Bellydance Nation's topics - tribe.net

1at ALL-SEASONS HAFLA of 2010--Parkville, MD, JANUARY 10th

2009-12-26T15:36:14Z

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=538010215#/event.php?eid=250467164337
http://www.kitchenofindia.com

COME OUT AND HAVE A BLAST AT AHS' NEW LOCATION:
KITCHEN OF INDIA!!!!
http://www.kitchenofi....

Please tell me a better way to start the New Year than with MURJANAH!! Look what's in store.....MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!

OMG, WHAT A LINE-UP!!!!!!!

AWESOME
performances from: The amazing and beautiful, MURJANAH!!!!!
Joining her ....
Basema
Tribe MiaNaja
Egyptian Sun
Safiyeh
Halima
Samantha
and Tondalia!! : )

The first Sunday of every month there is a party for the bellydancers and friends, by the bellydancers and of the bellydancers in Parkville, MD, at the Kitchen Of India, 1842 E. Joppa Rd. Parkville. If you would like to dance, shoot an email/call Tydirah at tydirah@comcast.net/410-302-6064. All skill levels and bellydance styles are welcome.
SWAP MEET!! Bring your stuff! Lots of bargains.
DOORS OPEN AT 4:00 sharp!! (Dancers arrive at 3:30 to check in!) Tydirah and Jeanne hosts, and Jonathan opens with drumming. Sometimes we have an entire band! You are invited to put on your zils and hip scarf to dance and play along. Please bring an instrument if you can. (Contact Tydirah before the show to see if she can fit you on the musician's discount list!) Everyone can join in Open Dancing at the end of show (if time permits)!

Pictures are allowed and please share!! Send them to tydirah@comcast.net or post them to the bellydance meetup!!

Due to show being sold out, it's strongly suggested to purchase advanced tickets and rsvp. Tickets on sale now at venue!!
Advanced tickets are $20 and guarantees front row tables first. Please contact Tydirah at 410-302-6064 for purchase, pick up at Kitchen of India, or mail payment to Ms. T. Brown @ P.O. Box 1384, Owings Mills, Md. 21117 as well. Please make check or money order payable to Kitchen of India.

Tickets are $22 at the door...please bring cash to make sure check in goes smoothly!! (THERE IS A $2 CHARGE FOR NON-RSVP'S. PLEASE RSVP HERE OR WITH ME 410-302-6064 NOW OR NO LATER THAN 1 WK BEFORE SHOW.) There will be a list at the door.
Children prices are: 4yrs and under are free; 5 to 9yrs- $8; 10 yrs and older full price.

See you very soon!!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DC TRIBAL's Annual Student Showcase @ The Jack, JANUARY 17th

2009-12-26T15:33:40Z

http://www.dctribal.com
https://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=231700

DCTribal Student Show $18.00 tix
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 8:00 PM
The Jack Guidone Theatre
5207 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: (202) 520-3692

This show is dedicated to bringing together the large community of tribal and experimental students in the DC/ Baltimore area. Featuring students from Asharah, Anthea, Ami, Belladonna, Ebony, Hilary, Na'la, Jen Hodge and Naimah.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DECEMBER BellyHappenings...

2009-12-26T15:19:41Z

From AUNT ROCKY (NYC):

Because YOU asked me for it:
ONLY this 1 more time:
a FUN, FABULOUS
FOUR-DAY FOLK FEAST!
JANUARY 8-11, 2010
in NEW YORK CITY

Real *folklore*:
2 different SCHIKHATT routines:
TRADITIONAL & MODERN
TUNISIAN SHABA routine,
GUEDRA & ZAR
of course ALL, with extensive
backround/ cultural information
& some VIDEOs/ DVDs

ONLY time it will be offered in this format!

the TRUTH will set your dance FREE!!!

MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
Get your dancing skills ready to show you off better wherever you dance!
For New Inspiration and Excitement!

a Casbah Dance Experience

at Morocco's marvelous BIG Studio in the heart of New York City
6 West 20th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues) - 2nd floor

only $350
$150 deposit (non-refundable)

Technique & Choreography
Limited Places - Reserve Early!!!

5 hours daily

9:30 am - 3:30 pm
in climate-controlled studio

Scheduled:
3 usable *authentic* folkloric routines
by Morocco, a teacher/ researcher/ performer
who's *really* been there, done that
from the beginning!

Seminar Music CD and Choreography Sheets
for the dances are Included

Certificate of Seminar Completion included!

REGISTER NOW!!! PAY ONLINE!!!

http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm

SEE YOU HERE IN JANUARY!
MOROCCO

--
e-mail: <morocco@casbahdance.org>
web: http://www.casbahdance.org
New York, NY

--
Morocco

e-mail: <morocco@casbahdance.org>
web: http://www.casbahdance.org
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqHFey-RJM
New York, NY

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Register NOW for a Fabulous 4-Day Folk Seminar
in my great BIG studio: January 8-11, 2010
http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 BELLYDANCESHOPPE.COM:

Saturday December 12

Dance Dance AZ
Holiday Party

Show 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Join us an evening of dance performance

Refreshments will be served or bring a

Snack to share
Door prizes
Contests

FREE general admission!

Bollywood, Hustle, Cha Cha, Belly Dance, Polynesian Dance and more

Open dance for Belly Dancers and by request follows.

For more information call 602-997-4149

Find the Perfect Gift

Visit BellyDanceShoppe.com during the holidays to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Unique holiday gift item, gift certificates, jewelry and more!

PLEASE NOTE OUR STUDIO AND STORE FACE CACTUS ROAD

January 23 & 24

Sassy Egyptian
2 Day Workshop

with Jim Boz in Phoenix

Take Your Dancing to a higher level! Hear the Music; Be the Music! Learn from one of the only Western teachers to ever be invited to teach in Egypt. The Entire workshop is only $120 for earlybirds If the economy is getting you down take just 1 day for just $60 or 1 workshop for $35 Its a promise, you will work hard, learn a lot and have a great time learning with this masterful teacher. (large mirrored studio) More details and signup at www.gobellydance.com

A Man? BellyDance?
Teach Belly Dance?

Several years ago, while in Austin, Texas, taking a workshop, I noticed an unusually large male student at the back of the class. Others in the class seemed to know him. I quickly dismissed him as a local beginner student. That evening while waiting to perform. I was...(cont)

Mark your calendars

Weekend with Ranya Rene of New York September 23 & 24, 2010

BellyDanceShoppe, LLC, 12235 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022
602 997-4149

From SARAH SKINNER/SHAKE MY DAY (NYC):

SHAKEmyday news

.Lots for sale on ShakeMyDay.com! Check out the new shop!
.Sarah Skinner will be in NYC Dec 3-7 and available for private belly dance lessons, gigs and to give photoshoots!
.Trailer release of the upcoming Hard Candy DVD.

Photography

DEC 3-5: NYC photo sessions available
Sarah Skinner will be in available for photoshoot in NYC - DEC 3-7.
So many shoots we've extended our time in NYC! Book your slot now!

GET A PHOTOSHOOT
Sarah is an expert at helping dancers find natural angles and poses that convey accurately the essence of their individual style of movement and stage personality. Sarah's extraordinary eye for detail, her meticulous attention to positioning elements of costume and finding the most expressive and flattering body line and facial angles result in polished, memorable images with an artistic edge.
.

SHOP

Brand new shop!
The shakemyday.com shop technology has been updated! Plus lots of new items. Sparkles for sale! Shown here is an evil eye bracelet to ward off unwanted negativity.
.
There is a series of products that the profits raised will go to a Breast Cancer charity. Lets all find a way to do our part for others in need. :)
.

Hard Candy - The Bellydance Workout DVD
Bellydance fitness & instruction with Neon, Elisheva & Sarah Skinner. Release date Jan 2010.

Click on "more details" to see the new trailer for the product!

UPCOMING EVENTS

.
Dec 12 (Sat): Winter Mirage- Toronto
08:00pm AND Vending with Sarah Skinner merchandise.
Trinity College, 15 Devonshire Place, Toronto, ON M5S 1A0
.
Feb 04 (Thu): Sarah Skinner Veil Workshop- New York City
Veil workshop by Sarah Skinner. More information
.
Feb 07 (Sun): Sarah Skinner Veil Workshop- Delaware
12:00pm-03:00pm Veil workshop by Sarah Skinner. Kirkwood Fitness & Racquetball Clubs (1750 Kirkwood Highway, Newark, DE 19711) in Newark, Delaware area. More information
.
Feb 07 (Sun): Shimmies for a Cure - Delaware
08:00pm This 2 1/2 hour performance is a benefit for Breast Cancer Research. More information Casablanca Restaurant in New Castle, DE.
.

ShakeMyDay.com Come and enjoy belly dance photography by Sarah Skinner.

From SADIE & KAYA (CO):

November 30, 2009
Kaya and Sadie's Winter 2010 Bellydance Class Schedule
A time for Thanks....

www.kayaandsadie.com

Hello Dancers and Friends,

As we gear up for the holiday season and a brand new year, we wanted to extend another big "Thank You" to all our sponsors, fans, family and friends for all the support this year. We still have some spectacular workshops planned for December 2009 in Taiwan.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled, dance-packed 2010, beginning with our 8-week Beginning Bellydance Class Session, starting January 4 through February 22, 2010.

We have also confirmed dates for our "6th Annual Summer Workshop Series" in Denver, CO, USA--July 16,17 and 18, 2010! Mark your calendars, workshop details to be announced!

We hope all of you have a warm and blessed holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

Many Blessings,
Sadie & Kaya

8-week Beginning Bellydance Class

Monday Nights
January 4, 2010 through February 22, 2010
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
$96 for 8-weeks or $15 for Drop-in
Location: The Colorado Academy of Ballet
1278 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203
http://maps.ask.com/maps?a1=1278+lincoln+street&a2=Denver%2c+CO&o=13992&l=dis

Advance Registration:
Please send check or Money Order to Kaya or Sadie to:
P.O. Box 2506
Englewood, CO 80150-2506
Questions?
Please send an email to:
sadie@sadiebellydancer.com or kaystarlight@gmail.com

Call: Mariel @ (720) 341-4817

Remaining 2009 Workshops with Kaya and Sadie

Please contact workshop sponsor for details:

DECEMBER 2009
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
December 12th & 13th, 2009
Contact: Violet Lee cc79558@yahoo.com

Treat Yourself....

Order your copy of our instructional DVDs "Pop, Locks and Shimmies" or "Pops, Locks and Shimmies 2," just in time for the holidays!
Order directly via our websites:
www.kayastar.com www.kayaandsadie.com
www.sadiebellydancer.com

Sadie & Kaya · P.O. Box 202411 · Denver · CO · 802220

From ASHARAH (VA):

Greetings dancers and friends,

I hope that your holiday season is starting well! I've got some news... In the coming months I'll be moving from the Washington, DC, area to Columbia, South Carolina. I'll be joining Delirium Tribal and Columbia Alternacirque, teaching weekly classes, and continuing to travel the world to teach and perform. I'm very excited about my move and new company and family in Columbia, but I will miss my DC family very much!

In other news... here are my upcoming events. Don't forget that you can still buy Asharah t-shirts, tanks, and babydolls (although I have VERY few babydolls left!), as well as my instructional DVD, on my website: http://asharah.com/merchandise/

Have a very happy holiday season and hope to see you soon!

Best,
Asharah

December 3, 2009, Columbia, SC

Performance with Delirium Tribal: Mingle and Jingle on Main Street!
Mingle & Jingle on Main is a continuation of eyewear shop Frame of Mind’s Art Series held the first Thursday of every month. The event is a holiday themed block party that will include various visual and performing artists including artists Jean Bourque, Virginia Scotchie, Stephanie Britt, Eileen Blyth, Howard Hunt and the Village Artists, and many more… and of course, Delirium Tribal! The fun starts at 6:00pm. For more information, check out the Facebook Event page.

December 12, 2009, Arlington, Virginia
Saffron Dance Winter Gala
Come see Asharah’s performance class along with a variety of other wonderful performances by the students and faculty of Saffron Dance. Tickets and information at Saffron Dance’s website.

• • • 2010 • • •
January 10, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Workshop: An intro to Modern Tribal Bellydance
Come out to the Chesapeake bay for a day of dancing with Asharah and Kostana. Asharah will be teaching an introduction to her signature tribal fusion style, and Kostana will teach a workshop on foundations for Turkish 9/8 and taking Turkish Romani steps to to the stage. Chesapeake Beach (Northeast) Community Center in the Exercise Room, 4075 Gordon Stinnett Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 (right near the Water Park). To register, e-mail Carmen at BellyDanceSchool@Comcast.net

4 to 6:30pm: Special technique workshop with Asharah

January 23, Columbia, South Carolina

Benefit for the Columbia Alternacirque home studio
Although we’re still finalizing the line-up, this will be one rockin’ show. Join Asharah, Delirium Tribal, and Columbia Alternacirque for an evening of dancing, music, and mayhem. Proceeds from the door will go directly to fund a home studio for Columbia Alternacirque. Art Bar, 1211 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. More details to be posted soon!

February 25 – 28, Atlanta, Georgia
Workshops and performance at TribalCon
A three-day convention of dance and music! I’ll be teaching a special workshop on the Salimpour legacy and how Jamila and her daughter Suhaila have influenced and shaped tribal belly dance. Other instructors include Ariellah, Heather Stants, Megha Gavin, Donna Mejia, Jennifer Speiden and more! Register for this amazing event here!

March 4 – 7, Pomona, California
Workshop and performance at Gothla US!
Come celebrate the darker side of belly dance with a host of fabulous teachers and performers! Three days of dark and gothic-inspired performances, workshops, and of course, shopping! I’ll be teaching my popular “Dancing Your Demons” workshop, and performing on Saturday night in the gala show. For registration and more information visit the Gothla website.

Saturday, 9:00am-11:00am – Dancing Your Demons

March 20 – 21, Milan, Italy
Workshops and performance at Gothla Italy!
Asharah and Morgana will be teaching and performing at Gothla Italy this March! The festival weekend includes twelve hours of instruction with the two of us as well as professional performances and an open stage. For registration and more information visit the Gothla Italy website.

Friday, 2:00pm-5:00pm - Technique Intensive for tribal fusion bellydance.
Saturday, 2:00pm-4:00pm – Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks
Sunday, 11:00am-1:00pm – Danse Mécanique

April 24, Charlottesville, Virginia

Workshops and performance hosted by Fire in the Belly
Friends and fellow dancers of Fire in the Belly are bringing me to Charlottesville, Virginia, for a weekend of workshops and performance! Watch this page for more details, or visit the Fire in the Belly fan page on Facebook.

--
asharah - modern tribal bellydance
www.asharah.com
703-405-5410

"More excitement, less fear." - Neil Peart

--

From FRANKEE SUNSHINE (MD):

http://frankeesunshine.eventbrite.com/

Contact Frankee Sunshine Productions Inc. for event and ticket information.

Frankee Sunshine Productions Inc. Presents REMEMBER THE TIMES: GREAT KINGS & QUEENS *Coat & Shoe Drive (Adults & Children)*
Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ET)
Where
Harmony Hall-John Addison Concert Hall
10701 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

Event Details
This Multicultural Celebration recalls the great leaders of History, Mystery, Legend and Lore! We will take you on a multi-continental journey through the annals of time, mythology and oral traditions. Our Narrator will whisk you away to the days gone by and introduce you to the Regal Parade of Kings & Queens, rulers of vast dynasties, along with their Courts, Tribes, and Clans. There will be something for everyone, we will meet someone we never knew, learn a new fact or two and absolutely be transported to the re-creation of another era in the multicultural memories of many civilizations.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Braindance: Emergence

2009-12-15T00:35:55Z

Devoted to creating experimental, intellectually-motivated artistic
works, Brain Dance is a collective of bellydancers striving to move
the art form out of the cabaret and into the theater. With this new
show, Brain Dance presents some of the biggest stars of the DC fusion
bellydance scene coming together to inform, express, and invent.
Think you have a definition of all that bellydance can be? Think
again!

Featuring performances by:
Anisa
Ariel
Asharah
Belladonna
Eugenia
Mavi
Samantha
Shakra
&
Shems

8pm
January 9, 2010
Jack Guidone Theater
5207 Wisconsin Ave NW DC
Tickets $20 advance, $25 at the door
http://eugeniadance.com/brain-dance/

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Extensive Bellydance DVD Collection For Sale: Take one, a few, or all!

2009-12-08T12:08:44Z

I have a great collection of bellydance DVDs I need to sell. These are all in excellent condition and come in the original DVD case. I'm selling them for

$10 for each single title, or

$8 each for up to 3 titles, or

$6 each for 4 or more!

*plus $2 shipping fee for one, and $1 each for 2 or more (U.S. only--International shipping will cost more depending on location, please email for details.)*

Package Deal: If you'd like to purchase my entire collection of 31 titles, I'm selling the entire lot for $130, plus $20 shipping. That's only $4.20 per DVD!

