From LURAINYA (PA):

Hello, ladies!

There is still time to sign up for Lurainya's Oct/Nov session of Bellydance classes!

Classes begin this week in Willow Grove, Doylestown, and New Britain.

Contact Lurainya ASAP if you would like to reserve a spot!

Have a great weekend,

Lurainya’s Realm, LLC & MoonGypsy Productions
MoonGypsy.net <www.moongypsy.net/>

PO Box 364
Willow Grove, PA 19090
215.534.0181

From DOLPHINA (CA):

Greetings! October 2008

Dearest Goddesses,

I was thinking about the eGoddess Community this weekend as SurfGoddess class held its last class of the summer. I reveled in how much I love seeing the women get up on the board for the first time. Everyone gets surf stoke and is giggling like teenagers. I love to be a part of that!

I love producing my dvds, writing blogs and my new webisodes ( just loaded to this site that you can comment just like you do on the blogs). But what I really love is to see women transform in front of my eyes. I like to imagine dancing with you and decided that I am going to make it a priority to do more workshops and retreats so that I can meet you in person! Please let me know if you are interested in hosting me in your town.

I ALWAYS will LOVE hearing from you - about your transformation, your dreams, desires, favorite goddess movies, books and who inspires you. Please continue to write me via email - or comment on my blog posts and now my webisodes! Here's to meeting you someday soon!



Blessings,




What's New at GoddessLife



Webisodes/Video Blogs are here!

Come on an Adventure with Dolphina as she shares the finer points of GoddessLife. Watch each webisode as she explores the world to bring you what will make you feel like an empowered Goddess. One video blog she travels to Kuwait to teach bellydance and wear a burqa (the first one posted), the next she will motivate you on your workout or share the latest in pampering techniques. Always original, join Dolphina as she inspires you to live your own GoddessLife.

Each webisode Adventure with Dolphina has a cute opening (photo in center) before it goes into video blog . The tone of From Bellydance to Burqa starts out light and then become serious. Please watch and comment!


Dolphina's dancing was reviewed in this month's Sunset Magazine in an article entitled, "Star Sightings".


Join Dolphina and GoddessLife on Facebook. Just click the facebook banner at the bottom of page.



GoddessLife 101

Join me each month in this section as I teach you simple tips to living a fuller, healthier and fun life. You are a goddess and it is time to start living that way!

Lesson #5: Feel confident by having glamorous photos taken of you by a professional photographer.

Awaken your inner super-model goddess and have some sassy photos taken of yourself in lingerie, bathing suit or your birthday suit! I did it recently in tandem with a girlfriend of mine and we had the best girly day! The actual experience made me feel super glamorous, confident and I loved the results. I gave it as a gift to my man and he thought they were sweet and sexy! If you have no intention of showing them to your mate, why not celebrate your own form enjoy a fun experience that will make you feel empowered?

I shot my photos with Helene of Booty Boudoir. She lives in San Diego, but will travel to shoot you in the privacy of your own home or in her photography studio. She really knows how to make everyone shine! She makes you feel uninhibited, beautiful and that you know how to pose better than any Victoria's Secret supermodel. She recommends this as a wedding gift. Her goal is to make this experience fun and empowering and works to minimize your flaws and emphasize your assets. Helene is my favorite photographer! Just check out herwebsite!

Read more


Inspirational Goddess of the Month

Your stories of how the Goddess Workout has transformed your life serve as great inspiration to me and now I want to share it with other Goddesses! Nominate a Goddess!

Name: Kim Blish

Location: Santa Monica, California

Story: The picture was taken when I was 7 months pregnant.


I have been very fortunate to not only have the Goddess workout in my life, but the Goddess Center. For years it has been my sanctuary. A place where I can be freely me, and connect with other amazing women. It has truly been a place I can turn to for fun, spirituality, and comfort.


When my husband and I decided that we were ready to have a child, the journey proved to be much longer and harder than I ever imagined. I was lucky to have the Goddess Center to turn to during the difficult times. I not only had the support and faith of the Goddesses, but I had bellydance. Bellydance helped me connect with my body at a time when I felt it had failed me. Bellydance reminded me that I was a woman when I felt that I could not do the one thing that defined womanhood to me. With all the support in my life I was able to find peace and patience. I am now happy to report that I recently had a baby blessing at the Goddess Center to honor the twins I will be giving birth to this month.

Favorite Goddess Workout Dance Move: Hip circle from Into to Goddess DVD

Favorite Indulgence: Peanut Butter pretzels and watermelon

Dream Job: Being a mother



Legendary Goddess of the Month

Each month I will feature a woman who embodies the highest possible expression of her nature. Honoring the brilliance in other women will help all of us on our path to living our own true potential.



Coco Chanel was not just a mere fashion designer. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, she adopted the name Coco during a brief career as a cafe singer in 1905. Famous for the iconic fashion items as the Chanel suit, Chanel jacket, little black dress, bell bottoms, Chanel No. 5 perfume.


