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Articles
2-3-10 Bellydancer in 21 Days: My Internship with Aunt Delilah by Averill
I am incredibly fortunate to be a junior at a very nice independent school in Toledo, Ohio. One of the programs they offer is called "Winterim". No one goes to their normal classes for a month; instead, all the students embark on some kind of intensive independent study program.
2-2-10 Serena Wilson (1933-2007) A Student of Ruth St Denis, Part 2: Salome and Her Impact by Barbara Sellers-Young
When suited to the context, she also had no hesitation in using the term belly dance as she considered the dance as evolving as an Americanized version based on primarily Middle Eastern as opposed to North African influences.
1-27-10 Shoo Shoo Amin, A Forgotten Treasure of the 80s by Yasmin
Twenty years ago when I told people I had worked with Shoo Shoo Amin in Cairo, the response was “Wow!” Now, people go “Who?” Today no one seems to know who she is. For belly dance purists, this is a tragedy. Every so often, someone my age or older will wax lyrical about her on-line, but for the most part, she’s an enigma – even to young Egyptians.
1-25-10 Behind the IBCC, a Talk with the Founder, Yasmina Ramzy by Laura
I wanted it to be more scholarly, no competitions and not a festival. I felt it was important that all viewpoints were shared.
1-24-10 A Fan Speaks with Nagwa Fu’ad by Najia Marlyz
Nagwa seems to have excelled in innovation and creativity with the new compositions. She dances with the old favorites, but shines with the new orchestras playing current pieces.
1-21-10 Is Belly Dancing Provocative? by Maria Strova
This stereotype of Belly dancing has caused me a lot of displeasure; it has made me angry to see how imprisoned in negative models Belly dancing still is,and how much it had lost since it was formerly an ancient art that honors the female body.
1-17-10 Serena Wilson (1933-2007) A Student of Ruth St. Denis, Part 1: Childhood by Barbara Sellers-Young PhD
Serene Blake was born in the Bronx on Aug. 8, 1933 into a Vaudeville family of performers called Blake & Blake. Her mother sang and her father played the banjo. Her childhood and adolescent years intersected with the Vaudeville stage, on which she often appeared with her parents in the 1930s.
1-15-10 Sweet Memories of Vietnam, Not THAT Vietnam by Samra
Soon I was to find out that I had nothing to worry. Hanoi is a vibrant cultural city and Belly Dance is the new rage. It is respected as the true art form that it is, and dance students are hungry to learn more and more.
1-11-10 Carl's
Camera Captures Jillina's Bellydance Evolution, photos by Carl, introduction by Ma*Shuqa
Jillina Carlano’s Bellydance Evolution marked the beginning of an era in which bellydance moves beyond dance Oriental imported from Egypt and performed in clubs.
1-4-2010 Sticky
Situations: Ask Yasmina #11- Inappropriate Audience Members,
Competitive Teachers, Fickle Students by Yasmina Ramzy
Trying to please and appease those who already disrespect you leads
to a miserable dead end. My advice is to say "NO" and give the inappropriately
behaved person a good wack across the face.
1-2-10 The
Original Mish Mish, The Golden Age of Tinseltown, Interview by Kamala
I was working one evening at Khyams and still doing my old style of
dance. I came out for my entrance covered with a veil and right at the beginning
of my show, she came up on stage and started peeling my veil off me and
threw it on the floor. She shook her finger at me and said in broken English "Lah, this isn’t Egyptian!" I
was so embarrassed and humiliated I could barely finish. Talk about being
intimidated!
12-29-09 Are
Reviews Relevant Anymore? Facing Our Wealth of Bellydance DVDs by
Kyria
I sometimes wonder how dancers are supposed to choose in the face of
this overwhelming amount of information.
12-18-09 Welcome
to the 2nd Miami Bellydance Convention, A Selection of Photos by
Denise Marino
Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Florida, on September 4- 6, 2009,
Winners,Teachers, Performers
12-17-09 Ozgen
in LA, Turkish Dance Star in Los Angeles by Princess Farhana
He charmed everybody with his cute non-traditional names for intricate
footwork patterns as well as his verbal expressions - at one point he referred
to the flirtatious shoulder movements of Turkish Oryantal as “cuddly”!
12-14-09 The
Wine Glass or The Wine? Dance Conversation with My Mentor by Najia
Marlyz
Sometimes, the mere beauty of glassware can be so impressive that it can far surpass the content.