Here are the titles I have:

“Bellydance Arms & Posture” with Rachel Brice Bellydance Superstars DVD
“Tribal Fusion Bellydance” with Rachel Brice Bellydance Superstars DVD
“Contemporary Bellydance & Yoga Conditioning” with Ariellah World Dance New York DVD
“Tribal Drum Solo Choreography” with Zoe Jakes & Issam Houshan Bellydance Superstars DVD
“Tribal Fusion Bellydance” with Sharon Kihara Bellydance Superstars DVD
“Modern Tribal Bellydance” with Asharah World Dance New York DVD
“East Coast Tribal” with Sera World Dance New York DVD
“Fluid Precision: Contemporary Tribal Bellydance” with Kassar World Dance New York DVD
“Shakra's Industrial Strength Dance Workout” World Dance New York DVD
“Evolution: Tribal Bellydance Performances” Featuring Kami Liddle, Zoe Jakes, Elizabeth Strong and more!
“Bellydance Superstars: Solos from Monte Carlo” Featuring Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Jillina, Sonia, and more!
“Bellydance Superstars” The first DVD, featuring Rachel Brice, Ansuya, Jillina, Suhaila Salimpour and more!
“Bellydance Superstars Live in Paris at the Folies Bergere” Featuring The Indigo, Rachel Brice, Jillina, Ansuya and many more!
“Underbelly: A Year In The Life of Dancer Princess Farhana” Autographed copy!!!
“Gothic Bellydance” World Dance New York DVD
“Gothic Bellydance: Revelation” World Dance New York DVD
“Fat Chance Bellydance: Tribal Basics Vol. 1 Dance Fundamentals”
“Fat Chance Bellydance: Tribal Basics Vol. 3 Zils”
“Tribal Technique Vol. 5: More Intermediate Moves!” by Paulette Rees-Denis and Gypsy Caravan
“Tribal Technique Vol. 6: Tribal Styling” by Paulette Rees-Denis and Gypsy Caravan
“Basic Rhythms for Arabic Drum” by Uncle Mafufo (Shira gave it a 5 star rating!)
“Art of Fire: Fire Bellydance 101” with Fire by Riz
“Dances of India: Ancient to Modern” with Meera, Akasha Productions DVD
“Dances of India: Bollywood to Bollydance” with Meera, Akasha Productions DVD
“Dances of India: Urban Bhangra Bounce” with Meera, Akasha Productions DVD
“Dance of the Kama Sutra” with Hemalayaa, Acacia DVD
“Bellydance Jam” with BellyQueen, Amar Gamal and Kaeshi Chai Bellydance Superstars DVD
“Indi-Hop Series with Neena & Veena: New Moves, Great Grooves” BellyTwins DVD
“The Goddess Workout: Veils” with Dolphina
“The Goddess Workout: Finger Cymbals” with Dolphina
“The Goddess Workout: Warrior Goddess” with Dolphina

For more information or to request photos, email me at zivah_serpentina@yahoo.com
I prefer payment through PayPal and will ship within 3 days of payment receipt. If these are not sold within a week or so, I'll be putting them up on ebay, my user name there is rokonin.

Thank you!
~Zivah

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

ALIMAH (WA) Wins the 2009 BELLYDANCE NATIONALS COMPETITION

2009-12-06T14:08:15Z

To say it was pretty close from all of the 13 performers in the day's last competition would be a stretch, but I can damn well say that overall talent level of those who entered was as good as a live showing anyone would be proud to have, especially for a 1st time out.
Alimah, who believe it or not is a mother of 2, only bellydances once in a while when she gets the chance to (because she's a damn good violin player in an Arabic band called Saltana Band of Seattle), and has a nice raw balance of physicalitry, dedication and beauty (think Hilary Swank meets Rachel George) overwhelmed Charm City in all of her competitions throughout November 21st, and fitting took the final category of the day, the 1st 2009 Bellydance nationals Competition's BDNC-National Champion category, held at the BWI-Hilton just outside of BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (which is a sneeze outside of Baltimore).

In any competition, especially a ''major'', you know you have one shot to execute judes' peak of interest as well as favor of audiences. Alimah, having the excellence of being in a band and watching bellydancers for years and a dedicated teacher in her own right, dazzled (if not bedazzled) all with a heart-pounding Isis Wings opening, adorned in a blend of orange bra/belt with shny beading from top to hipdress and her Isis wings a complement of carnation in flight. Her dancing was clean, crisp and full of energy and emotion (one who has had many lessons on use of facial expressions during her entire efforts today) It didn't matter if she was standing in place, moving around the stage or displaying her layering skills in floorwork, she displayed even better what the judges and the audience with scorecards in their heads was craving for, a ''perfect package'' of defined professionalism and character that justifies the tiara and trophy belonging to her, and did so with authority as proof by her earth-rattling drum solo finale to her routine-the hip isolations (standing and leaning to the floor and back up were joyful) and earth-rattling shimmies with a dash of playful giggling and encouragement of the audience.

It would only be fitting when Alimah comes back in 2010 to pass on her crown and new legacy that has been started by the BDNC in Baltimore, that she gets to both bellydance AND invite her Saltana Band members to come and hear them all play together, if not have them play for her while dancing.

As of the voting announcements (the BDNC website will make it official very soon), Baltimore's SHEMS showed why she's one of the area's best gems, being rewarded for her textbook classic style of cabaret bellydancing as if she was dancing in one of the area's finest restaurants by finishing 2nd--adorned in a medium pink bra/belt and veil with matching sleeves. A woman that makes good of a shimmy as any1 in her own right, her well-rounded frame carved every eye with slow sensuous movements to her opening cabaret music option and bettered herself with excellent locks and isolations of hips for her brief drum solo. She was the 1st bellydancer to go in this category, and set the bar high for all others (of which I learned that the ladies in the pre-registering phase drew numbers from 1 to 13 of wh would go 1st).
DC/Maryland's Zaira of Indra Lazul, and one of the area's most defined and dedicated dancers to the Egyptian bellydance today took 3rd place AND won the Miss Congeniality award channeling downtown Cairo tonight with a jaw-dropper of a combined routine that was solid in technique, attire (black and silver trim bra/belt) and her standing shimmies was superb by far. Alanah (we'll get the correct spelling later when the official results are up) was 4th.
Shems also won the Josephine Baker BDNC Award for her representation of dedicated artistry overall (she's also a fine art and painting genius who has had her works displayed throughout the Baltimore area).
Alimah also won the Solo Artist (accumulating most points in all competitions in the day) and the People's Choice Award.

Performers In Order of Appearance: Shems (Baltimore), Vivica, Mary, Alimah (WA), Athena, Zaira (DC/MD), Deidre, Melody, Massah, Annwyn, Ina, Alanah, Thalia (Baltimore).

BRANDON'S OASIS ''THIRD EYE VIEW'' of the 2009 BDNC Nationals:
1) Alimah (9.90) 2) Athena (9.875) 3) Massah (9.825) 4) Zaira (9.775) 5) Shems (9.75) 6) Ina (9.725)
========================================================================
Granted, this was my 1st ''judging'' from the audience of a bellydance competition, and it was a learning experience for me as well as everyone else involved. I thought Athena (who killed it in lime green and her multi-ethnicity and golden skintone was refreshing) and Massah (a gorgeous full-bodied vision of youth and grace who looks skilled well beyond her years and age dressed in black) were overshadowed and overran, if you will, by experience on this night, but don't sell short thir efforts, and has the makings of future competition champions down the road.
Both displayed liquifying moments of visual enjoyment (Athena's abdominals and can't take your eyes off her bellyriing during her rendition of ''Shik Shak Shok'' and Massah's earthquaking of her body in her drum solo and pinpoint use of the entire stage and synchronized movement across it) I had my sleepers in the evening, and they were it. Neither was ''Alimah-like'' to take 1st place, but as equally worthy of the accolades given to others in the evening.
Zaira and Shems had their years fo dedication proudly punctuated with the hardware they collected on Saturday. How wonderfully fitting that Zaira (due to Kostana having to leave before the Jewel of the Nile-LOTUS Award of Lifetime Achievement winner was announced due to a gig at Cazbar Restaurant downtown) accepted the award for FATEN SALAMA (VA) , whose dedication to Egyptian bellydance from its basic foundations was almost equally fitting--she and Shems, as well as hundreds, if not thousands of Faten's students almost start crying when speaking of her being their teacher. She retired from performing earlier this year at the Amir Thaleb gala show back in April, and her continued tutorial guidance will keep her a local legend in this area for many more years to come. Kostana is beaming with smiles right now as well, being one of Faten's best friends and confidants.
The young bellydancer in a ballarina's body named Ina (going on ear with the spelling), who looked European(Russian) in angel white bra/belt displayed another fresh outlook that showed promise also. With a few more adjustments to timing and energy in her drum solos, she'll do very well in the future.
But it WAS Alimah's night to shine. It's a good thing events like this bring dancers toether and offers new friendships, because Alimah will need help getting all those trophies won today and tonight to her car and back to Seattle. :)

A nice shoutout to Mary (GA), who adorned in a green/gold full bedlah dress that showcased her million-dollar hips offered a modern Egyptian effort that would make the purists smile (and her Grits Raqs....yeah, you heard correct...) got 4th place in the BDMC-Nationals Troupe, and Annwyn (NC) displayed a nice, professional-caliber presence throughout the entire day and her angelic white full bedlah dress/gold trim with drape and matching headband, showing her wide range of finesse of the stage area.

I went in to this entire day, much less the BDNC Nationals, recusing any local attachments to many of the dancers. I took every bellydancer as being from out-of-town and wanted to make my own judgements be a sunbiased as possible. Grading on a scale of 9.0-10.0 (going on stage presence, attire, energy, techniques used, prop use (if any), number of moves in routine, audience participation and reaction (when visible) and musical selection(s) and artistic synchronization to it....), only .25 seperated the winner from 5th place, and the fact that I got Shems and Zaira in my Top 5 makes me very happy. But it does bode well, even though many of the judges tonight were outside of the Baltimore/DC area, that the local showing was as strong in their eyes.
I think it also bodes well for the fact that Alimah and Shems spent most of the day performig in other categories and visualizing themselves with the judges, ''layering'' a mental resume' in their heads and for their eyes of what to expect from them for the Nationals category (just imagine if any of the ladies of Bellydance Soulfire would have entered as a soloist, how difficult THAT vote would have gotten?) :)

It also bodes well in saying that previous experience does stand out, and I'm sure many of the judges were well aware of the standout legacy of the former JOTNP finding amazing new talent (of course that was when the winner would go out and kick ass at the BDUC-Bellydancer of the Universe Pageants held in Long Beach in February). Alimah did that, but seeing Shems and Zaira follow right behind is a plus, but Athena and Massah's efforts were equally up there. It also says tons that Shems' effort, going 1st, stood that strong throughout the entire competiton, but that's Shems for 'ya. Overall though, I like how my overall selections turned out, and getting the winner makes it all worth while. :D

BFJ 11/22/09.
http://www.bellydancenationals.com

OTHER WINNERS (analysis to come...)
**=correctly selected the winner myself...
===============================

JUNIORS: J.C.
PROPTASTIC: Shems (Baltimore)
ALTERNATIVE FUSION SOLO: Naimah (Baltimore)**
ALTERNATIVE FUSION TROUPE: Gypsy Fusion (Annapolis)**
MASTERS: Thalia (Baltimore)
NATIONALS TROUPE: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)**
NBDC SOLO ARTIST: Alimah (Washington)

Other Awards:
NBDC SHIMMYLICIOUS: Bellydance Soulfire (Oregon)
JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: Shems (Baltimore)
BDNC LOTUS AWARD: Faten Salama (Virginia)

Congrats to Lotus Niraja and the NDC troupe for a year-long, butt-busting, dedication to bringing this event to Baltimore and adding a gem to the many gems that alredy existed in this town, and to Alexandra Ahnide, who was the originator of the JOTNP before it became the BDNC, held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for many years and for trusting Lotus's guidance and class to deliver the sportsmanship and technical merits any bellydance competition waould expect to have.

BTW, to learn more on this talented winner of the 2009 BDNC:
http://www.alimahdances.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 6 replies

DECEMBER's Bellydancers of the Month :D

2009-12-01T01:26:35Z

BELLYDANCE SOULFIRE (OR)
2009 BDUC Champions--Group
2009 BDNC Champions--Nationals Troupe
http://www.bellydancesoulfire.com
http://www.sedonaraks.com (Sedona)
http://www.claudiabellydance.com (Claudia)
http://www.divinebelly.com (Ruby)
http://www.sambali.com (Shara)

Gave one of the finest 1st time performances of a troupe I can remember and left an infinite impression on the baltimore crowd with their jaw-dropper, standing ovation-worthy performance at the Bellydance nationals Competition. Hard to find a group of dancers that synchronize and click togetehr step-by-step and move-by-move. They put the fire in ''Soulfire'', and each lady has a unique, diversified dance style that each brings together and blends seperately when they need to. One of the few bellydancers/troupes who can say they've won a bellydance competition on the East and West coasts, beware the middle of the US, they're coming to a compo near you! :D

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

THE SKYE'S THE LIMIT: Aveyanda Skye (HOL) Wins 2009 Oasis Honors :)

2009-12-01T00:27:07Z

THE OASIS HONORS: 2009 FINALS!! :D
**THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VOTED THIS YEAR!! :D
=============================================
THE OASIS HONORS 2009 CONGRATULATES:
Aveyanda Skye (Holland)
http://www.aveyandaskye.com

THE OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2009 CONGRATULATES:
Bozenka (Florida)
http://www.bozenka.biz

THE TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2009 CONGRATULATES:
Zafira Dance Company (Pennsylvania)
http://www.zafiradance.com

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NOVEMBER BellyHappenings...

2009-11-30T23:58:55Z

From SAFFRON DANCE (VA):

Director's Note

Happy Fall dear Saffron friends! Since our last communiqué, the trees have been spiced with the rich gold, orange and purples of a perfect Saffron Season. It's been an incredibly exciting time with lots to share. Following a feature in the national publication, DANCER Magazine Saffron was honored as a finalist in the DC/Dance Metro Awards at the Kennedy Center in the category of "Best New Emerging Group/Performer."

Just last week, Saffron welcomed a whole bunch of new Saffron students in our Belly Dance Crash Course! We are just starting the 2nd week of this series, and are thrilled with the positive responses so far.

This weekend, Faten Salama, Nourhan Sharif and Saphira team up again for another BEST OF THE BEST Belly Dance Intensive – perfect for the new dancer! We have a few spots left and it is not too late to REGISTER.

Save the Date for Saturday, December 12 for Spice of Life, Saffron's Winter Dance Concert presented at the beautiful Gonda Theatre in the Davis Center of Performing Arts at Georgetown University. Tickets will be available shortly.

As you can see, it's shaping up to be a vibrant, colorful season and we promise to keep things lively and interesting here at Saffron –No time to rest – must keep shimmying!

From my heart to your hips,

News
Saffron Featured Article national dance publication, DANCER. [PDF]

Mark your Calendar
October 30-31
Best of the Best
Beginner’s Intensive Workshop

November 13
Belly Bash @ Club Babylon
Faculty Performances & Live Band

November 14
Crash Course Series Part 2
Begins (Nov. 14 – Dec. 19)

November 23-29
Thanksgiving Week Break
Studio Closed – No Classes

December 12
Spice of Life Winter Dance Concert
Gonda Theatre, Georgetown University

December 22
Winter Break Begins – Studio Closed
No Classes

January 4
Winter Session Starts

Visit SaffronDance.com for details

From TELESMA BAND (MD):

Greetings Telesma family!

We're exited to announce our winter "TELESMA:VISION" show schedule!
This series of visionary art collaborations will surely be some of our most exciting performances to experience.

We're honored to be creating music and art with such amazing beings, we hope to see you there!

~peace~
TELESMA

http://www.telesmamusic.com/

TELESMA:VISION Events:

Saturday Oct. 31st
Halloween @ The new CoSM Art Sanctuary (Wappingers Falls, NY)
"Deities & Demons Masquerade Ball".
Featuring live painting by Alex & Allyson Grey
Music by Telesma, Incus, Club d'elf, Psylab
8pm-2am
$30
18+
http://www.cosm.org/
46 Deer Hill Rd Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Friday Nov. 6th
FaerieCon @ Hunt Valley Marriott (Hunt Valley, MD)
"Good Faeries Ball"
http://www.faeriecon.com/
Array yourself in your most beautiful faerie finery, don your wings, gather your friends and family and cross the threshold! Once inside, you will find the largest gathering of faerie artists and authors in the world who look forward to meeting you, amazing, magical apparel, beautiful jewelry, mysterious masks, handmade crafts, fashion shows, performers, musicians, storytellers, exhibitions, panel and workshops.
245 Shawan Road Hunt Valley, MD

Saturday Nov. 14th
Lost Symbols @ The Wind Up Space (Baltimore, MD)
"One People, One Planet, Hon! Hidden Meanings of Common Symbols"
http://www.21stcenturyradio.com/

Dr. Robert R. Hieronimus will present a slide show and demonstration on the Hidden Meanings of Common Symbols in conjunction with a performance by TELESMA at The Windup Space on 12 W. North Ave. in Baltimore on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

Decoding the reverse of America’s Great Seal as a symbol for the God within and the connection to higher consciousness has been the life work of Hieronimus. (He first contacted the State Department about that mysterious eye and pyramid on the one dollar bill in 1968!) Thanks to the best-selling ability of Dan Brown, tens of millions of readers are now being introduced to Hieronimus’s work in the form of Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol. On November 14th, Baltimore music fans and art lovers will hear a personal explanation of how our nation’s most common symbols ultimately point to the same thing: unity, balance, and attaining a state of higher consciousness. Learn how to decipher symbols for yourself. Next door in the large warehouse space there is also the opportunity for attendees to paint their own symbolic artwork.