She began first with hats and her breakthrough was working in jersey fabric, a first in the French fashion world. Her relaxed fashions, short skirts, and casual look were in sharp contrast to the corset fashions popular in the previous decades. Chanel herself dressed in mannish clothes, and adapted these more comfortable fashions which other women also found liberating.


In 1922 Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remains a popular and profitable product of Chanel's company. Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926. In 1954 her comeback restored her to the first ranks of haute couture. She introduced pea jackets and bell bottom pants for women. She was still working in 1971 when she died. Karl Lagerfeld has been chief designer of Chanel's fashion house since 1983.


Most of her fashions had staying power, and didn't change much from year to year -- or even generation to generation. It is unbelievable that a perfume from 1922 could still be in fashion. Most significantly is that she was a businesswoman and the first designer who actually turned their fashions into an empire. Go Chanel!


Who inspires you? Let me know!


Goddess Movie of the Month

From Gidget to Gilda - from Film Noir to Romantic Comedy - the heroines of these girl-power flicks have the Goddess attitude in spades. Each month I will feature one of my favorites. Email me your favorites.

Blue Crush
We had our last SurfGoddess class of the year this morning, so I thought I would choose this surf-girl-power movie.

Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), and Lena (Sanoe Lake) are surfers in their early 20's living in Hawaii's famed North Shore. They barely get by financially, live in a shack and have to raise Anne Marie's younger 14 year old sister, but it all looks like the most fun summer you ever had.

Anne Marie has been invited to join in an upcoming surf competition at Pipeline. She gets distracted for most of the movie by a cute football player that is staying at the hotel that all the girls work at. On the day of Pipeline, Anne Marie is competing in the same heat a Keala Kennelly, one of the best professional female surfers, playing herself. Unlike extremely competitive male surfers, Keala encourages Anne Marie to take a good wave and Anne Marie manages to score perfectly. Although she does not advance to the next heat, she has regained her lost confidence and the notice of the BIllabong (Surf Brand) sponsors.

Share with the community your favorites


Goddess Book of the Month

From Biographies to Self-Help - the wisdom found on these pages will help guide you on your GoddessLife journey. Each month I will feature one of my favorites.




The soon-to-be released photographic book, Bellydance, Celebrating the Sacred Feminine began 10 years ago when Martha Burns discovered the empowering qualities of this ancient dance. As a photographer, she searched for a bellydance photography book and never found such a book; eventually she discovered that she would be the one to create it. For many years, Martha photographed all the legends of bellydance in America with the concept that I would capture the dance as it was performed live. The book lost steam and eventually sat on a shelf while she raised her children. Last year, she began taking classes with me at The Goddess Center and the book was reborn. Martha not only realized that the book was needed now more than ever, but she had found the missing piece: The Goddess. She went on my retreat to Hawaii and she took photos of me during a sacred ceremony at an ancient Hawaiian birthing temple. The Goddess officially blessed the book. You can read more about and order this amazing book at bellydancebook.net/

Share with the community your favorites


Goddess Music/playlist

From Billie Holiday to Bellydance this music will inspire you to dance like no one is watching.

GoddessLife October Class Playlist

These are the songs we are dancing to at The Goddess Center this October. Listen and join in the good times.

Track 1 - Hula, Track 2 - Cheer, Track 3 - Bellydance Level One, Track 4 - Bellydance Level Two, Track 5 - Burlesque, Track 6 - Brazilian, Track 7&8 - Lapdance, Track 9 - SurfGoddess


Now you can get dance along with us, even if you are not at the Goddess Center! Have fun, keep dancing and let me know your favorites!


Listen to playlist anddownload


Goddess Event of the Month

Goddesses know how to celebrate! Connect with other Goddesses in person.These are events not to be missed... see you there!

Pagan Pride Day
Come celebrate everything Goddess! Candy, part of our eGoddess community is performing in the Los Angeles event. She is a drummer and a bellydancer from the troupe called Akasha. They all drum and bellydance and are extraordinary! You have to see them to appreciate how inspiring they are. They perform at 12:20pm.

Cost: FREE with a canned food item to help support our local shelters

Location: The Meadows at Whittier Narrows, El Monte, California

Time: All Day, October 5th

Most Pagan Pride Days happen in the month of October, so check your area.


From the BELLYTWINS (CA):
www.bellytwins.com

September / October 2008




Richard David Bach once said, "you teach best what you most need to learn." Our method of teaching came first from performing - first in our living room, then at family gatherings. Then we started taking dance classes from teachers who like us, had grown up dancing their own cultural dance. And even though we also grew up dancing socially at family gatherings, when it came down to teaching this, it was a whole other ballgame. "Just do it," replied one teacher who didn't understand that everyone's body learns and responds differently. Breaking down every movement meticulously, and re-teaching the body to respond to my explanation can be a challenge. When we started teaching, our explanations to our students were how would they really understand. But first, it helps to know what kind of background do they come from? Where is their starting line in the life of dancing? In our case, we were ironically forbidden to dance professionally, so we didn't have the luxury of using examples of great teachers on how to teach. But every class we taught - dancing, acting, voice, the explanations came from analyzing what our own bodies were doing and then translating to students in a way they could understand. But we have found the true vocabulary in dance came from the students' own inspirations surrounding them, from living life everyday. That's a true artist.

