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From AUNT ROCKY (NYC):
Dear Dancers and Dance Fans:
A must-see show:
Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 8:00pm
Now it's our turn to dance for you again!
A different & wonderful Concert:
DANCING FOR JOY!!!
starring
***RANYA RENEE***
first time in Casbah Theater!
JOE WILLIAMS (Dervish)
KARIMA NADIRA
MALIKA ZUBEIDE
TARIK SULTAN
& MOROCCO
an evening of fabulous Mideastern, North African, Modern, Ethnic & Fusion music & dance
at the Casbah Tent Theatre
in Morocco's wonderful studio theater at:
6 West 20th St. - 2nd floor,
New York, N.Y.
(between 5th & 6th Aves.)
LAST CONCERT WAS TOTALLY SOLD OUT!!!
GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!
Doors open Saturday at 7:30
Concert starts at 8:00
tickets: $20 in advance/ $25 at the door
Make checks out to:
Morocco & the Casbah Dance Experience
& mail to:
Morocco
6 West 20 St., 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
or
Get them ONLINE with PayPal at:
www.casbahdance.org/FUTUREPE...ANCES.htm
& e-mail me to let me know you did it!!!
&
*Thursday* August 13, 2009
15+ dancers + Morocco!
We Survived Morocco's Weeklong Seminar Celebration!
at the Lafayette Grill
54-56 Franklin Street, New York, N.Y.
phone: 212/732-4449
(between Lafayette & Broadway)
***reservations ARE necessary***
Show starts ***6:00*** - come straight from work & enjoy!!!
Really good food!
only $20 food/drink minimum
Hope to see you at both totally different shows!
Yours in dance,
Morocco
--
e-mail: <morocco@casbahdance.org>
web: www.casbahdance.org
New York, NY
Register NOW for an Exciting Summer Weeklong Seminar
in my great BIG studio: August 4-10, 2007
www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"CAPTURE CAIRO" June 24-July 7 or 9, 2007!
INCOMPARABLY FABULOUS CAIRO/GIZA!
& the AHLAN WA SAHLAN FESTIVAL! &
you can take an OPTIONAL NILE CRUISE!
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE. DANCE, DANCE!
www.casbahdance.org/CaptureCairo.htm
TOUR SOLD OUT!!! TOUR SOLD OUT!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If I can't dance, I don't want your revolution!
Emma Goldman
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We should consider every day lost on which we have
not danced at least once. Friedrich Nietzsche
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From AMIRA JAMAL (MA):
Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance!
August 2009
NOTICE TO NEW RECIPIENTS OF THIS NEWSLETTER:
I have just merged an old address list with this new one. If you have already asked not to receive emails from me and you got this, or don't know how I might have gotten your email address (I might not remember either!) please don't get angry - just hit unsubscribe (and preferably not "SPAM") (see "Safe Unsubscribe" at the bottom of the newsletter) and your name will be permanently taken off my list. I am doing this merging process over the summer, but thankfully a one-time unsubscribe on this new email list will prevent your name being added again. I sincerely apologize if you do not want to receive this newsletter, and thank you for your patience and understanding as I build my email list with this new server. (Before unsubscribing, however, please note that my class schedule is only a small part of the newsletter- there is a lot of very helpful information if you are a dancer anywhere!)
If this email does not display with images or my Logo at the top:
Please add amirajamal@amirajamal.com as a "safe sender" or
hit "Display Images" in your email program. Thank you!
Greetings everyone! This is one of my favorite pictures of all times because it shows the joy of dancing - and it reminds me of all my wonderful students who participate every year in my classes and recitals.
Below is the listing of FALL classes as well as tidbits that will help you on your journey through this wonderful experience we call BELLY DANCE!
Let's do it!
in this issue
:: Featured Dancer of the Month
:: Dimensions and Texture
:: Some of My Favorite Quotes
:: Ask Amira
:: Book with CD-Rom Visual Vocabulary
:: Fall Classes
Featured Dancer of the Month
Patsy (Lisanna) Henry - A Tribute
(Owner of Salome's Tent)
Patsy Anne Henry, 55, died Friday, March 20, 2009, at Lehigh Valley
Hospice Center, after a 19 month battle with cancer. Patsy, earned a bachelors of science and a masters of science
degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MBA from
the University of Manchester, England. From 1977 to 2005, she was
employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. working in the areas of
finance and human resources. In recent years, she was a computer
consultant and also created Salomes Tent, supplying costuming and accessories to others who shared her passion for the art of belly dancing. As a gifted soloist and member of several professional dance troupes, Patsy (Lisanna) delighted audiences in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California. She also taught belly dancing at Lehigh County Community College and the Jewish Community Center. Patsy's love of the performing arts extended to the Celtic harp. She also served on the boards of Mayfair and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and she was active in Big Brothers & Big
Sisters.
She was loved by her students, her dance colleagues, her customers, and anyone else who had the pleasure to meet her over the years.
Please visit: www.surayyah.com/Patsys_Page.html and www.tahya.com/Lisanna.html for tributes.
Another Hint from Language of the Dance: Tips, Techniques and Stories (many of the steps mentioned in this article can be seen on the CD-Rom which comes with my book)
DIMENSIONS AND TEXTURE
"Creative growth is an "unfolding" from within the individual, and not the result of "stuffing in" from the outside."
Henry Schaeffer-Simmern, "The unfolding of Artistic Activity," Berkeley: University of California Press, p. 198.
When I wrote my book, I included Dimensions and Textures under the Stage Presence section because using dimensions and textures set apart a professional from an amateur. It is all part of the package of stage presence that makes one dancer shine and another dancer not. Using dimensions and textures makes someone else's step your own. You can change the angle, add a facial movement or hand gesture, or layer to your heart's content. Your Figure 8 can be like no one else's. The steps are what your teachers have given you. The dimensions and textures you chose to use in any given moment are all your own.
There are many factors that make up dimensions and textures in dance. Read through the following list and think about what movements you could combine them with to create steps and dance your own dance:
1. Level Change
2. Pulsing
3. Layering
4. Use of Air Space
5. Use of Floor Space
6. Angle
7. Speed & Energy
8. Size of Movement
9. Direction of Movement
10. Accents
11. Facial Expression
12. Hand Expression
This month we are going to discuss the first six things. You can find a link to my worksheet for these exercises by going to my homepage and then going to the bottom where there is a link that says "Dimensions."
1. Level Change: Standing with perfect posture and alignment, and keeping your heels on the floor, bend your knees and come down as low as you can (almost like a squat, but your upper body MUST stay upright). When you cannot go any lower lift your heels off the floor and continue down. Hold at this point for a few moments. Your legs might get shaky but don't worry. Then push your heels back into the floor and continue back up, all the while keeping your upper body in absolute straight alignment. Now do this taking a Figure 8 and bring it down through the levels and then up again. You want to fit as many Figure 8s in as you can. That means you will make only one per inch or two of descent. Remember: Keep your torso straight up. Don't lean over!
2. Pulsing: Again, using your Figure 8, pulse the beat of the music as you do it.
Some of my Favorite Quotes
This month I would like to share with you some quotes from one of my favorite inspirational people, Tony Robbins. I think the following quotes can be applied to your study of dance, and in a larger scope, your enjoyment of life:
Most people have no idea of the giant capacity we can immediately command when we focus all of our resources on mastering a single area of our lives.
One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.
What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.
And my favorite (and I can hear him say it as I write it): Live with passion!
Thank you for reading this newsletter: Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance! Please give me your feedback so that this newsletter can grow into something that will be useful to you as students and dancers. Would you like to be a featured dancer? Is there something you would like to see presented (a tip, a question, a dance step)? This newsletter belongs to all of us - I would like to reflect that!
Sincerely,
Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance!
Newsletter Archive
This newsletter started in January 2009. If you would like me to send you any back copies please let me know at amirajamal@yahoo.com.
Ask Amira: This month's question: How can such a traditional dancer and teacher like myself be teaching BELLYROBICS??? (And what is it exactly?)
