MAY BellyHappenings...

From SITAMUN (MD):

Jamileh Belly Dancer of the Year 2004 Workshop Show



May 17-18, 2008
National Guard Armory
18500 Roxbury Road
Hagerstown National Guard Armory
Hagerstown, MD
Show Starts at 700pm



Jamileh is co-owner of Midnight Mirage Inc. based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which encompasses the Midnight Mirage School of Dance, the Midnight Mirage Dance Company (professional performing group), as well as a successful vending and production company, producing Utah’s annual “Mirage in Winter”.
Not only an amazing performer/choreographer, Jamileh has devoted much of her career to teaching and strives to continue training as much as possible. Jamileh truly loves sharing her knowledge to all fellow enthusiasts. Her philosophy of teaching is to incorporate technique, proper body mechanics, and basic dance principles and apply them to performance and showmanship qualities. Jamileh receives many accolades from students for the ability to break down movements both articulately and visually. Jamileh states, “Teaching for me is an honor, and I believe it has helped my own dancing and body awareness improve. I love to interact with people and it gives me great joy to see someone who has always had a dream to become a dancer, have that dream come true!”

Jamileh competes regularly as a soloist and as a member of the Midnight Mirage Dance Company and has been awarded the following titles:





Duet of the Year 2005

Belly Dancer of the Universe 2004

1st Runner-Up Belly Dancer of the Universe 2003

1st Runner-Up Belly Dancer USA 2001

Duet of the Year 2001

Cabaret Ensemble of the Year 2002 & 2003

Belly Dance Group of the Universe 2003 & 2004






Details on Class


On Saturday Jamileh will be teaching as sampler of Modern or Classical Egyptian Technique and Combos during the morning half followed by American Style Belly dance and Jazz Fusion combos after lunch.
A Modern Egyptian style Choreography will be taught on Sunday’s workshop. For Online registration visit: sitamun.com/jamileh.html


Schedule
Registration and Shopping begins at 9:00 am.
Workshop begins at 10:00 am.
12:00 to 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 to 3:00 pm Workshop
Cabarabian Nights Show starts 7:00 pm. Doors open at 630pm for seating.



Cost
Registrations after May 03, 2008
Saturday’s workshop $75
Sunday’s workshop $70


DIRECTIONS:
Take I 70 West to Rt 65 (Sharpsburg) turn left down the ramp. Follow Rt 65 for 3 miles to Roxbury Road and make a left. Follow Roxbury Road to the armory on the left. .


About our show Cabarabian Nights
Doors for the show open at 7:00 pm. The proceeds from show ticket sells will benefit the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County. The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County (AWLFC) is a non-profit 501(c) (3), all volunteer organization. AWLFC provides foster care, adoptions, spay/neuter programs for homeless and abandon animals and exist solely on donations, membership dues, fundraisers, and volunteerism from the community at large. For more information on their programs visit their web site: www.awlfc.org/
Tickets will be available at the door for $20 Purchased with a Workshop $15.

Questions contact Sitamun at 301-305-1381 or
email sitamun@comcast.net

From SUHAILA (CA):

May 2008 Suhaila Unveiled
1. Greetings
2. Editorial by Suhaila
3. Guest Editorial: Someone
4. Guest Editorial: Vashti
5. Guest Editorial: Alexandra
6. Featured Workshops
7. Inspiration Point
8. Booking
9. New! Just Arrived!
10. Special Events
11. Sale
12. Highlighted Products
13. Classes
14. Upcoming Workshops
15. Contact

Greetings

May is my most favorite month, for sure. It is the month of my daughter Isabella’s birth (and this year she is in the double digits) and it is also “Mother’s Day” month. Pile that on the fact that spring has sprung, and the new studio will be open May 31; I must say that the energy is high around here. It is a wonderful sense of “movin forward” to watch the photos come off the wall of the old studio only to see them waiting to be hung in the new studio. Driving by the new studio to see our lit sign was also very exciting and a moment that defines what this year is about for me.


The Level 2 weeklong was great, and the students worked at a very high level. Congratulations to all the women that passed Level 1 in Santa Cruz and Level 2 at the mothership. Our family is growing each day, and the certification program is going strong. I must admit what a great moment in my life it is to have the first Level 3 certified dancers in February and March and now to have the first group of students testing for Level 4 certification this June.