Peace & Love
Neena & Veena
Bellytwins

APPEARANCES:
CLASSES

Bellydance: (Technique!) North Hollywood, CA; Saturdays (on-going) 11 am -12 noon. Open to all levels!
Bollywood: (Fun!) Glendale, CA; Saturdays (on-going) 1 - 2 pm. Open to all levels!
Bollywood: (New!) Studio City, CA; Monday evenings 8-9 pm. Open to all levels!


UPCOMING:

October 2008: U.S.: "Valentine" (tv show): Bellytwins dance company are featured as Bollywood dancers in the new upcoming television series.
November 8, 2008 SUNY (upstate NY) Bellytwins dance company will be performing a live stage show of "Hooray for Bollywood." For tickets and more info, contact Ahmed as19@geneseu.edu
December 2008: INDIA: "Kaminey" release date; a Bollywood film featuring Neena & Veena as actresses and dancers. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Prianka Chopra.
December 6, 7 2008: MONTEREY, MEXICO: The twins will be performing and teaching a dance workshop. For more info, contact nellyvianey@hotmail.com

FEATURED PRODUCTS:
Look great this fall!


***Free DVD!***

Hard cover: $24.95 $19.95
Paperback: $19.95 $14.95

FREE AUTOGRAPH! Simply request for it in the order under "special instructions" and the twins will sign the book for you at no extra charge!

THE WAY OF THE BELLY

Rating:
Reviewed by: Diana Rohini La Vigne

Visually pleasing, packed with helpful information and fun to read, The Way of the Belly is a grand exploration into the world of beauty, health, and happiness. This 173-page reader is a treasure cove for those interested in being inspired by two of the nation's leading dancers and sensual gurus, Neena & Veena. As identical twins, they are a force times two in every way. Their styles are similar but offer a slightly different point of view.

The book is one of the best bargains available at only $24.95. Bursting with recipes that make your mouth water, easy to read side bars with tips of the trade and classy visuals that show you what the text explains in detail, it's hard to beat the value. Additionally, The Way of the Belly offers a free instructional Belly Dance DVD with the book! It's obvious the Belly Twins are more interested in educating others about the dance than counting their dollars made by their books' sales. The Way of the Belly and the Belly Twins are a breath of fresh air in the industry of dance and fitness.

I strongly recommend this to brides looking for fun fitness to slim out before their weddings, wives looking to spice up their romantic side, anyone interested in fitness and mostly to those who seek creative ways to health and happiness. These fitness leaders are heading for almost guaranteed global stardom.

Shop now!



SEEKING PERFORMERS

WANT MORE WORK AS AN ARTIST? HERE ARE TWO WAYS:

· BELLYTWINS INT'L / ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY is always looking for fresh new talent such as dancers, singers, musicians, henna artists, fortune tellers, and specialty acts world wide for local, national, and international shows, tours, and media bookings.

· OR IF YOU LIVE IN L.A., BT DANCE COMPANY is currently seeking male and female dancers. Must be able to pick up choreography. Serious inquiries only! Send your headshot, resume, and demo reel (if you have one) to:

BELLYTWINS Int'l
PO BOX 2402
Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Send us an Email
or call 888-41-BELLY for more info.

AVAILABLE NOW:
NEW! BELLYTWINS "Bellydance Oasis" Audio CD
Call now to order your cd today! 888-41-BELLY

NEW! Bellydance Oasis is the absolute collection of captivating and exotic music for bellydancers. This exciting variety music from across the Middle East is performed by great artists such as The Salatin Al Tarab Orchestra, Hassan Abou El Seoud, Dr. Samy Farag, Said Al Artist, Al-Ahram Orchestra and Cairo Orchestra. $14.95 plus s/h




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***COMING SOON!***

Release date: November 4


BELLYTWINS Entertainment, Int'l - providing the best in entertainment worldwide! Specializing in "Arabian Nights" Party themes! Dancers, singers, musicians, henna artists, fortune tellers, snake charmers, sword swallowers, palm readers, fire artists, exotic animals... and much more. Give us a call 1-888-41-BELLY or 323-850-6296 or email us: Bellytwins@bellytwins.com


BELLYTWINS T-SHIRTS! ON SALE $9.95
Available in tanks and t-shirts – Women: Sm, Med, Lg Men: Lg, X-Lg



Call 888-41-BELLY or 323-850-6296 to order your own BELLYTWINS T-shirt now!


WIN a FREE BELLYTWINS Core Conditioning CD!

