Bellydance Nation's topics - tribe.net

JULY's Birthdays & Fireworks :)

2008-07-03T21:30:33Z

Any1? :) Fire Away....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

Ala Nar has a new website

2008-07-03T19:27:11Z

I know, I know, total unabashed self promotion. But I am so excited!!!!

www.alanar.ca

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JULY's Bellydancer ShoutOut

2008-07-01T09:08:09Z

AVEYANDA SKYE (HOL)
Oasis Honors 2008 Nominee
http://www.aveyandaskye.com

She's made great progress and it's fair to say she's one of the hardest working and visible representsations of tribal fusion style in all of Europe. :)

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BENEFIT 4A GOOD CAUSE: Helping Out Lucy's (DC) Father @ Cabzar-Baltimore 7/27th

2008-06-29T15:44:23Z

from SHEMS's (MD) webpage, please pass this on, especially if in the DC/Baltimore areas...

July 27, 2008, 3-7pm - Baltimore, MD
Oreintal Gala for a Good Cause
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join us July 27th, from 3 to 7pm for Dinner, Live Dance Show and Silent Auction at:

the Cazbar Restaurant
316 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD. 21201
http://www.cazbar-baltimore.com

$20 for dinner and show

Please RSVP to Ruta Moragh at:
moragh_21030@yahoo.com

Also reserve your seat at Cazbar by calling:
(410)528-1222

Many know, or have seen Lucy, a premier dancer in the DC area. This event is in honor of Lucy's father, Eldon Bowman, who is very ill with Stage 4 lymphoma. This benefit is to help him and Lucy's Mom with the financial burdens that his treatments entail, as well as to share healing energy. Join us!

A portion of the door proceeds go to assist the Bowmans, ALL proceeds from the silent auction, and other prizes, will go to them as well. There is an amazing line-up of dancers performing in the show, so this promises to be an unforgettable
afternoon.

If you can't make the event, but would still like to make a donation, you can send a donation directly to:
Eldon and Barbara Bowman
287 Louisa Street Broadway VA 22815

There will be an all star line up at this event, perfomers will include Shems, Ruta, Damiena, Samira Shuruk, Makeda Maysá, Yasmin, Latifa, Jahzaal, Mia Naja and highlighting Lucy.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

JUNE BellyHappenings...

2008-06-29T14:05:18Z

From OOJAMI (UK):

"A pulsating blast from the global jukebox."
(The Observer)

Oojami let loose to rock the Continent; Belgium-UK-Spain-Holland-Portugal-Turkey. Our summer blast continues around Europe.

Our only London gig this summer is at Scala this Saturday, 7th June. You can catch a glimpse of the new tunes from the up coming 4th album!!

*

To see the Oojami live, click here!

--- Some Festivals from Summer 2008 ---

7th June - White Mischief - London, UK

13/14 June - BDSS, DJ set - Blackpool, UK

15 June - Amsterdam Roots Festival

11 July - Wales, UK

13 July - The big Weekend Festival - Cambridge, UK

24th August - Solfest, UK

*

London based, Turkish originated Oojami has released 3 albums over the last 6 years with the US label CIA run buy M.Copland who released bands such as The Police and REM. In the last few years Oojami has played over 200 gigs in 16 different countries including US, UK and Canada tours. They have played and head lined many festivals and venues including Mano Mundo (Belgium), Ostrava (Checz Republic), Royal Albert Hall (UK), Glastonbury (UK)..... The last album 'Boom Shinga Ling' was released early this year(2007) and was listed in the The Observer Music Monthly as one of the best 10 albums of the month. Oojami songs have been on many compilations. Their music has appeared in some movies like Dirty Pretty Things in which Audry Tatou dances to Oojami music. Their music has been a major contributor of the US based Belly Dancing Super Stars show, DVD and CDs.

OOJAMI IN PRESS

"Boom Shinga Ling puts the fun back back into World Music"
(Observer Music Monthly)

"A thrillingly frenetic, roosty yet hard-edged sound." (Time Out - UK)

"West meets East on this tasty menage of UK beats and Turkish sound." (Music Week)

"Every track is a distinctive combination of avant thought and primal beats,
crunched into a singularly vivid musical experience." (Billboard - US)

"A big, bouncing face-licking dog of a record, put together with
an excited childlike enthusiasm which overflows out of every track..."
(The Wire)

"Impossible to define but utterly irresistable." (Footloose)

"Bring the smile to the dial and wiggle to the hips." (Lam - UK)

*Listen to Oojami @ www.myspace.com/oojami

Oojami CDs are available @ www.oojami.co.uk

To book Oojami - oojami@oojami.co.uk

From BELLYQUEEN (NYC):

Dear Bellyqueen and PURE friends,

WEDNESDAYS DJAM UNDER JEBON!
Kaeshi and Djinn host a weekly JAM in the heart of the East Village.
Where: Je'Bon 15 Saint Marks Place, btw 2nd and 3rd Ave NYC
Cost: $10 (plus $5 min for food or drink).

7.00-8.00pm Video screening of amazing bellydancers from around the world.
8.00-8.15pm Mini Bellydance Class. Learn some new moves!
8.30-10.30pm Live music with Djinn & performances by featured guest dancers and students.

Upcoming Featured Dancers
June 4th: Yasmine of Magic Hips (North Carolina)
June 11th: LaylaMary
June 18th: Dondi and Titanya Dahlin (San Diego).
Read Dondi's Diaries from touring with BDSS.
June 25th: Outi (Cairo, Egypt). Ranya is sponsoring her for NYC workshops.
July 2nd: Altagracia
July 30th: Nadia Moussa
.............................. .............................. ..............................
BELLYQUEEN NYC EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

June 5th-8th 2008: Somerset, New Jersey
Kaeshi teaches 2 workshops and performs with Bellyqueen Dance Theater at Rakkasah's Spring Caravan for a 2nd year. www.rakkasah.com

Thursday June 5th 2.30-5.30pm: BellyPopping (Bellydance Pop and Lock) Workshop. Technique and Choreography to "Hip Pop NYC" featured on Bellyqueen's Bellydance Experience DVD. Floating steps will also covered.
Sunday June 8th 9.30am-11am: Fan Techniques Workshop. Kaeshi draws from her traditional Chinese dance background to show you how to enhance your dance with beautiful fans. Guaranteed to mesmerise your audience. Appropriate for 12 inch fans with 5-12 inches of fabric hanging off the edge. Additional fans will be supplied at the workshop if you don't own any.

Sunday June 8th 2.50pm-3.25pm Bellyqueen Dance Theater Performs.
Featuring Kaeshi, Irina, Anasma, Elisheva, Sandralis, Cara West, Marikit, Ashley Bull, Cristina Rubio, Dariya. Make sure you get there at 2.50pm to see the whole show! Please keep in mind that group pieces will be interspersed between solo numbers.

15 New Bellydance 5 Week Courses Starting Up June 9th!

For more info about classes & registration, visit www.bellyqueen.com/classes.html

EAST VILLAGE LOCATION (Taught by Kaeshi)
440 Studios, 440 Lafayette, bet East 4th St & Astor Pl, 4th Floor, NYC

Mon 6 - 7pm: Level 1 Cabaret Bellydance Technique & Choreography to "Zeina". Starts Jun 9th..
Mon 7 - 8pm: All Levels Bellydance Veil Technique & Isolation Drills.
Mon 8 - 9pm: Level 2 Tribal Fusion Choreography to "Zoomba". Starts Jun 9th.

Tue 6 - 7pm: Level 1 Cabaret Bellydance Technique & Choreography to "Zeina". Starts Jun 10th.
Tue 7 - 8pm: All Levels Bellydance Veil Technique & Isolation Drills.. Starts Jun 10th.
Tue 8 - 9pm: Level 2 Tribal Fusion Choreography to "Habibi Min Zaman". Starts Jun 10th.

Thu 6 - 7pm: Level 1 Basic Bellydance Veil Technique & Isolation Drills. Starts Jun 12th.
Thu 7 - 8pm: Level 1 Cabaret Bellydance Technique & Choreography to "Zeina". Starts Jun 12th.
Thu 8 - 9pm: Level 2 Tribal Fusion Choreography to "Zoomba". Starts Jun 12th.

HARLEM LOCATION (Taught by Sandralis)
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, 6th floor - Suite 601 New York, NY 10027 (bet. 124th & 125th St)

Tue 6.30-7.30pm: Level 1 Bellydance Technique & Choreography. Starts June 10th.

Cost: $65 adv/$70 at door, $15 drop-in, $130 for 10 class card, Take a second class on the same night for $10! Please remember to bring a tip for the live drummers!

Sat June 14th: New York, NY
International dancer, Paola Blanton teaches in NYC!

12.00-2.00pm
"ISADORA DUNCAN CHIFTETELLI" Workshop at 440 Studios. Uses Duncan technique stressing improvisation, emotion, and the human form through gestures and moving statue figures using the vocabulary of Middle Eastern dance. $37 adv/$42

2.15-4.15pm
"BALKAN 9/8 KARSILAMA" Workshop at 440 Studios Learn how to karsilama the Balkan way! Paola taps into her Macedonian heritage to share some fun steps to this popular rhythm. $37 adv/42. Workshop Package: $70 adv/$80. Pay by June 9th for adv rate.
Go to workshops page for more information and to register.

5.00-6.00pm
"DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE ROMA OF MACEDONIA" at JeBon
Paola will screen and talk about the dance and music documentary she produced in the summer of 2007 in her hometown, Berovo, situated in the hills of eastern Macedonia. It features Milo Destanovski - teacher, musician, community leader, and director of the Malesh-Roma folkloric troupe. FREE.

June 29th 2-4pm 2008: Norwalk, Connecticut
Kaeshi teaches a 2 hour BellyPopping (Bellydance Pop and Lock) workshop in Connecticut. Sponsored by Tava Auslan | dancingtava@yahoo.com

August 2nd 2-5pm 2008: New York, NY
Bozenka returns to teach in NYC. Arm Patterns. 440 Studios, NYC
Contact workshops@bellyqueen.com

February 13th-15th 2009: Anti Valentine Weekend
Amy Sigil from Unmata teaches in NYC for the first time.