We have begun rehearsals for the next Solo Show, “The Phoenix”, for June 28. This show is appropriately titled. In addition to being a Suhaila Solo Show, it will also serve as part of Sabriye’s and Gina’s Level 4 certification test. Rashid will also be a special guest that night. So don’t miss out on this exciting moment in the history of the Salimpour School.

Thanks to Vashti for sponsoring a wonderful Level 1 three-day workshop in Santa Cruz and being a huge support system of both my vision and me personally. Vashti, I’m so proud to have you in my life, and the fact that it is a requirement for your troupe to be working on certification in my format is an honor. I am also honored to have Sabaya Dance Collective (Austin, TX) also have all members certified in my format… thank you!

So with all that is going on, we are also looking forward to many wonderful new projects in the future. Come and visit the new studio and bring your blessings. I have felt all your love this last year, and it has really made a difference. Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day to you all…. in honor of all the great mothers and daughters.

Editorial by Suhaila®

I knew that this letter looked a little different. It didn’t look like an order or membership renewal. This letter looked personal and the handwriting was done slowly and with much thought in mind. As I opened the letter and began to read it, I felt this sadness overwhelm me for the woman who wrote it.

Dear Suhaila, I am a woman who desperately wants to be a mother and start a family but I’m scared. How do you do it all? I’m scared to lose my body, I’m scared to lose my husband, and I’m scared to lose myself. Do you recommend having children if you want to be a professional belly dancer?


I felt so sorry for this woman that I called her immediately. I informed her that every night as I put my head on my pillow I am rushed with anxiety that I failed in some way. Did I spend enough time with my daughter? Did I do enough in my office? Did I call everyone back that is on my list? Did I prepare enough for my class? And the answer each night is no. But the joy in my day is that I try, and I feel so complete with all that I try to accomplish.

Having my daughter is my proudest accomplishment, but it comes with sacrifice. That is the job of a mom: to give, nurture and then give more. It’s somewhat like having students and a dance company. I often refer to my students and dancers as I would my child in the sense of trying to create healthy boundaries and placement. It is the job of the student/company member to push, take, and always want more; and, like being a parent, sometimes we “blow it” and lose our cool, but the understanding of love that goes both ways is “a given” in these times.

Next, add the concept of being a choreographer or director of a company. You have to truly go outside your own body and personal experience to create and nurture for others. Even the act of choreographing is another level of expression that is outside the daily life and activities of motherhood.

When I am getting ready to perform with my dance company I try and have all the details worked out and done at least three weeks before a performance to allow myself to “become Suhaila”.


I remember when I was pregnant, almost ready to deliver Isabella. I stopped at a stoplight, watching a mother walk her child across the street. The mother was in her mid thirties, wearing old sweats and sneakers with her hair back in a ponytail. She looked tired, oh so tired but was still beautiful – and you could see passion behind her eyes. I looked at her somewhat in fear, recognizing that I might become this woman, and I wasn’t completely sure what that meant.

So as I sit here in my dining room writing this, I am wearing old sweats and my hair is pulled back. I have just put Isabella to bed and I have few moments of “grown up time” to finish my projects. I laugh to myself remembering that woman who crossed the street. I’m not crossing the street at this time, but I am tired. And, I don’t have that fear of the unknown anymore. I know who I am and what it means to be a mother. And I will fall asleep tonight knowing that in just a few weeks I will “be Suhaila” for yet another night and know that Isabella will be in the wings able to witness her mother try and hold onto herself as I raise her to become a woman who will then fight her own personal battles.

This is the gift my mother gave to me, and I pass it down to my daughter.


Guest Editorial


Pregnancy and Bellydance

by Angelique Hanesworth

Angelique is Level 2 certified in Suhaila's format. You can read more about Angelique at angeliquebellydance.com


My first real heart to heart with Suhaila was about pregnancy and belly dance. I had recently been the unwilling and public target of another dancer’s philosophy on the subject and I wanted to talk to a “woman in the trenches” to help me sort out my feelings. It all began in class one evening, where upon learning about my intentions to get pregnant, a senior level student announced to the class that I was only there “temporarily”. She said that once I had a child, I would no longer have the time to cultivate my art, and my body would become unappealing to an audience.