Second question first:
Bellyrobics is a new concept of aerobic group exercise which uses Belly Dance moves and movements for a vigorous safe workout. The aerobic workout uses routines which will get more challenging as the weeks progress, but which will also be able to be modified if you are a newcomer to the class.
This new genre of aerobic exercise is influenced by Belly Dancing, which is one of the oldest dance experiences in the world. It is all about isolation of muscles and parts of the body - used separately or together. You learn to belly dance the easy way because of the wide range of steps and movements that you will be able to do in class, or modify for your own physical needs.
Belly dancing is one of the best exercises for women of all ages, shapes, and abilities, as it is low impact, yet moves almost every muscle in the body - gently, but intensly. You will feel fantastic and confident and HAPPY, not sore, defeated, and questioning your ability to keep up with an aerobic-style class.
This class improves posture, flexibility, and endurance and, most importantly, confidence! No belly dance experience required. It's wonderful fun - it's exotic and a departure from any other gym class you have ever taken.
**Please note that this is a wonderful belly dance experience, but there is no such thing as an 8-week wonder, and if you are seriously interested in learning how to belly dance you must supplement this with traditional belly dance classes. I will personally throttle anyone who puts on a belly dance costume after taking only bellyrobics, and goes out to peddle herself as a professional belly dancer! (Sorry about that, but it's true!)
First question: Why am *I* doing it? The answer is two-fold. After dancing and teaching for 35 years I just needed something to jar me out of the same-old-same-old, and I am finding I really enjoy this approach to teaching beginners. I'm even finding that I can deal with rolling enrollment (at the gym) better than I thought I would be able to. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!
The second reason I am doing it is that I find that I am actually an inspiration to older (maybe heavier weight) women, who thought that the world of fitness or dance classes was out of their reach. They see me doing it, and it inspires them to do it. I have had some women come up to me and say they were so relieved when they saw I was the instructor - it gave them the confidence to be in the class and to keep coming. Believe me - I would love to be young and svelte (or even old and svelte) but I'm not - and so I am glad I can be a valid inspiration to many women, no matter what my outer shell looks like!
Please submit your questions - about anything to do with belly dancing!
DIMENSIONS AND TEXTURES - Continued
3. Layering: This time, using a hip circle see how many different things you can do with it: Put a shimmy on top of the hip circle (which is usually your basic layering); turn your body in a circle while you are shimmying with your hip circle; AND do a soft, slow arm movement with it as well.
4. Use of Air Space: The word here is REACH. While you are just standing in one place reach out to the front of you. Make the movement in your shoulder only as you reach out to the audience and draw them in, as if you are reaching out to stroke someone's face and then pulling back. Now do the same thing, reaching out to the side, pushing your torso out to its fullest extension. This can be further enhanced by stepping out while reaching. Finally, reach to the sky one arm at time, with lovely wrist circles.
5. Use of Floor Space: Please do not plant yourself in one spot. And certainly, do not plant yourself in the way back of the stage practically on top of the band (if you have one). The only exception to this is if you are in a very tight and tiny space and are forced to dance your entire show within a two foot square. When you come out for your introduction circle the perimeter of the stage area. During the rest of your show (except, perhaps, during a short taxim where you are doing very intensive soulful body work, and traveling is not part of the equation), be aware of your floor space. Move back and forth center and to the corners, spiral, and circle. Some dancers even find it helpful to "write" out their name in script on the floor thus helping them not to stay on one spot. One caveat though: Do not scribble too much. A busy dancer is as bad as a boring one!
6. Angle: A dancer who dances only straight to the audience with all her movements (save a little spinning, maybe) is only offering a one dimensional flat vision. Even something as simple as putting your back to the audience and showing a move (absolutely lovely on a beautiful Figure 8) makes a difference. Adding a playful look over the shoulder to the audience is even better! Take one of your undulations and instead of doing it straight to the audience, angle it so that you are undulating to the corner of the stage. It gives the audience a different view to appreciate, and it gives you a way to expand your vocabulary.
You will find a link to a workbook chart at the bottom of my index page, entitled "Dimensions"
Belly Dance with Amira Jamal: Tips Techniques and Stories
Book with CD-Rom "Visual Vocabulary"
Topics include: Overall Look at Technique; The Essence of a Five Part Routine; The Classical Arabic Routine; Stage Presence; Dimensions and Textures; Setting Performance Goals; Party Logistics; and MUCH MUCH MORE!
This book is available with priority postage (US postage only - foreign postage is separate) and gift wrapping at no extra charge. ($20 in class, $25 by check, $30 by PayPal to amirajamal@yahoo.com.)
See website at www.amirajamal.com for ordering instructions.
Fall Classes
www.amirajamal.com has just been updated!
Boston (begins 9/14): Monday nights: 7PM-8:30PM - Advanced Intermediate and Advanced/Professional Students: This Fall, after working a full year on classical Arabic music, we are going back to the basics of a five-part American Cabaret show, with all the fixins! This will include veil, double-veil, drum solos, Karsilima, cane, and much more. We will work with the Top-40 "most likely" American Cabaret songs. On nights that we have dancers signed up for peer-critique on their performances we will run later than 8:30 at no extra charge.
Wellesley (begins 9/15): Tuesday nights: 6:00-7:00PM; Framingham (begins 9/9): Wednesday nights: 7-8; Natick (begins 9/5) 8:30AM
Bellyrobics and Beginner Belly Dance. This is a fast-paced class designed to give students a strong fitness workout while introducing you to basic moves. No prior belly dance experience is necessary.
Framingham (begins 9/12): Saturday mornings: 9:30: Advanced Beginner and Intermediate Technique (drills & zills); 10:30: Advanced Beginner and Intermediate: Performance Skills (similar to Boston description but more for "newbies")
Always Available: Private instruction in Framingham
From SUHAILA (CA):
www.therealsuhaila.com
Presents
East Coast
Belly Dance
Certification Workshops
with
Suhaila Salimpour
Level One & Level Two
in New Jersey
September 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2009
Level One Workshop
Sept 16, 17 & 18
9am - 3pm
One Hour Lunch Break
No experience necessary.
$425 for 15 Hour Level One
($400 if paid in full by May 30, 2009)
Optional Testing on Friday Sept 18
Level Two Workshop
Sept 16 & 17 4- 10pm
Sept 18 6:30 - 10:30pm(no break)
Sept 19 10:00am - 4pm
45 min Meal Break
Must be Level One Certified to take this workshop.
$550 for 20 hours
($525 if paid in full by May 30, 2009)
Level Two Certification Choreography is included.
Optional Testing on Saturday Sept 19
@ The Drum & Dance Learning Center
NEW LOCATION!
Quakerbridge Commons Plaza
4110 Quakerbridge Road
Lawrence, NJ (Princeton area)
No one - day rates available
Pre Registration Required
Optional Testing Fee is separate
SSSD CEC's are available
Visit website for details and to register:
www.drumdancecenter.com
Kim Leary (609) 324-7383
ddlcnj@gmail.com
Register Now!
September 2009
@ The Drum & Dance Learning Center
Suhaila Salimpour is one of the world's most sought-after teachers of Middle Eastern dance. A second-generation belly dancer, Suhaila has developed a format combining her heritage with classical dance training. After touring the Middle East and Europe she returned to the US to open her school - offering a fully comprehensive Certification program in Belly Dance.
Suhaila creates instructional and performance DVDs for all dance levels, CDs for percussion artists and printed dance manuals. Suhaila has orchestrated Middle Eastern dance musicals and is director of both the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat.
Experience training led by the world renowned performer, choreographer and instructor Suhaila Salimpour.
Dear Dancers and Dance Fans:
A must-see show:
Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 8:00pm
Now it's our turn to dance for you again!
A different & wonderful Concert:
DANCING FOR JOY!!!
starring
***RANYA RENEE***
first time in Casbah Theater!
JOE WILLIAMS (Dervish)
KARIMA NADIRA
MALIKA ZUBEIDE
TARIK SULTAN
& MOROCCO
an evening of fabulous Mideastern, North African, Modern, Ethnic & Fusion music & dance
at the Casbah Tent Theatre
in Morocco's wonderful studio theater at:
6 West 20th St. - 2nd floor,
New York, N.Y.