From SERA (NYC):

... a night of tribal fusion dance and acoustic and electronic music

East Coast Tribal bellydance of the lunar flavor will ignite the evening with bold sensual movement by Sera, Solstice, Sarah Johannson Locke, and more.
Violinist Hannah Thiem with Copal, Boston-based electronic ambient group combines traditional sounds stemming from Spanish gypsy, Eastern European, Nordic and Middle Eastern influences with electronic beats and soundscapes of the modern age.
Nyxyss, a collaboration of Haj and Hannah, and Mikio with special guests, bring the evening to a peak with lush and compelling sounds, an expansive sense of journey and and an eye to the dancefloor.

The DJs and musicians will guide us on a journey into the mysteries, in one of the most amazing venues in New York City.
If you didn't know, The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is the home of infamous paintings by artist Alex Gray. This is an opportunity to witness what others travel 1000s of miles to see in person...a fusion of body, mind, and spirit depicted in elegant detail in large figurative paintings.
As performers in this enlightened space, we wish to give honor to these works, and further inspiration to all participants.

Primordiale @ CoSM ... a night of tribal fusion dance and acoustic and electronic music
Friday, June 13th

Featuring:
Sera and Solstice
Sarah Johansson Locke and Alchemy Dance Theatre
Danielle and special guests

Hannah Thiem and Copal (Boston)
Nyxyss feat. Haj (Sub Swara | Freek Factory) and Hannah
Mikio (Freek Factory | CoSM) and special guests

7-11p
$10
http://www.cosm.org/

CoSM: Alex Grey's Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
542 W 27th Street, 4th floor
NYC

HTTP://WWW.SERADANCE.COM

From TRIBORIGINAL (NC):

6/2/08 - Fantastic Triboriginal Updates!

Blue Damsel - TribO Instructors '08

INVEST IN YOU! Economic Stimulus DISCOUNTS for TribO now until 6/15

Triboriginal: Tribal Dance, Music & Culture Camp is an annual event for bellydance artists & musicians, their friends & their families, held in gorgeous Black Mountain, NC. This year's TribO is September 19-21, 2008.

Add a day of Master Classes with Zafira Dance Company, yoga and more on Thursday, September 18!

Triboriginal is offering a 10% discount off registration now through June 15th. (15% total group discount!) Discounts DO APPLY to the Work Study Program! VISIT www.triboriginal.org or call 828 232 2980 for details & registration information.

Spread the word and get 'Stimulated'!

Triboriginal -
Cozy Community on an Epic Scale

SuperStar Kami Liddle at TribO '07

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
TRIBORIGINAL was NOMINATED FOR BEST EVENT in the 2008 National Golden Belly Awards!

How exciting for the whole community - It's YOU who make Triboriginal great...
now you can help TribO WIN.

Please send your votes by August 15, 2008 to Zaghareet!, P.O. Box 1809, Elizabeth City, NC 27906 or e-mail zaghareetmagazine@earthlink.net.

Thank you for helping us come this far. We are all smiles and glee!
~Onca & the Bandit Crew
HTTP://www.barakamundi.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

X-POST: My Updated VHS/DVD List to Sell, Any1? :D

2008-06-29T13:57:55Z

Greetings:
Most are instructionals that I feel can better benefit other bd'ers out there, and a few performances out there as well: (as of 4/19/08)

**=recommended highly....

VHS's
============================
Veena & Neena (Bellytwins):
Basic Moves
Fat Burning
Hips/Buns/Thighs
Arms & Abs $4/ea.

Mara (AZ):
BellyDancing I-Beginning Instruction $8

Shamira Shahinian (NJ)
Sensuous Workout $8**
Drum Solo 2000 $8

Rania (CA):
Cardio Shimmy
Daily Quickies
Bellydance Boogie
Hip Hop Hip Drop
Pure Sweat $6/ea.

Rooshana (CO):
No Guts, No Glory- Cross Training for BDers $10**

Tanya (NM):
Santa Fe Belly Dancing I $8

Amira Mor (NJ):
Bellydance Your Way to Fitness $8

Atea (CA):
Fast Moves $7**
Slow Moves $7**

Cindy Loader (CO):
Bell-E-Sentials: 1st Class $10**

Delilah (WA):
Spirit of oriental Dance $13

Oreet (NY):
SharQui Workout $5

Raja (CA):
The Belly Dancer $8
Dance Illusion $8**

Kathy Ferguson (NY)
Performace Recollectives $10

Festival on the Nile (FL)
Vol 17 w/ Asmara (NY) $15**
Vol 19 w/ aszmara (NY) $15**

Little Egypt (TX):
Wafaa Badr FRI Show $12

DVD's:
===========================

World Dance NY:
Yoga: Inside Out-Go Deeper $8
Yoga: Inside Out-The Healing Way $8
BD Show Basics for Beginners w/ Tanna $8**
Elas Leandros: WorldDance Workout $8**
Neon: Dance Today-Bellydance! $8
Neon: You Can Bellydance: Absolute Beginner $8**

Rania (CA):
Too Hip $7
My Personal Trainer $7**
Learn to Bellydance $7

Princess Farhana (CA):
Bellydance Basics $8**

BDSS:
Solos from Monte Carlo $10
Tribal Fusion BD w/ Sharon Kihara $10**

IAMED:
Belly Dance Rocks! $16**

Feel free to send a private message if any of the above interests, check/money order or PayPal options welcomed.

Thanks,
Brandon

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

Brandon's RAQS AMERICA Blog :)

2008-06-29T11:56:47Z

How nice is it to have just seen a 4-pus hour long Open Stage afternoon session, come back home on the B2, go to Popeye's and the liquor store to get a beer, write this and prepare to go back up to Joe's for the 7pm show? :D I love my life...

People can say anything they want about Miles, the man is a businessman and he is putting his ass on the line with every addition he makes to this franchise, and it has payed off hugely, the simple fact that many dancers up and down the coast came up just for today's open house is proof positive of that. He is approachable and a good conversationalist, and he cares about the dance form as a whole...it's like for me, it's a growing process, you can always learn something new and/or better with each passing day, and I respect the guy for it. Period.

The workshops that you could see through the looking glasses of the roomy studios were occupied, the sagging economy taking a toll on some of the numbers as Miles admitted (RaqsLA has similar ills as well as a scheduling snafu with another tribal event on the calendar, he hopes to move the date for 2009). To see so many women having fun and gleefully discussing the dance as they were was a heavenly event for me alone, and Miles admitted as I had hoped for a younger generation to be enthused to bellydance and he wants ''to make it an avenue of opportunity to say that if you're in high school or college, you CAN aspire to be a professional bellydancer and make a decent income/living doing so''. But, you have to start somewhere, and he hopes to put together a traveling BDSS student performance program nationwide, that in the end will hopefully distribute college and dance/educational scholarships to teen bellydancers of the future. Somethihng that I have said that's LONG overdue. Great minds think alike, don't we now? :)~

He was in attendance for most of the Open House performances, and saw ''a couple'' of ladies that he liked, I can't go into details now, but the BDSS ladies has their work cut out for them to outdo what some of them did this afternoon, it was that rwarding....and to see so many local ladies from the DC metro area get their chance to shine on stage had me like a blushing parent at times. Rachel Brookmire (Sahara Dance) and Saphira (Saffron Dance) also busted their buns to help arrange this masterpiece, and this better become a permanent, annual fixture for the bellydance community in the DFC area and the East coast.

Off the soapbox and out the door for the RAQS show, shimmy one for me!! :)

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

OASIS HONORS 2008: JULY's ROUND 2 :)

2008-06-29T11:05:38Z

http://hometown.aol.com/homeskillety2k/page1.html

Here we go...

OASIS HONORS 2008 2ND ROUND:
-------------------------------------------------------

SPHINX BALLOT
LOTUS NIRAJA (MD/PA)
DIDEM (TUR)
NATHALIE (FL)
TEMPEST (PA)
TARA (ENG)
ALICIA (FL)
LEILA (WA/EGY)
ARTEMIS MOURAT (MD)

PYRAMID BALLOT
MIRA BETZ (CA)
RAQIA HASSAN (EGY)
ASHARAH (VA)
SAMIRA SHURUK (MD)
AZIZA (OR)
SHAYNA (NY)
CRYSTAL SILMI (CA)
NEON (NY)

CLEOPATRA BALLOT
NAIMAH (MD)
SHASKA (NV)
LISA ZAHIYA (NC)
HADIA (CAN)
SADIE (CO)
SHIRA (IA)
MARINA (FL)
MICHELLE JOYCE (ca)
DINA (EGY)

LIL'EGYPT BALLOT
RACHEL BRICE (CA)
SUHAILA (CA)
ZIZI ZABANEH (FL)
LEYLA ZAHAR (P.R.)
AVEYANDA SKYE (HOL)
GIA AL QAMAR (NJ)
SORAYA (NJ)
AHAVA (CA)
MOHAMED SHAHIN (MD/EGY)

OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2008-2ND ROUND
----------------------------------------------------------------

SPHINX BALLOT
ALIYAH ABIR (IL)
YUCY EL-BANAN (VA)
SOMRA EL NUBIA (MO)
ROULA SAID (CAN)
AVA FLEMING (AZ)
AZHIA (CAN)
PORTIA (FL)
ELIZABETH MAHINA (CA)

PYRAMID BALLOT
SEHAR (NY)
DR. SUNYATTA AMEN (DC)
DEE DEE (DC)
NANDI (NC)
DANGERUZ (CA)
ZARI (CA)
YARELI (PA)
XIOMARA (FL)

CLEOPATRA BALLOT
MASANI AZURA (KS)
PETITE JAMILA (AL)
CHEMAGNE (CAN)
KATYA FARIS (IN)
RENA (PA)
EBONY (DC)
AMAR GAMAL (NY)
VIRGINIA (FL)

LIL'EGYPT BALLOT
SAHIRA (TX)
ISIS SAN MIGUEL (FL)
MYRYKA (AZ)
SHAUNTE (CA)
BOZENKA (FL)
AMANI (LEB)
MONICA FERNANDEZ (CA)
OLU (CA)

TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2008- 2ND ROUND
----------------------------------------------------------------

SPHINX BALLOT
ZAFIRA DANCE CO. (PA)
HIPNOSIS TRIBAL (PA)
HAHBI'RU (CA)
SAHARA TRIBAL (DC)
KHAFIF (PA)
CRESCENT MOON DANCERS (KY)
ULTRA GYPSY (CA)
SIRENS IN SANITY (CA)

PYRAMID BALLOT
RAQS SAHARA (DC)
FAT CHANCE BELLYDANCE (CA)
URBAN TRIBAL DANCE CO. (CA)
DEVYANI (AL)
ROMKA (DC/VA)
GYPSY CARAVAN (OR)
DREAMS BELLYDANCE (FL)
TRIBALTIQUE (CO)

CLEOPATRA BALLOT
FLOWERS OF ARABY (MO)
UNMATA (CA)
NIRAJA DANCE CO. (MD/PA)
SHAKRA TRIBAL GROVE (MD)
CIRCUS TRIBAL (OH)
BELLYCRAFT (FL)
KASSAR TRIBAL (NJ)
RISING PHOENIX DANCERS (FL)

LIL'EGYPT BALLOT
BLACK SWAN TRIBE (AUS)
BARAKA MUNDI (NC)
BELLYQUEEN (NY)
FARFESHA (NM)
BINT EL BELED (MD)
BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS (IT'L)
TRIBALTIQUE (CO)
ZAHAR PRODUCTIONS (P.R.)