I was speechless.

I couldn’t decide which angered me more, the fact that a “friend” would make such a statement, or the fact that the other students could digest this opinion so readily. I was furious, I was hurt, and I was scared that it was true.

There is never a “good” time to have a baby. There can be “better” times, but never a “good” time. You always want to save just a little more money. You always want to have just a little more time. What complicated matters for me was that I did not have a primal, overwhelming biological clock. I was a self proclaimed “modern woman”. I enjoyed my freedom, I enjoyed my youth, I enjoyed my body. But when I thought about the future, I couldn’t imagine growing old alone. I couldn’t imagine being at the end of my life and not being surrounded by a rich family of my own. It was that perspective that made me certain that this was something I wanted to do, something I had to do.


Like so many of you, belly dance is my passion. It is exciting to me, and it makes me more of who I am. For the past 10 years, I have devoted myself to this art form, and for the past 6 years, I have devoted myself to Suhaila’s format. Over those years, I worked hard for my own personal fulfillment. I built a humble but solid class. I was proud of the work I had done, and excited about all of the growth that lied ahead. It had been a couple of years since the “TemporaryGate” scandal, and all of the elements in my life where balanced enough, for me to try to have a baby. I still had a lot of questions in my mind about how I was going to make everything work, but a not-so-fatal / sometimes-helpful flaw I have is to assume things will just work out. My husband and I did speak about the importance of maintaining my involvement in the dance, and while I knew that I would not be able to travel as much for workshops, or spend midnights at the studio, I felt confident that he was going to do what he could to support me in continuing my training as well as my classes.

My daughter Sienna was actually conceived at the February 2007 Level 3 workshop. I won’t go into the science of conception and how it could happen with my husband back home in New York, but suffice it to say that’s when it happened. It makes me laugh to think it was under those circumstances, and I like to say it is a testament to my dedication and commitment. ;-)


I was fortunate to have an “easy” pregnancy. By “easy”, I mean that I doubled in width, I pulled a groin muscle, my back hurt so badly I had to sleep sitting up, and I drank about 2 gallons of water a day. For those of you that have not been pregnant, yes that is easy. Early into my pregnancy, my doctor told me something that really hit home with me. She stressed how important it was to enjoy my pregnancy – that it wasn’t a disease that prevented me from doing the things I loved. After thinking about this, I realized that in most countries, women don’t have the American luxury of taking it easy during this time. I didn’t buy into the post 1950’s, “Leave it to Beaver” notion that I needed to rest. I was having a healthy pregnancy, I felt good, I understood and listened to my body, and as a result, I felt confident that I could continue teaching and dancing. I made a decision to make the pregnancy about what I could do, as opposed to what I couldn’t.

I had two dance related highlights during my pregnancy. The first was being able to participate in the August Level 3 workshop. These workshops are always a life changing experience, because they push you beyond yourself both physically and mentally. You are given the tools to explore the deepest of your emotions and you learn how to cultivate and express that side of yourself through dance. Being 6 months pregnant, I felt exponentially more focused and present. I was able to connect with my body and my baby both physically and spiritually. In addition to this, I was surrounded by my dancing sisters, who supported and loved me, and who rooted me on the entire way. These women saw my pregnancy in the way that I did. It wasn’t something that was hindering me. It was enabling me in areas I never dreamed possible. I am forever grateful to the participants of that workshop for being such strong pillars of love and support.

The second highlight of my pregnancy was being able to perform at Rakkasah East while 35 weeks pregnant. This was very exciting to me for a number of reasons. It was the first time that my girls and I performed together on that stage, and I was going to debut the solo I had been working on at the last Level 3 workshop. This solo was dedicated to my daughter who was still living inside of me, and I was so clear about what I wanted to say in that piece that I would have challenged anyone to have tried to stop me. I felt more in touch with myself in that moment than I ever had, and now I got to represent that feeling on stage, doing what I loved. This was the moment of truth. On one hand, I wondered how many other people in the audience would have the same opinion expressed to me so many years before. On the other hand, I was at a point where I didn’t care. This is what the dance is all about. Dancing is about life. Life is about reality, not fantasy. How much more real can you get than a woman 9 months pregnant wearing a fish net top? To my delight, you, the belly dance community agreed with me. I was met with love, awe, tears, and support. I was proud of us as a community. We were “walking the walk”. I was fortunate enough to have a fantastic pregnancy.