After his presentation, Dr. Hieronimus and assistants will create symbolic mural to the transformative music of TELESMA

Selections of Hieronimus’s 40 years of symbolic art will be on display at The Windup Space from November 1 through December 31, 2009. Also on display will be selections from the rock and roll celebrity photographs of Stuart Zolotorow. From Brooks Robinson to Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Willie Nelson, Zolotorow has photographed and published some of the legends of popular music and sports. Cultural heroes and mythology are essential to the health of stable society, and Zolotorow’s photos of our contemporary heroes remind us all to aim for the stars and that our purpose in life is to change the world.

Afterward, Knowledge (Soul Mob Productions DJ) will bless the decks till 2am.

A portion of the proceeds to benefit Station North Arts & Entertainment, Inc., a nonprofit organization.

Sponsored in part by the Mill Valley Cultural Arts Umbrella, Inc. and Umbrella Radio http://www.umbrellaradio.org and Joe Squared Pizza.

More info: 410-356-6216 info@21stcenturyradio.com

Tickets:

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85400

Saturday Dec. 19th
The 2nd Annual "Visionary Solstice Gathering"
Live Art Event @ SONAR
http://www.baltimoresolstice.com/
At 8pm on Saturday, December 19, Baltimore's 2nd Annual Visionary Solstice Gathering begins! The show features a special 2 hours of live painting by world renowned visionary artists ALEX GREY and wife ALLYSON GREY to the transformative psychedelic rock music of TELESMA. Fans will be able to see the paintings as they unfold on large projection screens. All three rooms will feature visual performances including live body painting and aerial contortionists complimenting the ultra-violet performance art of ARCHEDREAM FOR HUMANKIND.

MUSICAL TALENT
TELESMA
C.I.A. (Featuring members of The Disco Biscuits)
SEE I (Featuring members of Thievery Corporation)
ROB PAINE & Lee MAYJAHS
KNOWLEDGE & DJ WHO
UNCLE JESSE
AGENT MAX
ALIGNING MINDS
LOGO

More talent TBA...

VIP Tickets

VIP tickets include special admission to Alex Grey’s spoken word performance and artist’s talk on his recently published book Art Psalms, as well as exclusive stage access with bar service during his performance.

Brought to you by ecosumo.com & Soul Mob Productions.

Sonar
407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21202 / phone: 410-783-7888
Tickets: $30 / $50 VIP (includes 7pm early admission to Alex Grey's spoken word and access to special side stage lounge with bar service during his painting) http://www.sonarbaltimore.com/

From KAYA AND SADIE (CO):

October 30, 2009
Kaya and Sadie's Winter 2009 Bellydance Class Schedule
A Quick Reminder:

www.kayaandsadie.com
Hello Dancers and Friends,

This is just a quick REMINDER that we are starting a NEW
5-Week Beginning Bellydance Session
this coming
Monday, November 2, 2009!
We hope to see you there!

Many Blessings,
Sadie & Kaya

Details Below:
5-week Beginning Bellydance Class

Monday Nights in November
November 2nd, 2009 through November 30th, 2009
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
$60 for 5-weeks or $15 for Drop-in
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Denver&state=CO&address=700+East+Speer+Blvd#
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHANGE IN LOCATION
Location: 700 East Speer Blvd, Lower Level (PerfectTeeth Building), Denver, CO, 80203 USA
Once you enter into the Perfect Teeth building, go down stairs. The studio is located next to Moda Models and Talent.Free parking on site.

Advance Registration:
Please send check or Money Order to Kaya or Sadie to:
P.O. Box 2506
Englewood, CO 80150-2506
Questions?
Please send an email to:
sadie@sadiebellydancer.com or kaystarlight@gmail.com

Call: Mariel @ (720) 341-4817

Remaining 2009 Workshops with Kaya and Sadie

Please contact workshop sponsor for details:
NOVEMBER 2009
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
November 7th & 8th, 2009
Contact: Ramah Aysel ramaysel@yahoo.com

DECEMBER 2009
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
December 12th & 13th, 2009
Contact: Violet Lee cc79558@yahoo.com

3rd Installment of "Pops, Locks and Shimmies"--

"Pops, Locks and Layers," to be released soon! Please check our websites for updates!

www.kayastar.com www.kayaandsadie.com
www.sadiebellydancer.com

Sadie & Kaya · P.O. Box 202411 · Denver · CO · 802220

From SERA SOLSTICE (NYC):

Dear friends, I hope to see you at one (or all) of the events this week!

1) Bewitched Masquerade: Wednesday October 28th (Public Assembly, NYC)
with Raquy and the Cavemen, Copal, Solstice
2) Solstice Studio goes techno: This Friday Night!! Come party with us (Rebel, NYC)
3) Solstice Studio Classes start this week (6th Ave and 39th st, NYC)
4) Sera Solstice teaches and Performs at The Bellydance Academy (Buffalo NY) November 7th (2 workshops and a show)
5) Kai Altair's Record release show: November 13th

___________________________________________________________
Details Details Details
____________________________________________________________

BEWITCHED MASQUERADE
Wed. Oct. 28th
@ Public Assembly [formerly Galapagos]
Williamsburg, NY

featuring:
Raquy and the Cavemen [raquy.com]
Copal [copalmusic.com]
with dancers:
Sera Solstice [boldbellydance.com]
Solstice Ensemble
9p-1a
$10
21+

Enter a "BEWITCHED" world of MASQUERADE revelry, a night of world music and dance performances. Featuring raquy and the cavemen, middle eastern headbanging rock--this night celebrates the release of their 6th album, "Bewitched"; and copal, string fusion with world and deep dance beats, electronic elements, and original melodies rooted in traditions. Also featuring east coast tribal bellydancer sera solstice, and the fierce and beautiful solstice ensemble to add a sense of drama and a tinge of danger.

Come early and stay late for the full experience of the BEWITCHED MASQUERADE: live music to dance to.

Tickets at the door: $10
Suggested attire: mask with proper pompous flair
Arrive by 9p for the complete experience.

Public Assembly
70 N. 6th Street [L to Bedford Ave]
Williamsburg, NY
publicassemblynyc.com

________________________NEXT UP__________________________
Solstice Studio goes Techno for Halloween: With Dr Motte from the Loveparade (Berlin), and Alex Bau (Munich), and the best of Disorient: Reda, The Bass, Friar Tuck, and many more talented DJs to fill a night of dancing. Sera Solstice performs at midnight, with Visuals by Nasha Masha. East Coast Tribalistas: come out to dance! Meet in the main room towards the DJ booth/stage 11:30pm. Our costume: Go-Go-Bellydancer!!! At REBEL: 251 West 30th street, (between 7th and 8th) NYC
Advance tickets: $15 ($25 at the door)!!!!
Get them now:
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?122664

Are you coming? Send us a quick RSVP. If there are enough of us, we may meet at Solstice Studio (around 10:30 for drinks, and then walk over to the club together at 11:30). Come out, Come out, Come out!!!!
_______________________________________________________________________

East Coast Tribal
Classes
at
Solstice Studio
And now we start our final session of classes for the year of 2009. Please send an email to Kathy at info@boldbellydance.com: if you want to reserve (or re-reserve) a spot in class. Please note: Space is limited, there are waitlists for some of these upcoming classes. Please let us know ASAP if you wish to be on the reserved list for the class.

Here is the line-up:
Monday:

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
6-week session starts October 26th: (Thanksgiving break is Monday Nov 30th AFTER Thanksgiving) the session will be extended one week because of the break.)
_____________________________
Tuesday:

Beginner I East Coast Tribal Technique: 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Danielle
Fusion Integration: 9pm-10:15pm, Instructor: Darshan
6-Week session begins October 27th: (Thanksgiving break is November 24th) the session will be extended one week because of the break)

_______________________________________________
Wednesday

Beginner I East Coast Tribal Technique: 6:30-7:40, Instructor: Jessica
Beginner II East Coast Tribal Technique: 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Danielle

6-Week Session begins: October 28th (Thanksgiving break is November 25th) the session will be extended one week because of the break)
_______________________________________________
Thursday:

Intermediate II East Coast Tribal Technique: 6:30-7:40, Instructor: Sera Solstice
Beginner II East Coast Tribal Technique: 7:45-8:55, Instructor: Sera Solstice
6-Week Session Begins: October 29th (Thanksgiving break is November 26th) the session will be extended one week because of the break)

_______________________________________________
Saturday:

Beginner II East Coast Tribal Technique: 12:45-1:55pm, Instructor: Brenna
Beginner I East Coast Tribal Technique: 2:00-3:10pm, Instructor: Noelle
East Coast Tribal Technique DRILLS: 3:15-4:25, Instructor: Danielle
Dark Tribal: 4:30-5:40, Instructor: Jezebel
6-week session begins: October 31th (Thanksgiving break is November 28th) the session will be extended one week because of the break)

________________________________________________
Coming in November:

_______________________________________________

2 intense workshops, followed by a show. All in one day: November 7th in Buffalo, NY
http://www.thebellydanceacademy.com/bellydanceeventsSERA.htm

_______________________________________________________________________

AND: You are gonna love this!!!!!! (If and only if you happen to get a ticket before it sells out!!!)
Friday, November 13th:

Friday, November 13th:
Location: The House of Yes
342 Maujer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Price $10.00
(get your tix--they're gonna go fast!!!):
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87656
Description
Launch Party for Kai Altair's debut EP: "Star of The Sea"
Featuring:Veronica Varlow, Sera Solstice, Lady Circus, Nik Sin, The Reverend Burke Heffner, Joey Nova, Copal, Paris Graphics + Output

Dress Code: high priestess, ancient Egypt, Atlantis, druid, gypsy, witch, warlock, dark faerie, midnight mermaid, moon god/goddess

Thanks for reading!!!

In Dance,
Sera Solstice
Founder/ Director
Solstice Studio

posted in Bellydance Nation - 6 replies

Roma dance with Simona Jovic & gypsy musicians

2009-11-23T10:38:57Z

ROMA DANCE FROM THE BALKANS WORKSHOP WITH SIMONA JOVIC AND ROMANI MUSICIANS
Paris, December 5th and 6th, 2009

You will learn the authentic gypsy dances with Simona Jovic, like they are danced in the romany celebrations !

We know very few things about those dances that the Roma are dancing with each other in the south of the Balkans. Hard to see on stage, they are oftenly replaced by fanciful dances with coloured skirts !
Far away from this, on this course, you will learn the authentic gypsy dances, like they are danced in the romany celebrations. No agitation, no jerky move of skirts, no cry. A controlled dance, noble and graceful, expressing a great joy, but soberly ! Accompanied by her romany musicians, Simona Jovic will make you travel in the heart of the gypsy traditions of the Balkans ! Not to be missed !

Price : one day : 65 € / two days : 120 €
Location : Studio Blanca Li, 7 rue des Petites Ecuries, 75010 Paris
Workshop's date: December 5th and 6th 2009
Time : From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Level : All levels
Accessories : Provide wide trousers and an handkerchief
Bookings : www.romanobersh.com, rromaorganization@gmail.com

Simona Jovic'es short biography:

Grown in Serbia, Simona Jovic has lived in the romany culture since her childhood. Her dance originates from the gypsy traditions of her country,from the parties and the weddings she had attended to since her childhood, and which had became her greater dance school !
Since her early age, Simona Jovic has been interested not only in the romany dance of the Balkans, but also in the variety of gypsy dances all over the world. She has undertaken an exceptional anthropological trip leading her within the world, in the heart of the nomad traditions of Asia, Africa, Europe and America.
This work of transcribing oral memory and its handling down have propelled her quickly on international stages. She performs with her romany musicians from the Balkans, and together they make discover the wealth of their culture, of their songs and dances. This collaboration had been followed since 2007 by the director Bruno Decharme, and the result is the « Arakhipena » movie, that will be released in 2010. Simona Jovic has been called several times by the romany and international press « the Romany Ambassador » and the « International number one of the gypsy dance ».

www.simonajovic.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SAFFRON DANCE (VA): ATS General Skill Certification by CAROLENA NERRICCIO, February 18-21, 2010

2009-11-23T01:19:57Z

http://www.saffrondance.com/events/index.html

20-Hour ATS General Skills Certification
Presented by Carolena Nerriccio
Director of Fat Chance Belly Dance and Originator of American Tribal Style

When:
February 18-21, 2010
Fri., Feb. 18 2 – 9 pm
Sat., Feb. 19 1 - 8 pm
Sun. Feb. 20 1 - 8 pm
Mon. Feb. 21 10 am – 5 pm

Where:
Saffron Studios
3260 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(Clarendon Metro Orange Line)

Certification Fee:
$875**

Deposit* ($300) required to confirm attendance.
Payment in full due by February 1, 2010.

*Deposits and payments are NOT REFUNDABLE.
**Installment payments are available.
Contact info@saffrondance.com for details.

About Weekend:
Join Carolena Nericco for a 4-day 20 hour intensive workshop. The weekend will present all 70+ steps from the FCBD ATS vocabulary along with cues, formations, lead and follow, chorus, floor work, music theory for ATS and functional anatomy for dance. Participants must attend all 20 hours, no exceptions. Each day includes 5 hours of dance and a lunch or dinner break. Participants must
have 6 months Dance experience ATS, Tribal, Tribal Fusion or Oriental Dance. Certificate awarded upon completion.

Accommodations:
Please email jen@saffrondance.com for a list of hotels in the local area. We are also pleased to offer a limited number of local studio families willing to host traveling dancers. If you are interested in lodging with a host family, please let us know when you pay your class deposit.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

To The Veterans: THANKS.

2009-11-11T23:48:17Z

Period. And, stay safe and sound...

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SAFFRON DANCE (VA) presents BELLYBASH @ ALADDIN's 11/13th

2009-11-08T14:43:41Z

http://www.saffrondance.com/events/index.html

Events & Workshops

Upcoming Workshops

Belly Bash @ Aladdin’s

November 13, 2009
Live Music by Hischam, Nabil and Mohcine
Featuring: Katrina, Kostana, Mayyada Sabri, Suzana & Saphira

Note: New Venue
4245 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
(Ballston Metro)

Doors Open: 7:30 pm
Belly Dance Show: 8:00 pm
Open Dance: 9:00 pm

$15.00 Online Purchase
$20.00 At Door

Cash Bar & Full Menu Available

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

UPDATED: THE INDIGO with ZAFIRA in PITTSBURGH, PA--Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-08T14:40:48Z

http://www.zafiradance.com/lsr.html

The Rex Theater Venue link
1602 E Carson St. Pittsburgh, Pa 15203
DIRECTIONS and PLACES TO STAY
http://www.rextheater.com
*************************************************************

Tickets:
$15 in advance/ $20 door (paypal fees added)
over 21/ unless accompanied by parent
(prebought tickets will be waiting at the Rex Theater Box Office)

Featuring:
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINERS

The Indigo!

Your Hostesses: Zafira Dance Co (featuring NEW WORKS!)

The Amazing Local Talent of: Phat Mandee as Emcee

*************************************************************

Friday Nov. 27 Balkan Dance Party!
More info soon!

************************************************************
* NO REFUNDS UNLESS EVENT IS CANCELLED*

http://www.zafiradance.com/indigoworkshops.html

WORKSHOPS: BYS YOGA Studio link
1113 E Carson St. Pittsburgh, Pa 15202
DIRECTIONS and PLACES TO STAY
(status of calss fill as of 11/8/09):
*************************************************************

FRIDAY~ November 27 -NEW! Workshop SWITCHED!
****12:30-2:30PM
Rachel Brice: Wkshp 1 - Drilling the Fundamentals
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)

SOLD OUT!
****3-5PM
Mardi Love: Wkshp 1- Sweet & Saucy Combos
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)

*************************************************************

SATURDAY~ November 28
****12:30-2:30PM
Zoe Jakes: Wkshp 1 - Shimmy & Spin!
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)SOLD OUT!

****3-5PM
Mardi Love: Wkshp 2 - The Besh O Drom Choreo
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)

*************************************************************

SUNDAY~ November 29 - NEW TIME CHANGE!
****2-4PM
Zoe Jakes: Wkshp 2 - Pops, Hits, & the Art of Isolating
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)

SOLD OUT! ****4:30-6:30PM
Rachel Brice: Wkshp 2 - Drum Solo Improvisation
~$50/ $60 (Oct.16)

SOLD OUT!