12-9-09 Here
Comes the Aroosa! Cairo Weddings by Nicole
Frankly, the Egyptian girls can get away with being a bit raunchier, and I do try to be more modest with my movements so as not to look like a saucy little American number straight off the plane.
12-3-09 Division
Champs of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition 2009, photos
by Carl Sermon
This contest is one of the first in the Belly Dance community and includes many categories covering different age groups, various styles and specialties.
11-28-09 Rowan Storm Tteaches
about the Daf, Tar, and other frame drums used in the Middle East
and North Africa Musical Instrument Tour
Filmed in August 2008, at the Mendocino Woodlands, Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp.
Rowan Storm talks about the different names each frame drum has in each country and the confusion that can happen. She also tells us about women only drum groups in central Asia. Another topic- plastic vs natural materials
11-27-09 My
Dream: Dancing in Cairo! by Jillina
To be asked to teach at Ahlan Wa Sahlan is an amazing honor, but to be performing, in the biggest show of the year? It was unbelievable! This was the most significant phone call I have ever received in my entire career.
11-25-09 Keeping
Your Love for the Dance Alive by Mandy
A dancer’s body is in tune and locked into this higher power by sheer force
of nature and no one, not even the dancer herself, can break that bond
11-24-09 New
Archive Page- Gigbag Checks!
Video interviews with artists backstage before or after the show. Twenty videos listed so far, more to come!
11-17-09 Welcome
to the Eleventh Giza Awards, Honoring the Dancers and Videographers
of Middle Eastern Dance by Gregory Burke
Ever since the dark ages of 1997, the Giza Academy of Music and Legends of Dance has honored dancers and videographers who have explored the art of Middle Eastern dance through film and video. Documenting and sharing our dance provides opportunities for preservation, teaching and furthering our art. The following report was created from the notes for that night
11-16-09 Naked
Belly Dance in Ancient Egypt, Part 2: Are They Really Naked? by
Andrea Deagon Ph.D
What does nudity mean in a dance scene like this? And does this nudity reflect an actual practice of naked dancing as banquet entertainment?
11-11-09 Ahlan
Wa Sahlan Festival, Page 3: Winners and Closing Gala, photos by Denise
Marino, Text by Leyla Lanty
for the AWS 2009 competition included Mo Geddawi, Mona El Said, Nabil Mabrouk, and Katia
11-4-09 Ahlan
Wa Sahlan Festival, Page 2: Teachers from Around the World photos by
Denise Marino, text by Leyla Lanty
On Teachers’ Night, held on the night after the Opening Gala,
teachers have the opportunity to show festival attendees what their special
talents are. The next day after this, many go to the registration desk and
register for additional classes with teachers they saw in this show.
11-3-09 Ask
Yasmina #10: Bellydance Business, Finding Musicians, Certification by
Yasmina Ramzy
This experience has made me very wary ever since of people with certificates.
11-2-09 Ahlan
Wa Sahlan Festival, Page 1: Opening Gala Photos by Denise Marino,
text by Leyla Lanty and Denise
It’s June 27, 2009, in Cairo, Egypt, which can mean only one thing – the Opening Gala of Raqia Hassan’s
Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival!
11-2-09 Gilded
Serpent reports- Gig Bag check with Amira and Mom, Sadiya Video
Clip on the Community Kaleidoscope
What does a dancer need to carry in her gig bag? Amira and her mom, Sandra
or Sadiya show off her fancy gig bag and all the costumes in it that Mom
made for Amira. Footage was filmed at Carnival of Stars in November 2008.
10-29-09 Interview
with Jacqueline Lombard, Queen of the Dancers in the Golden Era of
Tinseltown by Kamala Almanzar
They refused to play dance music or anything you asked for…got to admit, that really taught how to pull off a show & think quick on my feet. You never knew where they were going with the music, & they
tried to make you look bad.
10-22-09 Chelum,
a Transcendent State by Paola
They call it chelum, another Turkish term in the Eastern Macedonian dialect. It refers to a transcendent state of dance and music enjoyment fueled by tapanje, zurli, darabouki, tamburi, and of course the ubiquitous Rakija.
10-19-09 Naked
Belly Dance in Ancient Egypt, Part 1: Are They Really Belly Dancing? by
Andrea Deagon Ph.D.