Taksim (pronounced tak-SEEM) is:

a. a Persian word for more than one taxi
b. an Ayurvedic term for cleansing
c. improvisational Arabic music played by an oud, violin, or qanun
d. an Iranian bagpipe

Email us to submit your answer!

The first three to answer this correctly will each win a FREE BELLYTWINS Core Conditioning CD!

BELLY MOVES:
WRIST CIRCLES
In Arabic and Persian dance, the beauty in the upper body is the fluidity of wrist circles. In parts of North India, this movment is also prevalent.

To get in the mood, we suggest a song from one of the cds Bellydance Oasis or Essential Bellydance, which you can purchase from online here.

For this particular movement, pick something slow-medium tempo.

Starting position: Arms out in front of your body, hands in fists. Standing nice and tall.

What we're going to do: Mirroring each other, circle the fists outwards away from each other at the same time. Now try it with hands open and fingers together, as you circle around and around. When you're comfortable for the next step, lead just with both middle fingers.

Body targets: Biceps, forearms, and upper body.

With the music: Continue circling your wrists outward for 16 counts. Now bring both arms to the right and circle for another 16 cts., and then arms to the left for 16 cts. From there, bring your arms slowly above your head using 8 cts, and then slide them down for 8 cts, in front of your body. Other side, around and up, 2, 3, 4, keep the wrists circling, as you breathe naturally, and bring them down for 8… Repeat 4 more times on each side.

Note: The wrist circles can be done in various positions. For example in an "L" shape (right arm out to the side, the left arm above the head), or in an "Aladdin" arm position (right arm out to the side, the left hand touching the back of the head). For more variations of wrist circles, check out Discover series: Basic dance. Consult your physician before this or any exercise program.

For this move and other movements, visit here for our products.

BELLY SIGNS:
"Getting to know you... getting to know all about you..."

Chinese Astrology 2008: Year of the Rat Your mental facilities are likely to be sharp and more focused. Good time to pursue any creative projects that you may have been putting off especially anything involving writing. Try to avoid any risky investments today and concentrate your efforts on your savings. Opportune time to spend the evening with love ones.

A person born when Autumn leaves
Are rushing in September's breeze
A sapphire on their brow should bind
Twill cure diseases of the mind

VIRGO
August 23- September 22

Anatomy: Nervous system, stomach, intestines
Flower: Pansy - a beautiful, romantic wildflower; also buttercup, yellow archangel, cat's ear, forget-me-not
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Motto: I wish to give.
Quote: I analyze
Numerology: (September born): 9: humanitarian, balance in nature; October born: 1; denotes leadership;
Positive: analytical, practical, wholesome, intelligent, modest, shy, diligent, hygiene, order.
Negative: fussy, worrier, overcritical, harsh, perfectionist, conservative
Planet: Mercury
Color: Grey, navy blue; also green, dark brown
Gemstone: August: Sardonyx; Sept: Sapphire (beauty and true-blue nature)

Virgo dancer, choreographer, and teacher: Very teachable, she is intellectually enquiring, methodical and logical. She combines mental ingenuity with the ability to produce a clear analysis of the most complicated problems. They have an excellent eye for detail but they may be so meticulous that they neglect larger issues. Also, although they are realists, they may slow down projects by being too exact

Celebs: Beyonce, Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, Marc Anthony, Faith Hill, Keenu Reeves, Adam Sandler, Shania Twain, Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Jackson, Fiona Apple, Ludacris, Gene Simmons, Richard Gere, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Alexander, Pink, Charlie Sheen, Jack Black, Guy Richie

LIBRA
September 24 - October 23 (seventh sign western zodiac sign)

Symbol: Scales
Element: Air
Flower: Dahlia
Color: Pastels - especially shades of Blue
Unfavorable colors- green, smoke grey, steel grey, dull brown, faded colors
Metal: Copper
Gemstone: Opal (loveable) Believed to be able to encourage the 'third eye', also known as the 'stone of hope and justice'. Seen as a stone to indicate health and bring good fortune in the East. The Opal has close connections with the house of Libra. The Opal will bring energy and clear decision making in this month for Libra with Jade strengthening the inner self and the ability to understand the impact of one's actions with care and compassion.
Numerology: celestial number 6

Libran dancer: Other performers love being around Librans because they are easy to work with and very sociable. They abhor conflicts or problems, and always wants to keep peace.

Spiritual: This sign is the only one where your symbol is an object and not a human being or an animal. This shows that you may be living your life as an immaculate concept rather than as a living, breathing, fallible, creature. You must allow yourself to make mistakes (and take full responsibility for them) just like the rest of the world; in this way, balancing your life, you will find your greatest happiness.