I was fortunate to have a wonderful group of girls in my class who cried with joy when I told them I was pregnant. I was fortunate enough to have a friend in Suhaila, who not only told me about the good, the bad and ugly of pregnancy and motherhood, but who more importantly taught me that I can manage all of these facets of my life, and they can all compliment and enhance one another. Yes, it is true that my time is more limited. Yes, it is true that I have to rebuild my strength and tighten up my technique. Yes, it is true that I have stretch marks, but I have a beautiful baby girl now, and the richness I feel in my heart can’t help but overflow into my art. Having a baby was a choice that was right for me. She is 10 weeks old now, and she is the light of my heart. I know that one of the best gifts I can give this little girl is to show her what it means to be a loving, well rounded, intelligent woman… and one of the best means to that end for me is this dance. I am so happy with all of the choices I have made. It doesn’t mean life isn’t a juggling act at times, but when you are juggling the things you love, you just find a way…

Guest Editorial


Fusion

by Vashti

Vashti is Level 2 certified in Suhaila’s format. You can read more about Vashti at her website, www.bellydanceodyssey.com.


Fusion....hybridization...mezcla. Some would argue that belly dance is necessarily fusion. The impossibility of determining what is authentic or traditional in modern interpretations of raks sharki can result in disagreement – or worse criticism from industry veterans or one’s peers.

As an artist, I have experimented with hybridization of different dance forms. As a teacher I have tried to convey guidance, encouraging students to really master that which they seek to “fuse” before presenting their work. After all, “fusion” has become such an elusive term – one never really knows what to expect. For some, “fusion” could center around music selection – for others stylization and costuming – yet others might seek to combine technique from disparate dance forms.

While I believe it is important to understand cultural context and work responsibly when trying to hybridize– I had an eye-opening experience regarding “fusion” last weekend in New York City. I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets to a new off-Broadway production entitled In the Heights. In the Heights is a wonderful musical which truly captures the Latin(o/a) American experience. The characters are archetypes (without being contrived), the writing was exceptional and the dancing made my heart sing. The setting for In the Heights is Washington Heights – a neighborhood, not unlike the San Francisco Mission District, which is experiencing gentrification. The characters, however, are not homogenous – some are from the Dominican Republic, some from Puerto Rico, some from Cuba – and others are American. There, in that magical moment – someone else’s artistic creation – I saw “fusion” through a different prism. It was “fusion” born of the mixing of cultural context and experience. Salsa blended with spoken word, rap, beatboxing and hip hop. The creator seamlessly incorporated Latina/o dance forms and music.

In the Heights pulled at my soul because I found my own experience portrayed. Could “fusion” be so taboo after all? So, I started thinking about belly dance and fusion – and my own path. While I still think that some artistic experiments are better left in the studio or at home instead of a public forum (I don’t think I’m quite ready for “pirate belly dance”, I find myself feeling a bit more forgiving about artistic exploration – including my own.

Guest Editorial
Dancer Mother

by Alexandra

Alexandra is Level 2 certified in Suhaila’s format. You can read more about Alexandra at her website, www.bellysouk.com.


I am a dancer. I have studied dance since the age of six, and I have taught and performed belly dance professionally for the last six years. I accept my identity as a dancer without questioning it. I always knew I would have children, and I assumed that I could do both. My first pregnancy was uneventful until I began to have contractions in my seventh month. At the advice of my midwife, I slowed down, stopped teaching and performing, and waited for my body to finish growing this new baby. During the time that I had to put my dancing on hold, I had a chance to reevaluate where I was with my own progress. Was I training hard enough? Did I focus more on my students than on myself? I resolved to make some changes after the baby was born.

I resumed teaching and performing when my son was two months old. Looking back, I could have taken more time to adjust to my new role as a mother. Emotionally, however, I needed to hold on to my identity as an independent woman. Dance was the one part of my life in which I felt in control. I began to work on more challenging choreographies, and I started to devote a small amount of time to my own dance each week, in addition to the time I spent developing lesson plans and teaching.