Voting starts Tuesday and end on July 28th at 9pm EDT.

Thx,
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Ava Fleming in Asheville, NC - November 8-9

2008-06-26T21:34:09Z

I'm so thrilled to be hosting Ava Fleming this November 8-9 in Asheville
as a celebration of my 30th birthday!

Ava will be teaching isolations, floorwork, pops and locks and a class
that shows several combinations in multiple styles. I'll also be
hosting a Gala Show and Birthday Party on the 8th.

Please find information here:
www.lisazahiya.com/avafleming.html

Registration is here:
www.eventbrite.com/event/130973746

and online flyer is here: www.lisazahiya.com/avaflyer.gif

If you'd like to inquire about performing in the show - the
non-reserved spots will go first come first serve, so let me know!

Please feel free to email (lisa@lisazahiya.com) or call me
(828.242.7595) with questions!

Hotel information and more to come...

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JUNE Birthday Gals? :)

2008-06-25T23:54:39Z

Melanie W of Kassar (NJ) 6/3rd
BDSS Colleen 6/7th
Rachel Brice 6/15th
BDSS Jillina 6/24th

also Drummer Issam Houshan 6/11th

Any1?
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 9 replies

Annual balkanian summer rroma dance workshop

2008-06-25T13:11:21Z

I inform you that another summer intensif rroma dance workshop will take place in Belgrade, Serbia in august 2008:

***** ANNUAL SERBIAN BALKANIAN RROMA DANCE WORKSHOP *****

Belgrade, August 1st to 7th, 2008

As each year, Simona Jovic will welcome you in her country for a 20 hours rroma and balkanian dance workshop. The workshop will be teached by Simona Jovic, Dobrosav Grocic and live musicians. Join us to learn more about how to dance on the rromani and traditionnal music from Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia. The workshop will be teached in english, french and serbian.

* Dance programme :

Cocek rroma dance from Southern Balkans
The biggest part of this 20 hours serbian workshop will be dedicated to this gracefull and joyfull dance, danced in the rromani communities in Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria and south of Serbia. Danced by women and men, it remains very oriental with the big turkish influences thanks to the 5 centuries ottoman occupation of that area.

Vranjanska svita (with the tamburine)
Vranjanska svita is a dance and song from Vranje in south of Serbia. It is composed of three parts : first women dance part on the beautifful song "Sano duso" (7/8 rhythme). Second, the men dance called "Tesko oro". And the third part is the women cocek rromani dance danced with the tambourine on the 9/8 very fast rhythme. It is the most oriental of all traditionnal serbian dances and one the most beautifull.

Rromani Oros
Cercle or line dances from south of the Balkans. According to the rhythme, if it's regular or irregular, if it's 7/8 or 9/8, if it's slow or fast, the step of the oro will change. In this workshop will be teached only those danced by the Rroma in their mariages and festivities.

Serbian kolo
Kolo is the synonym for oro, also a cercle or line dance, but this appelation is used in Central Serbia and it is mostly assimilated to the "two bite rhytme kolos" and not the "oriental" ones. Lively and friendly, kolo is the dance of sharing between Gadje and Rroma that will give you the liberty to have fun at any balkanian festivity.

* Prices :

* The price of 320 euros including :

- Rroma dance workshop with Simona Jovic and the rromani musicians
- Balkanian dance workshop with Dobrosav Grocic accompanied by an accordionist
(20 hours dance workshop)

* The price of 650 euros including :

- Transferts airport/hotel/airport
- Accomodation in a hotel**
(city center facing the dance school, double rooms)
- Serbian breakfast for the 6 days
- Rroma dances workshop with Simona Jovic accompanied by rromani musicians (in the second part)
- Folkloric dances workshops with Dobrosav Grocic accompanied by an accordinist

* The price of 550 euros including :

- Transfert airport/hostel/airport
- Accomodation in a hostel
(city center, 5 min from the dance school, in the 4 or 6 persons rooms)
- Rroma dances workshop with Simona Jovic accompanied by rromani musicians (in the second part)
- Folkloric dance workshop with Dobrosav Grocic accompanied by an accordionist

Bookings :

If you wish to join us for this annual serbian workshop, the booking is to made with Simona Jovic. Please, confirm first your booking by email at contact@simonajovic.com The payment should be made by bank transfert, western union or cash in two parts : first 50% while booking and the other part not later then 3 weeks before the departure.

Important :

The dates of 1st and 7th of august are the arrival and departure days. The dance workshop will take place between 2nd and 6th of august. You are requested to participate to the whole workshop, 2 hours in the morning, 3 hours in the afternoon. The rest of the time, you are free to discover the city, the museums, the restaurants, the life and the festivities of Belgrade. If you need an advice, where to listen and dance, where to eat a traditionnal meal, where discover the nice costumes or how to reach Guca (for the last three days of the brass bad festival), Simona will be happy to help you.

Simona Jovic
www.simonajovic.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Totally Turkish Weekend with Artemis - Silver Spring, MD

2008-06-17T14:21:02Z

Hello Dancers,

June 28th and 29th, 2008 (that right in two weeks) I'd like to do some Turkish Master classes with Artie at her studio in Silver Spring, MD, but I need some other dancers who are interested in getting down in a Turkish way to help fill the rest of the class. It would be 3 hours each day starting at 2pm - the first two hours movement breakdown and dance, the last hour watching video footage, the cost $35 per day. If you can come to one or both days please email me at shemsdance at gmail dot com - so I can make sure we have enough folks to run the class. Please, please forward this info on to anybody you think might be interested, students, friends or peers.

Shems

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Raqs America In The Nations Capitol!!!!

2008-06-15T22:32:16Z

RAQS AMERICA: JUNE 20-22, 2008

Bellydance at the Nation's Capital!

-Performances
-All Day Vending
-Workshops by: Ansuya, Sonia, Bozenka, Zoe Jakes, Sharon Kihara, Kami Liddle, Petite Jamilla, Rachel Brookmire, Saphira, Issam Houshan, Sabah, Asharah, Lotus Niraja, Latifa, Elysa, and Ebony
-Saturday evening show
-BDSS Auditions on Sunday

VENUE ADDRESS:
Joe's Movement Emporium
3309 Bunker Hill Road
Mt. Rainier, MD 20712
301-699-1819

If you're interested in vending, performing, or need more information, please visit www.raqsamerica.com or call 323.512.4080 ext 224.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 6 replies

If you didn't bellydance....

2008-06-15T09:38:30Z

Since I developed an interest in bellydance, I've come to the conclusion that one of its attributes is that on the whole, bellydancers express themselves to a degree that goes beyond what they would have found possible via other forms of dance. So it tends to be something of a 'vocation'. In order to find out whether this is broadly true, I'd appreciate it if dancers would care to answer this question:

If you had never learnt bellydancing skills, do you think you would have spent a comparable amount of time and effort learning and/or performing other forms of dance instead?

posted in Bellydance Nation - 12 replies

Valizan ATS Workshop in Dayton OCT 3rd & 4th

2008-06-15T02:53:52Z

Valizan in Dayton October 4th & 5th

On Saturday, October 4th, Valizan will be teaching ‘Tribal 101: Basics of American Tribal Style (FCBD)’ from 10:00 a.m.-Noon, and ‘Tribal 201: Advanced Moves and Combinations’ from 1:00 pm.–3:00 p.m.

Because we have had so many ask… on Sunday, October 5th, Valizan will be teaching ‘Tahtiib Basics (Egyptian marital stick dance)’ from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m…

Day One $45.00
Day Two $25.00

Two-day Workshop $60.00 before August 31st, $65 before day of workshop, $70 at door (if we have space).

Belly Boo Bash $15.

If you want to dance in Belly Boo, you will need to be enrolled in both days of the workshop. Please call Gayle at 937-369-6233 or Deniz at 937-602-3788 if you have any questions.

About Valizan:
Valizan began his journey into Middle Eastern dance in 1995 when he joined The Society For Creative Anachronism, an educational group that learns about the Middle Ages by recreating it. Teachers Rayah Blackstar and Moria The Black instilled basic technique, while classes with the sublime Roula Said took him to a new plateau. Current influences include Yasmina Ramzy, Fat Chance Belly Dance, Jillina, Rachel Brice, Francisco Carranza and Aziz of Salt Lake City.

As one of few male belly dancers in North America, he has become a sought after solo performer and teacher across Canada and The U.S. for his powerful style and energy. He also heads up his own troupe, Shades Of Araby. Local appearances include Arabesque Dance Company's Asala, The International Belly Dance Conference Of Canada, Tribally Inspired, Northern Migration, The Dark Side, Face Zenna at the Royal Ontario Museum and The Bewitching Bellydance Ball. He also headlined In The Heat Of The Hafla in Milwaukee and appeared at Cabin Fever in Buffalo, NY.

He was recently honored to have been included in the 2007 Men Of Middle Eastern Dance Calendar put out by male belly dancer Jim Boz.

He began teaching American Tribal Style belly dance at Arabesque Academy in 2004, and became an apprentice in the Arabesque Dance Company in November 2005 when he began training in Egyptian Folklore with Yasmina Ramzy. He is honored to be a lead dancer in the Arabesque Dance Company Men's corps, and in the new project, The Righteous Rogues Of Raks.

