online version here
October 2010 SnakeByte from the Gilded Serpent!

Web Magazine for Mid East Performing Arts, online now for 11 years!
12 New Articles! on www.gildedserpent.com

  • 10-18-10 Karim Naji, Interview with an Egyptian Dance Master by Nicole
    I think that Egyptian and Arabic culture as a whole entity should never be extracted from this dance. I do not believe in de-ethnicizing it, and I do not believe the culture is optional! Nobody ever allowed Latino culture to become an optional part of Salsa or Samba. Additionally, Indian culture is inextricable from Bharatnatyam and Bhangra. I believe that Raqs Sharqi, a.k.a. “Belly dance” is available to anyone from any culture. I am not xenophobic, nor an exclusivist. I am thrilled to see people all over the world enjoy and promote this art form. However, I will argue for the importance of the Arab connection until the day I die.
  • 10-16-10 Murat Tekbilek Demos the Darbuka, Musical Instrument Tour VIDEO
    Murat Tekbilek is the son of Omar Faruk and Susie who are from Turkey. He shows us the different sounds this drum can make and his obvious talent. Also included is footage of Murat performing on stage with his father and Dror Sinai, Hasan Isakkut and others. More fun clips from camp are included of drum sessions and classes and the kitchen staff's dance.
  • 10-13-10 Part 3 of 2, More Performance Photos by Sal Romano, Stacey and Clement Lespinasse, Brian Feister and Brian Lin
    Our stage shows took place Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Dance New Amsterdam, a beautiful studio and performance space just north of City Hall. Performers included featured soloists and troupes selected by a panel of teachers, as well as all of the conference teachers themselves. A diversity of styles and approaches were represented onstage, from traditional to fusion to fantasy.
  • 10-12-10 Part 2 of 2: The Performances, The New York Theatrical Belly Dance Conference 2010, A Five Day Exploration of Dance Styles, Intention, and Content. Review by Thalia, Photos by Sal Romano, Stacey and Clement Lespinasse, Brian Feister and Brian Lin
    Some of these "theatrical" works focused more on staging and aesthetics; some used narrative; others focused overtly on intention and meaning; and, a minority stayed true to traditional cabaret or folkloric modes.
  • 10-6-10 Overcoming Public Assumptions, The Birth of Bellydance in Jakarta by Christine
    One thing I often encounter is the public’s assumption that ‘bellydance’ will tone your stomach and muscles and that it is for weight loss. Another is that bellydance is a vulgar, erotic dance used for seducing men. I am still trying to get the message to the public that both are untrue.
  • 10-5-10 Reptile Illness, What is Wrong with My Snake? by Neferteri Baiddou
    Reptiles are good at hiding their illness because in the wild they would be easy prey. This makes it challenging for those of us who have them in our homes.
  • 10-4-10 From the Street to the Virtual Cafe, The History of Shaabi by Amina Goodyear
    There were several movements throughout the world that seemed to simultaneously create music in the genre called "cassette culture". Most notably this type of music was evident in England and the U.S. with punk music, in Jamaica with Reggae, in Algeria with Rai and in Egypt with Shaabi music.
  • 10-1-10 Ask Yasmina #14: Pro Dancer vs Religion, Importance of Training, Khaleegy Music by Yasmina Ramzy
    Then, I would speak to them about being authentic. If Bellydance was chosen with conviction, love and integrity, then their relationship with God would remain real and honest and maybe one day they might win back the respect of her family. It was still a huge risk, but at least, they could have comfort in living an authentic life.
  • 9-26-10 A Dancer's Perspecitive: 2010 Yaa Halla Y’all Belly Dance Competition by Iman, Photos by Carl Sermon and MsShuqa
    Yaa Halla Y’all is an action-packed, four-day event for all styles of Belly dance: Tribal, Alternative, and Cabaret.