I attended my first Level I Workshop with Suhaila Salimpour when my son was eight months old. Between the physical intensity, the mental shift, and the more practical demands such as finding a quiet space in which to pump and store milk for my baby, I came home completely confused about my identity. I had to rethink my entire approach to dance and my place in it. On one hand, the detail and technique of Suhaila’s format appealed to me. On the other hand, I felt a sense of lost time - that I could have accomplished so much more had I met Suhaila earlier in my belly dance training.

I began to integrate dance with my life as a mother. I listened to new music while I played with my son and choreographed new dances while breastfeeding him. I began performing regularly at a local Mediterranean restaurant. Eventually I trekked out to the Mothership and took a weeklong with Suhaila, where I certified at Level II. My most significant changes, however, were emotional. When my son was born, I began to have a visceral response to certain music, dance, and art. I began to experience a more profound connection between music and my interpretation of it. I actually began to cry during one of my most emotional performances.


My second pregnancy was much harder than my first. I ended up on partial bed rest for a month, and then full bed rest for two months. Not only was I confined to bed all day long, I couldn’t dance, choreograph, play with my toddler, cook meals, or even fold laundry. I had to let go completely, and allow my husband, my wonderful mother, and our nanny to take over. My substitute teachers taught all my dance classes. I felt like I lost my entire identity during those two months. I made no contribution to my family, to my dance program, or to society.

My daughter’s birth provided a cathartic ending to a stressful pregnancy. She was born at home after a private, intense four-hour labor. I had the awe-inspiring experience of pulling her out myself, up onto my chest. I birthed my own baby! At home! I felt like I could conquer the world. For the next 48 hours, I was exhilarated.

Then, postpartum depression gradually settled in. I felt tugged in every direction. My children needed my attention constantly. My husband, who had worked full-time while taking care of me and our son, needed a break. My body was out of shape and I was uninspired by my music and lesson plans. I barely had enough energy to teach my classes. Gradually I became overwhelmed and felt that I needed to escape. I felt guilty. I wanted to stay at home and raise my children, but I also wanted to train harder in dance, and to push past the plateau that I had been stuck in. With the quotidian demands of family life, I was lucky if I trained one hour a week. There was no time for me. I wanted to accomplish so much, but what was the point in trying if I never progressed?

Eventually I lowered my expectations. I learned my limits. I accepted that who I am right now is perfect for me. I have less time to devote to dance, so I work more efficiently. I focus on quality rather than quantity. I have grown dramatically as a dancer during this difficult time, when I have little time and energy to devote to the art form. I use affirmations each day. I stretch and use my foam roller when I have the time, and I don’t beat myself up when I’m too busy. I accept that I teach and perform for myself, not for the gratitude of my students or my audience. When I choreograph a piece, I take time to truly connect with the music. Through all these changes, I now experience a strong emotional release during a performance, just as when I work through a conflict in my morning pages, or when my chiropractor adjusts me. I have learned to take care of myself first, before I can be a good mother, wife, teacher, friend. I give myself permission to take time for myself.


My split identity as a dancer and a mother provides a balance of opposing forces. Motherhood has become my first priority, but my performance is enriched by motherhood. I once considered quitting dance temporarily in a moment of frustration, but when I envisioned my life without dance, it seemed empty and false. Motherhood alone does not fulfill me. Raising a child is the hardest yet most rewarding job I have ever done, but I feel certain that I was born to raise my kids, to guide and teach them to become independent and creative adults, just as I am certain that I was born to dance.

And now, living a chaotic and full life, I have started to notice other dancers with the same focus. How many professional belly dancers choose to have a family after their career is established? Very few. Many dancers feel that they must choose between a career in dance and motherhood. In my life, I find that the two roles enhance each other. I am drawn to dancers with life experience, with a full emotional range. That develops with time, experience, and unfortunately, hardship. It takes a mature, complex woman to do justice to the emotional landscape of belly dance and motherhood.