The real first question is, “What is belly dance?” Many elements of the
modern practice of belly dance emerged in the 20th century. Our emphasis
on the female soloist, the structure of the typical show in both the East
and the West, the style of music we dance to, our costuming, our specific
styles of relationship with the audience, and so on, are modern developments.
10-19-09 The
Bellybutton Revolution, Feminism & Bellydance by Yasmina Ramzy
When I grew up and became a bellydancer, needless to say, my Mom was perplexed and wondered where she had gone wrong.
10-14-09 Ramadan
in Cairo by Nicole
This idea of renewed religious commitment and the character of Ramadan to involve self-deprivation makes many of us westerners think that this is a somber time, but in fact there is another side to the month of Ramadan that is quite lively and exciting.
10-6-09 Researching
Dance Origins with the Mazin Family, Photo from Pepper's Archives
Part 2, Text by Pepper Alexandria with additions by Edwina Nearing
Yusuf, Khairiyya and Raja looked a Pepper’s hopeful face with the tears standing in her eyes and caved in. A private performance was arranged to take place on the flat roof of the Mazin’s
home in full costume with live musicians.
10-1-09 Gig
Bag Check with Surreyya and Sultana, video on the CK
What does a dancer need to carry in her gig bag? Surreyya has a very special friend she carries in hers! Sultana, a leopard spotted boa constrictor enjoys being displayed for us and having a dance with her partner. Footage was filmed at Carnival of Stars in November 2008.
9-30-09 Tajikistan
Part II: Land of Dance by Robyn Friend PhD
After a performance of daf soz (songs with frame drum accompaniment),
the musicians played maddoh, followed by raqs-i aspak (“horse dance”), in
which a man dances wearing a costume which makes it look like he is riding
a horse.
9-28-09 Give
Credit where Credit is Due! by Dondi Simone Dahlin
However, some dancers are using the same music, costumes and choreography
in their performances that they first see elsewhere. This begs the question:
at what point does copying someone’s original concept or choreography cross
over from homage to stealing?
9-27-09 Wiggles
of the West: One Dancer’s Foray into Competition by Sonja
In the world of belly dancing lately, dance competitions seem to be the big thing. Love them or hate them, they are popping up all over the country, leaving one to wonder what benefit they add to our art form. In an art form as varied as Middle Eastern Dance, incorporating cultures crossing multiple borders and continents, to what standards do these competitions adhere?
9-17-09 Photos
of Caravan of Secrets, Co-produced Theatre Production by Zahra
Zuhair and Carolyn Krueger, Photos by Alvin and Fransisca Sugianto
held August 15th and 16th, 2009, at the Electric Lodge Theatre, Venice, California. Caravan of Secrets navigates imaginary landscapes inspired by the cultures and contradictions found among the ancient Silk Roads, Sea Routes and Gypsy Trails of the Middle East and Central Asia.
9-17-09 Sex,
Belly Dance and the Afterlife by Yasmin Henkesh
To these people, sex was not dirty, shameful, frightening or forbidden. It was a natural part of daily life and the essential prerequisite for birth - on earth or in the Afterlife.
9-15-09 Photos
from Spirit of the Tribes 9 A Multicultural Journey Fort Lauderdale,
Florida, May 2009 Photos by Zizi Zabaneh
Zizi’s photos are from the Spirit of the Tribes festival which is
in its ninth year. It is produced by Maja a long established teacher
in Florida. The festival includes 4 days of workshops, vending, competition
and performances by troupes and soloists from around the world.
9-11-09 Are
You Breaking the Law? Dance Workshops with Foreign Nationals by
Miles Copeland
It is the sponsor’s obligation to deduct this; if it is not deducted
and the full fee paid to the foreign teacher and discovered several
years later in an audit or investigation, the sponsor will be forced to
pay the taxes then and may even be fined.
9-10-09 A Quest
for Beauty, Part II: Damn the Torpedoes and Full Speed Ahead! by Zorba
I recognized that "femininity/masculinity" was an entirely artificial construct,
and femininity/masculinity was based on reality, i.e. biology.
9-9-09 Bellydance
from Cairo to Los Angeles: Personal Commentary on the Bellydance
Superstars by
Roza Sharazad
I remember the saying "Cairo is the Hollywood of Bellydance" is for a reason,
and I think the ancient Egyptian theme takes us back to where the roots
are deepest.