Reviews

Special Advertising Section

Sharifwear! Best Prices! Top Quality! Made in the USA!! Club, Dance Wear, Salsa Wear, Tribal Wear, Salsa Skirts, Tribal Tops, Gypsy skirts, Belly Dance Gear! Made for Divas that dance!  www.sharifwear.com
'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<:>~
Oasis Dance Camps: South Retreat Dance Camp- Jekyll Island, Georgia, November 3-7; all feature Cassandra, Ava Fleming, Nicole LeCorgne. http://oasisdancecamp.com/
~<:>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Rakstar 2010, Oct 28-31, Miami, Florida! featuring Yousry Sharif, Asmahan, Amir Thaleb, Jillina ,Virginia & Karim Nagi. 5 legends, 4 days of workshops, 3 nights of events, including Rakstar Competition, Theatrical Production "ONE", & Fernando Corona Fashion Show! www.rakstar2010.com
'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<:>~
Bellydance travel and workshops in Turkey! Turkish Bellydance Team surrounds you with Turkish dance culture since 1996! Join us in Sept 2010 for a 12 day tour, May 2011 Rom Festival in Istanbul. www.turkishbellydance.net
~<:>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Middle Eastern Treasures Concert, Sunday afternoon, October 24, Oakland, CA: Mary Ellen's six piece Arabic Music Ensemble featuring Nazir Latouf; belly dancers Ahava and Diana; four high energy percussion ensemble pieces; guest artists, taiko ensemble.  Flyer at www.maryellendonald.com
'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<:>~
GIlded Serpent needs your financial support to stay alive! Consider promoting yourself or a product, your teacher, or even sending a HOLIDAY GREETING with an ad on the Gilded Serpent site or in this SnakeByte. See our ad guide for more.
~<:>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
For that last minute push:The 1 Month Blast" Lush Lady or Full Page ad graphic for one month (150 x 400), 1 snakebyte ad (30 words text w link), 1 scroller listing (12 words linked, front page) . For that last minute promo of events, only $95 GS adguide
~<:>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Volunteer! ~^^^^^^^^^^^<>~ Write! ~^^^^^^^^^^<>~ Advertise! ~^^^^^^<>~
Keep the Snake Alive! 2010 is the year to take out an ad on Gilded Serpent! Contact editor
'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<:>~

Community Kaleidoscope
14th Annual Arab Film Fest
Tito goes glam!
Aziza teaches to 800 students in Argentina
Sami teaches music at Arab Cultural Center
Leila Farid teaches in Wash DC for Yasmin
Amani in Russia!
Jewel of Portland wins Jewel of the Sierra
Cassandra and Nesma after The Dark Nightengale
Video report from Sausan's Birthday Party

New Letters
Beautiful letter of suppport from Barbara Sellers-Young
Jalilah writes of concern about Jasmine's article

Coming soon!
if you don't see your submitted article listed here, let us know!
Carl's photos from Spring Caravan
More photos and videos from IBCC
History of BD in Quebec
Bellydance Fashion Show
Naajidah- Professionalism Part 2
BD as Recreation by Aziza of Hungary
Delilah by Barbara Sellers-Young
Amina write about learning the dance from Magana Baptiste
Interview with Magana also in the works
Angie writes about BD and Pregnancy
Yahalla Summary by Iman
Fantasy Bellydance in NYC by Ayshe

Disasters with Fire by Tasha Banat
The Bellydance Nationals by Ahava
Rebaba's Memoir: Hollywood!
Claudia's report on Bahaia's Camp
Roza reports on Arab BD contest in NM
Jasmine June gives intro to Tribal Fusion
Neferteri reports on LV Intensive
Cory Zamora Gigbag check!
Dahab's Long Distance BD
Practice Habits by Adriane
Shanti reports on NBay Bazaar
Stasha writes about dancing with Queen
Interview with Ayumi about the dance scene in Japan

Thank you for your sssssupport!
gildedserpent.com

cover--table of contents--archives--calendar/clubs--letters--community kaleidoscope--about us--submissions--advertising --Serpent Souk