My life is still unpredictable, but I love it. I take pride in my body, with all its glorious stretch marks, because I know what it is capable of. I can birth a baby. I can do double time pelvic locks. I can dance Dark Veil, Suhaila’s new hard rock belly dance fusion choreography! My kids are young only for a short time, but I have the rest of my life to learn to vibrate. So I’ll work on the Level III material in between taking the kids to the park and making dinner, and eventually I’ll get there.


Featured Workshops
OULY CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, MAY 31, 2008
ALBANY, CA
Suhaila Salimpour Ouly choreography taught by Gina (Level 3 Certified). 2:15-5:00pm. No prerequisites. Cost is $50 ($40 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

INTO THE NIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, JUN 14, 2008
ALBANY, CA
Suhaila Salimpour Into the Night choreography taught by Gina (Level 3 Certified). 2:15-5:00pm. No prerequisites. Cost is $50 ($40 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

CHOREOGRAPHY COLLECTIVE WEEKLONG, JUN 23-27, 2008
EL CERRITO, CA
Suhaila Salimpour format and choreographies from six different teachers: Amy Sigil (Unmata), Paulette Rees-Dennis (Gypsy Caravan), Rachel George, Michelle Joyce, Rashid and Vashti (Bellydance Odyssey). Instructors subject to change. No prerequisites. Cost is $650 ($585 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

SWORD CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, JUL 19, 2008
ALBANY, CA
Suhaila Salimpour sword choreography taught by Gina (Level 3 Certified). This sword choreography predates the sword piece from Sheherezade. 2:15-5:00pm. No prerequisites. Cost is $50 ($40 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

MULTI-LEVEL WEEKLONG, JUL 28-AUG 1, 2008
EL CERRITO, CA
Overview of Suhaila Salimpour’s entire program. No prerequisites. Cost is $550 ($495 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

MULTI-LEVEL WEEKLONG, AUG 4-8, 2008
EL CERRITO, CA
Overview of Suhaila Salimpour’s entire program. No prerequisites. Cost is $550 ($495 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

JAMILA SALIMPOUR CERTIFICATION WEEKLONG, SEP 15-19, 2008
EL CERRITO, CA
Jamila Salimpour format (more details soon). No prerequisites. Cost is $650 ($585 for SSSD members). To register online: www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Inspiration Point
This clip is an example of teamwork and trust. Thoughts? Send them to suhaila@TheRealSuhaila.com with "May Inspiration Point" in the subject.
www.youtube.com/watch

Booking
Bring Suhaila to your event!
Suhaila and the Suhaila Dance Company travel all over the country and the world performing and teaching workshops. For availability and booking information, contact Suhaila at suhaila@TheRealSuhaila.com.

Classes (IMPORTANT UPDATE)

The Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance

Suhaila Salimpour Format Belly Dance,
Jamila Salimpour Format Belly Dance
Folkloric Fusion
Dance Movement
Choreography

We are moving!

From now until May 22, 2008* **
10082 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530

*Effective Monday, April 21, note change to Monday night class times:
Dance Movement: 6-7pm
Level 1: 7-8:30pm
**The studio will be closed May 23-May 30 for Memorial Day weekend.

Beginning
May 31, 2008
425 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706
New class schedule beginning May 31, 2008 available on website soon.

Contact
Suhaila Salimpour -- P.O. Box 8612 -- Landscape Station -- Berkeley, CA 94707 510-526-4344

suhaila@TheRealSuhaila.com

www.TheRealSuhaila.com

www.smartcart.com/Suhaila

If you enjoyed this issue of Suhaila Unveiled, please forward it to your friends!


Special Events

Suhaila Salimpour in The Phoenix
June 28, 7:30 p.m.
BRAVA! for Women in the Arts
San Francisco, CA
Featuring live music by Fathi al Jarrah and the Salimpour Band with performances by Gina, Sabriye and Rashid.

Tickets are $35 in advance

Sale



Bellydance Fitness Fusion sale extended through May 2008!
In this four DVD set, Suhaila fuses Bellydance with Yoga, Pilates, Jazz and also presents her signature Buns workout. Available individually for $9.99 or as a four volume set for $34.99.

Sheherezade DVD Sale!
Through the end of May, buy the Sheherezade DVD for $20 ($18 SSSD members).

CD Sale!
For the month of May, Fate is on sale for $12.00.