9-8-09 Ask
Yasmina #9: Teaching Differences, New Troupes, Men in Bellydance by
Yasmina Ramzy
As an ensemble becomes larger and more professional, it will find that it
is more efficient and effective if it models itself like a professional company
with defined roles
9-1-09 Maud
Allen: La Femme Fatale by Wendy Buonaventura
For, as the trial progressed, in effect, it became a trial of female sexuality. No respectable woman, it was claimed, could possibly take on the sadistic role of Salome unless she was a sadist in real life, and sadism was regarded at the time as a practice verging on the criminal.
8-28-09 Carl's
Photos from The 2009 Gala Showcase at the SF/BA MECDA Event photos
by Carl Sermon
Event Presented by SF/BA MECDA (the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association) Held on January 17 at the Cubberley Community Quditorium in Palo Alto, California
8-27-09 You
Can Take the Dance With You! by Yasmine of Siren In Sanity
It has been a year since we have made our big move—Sirens In Sanity has
changed from being a one-beautiful-studio-in-Benicia, California, to a multi-location
studio.
8-23-09 Improvisation:
Method Behind the Madness by Najia Marlyz
One of the biggest mistakes we western Bellydancers have made is presuming
that the dancing to which Arabs refer as the “Eastern Dance” is a theatrical
dance that ought to be choreographed as if it were a ballet, or that its
steps and movements are traditional like those of the Greek Hasapiko, an
Arabic Depke, or a Hawaiian Hula.
8-16-09 Dancing
for Dowries, Part 2: The Nailiyat by Andrea Deagon, PhD
It respected the intelligence, style and wisdom gained by women who
had lived in the public eye and in the world beyond their native home – a
world many men of the Ouled Nail never saw.
8-16-09 Challenging
Hypocracry: A Response to Miles Copeland's Article by
Tonya
The ethical way has been to promote one’s own competition but not to degrade someone else’s.
8-14-09 Michael's
Photos of the Belly Dancer of the Year2009 Award Winners, photos
by Michael Baxter
Some photos are linked to larger images. Additional troupe member names
wanted!
8-13-09 SharQui
and Injury by Rachel
I suffered a severe injury to my spine and sacroiliac joint that left me
in constant agonizing pain, and worse, fully disabled. I was 23.
8-12-09 Words
of Wisdom: Interview with Hadia by Jalilah Lorraine Chamas
Unfortunately, this hyper-saturation, along with the current international economic crisis, has led
to a self-initiated devaluation of both dancers and teachers, as they compete
for contracts and students in an extremely competitive market.
8-10-09 The
Ghawazi: Back From the Brink of Extinction (For now) by Habiba
The really fabulous news is that Khairiyya’s sister Raja has come
out of retirement and is dancing again.
7-29-09 At
Home with Fifi Abdou by Yasmina of Cairo
In America, one of the things that especially pleased me was the inclusiveness
of the dance scene there – in my classes I saw women of many different
ages – and body types – enjoying dancing, and that made
me happy
7-27-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Sunday Dancers M-Z, photos
by Carl Sermon
Mariyah, Metal Goddas, Nesheli, Nubian Daughters, Oasis Dream Dancers, Oreet, ... Suzanna Del Vecchio, Willow
7-18-09 Dancing
for Dowries: Earning Power, Ethnology, and Happily Ever After by Andrea
Deagon, PhD.
When a mythic history is told and retold in a context like the belly dance community, you have to assume that there are strong underlying reasons for
its popularity.
7-17-09 Little
Istanbul in Japan by Artemis Mourat
For several years, belly dance has been rated as one of the top three favorite hobbies for women who are in their 20s and 30s in Tokyo.
7-16-09 Does
Modern Media Kill the Organic Process? by Sharon Moore
If they see "the same thing", instead of feeling a responsibility within
themselves to try to see it in a new light/from a new perspective with a
richer understanding with fresh eyes, they chalk it up to the performer failing
them for not bringing them something "new and cutting edge".
7-15-09 Ask
Yasmina #8: Socializing with Your Audience, Relaxing the Upper
Body, Tattoos by
Yasmina Ramzy
It may take a while but you and the owner need to train the audience to arrive on time if they want to see a performance. In the end, everyone will benefit.
7-11-09 Certifications
& Contests: Are They Meaningful? by Miles Copeland
Its as if the contest win were
a diploma, her ticket to teach!