Valizan also holds a degree from The Ryerson School Of Journalism.
The learning continues...

www.arabesquedance.ca/home.php
shadesofaraby.valizan.com/

Deniz’s Original Annual Charity event is BACK!
10th Annual Belly Boo Bash will be on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 in the Historic Oregon District.
Come one, come all for a great cause. Tickets are only $15, and all proceeds go to the charity. This year’s charity is the Lakota Indian Nation. Many are living in sub-standard housing, with no heat, running water or electricity. Many children don’t have a winter coat. The sad thing is that this is going on right here in America. So let’s do something to help out and come in your most ghoulish gear and be prepared to scare.
If you are interested in dancing in the event, please call Deniz at 937-602-3788. Spots are limited so call her quick! In addition to the workshop earlier that day, Valizan will be performing that night. The event will be held at the new PlayThink Learning location at 411 E Fifth Street in the middle of the Historic Oregon Distric. There will be plenty of parking now that the city of Dayton is sending 1.3 mil to create more places for people to park. Show starts at 8:pm and will be done when we’ve squeezed all the fun we can out of the night. Open dancing, yummy treats, raffle items, plus anything else we can think up to make the night an exceptional evening to remember.
Visit www.caravanworkshops.com to learn more.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

For those of you in Baltimore - Shems wants to anounce the awesomeness of her summer classes to come!

2008-06-14T13:35:17Z

Check them out!

My new class sessions Start the First week of July 2008 at the Harbor East MAC. Get all the details here:
http://www.shemsdance.com/classes/classes.htm#classes then email me to reserve your spot, the come and dance!

So I've been prepping for the belly dance classes I'll be teaching this summer and they are going to be awesome!

In Belly dance Essentials we'll be working on finger cymbals (aka zills or sagat). We'll learn how to play some rhythms and basic patterns. we'll learn different tones you can make. We'll learn when to play and when not to play. We'll learn how to accent our playing and how to highlight our dancing. And we'll put in a lot of practice dancing and zilling at the same time. It will be hardcore sagat action.

In Technique and Musicality we will explore the Egyptian Oriental Entrance Piece. This is the most complex and nuanced piece in a dancer's routine. It is the first impression and the moment the dancer has to show she really knows her stuff. We will learn about the origins of this dance and the feeling connected with it. We will build and sharpen our technique and learn to utilize our muscles for polish and refinement. We will explore the music for deep understanding and we will dance like queens! The queens of raqs sharqi!

In Fundamentals of Performance Quality movement we will explore creating dances. We will analyze music, discuss how to connect with musical phrasing, delve into instrument driven movement, discuss staging, delve into building dance choreography and discuss tools for good improvisation. We will spend time with transitions between movement.

In Belly Dance Basics we will be building correct technique from the get-go. Isolations, footwork, technique building, arms, we will continue to work on these things and build in an ongoing manner. If you are just starting or still want to build your basic technique. This class will take it's time to breakdown, refine, discuss muscles to use and finding movement.

Sunrise belly dance will be moving to a new time in the wee hours of Friday morning. 6 am - This class is continual belly dance movement - we start with a nice warm up drill medium paced rhythmic steps, build into shimmy drills, slow down into undulating movements and then a little stretch at the end. I love this class because an hour of straight dance in the morning is a wonderful way to start the day. As a bonus, immediately following this class is Theresa Lummino's warm yoga flow class. Which I've taken and really enjoy (part of why I'm moving the class, so I can have that hour of belly dance followed by and hour of yoga, sweet.)

I might have to cut back on how many classes I can teach next fall due to school obligations, so help me make this summer rock in serious belly dance fashion. If you are interested, I've been dying to put together a hafla of awesome porportions - live Arabic band, both performance and open dancing, the best guest performers and you!

And if you are wondering "who the heck is this Shems person and why should I take from her?" Well, prepare yourself, I'm about to do some tooting of my own horn:

I've been studying this dance obsessively for the last 12 years, supplementing my dance education with modern, ballet, jazz, body conditioning for dancers, many, many folkloric forms, Middle Eastern history, Arabic, music lessons and more. I have studied and continue to study with many of the biggest stars of Oriental dance, American, Canadian, Turkish, Lebanese and Egyptian, the list is too long to fit here, but I post it on my website. This summer I'm off to study with Dina, Randa, Dandash and Mo Gedawi of Egypt and I've already attended the Turkish Folk Tours dance camp and taken several classes with Orit Maftsir of Israel.

I have worked professionally as a full time dancer in the past and I've been in very high demand at some of the most exclusive venues in DC. I'm respected by my peers in dance and loved by many of the venue owners and the Arabic community in DC and I'm growing in reputation in Baltimore. I've also been gaining a national reputation in the belly dance community and I've been asked to teach workshops back in Utah, North Carolina and now California, as well as here in our area in Virginia and Maryland and I've been asked to dance in selective shows in several different states across the country. I've won the hearts of several of the musicians I've worked with and could give you positive references from some pretty impressive names in our Middle Eastern music and dance community. I've won 2 awards at the 3 contests I've attended in the course of my dance career. One with my former troupe, performing my choreography and that of my troupe mate Sumra (they went on the next year without me to win again also utilizing another choreography of mine) and one as a soloist in the professional category at the East Coast classic.

I'm not just your run of the mill Belly Dance instructor who took a few years of classes from a local teacher, then decided to hang up her shingle. I know my stuff in a major way and I always continue to train. When I teach I also provide supplemental information on my website so that my students can be informed and intellectual in their understanding of the very rich dance form that this is.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing all the other belly dance teachers in Baltimore, there are a few in the area I really respect for the wonderful and unique things they have to offer as well. Different people have their different strengths. I just know what I have to offer is unique and valuable.

I'm dying to find those of you who are dying to take your dancing to the next level, who want to dig deeper, go further, become above the caliber of the average professional belly dancer in our community, who want to honor this art form by really doing it extra well and have a great time in the process. Oh yes, serious dancers. I want you. I even want the not so serious dancers who do it for fun or fitness. If you can have fun, get exercise and become a great dancer in the process, why not? It's a win, win, win situation.

And those of you who think it would be cool to learn to belly dance, but have been sitting on the fence. It's time to jump in. Belly dance isn't just a few new moves to do at the club or for your husband (or wife as the case may be). It's a wonderful social community, where women bond with and enjoy the company of other women. (The occasional brave man is embraced as well!) It is a door to some of the most incredible music and cultural experiences. It is an opportunity to tap into and release deep emotions. It is an opportunity to be more glamorous then you ever thought you would have a reason to be. It is a fountain of youth, whose gentle athleticism keeps you young in heart and younger looking, because of the joy of it. It is exercise that doesn't feel like exercise. It is an opportunity to appreciate the sexiness of your own body whatever shape you are. It is so worthwhile in a hundred ways.

Come play with me this summer. Let's Belly Dance!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

This Tribe's ''SWAP & XCHANGE'' VHS/DVD/CD's/Item Thread :)

2008-06-13T02:09:04Z

Some folks also (so I've learned) are willing to part with their items in bellydance via a swap or exchange for another item that folks might have. So, if you have items that you want to swap for exchange for somethng valued to ya in return, don't hesitate to put those items up to be seen and hopefully soem1 will get back in-touch with ya ASAP.

**if you have your won wish list(s) of items: vhs, dvd's, cd's, jewelry, etc., also put those up to let others know you are on the lookout for them and will be up to a swap or exchange as well. (Of course, choosing what items you can part with in one's collection is the hardest part of all, but you can always try to get that item back somewhere down the road, right?)

Enjoy,
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

Indian Style Silk and Sequin Belly Dance Costumes

2008-06-07T13:38:48Z

Hi! I'm back in Nouveau Brunswick, Canada for another month, until my move to NYC.
I've started designing belly dance Indian Gypsy style silk and sequin saree costumes on my last trip to India. I'm in green modelling with 3 of my students. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the process... from noisy smelly rickshaw rides to vibrant intense immense crowded markets to the sensory overload of rooms overflowing with sequins and silk fabrics and working with my wonderful tailor Ganu. I go back to India in October 2008 and the plan is to make many more, with different designs. I'd love your feedback about them!

Thanks! Tara www.tarastardancer.com

http://people.tribe.net/44780b52-3a09-43d4-9109-043e8e2b32c0/photos/ea240d01-2b2e-4a53-8e2f-a06f6ebe66b3

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

sheet music?

2008-06-05T13:46:48Z

Hi all- does anyone know where I get sheet music for Lamma BadaYata Thanna or Alf Layla wa Layla, or....?
We have a couple violinists here who might cross over to playing for us if we can get them some music.....
email me at nina@cavtel.net

thanks!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

Katya on Youtube!

2008-06-05T13:33:21Z

Yes, I finally did it! I uploaded the videos onto Youtube that have been sitting around my house for two years! I finally got them converted :-)

You can see them at my website, www.katyafaris.com, or go to www.youtube.com/katyafaris, and add me as a friend! There's more to come, as we have the Mohamed Shahin showcase in Chicago in a few weeks, and I am sponsoring Karim Nagi on August 30-31 here in Bloomington! I have a hookah cafe video I have to convert and get uploaded next week, too:-)

Let me know what you think!

Katya

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Get Ready for SADIE's ''Thrills and Drills'' from IAMED :)

2008-06-03T23:53:26Z

http://shop.bellydance.org

(Fasten your hipdress AND your seat belts, folks....this DVD sounds intense!)

Practice makes perfect, and one of the best ways to practice your technique is by drilling!
In this DVD Sadie leads you through two Technique Sections and six related Drill Sets that are designed to improve your isolation, speed, control and flexibility.

In the Technique Sections Sadie demonstrates and breaks down the mechanics of important foundational hip movements and the art of layering movements on one another.

In the Drill Sets, Sadie leads you through six different drills based on the Technique Sections so you can practice and perfect your own technique. Each of the six drills has three levels of increasing difficulty as Sadie adds additional layers to each movement. By working your way through the drill levels, you’ll challenge yourself and continue to build complexity and subtlety in your dancing.