*************************************************************

Click here to find out more about The Indigo
http://www.rachelbrice.com
*************************************************************

* NO REFUNDS UNLESS EVENT IS CANCELLED*

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SUHAILA!! BALTIMORE(Brooklyn Park, MD) 11/14th

2009-11-08T14:35:27Z

http://www.sestraluna.com/workshops.html

Suhaila Salimpour Workshops
& The Second Annual Sestraluna Show

Saturday, November 14th, 2009 (Show)
Doors Open at 6:30, Show Starts at 7:00

Join us for a fabulous show featuring Sestraluna and some of our area's finest dancers including Naimah and Anisa. Plus Suhaila's assistant. Performances include cabaret, tribal, fusion and Kung Fu!

~~~~~~~

Workshops, Saturday November 14th, 2009

Registration Begins at 10:30
Level I Technique 2-Hour Workshop 11:00-1:00 pm

Registration Begins at 2:00
Egyptian Choreography 3-Hour Workshop 2:30-5:30 pm

Workshops, Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Layering Taqseem Combinations 2-Hour Workshop 11:00-1:00 pm
Registration Begins at 10:30

Hard Rock Fusion Choreography 3-Hour Workshop 2:30-5:30 pm
Registration Begins at 2:00

Chesapeake Arts Center
194 Hammonds Lane
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

Saturday Workshops

Two Workshops for $130
Sunday
Workshops
Two Workshops for $130
Both Days of Workshops (4) plus Show
Four Workshops plus show for $250
Show Only
$30

If paying by check or money order please contact Typhrodisia by email or phone (443) 848-7807

There is plenty of parking. Studio is behind the building, the last door will have Chesapeake arts center on it.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

WINTER BELLY JAM (Wyncote, PA) with Asharah & Belladonna--11/14th

2009-11-08T14:32:53Z

November 14, 2009 - Belly Jam w/guest dancers Asharah & Belladonna!
http://www.tribalbellies.com/events.htm

Open to dancers & musicians of all styles & levels...non-dancers welcome as well! Plenty of open floor dancing. Visit our vendors in the Souk for costume delights. Costumes encouraged!! Come dance the night away, or just sit back and enjoy!

When: Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 7:00 to 11:00pm

Where: Calvary Presbyterian Church, 217 Fernbrook Ave, Wyncote, PA 19095-1508 (click HERE for directions)

Cost: $10.00 per person - $5.00 children & seniors

Performances starting at 7:30pm by Hipnosis, Tribal Spirit, Luna Muse, special guests Asharah & Belladonna, and many more!

Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!

For printable flyer click HERE.

...and...

November 14 & 15, 2009 - Workshops with Asharah & Belladonna

Two alluring instructors... one hot weekend! Hipnosis is excited to be hosting two of DC's most prominent Tribal Fusion dancers... Asharah & Belladonna. This is a weekend not to be missed!

Asharah - Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks: Tricks to Mechanize your Movement
Saturday 12:00-2:00pm (Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above)
Inspired by robots, experimental electronic music, and poppin’ and lockin’, Asharah has integrated mechanical movements into her expressive tribal fusion performances. In this workshop, Asharah will lead students through an intense warm up and then will show students how to break down traditional bellydance movements such as vertical hip figure-8s, shoulder rolls, torso undulations, turns, and arm waves into smaller and sharper parts to give your performances a robotic and creepy edge.

Belladonna - Fusion Fragments
Saturday 2:30-4:30pm
These Saucy tribal fusion combination's are good for everyone! Funky and Fun mini choreographies are great for group or solo improvisation as well as a start to building your own choreography. Inspired not only by traditional belly dance, they fuse Modern, Industrial Hip Hop, Jazz and classical world dances to bring you a belly dance style as unique as the 21st century.

Asharah - Danse Mécanique: Elegant Movement for Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Sunday 12:00-2:00pm (Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above)
This workshop will help you refine your technique and add elegance to your bellydance movement. While clean and sharp technique is an essential part of the tribal dancer’s repertoire, grace and polish are equally, if not more, important for conveying expression and feeling from the stage to the audience. Asharah will lead students through an intense warm-up that will prepare the body for fluid arm-work, well-defined isolations, and dramatic extension. We will drill smooth bellydance movements and hard contraction movements. Asharah will also lead students through foot and hand exercises to help participants gain a greater sense of poise and grace.

Belladonna - Sword Stylization
Sunday 2:30-4:30pm
Belladonna is a master of the sword dance. She is well known for her double sword work & her un-dulled scimitar balancing. Let her guide you through using your sword as a partner and infuse strength and purpose into your sword work. Swords are for more than just balancing – they can be sensual and powerful partners. Information on the basics of choosing a sword that is right for you, care, techniques, and/or choreography. Some belly dance experience recommended, knee pads suggested.

Where: Asplundh Field House, 2775 Buck Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009

Cost: Single class = $40 / Full day Sat or Sun = $70 / Entire weekend = $120
(non-refundable unless workshop is cancelled)

Registration: Click HERE for registration via Paypal, or send a check or money order paypable to: Vikki Williams, 33 N Lincoln Ave, Newtown, PA 18940

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DISCUSSION: Dealing With A ''Negative'' Reaction?

2009-11-03T13:52:49Z

Q: I can't imagine it ever happening t any1 here, but has any1 ever seen a bellydancer perform in which she was booed or heavily criticized by the audience after her routine was finished? Considering most dancers today are those performing to get their ''dancing chops'' wet in the public venue arenas, I like to think the critique meters are turned down as low as they can go...but there's that one unfortunate circumstance where a dancer has a bad outing, and to make matters worse, rubs the audience the wrong way (hopefully not, of course).

has it ever happened to you or someone you know or saw happen to some1 else?

what safeguards does one take (especially seconds after) to even lessen the blows delivered, help
that dancer shake it off and move past it and keep a positive outlook?

feedback and follow-up ?'s welcomed...
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Jill Parker, 5 Days in Houston, TX!!!!

2009-11-02T20:18:49Z

5 days with Jill Parker in Houston, Texas

January 2010
*******
Y. E. Torres

along with

Silvia Salamanca

Ballam Bellydance & Well-Being

bring you

A 3-Day Immersion with Jill Parker in Houston, Texas

January 2010
What:

An Intimate 16 Person Three Day Long Immersion with Jill Parker!

Join us for an amazing, entertaining, fully integrated dance immersion.

In this immersion you will experience Jill’s technique drills, stylization, philosophies, musicality, improvisation, coaching for creating original combinations, as well as the importance of understanding classic belly dance and folkloric styles. This is a great opportunity to learn, grow, immerse, have fun, meet new people, expand your community, bond, and get to know Jill.
Who:

JILL PARKER is an international, award winning instructor, choreographer and director. Jill is the "Mama of the modern tribal fusion bellydance movement", an original member of Fat Chance Belly Dance, director of The San Francisco Foxglove Sweethearts, Ultra Gypsy, Djun Djun, and a frequent collaborator with Theater Flamenco. With 20 years of experience, she has trained many top dancers in the genre. Jill's big heart and deep love for this form shine through in her inspiring classes and intoxicating performances. She is an exceptional teacher with a knack for demystifying this sensuous dance making its techniques accessible to new dancers, while offering tremendous insight for refinement and breakthrough to advanced dancers. She has an amazing wealth of knowledge, is a warm teacher, has a very giving nature, and an easy to understand approach. Jill is exceptionally gifted in breaking down information for optimal learning, and great at honing in and giving you what you need to grow.

With Assistant Tessa Myers
Lecture Topics:

Lineage/history of tribal belly dance

Business sense, ethics and community building

Integrity, self-care and healthy body image

A day in the life! -

Wednesday :: 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Thursday :: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Friday :: 11:30 am - 6:30 pm

18 hours with a one-hour lunch break each day

= 15 hours of instruction

Where:

Our 3-day immersion will be held at the beautiful studio of Silvia Salamanca –

Ballam Bellydance & Well-Being

1245 Height Blvd.

Houston Texas 77008

www.silviasalamanca.com/
When:

Wednesday, January 27th to Friday January 29th

How:

Sign up at www.eventbrite.com/event/449900665

For questions regarding the workshops contact Tessa at foxglovesweetheartsbooking@gmail.com

For questions regarding travel, food and hotel needs contact YET at YET.Torres@gmail.com
Cost:

$475 :: this includes 15 hours of workshop and lecture

*******
Y. E. Torres

brings you

2 Days of Public Weekend Workshops with Jill Parker in Houston, TX

January 2010
Saturday, January 30th 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

:: Jill Parker Original Choreography ::

Come and learn a Jill Parker Original Choreography

Space is limited to 25 students to ensure individualized attention

Cost:

$60

Sunday, January 31st 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

:: Jill's Drills & Juicy Combos ::

It goes without saying that Jill is an unparalleled teacher and innovator in our field. She has a knack for breaking down material in a clear, fun, focused & easy to absorb manner. In the Drills & Juicy Combos workshop, Jill offers insight into her trend setting approach to belly dance through the use of energetic technique drills and stylish combinations designed to support your technique and performative skills. Class will begin with yoga & conditioning created for you to bring into your own practice, safely building muscle awareness, isolation, flexibility, grace & postural alignment, ever important elements of stunning performance.

Space is limited to 40 students to ensure individualized attention

Cost:

$45

Where:

Our 2 days of public workshops will be held at home of the innovative FrenetiCore Dance –

Frenetic Theater

5102 Navigation

Houston Texas 77011

www.freneticore.net
How:

Sign up at www.eventbrite.com/event/449900665

For questions regarding the workshops contact Tessa at foxglovesweetheartsbooking@gmail.com

For questions regarding travel, food and hotel needs contact YET at YET.Torres@gmail.com
Price list for 5 days of events with Jill Parker:

3-Day Immersion only :: $475

Saturday Workshop only :: $60

Sunday Workshop only :: $45

5 day package :: $530
*******
EXTRA EVENTS!!!
Saturday, January 30th

We will be having a show featuring Jill Parker and Tessa Myers of Foxglove Sweethearts!

Curated by Y. E. Torres

Details coming soon!!
Sunday, January 31st

Q & A with Jill Parker & Tessa Myers

We are please to announce this unique opportunity to speak to Jill and Tessa about their experiences as artists within the Contemporary movement of Belly Dance.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Open to the Public
Please contact YET at YET.Torres@gmail.com for questions regarding vending, performing or volunteering at these events.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NOVEMBER Birthday Gobble Gobbles... :)

2009-11-02T02:56:24Z

Monica Fernandez (CA) 11/1st
Narah Bint Durr (WV) 11/1st
Phoenix 11/2nd
Lisa Zahiya (NC) 11/6th
The Indigo's Mardi Love 11/9th
Belladonna (VA) 11/19th
Yasmine (NC) 11/20th
Natalie Brown (SC) 11/21st
Rauquy Danzinger (NYC) 11/24th
Ruta (MD) 11/30th
Mher of Hollywood Music Center (CA) 11/30th

...that's one crowded table. Any1 Ekse? :)
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

NOVEMBER's Bellydancer of the Month

2009-11-02T02:54:36Z

JENEVIEVE (CA/NV)
http://www.serpentinesorceress.com

Started out in modern bellydance (and a proud Greek lady, I hear), she has crossed over and found her niche in the gothic realm of the art form, and has some of the most intense rolls and flutters as a soloist in the gothic fusion genre going on today. Her YouTube ID is also serpentinesorceress, and those who remember her from her early days will be shocked to see how much muscle mass she's put on since then, she's a physical powerhouse to behold. :) recently performed at the '09 LVBDIntensive, and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2010.

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OASIS HONORS 2009 FINALS-November 1-28 :D

2009-10-31T18:11:12Z

Now that Yahoo!Geocities is RIP, I'll try and put up a new Oasis page thru my Google site later on this year (although navigating the pages suck vs. Yahoo's), but the finalists are listed on the homepage anyhows.
============================================================================
Voting Starts: 11/1st @ 12:01am ET
Voting Ends: 11/28th @ 11:59pm ET
Winner(s) Announced: 11/29th--TBA (late afternoon or evening)

OASIS HONORS 2009 FINALISTS:
Kybray Corr (MEX)
http://freewebs.com/kybray
Aveyanda Skye (HOL)
http://www.aveyandaskye.com

OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2009 FINALISTS:
Petite Jamilla (AL)
http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/petitejamilla
Bozenka (FL)
http://www.bozenka.biz

TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2009 FINALISTS:
Zafira Dance Company (PA)
http://www.zafiradance.com
Gypsy Caravan (OR)
http://www.gypsycaravan.us

Congrats to all finalists and to those who have casted votes since June and will continue to do so this month as well..
B. :)

BRANDON'S OASIS' NEW Web Address:
http://sites.google.com/site/brandonsoasis

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OCTOBER's Trick or Treaters with Birthday Candles :)~

2009-10-25T11:29:15Z

BDSS Kami Liddle 10/8th
Indigo's Michelle Campbell 10/22nd
BellyQueen's Amar Gamal 10/27th

Any1?
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 4 replies

OCTIBER BellyHappenings....

2009-10-25T11:27:35Z

From AUNT ROCKY (NYC):

Hi There, my Dancing Darlings:

After a marvelous, successful seminar/concert tour in China, we have *3* great events coming up!!!

1) *WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 STARTING at 7pm

AT THE LAFAYETTE GRILL
MOROCCO'S MONTHLY MARVELOUS
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN MOMENTS!!!

PRESENTING
Morocco's professional
& student dancers:

RONA
SHEMS
NAJMA
JADANA
AMANDA
NABILAH ZAHIRAH
TORKOM
MALIKA ZUBEIDAH
KARIMA NADIRA
TARIK
& MOROCCO

PLAN ON ATTENDING!!!

NO COVER OR DOOR CHARGE!!
$15 food/ drink minimum
COME RIGHT AFTER WORK & ENJOY

THE LAFAYETTE IS AT
54 FRANKLIN ST
(betweeen Broadway & Lafayette,
3 blocks south of Canal St)
212-732-4449

SEE YOU THERE!

& at:

2) YASMINA of CAIRO'S MUST-
ATTEND 2-DAY SEMINAR

Don't miss this AMAZING opportunity! DON'T DELAY!!!
Dance off that turkey dinner at a great seminar. Morocco presents the fabulous

YASMINA of CAIRO
IN HER VERY FIRST US/NYC TWO-DAY SEMINAR

Saturday, November 28, 2:00-6:30pm
Yasmina's Modern Cairo style: Technique & Combinations, breaking down movements to reveal the secrets of the streamlined look of today's stars.

Sunday, November 29, 11:30-4pm
Fun pop Saidi to "El Sah Endah Embou" by Dominique (cheeky)
(1/2 hr break each day - bring a snack)

$80 @ day/ $90 at door (if available)
both days: $150/ $165 at door (if available)
***add 3.5% to pay by PayPal ($158/ $83)

Morocco's marvelous studio is at
6 West 20th Street - 2nd floor
(between 5th & 6th Avenues)

Register NOW! You'll be glad you did!
e-mail: morocco@casbahdance.org to reserve your spot, then either mail a check to Morocco
6 west 20 St - fl 2
NY, NY 10011

OR pay by PayPal at http://www.casbahdance.org/VIDEO.htm
Scroll down & mouse on the "PAY ONLINE" button
Your spot is certain ONLY when payment is received.

FLYER ATTACHED ...

YASMINA of CAIRO

Yasmina, 'The English Rose of Cairo', has studied, performed and lived the world of oriental dance for more than 25 years. Discovering the form in Morocco in 1983, she began training in London with various teachers, and performed in many of the capital's Arab nightclubs during the late 1980's. Then she began accepting contracts abroad, including India, and an eighteen-month tour of Italy. In 1989 Yasmina began performing regularly in the Middle East, leaving London to dance full-time. Starting with a six-month stay in Morocco, a fitting return to the place where her original passion had been kindled, she danced in many Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Syria and Jordan, before arriving solo in Egypt in the summer of 1995.

Redirecting her style to modern Egyptian with the help of Raqia Hassan and Ibrahim Akef, she quickly secured a contract at the Meridien Heliopolis, where she performed nightly for 3 years. Yasmina has remained in Cairo ever since, appearing with her orchestra at major Cairo venues such as Safir, Pyramisa and the Semiramis Intercontinental hotels, the Nile Maxime, Tivoli Heliopolis, as well as hundreds of weddings and parties in Cairo and around Egypt.

For the past ten years Yasmina has travelled to teach at sold-out workshops and festivals world-wide, and continues to perform and to study the dance, firmly believing that "it is an ongoing journey of discovery from which you never stop learning." She is a founder member of the Farha Tour, a traveling Egyptian show which has so far toured the UK twice. This is her US/NYC debut!

In 2002 she gave birth to her son, Azzedine, and has widened her cultural understanding of Egypt by coming full-circle and incorporating her original training into her life; she works as a photo-journalist in Cairo and writes regularly for several Egyptian and foreign publications. Her deep knowledge and immersion into the local oriental dance culture enriches her teaching. Add to that her ability to break down and explain the movements in English.

Yasmina says: "The day I was swept away by the sounds of Egyptian music and took my first steps down the road of oriental dance, I could never have imagined where that road would lead. To me, this dance has brought much joy, fulfillment, and depth of self-expression, as I believe it has and will do for countless others."No matter how small or great a part it plays in your life, it is always life-enhancing and ultimately good for the soul."

Saturday, November 28, 2:00-6:30pm: Yasmina's Modern Cairo style: Technique & Combinations
breaking down movements to reveal the secrets of the streamlined look of today's stars.

Sunday, November 29, 11:30-4pm: Fun pop Saidi to "El Sah Endah Embou" by Dominique (cheeky
(1/2 hr break each day - bring a snack)

$80 @ day/ $90 at door (if available) both days: $150/ $165 at door (if available)
***add 3.5% to pay by PayPal ($158/ $83)

Out-of-towners: cheap, safe, nearbyhotel list on request

& at:

3) MOROCCO'S MUST-ATTEND
4-DAY FOLK FEST JAN. 8-11, 2010