Highlighted Products

Drawstring (Scrunchy) Pants
They're back and available in all colors/sizes. Color black is restocked in all sizes.

Buy now link
Got Technique Tank Top

Upcoming Workshops

Workshops Open to All Participants

May 25, 2008
One-Day Workshop
San Diego, CA meleahandco@cox.net
(619-280-8424).

Jun 5-8, 2008
Spring Caravan
Somerset, NJ www.rakkasah.com
(908-996-0269).

Jun 13-15, 2008
Raqs Britannia
Blackpool, England www.raqsbritannia.com.

Jun 23-27, 2008
Choreography Collective
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Jul 11-13, 2008
Level 1 Three-Day
St. Louis, MO
www.aalimdanceco.com, salwaabd@aol.com

Jul 19-20, 2008
Two-Day Workshop
Somerville, NJ www.drumdancecenter.com.

Jul 28-Aug 1, 2008
Multi-Level Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Aug 4-8, 2008
Multi-Level Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Sep 12-14, 2008
Level 1 Three-Day
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Sep 15-19, 2008
Jamila Level 1 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Oct 19, 2008
Level 3 Master Class
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Oct TBA, 2008
Rakkasah East
Somerset, NJ www.rakkasah.com.

Jan 26-30, 2009
Multi-Level Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Jun 22-26, 2009
Choreography Collective
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Jul 27-31, 2009
Multi-Level Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Aug 3-7, 2009
Multi-Level Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Sep 18-20, 2009
Level 1 Three-Day
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Sep 21-25, 2009
Jamila Level 1 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.



Workshops for Certified Dancers

Apr 21-25, 2008
Level 2 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Aug 11-15, 2008
Level 3 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Oct 20-24, 2008
Level 2 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Dec 1-5, 2008
Level 4 Choreography Preparation
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Feb 23-27, 2009
Level 3 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

March 2-6, 2009
Jamila Level 2 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Apr 20-24, 2009
Level 2 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Aug 10-14, 2009
Level 3 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Oct 19-23, 2009
Level 2 Weeklong
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Nov 30-Dec 4, 2009
Level 4 Choreography Preparation
Albany, CA www.TheRealSuhaila.com; www.smartcart.com/suhaila.

Suhaila Productions · P.O. Box 8612 · Landscape Station · Berkeley · CA · 94707
suhaila@therealsuhaila.com
www.therealsuhaila.com

From STUDIO 1831 (PA):

STUDIO 1831 Presents:

WORKSHOPS FOR ACTORS AND SINGERS STARTING IN JUNE

THE PHILADELPHIA PERFORMANCE CENTER, located at 1831 Brandywine Street in the Art Museum area of Philadelphia, will be starting up classes and workshops soon!!


MOVEMENT FOR ACTORS
Instructor Hannah Tsapatoris
Starting on Monday, June 2, 2008
Classes run on 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, and 7/7
6:15-7:30 p.m.

Geared towards total body consciousness, students will be given the opportunity to improve their physical performance as it relates to the stage and everyday life. During the six-week course we will focus on removing inhibitions, opening awareness and releasing impulses through breath, yogic postures, improvisational group movement and individual exploration. Actors will work with text, gesture, and voice as it relates to the whole body.

FEE: $90 ($80 for first five students who sign up)

For more info about Movement for Actors call 215-665-1991.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Hannah Tsapatoris is a graduate of the UARTS Theatre Dept and has been acting, singing, dancing, directing, choreographing, writing, producing and teaching in Philly for over 10 years. She is the Founder/Producing/ Artistic Director of Naked Feet Productions - www.nakedfeetproductions.com - through which she produced her original cabaret "Medusa Sings the Blues" for the 2005 Philly Fringe. She is a certified Yoga Instructor and a member of The Community Cultural Exchange.

COMING SOON:

WORKSHOP: "The Actor's Tune Up" with Valerie Rushmere, Hannah Tsapatoris and Randy Coleman

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT CLASS, ENTITLED: "Yoga For Singers"

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.




Valerie's Studio 1831 is located at 1831 Brandywine St.
(one block north of Spring Garden Street),
in the Art Museum area of Philadelphia, PA, 19130,
within 15 minutes walking distance of Center City.


