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I saw this as a MySpace bulletin from Dorit (NYC) as I woke up this morning:
Legendary Entertainer and my teacher Serena Wilson Passed.
Body: A legend has passed
Serena Wilson passed last night.
Shes the reason Im back on stage. The reason Ive toured around the world, been on tv/films, the NYT, invited to the White House, won competitions and continue to bring this to music.
Is hasnt hit me yet.
I have a pair of her shoes and "ruby lips" she gave me 9 years ago when I started at this time of the year to dance Middle Eastern dance.
Even though I am in music now I still dance all the time and make my living that way.
If not for her...I dont know where Id be today. I would not be the performer I am. I wouldnt know how to use my wings.
Dorit
Legendary Entertainer and my teacher Serena Wilson Passed.
Body: A legend has passed
Serena Wilson passed last night.
Shes the reason Im back on stage. The reason Ive toured around the world, been on tv/films, the NYT, invited to the White House, won competitions and continue to bring this to music.
Is hasnt hit me yet.
I have a pair of her shoes and "ruby lips" she gave me 9 years ago when I started at this time of the year to dance Middle Eastern dance.
Even though I am in music now I still dance all the time and make my living that way.
If not for her...I dont know where Id be today. I would not be the performer I am. I wouldnt know how to use my wings.
Dorit
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Re: BD Legend SERENA WILSON (NYC) Passed Away
Tue, June 19, 2007 - 5:21 AMI heard about this early yesterday and was devistated. More than a few of my favorite NYC dancers, friends and teachers studied with this brilliant gift to our community.
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Serena the night that I first debuted at Cafe Figaro where her son Scott and his band played for me. I was abundantly nervous to be performing in a new venue AND for the Grand Dame of dancers, Serena Wilson! She sat ringside at the dance floor and was overwhelmingly gracious, abundant with her praise and had her companion rise to shower me at the end of my set. Later she offered more praise and sent me on my way. It is one of my most fond dance memories and I will miss her VERY much.
Gia
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Re: BD Legend SERENA WILSON (NYC) Passed Away
Tue, June 19, 2007 - 1:43 PMKajira sends her heartfelt wishes out and just gave me a shorty history lesson about her,,,, one of the pioneers...
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Re: BD Legend SERENA WILSON (NYC) Passed Away
Wed, June 20, 2007 - 8:48 AMThat is so sad to hear. I never got to study with her, but I came across her name frequently. It sounds like she had an amazing career and was very influential.
-Hannan -
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Re: BD Legend SERENA WILSON (NYC) Passed Away
Wed, June 20, 2007 - 9:29 AMMonday night Artie was talking about first learning karshilama rhythm from her. She indeed WAS a pioneer- actually her family was involved. Her husband and son both continued their long tradition of playing for her at her student recital back in December. It was such a warm, wonderful environment. Scott and his sweetie of a wife Leni continue the tradition of beautiful music and dance along with warm, welcoming environment at Le Figaro every Sunday. -
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Re: BD Legend SERENA WILSON (NYC) Passed Away
Wed, June 20, 2007 - 4:17 PMFrom SHAKE MY DAY Newsletter...(courtesy of Sarah Skinner-NYC)
SERENA WILSON'S OBITUARY
By the family and friends of the Wilson's
A legend of bellydance has left us. It is with profound sadness that we note the sudden passing of renowned bellydance instructor Serena Wilson, on Sunday, June 17, 2007.
Serena died in Bellevue Hospital after collapsing earlier in the day at a flea market she was attending with her son, Scott Wilson.
Serena was an icon, having pioneered the first bellydance studio in New York City. Over the years Serena trained thousands of amateurs and professionals in the art of Oriental Dance.
The entire bellydance community extends its condolences to Scott, to her husband Rip, and daughter-in-law Leni.
I AM A WOMAN
A poem writen by Serena Wilson, believed to be used in her shows, as a spoken prelude to a dance.
I am a woman, wrapped in chiffon and jewels,
Thin silks and girdle of gold. I stretch my arms...
The embrace encompasses a universe.
I can control a quiver in my hips, Tell a thousand stories with my eyes,
Skip with child-like glee, the smile of experience on my lips.
Glide in innocence, endure with age.
Spin like a dervish; undulate in sensuality...
Excite, promise, create, change, tease, mock,
Unveil my passion.
Untiringly seduce the world as I move my body, For I am a woman... I am the dancer.