Sadie also discusses using different tempos to demonstrate your skill, conserve your energy, and create additional interest in your dancing. Throughout, Sadie demonstrates and explains correct posture, weight changes and the technique differences between doing a movement while flat-footed and then in relevé.
Soon your dancing will include these exciting and challenging movements:

* 3/4 shimmy with an undulation and half time alternating chest circles

* Chasse with half time undulations and full time pelvic drops

* Half time hips with alternating half and full time chest lifts

* Walking squares with back and front pelvic locks

* and more!
Whether you are brand new to Belly Dance, a novice, or a professional, the exercises in this program will dramatically improve your technique and abilities!

Plus a beautiful costumed performance by Sadie, using the technique and layers taught on this DVD!

Running Time: 133 minutes $44.99

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Nanna teaches in SF

2008-06-03T18:20:10Z

Nanna teaches Belly Dance at Shoebox Studio’s in SF
A Multilevel Class in Cabaret Belly Dance with an earthy & unique style.
Define your movements and discover an approach to solo dance with an understanding and acknowledgement of Arabic origins and traditional music.

Shoebox Studio is centrally located in Downtown San Francisco, on Folsom St. between 4th and 5th St. Shoebox is a few short blocks from Powell Bart/Muni Station

855 Folsom St. Suite 112
San Francisco, Ca 94107
Phone: 415.861.5976
http://www.shoeboxsf.com/index.html

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

What might YOU find helpful?

2008-06-03T14:36:40Z

Hello Wonderful Dancers,
Upon holding my dance company's annual auditions, I felt strongly after watching the performances/auditions, that many of the newer generation of dancers could really use some extra help understanding what is/isn't professional for a Middle Eastern Dancer. Although I address the subject whenever possible, I decided that I would hold a seminar on the ethics & logistics of professional performing for my students, and get as detailed as possible of what is/isn't appropriate, etc for our artform in a performance atmosphere. Since you wonderful performers are all involved in this industry as well, might I ask you what YOU wished someone would have told YOU ahead of time? I have an outline for the course, but I'd love to know if I'm missing anything. Also, are there any points that you feel strongly that the newer generation of dancers should be aware of? Are there things you see in other performers that you feel should be addressed? If so, I would love some feedback.

Thank you in advance!
Suspira

posted in Bellydance Nation - 4 replies

Intensif summer rroma dances workshop

2008-06-02T11:39:35Z

INTENSIF SUMMER RROMA DANCES WORKSHOP
Paris, July 21st to 26th, 2008
With Simona Jovic
www.simonajovic.com

Join us for this unique opportunity to understand the evolution of the rromani dances from India to Europe, during the "Roma dances of the world" one week workshop in the most reputaded dance school in Paris:

Programme :

* July 21st : Rroma dance from North-Western India
Kalbeliya/sapera dance, from 2pm to 5pm, all levels
Bring a long skirt, a long head scarf and the ankle bells

* July 22nd :Rroma dance from Afghanistan
Afgani nomad dance, from 2pm to 5 pm, all level
Bring a long skirt and a long head scarf

* July 23rd : Rroma dance from Upper Egypt
Ghawazee dance, from 2pm to 5pm, all level
Bring the wide pants or a skirt and the finger cymbals

* July 24th : Rroma dance from Turkey
Karsilama dance, from 2pm to 5pm, all level
Bring the wide pants and the finger cymbals

* July 25th : Rroma dance from Southern Balkans
Cocek and ora dances, from 2pm to 5pm, all level
Bring the wide pants and a small hand scarf

* July 26th : Rroma dances from Central/Eastern Europe
Cingerica,manela, russian, from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Bring a wide skirt and a schwall

Adress :
Centre de danse du Marais
41 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris

Price : 270 euros

Bookings : Payment of 50% at the following bank account :
Name : Simona Jovic
Bank name and adress:
BNP Paribas, 9 rue de la Gare
77360 Vaires sur Marne
FRANCE
International bank account number :
FR76 3000 4016 4000 0100 2432 139

Please confirm, first, your participation by email on contact@simonajovic.com

Important : For those who cannot follow this one week workshop in july, two individual workshop will take place on May 25th (turkish and balkanian rroma dance) and on June 15th (kalbeliya rajasthani nomad dance). For more information, check Simona Jovic's website : www.simonajovic.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Beginning Stages for TRIBALTOPIA 2008--Bellydance Caravan for America's Troops (November 1-30, 2008)

2008-06-01T15:30:21Z

Because TRIBALTOPIA 2007 was sort-of-done as a last-second splurge, I'd figure I'd throw this out now in June, giving about 5 months of pre-plannings until November for those who didn't get a chance to make clips last year.

I have been leaning towards trying to find something to do affecting those who has been busting their asses in today's branches of the military for a while. As stunning of all the fatalities, it actually pales into comparison of the tens of thousands of those who have been injured and devastated, and will have to live through and onward with these scars that they have occured for the rest of their lives.

The organization right now that stands out to me that can be a good rep to donate to at the moment looks like The U.S.O-- http://www.uso.org
They seem to do a lot of work and has a good feedabck rating and the like.

I'm looking at the numerous options ideas for doantion options:

1) The USO Website Itself (and let's me know ya made a donation)

2) USO Fundraisers In Your Area During November
It can be a collection of tips from a scheduled gig in NOV, or gather up some friends and have a hafla and tabulate the overall totals, send it to the USo and let me know the amount.

3) Exploring a site called http://www.realitycharity.com and setting up an account where doantions can be made online and sent to the USO.

YouTube Playlist:
It's easy to sit here and try to say that any bd clips (soloist or troupe) should have a ''patriotic'' theme, but sometimes war is all but things patriotic. Maybe a ''celebratory them towards the efforts of being in the military'' or ''an illustration towards peace'' could make as a better requirement. (Did that souns corny???) It DOESN'T have to be rock based, it can be of any musical genre one chooses to select..

Like I said, this is all beginner stages, but if it can put a nice ringy-dingy into folk's heads of ideas to work on between now and November, it'll be great. I'm gonna try to talk to our local super-organizers (Samira Shuruk and Yucy) to brainstorm of doing something down the road.

Any and all feedback is highly encouraged and welcomed, I may even create a Tribe strictly for TRIBALTOPIA as well. Those who has family/friends currently serving over in Iraq/Afghanistan/Overseas is definitely welcomed for input.

Thanks in advance,
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

WAMEDA's (DC/MD/VA) New Website Makeover

2008-06-01T14:06:34Z

http://www.wameda.org

Looks AWESOME!! Updated Annual hafla info on Sadie )CO) in September as well....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OASIS HONORS 2008 NOMINEES :)

2008-06-01T12:34:00Z

I can't beliee it's been 8 years now that I've been doing this. :)~

And each year, trying to find 64 bellydancers (soloists) that stands out and/or made an impact in bellydance/ Middle Eastern folk dances, and/or a presence on the world wide web gets angst-ridden, but if it hurts, then you're feeling something, I guess. For this year, I felt a need to give a few newbies some cyberprops for 2008, a lot of folks who were ''on the doorstep'' in past years but were squeezed out by the usual names who make an impact annually, which made this year even harder to amass.

Opening voting begins on June 1-28, and I like to think I got a good mix of dancers across this place we call Earth:

BRANDON'S OASIS HONORS 2008 NOMINEES
========================================

SPHINX BALLOT
----------------------------------
LOTUS NIRAJA (MD/PA)
DIDEM (TUR)
NATHALIE (FL)
TEMPEST (PA)
TARA (ENG)
SHBANM PENA (CA)
ALICIA (FL)
SABAH (IL)
EDEN (CAN)
IRINA (RUS)
LEILA (WA/EGY)
ARTEMIS MOURAT (MD)
YAHAIRA (ID)
CASSANDRA (MN)
PARVENEH (CA)
CHANDANI (VA)

PYRAMID BALLOT
-----------------------------
MIRA BETZ (CA)
MORGANA (ESP)
RAQIA HASSAN (EGY)
ASHARAH (VA)
ISADORA BUSHKOVSKI (CO)
SAMIRA SHURUK (MD)
AZIZA (OR)
ATHEENA (TX)
SHAYNA (NY)
DENISE ENAN (CAN)
CRYSTAL SILMI (CA)
EMILY ALRICK (OH)
NEON (NY)
AFRA AL KAHIRA (ENG)
ASTRYD de MICHELLE (OR)
TERESA (CAN)

CLEOPATRA BALLOT
-------------------------------------
NAIMAH (MD)
SHASKA (NV)
HABIBA (PA)
LISA ZAHIYA (NC)
ARADIA (NV)
HADIA (CAN)
SADIE (CO)
SAPHIRA (VA)
SHIRA (IA)
AMIR THALEB (ARG)
SABA SABINA (CAN)
LAURA SELENZI (CAN)
MARINA (FL)
ELIZABETH STRONG (CA)
MICHELLE JOYCE (ca)
DINA (EGY)

LIL'EGYPT BALLOT
--------------------------------------
RACHEL BRICE (CA)
ASHLEY BENNETT (SC)
SUHAILA (CA)
ZIZI ZABANEH (FL)
HALA (CA)
LEYLA ZAHAR (P.R.)
AVEYANDA SKYE (HOL)
RAZIA (OR)
GIA AL QAMAR (NJ)
SIBEL NEFA (GER)
SORAYA (NJ)
ONCA O'LEARY (NC)
JEHAN KAMAL (NY)
VEDA SEREEM (MD)
AHAVA (CA)
MOHAMED SHAHIN (MD/EGY)

For those who may be new to this thingy, there are 16 dancers per ''ballot''. For June's voting, you can vote for up to 8 dancers you'd like to see advance in each ballot. The field will be down to 32 for the next round in July, then 16 in August, 8 in September, 4 in October and the finals in November.

http://hometown.aol.com/homeskillety2k/page1.html

The links for all dancers are up for viewing and some of the ''newbies'' sites are very exceptional (especially the internationals' sites). Congrats to all 64 nominated...
B. :)

PS--Troupe and Oasis of Color forthcoming....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

JUNE's Bellydancer ShoutOut :)

2008-06-01T11:36:57Z

VALERIE (PA)
http://www.studio1831.com
http://www.valarina.com

To say the least, she has been a staple for bellydancing in the downtown Philly area for over 2 decades now, and also has one of the more extensive yoga backgrounds as well.
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BELLYDANCERS: A ''Sisterhood'' or a ''Family''?

