money at your next gig? The answer is Magic!!!

1999 (29 articles)

12-12-99 AT LONG LAST-HERE IT IS! North Beach Memories!
Please join us as we travel back in time to the North Beach district of San Francisco between the years 1957 through 1985.   We'll read about a vibrant period of Middle Eastern Dance and Music Performance as presented in our interviews with musicians, dancers, and club owners who created this exciting history. Amina, Saida Asmar, Aziza, Dahlena, Fadil, Najia, Shamira, Taka, Vince

11-12-99 Sausan's Saga at The Grapeleaf Restaurant by Dhyanis
Phoenix-like, arising from the ashes of a dreadful divorce and forced closure, petite and spunky owner-operator Sausan has persevered and returns stronger than ever with her new partner from Egypt.

12-99 Second Annual Giza Academy Awards by Amina Goodyear
The judges seldom agree the first time around. So begins a process of arguing the various merits of each video performance as it pertains to the category for which it is being considered, until finally a consensus is reached.

11-12-99 Traditional Mehndi Adornment by Marie Anakee Miczak
The most lovely part about the traditional dancer Mehndi design is it's shear simpleness.

10-99 Conversations with Bert, The Belly Dancing Boom of San Francisco in the 1960's by Lora Schoen
One room was full of coats on the floor and there were people underneath all of them! There were orchids floating in the bathtub and candles everywhere.

9-30-99 I was driving home early Monday morning.By Tanja Waadi, Italy
I had had an arrangement to meet my man, my beloved whom, for a number of reasons, I cannot see often.

Belly Dancer of the Year Contest 1999 (added 6-16-99)

- Leea's official photos of Judges and contestants
-Review by Jay Bangle with photos
-One Fan's Fun and Frustration with Competitive Belly Dancing by Nadira el Farasha , photos too!
-More photos by the GS staff

The Legend of Julius Squeezer by Sharifa of Martinez, CA
I shall never forget my most gentle of beasts, my 14-foot long python," Julius Squeezer"! Weighing in at 80 lb., Julius was nearly impossible to pick up all at once.

The Secret of Dance Style by Ma Shuqa Mira Mirjan of Los Gatos, CA
The Secret of Dance Style is Your Self-Image-the Essence of Style!

Rakassah Dressing Room Talk by Bobbie Giarratana of San Francisco, CA
The Mysterious PERFORMERS' DRESSING ROOM at Rakassah, Otherwise Known as the
Women's Restroom... A Photo Essay

Salamat Valentine by Amina Goodyear of San Francisco, CA
Would my "Valentine" want to celebrate the day a day early or would he be mad that I would rather be at Salamat Sundays?

Crown of Glory by Zara Lenora Mirmalek of Oakland, CA
If you were at Rakassah this weekend you must have passed and lingered upon the booth selling wigs as I did.  Even with long hair of my own, the sight of a full, luscious head of hair was enough to draw me closer. Pictures added 6-7-99

Adventures of a Dance Goddess - Part 2 by Dhyanis of San Rafael, CA
Among the most vivid teaching experiences are the two summer intensive workshops I gave at Holloway Women's Prison in London...

The Sheik of Generosity by Robyn Scherr of Berkeley, Ca
Who Is This Man and What Has He Got in His Pouches for You??

The Camel Dances Submitted by Lillian "Illiana" Lehman of El Cerrito, CA
A short parable

A Feast Fit for The Dance (part 2), Recipes collected by Krista Gettle (posted 6-23-99)
Split tummies?! kebobs and more to come!

7-14-99 Leila Haddad's Dance Mission by the Gilded Serpent staff
...But Leila never has considered moving to a place where the social climate might be more open. As she puts it, "my story is France."

6-17-99 That "Snake Charmer" Song by Shira
a wonderful article on that kitchy didy your friends sing to you, when they hear you're a belly dancer. Includes 2 sound files, lyrics, an animated graphic and antique cover of the original sheet music

2-1999- Premier Issue of Gilded Serpent
Dancing on the Bema by Moya Grabina-Smiler
Dancing for her Temple, next to the Ark of the Covenant!