IN LOVING MEMORY- Ms. Serena Wilson
By Athena Najat
Our Teacher
In Honor of my teacher, and my teachers' teacher.
Serena Wilson lived as an integral part of our community. Creating dance and nurturing dancers. She will forever be regarded and admired as one of the most influential teachers of our time. She was a teacher in the most generous sense of the word... guiding us, encouraging us, and opening us. She inspired us to find our grace, strength, joy, creativity, sensitivity...to find our breath and ourselves.
A one-of-a-kind artist in our community... She has touched many of our lives with her instruction, her elegance, her smile, her humor, and her love of the music, the dance, and the dancers. She is truly missed by us all. Deepest sympathies to her family, and all who knew and loved her.
She lives on in all of us, ...her LEGACY.
YOUTUBE CLIPS of Serena:
Bellydancer Serena at the Egyptian Gardens
www.youtube.com/watch
Serena's Bellydance TV Show 1975
www.youtube.com/watch
Articles on Serena: www.thehipcircle.com
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Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Wed, June 20, 2007 - 7:21 PMHi, Ive never really been on Tribe or any of the BD posts except for BDNY.
I guess Brandon found my myspace post so Id like to fill you in on whats happening as far as classes.
Serena studios is fully operational and will continue to be so.
No classes have been cancelled.
I tought both of Serenas classes tonight and they were packed. Yes most people already knew.
Scott Wilson (Serena's son) and Leni (Scott's wife) both played live music for the second class which was wonderful.
I have not been involved much in the dance community becuase I am pursuing a music career with Serenas blessing of course, but I came back becuase I am one of her girls.
She always wanted me to come back and teach so here I am. THe teachers are rotating at the moment.
Also - Cafe Figaro...also is continuing as usual.
If you are a student or Serena please continue to go to classes and I know there are a few that were on their way to begin performing.
Continue on that path.
The first step into that studio changes so many lives.
and we will make sure that it continues to do that.
Thanks,
Dorit
myspace.com/sweetdorit
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Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Thu, June 21, 2007 - 8:56 AMDorit...is there any word on a memorial for Serena?
Gia
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Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Thu, June 21, 2007 - 8:58 AMMeant to ask if there was a memorial service planned... -
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Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Thu, June 21, 2007 - 1:42 PMnothing yet.
Any information like that..I will wait till a family member posts it.
Hearing the news from random sources all at once was very disconcerting to me. Id rather have heard otherwise but what can you do.
I will only post what Im currently involved. I think thats the way to do it.
Thanks
I dont go on tribe much so please email me directly with any questions.
Doritworld@aol.com -
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Unsu...
Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Thu, June 21, 2007 - 6:44 PMShe taught one of my teachers... I have heard many great things about her... I talked to her a few times...
I will remember her in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing this Brandon.
Sincerely,
Nicki -
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Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Fri, June 22, 2007 - 6:03 AMShe was my dear friends mother's teacher--Alyanya had a picture of Serena kissing her on the cheek hanging in the hallway for years. I'll have to post a picture of it. We have truly lost one of our greats. -
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Re: Information about Serena Studios from Dorit
Sun, June 24, 2007 - 10:11 AMFrom Amara @ I World Artists.com that i got a few minutes ago:
Serena Wilson Dies at 73, An Icon of Belly Dance
It is with great sadness and love that Serena Wilson, the most famous pioneer of Belly Dance, has passed away. I started with Serena in 1978 at her famous Studio in NYC. Serena changed my life as well as many other women's lives. I was fortunate to learn the Art of Belly Dance with Serena in the early years of my training. Her artistic and integrated approach to Belly Dance and Dance in general was a foundation that served me well for the next 31 years. Serena passed on Sunday, June 17, 2007 from a pulmonary embolism. I have included in this newsletter more obituaries written about Serena that will provide additional illumination into her life and achievements. My deepest condolences to her husband Rip, son Scott and wife Leni.
MORE INFO & LINKS HERE:
www.amaraalamir.com/amara/ar...0Away.htm
Included On The page Link Above:
Please find an obituary from Shake My Day Newsletter Here.
Please links to Videos of Serena in 1965 here and 1975 here (found on YouTube)
Please find an obituary from the NY Times here (by Maraglit Fox)
A poem by my (Amara's) Mother who came to see me dance and after seeing Serena dance at Lincoln Center
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