2008-05-31T22:28:07Z

I've heard both of them described in some form, depending on person-to-person.

But, which falls in more for you? Probably depends on the ''community'' of dancers in your area that are surrounded by, a ''sisterhood'' may be more for those who have a larger geographical extension of dancers in a reachable basis. A ''sisterhood'' may serve a better term for smaller groups of dancers in more rural dance areas, also for bd clubs at colleges or on-campus club activities.

Which serves as a better term for you or fellow dancers in your area, a
''sisterhood'' or a ''family''?

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 6 replies

DISCUSSION: ''Alternative'' Tipping Measures

2008-05-30T23:49:06Z

One of the best sections of Michelle Joyce's Secrets of the Stage-Volume 2 was the section on tipping. I could go on and on on the many stories that was offered by bellydancers (Zaheea, Maria and Summer in particular), including some comments that really stood out:

If you charge well for your services, tips aren't a necessary need to begin with.
Tips are always nice to have or rely on, but in some cases (or most cases), people come to see a bellydancer, not tip them. They think it's ''the manager's job'' to do so and they pay every bd'er handsomely for that night, when in fact, that's just not the case (esp. in today's econominc downclimates).

Zaheea uses a tip jar that she'll get out at the end of her performance and playfully goes by every seated table section for tips, and she brought up and interesting point that people have a habit to want to ''yank'' or ''jam'' money (which many times is ''dirty'', having exchanged hands and germs before it's gotten to you) into your hipdress, and this leaves stains but also stretched the fabric andor decorationsa on a costume, in which over time, will e\wear out that particular costume and having to get a new one faster over time.

Here in DC, at the tribal Cafe Monthly, tip jars are placed at one's table, and at the end of each dancers' performance, patrons has the chance to put their tips in and some1 usually comes by shortly after to pick'em all up. Makes sense.

TIP FOR GUYS: If you're going to a show where tipping a bd'er is required, go to the bank earlier in the day and request fresh, crisp and CLEAN dollar bill(s). It's common courtesy not to tip with wrinkled or faded/aged money that looks like a truck ran over it. Money is money, but it just looks more classy. You can get away with it at a stripjoint, even so, the same rule usually applies to a stripper's garter as much a bd'er's hipdress or jar or tipping apparatus.

If some1 tips money to you , aka a ''money shower'' overhead, you may want to either have a waiter follow close behind and/or get it yourself, depending on preference, esp. if the setting you perform in is darkened. What hits the floor during the performance may not always be what you collect at the end of the night after it. Tip RESPECTFULLY:
*Don't throw money AT the dancer, aka where it'll hit her directly in the face.
* Use judgement if a dancer is performing with something balanced on her head,
tip towards the friggin' floor or wait until she comes to you or after the show.
*Don't slam the money at or towards her in an agressive manner .
*NO amount is too samll, in fact, it just takes a person to usually ''get the ball rolling''.
*Tip what you feel is right, don;t ask a dancer how much is ''the right amount'', if you
can't judge for yourself, you probably shouldn;t be tipping.
*Feel free to leave your tip to a dancer through a waiter when you pay your final bill
(assuming the waiter's honest about it, get arrangements through the manager if you
have to).
*SMILE when tipping, don't act you feel forced to have to do so. The same goes for dancers
when recieving tips. A dollar is one more dollar you had beforehand, and will lead to
many others, hopefully.
*When going to another gig, it helps to have $$ in your jar or alternative use of tip collecting(s), or have a couple of bills (usually $5's, $10's or such) already tucked somewhere on ya
as a good luck symbol to others who sees this and wants to tip later on (explained well
in Volume 2).

I've seen my share of tipping snafus, the biggest are guys who goes for ''the slam dunk''.
Huh? Wha? Who? WTF? The ''slam dunk'' is that guy who jusy HAS TO go for the chest area and isn't staisfied until the money is jammed until out-of-sight. This conversation can last for years. Guiys, DON'T be this person.

A guy should be able to tip a bellydancer:
a) GENTLY placed under the shoulder strap of either shoulder of a bellydancer.
b) Place the tip in her hand, if not wearing zills.
c) GENTLY into her hipdress pocket or between her hipwear if fitable.

DON'T go for one of tha above and try to catch her off-guard then go for the chest.
Some bd'ers don't like to be tipped on the body AT ALL. If she puts a finger up and says ''no'', all points end right there, PERIOD. Don't be a dick and try to ''persuade'' a dancer to take your cash, it ain't worth it. DON'T fold or ball up money to give to her, that's tacky.
DON'T put $$$ in your mouth and try to lure her to come over to tip her, that's creepy (another reason why bd'ers refrain from bachelor parties). Ya think?????
DON'T tip...then watch...then tip some more...then watch a lil' more...then tip again...,
again that's the stripper mentality that some guys have. Tip at one time and get out of the way, it's not a 1-on-1 for your ass.
NEVER challenge a bd'er to tip her ''more if she does soemthing extra for you''. Again, don't ask...I've seen way too much of things...expect the unexpected.

For dancers: I beileve that it helps to have the waiters calmly go by each table, 2-3minutes or less before you start to dance, and remind the patrons of tipping rules/opportunities, because it'll be in their head and on their mind fresh as you're performing, and less likely to have conversation of others or their food be a distraction I'm reminded by street performers at a carnival or musicians performing in front of a subway, where they have something set up for tips to be placed, and let their talent(s) do the talking for them.

Write the words ''Appreciative'' or ''Thank You very Much'' on your jar, so when they see it they know you appreciate them willing to give you a tip for your performance, I see many folks write witty one-liners on tip jars/hats, etc. and it's an attention getter.

Add a move or make conversation while doing so, take the time to personalize yourself as a person vs. as a bellydancer (also well explained in Volume 2).

if I could, I'd tip every dancer a $20 per gig or performance. But any tip is a symbol of respect and appreciation for what one does, and it's as much a privilage and a responsibility to do so. They say ''take care of your bartenders and waiters/waitresses'' when paying your tab. Please take care of your performing resident bellydancer(s0 the same when you get the chance, because you're lucky to be able to go out and have them about in your presence, especially with the amount of performers that exists today.

I'll shut my ass up and get off of Volume 2's soapbox on the topic (kidding!) and hope that some feedback will be added, esp. if you have seen Volume 2 and this topic and would like to add to this as well, any feedback appreciated.

B. :)

PS--Michelle and Zaheea, see what you do to me... :)~

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

MAY BellyHappenings...

2008-05-26T11:13:42Z

From MIA NAJA (MD):
http://www.mianaja.org

MiaNaja Productions of Columbia, Maryland, will be presenting an evening of Bellydance and Middle Eastern Dance performed by some of the award winning, and talented dancers and troupes from Maryland-DC-VA-PA!

Performances include a range of dance styles from Egyptian and Lebanese Cabaret, to Tribal to Hawaiian. The MiaNaja Oriental Danse Ensemble will be debuting an exciting new choreography by MiaNaja!

There will also be a Bazaar featuring vendors with a variety of costumes, jewelry, bags and other fabulous finds!

MiaNaja al Sephira teaches Bellydance at Slayton House and Studio MiaNaja in Columbia, MD. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door so get yours now at eventbrite.com.

For additional information, please call 443-864-1446 or 410-964-1546 or email Mianaja@yahoo.com. For directions call 410-730-3987. No videotaping is permitted.

http://mianajamagic-emailinvite.eventbrite.com/?invite=NTcyNzcvbmF2ZWxfeTJrQHlhaG9vLmNvbS8x%0A

From FOLK TOURS:

Dear Friends;
Folk Tours extended 2008 event deadlines

USA Dance & Music Camp in Pennsylvania this year in May 23rd to May 26th 2008
LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS MAY 16th 2008. BALANCE DUE IN FULL MAY 16th 2008

Turkish Events
4th Annual FESTIVAL ALATURKA!
Dance and Music Festival in Istanbul July 6th - July 14th, 2008
Registration deadline is June 12th, 2008.
Sign up now at www.folktours.com
Tolk Tours
Tayyar Akdeniz Director of Folktours

Tayyar Akdeniz
http://www.folktours.com

From RENA (PA):

Hey all.....Happy Spring!

Finally, the warm weather seems to be sneaking in and Summer 2008 is just around the corner! To help kick start the heat, Rena is privileged to share the stage once again with some of Philly's best belly dance artists performing to the sexy sounds of World Fusion Band Animus. See details below for what promises to be yet another great show!!

Sunday, June 1 - Doors 6:00 PM, Showtime 7:30 PM

Animus & Philadelphia Belly Dance Spectacular - World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. (downstairs), Philadelphia, PA

Here we go again! Voted Best Local Band by Philadelphia Citypaper Choice Awards 2006, Animus World Fusion Music and Dance will once again delight audiences with a spectacular dinner concert, both visually and musically entertaining. An enchanting evening of the original music of Bill Koutsouros featuring performances by Dellaneira, Nyla, Rena, Valerie and Yareli! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Don't miss out - these shows tend to sell out quickly! For discounted tickets, pay cash to any performer before the show date and save $3 on the processing fee. Limited tickets from performers available so get yours today!! Otherwise, click on the flyer below to purchase tickets directly via World Cafe Live.

RENA
The Art of Middle Eastern Dance
"If I could explain, I wouldn't need to dance!" - Isadora Duncan
www.regalrena.com

From BRIGHA'S BELLYWORKS (WA)::
Bhrigha's Bellyworks' Bulletin

Happy Spring!

Greetings~
I hope this finds you all blissfully well and that Spring has been blossoming for you! Spring has been late arriving here in Washington state, we even had snow in late March & early April. Everyone assures Greywolf and I that this is definitely a very wierd Winter and Spring is quite overdue, however she is finally here with that lovely lime green bursting into buds all over trees and plants. I can't wait to see it in a week or so! And the waterfalls this Winter have been truly amazing!

Greywolf and I have been performing with Mizna (the Gypsy Caravan Band) and also the Gypsy C Remix band in many gigs around Portland, and Shredd! has been busy in the studio. It's been a ton of fun with these talented performers and really great people! If you asked me 5 years ago if I'd be doing this, I would have said, "No way! You're crazy! I'm heading to North Carolina!" But here I am and here we are; you just never know where the Universe is going to take you and the mountains and waterfalls here are just as beautiful as NC. (Although I'd love to go back and visit there too! Anyone want a workshop?:)

Grab a cup of tea or coffee and sit back to read the other articles & click through the links for lots of news, (I can't believe this newsletter is so long!), including my trip back to Orlando this month with workshops, private sessions, a hafla, Tribal Bellydance in Battle Ground, WA, & workshops in Spokane, WA. I hope that you will consider coming out to some (or all! :) of these events to say Hi and visit because I'd love to see old friends and students and meet new ones!