Celebs: Barbara Walters, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christopher Reeves, Michael Douglas, Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Newton-John, Mira Sorvino, Jenna Elfman, Johnny Mathis, Hilary Duff, Sting, Yo-yo Ma, John Lennon, Luciano Pavarotti, Usher, Fran Dresher, Sarah Ferguson, Susan Sarandon, Ralph Lauren, Suzanne Somers, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Simon Cowell, Tommy Lee, Jeff Goldblum

BELLY TIP


More food tips available on The Way of the Belly


LET ME HELP YOU RESOLVE YOUR HEALTH OR WEIGHT PROBLEMS...

Medical psychic/intuitive Sheila Lakshmi Rani has been helping clients for many years, including specialists in the medical field with her psychic abilities. For more info, or an appointment, email me: mailto:sheilaknows@yahoo.com

"...My real weight issue wasn't only exercise or diet - it was a medical condition that Lakshmi said I had, and it was confirmed by a specialist! Now I am at my desired weight and I feel better than I did when I was in my teens - and I am 47!"

"...I thought my marriage was going to fail because of my mood swings from menopause. Lakshmi found the combination of herbs that got rid of them -naturally. I owe my marriage to her. God brought me her in my life!" N. K Singh, Irvine, CA

NEAT STUFF:

BELLY MUSIC

Persian Pop
At the time when Persian classical singers was popular in the early 1950's, a singer named Vigen Derderian emerged. Known as the "sultan of pop," his style had a new, western-influenced sound that was popular with the middle class. In the 1970's, Persian pop music added the electric guitar, as well as other sounds, creating a whole new element. A popular musician during this time was Googoosh. The style didn't last too long, however. In 1979, Persian pop was banned within Iran after the revolution.

Many Iranian people fled to foreign countries, especially Los Angeles. Some of the other top artists include: Homeyra, Ebi, Hayadeh, Farhad Mehrad, Mahasti, Siavash Shams, Leila Forouhar, Dariush Eghbali, Siavash Ghomeyshi, Hassan Shamaizadeh.

Bandari music stems from the south part of Iran, around the Persian Gulf region and was used by sailors and harbour-workers for centuries. It is a rhythmic type of dance music played fast and slow using quarter tone that can be vocalized and played. It is played mostly in weddings and other celebrations. The name bandari means 'of the port people' and comes from the Persian word bandar meaning port.

The major musical instruments used in the bandari style are: Ney hamban (bagpipe), dombak (percussion- animal skin and wood), daf (tambourine), darbuka (percussion- fish skin and clay). Modern Persian bandari bands also use rhythmic instruments such as the frame drum, jemba, conga, acoustic, and electric drums in 6/8 rhythm.

One of our favorite bandari bands is a group called "Sandy." Here's a sample of their music:

music.farsitube.com/song.php

For Persian, Arabic, and a variety of other Middle Eastern music, we suggest our new cd "Bellydance Oasis." Order your copy by calling 888-41-BELLY or 323-850-6296. We also suggest "Essential Bellydance." Order online: Each are available for only $14.95 plus s/h.

BELLY DANCE STYLE

Persian dance
In Persian dance, the upper body is generally emphasized sensually, with hand motions, undulations, and facial expressions. It is often compared to Arabic dance, however, Persian style is different. The distinct rhythm of the music and much less hip movements separates the two styles. This dance is performed at various gatherings, informally at someone's house where everyone will sit in a circle, Sometimes a Persian drummer playing bandari beats may accompany the dancers. Or at formal gatherings such as a wedding.

Qajar Court:
The only original form of Persian dance in its existing condition, which has survived throughout the centuries, is the folkloric dance of various Iranian focal groups and in particular the nomads. Few dance shows occurred in bigger cities and in public, because of the religious belief and the Islamic prohibition in a strongly traditional, religious and undeveloped society. But it was different in the royal court of the Qadjars. Old dance traditions can be found there, especially among Qadjar women, even if the art of dancing had no popularity among ordinary people.

However, the rise of the Qadjars in 1796 meant a liberalization of people's attitude toward dancing, although this art form remained in the monopoly of the royal court. There are illustrations such as both splendid paintings and texts in form of memoirs and official reports emphasizing the popularity of these dances in court and among the elite and bourgeois families.

Thus dancing became much in vogue and a social phenomenon, usually performed during diverse entertaining programs like coronations, marriage festivities and ceremonies of Norouz (the Iranian new year celebration).

Classical Persian Court Dance
An important era influencing Persian dance was the Qadjar dynasty which reigned from 1795 to 1925. In this period, that dance began to be called "classical Persian dance". Dancers performed artistic dances in the court of the Shah for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage, celebrations, and Norouz celebrations (Persiannew year). The rise of the Qadjars liberalizes people's attitudes toward dancing, although it remained in the royal court and among the elite and bourgeois families. The court dancers elevated respect for dance to an art form.