7-9-09 Ling
Shien demonstrates the Accordion on the Musical Instrument Tour
She came to the Gilded Serpent studio to tell us how she has modified a standard
western made accordion to be able to play the quarter tones required in many
of the Arabic modes.
7-7-09 Carl
Captures Character: Rakkasah Festival East Photos A-L by
Carl Sermon
Alhena, Alia, Avivah, Basema, Calixta, Dena, Desert Moon...
7-6-09 My
Performance Career by Toni Perrine
I worked a variety of jobs, singing in nightclubs and bartending, before
developing my next marketable act. Since I was a formally trained ballet
dancer, I combined Pointe with Exotic dance. Mind you: this was not stripping—but
a beautiful and suggestive dance set to piano music.
6-29-09 Gig
Bag Check with Pepper Alexandria on the Community Kaleidoscope
6-28-09 Faruk
Sarsa ; The Life of an Artist of Mohamed Ali Street by Amina Goodyear
The best drums and riqs, however, were inlaid with mother of pearl and had fish skin heads. The best store selling these instruments was Music Center. It was owned by Mohamed Sarsa who had the fish skin monopoly and the best instruments of this kind.
6-27-09 Dyslexia
and Dance: Its More Common than you think! by Keti Sharif
If you are a dance student or teacher, chances are that around 20% of the
class could be dyslexic. As a dance teacher, it is quite important to be
able to identify dyslexic tendencies in students, and understand how you
can help them learn.
6-19-09 The
Dance Teacher: By Divine Design or Default? by Najia Marlyz
...nearly everywhere, dancers in this particular form seem to have
found it necessary to “do it all” in order to earn a living
by dance career alone
6-17-09 Dance
Alchemy by Paola
Dance can be the corporeal miming, shaping, and manifestation of the
soul’s
intent.
6-16-09 Susie's
Photos from The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant 2009
As a fish to a shiny object, so am I drawn to a well produced event
of glamorous, bedazzled and talented performers of belly dance.
6-11-09 Arabic
Lessons, My Introduction to Shaabi, Part 1 by Amina Goodyear
She taught us that besides learning the words and their meanings, Egyptians
do not stand still when singing. They dance around a bit and use their
hands, body and eyes to gesture according to the songs.
6-10-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers L-Z,
photos by Carl Sermon
Latifa, Banat Al Beled, Leena, Lotus Niraja, Mahira Tribe, Mahrabesh, Majestic
Hip, Malweh, MaShuqa, Mayumi, Nabila, Naheda, Natica, Nixies...
6-8-09 The
Real Ideal Show; Why we Dance! by Latifa
As the time approached for our
show, two of our dancers were stuck in traffic trying to reach us from San
Francisco, so we arranged our show to accommodate them if they made it and
so it would work if they didn’t .
6-7-09 Ask
Yasmina #7: Milaya, Tipping, Gossip by Yasmina Ramzy
Ask yourself "why?’ over and over again, digging deeper
for the truth, until you arrive at that moment when the beauty
of Bellydance had you completely inspired and elated, that moment when
you wanted the whole world to experience the same joy.
6-4-09 Michael's
Spring 2009 Photo Spread, photos and text by Michael Baxter
Aazura, Adriana, Ahava, Alimah, Andrea, Claudia, Eve, Kashmir Isis, Katherina,
Khalila, Maria, Meissoun, Michelle Joyce, Mychelle, Nadira, Nanna, Nicole,
Sandra, Shoshanna, Summer, Surreyya, Crystal, Tabitha, Zaheea
6-4-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers E-K,
photos by Carl Sermon
East Pennsylvais Middle Eastern Dance Club, Egyptian Sunrise, Egyptian
Sun, Enzina, Eye of Horus, Fahtiem, Fatima Al Wahid,
Femme Fatales, Gypsies & Genies, Jenivia, Jewels of the Nile, Johara &
Snake Dance Theatre, Kaeshi, Kaoru, Kimberly
5-31-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers
A-D,
photos by Carl Sermon
Abzahrah, Amala, Aladina, Alchemy, Alexa, Amira, Aneena, Angelique, Anka
Kusu, Desert Jewels, Dondi ...
5-29-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Friday Evening Dancers, photos
by Carl Sermon
help October 17, 2008 in Somerset, New Jersey. Bianca, Willow, Tempest,
Leila Haddad...