by popular demand, I'm doing it just ONCE more - for those devotees of the real folklore who can only come in January:

Because YOU asked me for it:
another FUN, FABULOUS
FOUR-DAY FOLK FEAST!
in NEW YORK CITY

Real *folklore*:
2 different SCHIKHATT routines:
TRADITIONAL & MODERN
TUNISIAN SHABA routine,
GUEDRA & ZAR
of course ALL, with extensive
backround/ cultural information
& some VIDEOs/ DVDs

ONLY time it will be offered in this format!

the TRUTH will set your dance FREE!!!

MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
Get your dancing skills ready to show you off better wherever you dance!
For New Inspiration and Excitement!

a Casbah Dance Experience

at Morocco's marvelous BIG Studio in the heart of New York City
6 West 20th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues) - 2nd floor

only $350
$150 deposit (non-refundable)

Technique & Choreography
Limited Places - Reserve Early!!!

5 hours daily

9:30 am - 3:30 pm
in climate-controlled studio

Scheduled:
3 usable *authentic* folkloric routines
by Morocco, a teacher/ researcher/ performer
who's *really* been there, done that
from the beginning!

Seminar Music CD and Choreography Sheets
for the dances are Included

Certificate of Seminar Completion included!

REGISTER NOW!!! PAY ONLINE!!!

http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm

Yours in dance,
Morocco

e-mail: <morocco@casbahdance.org>
web: http://www.casbahdance.org
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqHFey-RJM
New York, NY

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Register NOW for a Fabulous Weeklong Seminar
in my great BIG studio: August 8-14, 2009
http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 VALERIE/STUDIO 1831 (PA):
http://www.studio1831.com

Hello, everyone.

For the week of Oct. 3-10 ONLY, Studio 1831 has some schedule changes:

Pilates classes are cancelled 10/5 & 10/8
Saturday Body Conditioning classes are cancelled 10/3 & 10/10

YOGA SUBS:

Kiri will be teaching the following Yoga Classes:
Sat. 10/3 11 am
Mon. 10/5 6:15 pm
Wed. 10/7 6:15 pm
Thurs. 10/8 10 am

Claire will teach on Tues. 10/6 at 10 am
Marilyn will teach on Sat 10/10 at 11 am

BELLYDANCE CLASS SUBS:

Maura will teach on Mon. at 7:45 pm
Kiri will teach on Wed. at 7:45 pm

The schedule will return to normal on 10/11/09.

From ONCA/BARAKA MUNDI/TRIBORIGINAL (NC):

Cozy Community on an Epic Scale!

TribOriginal: Tribal Dance, Music & Culture Camp October 8-11, 2009, in Hendersonville, NC

TribO is almost here. Can you taste it?

Nights have been cool, days sunny, & the mountains magical. Goodies are laid in, the musician's cabal is planning nocturnal festivity, & the decor committee is stockpiling pretties for our chill-out lounge & classroom spaces. New this year on Thursday night look forward to some casual get-to-know-you time with camp games with Alison, gypsy body care with Logan, & fabulous henna with Wendy Mehndi!

The total class line-up is still evolving to reflect the talents of the TribO family. Current schedules will be available onsite. Bring your email confirmation to speed up entry to the fun. We are still accepting new registrations at the gate. Carpool if you can for the good of the site & the planet overall.

Check the website for a suggested packing list. Oh, & folks...don't forget bedding!

See you in six days...
~Onca

www.triboriginal.org, 828 232 2980

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

Hipnotech - October 23rd in Toronto

2009-10-15T17:04:13Z

Business as Usual proudly presents our inaugural bash: Hipnotech, October 23rd

Featuring:

Rosanna McGuire [Business as Usual | www.cleoflaptra.com]

Rosanna returns to Sounthern Ontario after spending 2 years studying and performing in San Francisco. There, she studied with a who's who of bellydance: Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour, FCBD, Jill Parker, Zoe Jakes, Rachel Brice, Mira Betz, Cera Byer, and Amy Sigil. In California, Rosanna also had the opportunity to expand her movement repertoir outside of bellydance, into vinyasa yoga, breakdance, house, and locking. She is known for her unique interpretation of tribal fusion, incorporating elements of vintage jazz dances as well as hip-hop, while referencing traditional styles of Middle Eastern dance. Rosanna continually strives to dance outside of her own box, and fully admits to having dance ADD.

Musical support from:

JD Mack [Business as Usual | Opulent Temple]

Opulent Temple heavy hitter JD Mack (aka Nick McAlister) steps in with his blend of bass heavy dancefloor stompers - everywhere from slamming breaks to slamming techno (see a pattern developing here?). Having played around the world from Bondi Beach to Burning Man (along side DJ Dan, Christopher Lawrence, and Carl Cox to name a few), JD is once again getting ready to unleash the best on Toronto's unsuspecting victims.

G Cue [Raw Soul]

Gerard Valdez, aka G Cue, has been playing his own brand of chunky, funky house in Toronto and surroundings for years and is a major threat on the decks. He is cofounder of Raw Soul and a regular at underground house jams put on by Nine, Boogie Inc., and Bounce. Gerard has been djing for 16 years of his life, learning and being inspired by Toronto locals as well as visiting stars like Mark Farina and Derrick Carter. Gerard has also played Harvest Festival, Promise Cherry Beach parties, Circa, and Footwork, to name just a few of his musical appearances and milestones.

Doors 830pm, First set at 930, Second set at 1030pm. Bring your dancing shoes.

$10.60 advance ($10 + paypal fee), $15 at the door if available, $5 after the bellydance performance (around 11:30). $10 virtual tickets available for me in person or by snail mail. I will not be issuing ANY paper tickets. You will receive email confirmation and just provide your name at the door. Tickets available at www.cleoflaptra.com

Held at Labspace Studio in the east end.
2A Pape Ave. at Eastern Ave.
Accessible by either the Queen Streetcar (24 hour), or by 72 Pape from Pape or Union Stations (runs 5am-1am on Saturdays)

Spaces are also still available in Rosanna's first weekend workshop intensive. This is an extremely rare, first time, maybe never again opportunity to study with one of Canada's most creative and technical tribal fusion dancers. For more details, please visit www.cleoflaptra.com

Friday October 23rd (Aurora Live Studios, 392 Queen Street E)
12-2pm: Yoga and fast technique.
Following a vinyasa warmup, we're going to drill drill drill. We'll be working on improving quality and speed of hip and upper body movements and adding footwork. Multiple level options will be given. Bring a towl and be prepared to sweat.

230-430: Technique contin. and flexibility training
More sweating. We will take advantage of our supple, warm muscles to safely and effectively increase our flexibility. We will be discussing techniques and practices specifically for helping those of us who were not born flexible!! Do you stretch and stretch but don't see any improvement? This is for you.

Saturday October 24th (Mad For Dance 263 Adelaide St. West)
1230-230: Fusion, movement invention, and creating choreography
We will be doing a combination of discussion and exercises on fusing dance styles, expanding your movement vocabulary, and creating solo choreography. Participants should bring "ideas in progress" for fusion, movements, and choreographies and be open to group discussion. This workshop is geared for dancers who either want to start performing solo, who want to improve their current solo choreographic work, and also for those who want to break out of using only a specific set of movements.

3-5: Flapper fusion
My dance-baby: a combination of vintage jazz dance and bellydance, completely fabricated from my own imagination. I will be teaching this style as an example of the principles discussed in the earlier workshop. Don't know what on earth this could be? See my video from Tribal Fest 2008:
www.youtube.com/watch

Sunday October 25th (Mad For Dance 263 Adelaide St. West)
12-2: Funk styles for bellydancers - Funkifying your bellydance and bellydancifying your funk.
We will be going over how to utilize bellydance technique to create illusory effects in popping, contracting different muscle groups to create a hit, breaking down boogaloo rolls in bellydance terminology, and flipping arm waves inside and out. I will also be discussing different dance styles that are commonly performed with popping, and the distinction between popping and locking.
www.youtube.com/watch

230-430: Slow technique and flexibility.
This technique section will focus on drilling SLOOOOOOOWWWWWLLLLLLYYYY. We will also be doing yoga and other excercises to work on balance. We will end with more stretches (expanding on what we did on Friday).

430-5: Questions and wrap up

Cost
$240 before Oct 16
$45 per half day

Send registration via paypal (fees included in cost above) to blueberrysouffle@hotmail.com Registration will shortly be available via my website. For snail mail registration, contact me for a mailing address. You can also register in person at my classes or events. Class size is limited so register early to guarantee a spot. No refunds, but it is partially or fully transferable (ie. another dancer can take your Friday workshops if you can't make it).

Rosanna
www.cleoflaptra.com
cleoflaptra@gmail.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Roma dances performance / workshop in the States

2009-10-07T14:32:57Z

Hi everyone,

I will be in United States in January 2010 (first going to New York). If you wish to organize a workshop or/and a performance of the romani dances, please let me know as soon as possible at simonajovic@gmail.com

Best wishes,

Simona Jovic
Belgrade, Serbia

Professionnal performing artist - dances and music of the Roma
President of the Cultural Organization "Rroma of the world"
www.simonajovic.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

2009 OASIS HONORS: October's FINAL FOURS :)

2009-10-03T18:38:38Z

http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html
http://sites.google.com/site/brandonsoasis

Voting: 10/1-10/24 (due to GeoCities shutting down on the 26th)
Send votes to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com

=========================================
THE OASIS HONORS 2009 FINAL FOUR:
Amy Sigil (California)
Kybray Corr (Mexico)
Rachel Brice (California)
Aveyanda Skye (Holland)

THE OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2009 FINAL FOUR:
Ava Fleming (Arizona)
Petite Jamilla (Alabama)
Sonia (California)
Bozenka (Florida)

THE TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2009 FINAL FOUR:
Zafira Dance Company (Pennsylvania)
BellyQueen Dance Theatre (New York)
Solstice Dance (New York)
Gypsy Caravan (Oregon)
==========================================

Thanks to all who have voted and continue to do so....
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NINA AMAYA (MD): SHIMMY IN THE TROPICS-COSTA RICA, February 6-14, 2010

2009-10-03T14:18:53Z

http://marylandbellydance.com/ninaamaya/party.php

On the Beach, in the Rainforest, on a River: Cabaret, Tribal Fusion and Hula Fusion, February 6-14th, 2010

Join Naimah, Nina Amaya and Typhrodisia in a tropical paradise for a Belly Dance Vacation!

Relax and rejuvenate in a wonderful tropical paradise. Nourish your spirit and your body with amazing an belly dance practice. Put your day to day life on hold, give yourself the gift of fun, relaxation and new friendships.

Three teachers, a beautiful beach, a pool... come study, or just hang out, with Naimah, Nina Amaya and Typhrodisia! Naimah is a modern tribal fusion dancer- check her out on YouTube! She will work you in her drill class, teach a cutting edge choreography, and her favorite tribal combinations. Nina Amaya is a professional dancer and event organizer. Nina Amaya specializes in Vintage American Cabaret Style, and will teach dancing with the silk veil, a group choreography to perform at the beach party, and how to dance like a Star. Typhrodisia will teach a Hula Fusion class, her favorite combinations, and using your facial expressions as a layer in your dance. We will have parties at night, and cover Special Topics, dependent on interest, like how to host a community hafla, or how to structure your music in a set, how to ethically and effectively market yourself as a performer or teacher.3There will be plenty of down time each day for exploring the beach, the river, your mind.....
Costs:

Early bird rate: $975- $1495 (dependent on choice of lodging) includes a stay in the San Jose hotel upon arrival, in-country transportation to and from the retreat, and all your meals and classes while at the retreat. You will need to pay for your own airfare to and from Costa Rica, a $28 airport tax when you leave the country, your meals before we reach the resort, alcohol, tips and souvenirs, and any 'extra' activities you choose:
Surf Lessons, Waterfall Repel, Tree Climb, Dolphin Watch and Boat Tour , Kayaking, River Nature Hike, Spa services: Jungle Facials/ Scrubs/ Wraps, Acupuncture, Massage!

WHAT TO BRING
(Avoid over-packing, don't carry more than you can comfortably lug around.)
Your up-to-date passport!
Good flashlight and extra batteries... LED headlamps are best.
Shoes that can get wet, like all terrain sandals or sneakers.
Beach towel
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Bathing suit
Cap or hat
Lightweight long pants and shirt
Yoga mat
A costume for the dance party!
a notebook
a video camera- video will be allowed
How do I sign up?

1. Send a nonrefundable deposit by check for $300 by October 31st to lock in the early rate and reserve your spot. Send to Nina Amaya, 1020 Regester Avenue, Baltimore MD 21239. Balance due December 10th. If paying in full before October 31st, take another $50 off the price.
If you would like to PAYPAL your deposit, there is a button on my classes page on the left hand of the screen.

2. Choose your housing: ***Thatched tent housing with 2 single beds: 4Double occupancy: $975 per person (we will assign you a roommate if you choose this and come alone), Single occupancy: $1275 These are specially designed for comfort in the tropics. The thatched roof will keep you dry and cool, while the transparent ridge on top lets light in. They are equipped with beautiful screened Moroccan style tents whose special fabric allows good ventilation and guarantees sweet dreams. Each tent platform has a cozy porch to relax on. All bungalows have a private adjoining open air shower with a nearby shared bathroom facility. Each one has two single mattress beds.

***Housing in a beautiful house! $1495
Casa Playa Sombrero, Casa Troya and Casa Rio Sombrero. The houses have more amenities than the jungle tent platforms, lights, etc. Write for more information. If you choose this option, we will assign you to a house. Non-dancer rate: take $200 off the price. Children under 12, $500 5The spacious beachfront property has been landscaped with much care to promote privacy and welcome wildlife. We have an open air dance platform, 8 thatched-roof tent platforms, and 3 houses: Casa Rio Sombrero, Casa Playa Sombrero and Casa Troya.6 During retreats all meals are included. A big brunch, a light lunch and a great dinner! The cuisine is light and delicious with an emphasis on fresh produce. The staff prepares daily local specialty and world recipes using local ingredients. Throughout the day there are teas, coffee, fruits and juices available. February 6- We arrive in San Jose, and stay the night in a hotel there in the capital. 7We will go out partying, or you can rest, as you please. In the morning, on the 7th, we will travel south through beautiful Costa Rica in a comfortable bus, getting to know each other and stopping for lunch along the way and arriving at the retreat, Boca Sombrero. We'll spend our time frolicking and dancing, some of the time structured, and some of the time free. You will have the opportunity to take at least three classes from each of the three teachers. We will spend a day 'off' as well, taking a trip to see the local area, etc. There will be a closing party on Friday night with performances. On Saturday the 13th we will bring you back to San Jose, and you can be home on Sunday, February 14th to reunite with your valentine, or you can choose to extend your trip on your own!

Site design by Habibi Hon.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Drum Solo with Nanna Candelaria - belly dance

2009-10-01T21:09:29Z

Nanna explains the fundamentals in optimizing and maintaining full and lucid shimmies, clear crisp accents, fast paced footwork, and exhilarating rhythmic combinations. A thorough breakdown of basic movements is intended to introduce the steps to beginning dancers. And a
sophisticated approach to subjects such as muscle control, proper alignment, and proper distribution of strength aid in defining and perfecting movement for dancers of all levels.

This DVD ultimately teaches a full drum solo choreography with a drill section of each component to aid in your progression towards a new level of dance.
To purchase go to: https://www.createspace.com/272946

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OCTOBER'S Bellydancer of the month

2009-10-01T08:41:09Z

FATIMAH (PA)
http://www.phillyraqs.com
http://www.fatimadance.com

She is to Philly and South Jersey what I've tried to be for bellydance in the Dc area, and her site (and info on it) has grown by leaps and bounds in just the last couple of years alone. And, a damn good dancer, too. Helped put together the hafla earlier this year bringing Aziza (OR/CAN) to downtown Philly. :)

B.

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SEPTEMBER BellyHappenings....

2009-09-29T00:00:08Z

From MIRAMAR (VA):

Today is the last day to sign up for Sat. class, Gainesboro, Va

starts tomorrow!!! See below for info. on registering. Pay by phone with credit/debit card.

Miramar's Comings and Goings

www.BellydanceWithMiramar.com

September 4, 2009 Update on Fall Class Enrollments

R.S.V.P. to Miramar@bellydancewithmiramar.com

REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ALL CLASSES - PLEASE FIND

STATUS OF EACH CLASS BELOW IN RED!

POSSIBLE NEW STEPHENS CITY LOCATION - SUNDAY EVENINGS - E-MAIL OR PHONE IF INTERESTED!

Openings in classes: Mondays, Tuesdays,

Wednesdays, Saturdays

(Sunday's class in Cross Junction has been cancelled at this time)

Fabulous Fall Fantasy -

(Martinsburg location only)

BellyBasics – Only $89 for 3 months! Or $33 a month

Nile Nymphs & Palace Pearls – Only $119 for 3 months! Or $43 a month

Limited Time Offer - extended to 9/11 (payment must be postmarked by that date)

afterwards add $5 if still available

Parks and Recreation Classes – Wednesday and Saturdays – see fees below.

FALL 2009 SCHEDULE

Click on anything underlined takes you to the right webpage.

MONDAY EVENING DANCE CLASSES at Centre for Positive Living, Martinsburg, WV

BOTH CLASSES ARE HAPPENING!!! NEW STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN BELLY BASICS CLASS.

REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 9/11 Friday

Int. Level (Nile Nymphs) 6:30-8:00 pm (Time has been adjusted)

(Make-Up classes: Monday BB)

Enrollment: 2 students, Barbara, Cathy Fabulous Fall Fantasy, Renee (paid Sept)., Lisa D., (2 months Sept/Oct.)

R.S.V.P. (awaiting payment,) Carol, Kitty C. (paying first night of class)

BellyBasics 7:30-8:45 pm
(Make-Up classes: no make-up classes at this time)

Enrollment: 2 students paid – Cheri W., Laura P.