(between 5th & 6th Aves.)
LAST CONCERT WAS TOTALLY SOLD OUT!!!
GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!!
Doors open Saturday at 7:30
Concert starts at 8:00
tickets: $20 in advance/ $25 at the door
Make checks out to:
Morocco & the Casbah Dance Experience
& mail to:
Morocco
6 West 20 St., 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
or
Get them ONLINE with PayPal at:
www.casbahdance.org/FUTUREPE...ANCES.htm
& e-mail me to let me know you did it!!!
&
*Thursday* August 13, 2009
15+ dancers + Morocco!
We Survived Morocco's Weeklong Seminar Celebration!
at the Lafayette Grill
54-56 Franklin Street, New York, N.Y.
phone: 212/732-4449
(between Lafayette & Broadway)
***reservations ARE necessary***
Show starts ***6:00*** - come straight from work & enjoy!!!
Really good food!
only $20 food/drink minimum
Hope to see you at both totally different shows!
Yours in dance,
Morocco
--
e-mail: <morocco@casbahdance.org>
web: www.casbahdance.org
New York, NY
Register NOW for an Exciting Summer Weeklong Seminar
in my great BIG studio: August 4-10, 2007
www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"CAPTURE CAIRO" June 24-July 7 or 9, 2007!
INCOMPARABLY FABULOUS CAIRO/GIZA!
& the AHLAN WA SAHLAN FESTIVAL! &
you can take an OPTIONAL NILE CRUISE!
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE. DANCE, DANCE!
www.casbahdance.org/CaptureCairo.htm
TOUR SOLD OUT!!! TOUR SOLD OUT!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If I can't dance, I don't want your revolution!
Emma Goldman
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We should consider every day lost on which we have
not danced at least once. Friedrich Nietzsche
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From AMIRA JAMAL (MA):
Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance!
August 2009
NOTICE TO NEW RECIPIENTS OF THIS NEWSLETTER:
I have just merged an old address list with this new one. If you have already asked not to receive emails from me and you got this, or don't know how I might have gotten your email address (I might not remember either!) please don't get angry - just hit unsubscribe (and preferably not "SPAM") (see "Safe Unsubscribe" at the bottom of the newsletter) and your name will be permanently taken off my list. I am doing this merging process over the summer, but thankfully a one-time unsubscribe on this new email list will prevent your name being added again. I sincerely apologize if you do not want to receive this newsletter, and thank you for your patience and understanding as I build my email list with this new server. (Before unsubscribing, however, please note that my class schedule is only a small part of the newsletter- there is a lot of very helpful information if you are a dancer anywhere!)
If this email does not display with images or my Logo at the top:
Please add amirajamal@amirajamal.com as a "safe sender" or
hit "Display Images" in your email program. Thank you!
Greetings everyone! This is one of my favorite pictures of all times because it shows the joy of dancing - and it reminds me of all my wonderful students who participate every year in my classes and recitals.
Below is the listing of FALL classes as well as tidbits that will help you on your journey through this wonderful experience we call BELLY DANCE!
Let's do it!
in this issue
:: Featured Dancer of the Month
:: Dimensions and Texture
:: Some of My Favorite Quotes
:: Ask Amira
:: Book with CD-Rom Visual Vocabulary
:: Fall Classes
Featured Dancer of the Month
Patsy (Lisanna) Henry - A Tribute
(Owner of Salome's Tent)
Patsy Anne Henry, 55, died Friday, March 20, 2009, at Lehigh Valley
Hospice Center, after a 19 month battle with cancer. Patsy, earned a bachelors of science and a masters of science
degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MBA from
the University of Manchester, England. From 1977 to 2005, she was
employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. working in the areas of
finance and human resources. In recent years, she was a computer
consultant and also created Salomes Tent, supplying costuming and accessories to others who shared her passion for the art of belly dancing. As a gifted soloist and member of several professional dance troupes, Patsy (Lisanna) delighted audiences in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California. She also taught belly dancing at Lehigh County Community College and the Jewish Community Center. Patsy's love of the performing arts extended to the Celtic harp. She also served on the boards of Mayfair and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and she was active in Big Brothers & Big
Sisters.
She was loved by her students, her dance colleagues, her customers, and anyone else who had the pleasure to meet her over the years.
Please visit: www.surayyah.com/Patsys_Page.html and www.tahya.com/Lisanna.html for tributes.
Another Hint from Language of the Dance: Tips, Techniques and Stories (many of the steps mentioned in this article can be seen on the CD-Rom which comes with my book)
DIMENSIONS AND TEXTURE
"Creative growth is an "unfolding" from within the individual, and not the result of "stuffing in" from the outside."
Henry Schaeffer-Simmern, "The unfolding of Artistic Activity," Berkeley: University of California Press, p. 198.
When I wrote my book, I included Dimensions and Textures under the Stage Presence section because using dimensions and textures set apart a professional from an amateur. It is all part of the package of stage presence that makes one dancer shine and another dancer not. Using dimensions and textures makes someone else's step your own. You can change the angle, add a facial movement or hand gesture, or layer to your heart's content. Your Figure 8 can be like no one else's. The steps are what your teachers have given you. The dimensions and textures you chose to use in any given moment are all your own.
There are many factors that make up dimensions and textures in dance. Read through the following list and think about what movements you could combine them with to create steps and dance your own dance:
1. Level Change
2. Pulsing
3. Layering
4. Use of Air Space
5. Use of Floor Space
6. Angle
7. Speed & Energy
8. Size of Movement
9. Direction of Movement
10. Accents
11. Facial Expression
12. Hand Expression
This month we are going to discuss the first six things. You can find a link to my worksheet for these exercises by going to my homepage and then going to the bottom where there is a link that says "Dimensions."
1. Level Change: Standing with perfect posture and alignment, and keeping your heels on the floor, bend your knees and come down as low as you can (almost like a squat, but your upper body MUST stay upright). When you cannot go any lower lift your heels off the floor and continue down. Hold at this point for a few moments. Your legs might get shaky but don't worry. Then push your heels back into the floor and continue back up, all the while keeping your upper body in absolute straight alignment. Now do this taking a Figure 8 and bring it down through the levels and then up again. You want to fit as many Figure 8s in as you can. That means you will make only one per inch or two of descent. Remember: Keep your torso straight up. Don't lean over!
2. Pulsing: Again, using your Figure 8, pulse the beat of the music as you do it.
Some of my Favorite Quotes
This month I would like to share with you some quotes from one of my favorite inspirational people, Tony Robbins. I think the following quotes can be applied to your study of dance, and in a larger scope, your enjoyment of life:
Most people have no idea of the giant capacity we can immediately command when we focus all of our resources on mastering a single area of our lives.
One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.
What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.
And my favorite (and I can hear him say it as I write it): Live with passion!
Thank you for reading this newsletter: Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance! Please give me your feedback so that this newsletter can grow into something that will be useful to you as students and dancers. Would you like to be a featured dancer? Is there something you would like to see presented (a tip, a question, a dance step)? This newsletter belongs to all of us - I would like to reflect that!
Sincerely,
Amira Jamal - Let's Belly Dance!
Newsletter Archive
This newsletter started in January 2009. If you would like me to send you any back copies please let me know at amirajamal@yahoo.com.
Ask Amira: This month's question: How can such a traditional dancer and teacher like myself be teaching BELLYROBICS??? (And what is it exactly?)
Second question first:
Bellyrobics is a new concept of aerobic group exercise which uses Belly Dance moves and movements for a vigorous safe workout. The aerobic workout uses routines which will get more challenging as the weeks progress, but which will also be able to be modified if you are a newcomer to the class.
This new genre of aerobic exercise is influenced by Belly Dancing, which is one of the oldest dance experiences in the world. It is all about isolation of muscles and parts of the body - used separately or together. You learn to belly dance the easy way because of the wide range of steps and movements that you will be able to do in class, or modify for your own physical needs.