5-28-09 Through
the Eye of the Camera photos by Vibeke, text by Laura Rose
This photo exhibit captures moments and scenery of Delilah’s most
recent Visionary Belly Dance Retreat, which took place in Hawaii, Janurary,
2009.
5-26-09 Bellydancing
Fashionably by Martha Duran
Always remember that you’re representing a country’s culture! Sometimes,
less is more; sometimes, more is less.”
5-17-09 Ahmed
Adaweya My Introduction to Shaabi by Amina
Goodyear
Where once he was known as a master plumber, he had now become a master of Saltana.
5-14-09 Know
Your Venue, Style & the Savvy Performance Artist by Laura Rose
Personally, I believe that to pull off something dangerously edgy and
thoughtfully shocking (while still providing entertainment) you might need
to offer them something as well. Something like, oh, say…skill!
5-11-09 Ask
Yasmina #6 : Abhinaya, Personal Journey, What’s Missing? by Yasmina Ramzy
Tapping into the source will change the quality of your movement,
your interpretation of the music and your emotional connection to the movement
and the music.
5-5-09 One
Hip in Each Camp, My Experience of Working in Both the Arabesque Dance
Company and the Arabesque Orchestra by Shema/EmmaLucy Cole
My dancing is fuelled by my understanding of the music and now, my playing is influenced by the emotions I experience when I dance. It is a cyclical experience which has been boosted by this incredible opportunity to work with some of the most talented Arabic musicians on the scene.
5-3-09 The
Quintessential Performer: Attitudes for the Stage by Najia Marlyz
What can you rightfully expect of an audience of persons who are not, themselves, involved in performing (or related to you)?
4-30-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias, Part
4: Teamwork Among Musicians by Artemis Mourat
You’ve got people in the audience who are paying you. If you’re
dying, don’t come to work. But if you come to work, do your job.
It does not matter what else is going on in your life.
4-28-09 Photos
from the 2008 Tour of the Bellydance Superstars by Carl Sermon
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, March 1 2008
4-24-09 Oasis
Dance Camp South A
New Twist on an Established Retreat by Ramona
Every student received a personalized notebook and music CD, which included
class notes and news articles about dance and culture.
4-18-09 Dance
of the Nile part 3: Meleya by Gamila El Masri
The erk sous seller spies
a pretty young thing in a melaya (and pink bloomers). He coaxes her to have
a cup; they flirt. He chases her, she runs away.
4-15-09 Magnouna
in Cairo, aka My Cairo Adventures in April 2008 by Catherine Barros
The tally of dance shows for this trip was 3 Nile dinner cruises (Lorna
Gow, Basima and Leila), the Tannoura show, Dina (at
the Semiramis) and the Opening Gala at the Nile Group Festival (Dalia,
Liza Laziza, Leila, Hayem, and Asmahan).
4-13-09 Recognizing
Accomplishment: Atlantis! by Helena Vlahos
I get so excited over the events they are producing, that I have no
thoughts about them as dancers. All I think about is the person who is performing
or teaching and the merchandise that the venders are selling. I only think
of the sponsors as being effective with the business side of Bellydancing.
4-9-09 A
Quest for Beauty, Part 1: Beauty is Discovered by Zorba
My wife of 17 years asked, "You’re going to do…. what?"when I told her
of my desire to take Bellydance lessons.
4-1-09 Where
is the Goddess in a Vertical Drop and a Shimmy? How Can the Practice
of Bellydance Lead the Dancer to a State of Grace or Enlightenment? by
Yasmina Ramzy
The most important practice of almost all mystical paths is meditation.
It is universal and does not need a frame of reference from any particular
theology.
3-31-09 Mina's
1001 Arabian Nights, photos by Michael Baxter, text by Mina, the
producer
1001 Arabian Nights started with asking several of the community troupe
directors and teachers I’ve known over the year if they would like
to create a show with me. They all seemed very excited about the prospect
of doing something "different" in the dance community.
3-30-09 The
Bellydance Museum: An Accident of Fate? by Stief
Soon, I found out my collection of Arabic instruments, ancient jewelry, and
our shared bank account were all gone along with my ex-wife. The only thing
I could find was a small part of my picture collection, which I now had to
sell in order to stay alive.
3-28-09 Producing "Tales
of Desire";
a Tribal Fusion Bellydance Experience by Sherri
We felt that the buzz in the community was that people were getting tired
of seeing the same performers on every performance DVD that came out,
so we really tried to
mix it up and offer a more varied line up.