Costuming generally consisted of loosely-fitted long dress with long sleeves, worn with a jacket over it. The jacket extended over the sides of the hips and was either worn open or closed. The Qadjar dancers wore pants under the dress. A purely Persian pant was cut narrow and cuffed and loose at the bottom. Sometimes a Turkish harem pant was worn, extremely full and gathered tight at the ankles. The fabrics were bright in color and flowered. The Shah rewarded performers with jewels, so many costumes had elaborate gold embroidery, pearl, beading and gemstones. Upon the head was worn an egret, a small paisley-shaped hat adorned with jewels, pearls and a feather. Hair was worn long and elaborate, with side locks and bangs fashioned into shapes.

Traditionally, the music was played by a small band with one or two melodic instruments and a drum. In the 20th century, the music came to be orchestrated and dance movement and costuming gained a modernistic orientation to the West. In 1928, ballet came to Iran and impacted dance performance, adding a feeling of lightness and more delicate footwork. The jacket was flared more fully at the hips much like a tutu, and the dance form became more modern in outlook and flourished as a performing art.





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BELLY SONG

Eshg e maen - My love
Eshg e maen maeno seda: kon - My love, call me!
Maeno aez khodaem raeha: kon - free me from myself
Tu: oja:gh e mordeh ye del - in the dead fireplace of my heart
To maeno aez no baena kon: - you rebuild me
Ghes.saemo bi enteha: kon - make my story endless
Ru:beru:t a ineh bogza:r - put a mirror before you
Aebaediyaeti baena: kon - create eternity!
To biya: reva:yaetae kon - you come and narrate me
Eshg e maen maeraem.maetaem kon - my love restore me
Aez aeza: baem ra: haetaem kon - free me from my pain
Ei seda: ye to naeha: yaet - o your voice my destination
Ra: hi ye naeha: yaetaem kon - move me towards my goal
Esgh e maen maeno seda kon - my love, call me!
To maeno aez no baeno kon: - you rebuild me
Raehsep: r e ghes.seh ha: kon - take me into stories
To beh kha: kestaer nega: h kon - look at the ash
A: taeshi ta:zeh bepa: kon - rekindle a flame
Ei: baeha raem enteza:raem - you are my spring, I am waiting
Maen zamin e bi baeha: raem - I am a land without spring
Shu: reh za:r e enteza: raem - I am a desert, waiting
Shu: reh za:raem entea:raem - I am a desert, I am waiting
Chehereh ye shekaesteh: raem - I've got a wrinkled face
Ru: h o jesm e khaesteh: raem - and a tired spirit and body
Beh daer e vira:neh ye del - on the door of my broken heart
Boghz e ghofl e baesteh e raem - my throat is locked in a knot
Eshg e maen maeno seda: kon - My love, call me!
Maeno aez khodaem raeha: kon - free me from myself
Tu: oja:gh e mordeh ye del - in the dead fireplace of my heart
To maeno aez no baena kon: - you rebuild me
Ghes.saemo bi enteha: kon - make my story endless
Ru:beru:t a ineh bogza:r - put a mirror before you
Aebaediyaeti baena: kon - create eternity!
Eshg e maen maeno seda: kon - My love, call me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - We can't believe it's almost been one year since little Elijah's birth. So we dedicate this Persian birthday song to him!

Hap-, hap-
Happy birthday
Birthday, birthday
Happy birthday.

Hap-, hap-
Happy birthday
Birthday, birthday
Happy birthday.

Laughing lips, cheerful heart
Happy (smiling) as a flower,
Come, blow the candles,
Hundred years you will live!

Hap-, hap-
Happy birthday
Birthday, birthday
Happy birthday.

Hap-, hap-
Happy birthday
Birthday, birthday
Happy birthday.

Tawaa-lo, tawaa-lo
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak
Moba-rak moba-rak,
tawaa-lo-det moba-rak.

Tawaa-lo, tawaa-lo
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak
Moba-rak moba-rak,
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak.

Labet sjado del-et khosj
tjo ghol por khaande bâsji
Bia sjama-ro foot kon,
keh saad sal zende bâsji.

Tawaa-lo, tawaa-lo
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak
Moba-rak moba-rak,
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak.

Tawaa-lo, tawaa-lo
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak
Moba-rak moba-rak,
Tawaa-lo-det moba-rak.

*****
Tawalodet = the day of birth
Mobarak = happy, blessed, congratulations
Many thanks to Heleen de Vaan for contributing and translating this song. Many thanks also to Fatimah Baji for typing the original lyrics in Persian and to Monique Palomares for the midi tune.
www.paradijsenco.nl/verjaardag/lied.asp
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.

Labet sjado del-et chosj tjo ghol por gaande basji
Bia sjama-ro foet kon,
keh saad sal zende basji.

Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.
Moba-raak moba-raak
tawaa-lo-det,
moba-raak.


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BELLY LANGUAGE

Approximately 200 million people in more than twenty two countries, from Morocco to Iraq, and as far south as Somalia and the Sudan speak Arabic. This language is said to have originated in Saudi Arabia in pre-Islamic times, and spread rapidly across the Middle East.