R.S.V.P. (awaiting payment) - Rebecca F.,

Dropping in: Phyliss K., Bobbi W,

Fabulous Fall Fantasy Dates: Sept. 14,21 & 28, Oct. 5,12,19 & 26
Nov. 2,9,16,23 & 30

WEDNESDAY EVENING at Evandale Elementary, THIS CLASS IS A DEFINITE GO!!! There is room for more students - sign up now - Registration is extended for this class until Sept. 8!

Rt. 522 S, Winchester, VA

Telephone Frederick County Parks and Recreation to register 540-665-5678

Beginning Level (Belly Basics) 7:00-8:15 pm
(Make-up classes: Saturdays)

Enrollment: 6 students, please email Miramar@bellydancewithmiramar.com so that I will know you have signed up for this class – Parks and Rec. doesn’t provide me with this information until right before the class begins.

First Session: Sept. 9, 16,23,30, October 7 & 14
Second Session: October 21,28, Nov. 4,11,18, Dec.2 (no class 11/25)

THURSDAY EVENING PALACE PEARLS at Sands of Time, (Miramar’s home studio) Rt. 522 North, Cross Junction, VA THIS CLASS IS HAPPENING - DATES BELOW ARE CONFIRMED!!!

Int.-Adv. Level Palace Pearls, Students must have completed Level 3 Tribal Odyssey to join this class.

7:00-8:30 pm, Int.-Adv. Level (Palace Pearls)
(Make-up classes: Mondays)

Fabulous Fall Fantasy Dates: Sept. 3,10,17,24, Oct. 1,8,15,22 & 29
Nov. 5,12,19, (no class Nov. 26 Happy Thanksgiving!)

Enrollment: 4 students (Susan, Donna, Marcia & Kirsta) – This class dates above are confirmed and this class is a definite go!

(Angela attending on the 10 & 17th for TO practice)

GENIE DANCE FOR GIRLS AGES 5-10, Evandale Elementary School, Wed. nights this Fall! Phone 665-5678 to register!

THIS CLASS IS PENDING

NEW STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN - PLEASE REGISTER BY PHONE

Registration is extended for this class until Sept. 8! JUST 2 MORE STUDENTS ARE NEEDED!

Genie Dance 6-6:50 pm for Girl’s Ages 4-10

#2201-R: Sept. 9, 16,23,30, October 7 & 14

Enrollment: 2 students

2201-S: October 21,28, Nov. 4,11,18, Dec.2 (no class 11/25)

Genie Dance: $47 for first child (ages 5-10), $37 each for additional (child)ren

SATURDAYS at Gainesboro Elementary, - SIGN UP NOW! this class is happening!

AND ALSO R.S.V.P TO MIRAMAR

Rt. 522 N., Gainesboro, VA.

Students missing classes may make them up Wednesday nights at Evandale Elementary - so if you can't make the first class don't let that stop you!

REGISTRATION CLOSES TODAY - YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP!

11 am - 12:15 pm
Beginning Levels (Belly Basics (I & II)
(Make-up classes: Wednesdays)

First Session: Sept. 5,12,19,26, Oct. 3, 10
Second Session: October 17, 24, Nov. 7,14,21, December 5
(no class 10/31 or 11/28)

Enrollment: 5 students

Belly Basics: $66 for 1 student, $37 for daughter/or niece ages 12-17 attending with adult

SUNDAYS NILE NYMPHS POSSIBLE NEW LOCATION: STEPHENS CITY, VA - PLEASE E-MAIL IF INTERESTED IN STEPHENS CITY LOCATION EVENING CLASS

CLASS IN CROSS JUNCTINO HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO 0 REGISTRATIONS BUT MAY HAPPEN AT A LATER DATE - PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING CLASS -

International Children’s Festival

An opportunity for students to perform!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Active Living & Recreation Center, Jim Barnett Park

Miramar and Student Performances

Call Miramar at 540-888-4344

Miramar@BellydancewithMiramar.com

www.BellydancewithMiramar.com

From DOLPHINA (CA):
http://www.goddesslife.net

September 2009
Greetings

Dear eGoddess community,

Last night as I was dancing at the House of Blues, a gorgeous woman with a stunning hipscarf told me that it was a dream of hers to come on my annual bellydancing Hawaiian retreat. As I shimmied through the night, I wondered just what does it take to make dreams manifest into reality? I contemplated previous desires and began to break down the steps (click here to read blog) of what made these wishes transform from floating stardust to becoming reality.

I want to see all your dreams come true. I would like you to have the career of your dreams. I want you to feel fulfilled in your life’s goals. I yearn for you all to come to Greece and Hawaii with me! (And I am offering a special September discount and payment plan to help you to achieve this goal… see below). So I am dedicating this newsletter to your desires, wants, dreams and helping you to see them become a part of your day-to-day life.

Blessings,

What's New at GoddessLife

New classes begin in September. Click here for more information and to register.

Read my new blog entries: Making Dreams come true.

Online certification. Register now to become a Goddess Workout Instructor

Retreats – It may seem like 2010 is way in the future, but its only next year! The retreats are beginning to fill up and I am offering a special discount and payment plan this month to get you committed to taking a trip of a lifetime! Come to Hawaii and Greece with me - all the details are below!

GoddessLife 101

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

Lesson #18: Make your dreams come true and turn your goals into reality.

Dreams, wishes, desires, wants, passions, goals, longings, cravings, yearnings that shimmer on luminescent stardust and beyond. Delightful these all are, indeed. Some could actually wake you up each morning; inspiring you to go to a job you loathe. You might find yourself daydreaming about your ideas imagining, “If only…” or “when…” There are at bare minimum 1001 excuses of why you can’t or shouldn’t live your heart’s desires, but one truly good one why you should. It’s YOUR life.

But what actually is the process of making a dream become reality? Click here to read entire blog in which I break it down into 5 simple steps and read how August’s Goddess of the Month danced her way to her husband sending her on the GoddessLife trip to Greece!

Inspirational Goddess of the Month

Name: Emma Warhurst

Living: Hull, UK

Story:

I have been using the Cardio Bellydance DVD for the past three months and I'm really impressed with the DVD and with the Goddess Workout concept. I practice around four or five times a week and I never feel like I have to force myself to exercise because I actually look forward to doing the workout. I can really see the difference that bellydance has made to my body already, especially to my hips, thighs, waist and arms. Dolphina is inspirational and I feel so much better about myself now, not only because I look better (although I do) but also because Dolphina has helped me to have a much better attitude about my body. And as if looking and feeling better wasn't enough, I'm also learning bellydance! I'm really grateful to Dolphina for being such a positive role model for women and I hope that one day I'll be able to take a class with her in person. And to get more, I've ordered the Warrior Goddess ( called Bellydance for Weightloss in the UK) and I'm looking forward to trying it when it arrives.

Favorite Goddess Workout move: hip drops from Cardio Bellydance DVD
Favorite indulgence: designer perfume
Dream job: talk show host

Legendary Goddess of the Month

Oprah Winfrey

No one has faced more obstacles and manifested bigger dreams than the one and only Oprah Winfrey. She is an American media personality, Academy Award nominated actress, producer, literary critic and magazine publisher. Best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk show, it is the highest-rated program of its kind in history. She has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the most philanthropic African American of all time, and was once the world's only black billionaire. This bio is simply the "highlights" of this iconic woman's life.

Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi to a teenage single mother and later raised in an inner-city Milwaukee neighborhood. She experienced considerable hardship during her childhood, including being raped at the age of nine and becoming pregnant at 14; her son died in infancy. Sent to live with the man she calls her father, a barber in Tennessee, Winfrey landed a job in radio while still in high school. She began co-anchoring the local evening news at the age of 19. Her emotional ad-lib delivery eventually got her transferred to the daytime talk show arena, where she boosted the third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place. She then launched her own production company and it became internationally syndicated. Credited with creating a more intimate confessional form of media communication, she is thought to have popularized and revolutionized the tabloid talk show genre. By the mid 1990s she had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, and spirituality.

In 1985, Winfrey co-starred in Steven Speilberg's epic film adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, The Color Purple. She earned immediate acclaim as Sofia, the distraught housewife. The following year Winfrey was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The Color Purple went on to become a Broadway musical and opened late 2005, with Winfrey credited as a producer.

Winfrey publishes two magazines: O, The Oprah Magazine and O at Home. She has co-authored five books. In 2002 Fortune called O, the Oprah Magazine the most successful start-up ever in the industry.

In 2006 she became an early supporter of Barack Obama and one analysis estimates she delivered over a million votes in the Presidential Election.

Goddess Movie of the Month

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

Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team (2005)

"Dare to dream" is a worthy representation of women who achieve, against all odds, a standard of excellence and ability in the world of soccer. It is a truly inspirational story for anyone, but especially for young women. It is the story of the USA Women's Soccer Team and shows their courageous rise from obscurity to glory in the historically male centric American sports scene. I was so captivated by the emotional and educational aspects of the Team's struggle to achieve validation and greatness that I incorporated this DVD into my library immediately. A must have for anyone with a dream!

Click here to order movie

Goddess Book

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

Career Bliss: Secrets from 100 Women Who Love Their Work by Joanne Gordon

Meet Leslie, a gallery owner in New York City; Donna, a pharmaceutical sales manager in Texas; Lynne, an animal trainer in Utah; and Betsy, a CEO in California. These women and ninety-six others are members of The Happy 100, a diverse group of women who love their jobs unequivocally. While many workers across America feel bored, unrecognized, and unchallenged, these women greet each new workday with pleasure and a sense of anticipation.

What’s their secret? There are concrete connections between each woman’s job and her unique combination of skills, character, and personality, and Be Happy at Work highlights them through candid snapshots of their working lives and career journeys.

Here are the inspiring stories of a chef at the South Pole, a scientist, a judge, a forest ranger, an investment banker, and a Manhattan doorperson, among others. The Happy 100 are all real women whose career stories will help you find yourself in their company. Be Happy at Work proves that loving one’s job is not a luxury for the lucky–it’s a real, attainable possibility for every woman, everywhere.

Click here to order Book

Goddess Music

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

Goals! How to Get Everything You Want Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible (Audio CD)

Drawing on two decades of research into the dynamics of personal achievement, Brian Tracy has developed his own inspiring, goal-oriented system for success. People in every walk of life can follow it to take charge of their futures and move swiftly in the direction they want to go. Drawing on his experience as a professional speaker, Tracy puts the listener in a positive, can-do frame of mind. He explains why goals are necessary for future happiness, outlines ways to set goals that reflect one's true self, gives tips on overcoming obstacles, and tells how to persist until objectives are fully met. Other topics include clarifying values, associating with the best people to further personal aims, making a plan of action, visualizing, remaining flexible, and discovering inner creativity.

Buy CD

Goddess Events

Goddesses empower themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to create the lives they want. I'm expanding this section to include not just live events and celebrations, but also workshops, seminars and programs that will support you in your ongoing growth and fulfillment. These are not to be missed - see you there!

As I mentioned earlier, I want to make your dreams come true and have you attend these life-changing retreats. So I am offering a special discount for the month of September only and an easy payment plan.

May 23-31 2010 Lesvos, Greece

Goddess Retreat & Goddess Workout Teacher Training with Dolphina. Picture yourself dancing at Aphrodite's temple where Sappho taught the ancient Goddess mysteries. During this trip of a lifetime, we will spend 9 days living like an ancient Goddess: bathing in the marble pools of healing mineral waters at Thermi which are at the Temple of Hera, shopping in Turkey and dancing at greek tavernas. Check out retreats for more information, download a brochure, application and to register.

Special September offer: Normally this retreat is $2999, but for the month of September, you save $500! The deposit to hold your space is $500 and the payments are $500 each month until February.

July 12-18 2010 Maui, Hawaii

Bellydance and Swim with Dolphins! Goddess Workout Retreat & Teacher Training with Dolphina. Imagine spending an unforgettable week in paradise swimming with wild dolphins, feasting on delicious organic food, dancing under the moon and rejuvenating in a sacred waterfall. Check out Retreats for more information, download a brochure, application and to register.

Special September offer: Normally this retreat is $2399, but for the month of September, you save $400! The deposit to hold your space is $500 and the payments are $500 in Dec, March and May.

Register Now!

From ASZMARA (NY):

Welcome to refreshing September, where the urge to buy notebooks is almost overwhelming! I look forward to teaching the new semester at The College of New Rochelle plus all of the wonderful new classes beginning this month. The often requested Zill Master Class takes place this month as well as many exciting performances. Hope to see you Dancing Soon! ~ Aszmara

UPCOMING EVENTS (Scroll down for full details)

~Tuesday, Sept 15th ~ 9:30 pm Performance at The Cupping Room

~Saturday, September 19, 2009 ~ 4:00 - 6:00 pm Thrilling Zilling: Drills and Rhythmic Play

~Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 ~ Candra presents Aszmara in a Workshop and Halfa in Emigsville, PA (York County)

~October 2- 3, Fri at 9 pm and Sat at 8 pm - Venus Uprising METAMORPHOSIS Show

THIS MONTH’S CLASS THEME

Drum Solos - Exploring the different Rhythms and Patterns to make your drum connection stronger and more expressive

O pen Level Ongoing Classes

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

NEW CLASSES

Monday 8:00 - 9:00 pm and Tuesday 10:00 - 11:00 am (baby sitting service available) "Open Level Belly Dance" Pelham Ballet Arts , 504 5th Ave, Pelham Starting Sept 21rst. Register via http://www.ballet-arts.net

Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 pm "Belly Dance Level II" Dance Connection , 592 Main St., New Rochelle Starting Sept 17th. Register via http://www.danceconnex.com

Wednesday "Belly Dance Level II" 6:45 - 7:45 pm "Belly Dance Level I" 8:00 - 9:00 pm Greenwich Continuing Ed , Greenwich High School Starting Sept 30th. Register via http://www.greenwichace.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

~ Tuesday, Sept 15th 8:00 pm

Birthday Dance at The Cupping Room's Mid East Dance Night

With my guys! Souren, Mal and Haig playing traditional and untraditional dance music

Music starts @ 8 goes till 12am...open dancing for all.... Never a Cover, Never a Minimum.

( corner of West Broadway and Broome St. )

~Saturday, September 19, 2009 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Aszmara's Master Class: Thrilling Zilling: Drills and Rhythmic Play

Anahid Sofian Studio

29 W. 15th St. (btw 5th & 6th Ave, 6th Floor)

Workshop Limited to 15 Participants! $30.00

MUST Pre- Register contact Aszmara via Aszmara@ Aszmara.com or 914.664.9018

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 --

Candra (Carylon Miller) presents Aszmara in a Workshop and Halfa

Alert Fire Company building in Emigsville, PA (York County). Vendors include Farasha & Su'ad Dance & Designs.

Contact Carylon Miller at 717-764-8915 for more information.

~ October 2- 3, Fri at 9 pm and Sat at 8 pm -

Venus Uprising METAMORPHOSIS

Aszmara will present a new piece, ‘‘Life Time’’ in the show "Metamorphosis" produced by the Venus Uprising< /span> with Autumn Ward, Ayshe, Blanca, Jeniviva and Mystic Hips, Michelle De Vine and Mahalat, Neon, Ranya Renee, Sarah Skinner, Sera and Solstice, Sherene Vismaya, Tanna Valentine and Aszmara.
Merce Cunningham Studio, 55 Bethune St, NYC

~ March 13, 2010 - Connecticut Master Seminar

The fiery Aszmara is our 2010 Connecticut master seminar teacher on Saturday, March 13 at the gorgeous Connecticut College dance studio on campus! All-day workshop with this incomparable artist, plus our regular evening showcase featuring Aszmara, Farasha, Su'ad and workshop participants. Details to be announced soon, but you'll want to add this to your dance calendar now!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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 Aszmara.com

From VALERIE/STUDIO 1831 (PA-Philly):

September 2009 Fringe Festival Events

Vamps & Vixens Vaudeville Revue
Opens September 5!

A bevy of songstresses, sirens, and sexpots slither, strut, sing, and dance to vampish classics of yesteryear. Great performances by Valerie, Rena, Khuzama, Jo Anne, and Meesha.

Tickets: $15 at the door and online from the Studio 1831 Events page.

Showtimes:

Saturday, Sept. 5 & Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

* * *

Edgar Allen Poe Comes Alive: Celebrate his 200th Birthday!

"Edgar Allan Poe Comes Alive!" stars Scott Craig Jones as Poe, who regales the audience, oftentimes humorously, with tales about his life, death, and writings. Jones masterfully performs "The Conqueror Worm," "Spirits of the Dead," "The Raven," "Eldorado," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Masque of the Red Death,"
"Annabel Lee," and "A Dream Within A Dream" in their bone chilling entirety. This is an exceptional night at the theater.

Jones first performed Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" for his high school drama class final exam in 1980 (he got an A). Since then, he has starred in more than 50 professional plays with thousands of performances at dozens of theaters, worked in many improv groups, and appeared in a few small movies like "The Benzedrine Monks of Santa De Monica" and "Teen Wolf Too" and a couple of TV shows like "Providence" and "The Edge." Jones has also starred in more than 45 television commercials. He now resides in Shenandoah, Virginia, where he founded The Traveling Jones Theater in May 2008.

Showtimes:

Saturday, Sept. 5 at 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11 at Midnight
Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5pm & 9pm
Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. & Midnight
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Tickets: $15 at the door, at livearts-fringe.org, or (215) 413-1318

More show info at: www.travelingjonestheater.com

Studio 1831 is located at 1831 Brandywine Street, one block north of Spring Garden St. in Philadelphia, PA. (If you want to find directions online, use www.mapquest.com; search for 1831 Brandywine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130.)

From the Schuylkill Expressway (276): Take the Vine Street Expressway exit (676) and then the 1st exit -- 22nd/23rd Street -- in Philadelphia. See "From 22nd Street Directions" below.

From I-95: Take the Vine Street Expressway (676) to the 22nd Street/Art Museum exit. See "From 22nd Street" directions below.

From 22nd Street: Head north on 22nd Street from the Ben Franklin Parkway and make a right at the second light, which is Spring Garden Street. Make a left onto 18th Street (heading north). Turn left at the first street, Brandywine. Find parking on the block or in the surrounding neighborhood.

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

Questions? Call the Studio at 215-665-1991.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

OASIS HONORS 2009: SEPT Voting Deadline TOMORROW :)

2009-09-27T15:02:47Z

...get'em in by 9pm Monday night
send to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com

Thanks,
B. :)

http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html

NOTE: Due to GeoCities ending its free site on 10/26/09, I'll be moving the NOV Finals of all Honors fields to my new Google site page(s), and probably create a new one on the side afterwards for 2010. Grrrr!.....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Pixie Vision Photo Shoots

2009-09-22T15:52:23Z

The traveling photo studio of Pixie Vision Productions is coming to a town near you!

I am based in Los Angeles but will be setting up in cities below. I shoot families, pets, musicians, hoopers, fire and events at $300 per hour. My most recent portfolio can be found at http://www.pixievisionproductions.com/gallery/portfolio

Please see below for my schedule and let me know if you'd like to book a shoot! Payment plans are available where you can pay $100 now to reserve the time and the balance up to two months after the shoot :)

All the best,
Pixie
www.PixieVisionProductions.com

SCHEDULE
11/4, 11/5, 11/6, 11/7 – Baltimore, Maryland

11/9, 11/10, 11/11 – Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

1/21, 1/22, 1/23, 1/24 - Portland, Oregon

1/26, 1/27, 1/28 – Seattle, Washington

5/3, 5/4, 5/5 – San Francisco, California

5/7, 5/8, 5/9, 5/10, 5/11 – Sebastopol, California - a few days before Tribal Fest - $250/hr rate for registrants www.BlackSheepBellyDance.com

6/7, 6/8, 6/9, 6/10 – Chicago, Illinois

9/6, 9/7, 9/8, 9/9 – Las Vegas - a few days before LV Intensive - $250/hr rate for registrants www.bellydanceintensive.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

WOW!!: RACHEL BRICE at SAHARABESQUE VI in DC frm 9/18/09 :)

2009-09-19T15:48:54Z

It seems like when things goes wrong, or things get boring, one person has a way of coming through and making things a lot brighter for everybody. RACHEL BRICE could choose any state in the nation to make an annual appearance and enthuse hundreds of people who worship every move she makes (and get their glutes rocked by her master class workshop series). Somehow, the tribal fusion lucky stick whacked Washington, DC, as proven by RB's abilities to dazzle in any venue, big or small, in this case scenario the uber-intimacy of the Dance Lab Theatre at Flashpoint in nearby Chinatown.

The two sets she performed were not only dances of appreciation (she did a 7pm and the 9'er I attended), but she seen transformed. A lot fresher. A lot at ease. A lot more relaxed. A lot more focused than she's ever been before. As she said proudly in the post-dance conversation (and hug-a-thon with those who attended), she has had plenty of time to reflect and look at the paths paved by she and her Indigo mates and the Bellydance Superstars over the last few years, and she can proudly say she has found her ''place'' to let her inner spirits out when dancing now better than any time in the past. She knows what she wants and to expect, and looking at the beaming grin on her face told you that she's at that comfort zone. It's hard to believe that she's 37 (going on 21) and 2010 will, believe it or not, mark her 20th dance anniversary performing bellydance, when she 1st saw Hahbi'Ru at a ren faire and wanted to take it up. This combined with almost 15 years of dedicated forms of yoga training and instructions, and you see the essence of perfections that makes Rachel the divine queen of tribal fusion the genre looks to find the raised bar and stops at her, and will continue to do so. (She studied Dance Ethnology at San Francisco State back in the late 1990's).

So tonight, a cocoon opened up. An emergence was realized by all. The old did not go away, but was allowed to step aside and embrace a new womanly professional. She is as energetic in continuing to take Fat Chance Bellydance classes back at home in the Bay Area (creators of ATS-American tribal Style) and Viniyoga practice with Gary Kraftsow. A woman who is always very critical of her efforts to give the audience what they deserve, her physical beauty is only as heralded as her unmatched mental and physical daily regimen of what her yoga studies and countless dance classes and workshops has done for her.

In her 1st set, emerging from the darkness of the box-like room, a spotlight beamed on Rachel. The world famous six-pack abdomen has morphed into a softened, curvaceous and jaw-dropping mass of melted muscle creativity. Oh, don't worry, that 6-pack is STILL there, concealed in an exotic flow of abdominal skin that makes her now a 3-dimensional goddess without the need of 3-D glasses. When this close, Rachel Brice is the 1st bellydancer who looks like she's performing in IMAX quality. :D
Dressed in black and white head dressed attire, channeling both her Indigo and FCBD upbringings, she redefined the use of the word ''serpentine''. From head-to-toe, she moved and everyone else hissed. Her 1st four belly rolls could have been a fertility ritual, now having the expansion and control to simulate giving birth (and that's just the forward release movements). Her reversals are the sense of watching the most beautiful lava lamp in the ultimate hookah bar with a casbah of divine perfection amassed all around you. She made the tattoos dance off her body. Every lock and isolation cut into time like the jaws of a shark. Devouring the oxygen in the room, she swayed back and forth until the loud banging of drums (think of a tribal ghawazee sounding force through your ears) serenaded her hips with pop and locks until she spun and spun around endlessly. So much happened for only, what, about four minutes?
A lot of people were fanning themselves with their programs. :)~ Yes, ncluding me. Oh, but there's more...

Tonight, for her final dance ender, she would do (since Saharabesque is based on all dancers experimenting with newer styles of both dance and music choices) something few people have seen, but I've kidded her back at Nissan Pavilion that one day the opportunity would arrive and she'd someday crossover, if just once, and give a try. Tonight was the night Rachel would dabble into the origins. The beginnings. She would do cabaret/modern-style. or as she puts it ''I think cabaret, not essentially tribalret, but something close to it''. :) I like to think ''Modern Rachel'' bellydancing. :)

To no one's surprise (especially myself, learning in a Sahara Dance e-mail 2 days earlier that this magic would happen) , she knocked her 1st taste of this dance out of the building. All that was really different was the musical selections, more of an Arabic groove that commanded her body to ''raq the house''. She played with her belly like a jazz musician works over a saxaphone.Maybe one day, it would be cool to see Rachel grab a veil or balance a sword...but for now, this inauguration would suffice. :D A brief and finalized fury of hip isolations and upper body shimmies concluded this magical evening. You almost wonder if a ''new'' RB emerged from her week-long retreat she holds in Costa Rica back in August? Regardless, this Rachel is as focused her position on this planet as much as her position within the bellydance world as a whole, and both fit perfectly where they currently stand. :)

After 20 years of national and worldwide performing, is it possible RB can dazzle a new generation of tribal and fusion students in the same manner? HELL YES! Because, if not for any reason, she has one of the strongest ''belly bases'' there is for tribal Fusion back in the SF/Bay Area of California. I can see her in the upcoming years developing a teaching certification system similar to the ones of Carolena Nericcio (FCBD) and legendary Suhaila Salimpour. Hell, Zoe Jakes and Mardi Love (and not forget Sharon Kihara and Ariellah) could also have their own as well.

For every bellydancer who dare to inspire to make as much as an impact as a performer, if not human being as Rachel Brice does, there are elements to her live act one should recognize and define:
=============================================================

1) ''TAKING A STAND''.
As the spotlight lifts, you find Rachel's body in a statuesque pose, waiting to come to life and make you enjoy what you're about to see.

2) TIMING.
She always knows when to move. She has every move planned out. Yet, she can take an improvisation and throw somethng surprising in the middle out of nowhere and get back into her regular dance perspective in a heartbeat. She doesn't dance to music, she becomes it. She doesn't serenade to instruments of music, her body becomes an instrument.

3) THE ''EYES'' HAVE ''YOU''.
Any1 who has been lucky to see her perform knows that Rachel makes pinpoint eye contact with EVERYbody in an audience, especially folks who she knows personally and/or has taken her workshops earlier. She commands your attention in a respectful, attentive manner. All she asks, without saying a word, is that you do the same back to her. (Not a problem).

4) BE CREATIVE.
From her jewelry to her dazzling pant styles, her attire is always ever emerging (especially since everybody's always wearing it after she comes through town) and is as much a fusionist to fabric of clothes as she has been a fusionist to her fabric of flesh and muscle. A trendsetter she hasn't gotten as much credit for.

5) EACH ONE, TEACH ONE.
As worldly recognized as Rachel is, her need to develop her talents further by taking workshops with other bellydancers still is another asset for her to make her own style special. Dance to make people copy you, nt dance to copy everyone else, right?

6) PREPARING FOR BATTLE
With her adorable assortment of tattoos, her tribal attire represents battle armor for the stage. With her yoga training, she is ne of the more flexible women on the planet for this style. She keeps herself and body in amazing physical condition, doing things now that teens and tweenagers are trying to keep a pace all their own.

7) SHOW YOUR ''GAME FACE''
When Rachel wants to be serious, she LOOKS it. When she wants to make you giddy by smiling at you, she'll communicate to you with her eyes. And, you KNOW it. You almost can tell when something special or different is about to happen by her changes in facial expression. People pays attention, ans SHE knows that. She never gives off a negative vibe, knowing that transforms to her audience, she keeps everything in front of her and in control, with no one losing focus on what's going on.

8) APPLYING ALL THE PROPER ''INGREDIENTS''
Rachel, as exotic and tempting as her world-famous abdominals are, knows how far to push the boundaries in what to do with rolls, pops, locks and flutters. Her choreography mindset blends an even offering of movements and techniques that powers her inner child. Rachel could write a ''Bellydancer's Cookbook'' for teaching and workshops, and everyone would want a copy. And most importantly, she incorporates those ''ingredients'' into a visual taste all her own.

If you can take all thse elements of Rachel and combine them together on your own, whether as a beginner or advanced student or beginning professional, you'll be well on your way to achieving the accomplishments of Rachel. And as proved tonight, it can happen. It always has. There will never be anther Rachel Brice, but a renaissance of the same woman enter a night based on experiment and came out of this laboratory creating yet another creation of divine joy and greatness. And we, in the DC area, was fortunate and blessed to have seen it Friday night.

BFJ 9/19/09.

Added Note:
As equally lucky will be any1 who lives in the Pittsburgh area, for they'll get to have Rachel, Zoe and mardi (The Indigo Dance Co.) when they make a collective 1st appearance there with Zafira Dance (lucky to have Olivia & Maria in YOUR area as well) for Thanksgiving weekend. Get ready, Pittsburgh. You never forget that 1st one. :D

http://www.rachelbrice.com

...and thanks to ''Our Rachel'' K. Brookmire and the faculty of Sahara Dance who makes this magical moment for us happen, yet again...

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Brandon's 2009 WAMEDA 30th Anniversary Hafla Blog :)

2009-09-16T02:11:51Z

*The following are personal excerpts and rememberings I had that I'll add to over a period of time over events held at the Holiday Inn-College Park, MD, celebrating the entrance to decade #4 for WAMEDA (Washngton Mid-East Dance Association) celbrating 30 years and featuring Sadie and Kaya Star from Denver, Colorado from September 11-13, 2009.
==========================================================================

KAYA STAR: ADDING TO HER OWN SHINE IN THE SKIES

Imagine having the chance to meet one of your biggest idols in any genre of performing arts, how a rush runs through your body like a raging river. The rush that was felt in 2008 after meeting Sadie in WAMEDA's annual hafla (and her 1st bellydance appearance to the DC area) was only more intensified by her partner and sister-in-dance together in one venue, that being the Holiday Inn College Park, Maryland.

From the initial bearhug I got from the meet and greet to watching her dazzle the audience on Saturday night, it was visually obvious how Kaya's diversity as a soloist and a partner with Sadie stands out. She is a bellydance sensation that proudly balances her profession and motherhood, in fact making a call back home in Denver to sing ''Happy Birthday'' to her first born. And here's a scary thought, she's STILL working her way back into slowly into her regular routine, as she told me. You'd never guess she was dusting the rust off by her intimidating physical prowess. I gave her the nickname ''The Bellydancer's Raquel Welch'', for her stunning beauty and grace, attributed to her years of modeling work as well.

This weekend gave the DC area bellydance community a chance to see Kaya stand out, a chance to see her (almost literally) put her mind in her stomach and transform the feminine mystique of modern day bellydance as we currently know it. Bellydance as an art form has become secondary for Kaya, she truly loves what she does. It's more fun. The stage is her personal playground.

The flexibility and muscle control that she can distribute is breathtaking. She can offer a rapid fire display of movements in one sequence that can drop every jaw in the house. She can layer multiple moves at one time where your eyes almost freeze, because you don't know which direction her body will take them next.
Even more challenging, her musical selections has to be even more challenging to one's ears and her body to meet the high standards she commands for the best possible element of success for Kaya's audiences, a patterned method of excellence that has she and Sadie admired across the globe.

Kaya's gifts are also optioned to her love for numerous world dance forms, not limiting her associations to just Middle Eastern dance.She and Sadie co-founded Groove du Monde, a world fusion dance troupe back in the early 2000's, showcasing numerous dance forms from Brazillian Samba, Tahitian and Salsa dance. They ar epart of a growing extension of taking bellydancing to a theatrical presentation level like many others across tha nation, and has many sold out venues and shows to their credit throughout the Denver metro area.

They are in high demand and Kaya's solo works are powerful in DVDs through IAMED and Hollywood Music Center, not to mention videos by Little Egypt (TX) of their poular seminars and shows. ''That's Hot!'' (HMC) is still one of the best performance DVDs on the market today, and Kaya's input in their IAMED instructionals are a must for fans of isolations and layers (a 2nd edition of Pops, Locks and Shimmies was released earlier this summer).

Kaya's main specialties, at least to me, are her taqsims and drum solos. Her abdominals can be a statuesque admiration with a gentle touch of a breath, or a weapon of raw and undisputed physical finesse daring you to keep up and handle what physicalities she can unleash on you in a nanosecond. The only set of muscles sharper than Kaya's belly is her mind--her mindset to chorepgraph and time every movement to any beat of music with sensuality and seduction allows her to push barriers of bellydancing many wouldn;t dare try to attempt years, if not decades beforehand. She takes pride in her mental capacity for the art form, having a graduate degree in Psychology and has won awards for public speaking and accolades for her tutorial abilities, too.

Her ability to communicate with her body can create a brand new language, in fact, it already has. She can write a dictionary with her golden smile. She can script an encyclopedia with her belly, redefining the bellydancer with a text of information that will change the outlook of any bellydance student, but how future bellydance teachers approach their future students. Everyone who I talked to over the past weeeknd had as much, if not more fun in their assigned workshops, the intimate and undivided attention Kaya pays to her students was what people wanted.

From her eclctic attire to her amazing talents, the world is a kingdom to Kaya and it will continue to be paved in solid gold, a path that many ladies in the Dc area will gladly follow along....and bellydance fans, appreciators and one afficianado in particular can't get enough of. If watching a bellydance could be medicinal, kaya is a woman who can doctor a sense of artistic and visual healing that will make th world, not just bellydance, abetter place to be in just by her presence. Sadie desn;t know how lucky to have her as a partner. Denver doesn't realize how lucky it is to have them as a duet. But hundreds of folks were luckier as ever to have Kaya to themselves for three days in September of 2009.

From this point n, a pop, a lock, a layer, a combination, or a roll and flutter will never be looked at the same ever again. It's been said of that by me of a lot of elite bellydance talents. I'm glad to add one more to that exclusive sorority of bellydance sisterhood.

BFJ 9/12/09.