3-26-09 Teaching
American Bellydance: Ich Bin Ein Berliner! by Una
Amazing! The members of the workshop wanted
more and more—and even Horacio began trying out my veil moves.
3-20-09 Tania
Luiz A Romany Fusion Artist in Osaka by Artemis Mourat
At this time I think I was longing for a well-documented dance, old and structured.
I was a little sad because I saw how people who were not properly trained
but who just had a costume would teach Oriental dance. Plus the deep
connections of Indian dance to the Divine were very interesting to me. At
the end of it all, I realized that my body, my soul and my blood are meant
to do Oriental.
3-19-09 Indonesia's
Introduction to Belly Dance: The Mainstream Media's Influence by Fahmia
Bandib
Extensive mainstream media attention has been a mixed bag of blessings
and, well, “somewhat less than blessings,” as most Indonesians
would diplomatically say.
3-17-09 Sahba
Motallebi demonstrates the Tar and Setar, new video in our Musical Instrument
Tour
Also included is footage of Sahba on stage performing with Bahram
Osqueezadeh on the Persian Santur and Rowan Storm on
the frame drum.
3-15-09 Tribute
to Bert: Photos from the GS files
Bert's memorial page, please add your comments, thank you.
3-13-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias Part 3: A Serious Accident by
Artemis Mourat
I put it (the cigarette) out and I looked at my watch, it was quarter past four. I woke up three days later.
3-12-09 Making
(and Re-making) Choreography:
Moving Forward, Moving Backward, Moving! by Cera
As soon as you set the first movement, one of those options has been limited.
Then, when you make a second choice, a third, and a forth, the possibilities
get smaller and smaller. The process is, essentially, painting yourself into
a corner, and by the time you set the last count, the song is done; the choices
are over, and they have become inevitable, solid. They stand on their own—without
you, potential-less. Pens down! Flip the paper over. Choices have been made.
3-11-09 Munique
Neith's Studio: What You are Missing if You aren't in Barcelona! by
Amanda Rose
What inspired me to write this article was not only the unbelievable
setup that is presented in Barcelona, but the fact that I have never
truly felt the warmth and compassion from any situation in the dance world
that I have from Munique, her husband Albert and their studio. They were
warm, receptive, and incredibly gracious
3-10-09 Its
All in the Flavor! Bellydance in Mexico by Martha Duran
Those
were tough times for us teachers. Students were very shy in the classroom
but eager to learn; some of them even thought that Shakira had created Bellydance!
They didn’t have much information about Oriental Dance, its origins,
or different styles. Some aspiring dancers even sat through several classes
just to check out what Bellydance was or if we teachers danced it as well
as Shakira.
3-9-09 Authenticity
in Dance Photography by Scott Belding
There are three things that make a dance photograph great: authenticity,
detail and connection.
3-6-09 Bellydance:My
Lifesaver & Soul Mate by Lisa
Chen
So, here with both of my arms having injection needles inserted and an
oxygen mask on my face, I began to visualize that I was standing at FatChance
BellyDance’s
studio with other dancers.
3-4-09 Ask
Yasmina #4 Feminine
Spectacle, Workshop Requirements, My Styles of Dance, by Yasmina Ramzy
Dancers, who are willing to pay to be on stage, are
perhaps not always ready to be there.
3-3-09 Recieving
Filthy Lucre: Justifying Payment for Your Art by Najia
Belly dance can be a respectable art and teaching it should be a respected
employment. Often it isn’t, and that is why you have to set your career
goals—and don’t forget to consider the money!
2-24-09 Quality vs. Quantity, Buying CDs vs.
Downloading Music by Mher Panossian
and Sherri Wheatley
...especially for those
that are performers and need the sound file to be the highest quality format
when it comes to amplification
2-16-09 Badia Masabny, Star Maker of Cairo by Jalilah
Due to the performance of a Hitler parody, however, Masabny was placed on Hitler's list of people to be executed once he took over Egypt. Fortunately, the Germans never made it to Cairo!
2-12-09Dancing with Legends: Interview
of Freddie Elias Part 2: Clubs and Musicians by Artemis Mourat
...and here was an Italian, playing all these Greek melodies. I was mesmerized. I discovered that Greek music is fantastic.