Belly dancing is one of the best exercises for women of all ages, shapes, and abilities, as it is low impact, yet moves almost every muscle in the body - gently, but intensly. You will feel fantastic and confident and HAPPY, not sore, defeated, and questioning your ability to keep up with an aerobic-style class.
This class improves posture, flexibility, and endurance and, most importantly, confidence! No belly dance experience required. It's wonderful fun - it's exotic and a departure from any other gym class you have ever taken.
**Please note that this is a wonderful belly dance experience, but there is no such thing as an 8-week wonder, and if you are seriously interested in learning how to belly dance you must supplement this with traditional belly dance classes. I will personally throttle anyone who puts on a belly dance costume after taking only bellyrobics, and goes out to peddle herself as a professional belly dancer! (Sorry about that, but it's true!)
First question: Why am *I* doing it? The answer is two-fold. After dancing and teaching for 35 years I just needed something to jar me out of the same-old-same-old, and I am finding I really enjoy this approach to teaching beginners. I'm even finding that I can deal with rolling enrollment (at the gym) better than I thought I would be able to. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!
The second reason I am doing it is that I find that I am actually an inspiration to older (maybe heavier weight) women, who thought that the world of fitness or dance classes was out of their reach. They see me doing it, and it inspires them to do it. I have had some women come up to me and say they were so relieved when they saw I was the instructor - it gave them the confidence to be in the class and to keep coming. Believe me - I would love to be young and svelte (or even old and svelte) but I'm not - and so I am glad I can be a valid inspiration to many women, no matter what my outer shell looks like!
Please submit your questions - about anything to do with belly dancing!
DIMENSIONS AND TEXTURES - Continued
3. Layering: This time, using a hip circle see how many different things you can do with it: Put a shimmy on top of the hip circle (which is usually your basic layering); turn your body in a circle while you are shimmying with your hip circle; AND do a soft, slow arm movement with it as well.
4. Use of Air Space: The word here is REACH. While you are just standing in one place reach out to the front of you. Make the movement in your shoulder only as you reach out to the audience and draw them in, as if you are reaching out to stroke someone's face and then pulling back. Now do the same thing, reaching out to the side, pushing your torso out to its fullest extension. This can be further enhanced by stepping out while reaching. Finally, reach to the sky one arm at time, with lovely wrist circles.
5. Use of Floor Space: Please do not plant yourself in one spot. And certainly, do not plant yourself in the way back of the stage practically on top of the band (if you have one). The only exception to this is if you are in a very tight and tiny space and are forced to dance your entire show within a two foot square. When you come out for your introduction circle the perimeter of the stage area. During the rest of your show (except, perhaps, during a short taxim where you are doing very intensive soulful body work, and traveling is not part of the equation), be aware of your floor space. Move back and forth center and to the corners, spiral, and circle. Some dancers even find it helpful to "write" out their name in script on the floor thus helping them not to stay on one spot. One caveat though: Do not scribble too much. A busy dancer is as bad as a boring one!
6. Angle: A dancer who dances only straight to the audience with all her movements (save a little spinning, maybe) is only offering a one dimensional flat vision. Even something as simple as putting your back to the audience and showing a move (absolutely lovely on a beautiful Figure 8) makes a difference. Adding a playful look over the shoulder to the audience is even better! Take one of your undulations and instead of doing it straight to the audience, angle it so that you are undulating to the corner of the stage. It gives the audience a different view to appreciate, and it gives you a way to expand your vocabulary.
You will find a link to a workbook chart at the bottom of my index page, entitled "Dimensions"
Belly Dance with Amira Jamal: Tips Techniques and Stories
Book with CD-Rom "Visual Vocabulary"
Topics include: Overall Look at Technique; The Essence of a Five Part Routine; The Classical Arabic Routine; Stage Presence; Dimensions and Textures; Setting Performance Goals; Party Logistics; and MUCH MUCH MORE!
This book is available with priority postage (US postage only - foreign postage is separate) and gift wrapping at no extra charge. ($20 in class, $25 by check, $30 by PayPal to amirajamal@yahoo.com.)
See website at www.amirajamal.com for ordering instructions.
Fall Classes
www.amirajamal.com has just been updated!
Boston (begins 9/14): Monday nights: 7PM-8:30PM - Advanced Intermediate and Advanced/Professional Students: This Fall, after working a full year on classical Arabic music, we are going back to the basics of a five-part American Cabaret show, with all the fixins! This will include veil, double-veil, drum solos, Karsilima, cane, and much more. We will work with the Top-40 "most likely" American Cabaret songs. On nights that we have dancers signed up for peer-critique on their performances we will run later than 8:30 at no extra charge.
Wellesley (begins 9/15): Tuesday nights: 6:00-7:00PM; Framingham (begins 9/9): Wednesday nights: 7-8; Natick (begins 9/5) 8:30AM
Bellyrobics and Beginner Belly Dance. This is a fast-paced class designed to give students a strong fitness workout while introducing you to basic moves. No prior belly dance experience is necessary.
Framingham (begins 9/12): Saturday mornings: 9:30: Advanced Beginner and Intermediate Technique (drills & zills); 10:30: Advanced Beginner and Intermediate: Performance Skills (similar to Boston description but more for "newbies")
Always Available: Private instruction in Framingham
From SUHAILA (CA):
www.therealsuhaila.com
Presents
East Coast
Belly Dance
Certification Workshops
with
Suhaila Salimpour
Level One & Level Two
in New Jersey
September 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2009
Level One Workshop
Sept 16, 17 & 18
9am - 3pm
One Hour Lunch Break
No experience necessary.
$425 for 15 Hour Level One
($400 if paid in full by May 30, 2009)
Optional Testing on Friday Sept 18
Level Two Workshop
Sept 16 & 17 4- 10pm
Sept 18 6:30 - 10:30pm(no break)
Sept 19 10:00am - 4pm
45 min Meal Break
Must be Level One Certified to take this workshop.
$550 for 20 hours
($525 if paid in full by May 30, 2009)
Level Two Certification Choreography is included.
Optional Testing on Saturday Sept 19
@ The Drum & Dance Learning Center
NEW LOCATION!
Quakerbridge Commons Plaza
4110 Quakerbridge Road
Lawrence, NJ (Princeton area)
No one - day rates available
Pre Registration Required
Optional Testing Fee is separate
SSSD CEC's are available
Visit website for details and to register:
www.drumdancecenter.com
Kim Leary (609) 324-7383
ddlcnj@gmail.com
Register Now!
September 2009
@ The Drum & Dance Learning Center
Suhaila Salimpour is one of the world's most sought-after teachers of Middle Eastern dance. A second-generation belly dancer, Suhaila has developed a format combining her heritage with classical dance training. After touring the Middle East and Europe she returned to the US to open her school - offering a fully comprehensive Certification program in Belly Dance.
Suhaila creates instructional and performance DVDs for all dance levels, CDs for percussion artists and printed dance manuals. Suhaila has orchestrated Middle Eastern dance musicals and is director of both the Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat.
Experience training led by the world renowned performer, choreographer and instructor Suhaila Salimpour.
posted by:
|
Washington, D.C.
|
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Re: AUGUST BellyHappenings...
Sat, August 1, 2009 - 4:10 PMFrom BELLYQUEEN (NYC):
Dear Bellyqueen and PURE friends,
The new Bellyqueen "Bellydance NYC" DVD of our 10th anniversary show is finally out! If you want an personalized autographed copy from us, please e-mail us at info@bellyqueen.com It costs $25 and $3 shipping and handling. We will be having an official DVD launch at JeBon on August 5. Former Bellyqueen dancer, Ashley Bull from Orlando will be flying up for it.
Don't forget the one and only Jillina will be teaching a fun filled workshop in New York on Friday August 7.
She also recently launched her Bellydance Evolution project and is looking for new talent to team up with. Please check it out!
Peace and shimmies,
Kaeshi
WEDNESDAY, august 5
b, BEllyqueen & kaeshi
JeBon, 15 Saint Marks Pl, bet 2nd and 3rd Ave, NYC
Born and raised in Hell's Kitchen in New York City, B was involved in a wide array of artistic and athletic activities from a young age. She was a competitive Figure skater from the age of 7, but in her early teens, she left the ice and began a serious study of dance. She studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. While at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, she began teaching dance as well as a variety of Aerobics classes.