The languages of northern India, Turkey, Iran, Portugal, and Spain are full of words of Arabic origin. Modern Arabic words vary from country to country. The major groups are:

Egyptian Arabic (Egypt) Considered the most widely understood and used "second dialect"
Maghreb Arabic (Tunisian, Algerian, Moroccan, and western Libyan)
Hassaniiya (in Mauritania)
Andalusi Arabic (extinct, but important role in literary history)
Maltese
Sudanese Arabic (with a dialect continuum into Chad)
Levantine Arabic (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and western Jordanian)
Iraqi Arabic
Gulf Arabic (Gulf coast from Kuwait to Oman, and minorities on the other side)
Hijazi Arabic
Najdi Arabic
Yemeni Arabic

THIS MONTH'S WORDS/PHRASES:

September: Ailul; September
October: Tishrin Ilau'wal, October
Nine: Tis'a
Ten: ‘ashra
Museum: Matihaf
School: Madrassa
Student: Talib (male) Taliba (female)
Library: AlMaktaba
Happy Birthday: Eid Milad Sa'eed

There are many similar words in Farsi (Persian language) and Hindi (Indian language). In fact, many of these words are also shared in Arabic. Here are some of the words:

bakshi - (persian) bakshish (hindi) -- meaning gift or tip
eshgh - (persian) ishq (hindi) -- love
kabob - skewered meat
kitaab - book




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BELLY LETTERS

Dear Neena & Veena,
our bellytwins Veena en Neena. i have see most video of yours on utube. en u two are de best bellydanser have even see. i wish i'm living in L.A to learn belly dansen from u two. ooooow u two are wonderful. i wil always be ur fans.

xxxxxxxjes, kissssss en love

from
Bellina in Nederland

love uuuuuuuuuuuu

Thank you so much
for sending me your newsletter! I had no idea what I was embarking on when I started taking belly dance classes! The music, the languages, the food - such a rich heritage that I had no idea existed. Thank you for sharing your love of this culture with the dunyia!

Dear Neena & Veena
I just ordered your book & a hip scarf (I've been dying to get one), and just wanted to share that I tried out one of your DVDs and fell in love with them! I've tried other bellydancing DVDs and none seem to really compare. I might be biased because you were my first exposure, but none of the others make me nearly as happy as yours! Hope all is well with you both (and families!). Cheers from Charleston!

Jenn Thompson

ASK THE TWINS:



Do u have more fitness videos?
My name is Brenda i want to lose 45 pounds because i weight 175 in this summer i let my self eat lots of junk food specially chocolate. I'm going to start a diet of only 1 spoon of rise half the peace of meat, no ice cream, chocolate, chips, pizza, bread sticks, no juice if only a little bit, no beans, palatines, cheese, cake, soda. Please tell me if this is good or I'm missing something or i need more. And do u think i can at least lose 15 pounds in 1 month. Because I'm going to do your fitness steps every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. O and my best friend has stretch marks because she got fat and skin and fat again. Do you girls think if she starts doing the fitness videos with me the stretch marks would go away or would stay. But i promised me and her that we wont stop doing your fitness videos. You girls are awesome belly dancers.
Take care Brenda.


Hi Brenda!
Thank you for your email!

Cutting out junk food is a great start! It's important to pick a diet program that will work for your health and lifestyle, and make sure you get the proper amount of daily nutrition. What you eat is a major part of your weight. Exercise alone may not get you your desired results quickly and safely, but it certainly will help. On our book, The Way of the Belly, we have a whole chapter on food and diets. We designed a 30-day program guanteed to lose unhealthy body fat. In the back of the book, we include many healthy recipes that are delicious and nutricious! If you're new to our free monthly newsletters, we also feature some favorite vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes. And of course, we can't forget exercise. The book includes a free dvd inserted that will allow you to exercise through bellydancing. The book is available in the beautiful hardcover and money-saving softcover.

Re: stretch marks, we featured some info stretch marks on our mother's day (May) issue of our newsletter. If you'd like a free copy of a particular archived issue, just email us bellytwins@bellytwins.com, and one of staff will be happy to email it to you right away. Our book also features many beauty tips on skin, hair, and more!
Good luck!
N & V


I was talking to my girlfriend the other day and she has to have an operation because her first baby seperated her ribs so she looks 5 months pregnant. She went to 3 different doctors and they all said if she wants the operation she can get it, but since I believe in the holistic worldview I believe it should be another option like your belly dance tape. She knows I'm a major fan of yours. Do you have any advice to give us. Sincerely, Tialyn Jordan


Hello Tialyn!
I wish I could give advice on something like that -- I could advise her that if she does end up doing the operation, she could recover faster with healthy food and gentle exercise, which bellydance would be great for her, as long as she checks with her doctor first before starting our program or any exercise program.
Hope that helps!
Best,
N & V

Good Morning Ladies!
I am writing you from Roanoke , VA. My name is Leslie, and I turned 50 this past March 2008. I have recently been diagnosed with Degenerative osteoarthritis. I am currently under a Chiropractor's care for the next 90 days.. All my exercise has been stopped until after treatment has been gone though.