Questions? Call the Studio at 215-665-1991 or visit www.studio1831.com

This email was sent by Studio 1831, 1831 Brandywine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

From MUSE DANCE STUDIO / TRIBAL SOUTH FLORIDA (FL):

Muse Creative Fusion Dance Newsletter
South Florida's Premier Fusion Dance Company

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Greetings!
Happy Spring from Luna and Muse Creative Fusion Dance!
This has been a beautiful spring full of changes, growth, learning, sharing, performing and of course spring cleaning!




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Update - Workshop Cancelled
2nd notice, Sat. May 17, 2008 Workshop Cancelled!
Isa Shisha's Totally Tribal Workshop has been postponed until further notice. We apologize to those of you that were looking forward to it. Don't fret, Isa will be visiting to perform and teach with us later this year so stay tuned.
Muse Studio



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Muse Studio
Muse Studio in Dania has closed its doors. Our performance schedule, personal lives, jobs and other projects have forced us to cut back on our studio schedule and space.
However, one door closes and another one opens...
Muse Studio is now open Tues nights in Pompano Beach!
We couldn't leave our dance family without at least one weekly class to look forward to. ;)
Instead of running a whole dance studio to ourselves we are renting a space for classes and workshops as needed.
Think of the new studio as one of our many homes as Brianna, Stacy, Patricia, Luna and friends bring some fun classes to your area.
Muse Studio



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Class Schedule
Tribal Belly Dance with Luna!

Tues. Nights beginning Tues, May 27, 2008 at 7pm-8:30pm
Please call 754-244-4784 or email tribalmuse@hotmail.com to reserve your spot.

This class will introduce American Tribal Style Belly Dance concepts and movements as our foundation. Belly Dance isolation & technique drills, strengthening exercises, warm-up & cool down yoga stretches will be included in each class.

Single class $18.00
5 class card $65.00 valid for 8 weeks
8 class card $100.00 valid for 12 weeks
10 class card $120.00 valid for 12 weeks

Muse Studio is located at:
1638 East Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Look for the MSE Events sign (park in rear)
Give us a call if you plan to attend. 754-244-4784
Luna



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Tips for Belly Dance Grrls
Belly dance technique requires a strong and precise foundation to build upon.

Posture - The spine should be as long and straight as possible, not arched or hunched, though the chest should extend slightly in front of the hips. Hips should be tucked to elongate the spine further. Knees bent.

Relax! - Remember to breath and relax. Be patient, give yourself at least a year to be comfortable with the dance. It takes time to learn and control the isolations. Breathe, relax, smile!

Isolations - Belly dance is built from isolations. Isolations mean moving one part of the body while the rest of the body is still.
Slow movements and isolations are most difficult but most important. They teach you precise technique, stretch the muscles and gives you a strong foundation to build upon. Precise isolation must be learned before layering can begin. Without it moves will look messy and unclear. Some might say you look like you are just wiggling.

Drills - The more you drill (practice over and over!) at home the faster you will progress. Muscle memory, flexibility and strength will be gained with practice.




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Fire Goddess on TV
The Fire Goddess Grrrls will be on tv fire dancing with the Beat Bombers on Univision's morning television show, Despierta America. It's a hispanic version of a Today show or Regis and Kelly type show. So be sure to check us out on Monday May 19th, between 7am-10am!





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Recipe
Another tasty snack to try:

gently blend together the following:

Bannanas
Strawberries
Chunky Peanut Butter
Strawberry or Plain Yogurt
Cereal or Granola

It's a crunchy and creamy snack that fills you up for a while. It sounds weird but it's quite yummy! Perfect for pre or post-workout snack. Enjoy!




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Theater Show
Dawn, Eugenia & Leticia
Present
"ABRACADABRA, the magic of dance"
Featuring Maria Jammal and a show full of local belly dance stars and students!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Rd., Lake Worth, FL
(561) 586-6410
Goddess Dance Festival Workshops and show
For more info. contact Leticia at lsaints@hotmail.com or call 561-827-2422




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Quotes
"The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you." -unknown

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows." -Helen Keller

"A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you." -unknown

"Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music." -unknown

"Conventional opinion is the ruin of our souls." -Rumi

"The only source of knowledge is experience." -Albert Einstein




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