2-11-09 Excerpts From Aesthetic Explorations of the Egyptian Oriental Dance Among Egyptian Canadians by Kathleen Fraser
One respondent attempted a description of Egyptianness in the dance. "Egyptians are plumper, more attractive. What makes the Egyptian style is the costume, soft movements, gentleness (no jumping or jerking), subtlety, dala, the drum, soft music." Charm and liveliness of face contributed to perceived quality of "Egyptianness."
2-7-09 BDSS Update: New Choreographers contribute to 2009 Show by Miles Copeland
I will admit that I have never been a big fan of the more ‘folkloric’ approach to Bellydance, but then again I have to be open to try something new with each show.
2-6-09 The
Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive 2008: Vegas and Belly Dance Celebrities Report
by Mareeshka, photos by Brad Dosland
Just as its host city brings together Paris’ Eiffel Tower , the fountains
of Bellagio, and the pyramid of Luxor , the Bellydance intensive brings
together this local talent with international stars, combining traditional
cabaret with the latest tribal styles, to create a big event that feels
comfortably intimate
2-5-09 Fire
in your Belly: My Dance Story by Annette Nel of South Africa
I’ve always wanted to be a dancer. I vividly remember when I was four
years old and had just started ballet, the driveway became my stage and
the African sun my spotlight as I did plies, twirled, and pitter-pattered
on tiptoe to a growing audience of passers-by. I remember curtsying to a
young schoolboy who stopped to stare. Today, I realise it wasn’t my
extraordinary dancing that stopped them in their tracks.
2-4-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 5:T-Z by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
2-2-09 Bahram
Osqueezadeh on Persian Santur video
Footage captured in August 2008, at the Mendocino Woodlands, Middle
Eastern Music and Dance Camp.Bahram play for us and talks about his intrument.
2-2-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 4: R-T by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-30-09 Say
Thank You! Gracefully Accepting Compliments by Chandani
Responding with a simple “Thank you!” should be rewarding to both parties.
By receiving praise from another, you acknowledge that you did your
job well. It should be a merry moment that enhances your spirit. You have
an accomplishment that you should be proud to share, and the audience
member offering you the compliment is acknowledging that your dance has
touched something in the life of another.
1-28-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 3: M-R by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-28-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 2: D-K by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-27-09 Improvisation,
Taqsim, and Teaching, Things I Love by Rahma Haddad
Because improvisation is so instantaneous, the performer
doesn’t know what he is going to do until he does it. Likewise, the
dancer may not remember what was done when the dance is finished. This
is why creating improvisational dance is rarely boring.
1-26-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 1: A-C by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa.
1-18-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias Part 1: When Boston's Golden
Era Rocked to Music Orientale by Artemis Mourat
They do not study
the craft in a deep and meaningful way, and everybody’s in a hurry.
They don’t get into it right. They don’t think! If you do
not work hard, you cannot protect your craft.
1-16-09 Thorn
of the Rose:Making Friends with Criticism by Najia Marlyz 11-28-08
Thorns make the rose
ever more precious; though one’s ego rarely treasures moments of
having felt the sharp thorn of stinging criticism. If the dancer is open
to criticism—valid or invalid—it can open the door to the
process of re-evaluation that otherwise might never happen.
1-15-09 Ask
Yasmina #2, Handling Media, Choreography, Name Our Dance by Yasmina
Ramzy
In creating a work of art that will enlighten or move an audience
emotionally, the artist's intention is to communicate a message or an emotion.
1-13-09 Connections:
Yoga and Belly Dance by Narah
I started my Yoga
practice not long after beginning to Belly Dance. I was drawn to it and
stayed with it as I enjoyed the benefits of its complementary practices.
The promises of relaxation, strength, flexibility, and spirituality intrigued
me and fit right into my Belly dancing lifestyle.
1-8-09 Apprenticing
at ADC by Laura
At first rehearsals
were terrifying. The girls were learning new choreographies and positioning
and I would follow along in the back, feeling like a bit of a dolt
and getting in everyone’s way.
1-6-09 2008
Drum, Dance, & Music Festival Raqs Taiwan with Karim Nagi! by
Lisa Chen
She wishes to
find the bridge between dancers and musicians, performers and audiences
while still keeping its cultural roots alive. DDM is the platform for dancers
and musicians working together and exchanging their professional experiences.
1-5-09 Now
What? Improvement Ideas for the Growing Dancer by Anna
This article is
for those of us that would like to delve into areas of the art form that
may be beyond the usual class topics.
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