Holding onto Integrity by Heidi Hannah
How does an eager neophyte resolve her desire to dance with getting the pay she deserves!

Dance Passion and Burnout, Muses and Goddesses By Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan
Is It Time For A Dance Counselor and Coach, or Dance Retreat
To Revitalize Yourself and Your Life?

The Perils of an Ill-fitting Bra by Robyn Scherr
Doth your cup spilleth over?

Theater Terms by Ken James
Stuff to know before you rent that stage!

A Feast Fit for the Dance by Krista Gettle
A tasty collection of Middle Eastern recipes for your hafla table

Images Inside and Out by Zara Lenora Mirmalek
recognizing the ever-present clouds of poor self image

Conversation with Bert Balladine by Krista Gettle & Lora Schoen
Words of history and wisdom from our dear mentor!

Plantar Fasciitis by Jawahare
When the "Choo-Choos" give you the foot blues

Adventures of a Goddess (Part One) By Dhyanis
"...a survivor of nightclub dancing - 5 years in Europe"

Columns
Najia, Fred Glick, Rhea, Shira, Aziza!, Amina, Sadira

Najia Bay Point, CA

Aziza Diamond Springs, CA

Shira Silicon Valley, CA

Rhea Athens, Greece

Fred Glick Cairo, Egypt

Amina San Francisco, CA

Sadira San Rafael, CA

Najia (50+ articles)
Bay Point, CA

4-7-06 The Magnificent Fundraiser, Part Two- Police Barriers Surround Event by Najia Marlyz
Over coffee, we decided that our fundraiser would have to be an extraordinary dance show rather than “just another student night” or worse yet, a studio recital.

2-17-06 This is Not a Review: Bellydance Superstars Commentary by Najia Marlyz
Herein lies one major flaw concerning the concept of superstardom in Bellydance: choreography. While choreography is a form of quality assurance, it is also assurance that the quality attained will be less than stellar in Bellydance!

1-30-06The Magnificent Fundraiser by Najia Marlyz
That included the Belly dance, which he confided in me (later) that he had hated, because it had been introduced to Greece during the time that Greece was under the suppression and control of the Turks.

12-31-05 The Key: an Allegory* in Which a Courtesan Dancer Greets the New Year by Najia Marlyz
Court dancer, Raven, was lost in thought as she shifted her gaze toward a novice barefoot dancer whose name she could not remember.

9-15-05 Part Five; Lace and My Muses: Treasures by Najia Marlyz
I was looking at a piece of artwork featuring a classical dancer of the past, turning it this way and that to get a better view, and suddenly, I realized that I had lost contact with my treasured mentors and had also abandoned my sense of artistic direction that they had helped to foster within me.

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

3-31-05 Defiant Dancer: How I became a Dance Pioneer In a small 1970s California Community Festival My attitude turned from community spirit to outright defiance.

2-16-05 Lace and My Muses, Part 4 of 5:Tarnished StarDust
Not until very recent times, could I admit, even to myself, that I had lost a large part of my creative thrust along with many of my treasured friendships because I had perceived wrongly that I needed to become more like the Egyptian and Lebanese dancers of the day.

12-16-04 Raven of the Night: Dancer’s Allegory for New Year’s Eve 2005
Raven of the Night was the name by which he thought of her–but feathers? Raven had none! She was the castle’s Dancer of Dreams and aspired to become Jester of the Court...

11-08-04 Lace and My Muses: In Search of A Personal Style, Part Three
I suggest that “elevating Belly dance” to the standards of western dance would be counter-productive in the long-term rather than a valid goal for us to desire.

8-3-04 Lace and My Muses: Everything Old Becomes New Again , Part Two
Now it was the ancient, exotic art of Belly dancing and my fantasies of the bizarre life of a Belly dancer that smoked incense into my heart.

6-15-04 Lace and My Muses Part 1: Egyptian Mummy Lace or “Assiute Cloth”
I fastened around my hips a white Assuite cloth encrusted with gold knots throughout, forming pictographs of falcons, pyramids, crosses, and diamond shaped designs.

4-9-04 Who Died and Made You Queen of Dance?
This lack of background basic performing experience would be unheard of and un-tolerated in any other dance form.

2-25-04 Live Music and Me: The Third Sunday at El Morocco, Photos and story provided by Faridha, Written by Najia Marlyz
Live musicians, whether hot or just luke warm, alway confront the dancer with a set of variables.

12-31-03 The New Year's Dance
Poetry by Najia

12-24-03 Dancing Inside Out
The state of Oriental Dance in America, as it is most often seen today in festivals and restaurants, is at a crossroads of change from which there will be no way to return.

12-2-03 Advice from a Temporal Dance Oracle
These dance related disputes become overpowering

10-28-03 Raks Assaya Instruction at Najia’s Studio
Demonstrated by Rawan El-Mouzayen (Arab-American, age 3)

9-9-03 Searching for Your New Dance Teacher, The First Interview
Furthermore, making an effort to meet the people of the culture in question is of the utmost importance when studying foreign subjects.

7-25-03 The New Age Adage for Performing Dancers
If you have nothing to say through your dance, do not dance.

5-23-03 The “It Factor”
Between the two men, my dance teacher and my artistic lover, how could I not learn to bring the movements from the core (heart) to the outside?

3-2-03 Painting Dance -Fabulous!
I'd like dancers to understand how the ideas of color, texture, tone, shading, etc. can also apply to the art of speaking through movement.

1-11-03 Music to My Ears, How I Learned to Hear Like a Dancer
Musical interpretation is the single, most important skill that can elevate the Oriental dancer from the chorus line to the spotlight.

11-21-02 The Great American Belly Dance Veil Routine by Najia El Mouzayen
After having said all that, I must add that American style Oriental/Belly dance is a distinctive style composed of creative elements that are simply outstanding.

10-22-02 A Story Written with Arabic Idioms; Why it is Difficult to Translate Arabic songs into English, Story by Annonymous, Translations and interpretations by Rima El-Mouzayen, Introduction by Najia El-Mouzayen
“just try to read it in English and at the same time, think in Lebanese Arabic…if you can! "

8-12-02 Certifying the Certifiers, The Chicken or the Egg? Part Two By Najia El-Mouzayen
artists and stars are born, not schooled. You’ve either “got it, or you don’t”

6-6-02 Certifying the Certifiers By Najia El-Mouzayen
...this has occurred because of the current need to be correct, and within certain predictable standards of competence rather than special, unique, outstanding, unusual, memorable, or even (gasp!) emotion producing...

4-10-02 "Does Learning Constitute Copying? My Musings about Sharing Dance"
I could still feel her pain as she spoke...

2-6-02 What do You Owe Your Dance Teacher, besides a Christmas Fruitcake?
Teaching involves a selflessness that often does not often jibe with the egotism it takes to be an outstanding performer.

11-19-01 "A Star Remembered, The Maturation of a Career in Performing"
... last thing in the world that I wanted for myself and my own dance career was to be a "forty year old belly dancer".

10-19-01 Follow the Bouncing Butt; in Defense of a Teaching Method
Some of the "Follow Me" teachers should be more aptly described as "inspirationally oriented".

5-9-01 Taming the Wild Frilly-Lou Bird, Or Training Your Hands to Dance
Once the dancer learns the skill of audience dialogue through energy transfer...

3-10-01 Put Your Dance on a Pedestal
Many dancers make the mistake of using the entire width of the front part of their feet when they dance, because they have never been taught dancer's footwork. "Ankle wobble"indicates...

2-17-01 Zil Thrills in the '70s, Memories from another Viewpoint
My experience with Bert was the opposite, however; the cymbals were hardly a secret.

12-14-00 Why Take Private Lessons and Coaching?
You will enhance your presentation beyond your wildest dreams!

9-18-00 Dancing to the Houri's Siren
She was always there dancing at my shoulder and up-staging me in my own mind...

7-31-00 MiniDisc Recorders-The Best Kept Secret for Music Lovers I would unhesitatingly recommend that, at the very least, a dancer should own a MiniDisc recorder for its editing function alone.

5-19-00 Dance Emotion, Part 2
The audience is not going to care, or even notice, that a dancer did a high-stepping Fandango Walking Step with an over-lay of a Soheir Zaki Head Tilt and a really fine ......

2-20-00 Entertainment or Art?
It is possible to be an artiste in a non-art form in the sense that one may be skilled, professional and artistic at the business of entertainment.

12-16-99 The North Beach Project
I took leave before I was invited to leave.

11-24-99 Dance Emotion, Part 1
"The place of dance is within the heart."

9-23-99 Welcome to Bellydance
..Do not allow anyone to limit your possibilities.

8-20-99 BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.
A Case against Standardization in Nomenclature for Belly Dance Instruction

6-23-99 Be a Perfect Woman, or Not...
I fell in love with a fantasy created from the Hollywood films of my girlhood.

6-7-99 Becoming a Fanana of the Belly Dance-
Instead of a musical slave, I believe it is your calling as a dancer to interplay with the music.

February 1999 Najia introduces her new column

Fred Glick (9 articles)
Cairo, Egypt

11-13-02 And Back in the Holy Land...
What do I feel? Disgust.

10-18-01 My Taxi Ride in Egypt after 9-11
And as we reach my destination, he asks me to tell America that he is sorry, that Egyptians, they are sorry.

3-20-01 Eating in Cairo (Part 2)
You splash da'a on your koshary like a real Egyptian. Perhaps you've even learned how to pronounce da'a. You've had fuul for breakfast and laughed in the face of many an expensive buffet. But all the feelings of superiority aside, you're beginning to feel the need for something, well, different.

12-23-00 FLASH FROM CAIRO- RAIN!
The pre-dawn call to prayer, bustling souqs and the constant reminders that everything, from the continuing supply of water to the arrival of the taxi at my destination, is at the pleasure of Allah.

3-22-00 Dining in Cairo
One of the wonderful things about Egyptian food is that there is something for everyone.

9-23-99 Living in India- "Beggars"
There's a new group of pavement dwellers living on the median near the market.

8-20-99 Living in India- "I Wake from a Dream ..."
No road trip would be complete without hourly sightings of horrible accidents or their remains.

7-3-99 Living in India- "Indian Demolition"
Carrying 8-12 bricks on your head up three flights of stairs while wearing a sari ...

5-27-99 Living in India #1-"Bureaucracy"The bureaucracy here is amazing......

Rhea (19 articles)
Athens, Greece
5-10-06 Rhea’s Travel to Syria …PART 4 – Damascus
If you try to show what basically decent people Americans are, you will be run over like a wild coyote. Leave your manners at home and take on theirs.

12-4-04 Rhea’s Travel to Syria … Part 3– Surrounded by Men in the Airport
Clever girl, eh? You think it’s the first time I’ve traveled alone in the Middle East?

12-2-04 My Vision of the Desert Archidance by Piper Reid Hunt, Ph.D.
I had heard about trance dancing before, but had never seen it in an authentic context.

10-1-04 Rhea’s Travel to Syria … Part 2 – The Airport Nightmare
Too bad they didn’t have any friends in America.

8-25-04 Rhea's Travels to Syria, Part 1, The Delusion is Shattered
It looked like a Middle Eastern attempt at Las Vegas and Disneyland, upscale discotheques where attractive Moldavian that aforementioned familiar tributary, than go on to another one.

7-5-04 Cabaret: Is it a dirty word? by Piper Reid Hunt, PhD
American Cabaret, the original fusion belly dance, is accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of one’s dance education.

5-13-03 A Search for the Soul in All Things. Or On Turning 61 and ¼
By continuing to dynamically entertain and stay ahead of the pack, they embolden all women, even of a lesser dynamism, to remain in the fray as long as they desire, instead of being cast to the sidelines as the official baby sitter for grandchildren.

11-12-02 Flying Saucers
They tended to talk more than to act and, by this time, I was hooked on the street theater of it all.

9-18-02 My Belly Dance Baptism, or A Tale of Armpit Hairs
There was a rumor (that was the truth) that I didn’t shave under my arms.

11-03-01 Adventures by the Nile, Part 2, by Rhea
Return to a Changed Sudan

10-15-01 Rhea's Adventures by the Nile, part 1
I guess every belly dancer's dream is to dance in a five star hotel in the Middle East.

5-11-01 Rhea Recounts, Part II, Of Belly Dancers, Bullets & The Men in Blue,
or A Change of Scene: Rhea moves to Greece
Where the bullet went, or how close it came to hitting us, I'll never know...

5-19-00 An Interview of Rhea of Athens, Greece, by Phaedra Ameerah
(This interview has been edited and reprinted with permission.)

1-4-00 Rhea reminisces
We weren't the Beat Generation, we were the Belly Generation

12-30-99 Rhea's Adventures -continues "Egyptian Dance Festival--Intrigue & Chaos" Part 2
"Strike!" I cried, and we all stood up and marched to the bus!

10-6-99-Rhea's Adventures-Egyptian Dance Festival--Intrigue & Chaos
I was intrigued when an envelope from Cairo, Egypt, arrived at my studio in Athens, Greece

8-20-99 Rhea's Adventures!- Mt. Sinai by Rhea Likouri of Athens
...we donned tablecloths after dinner to dance to whatever they had on hand that could be blown into or beat upon...

Shira (~30 articles)
Silicon Valley, CA

8-12-05 Health Secrets of a Road Warrior, Part 3: Avoiding Colds
When most people think about getting sick on a big trip, they think of “the mummy’s revenge”, or traveler’s diarrhea. There is another very real, very common health risk that many of us don’t anticipate: the common cold.

7-28-05 Rainbows of the Desert Sponsor Aziza Sa’id to Des Moines, Iowa
It was clear from the overall setup that the Rainbows are very experienced at sponsoring large workshops.

6-30-05 Ahlan wa Sahlan 2005 Begins
Shira is back at Raqia's Cairo festival again this year. Many improvements noted!

6-20-05 Health Secrets of a Road Warrior, Part 2: Beating Jet Lag
I’ve developed some techniques that usually work for me in minimizing the discomfort and health risks jet lag can cause.

6-10-05 Health Secrets of a Road Warrior, Part 1: Introduction to Healthy Travel
However, some of us don’t have much experience with travel, particularly international travel, and we might not know about the health risks that travel can pose.

4-7-05 Daughters of Shahrazad: Face to Face Cultural Encounters Through the Expressive Arts of Middle Eastern Women
On March 5, 2005, a unique conference in Iowa honored International Women’s Month.

6-16-04 Egypt Travel Health Checklist
Here is a packing checklist that may help you anticipate your own needs.

2-12-04 When Comparing & Contrasting
Often, people base their negative judgments of other styles on student-quality performances.

6-28+ -04 Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival 2004-Intro Travel Journal by Shira
Middle Eastern dance artists and students from throughout the world attend this event to immerse themselves in instruction by leading Egyptian instructors, shop for costumes and other supplies offered by Egyptian vendors, and enjoy the gala shows featuring top Egyptian dancers. Check back for regular updates!
First Two Days
Day 3: First Look at Egyptian History
Day 4: More Egyptian Monuments and First Dance Show
Day 5: Shop-portunities and Whirling Dervishes POSTED 7-9-04
Day 6: The Festival Begins POSTED 7-17-04
Day 7: Classes and Free Time POSTED 7-17-04
Day 8: Side Trips, Part 1: Gayer Anderson Museum POSTED 7-25-04
Day 8: Side Trips, Part 2: The Parisiana 7-26-04
Day 9: The Evening Show posted 11-12-04
Day 10: Classes and the Sphinx Speaks posted 11-22-04
Day 11: Camels, Class, & Competitions posted 12-15-04

6-16-03 Mailbox Missives: When Pop Culture Meets Belly Dancing; Here we go again!
Today, we’re seeing another revival. Belly dancing is popping up on music videos featuring Shakira and other artists.

3-9-03 Mailbox Missives: No Excuse for Low Video Standards!
A dancer who does this conveys the impression that belly dancers either don’t know what constitutes professional quality or we don’t care.

9-13-02 Mailbox Missives: Are You Helping or Hurting Our Vendors?
Fortunately, very few bad vendors exist.

2-5-02 Are Strippers Our Enemies?
Many belly dancers are openly hostile toward strippers.

7-10-01 Dance Or Career: Which To Choose?
You can still stay involved in dance no matter where you choose to live.

12-30-00 Mailbox Missives -Serving Men Indeed! Harumph!
He even has made comparisions to stripping and other similar types related to stripping.

3-22-01 Mailbox Missives-Kid Dance
Is belly dancing a good activity for girls?

1-4-00 Mailbox Missives- The Student Rustler
Teacher #2 started soliciting her students, right after my teacher's class was over!

9-23-99 Mailbox Missives ...my little round tumtum...
Almost every woman has a uterus, and needs a place to put it.

6-17-99 That "Snake Charmer" Song by Shira
a wonderful article on that kitchy didy your friends sing to you, when they hear you're a belly dancer. Includes 2 sound files, lyrics, an animated graphic and antique cover of the original sheet music

Aziza! (25 articles)
Diamond Springs, CA

3-15-05 Rakkasah From a Vendor’s Viewpoint
Ah, Rakkasah! For many years the highlight of my vending year! A wonderful idea that has gradually faded over time….

1-17-05 The Traveling Costumer
More customers! New horizons! Travel! That’s what we needed!

9-4-04 My Costuming Roots
Soon, however, it became obvious that I couldn’t do three shows a night, on and on, with only one costume! And Yousef, owner of the Bagdad, supported this realization by telling me that if I didn’t get some more costumes, I was fired.

5-27-04 Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant
The contestants were limited to ten, and all danced to the same music, though they were permitted any props they wanted.

4-8-04 A Period of Innovations
In the late 1970s, there were two events produced for the belly dance community that were different from things that had happened before – events that began and paved the way for so many that were to happen later.

9-10-03 Friends Are Where You Find Them
Some people thought that we were partners, as we were so close, but that wasn’t the case, either.

7-30-03 Zelzeleh, My Troupe Adventures
The first thing that I discovered was that I hated to design or perform choreography – it was like having my teeth pulled - and I wasn’t too hot at it, truth to tell.

6-22-03 Moving to Santa Rosa
So I married a Greek, and for a while it was okay with him that I continued to dance...

5-2-03 The Taverna Athena
I didn’t see just how it happened, but evidently a couple of brothers from Cyprus were hired to put the Taverna out of business.

3-19-03 Zorba’s in Walnut Creek
...and I could tell that the Greeks wanted to see more of that, so the job was in the bag!

2-5-03 North and South
Also, we were not allowed to lock the office door...

12-15-02 At the Egyptian Gardens
“You insult me in the street and apologize in a corner.”

11-10-02 Back in the Bay Area
...my zils flew off into the audience, and George stopped playing, went down into the audience...Was I embarrassed!

9-20-02 On the Road
She was the fiery “Bedouin” who argued with the band in apparent Arabic and seemed so real and dramatic.

4-11-02 The Birth of Bal Anat and Other Adventures
belly dance will continue to evolve into things new and strange, limited only by dancers' imaginations.

2-16-02 Club Dates and Casuals
"Don't worry, honey, " said the stripper, "I've got a gun!"

12-11-01 Out of Town in Oregon
One of the things that the owner insisted on was fancy hair - he considered straight, hanging hair to be "hippie hair".

11-13-01 Out of Town in Fresno
You can't wear that vest on stage - we're not running a Sunday school here!

10-20-01 Dancers I Have Known by Aziza!
Over the course of my approximately thirty-year professional career, I have known and worked with some of the most interesting dancers in the business

9-15-00 The Music and Musicians
I was very lucky to have danced to live music almost exclusively throughout my career.

7-1-00 Jamila and Yousef
Even though we were recognizably taught by Jamila, we were not the cookie-cutter girls she turned out later.

5-1-00 Working at the Bagdad
..in the early days, had to have accents when we talked to the customers, to carry out the non-girl-next-door thing.

3-22-00 The Beginning
When she came out to dance in the audience, I thought to myself, "She better not get too near to my husband!"

Amina (7 articles)
San Francisco, CA

3-24-04 "I'd Rather Stay Home with my Kids" by Amina Goodyear (chapter 2)
I asked her how to take it off, and she told me to figure it out when I was on stage. Then I heard - "Our "guest" dancer, Amina, all the way from upstairs!"

1-25-04 One Ad Changed My Life by Amina Goodyear
I was very desperate and determined to get back to my old self.

11-16-01 Giza Club Lecture, Wacky Woman Traveler- Leyla Lanty
Hard work and familiarity pays off.

8-31-01 Make a Giza Club!
...She was to become our first Wacky Woman Traveler...

5-3-01 Fouad Marzouk, Interview by Amina Goodyear
I remember at first feeling intimidated dancing to one of Soheir Zaki's musicians.

8-12-00 Dancing on the Edge by Amina
I learned from the first evening chasing Fatma around the stage that in order to have a serious dance company in the Egyptian style, I had to seriously play with the appearance of disorder.

3-22-00 HOW TO START A MIDDLE EASTERN BAND or How The Arabian Knights Came About
We dreamed of a band that would play music to make us look good always.

Sadira (6 articles)
San Rafael, CA
4-23-04 The Myopic View of Bellydancing
It is interesting to note that among dance fields that are culturally based, ours is one of the few that adhere to this stigma and prejudice.

1-31-04 Memories from Planet Earth
Apathy is alive and well.

6-16-03 Samiramis Imports and the Arabic Movie Nights
Samiramis was an incredible store, not only did Sam have the largest selection of records, and cassette tapes of Arabic and Middle Eastern music, but he and his wife Mona embraced the dance community and their desire to find music, videos, and help with anything under the sun.

11-27-02 Personal Perspective
So much is happening right now in the Middle East, and we write about our dance shows and events, travels and remembrances but no one dare takes a step to mention political strife. .

10-8-02 Charismatic Sultana changes North Beach
She was the only dancer I have ever seen walk off in the beginning, or middle of her set , not to return, because the music or audience did not please her

5-13-02 Aisha Ali & The Birth of the Ghawazee
" This could not possibly be a dance to take seriously", people whispered

2-12-02 What's in a Name
We lived and breathed the dance and its ethnic beauty.

11-29-01 Nomads of the Spirit by Sierra Suraci
Know what are you contributing - either to their dilution as a people or the strengthening of their true image.

9-26-01 "RETRO-TRIEVING" by Sadira
I remember those days back in the '70s when ethnic stylizing was the only "true" way to dance. Latest addition to our North Beach Memories!

Reviews have been moved here

News & Notices- Current news is now posted on our front page (20 articles)
July 2002-Mohamed Khordadian, Iran's best - known male dancer, was jailed in May for promoting moral corruption by holding dance classes in the United States as he was making his first visit to Iran in 20 years.

May 2002-George Abdo passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, yesterday, May 6, 2002 at the age of 65.

April 25-02- Badia of Ali Baba also known as Joyce Daniels of Phoenix, Arizona passed away yesterday. She died of a brain aneurysm, her family said it was fast and relatively painless.