Until we meet again, I hope that you are bellydancing your bliss. :-)

Bright Blissful Bellydance Blessings!
Bhrigha GypsiKelt
BA, LMT (FL MA20757), LMP (WA MA25141)
Certified Power Pilates® Instructor (Mat & Apparatus)
Certified Gypsy Caravan® Tribal Technique Beg. Level 1 & 2 Instructor

"Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening, love as if you've never been hurt, and live each day as if it were your last." ~Irish proverb~

Visit my newly-redesigned websites!

The Big News....

As some of you may already know (especially my Tribe.net friends - thanks for all your support! :), over the last 6 months, I have been pursuing my Power Pilates System 1 Certification on the Apparatus. It has been a long and wonderful learning process and a healing process for my body too! As of April 6, 2008, I am officially a Certified Pilates Instructor (Mat & Apparatus) and now certified to teach the Beginner-Intermediate levels of Classical Pilates on the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, High Chair, Small Barrels, and Spine Corrector, and also use of the Magic Circle. I feel like I have truly accomplished something with this, and it was one of the hardest things I think I have ever done, including sitting for my massage therapy boards so many years ago!

If you have only tried mat classes, you owe it to yourself to see what the resistance of the Apparatus equipment can do for you! Working on this equipment can really help you isolate your weak spots and fill in the gaps if you are having trouble in Mat. It will point out to you where you might be cheating by using different muscle groups than your powerhouse.

Contact me today to schedule a private session on the Apparatus! I have a Peak PilateSystem Deluxe, which is a Tower, Reformer, Mat combo, as well as Magic Circles to challenge your core. Through my new bodywork business, Blissed Bodywork, I am now offering discount packages for Classical Pilates Apparatus sessions. Introductory offer: 5 private sessions for $200, a savings of $100 off the regular price. Call or email to schedule your sessions today!

Blissed Bodywork

Bellates at Caravan Studio

Bellates® class continues for another 4 weeks at Caravan Studio in PDX! Dates are: April 24, May 1,8,15.

I will be taking a small break the last 3 weeks in May to go back to Florida to teach some workshops and see some clients. Don’t worry, I’ll be heading back by June 1 to avoid hurricane season and resuming Bellates® classes on Thursdays, same time, same place. ;-)

Register for classes starting June 5 (Core Concepts), and running the 12, 19, & 26!

Register here!

Classical Pilates Mat classes in PDX

I am now teaching Classical Pilates Beginner Mat classes in PDX (that's Portland for all you Floridians!) at Core Pilates Mondays at 6 pm 1500 NW 18th & Raleigh.
Call Core to register: 503-222-7011. Class card discounts available.

Battle Ground, WA Bellydance & Pilates classes

Bhrigha is bringing Classical Pilates & Tribal Bellydance to Battle Ground, WA starting June 13 at Total Fitness 1311 E Grace Ave. Classes now forming for Fridays:

Classical Pilates Beginner Mat 5:45 pm-6:40 pm
Classical Pilates is a series of over 500 specific body-conditioning exercises that target the deep abdominals, pelvic floor and back muscles to create a strong core (also referred to as the powerhouse) without adding a lot of bulky muscles. The movements of Pilates are controlled and precise using very focused breath to facilitate these movements. It requires deep concentration and a complete mind-body connection. The exercises are performed on a yoga-type mat in a specific sequence. Pilates itself is a lifestyle choice: you get the most benefits by being consistent with your workouts and performing them a minimum of 2-3 times per week.

Tribal Bellydance Basics 6:45-7:45 pm
An 8-week course that forms the foundation of the Gypsy Caravan Tribal Style Level 1 format and begins building the basic vocabulary of dance moves and combinations that are used to improvise group dances, which is what makes Tribal bellydance unique compared to other forms. The basic vocabulary is based on traditional Middle Eastern, Indian, Spanish, and Folkloric dances to create this modern twist on tradition. Students begin to connect with each other and to trust themselves and others in a safe environment. No prior bellydance experience required!

What a great way to start your weekend, still leaving you plenty of time to go out and play on Fridays!!

Performance opportunities available as students progess!

Register now!

Battle Ground, WA Bellydance & Drum Meetup!

Greywolf & I started a Meetup to help create a drum & dance community up here in rural Clark County, WA for all those of us who are here, but don't always want to make the drive into Portland (also known as Bellydance & Drum Mecca!) If you live up here, please join our Meetup first (it doesn't cost you anything to join) and then join us for our first Meetup: Waterfall Drum & Dance! Come drum & dance by a gorgeous waterfall that is a protected salmon habitat. You might even see some salmon trying to jump the falls so they can make more salmons. :-)

Battle Ground Bellydance & Drum Meetup!

Bhrigha in Spokane, WA!

Former student, Dance Deva, and GO PURE Dance Facilitator, Becky Bell is now teaching bellydance in Spokane WA, and she is putting together a weekend of workshops. I was thrilled to be invited and can't wait to see her students perform - it'll be like watching the next generation! Save these dates and plan to come see us: July 26-7, 2008

I'll be performing, & teaching these fun playshops:
Bellates® (Pilates for Bellydancers)
This unique cross-training class was created by Bhrigha as a combination of Pilates with bellydance technique. The entire class is performed on a yoga-type mat, utilizing the benefits of gravity and a solid foundation, as you learn to connect to your core, tone and strengthen your powerhouse, lengthen and elongate for a lean body, as well as learning proper bellydance body mechanics, stomach isolations, authentic belly rolls, and proper breathing techniques. It also provides a classical Pilates mat workout and is open to all levels! Class size limited so reserve your spot now.

GypsiKelt Fusion
Experience intermediate-advanced level classes in Bhrigha’s signature style of dance that combine Middle Eastern, Romany, Bellydance, and Irish techniques. This class will get your hearts pumpin’ and your feet jumpin’ so be prepared for a workout! Bhrigha has done extensive research into the Celtic connections that underlie much of civilization, including connections to Spain, the Mediterranean, the Near and Middle East. Learn a choreography combining elements from these different cultures and costuming ideas for a fabulous fresh fusion to add to your repertoire.

Contact Becky for more details and to register!!!
Becky Bell – "Najla" – 509-954-6435 or

Email Becky!

Did you know?....

~Health Magazine recently reported that dancing is one of the best things you can do to stay young. This is probably old news to you die-hard dancers, but I thought it was really cool to see in print. Dancing keeps your mind and body active, burns calories, is fun & social, and a great low-impact way to exercise.

~Yoga and Pilates are complimentary to each other and to dance. Joseph Pilates studied yoga and there are elements of it within his system. The difference is that Pilates focuses on core conditioning with constant flow of movement. Many yoga practitioners say that when they incorporate Pilates into their lives as well, they see dramatic differences in their core strength as well as their yoga poses.

~Joseph Pilates kept everyone at a beginner level for one whole year, regardless of who they were. This is because there is so much value in the beginner system and everyone can benefit from it. An advanced dancer or Pilates professional can still get a great workout from this level of instruction!

Please Update Your Subscriber Selections!

We've updated your available newsletter subscriber selections, so help us serve you better by selecting just what you want to recieve. Bhrigha's newest newsletter is for Blissed Bodywork. Click the "Preferences" button at the bottom to choose exactly what you want to receive. (Please note: if you are receiving newsletters you don't want, its because you haven't chosen your preferences or you asked to be added to the newsletter list before this feature was utilized!) To unsubscribe, its quite simple: click the "Unsubscribe" button at the bottom; but you'll miss out on cool Drum & Dance & Holistic Health info, and we'll miss you!

In This Issue:

Happy Spring!
The Big News....
Bellates at Caravan Studio
Classical Pilates Mat classes in PDX
Battle Ground, WA Bellydance & Pilates classes
Battle Ground, WA Bellydance & Drum Meetup!
Bhrigha in Spokane, WA!
Did you know?....
Please Update Your Subscriber Selections!
Bhrigha's Teaching in Orlando, FL!
Bhrigha's Drum Workshop in Orlando!
Orlando Hafla Fun!
Shredd!'s new CD "Tribical" is selling fast!
Shredd!'s "Tribical" on iTunes!
Shredd!'s DVD is almost sold out!
Private Sessions in Orlando Available!
Links

Bhrigha's Teaching in Orlando, FL!

I am super excited to return and Lacey of Florida Tribal Dance is thrilled to host a day of healing workshops geared just toward bellydancers!
Save the date: May 24!

12pm-2pm-$30: Bellates® (Pilates for Bellydancers) (90 minute class)
This unique cross-training class was created by Bhrigha as a combination of Pilates with bellydance technique. The entire class is performed on a yoga-type mat, utilizing the benefits of gravity and a solid foundation, as you learn to connect to your core, tone and strengthen your powerhouse, lengthen and elongate for a lean body, as well as learning proper bellydance body mechanics, stomach isolations, authentic belly rolls, and proper breathing techniques. It also provides a classical Pilates mat workout and is open to all levels. Space is limited, so reserve now!

2:30pm-4pm-$30: Reflexology for Dancers’ Feet (2 hour class)
A dancer’s feet (soles) are her connection to her soul. Learn the art and science of self-reflexology in order to take care of your precious support team – your feet!
This class is a hands-on learning session taught by a Licensed Massage Therapist, dually licensed in FL & WA states, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the dancer’s feet. You will learn the maps to the feet, how you can help heal your body of various problems through your feet, techniques of self foot-massage, and how you can care for and pamper your feet at home with aromatherapy massage.
Special aromatherapy-grade massage oils will be provided for use during class: each person gets to make & choose an essential oil to add to an organic carrior oil to use in class & take home. Some of my special blends may also be available for purchase at additional cost, to enjoy at home.

$55 for both of these healing workshops!
The workshops will take place at the You Health Center 511 Virginia Dr. Orlando, FL.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Call 760-403-2334 for more info, or mail check/money order made out to Lacey Sanchez at 2408 Pine Ave Haines City, Fl 33844 .