I have been using your DVD'S Fitness for Beginners and a few others as my programs. I have been using Belly Dance as my exercise of choice and love it... Now, I am concerned about going back to Belly Dancing..

My question to you is, what Belly Dance program do you recommend for some one with osteoarthritis? I see that you have a new pregnancy DVD out, is this gentler than your others?

I am seeking answers now, as I am planning my future exercise program. I do not want to give up Belly Dancing, but need to do what will benefit my needs at this time in my life..
Thank you,
Leslie
Roanoke, VA

Hi Leslie
I don't believe you should give up anything that makes you happy. Happiness is the really the key to health.

Our mom has RA (Rhumatoid Arthritis) which is much more severe than osteoarthritis and it affects younger people. She was struck with it in her late 20's when we were around 5 years old. She's undegone several surgeries - hip replacements and knee replacements. So we are very familar with arthritic diseases.

What has helped her are a healthy diet and gentle belly dance exercises. Belly baby dvd is gentler - but the movements are very specific to pregnant women - but you should still get alot of benefits from the movements. Core Conditioning allows you to pick and choose the targeted areas you'd like and can work on, plus there is a section on weights, which is very good for strengthening bones. The Way of the Belly book also has a free dvd of various belly dance exercises plus includes a chapter on how to eat healthy. We also have nutricious recipes. From years of research, we've found what has also helped our mom is to stay with an easy digestable diet that is non-inflammatory. If you're on prednisone or diabetic-induced medication, you should cut way back on all sweets. Ask your doctor or nutritionist about this.

Of course, you will need to check with your doctor before starting any exercise and nutritional program.

We are planning to come out with many more dvds with various dance exercises and movements. We will be happy to keep you informed.

Thanks for your email -- we hope this helps!
Neena & Veena

Ask the Twins a Question

BELLY HUMOR

What's a belly dancer's favorite sandwich?

Peanut butter and Belly!

BELLY-RECIPES:

CURRIED CHICKEN (OR TOFU) WRAPSGreat for your kids' (or adults) lunchboxes!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tblspn lemon juice
2-3 tspn curry powder
1/2 tspn Dijon mustard
3 cups cubed cooked chicken (or firm tofu)
1/2 cup chopped roasted cashews
3/4 cup green grapes, cut in quarters
Leaf lettuce
Sea salt and pepper to taste
4-6 sprouted grain tortillas (or pita bread)

Directions:
In a small bowl, blend mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, curry, and mustard. Set aside. Combine chicken or tofu, cashews, and grapes in separate bowl. Add mayo mixture, and mix. Add salt and pepper. Put lettuce in open face tortillas. Spoon in chicken mix on top of lettuce. Roll and serve.





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BALLS OF ENERGY

Thanks to Rhonda G. from Maine: "a quick, easy snack for kids that'll keep their concentration."

Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup of chunky peanut butter or almond butter
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
Shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions
In a medium bowl, mash bananas and butter. Stir in wheat germ. Roll individual tablespoons of the mixture into balls, then roll the balls in one, or a mix, of the coatings listed above. Chill until firm. Makes 14 balls.



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SWEET POTATO CHIPS
Low fat, great snack with alittle kick!

Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 tbspn. Olive or Safflower oil
Sea Salt and pepper
Paprika or garlic powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 450. Peel potatoes and slice thinly. Spread oil on cookie sheet. Arrange chips on top of sheet. Sprinkle spices on chips. Bake around 20 minutes or until crispy. Serve hot or room temperature with or without salsa or dip.



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TOMATO AND CILANTRO BROTH
This low-fat, low-calorie vegan broth is loaded with disease-fighting herbs and spices. Ayurvedic experts suggest this is great for vata and kapha doshas (info on The Way of the Belly).

Ingredients:
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves (about 11 cloves)
1/8 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (about 10 peppercorns), lightly crushed
2 fresh bay leaves (or 4 dried)
2 green cardamom pods
6 medium tomatoes, quartered and seeded (about 3 pounds total)
6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 (3/4-inch) knob fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 large bunch fresh cilantro, stems reserved and leaves finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Make spice sachet by wrapping together in cheesecloth the cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, and cardamom pods. Tie with kitchen string.In heavy, large pot over high heat, stir together 4 cups water, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cilantro stems, 1 teaspoon salt, and spice sachet. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until reduced by 1/3, about 30 minutes. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into large clean pot, reserving solids. Discard spice sachet. Measure 1 cup of strained liquid in pot and transfer to blender. Add reserved solids and pureé until smooth. Strain through fine-mesh sieve back into pot with liquid. Place pot over high heat and bring to simmer, about 5 minutes. Stir in ground pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve immediately, topping each portion with chopped cilantro leaves.


Got a favorite recipe you'd like to share with us? For more Middle Eastern recipes, check out "The Way of the Belly."

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