After returning to New York, B took a Bellydance class at a local gym, and was immediately fascinated by this dance form that was accepting of all body types and ages. She launched into an intense study of Middle Eastern and Ethnic Dance. Always one to push the boundaries of convention, she refused to label herself as a 'Cabaret' or a 'Tribal' dancer, and instead, began to fuse the many types of dance she had studied previously with the Middle Eastern Dance she was now studying. As a result, she has a powerful and unique style that is constantly evolving.
B's interest in Health and Fitness, particularly in the fields of Kinetics and Injury Prevention have led her to be certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), as well as being Level 1 certified in the Suhaila Salimpour format and a certified Sharqui - The bellydance workout™ instructor. In addition, B is also a member of Public Urban Ritual Experiment (PURE), a community-minded collaborative of dancers and musicians.
$10 entry and $5 min food/drink
friday, august 7
oriental workshop with jillina
Morocco Studios, 6 W 20th St (between 5 th & 6 th Ave), 2nd Flr, NYC
WHEN: Friday August 7th 2009
6.00pm Registration
6.30-9.30pm Workshop
WHAT: "Contemporary Oriental"- Egyptian style choreography. Emerse yourself in this delicious music with flowing floor patterns, articulate hip work and an emphasis on instrumentation. Learn how to translate different rhythms not just through movement, but also through emotional expression.
COST: $65 adv/$75 at the door. Register now.
WHO IS JILLINA? A disciplined professional with tight and powerful technique, Jillina has devoted her life to dance. As the former artistic director and main choreographer for the Belly dance Superstars and The Sahlala Dancers, audiences admire Jillina for her artistic interpretations, understanding of the culture, and innovative style.
Jillina pulls from a strong dance background in Middle Eastern, Folklore, Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop to create a colorful Middle Eastern and world fusion repertoire. Jillina travels the world extensively teaching seminars performing in concerts Her talents have taken her around the world to England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico Brazil, Argentina, Canada, France, Italy, Monaco, Germany, Belgium, Brussels, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Switzerland, and Egypt, gaining her recognition by the dance community worldwide. Jillina has won numerous awards from IAMED and the Gaza Academy , including Best Modern Egyptian Dancer, Best Instructional Video. Best Dance Company and Dancer of the Year.
In addition to appearing on a number of television programs, she has co-producing 9 instructional DVDs that due to their success are now offered in 5 different languages. She is also featured in numerous award winning performance dvds. Through her years of professional teaching experience, Jillina has mastered the art of dance instruction to artists of all levels. Whether she is coaching someone individually or teaching a group of 700 students, she has a special ability to connect with people on and off the dance floor. Teacher to some of today's most admired stars. Her contribution to the world of Middle Eastern Dance will no doubt be carried far into the future. Annual trips to Egypt allow her to progress in her art as well as keep up with all the modern trends, which she graciously shares with students and peers. As a master instructor, she upholds the integrity and tradition as well as incorporating her signature style.
Currently Jillina owns Evolution Dance Studios located in Universal City , California , USA , which offers all forms of dance, everything from belly to ballet.
FOR MORE INFO about Jillina, visit www.jillina.com (Jillina is based in Los Angeles.)
WEDNESDAY, august 12
KSENIJA (SLOVENIA) & kaeshi
Ksenija started to bellydance 8 years ago. It was love at first move. She started dancing in Ljubljana - the capital of Slovenia with Romany dance teacher Nursel who opened Ksenija's soul and taught her Macedonian chocek gypsy style.
At this time Slovenia was facing a "Bellydance boom" so she had the opportunity to learn from Turkish bellydance stars Sema and Soraya Hilal. After three years of intensive training in Ljubljana she met her teacher from Budapest, Alexandra Cegledi, who had big influence on her, teaching her Turkish style and Afro fertillity dances.
In September 2007 Ksenija decided to forge her own path in Maribor (Slovenia), and the new dance community "PLESNA DELAVNICA ZAHIR" was born. Almost one year later, in August 2008 she and her husband Toma? bought a little Cafe and dance studio, named "HISA ZAHIR" (house Zahir) .The year 2008 was very successfull, for Ksenija and for Zahir, because she met the great teacher, Susan Frankovich. She started with monthly ATS workshops in Maribor, also they were honored to host Bellyqueen for the first time on their European tour here in Slovenia.
www.zahir-si.com
WEDNESDAY, august 19
fashion show & KAMILLE HITZ (CA) at jebon
Jessica Baker, B, Liz Free-Eshtar, Denise Nappi, Diana Susanto, Jindra Payne and Kaeshi will strut their new creations at the costume intensive.
Kamille Hitz loves to dance. Finding movement to physically express music and emotion fascinates her. This has lead her to become the fearless leader of RockaBelly, a San Francisco Bay Area fusion dance company she started in 2004. Before that Kamille received a BFA in fashion design from Parsons School of Design. To decompress from fashion school she studied Middle Eastern dance with Anahid Sofian, starting in 1993. She danced in the Anahid
Sofian Dance Company from 1995- 2002 before moving west to San Francisco. Influential teachers include Elena Lentini, Eva Cernik, Suhaila Salimpour, Alitha, Jill Parker, and fire
performance with Riz. She has performed at many different venues, from art openings to Town Hall in NYC. Most recently Kamille has been working on her first dance DVD and exploring with her 5 year old son Jackson. Kamille is also teaching a Fan workshop while she's in town at Anahid Sofian Studio on Aug 16th. Come check it out!
wwww.rockabellydance.com
WEDNESDAY, august 26
HEATHER SHOOPMAN (LA)
Heather is an LA based dancer, teacher and choreographer. She defines her bellydance as an organic movement integrating classic dance form with pure, heart-rooted creativity. Heather is inspired by life's many sources. She believes dance has the power to heal, awaken and delight body and spirit.
Heather has been studying movement since she can remember. Her path started early in gymnastics, cheerleading, jazz, modern, and hip-hop dance. She's also dabbled in ballet, classical Indian, African dance and tai-chi. She has studied bellydance in Egyptian, Turkish and American Tribal styles. Choreography has been a love and present in Heather's life for many years, from shows for mom and dad, to high school half-times, to a short independent film, to stage/theatre productions. Heather's work has included educating and performing in private schools, retirement homes, private parties, children's birthday parties, corporate environments, film and TV sets, farmer's markets, street fairs and other community events.
She also has a very powerful connection with healing and has been involved in bodywork since 1998. Heather maintains a private healing practice in which she utilizes knowledge of massage, Reiki, aromatherapy, herbology, movement and diet to facilitate optimum health. She encourages self-healing. She has been developing her class "Chakra Dance" for the past 2 years. You can take a Chakra Dance workshop with Heather at Oasis Dance studio in November.
Heather hit the competition circuit in 2007 and brought home trophies for Belly Dancer of the Universe: Tribal Fusion Solo Champion and People's Choice, Hips of Fury: Ultimate Soloist and People's Choice and Arabesque Bellydancing Competition: 2nd Place. She took the show on the road to the East Coast with 2007 workshops in Toronto, Buffalo and NYC with PURE.
She is the proud leader of tribal fusion bellydance troupe, Se7eN, and is constantly amazed by their dedication and spirit. This year Heather took her solo show abroad with stops in England, Scotland and Greece for workshops and performances. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she decided to open her own studio in Pasadena, Bliss Dance and Wellness Center, to combine her love of dance and healing. Heather's plan is to continue to teach and delight as long as her life allows. www.magicalmystery.org
FRIDAY, august 28
workshop with heather shoopman (ca)
WHERE: 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette, 4th Floor, Studio 4E, New York City
WHEN: Friday August 28th 2009
6.30-8.30pm Workshop
WHAT: Tribal Fusion ShOOp Style
Ready to mix it up? Add an edgy, funky flavor to your dance with Heather Shoopman's signature drills and combinations. Her unique style blends bellydance with elements of hip hop, classical Indian and healing hand mudras. In this workshop you will experience drills
designed to energetically align with the chakras while enhancing your coordination, muscle memory and layering skills.
You will also learn a signature ShOOp combo, which comes complete with cue for easy incorporation into group improvisation or choreography. Set to an eclectic music mix, this workshop will leave you inspired! Be prepared to work hard and have fun!! www.magicalmystery.org
COST: $35 adv/$45 at the door. Register now.
From SUHAILA (CA):
Suhaila International Presents...
Master Class Series with Sabriye Tekbilek!
Sabriye Tekbilek is a perfomer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance whose stage presence and technique have been shaped by a lifetime of international performance and study. Daughter of renowned Turkish musician "Haci" Ahmet Tekbilek and pioneer of belly dance Lisa Djeylan, Sabriye was born into an environment of music and dance. In 2005 Sabriye based herself in the Middle East, where she has been touring and performing ever since. She is currently one of few authorized instructors in the Suhaila Format. She holds Level 4 certification in Suhaila Format and Level 3 certification in Jamila Format.
Wednesday Nights 6-8PM
August 26, 2009 -- Khaleeji: Introduction to the basics of Khaleeji movement and combos.
September 2, 2009 -- Lebanese Cane: Distinguishing Lebanese from Egyptian cane with combos.
September 9, 2009 -- Performance Prep: Theory focused class aimed at providing insight and tools for performing.
September 16, 2009 -- Tips for Dancing to Live Music: Movement and theory class with tips on how to deal with and anticipate issues that come up when dancing to live music.
SSSBD Member $25 per class ($90 for series)
Non-member $30 per class ($110 series)
Click Here To Register
Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance
425 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, California 94706
(510)527-2400
www.SuhailaInternational.com
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Re: AUGUST BellyHappenings...
Wed, August 12, 2009 - 3:09 PMFrom ASAMED:
Click for more info & Registration Form
www.crescentmoonbellydance.com
miabellacm@aol.com
817-293-1860
Jim Boz has been performing for family & friends since a very early age. Following a successful career in the software industry in Silicon Valley, Jim moved to Portland, Oregon & began to pursue his musical dreams. He discovered bellydance in 1994 on whim & tongue in cheek attempt at regular exercise. A year later he expanded his dance training to include many folkloric & authentic techniques, taking up to 6 classes a week from several instructors while pursuing a variety of workshops, private instruction & personal research. In 1999, under the mentorship of two of his instructors, Jim began teaching and his classes were highly sought out for the clear breakdowns and progression of concepts in his course plan. Shortly thereafter, Jim began sharing his knowledge & passion in other parts of the Northwest as a workshop instructor. Bringing years of classical & jazz music training, composition & performance, Jim approaches dance with a musical sensibility that allows him to express in concise & clear ideas of movement grace & power. Each performance is an exploration in drama, style, strength & intrigue. From a whimsical & fun party atmosphere, through the large stage, Jim Boz is comfortable, confident, & able to connect to an audience & join them in an exotic journey. From improvisation through choreographed performances, from soulful & introspective to powerful & dramatic to playful, Jim draws the audience in with his gaze & takes them on a journey of music, movement, form & festivity.
Silvia Salamanca is a lifelong dancer from Mallorca, Spain. She graduated at the age of 19 as a major in ballet & performed professionally as a modern dancer in major European festivals with the contemporary dance company of the University of Barcelona. She started her career as a bellydancer in 2001, when realizing the enormous benefits that this art form brings to women in both body & spirit (something she felt missing in other dance practices). From her first teachers, Tasnim Melendres & the acclaimed Nur Banu, two natural born Egyptians, she realized how with the practice of bellydance that women can get closer to their self identity & discover oneself in a new level, increasing self-esteem, releasing stress, & getting deeply in touch with the feminine essence in their soul. In her work in the field of Zambra Mora (Spanish gypsy-oriental dance fusion) Silvia has gained international recognition & is currently invited to teach workshops & perform in major festivals in Europe & across the USA. Silvia is also the co-director of Shunyata Belly Dance, the tribal style company that captivates audiences at the Texas Renaissance Festival & has recently launched a new DVD. Silvia's activities are based in Houston. You can find her performing regularly in a variety of venues, as a soloist, or as a member of her beloved troupes Urban Gypsy & Sisters of Avalon. Nevertheless, Silvia's true passion is teaching & she is honored to hold classes (both Egyptian style & tribal style) at her own studio in Houston.
Vanessa, a native Texan (now living & performing in Egypt) began her dance career early at age 4. Starting ballet, she soon became interested in jazz, tap & musical theater dance. At 15 she saw her first live bellydance show & immediately enrolled herself in Middle Eastern Dance classes with Miabella. A few years later Vanessa was accepted into the dance program at TCU, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet. During this time, Vanessa was also dancing in Lebanese & Arabic restaurants & clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. After finishing her degree, Vanessa moved to New York City. During her 8 years there, she successfully worked as a dancer, choreographer & dance instructor. While in New York, her education in Egyptian dance was taken to the next level. She learned from some of the greatest dancers in Egyptian oriental & folkloric styles and was also given the opportunity to work in many Egyptian nightclubs, with some of the best musicians New York had to offer. Television dance credits include "America's Next Top Model" & the Women's Entertainment (WE) network. In June 2008, Vanessa took a much needed "visit" to Egypt & decided to stay. Since then, she has worked with production companies & has performed in Cairo & Luxor, completing a 4 month contract with the show "Memories of the Sphinx," at the Luxor Convention Center & Sharm El Sheikh, where she now resides. Vanessa looks forward to her trips back to the United States and abroad ... to share her love for dance with the rest of the world!
Crescent Moon Belly Dance Studio
6206 S. Freeway, Suite E
Fort Worth, TX 76134
rs6.net/tn.jsp
Gamila El Masri
ASAmed Associated Artists of Middle Eastern Dance Inc.
From ASZMARA (NY):
NEW DATE FOR ASZMARA'S FLOORWORK MASTER CLASS
MONDAY AUGUST 24th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sensual and hypnotic, Floorwork expresses deep emotions. Join Aszmara for a 2 hour Floorwork Master Class with techniques for safe descents and rises, stretches amd light acrobatic skills to safely make a dance on the floor with full dramatic expression.
Anahid Sofian Studio
29 W. 15th St. (btw 5th & 6th Ave, 6th Floor)
Workshop Limited to 15 Participants!
MUST Pre- Register by AUG. 23rd: $30.00
contact Aszmara via Aszmara@ Aszmara.co m or 914.664.9018
THIS MONTH’S CLASS THEME
Beginnings, Endings & Transitions - Catch your audience from the start and leave them with a lasting Impression
Open Level Classes Held Throughout the Summer
Tuesday in the Scarsdale Wellness Center and Saturday in Stamford's Lynn Academy of Irish Dance
Please check Aszmara.com/Class Schedule page for full information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check Aszmara.com Events page for all the details of these special events as well as ongoing classes.
If you wish to not receive these update, please reply with Remove in the subject box.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aszmara, a Master Teacher with over 30 years experience. A Dancers Dancer and a Teacher of Teachers, she inspires every level of student with clear information and earnest intent, all presented in a light hearted manner. Feel what other dancers have been saying about working with Aszmara - exciting and inspiring dance experiences!
~~~~~~~ Dance is Emotion in Motion ~~~~~~~~~~~ visit
www.Aszmara.com -
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Re: AUGUST BellyHappenings...
Sun, August 23, 2009 - 4:17 AMFrom HADIA (CAN):
I hope that everyone is enjoying the lazy, sun drenched days of August – my favourite month and ready for an exciting and inspiring Fall Season and more Adventures coming up for the Winter/Spring.
I would like to thank all of the lovely ladies who made my August 20th workshop in Montreal a fabulous and sold out success, full of wonderful energy, inspiration, friendships renewed! Although I love my new home I miss this wonderful, dynamic city which is so full of everything I love, so it is always a pleasure to return!!!
Teacher Training Level 1 in Lunenburg, August 28th to 31st
Turkey - “Gateway to the Orient” September 15th to 30th SOLD OUT
Hip Fest and Teacher Training Level 1 and 2 in Calgary October 26th to Nov 5th
GREAT NEWS Level 1 joins Level 3 Teacher Training in Toronto!!!
Budapest and Virginia, Brazil, Dallas, Japan, Bali, Malaysia
I am also looking forward to our Level 1 Teacher Training Course from August 28th to 31st in beautiful Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. There is still room for one (or possibly two more) student(s) so don’t miss this opportunity to give yourself these invaluable skills and knowledge, especially in today’s competitive teaching market. www.hadia.com/index.php 902 640-2473 or hadia@hadia.com
More great news! We have SOLD OUT our Last and Latest Greatest Dance Tour to Turkey - “Gateway to the Orient” for a truly unforgettable cultural experience! www.hadia.com/events/turkey2009.html. After 2 years, I am thrilled to be back to Budapest for 3 intensive days of workshops and show en route home. I promise to have photos and reviews after our return for you soon! I may even have the Bali photos and videos ready for you too!
Time for a reminder that deposits are due September 10th and the early registration full payment deadline is coming up quickly on September 25th for our full-on immersion of Teacher Training Level 1 (October 26th to 29th) and/or Level 2 (November 2nd to 5th) in Calgary, Alberta. www.hadia.com/index.php Contact me directly for registrations and information hadia@hadia.com 902 640-2473.
These will be before and after Arabia Adorned's 3 Day Hallowe’en Hip Fest - a wonderful weekend featuring Cassandra Shore and Yours Truly.
I would like to add a personal recommendation of my colleague and friend, Cassandra, as a highly skilled and internationally respected veteran performer and instructor of the dance arts of the Middle East. In these days of so many workshops and a new “master” instructor popping up every day, it is very important to choose your workshop instructors carefully - 30 years of experience, respect for cultural authenticity and understanding would get my vote! Contact Dafne for Hip Fest info and registration www.bellydance.ca
Then I will be returning to Richmond Virginia for a weekend of Dancing from the Inside Workshops and Show, November 14/15th www.womenofselket.com
We have confirmed the dates for Level 3 – the all important certification component – Teacher Training in Toronto as November 26th to 29th PLUS we now have a new Level 1 Teacher Training coming up just before this on November 21st to 24th, as well as a pre-training technique training preparation workshop on Friday evening November 21st. www.hadia.com/index.php All deposits are due by September 12th to guarantee your place and ensure that these invaluable courses proceed.
Just to wrap up, I am now in the planning stages for workshops and maybe even a retreat while I am down in Brazil, decorating, furnishing and settling into my fabulous new apartment in Bahia. Then it is a weekend workshop in Dallas and onward for a mini tour in Japan, a possible shorter version of the Magic of Bali and Malaysia.
From BELLYQUEEN (NYC):
Dear Bellyqueen and PURE friends,
I am currently typing this newsletter on the plane heading to Los Angeles for Jillina's new Bellydance Evolution theater show. I will depict Pandora, she is Medusa, Ansuya is Persephone, Elayssa, the Oracle and Elizabeth Strong is Thalia. It will debut on August 30th. Please wish us luck! Special thanks to the dancers of Bellyqueen, my students and Hannah Nour for helping us work out some of the numbers for the show.
There is always so much to say with each newsletter, I often find myself trying to be as efficient as possible with my words so I can communicate the maximum amount of information in as short a time as possible.
The BIG news is that Amar Gamal is 5 months pregant! Yup, the official word is OUT. We have a new web site called www.bellymama.com where you can check on her progress. More photos and videos will be uploaded soon. She has relocated back to Massachusetts to be with her hubbie so we New Yorkers will miss her terribly... boo hoo.
New NYC courses begin at 440 Studios next Monday. We will be teaming up with Djinn to teach "How to dance to live music", plus other focuses include a new veil choreography, tribal group improv with finger cymbals, and cabaret choreography to Layla. Check out www.bellyqueen.com/classes.html for more information and to sign up.
Heather Shoopman is breezing into NYC for a couple of days to perform at JeBon on August 26th and to teach a Tribal Fusion workshop at 440 Studios. She is an award winning dancer and an excellent instructor, so you should take advantage of her presence. Her work with her Seven troupe at Unmata's Disease's show last year is what sparked off the exploration for the upcoming PURE theater shows.
PURE Reflections: Beauty Reimagined Theater Show tickets are now on sale. Please come on out and see the show. Preparations for our 6th annual procession is coming along on Sept 19 nicely with a members from multiple chapters traveling to New York to join us.
Last but not least, we are celebrating 2 years of variety show delight at JeBon on Sept 2nd with Akim the Funk Buddha (as well as my belated birthday!) Please come out and join in the merriment.
Peace and shimmies,
Kaeshi
www.kaeshi.com
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Re: AUGUST BellyHappenings...
Wed, August 26, 2009 - 11:42 AMFrom SERA SOLSTICE/BOLD BELLYDANCE (NYC):
www.seradance.com
www.boldbellydance.com
Hello Dear Friends,
Solstice Studio opens for Fall Session on September 14th!
Solstice Studio
66 West 39th street, at 6th Avenue
3rd floor
New York, NY
Here is the line-up:
Monday:
6-week session starts September 14th
Beginner III East Coast Tribal Technique:, 6:30-7:40, Instructor: Sera Solstice
Intermediate III East Coast Tribal Technique: 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Sera Solstice
_______________________________________________
Tuesday:
6-Week session begins: September 15th
Beginner I: East Coast Tribal Technique , 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Danielle
Fusion Integration: 9pm--10:15pm, Instructor: Darshan
_______________________________________________
Wednesday
6-Week Session begins September 16th
Beginner I Technique: East Coast Tribal, 6:30-7:40, Instructor: Jessica
Beginner II Technique: East Coast Tribal, 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Danielle
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Thursday:
6-Week Session Begins September 17th
Intermediate II Technique: East Coast Tribal, 6:30-7:40, Instructor: Sera Solstice
Beginner II Technique: East Coast Tribal, 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Sera Solstice
Middle Eastern Rhythms: 9:05-10:15, Instructor: Brad Mack
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Saturday:
6-week session begins September 19th
Beginner II: East Coast Tribal Technique: 12:45-1:55, instructor: Brenna
Beginner I: East Coast Tribal Technique: 2:00-3:10, instructor: Noelle
Doumbek Basics for Tribal Dancers: 3:15-4:25, Instructor: Casey Bond
Dark Tribal: 4:30-5:40, Instructor: Jezebel
East Coast Tribal Technique DRILLS: 5:45-6:55, Instructor: Danielle
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Returning Students: Your teachers will be presenting new and different material in classes. You are encouraged to remain in the same class if it suits your schedule best. Also, please make sure to notify the studio by Labor Day, if you wish to hold your place in class. We look forward to seeing you in class again!!!
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Upcoming Workshop:
East Coast Tribal Solo Salon
with Sera Solstice
info here
Class Prices:
6 Week session is $100
Discount Incentives:
Enroll in a second class for $10 off
Enroll in a 3rd class for $20 off
Enroll in a 4th class for $30 off
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(Note: Discounts apply to all classes except classes taught by Sera Solstice)
***It's all or nothing. No Partial enrollment accepted.
**Full payment is required on or before the first day of class.
**NO DROP-INS, but we do offer make-up classes if you must miss a class.
**NO REFUNDS (as your reservation may turn someone else away).
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How to sign up?
Send an email to info@boldbellydance.com: Request Class day(s) and time(s).
Wait to hear a confirmation back.
Please note: Most staff are currently vacation until after Labor Day. Enrollment will be accepted first come, first served in the order it was received via email at info@boldbellydance.com.
All incoming enrollment might possibly wait until after Labor Day for a confirmation. Thank you for your patience.
If the class is full, we will try our best to find the next best class for you.
New students will be asked to pay through PayPal or send a check to:
Bold Bellydance, LLC
66 West 39th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Returning students are required to notify the studio that they are continuing enrollment before Labor Day. Otherwise, their place may be given to someone else.
Important: Please do not confirm your place in the class unless you are serious about taking this class.
Information about make-up classes:
A special thanks to friends and family who came out to support at the East Coast Tribal show. We look forward to seeing you at a future event or class.
In Dance,
Sera Solstice
Founder/ Director
Solstice Studio
From ZAIRA/INDRA LAZUL (DC/MD):
The Fall 2009 "Belly Dance with Zaira" classes at Kinetics Dance Theatre begin on Wednesday Sept 23rd 7:30-8:30pm for 8 weeks, $99.
I look forward to continuing work on building strong Egyptian and American Bellydance technique and bringing in cool combinations each class to have you moving and grooving across the dance floor. Please spread the word to your friends. This class is appropriate for new and returning students. I will make sure all are challenged and having FUN!
Sign up through Howard County Parks & Recreation Guide (info on p. 45), or visit www.kineticsdance.org/ for more details.
Kinetics Dance Theatre
3280 Pine Orchard Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21042 | (410) 480-1686
Shimmies,
Zaira al Zahara
From NA'LA (MD):
What
Tribal Fusion Technique class with Na'la! Every Tuesday in Silver Spring, MD.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 7:15 PM
Where
Sahara Dance Silver Spring
926 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring MD 20910
Tribal Fusion, a growing and evolving dance style, is all about poise, precision, posture and confidence! Come join Na'la every Tuesday night to start developing your tribal fusion choreography. We will cover tribal belly dance isolation, layering, traveling, arm work, the versatility of the shoulders, the many different faces of the shimmie, as well as fuse in movements inspired by Hip Hop, West African, Bhangra and classic Indian dance. We will drill moves, learn combos you can take home to use, and give our dance a little attitude!
For prices and registration info:
saharadance.com/classes
From HOLLYWOOD MUSIC CENTER (CA):
www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com
Greetings!
Step right up folks! Get your red-hot belly
dance CDs and DVDs here at Hollywood
Music Center!
Whether you are in the mood for something
Oriental, Remixed or Tribal, these new
releases offer something new for you.
Be sure to sample each new release to find
the right one for you.
Be sure to check out the hot events on the
left!
Yours in dance,
Hollywood Music Center
www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com
El Warda by Yasmina of Cairo - CD
Music and Songs for Oriental Dance
Oriental Belly Dance Music and Songs recorded in Cairo by Yasmina. Includes translation interpretation of songs.
Click here for details and audio samples
Yalla Dance 4 - CD
Arabia's Hottest Dance Floor Tunes
The fourth in the series of Arabia's hottest dance floor tunes featuring hot songs and remixes.
Click here for details and audio samples
The World of Bellydance - DVD
Featuring Artists from Around the Globe
The World of Bellydance features artists from around the globe in spellbinding performances live on stage! Rich costumes, exciting technique and rhythmic music come together to bring you a fantastic bellydance experience! Running Time: 54 Mins.
Click here for details and video sample
Fluid Tribal Bellydance - DVD
Fayzah
Explore the technique and styling of Tribal Fusion with an emphasis on musicality and fluidity of movement. The program is created by Fayzah, a New York star of Tribal Fusion bellydance known for her rich, graceful, and eloquent style characterized by a powerful fluidity, her innovative dance vocabulary and the integration of diverse fusion dance elements. 90 min.
Click here for details and video sample
Alea Badiana - DVD
Choreography Workshop
This is an instructional DVD for belly dancers familiar with Tribal but also suitable for beginners. Learn a tribal inspired choreography to music from the German legends, Corvus Corax. The program will lead you through a warm-up, basic moves, combinations, choreography (in 5 pieces) and finally a performance filmed at the 11th century German Castle ruin Nippenburg. The instructional parts are filmed at a studio in front of large mirrors to give the student both front and back views of Aela as she teaches this exciting choreography. 69 minutes.
Click here for details and video sample
Upcoming Events:
September 2009
Seoul, Korea
September 2009
Tokyo, Japan
August 2009
Los Angeles, California
Are you a Bellydance Teacher?
List yourself for FREE on the www.bellydance.com Belly Dance Teacher Directory.
Don't miss this opportunity to be found by those looking for classes in your area.
www.bellydance.com
Your destination for
all things Bellydance
For your safety, our website offers secure shopping.
Your order is filled immediately from our 5000 square foot warehouse & office facility in Glendale, California.
25 years in business! - we thank you for being a part of our family, and value your business
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Re: AUGUST BellyHappenings...
Sat, August 29, 2009 - 6:12 AMFrom ASHARAH (VA):
What's news in my world? New classes!
Also... I'm now offering performance critique services! If you're a developing dancer looking for a balanced, honest, and respectful critique of your performances, I am here to help. For most of you, this would mean sending me a video of a recent performance, and I will give you feedback on specific elements, such as technique, musicality, projection, and presentation. If you are interested, just send me an e-mail for rates.
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CLASSES
This fall my teaching schedule will be changing slightly, adding a performance class at Saffron Dance, and a Tribal Belly Dance class at Joy of Motion’s Atlas. For those of you who are taking my “Skills and Technique” class at Atlas, I’m working with the studio to bring back that class so that you can still get your drills on every week with me.
Tuesdays: Tribal Belly Dance (please bring finger cymbals)
Joy of Motion Atlas, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC
7:30 – 8:30pm, $195 for 13 weeks
Session begins September 15, 2009
Register at: www.joyofmotion.org/adult_schedules.php
Wednesdays: Modern Tribal Belly Dance
Saffron Studios, 3260 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia
Session begins September 9, 2009
Tribal 2: 6:15 – 7:15pm, $225 for 14 weeks
Modern Tribal Performance Class: 7:15 – 8:15pm, $250 for 14 weeks
Tribal 3: 8:15 – 9:15pm (please bring finger cymbals), $225 for 14 weeks
Register at saffrondance.com/classes/index.html
If you have any questions about the class material, what level is appropriate for you, or anything else that comes to mind, just send me an e-mail.
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EVENTS
August 28, Columbia, SC
Performance at Art Bar with Columbia Alternacirque
Two performances at the Art Bar with Columbia Alternacirque! Two shows: one at 9:30pm, the next at 10:30pm. No cover, but tips make us happy. 1211 Park St, Columbia, SC
August 29, Columbia, SC
Workshop: Dancing Your Demons
A special iteration of my intense emotional exploration workshop, Dancing Your Demons. Space is limited, due to the personal nature of the workshop. Bring a pen/pencil, notebook, and maybe some tissue. Time and place to be determined. Register with Natalie Brown at natalie_c_brown@yahoo.com
October 9 – 11, Gothenburg, Sweden
Dark and Tribalicious: Workshops and Performance
Saturday, October 10, Noon – 2:30pm – Dancing Your Demons
Sunday, October 11, 9:00am – 11:30am – Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks
For more information and registration information, check it all out at TribaGoth.com
October 16 – 18, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
Tribal Alchemy: Workshops and Performance
Saturday, October 17, 3:00pm – 5:00pm – The Cymbalist Movement
For more information and registration, visit the Tribal Alchemy website.
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asharah - modern tribal bellydance
www.asharah.com
703-405-5410
"More excitement, less fear." - Neil Peart
From SAMIRA SHURUK (MD):
Subject: New classes and special show!
Hi everyone!
First and foremost- Ramadan kareem! Wishing many blessings to all.
I wanted to share two special things coming up- as quite a few of you have expressed interest!
Max Amini, other Comedy Central and HBO performers and myself will be doing a show together in Bethesda, MD - two night in a row Friday October 23rd and Saturday Oct 24th. Event announcements will be sent out soon from Max and friends.
Also- belly dance enthusiasts, I am re-starting my classes in a brand new location!
FREE TRIAL class Wednesday September 23rd.
Session runs Wednesday September 21- December 16th.
Wednesday 7:45 Basics and Drills
Wednesdays 8:45 Performance Skills
Location!
L'Etoile Russian Ballet Academy www.facebook.com/l/;www.etoileballet.com
3240 Suite E Corporate Court
Ellicott City, MD 21042
class description and more info:
www.facebook.com/l/;www.sa...class.html
Thank you so much for your support! Hope to see many of you soon!
Samira
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