Email Lacey!

Bhrigha's Drum Workshop in Orlando!

Former student and current GO PURE Drum Facilitator and teacher, Mark DeMaio of Third Wheel, Inc is super-excited to host a drumming workshop with me!
Date, time, & location to be announced, probably May 24 from 6-8 pm:

Frame-Drumming the Feminine
This class provides a “her-story” of the frame drum, the oldest style of percussion instrument that has its roots in the feminine mystery schools of ancient civilizations. Includes instruction on the proper playing style of frame drum & riq in seated and standing styles and correlation of sounds to metaphysical meanings. We’ll explore its potential as a ritual/meditative tool, different rhythm sets to build a cohesive group dynamic, and moving and playing at the same time. This class is open to both women & men who want to learn the feminine side of these drums!

To register, call Mark at 407.446.4963 or.....

Email Mark!

Orlando Hafla Fun!

My friend & first Tribal teacher, Belle Abbas is putting together a Hafla (dance party) at Ali Baba or someplace similar on Sunday May 25. Come join us for dancing, performances, food & fun with old friends and new ones! Hope to see you there!

Interested in attending or performing? Contact Belle Abbas by phone: 407-443-3120 or...

Email Belle Abbas

Shredd!'s new CD "Tribical" is selling fast!

Cd Baby already sold out of our CD, but its restocked now, so if you don't have your copy yet, get it now before it sells out again!

Shredd's newest CD "Tribical" is finally available in hard copy with Greywolf's typographic art and liner notes! You can purchase your very own copy on CD Baby, and also at some of our favorite vendors:
Caravan Souk in Portland, OR and Fire by Riz in Florida.

"Tribical" features these special guests:
Tobias Roberson, Darshan/Cammi Vance, Doug Shafer, and Kim Rivera!
Also,Veteran Shredders: Greywolf, Bhrigha GypsiKelt, DJ Rhett Elliot, and Cheri Shanti!

Cool Classical tunes + Tribal beats + Electronica + a remix of a Gypsy Caravan song + Trancy Vibes +World Percussion + Classical Piano & Keys = Coolness!

Buy it now on CD Baby!

Shredd!'s "Tribical" on iTunes!

So you just want your music digitally to save the planet? No problem - we can hook you up there too!

Buy Shredd!'s "Tribical" on iTunes!

Shredd!'s DVD is almost sold out!

Shredd'!s DVD of our award-winning theatre show, "The Extraordinary Fila Goes to Hell" is going into its second printing! The only place you can still get a copy is Film Baby, or possiblly a couple of venders. Get your copy now online!

Shredd!'s DVD on Film Baby!

Private Sessions in Orlando Available!

Contact me now to book your private Classical Pilates Mat, Bellates®, or Bodywork session during May 21-27. Limited time slots left, so don't wait!

Call: 407-341-0817 or
Email Bhrigha!

Bhrigha's Bellyworks, LLC/Murfeus Productions • Please email for address • Clark County • WA • 98675

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

IAMED DVD's 1/2 off!

2008-05-22T17:51:55Z

I'm selling my bellydance DVD collection to pay for grad school expenses. These are lightly used and listed at less than HALF what they cost me. I will be adding even more this weekend.
Link to my ebay is here:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZlalazara

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

CDs are here!

2008-05-22T14:55:13Z

We got the box yesterday and the band will be at my house tonight to unveil our long-awaited project!
If you'd like to pick up your copy tonight, autograph ink still drying, you're welcome to come to over anytime after 6pm.
We will also have band practice, so if you wanna hang out and dance feel free to do so!

By the way, the CD release PARTY will probably be in July or August...

Lawrence

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

A Treat for Memorial Day:: Early Bird Reg. Extended for Ava Fleming in Atlanta!

2008-05-20T03:03:37Z

Start your Memorial Day with a bang by taking advantage of the extended early bird registration for "A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring AVA FLEMING"!

Sha'ni (GA) and Tiger's Eye Collective have extended the early bird registration to MAY 24th so get your spot while they're still available!

Online registration is open now via Event Brite at http://tecava.eventbrite.com

For additional information, please visit www.shaniGA.com/tec_ava.html

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

MAY Birthdays, Any1? :)

2008-05-19T23:33:38Z

Today:
Sarah Skinner 5/1st

Aubre (CA) 5/11th
BDSS Georgianne 5/23rd

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 15 replies

MICHELLE JOYCE's ''Secrets of the Stage'' 2-Volume DVD: Maybe the Best Instructionals EVER??

2008-05-18T14:52:00Z

http://www.cheekygirlsproductions.com

If Michelle Joyce is lurking on here, you may have hit a grand slam in Game 7 of the World Series with this latest offering, ESPECIALLY Volume 2. This is by far the best documentary-style tutorial on the insights of bellydance from a bd'ers perspective since the creation of the DVD itself. It's ''called'' an instructional, more for Vol. 1 than 2, I thik Vol. 2 is more of a ''documentary retrospective modernized through the eyes of top-tier bellydancers for the viewer's mind and ears''. That's a mouthful, and the latter volume requires not only your ears, but the need to take notes to jott down. Class is sin session.....

Volume 1 focuses on: Calmness and Simplicity, Your relationship with the Music and Focus and Energy Projection--simplistic basics on how to prep and prepare yourself for performing in a public setting, and offers troubleshoots you can do to be in that zone of readiness to make a smooth transition for the stage/dance setting.

But the real gem is Volume 2. The topics covered are Differences of Restaurant(cafe) vs. Stage dancing, Tips & Audience participation, Professionalism Guidelines and Asking the Audience segment. The comprehensive breakdowns offered by the many NorCal bellydancers interviewed and their career experiences on the matters above (Sandra, Maria, Summer Sahar, Louchia , Zaheea, Louchia, DaVid and Bahaia) offers insight and cerebral wisdom that is F'ING MINDBLOWING!!!

Any1 who knows or has read of Michelle's joyrneys and articles that she is one of the textbook definitions of professional dancing, as much an entertainer as much a bellydancer (a term referenced a lot in Volume 2), and the 2 words I've asspociated with her has been ''poise'' and ''grace''. A LOT. :)~ She has been basicallu on every continent except Anarctica, and has seen through her own eyes the ways audiences reacts to bellydancers, much less all dancers, and does as good a job as ''speaking through her eyesight'' as any bellydancer may have done in the history of instructional/tutorial bellydance DVDs or VHS's.

''Princess Z'' (aka, Zaheea) is celebrating 15 years as a bellydancer AT ONE RESTAURANT (does she get a brand new car as a gift?), and her tutorial on ''alternative tipping'' will leave you well-educated. The knowledge offered by Michelle's galpal Sandra on restaurant vs. stage dancing will help many, as she also has a penchant for ''stage presence'' as a professional as well. Another fine installment is getting a wityy perspective by unknown but will be known Summer Sahar, who tells one of the more interesting stories on tipping uh-oh's and more importantly, different and entertaining ways to get tips in a professional manner.

As Neon has solidified her mark on making instructional bellydance a fun and learning experience for the East coast, it is a welcomed addition to have a geographic balance on the West coast with the offerings and insights by Michelle and Cheeky Girls (and By Dancers for Dancers 3 is also a must have as well...)

If you want to gather an honest and detailed perspective on not just how to be a professional bellydancer but what it means to be or the tools to progress forward on being a professional bellydancer, enjoy Volume 1 and PAY ATTENTION to Volume 2. If Michelle is smart, she'll do a discount on getting both on the CGP site, if you're splurging, go for Volume 2. Michelle has managed to outdo herself, and when you buy these DVDs and see them, especially in the NorCal area, make sure you make an effort to say ''thanks'' if ya get to see her in-person, and be appreciative of the hard work she and her bd'ing friends put in to this.

Nice job Michelle (and Sandra)!! :D
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

bellydancers needed, folkloric dancers needed, MD

2008-05-14T18:51:36Z

Hi all!
1. All Seasons Hafla- first Sunday of every month in Towson MD- all styles, all levels, a hafla by for and of the bellydancers! Come out and see us, support your local dancers, or come dance yourself! Send your students to perform in an appropriate venue!
applications here- though we are already booking October's show!
http://marylandbellydance.com/allseasonshafla/applications.php
2. Right now in Bmore there are 3 Egyptian guys from the National folkloric Troupe of Egypt that live here now and need female dancers to join them and learn. Practice is free, they want performers for their choreographies that have women in them - call me 443-834-3191 Practicve is Wednesday nights.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Kara Nomadica CD

2008-05-14T14:38:12Z

We got our master proof back last week and we liked it!
We'll be receiving 1000 CDs on May 22nd!

There are new songs on the Myspace page for you to enjoy. (http://www.myspace.com/karanomadica)
Although Bela Shah was up there before, this is the final (and much better) version.

Salaam,
Kara Nomadica

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Summer's Almost Here...And So Is AVA FLEMING! Remember: Early Bird Reg Ends 5/15

2008-05-12T18:56:53Z

Don't miss out on an excellent weekend with the fabulous AVA FLEMING! Early bird
registration ends May 15th so get your spot while they're still available!

Sha'ni and the Tiger's Eye Collective are pleased to to host a two-day bellydance event in
Atlanta. "A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring Ava Fleming" will bring fans and students
of the world-renowned artist together for a premier, two-day workshop and gala held on the
Atlanta world dance stage June 21-22, 2008.

Online registration is open now via Event Brite at
http://tecava. eventbrite. com

For additional information, please visit www.shaniGA. com/tec_ava. html

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Souhail Kaspar & Rhythm & Movement workshop - April 26

2008-05-10T20:10:17Z

I just spent 3 hours working with Souhail. He has so much knowledge to share, and I feel he is a true gem. Having worked with dancers like Farida Fahme and Fifi, not to mention having studied and played Arabic music - both classic style and cabaret - most of his life, he is very generous in sharing his experience with others.
Anyway, there are still slots available in his RHythm & Movement workshop tomorrow if anyone is free and wants to take it. His workshop will help you with both choreography and improvisation - working with live music and pre-recorded....
I think anyone, no matter their level of dancing (as long as they have some movement vocabulary) can benefit from working with him.
This is an incredible opportunity - don't miss it!
Details at www.wmfolklifecenter.org
Thanks!
Kostana

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply