{"id":5122,"date":"2013-09-19T19:32:52","date_gmt":"2013-09-20T02:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/?p=5122"},"modified":"2013-12-22T11:07:48","modified_gmt":"2013-12-22T18:07:48","slug":"2013-interview-with-virginia-of-miami","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2013\/09\/19\/2013-interview-with-virginia-of-miami\/","title":{"rendered":"2013 Interview with Virginia of Miami"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>A Five Part Video Talk with a Star of Florida<\/h2>\n<div class=\"floatright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art60\/graphics60\/Virginia-still.jpg\" alt=\"Virginia of Miami\" width=\"188\" height=\"257\" align=\"right\" \/><\/div>\n<h3>by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/aboutuspages\/Lynette.html\">Lynette<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"footnotes\">post\tstarting\t September 19, 2013 <\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Filmed during the <span class=\"company\">Miami Belly Dance Conference<\/span> at the Alexander Hotel on August 31, 2013. <\/p>\n<p>On August 31, 2013 we interview Virginia at the Alexander  Hotel on Miami Beach. In this section of the interview she tells us about her  RakStar festival and about 2 of the the teachers they will have this year-  Mercedes Nieto \u00a0and \u00a0Wael Mansour. In the following sections of  this interview we will cover the other teachers and get Virginia&rsquo;s opinion on  various community issues. <\/p>\n<table width=\"560\" border=\"5\" align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" bordercolor=\"#FFCC00\" bgcolor=\"#000000\">\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">\n                    <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_m5yQSO-if0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"whitetext\">Part 1: Creating RakStar and talking about  teachers Wael, Mercedes<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\" class=\"whitetext\">\n\t\t\t           <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VGmutcEkRow\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>Part 2: In this section of the interview she tells us about her RakStar festival and more of the the teachers they will have this year- Amir Thaleb, Mohamed Shahin, Issam, Aziza, Virginia. <\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\" class=\"whitetext\">\n                    <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yGhPipzk9ew\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>Part 3: Community Ethics<\/h4>\n<p>Virginia talks about the recent belly dance boom and the increase in teachers and festivals, in Miami and around the world. &quot; I was raised with Ethics&quot; she says. Currently she says the emphasis is on business.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\" class=\"whitetext\">\n\t\t\t          <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zLnIxUO3p3s\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>Part 4: How to make yourself known!<\/h4>\n<p>Virginia has suggestions for making yourself known in the community in an ethical and respectful manner. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\" class=\"whitetext\">\n<h4>Part 5: What happened to the Arab Clubs?<\/h4>\n<p>                     <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d_eb7i8erZA\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Why are there no Arab clubs to dance in anymore? Virginia talks about what happened to the clubs in Miami and what is happening currently in Cairo. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Resources:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/aboutuspages\/Lynette.html\">Author&#8217;s bio page<\/a><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/graphics\/acommentbox.jpg\" alt=\"use the comment box\" align=\"right\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"ready4more\">\n<p>Have a comment? Use or comment section at the bottom of this page or <a href=\"mailto:editor@gildedserpent.com\">Send us a letter!<\/a> <br \/>\nCheck the &quot;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/let2ed.htm\">Letters to the Editor<\/a>&quot; for other possible viewpoints!<\/p>\n<p>Ready for more?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!--end ready4more --><\/p>\n<div class=\"articlelist\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">2-1-11 <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2011\/02\/01\/denise-pangia-hakim\/\">Attention Dancers: Have You Seen this Man?<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">Text and photos by Denise Mannion<\/span><br \/>\nI promised that I would let the world of Belly dance know about this singular character! Watch (out) for him at you next event, for he could be anywhere!<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">12-18-09 <\/span><a class=\"articlelink\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2009\/12\/18\/denisembdc09\/\">Welcome\tto the 2nd Miami Bellydance Convention, A Selection of Photos<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by\tDenise Marino<\/span><br \/>\n                      Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Florida, on September 4- 6, 2009, Winners,Teachers, Performers<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">1-10-06<\/span> <a class=\"articlelink\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art34\/graphics34\/slideshow\/CEBDina05f.htm\">The Dina Show!<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">Photos by Catherine Barros, Slideshow coding by Tammy Yee<\/span><br \/>\n                      Event sponsored by Little Egypt on May 28-30, 2005 at the Crowne Plaze in Miami, Florida <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">8-21-13<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2013\/08\/21\/my-belly-dance-dream\/\" class=\"articlelink\">My  Belly Dance Dream, Studying  with Saida in Argentina<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Rosalba<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  I looked at different options to satisfy this need to improve my dance. I  decided to travel to Argentina and train with someone whom I considered the  best modern belly dancer, Saida Helou.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">6-8-10<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2010\/06\/08\/martha-interview-yamil-annum\/\">Interview with Yamil Annun, An Argentinian Belly Dancer<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Martha Duran<\/span><br \/>\nYamil Annum has created his own dance style and has evolved his specific style of Oriental dance by using the well established foundations of classical Ballet, Ukrainian dance, Ballroom dancing, Celtic dances, Jewish folk-dance, Bhangra, Armenian and Argentinian Tango. His elegance on the stage has revolutionized stages all over Argentina and Latin America.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">4-12-03<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/articles21\/najiacritique.htm\">The Critic; Real Critics Don&#8217;t Mince Words<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Najia El-Mouzayen<\/span><br \/>\nEither we are a sisterhood of ego therapists and our instructors are politically correct in all they say and do&#8212;or we are tough artists in search of ways to improve our art form by ruthlessly weeding out the lame from our herd.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">4-12-03 <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/articles21\/shelleycritique.htm\">The Emperor&#8217;s New Clothes<\/a><span class=\"articleauthor\"> by Yasmela\/ Shelley Muzzy<\/span><br \/>\nUntil we see ourselves in the context of a larger society, no one outside of our community will accord us the respect we desire. <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">4-12-03<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/articles21\/nisimacritique.htm\">Critiquing, the &#8220;Agony &amp; The Ecstasy&#8221;<\/a><span class=\"articleauthor\"> by Nisima<\/span><br \/>\n  It&#8217;s an unnerving experience to be &#8220;critiqued&#8221;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. <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">8-15-06 <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art37\/maryellen14.htm\">Bellydance Journalism, Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 14<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Mary Ellen Donald<\/span><br \/>\nOne powerful tool used to mislead is bellydance journalism.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">6-29-2010<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2010\/06\/29\/lisa-chen-argentine-arab-dance-music-taiwan\/\">Argentine-Arab Dance and Music Charm Taiwan, Gina Chen promotes Live Music for Local Dancers<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Lisa Chen<\/span><br \/>\n I have to say it is quite different from any other American or Egyptian style choreography I learned before; you almost always keep your feet into ballet position and body weight is relatively higher. The physical dynamic is much exaggerated. I guess this is the Argentine style bellydance and I could see why local dancers are fond of it, owing to the quality of fluidness and lightness, very outward gestures and wonderful live music.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">12-13-07<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art40\/Torontosunclub.htm\">A Report on the First International Bellydance Conference of Canada Part 2 &#8211; Sunday Club Party<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">Photos by Denise Marino and Lynette<\/span><br \/>\nLive orchestra, Randa, Amir, a packed house and very festive mood. How could it be any better?<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">9-9-13<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/newsgraphics\/ComKaleidoscope.htm#mes\"><span class=\"articlelink\">Gigbag Check #48 with Mesmera on the CK<\/span><\/a><span class=\"articleauthor\"> and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/archives\/gigbagvideos.htm#mes\">Gigbag Check Page<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n  We catch Mesmera and a student backstage at the Cairo Carnival 2013 on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. She is getting ready to perform at the &quot;World of Tomorrow&quot; gala show. She hams it up showing us her Isis wings and her lipstick. <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">9-8-13<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2013\/09\/08\/iana-dancing-for-tourists-in-istanbul\/\" class=\"articlelink\"> Dancing for Tourists in Istanbul, A Personal Impression<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Iana Komarnytska<\/span><br \/>\n  Additionally, their friendly and respectful relationship was highlighted when she finished her show, dancing to each instrument separately, and in this way she introduced each of the musicians. Such a relationship between dancer and musicians is not widely seen in today\u2019s restaurant atmosphere\u2026 unfortunately.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">9-6-13<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/newsgraphics\/ComKaleidoscope.htm#rosa\" class=\"articlelink\">Gigbag Check #47 with Rosa Noreen on the CK<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/archives\/gigbagvideos.htm#rosa\">Gigbag Check Page<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n  Rosa Noreen is a belly dancer from Portland Maine. We caught her backstage at the gala show at Cairo Caravan 2013 held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. She is the newly elected secretary for MECDA- the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association. She tells us about her costume-&quot;FrankinHoda&quot; and her MAC lipstick. <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">9-5-13<\/span> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2013\/09\/05\/nilay-oriental-festival-in-turkey\/\"><span class=\"articlelink\">My Favorite Oriental Festival in Turkey, Rakkas Istanbul 2013 <\/span><\/a><span class=\"articleauthor\">by Nilay<\/span><br \/>\n  I immediately made new friends and was surprised to find the multi-national composure of our 200+ people crowd \u2013 I befriended a dancer from Holland and another from Columbia, although the majority of the dancers were from Japan and other far-east countries. <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"articledate\">8-24-13<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2013\/08\/26\/caitlyn-pay-discounts-professionalism\/\" class=\"articlelink\"> Because I&#8217;m Worth It! The Perils of Pricing<\/a> <span class=\"articleauthor\">by Caitlyn<\/span><br \/>\n  There is a difference between &quot;daring&quot; and &quot;working for free, undercutting other dancers, and misunderstanding the economics of pricing whilst mindlessly genuflecting to celebrity culture.&quot;<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On August 31, 2013 we interview Virginia at the Alexander  Hotel on Miami Beach. In this section of the interview she tells us about her  RakStar festival and about 2 of the the teachers they will have this year-  Mercedes Nieto \u00a0and \u00a0Wael Mansour. In the following sections of  this interview we will cover the other teachers and get Virginia&rsquo;s opinion on  various community issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[124,31,191,81,45,146,192],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5122"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5122"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5122\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}