11-20-01 JIZAN's year 2001 Party
Our annual dance party

11-10-01 The Dancers in Denver work together!
It's hard to get everyone scheduled for a photo shoot!

9-5-01 Devija, principle member of Jazayer, Benefit

8-13-01 The Casbah of North Beach, San Francisco is changing hands and transforming again!

12-7-01 Rakkasah West 2002 Looms Ahead By Najia El-Mouzayen
Although Rakkasah still is an attempt to give all dance performers an equal opportunity, results of the phone-in to book a dance time is often very chancy because of high demand.

7-29-01 Walt Baptiste, husband of Magana Baptiste, passed away on July 6, 2001. A memorial service will be held on August 4, 11 AM at the First Unitarian Church of San Francisco. More on Walt will be posted on this site very soon! Magana's contest and festival this year has been cancelled.

2-3-01 Mike Solakian, a very well-known and popular California drummer and Armenian folk dance teacher had open heart surgery on Saturday January 13, 2001. He is a regular at Rakkasah, teaching or working as stage manager. Mike is recuperating nicely at his home in Fresno. He will be teaching the Saturday class at Rakkasah and giving a huge party at his house in late February. Please send him your regards at msolakian@earthlink.net. Shukriya says he is in great humor!

2-3-01 Yasmeen/Gayle of Aladdin's Lads and Lasses is recuperating from breast cancer surgery. Gayle is doing fabulously - she even did a small belly roll and flutter for her doctors and they were absolutely amazed! The troupe is taking a hiatus from Rakkasah, but will be participating in the Gathering of the Tribes festival in Sebastopol in May. We'll have to wait and see how much Gayle will be doing at that point - I'm sure she'll surprise us all. Send your regards to: Gayle Wayne,c/o Janine- javaj9@pacbell.net - oh, and she loves camels!

12-15-00 Mee'sha falls in love and moves to Cairo!

12-13-00 DeAnn Adams of Light Rain dies after long illness.

12-12-00 Sirens In Sanity's 2^nd Annual Halloween Belly Dance Bash by Saiedeh and Yasmin
The evening was filled with belly dance routines in a variety of themes; some Halloween, some traditional, and some alternative.

9-18-00 Photos of Beata and Horacio Cifuentes on Tour!
Beata and Horacio Cifuentes have recently concluded a whirlwind World Tour, which included Japan, Europe, Canada, and the USA.

2-21-00-12:12 p.m.
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) -- Police rescued a 19-year-old male belly dancer whose father chained him to a bed for three days to prevent him from performing at nightclubs, a Turkish newspaper reported Monday.
Neighbors alerted police Sunday after they heard Mahmut Dagyolu's cries for help, the Hurriyet newspaper said. His left arm and leg were chained to his bed. Dagyolu said his father had chained him there three days earlier because he objected to his belly dancing, the newspaper reported.
Although female belly dancing is common in Turkey, several Istanbul nightclubs have recently begun to hire male belly dancers who dress in sparkling costumes to perform. Conservatives object to male belly dancing, but the practice has a long history. In Ottoman times, male belly dancers who covered their faces with veils would dance because Muslim women were barred from performing.

1-4-00 The 1999 Giza Video Awards! by Erin This is like ... a party!

11-28-99 Festival Fantasia Sightings- Tribal Queen goes Cabaret!

11-24-99 Paul Bowles, Famous Writer and Composer, obituary

9-29-99 Tahia Cariocca, Famous Belly Dancer, obituary from the news media

7-2-99 Beata & Horacio's 15th Anniversary Celebration in Berlin, Germany

8-14-99 Sabah- Jamie Miller's recent illness

8-26-99 Winners of "The Wiggles of the West" Contest 1999

Kim Fitzsimmons injury and rehab
6-4-99 letter from Kim added

Katrina's fight for health- (6-23 update added)

Desert Dance Festival Canceled!
The official letter from Dunia & DDF committee explaining their decision.

February 1999 Premier Issue News and Notices

Letters to the Editor

Current Letters