http://www.kayastar.com
http://www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com (That's Hot!)
http://shop.bellydance.org (Pops, Locks & Shimmies 1 & 2)
http://www.littleegypt.com (Fall Fantasia & Welcome to Miami, Dina)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

IBCC 2010 Instructors: Mahmoud Reda, Khairiyya Mazin, Jillina, Amel Tafsout, Hadia & MORE!!

2009-09-15T15:10:41Z

Check out the amazing Featured Instructors lined up for the 3rd International Bellydance Conference of Canada (IBCC), sponsored by Arabesque!

IBCC 2010 Featured Instructors:
Khairiyya Mazin - Egypt - http://www.gildedserpent.com/cms/2009/08/10/habibaghawazi/
Mahmoud Reda - Egypt - http://www.safticraft.com/mreda.asp
Sema Yildiz - Turkey - http://www.semayildiz.com
Jillina - USA - http://www.jillina.com
Hadia - Canada - http://www.hadia.com
Sera Solstice - USA - http://www.boldbellydance.com
Amel Tafsout - Algeria/UK/USA - http://www.ameltafsout.com
Delilah - USA - http://www.visionarydance.com
Yasmina Ramzy - Canada - http://www.yasminaramzy.com

*SPECIAL IBCC full package rate: $499 until the end of September '09!

Past Registrants:
for every year you have attended the IBCC, you receive an additional $50 off per year

FULL CONFERENCE PACKAGE:
Includes all:
Workshops, Performances, Films, Lunches, Music Classes, Lectures, Specialty Classes, Debates, Vendor Bazaar, Programs, T-Shirt & Tote Bag!

CALL TO REGISTER: 1-416-920-5593

** We are over 50% sold at already -REGISTER NOW!

DANCE AND/OR SPEAK AT THE IBCC!!
APPLICATION FORMS:
Application forms for Speakers, Panelists, Film Artists, Main Stage performers and Open Stage performers available now!

form page 1: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/arabesquebellydance/IBCCone.jpg

form page 2: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/arabesquebellydance/IBCCtwo.jpg

http://www.bellydanceconference.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SAFFRON DANCE presents VIRGINIA (of FL) WORKSHOP WEEKEND 9/26TH&27TH

2009-09-11T00:01:33Z

http://www.saffrondance.com/events/index.html

Upcoming Workshops

Master Workshop Weekend with Virginia of Miami!

Saturday, September 26 2pm – 6pm
“Beledi & Beyond” Take your Beledi beyond the basics… Virginia will share some of Egypt’s hottest moves and will personally guide you through her signature transitions steps . Step outside of your box, learn to move across the floor and incorporate a variety of lines and levels.
Throughout the class she will add playful gestures and antidotes that create that pure Egyptian feeling. Suitable for newbies and intermediate levels. (Includes 1 hour lunch break)

Sunday, September 27 11am – 3 pm
"Rak your Assaya" Deeply rooted in Egyptian technique with an exciting Modern twist come experience Virginia's unique interpretations for assaya. She will teach traditional steps as well as combinations and new Assaya tricks and twirls that will take your Saidi dancing to a whole new level! Short choreography included. (Includes 1 hour lunch break)

Workshop Location:
Saffron Studios
3260 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22205

Cost:
Saturday Workshop Only: $90 on or before September 15 / $105. After September 15
Sunday Workshop Only: $90 on or before September 15 / $105. After September 15
Weekend Special: $165 on or before September 15 / $190. After September 15

To register
Call: 703.276.BELLY (2355)
Online: Click here to register

About Virginia:
Virginia is an award winning international performer and instructor of Raks Sharki (Bellydance), based in Miami, Florida. A powerful and exciting performer, a motivational and articulate instructor, Virginia has enchanted audiences around the world with her dynamic and soulful interpretation of Oriental Dance. “Virginia’s dancing is extremely focused and inspiring. She is charismatic, clear in her movement, and electric when she performs!”, Yousry Sharif.With a unique blend of grace and fire, Virginia brings a soulful intensity to every performance. Fluid, with subtle nuances and a playful flirtatiousness, she embraces the feminine spirit. Her authentic interpretation and internalization of exotic rhythms and mystical melodies, captures the true “essence” of Oriental dance. A powerful and exciting performer, a motivational and articulate instructor, Virginia has enchanted audiences around the world with her dynamic and soulful interpretation of Oriental Dance.

Info on a Virginia gala show on 9/26th TBA as soon as I get info...

Yay, Saphira, she deserves plenty of thanks for pulling this one off!!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

RACHEL BRICE with SAHARA DANCE @ SAHARABESQUE VI (NW DC) Friday 9/18th! :)

2009-09-10T23:56:45Z

http://www.saharadance.com/performances

Sixth Annual SAHARABESQUE!

An evening of experimental belly dance, salon style.

Join special guest Rachel Brice along with members of Raqs Sahara, Sahara Tribal and Tribal Remix for an intimate evening of new, experimental works in belly dance. Saharabesque! is an annual end of summer show designed to explore interpretive pieces that meld east and west, antiquity and modernity, folklore and funk! Limited seating available.

Date: Friday, September 18, 2009

Time: 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Location: Flashpoint
916 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Cost: $30

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

TBA: RACHEL BRICE Master Class Weekend Series in DC 9/19&20 :)

2009-09-10T23:45:55Z

http://www.saharadance.com/workshops

September Master Class Series with Rachel Brice
Finding Your Voice: A Weekend of Personal Artistic Development with Rachel Brice

Rachel Brice, Photo by Trinette Reed

Saturday: Confident Improvisation.
Learn concepts and exercises to promote a confident improvisational performance for the intermediate to advanced belly dancer (performance experience recommended). Stage fright, assessing your practice, and developing strong technique will be discussed. Video feedback will be included. Please bring a journal to record your experiences. Class will begin and end with Viniyoga and drills.

Sunday: Creating Fusion Choreography:
Learn techniques for creating a lot of material from just a few basic movements. We will cover motif and development, staging principles, and dynamic group choreographies. All levels welcome. Intermediate dancers are encouraged to cultivate beginner’s mind for this workshop. Please bring a journal to record your experiences. You may bring a video camera to video your choreography if you wish. Class will begin and end with Viniyoga and drills..

For all workshops:
You will need: Comfortable stretchy pants, a form-fitting tank top or sports bra, and a warm tee shirt or sweatshirt. If you wish, bring a hip scarf and skirt for the dance portion of class. Bring water, you may sweat a lot. Handouts will be provided. For specified workshops, you may need a notebook or a Yoga mat, check workshop descriptions for details.

Photo by Trinette Reed

Date(s): Save the dates: Sept 19 and 20, 2009
Details coming soon!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

The Vegas Intensive Lights Up THE STRIP in 2010

2009-09-02T19:22:57Z

It's 4 stellar days of workshops, shopping, festival dancing, cocktail parties, Elvis Impersonators, Pro-shows...all in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip!!

Bugsy Siegel's desert dream, The Flamingo, has anchored the Las Vegas Strip since they started rolling dice in 1946. This self-contained casino and resort offers everything an adventurous belly dancer could want--delicious restaurants, an amazing pool, and ample space for our classes & shopping.

Set on the famous four corners of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, this hotel combines heart-pounding Las Vegas excitement with hospitality and service that's second to none. We couldn't be happier with our new home!

Additionally, we have a new group of magnificent artists who will be tantalizing us with their performances and teaching us their secrets. We are pleased to present the 2010 Headliners:

Aradia of Las Vegas www.aradialv.com
John Compton www.hahbiru.com
Asharah www.asharah.com
Fahtiem www.fahtiem.com
Moria Chappell www.moriachappell.com
Princess Farhana www.princessfarhana.com

Registration for the 2010 event will open at the event with a special price for 2009 attendees. Stop by the registration table on your way to watch the festival, attend classes, or shop to sign up for next year's event at the lowest possible price. On site registration will be $395 or 12 payments of $34 for the 4-day package. This includes 24 hours of classes, a ticket to the Friday show, a ticket to the Saturday show, and a thank you gift.

Additionally, those who register for the 2010 event on site before the Sunday lunch will be entered into a special raffle to win free Flamingo merchandise! Regular online registration for the 2010 event will open September 15th, with a slightly higher price.

We are excited to see our homegrown event expand each year and attract hundreds of dancers into our Vegas community. We are also excited to be able to feature so many professionals instructors & performers.Thanks for supporting this event and allowing us to promote the Las Vegas community to the broader world of belly dance. We are looking forward to this year, and all future years.

Samira Tu'Ala, Organzier
www.bellydanceintensive.com
samira@bellydanceintensive.com
1-888-LV-RAKS-U/1-888-587-2578

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

11th Annual Workshop and Belly Boo Bash ~ Carnival of Carnivores, Sept. 26th, Franklin, OH

2009-09-02T02:53:25Z

Dayton's Original Halloween Workshop and Boo Bash is back! Watch local belly dancers cut loose for Halloween and perform completely out of the box.

MC is Dr. Creep

Special guests:
Faten Ali-Munger
Leila Gamal
Michael Groomes, SMAG Contemporary Dance Company
Deniz
Jennifer Rose
Chandara
Laylia
Sandstorm MEDC
and more...

When: Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Workshop registration starts at 9am (Faten Ali-Munger from 10-1pm, and Leila Gamal goes from 2-5pm)
Doors open for the evening show at 7pm - Show starts at 8pm and runs till Midnight!
Faten will be teaching beginning Flamenco and Leila Gamal will be teaching classic Orientale' styling.
Where:Pisanello's Pizza, 3rd Floor Ballroom
355 S. Main Street (corner of 4th and Main)
Franklin, OH 45005
How Much: Early Bird (9/20/2009) Workshops are $30 each in advance or $40 each at the door, or $50 Early Bird for both in advance or $60 for both at the door.
The Belly Boo Bash is $10 at the door.

There will be all sorts of raffles and donated items up for auction. This year's charity is the Fistula Foundation. www.fistulafoundation.org.

For more information or to download the workshop registration, go to:

http://www.caravanworkshops.com/events/?view=small&dcDate=09262009#smallSearchJump

For more information, please contact Deniz at 937-602-3788. Please remember that this is a PG13 event.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Belly Dance Urban Legends

2009-09-01T00:10:41Z

*Cross post*

I'm doing some research for an article on urban legends in the belly dance world.
for example there is a story that keeps popping up every now and then. It's about a dancer who gets a pedicure and while her feet are soaking in soapy water all sorts of objects come out of the soles of her feet. She apparently hasn't noticed that she stepped into them while dancing and got them embedded in her soles.

Any other stories?

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SEPTEMBER Birthday Roll Calls...

2009-08-31T20:29:18Z

Za-Beth (MA) 9/9th...hey, 9/9/09!! :)
BDSS Bozenka(FL) 9/25th
(also Native American Day)

Any1?
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SEPTEMBER's Bellydancer ShoutOut :)

2009-08-31T20:27:01Z

TYPHRODISIA (MD)
http://www.sestraluna.com

A dynamic soloist who is also co-founder and choreographical brains behind Sestraluna, putting Annapolis on the belly map with each passing performance. Has been featured at Raqs America and attends many events throughout the Baltimore metro area (and gaining a wider presence on the east coast and soon-to-be beyond...), and she'll be bringing Suhaila Salimpour to Brooklyn Park, MD in November.

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

AUGUST's Virgo-rific Birthday Bonanza... :)

2009-08-29T13:16:55Z

Safiya Om (FRA) 8/2nd
Olivia Kissel of Zafira Dance (PA) 8/4th
Asharah (VA) 8/6th--Sparkly! ;)
Goth Fusion Troupe Mortifera (DC Area--Anniversary) 8/19th
BellyQueen's Kaeshi (NYC) 8/26th
Azziza (NY/MI) 8/26th

Any1? Virgos, Where 'Ya At?
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

AUGUST BellyHappenings...

2009-08-29T13:12:55Z

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:
http://www.casbahdance.org/FUTUREPERFORMANCES.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: http://www.casbahdance.org
New York, NY

Register NOW for an Exciting Summer Weeklong Seminar
in my great BIG studio: August 4-10, 2007
http://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!
http://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: http://www.surayyah.com/Patsys_Page.html and http://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 http://www.amirajamal.com for ordering instructions.

Fall Classes

http://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):
http://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 in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

(DC/NoVA): BELLY HORROR 2009 WEEKEND presented by ROMKA & DCTribal 10/22-25th

2009-08-27T15:46:04Z

http://www.bellyhorror.com
http://www.birchmere.com
http://www.belladonnadance.net
http://www.mavibellydance.com
http://www.palaceofwonders.com
http://www.livdc.com
http://www.asylumdc.com
http://www.myspace.com/dctribalcafe

10/22 danse du Ventre/Meet and Greet @ Palace of Wonders $10
10/23 Belly Horror 2009 @ The Birchmere (VA) $29 thru TicketMaster or Box Office
10/24 & 25 BellyHorror workshops @ LIV Nightclub (NW DC)
10/24 BellyHorror AfterParty @ Palace of Wonders (being finalized) $5
10/25 DC Tribal Cafe: BellyHorror Edition @ Asylum (NW DC_Adams Morgan) $10

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

ZAFIRA DANCE presents Thanksgiving Weekend with THE INDIGO-11/27-29th

2009-08-27T15:40:43Z

http://www.zafiradance.com
http://www.rachelbrice.com
http://www.zoebellydance.com

Details will be forthcoming from Maria....SAT 11/28 show (we think) in downtown Pittsburgh, workshops on FRI and SUN.

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

LISA ZAHIYA: HIP HOT SUMMER @ Joe Squared (Baltimore) 8/22nd

2009-08-19T16:31:30Z

http://cct.lilamdances.com/workshops.html

Hip Hop Fusion
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sign up!
Start with basic hip hop movements and techniques and how to effectively fuse them with bellydance, then learn a combination. Learn the style that won Lisa the title of Tribal Fusion Belly Dancer of the Universe! Be prepared to get funky and sweat. Supportive jazz shoes or cross trainers recommended.

Fusion Drum Solo
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sign up!
Explore and drill Lisa's favorite drum solo techniques and learn how to breakdown and approach this necessary part of any dancer's repetoire. Expand your ability of expression during the dance by using fusion and non-bellydance movements to create a meaningful and creative dance composition. Correct your posture, drill on your foundations and learn new movements!

All workshops will be held at Avalon Yoga Studio in Catonsville, MD.Workshops are $38 each. Sign up for both and pay only $66!

~*LISA ZAHIYA*~
Lisa began the study of bellydance in 2000, and immediately fell in love with the dance, it's history, and the large and diverse belly dance community. Before beginning her study of bellydance, Lisa studied ballet, jazz and hip hop dance. She was a member of the University of Maryland dance team. Lisa also teaches and performs hip hop dance. She is known for her fusion of hip hop and bellydance.

In 2008, Lisa travelled to Long Beach, CA where she won the title of Tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe. She also recently completed a week long professional and teacher training program with Aziza.

Lisa now teaches and performs as a soloist. Lisa is an in demand workshop instructor and is grateful to be able to travel and teach bellydance. Lisa lives in downtown Asheville, NC where she teaches bellydance and hip hop dance.
======================================================================

http://cct.lilamdances.com/shows.html

HIP HOT SUMMER
@ JOE SQUARED
http://www.joesquared.com
133 W. North Ave-Baltimore, MD
(Light Rail: North Avenue)

Doors--9pm Show --930pm

Featuring: Levialora, Lilam and Talis. Drum circle and dancing for everyone!
Soundtrack for the evening provided by Barrage Band Orchestra and DJ Ihall.
No cover charge!

INFO: cct@lilamdances.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

DC TRIBAL CAFE's 4TH ANNIVERSARY @ ASYLUM (NW DC) on August 30th

2009-08-18T00:16:09Z

It started with a dream, a desire…to showcase our style of belly dance, to create a community-oriented performance event…to have a little fun….

Join us for a very special Tribal Café, celebrating 4 years of DC’s best tribal fusion belly dance performances….

In honor of our 4 year anniversary, we’ll have some extra special surprises for you, our loyal supporters to thank you for making Tribal Café the longest-running event of its kind in the country!

DCTribal café is the only monthly event where you can sit back and be entertained by cutting edge tribal fusion belly dance performances by three professional dancers while enjoying Asylum’s down-to-earth but oh so heavenly menu – full of the regular standard American fare and extensive vegan and vegetarian offerings. With your tribal café admittance you get ½ price discount on burgers and $2 off select draft beer.

This month DCTribal Café is proud to host performances by

Mavi - DC's dark fusion blue maven
www.MaviBellyDance.com

Troupe Hip’notic - Eclectic beauties from So. Maryland
http://www.troupehipnotic.com

Nichole Hanna – of Gypsyville Belly Dance in TN
www.myspace.com/gypsyvillebellydance

$10 - includes $2 off select drafts and 1/2 price burgers!

With the music of DJ MELLIE MEL in between dancer's sets! Doors at 6pm, performances start at 7pm – get there early for the best seats!

PICTURES and More info at: www.myspace.com/dctribalcafe
DCTribal Cafe sponsored by www.DCTribal.com
Asylum's awesome vegan and vegetarian menu can be found at www.asylumdc.com!
Questions? Email mavi@romkadance.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

AMAZON.COM: Interesting BellyDVDs for Sale...

2009-08-16T19:02:03Z

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fusion-Bellydance-Ascend-Tribal/dp/B002BS5Z4A/ref=pd_sim_d_6

Dark Fusion Bellydance: The Ascend Tribal Dance Format
Starring: Sashi Wasserman $19.99
================================================================
http://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Tribal-Bellydance-Swirling-Isolations/dp/B001LK4CFW/ref=pd_sim_d_3

Fluid Tribal Bellydance: Swirling Waves, Fierce Isolations, Hits & Breaks (2009)
Starring: Fayzah $16.99
=================================================================

http://www.amazon.com/Tribal-Live-Angeles-Bellydance-Superstars/dp/B002DLB1GQ/ref=pd_sim_d_5

Tribal LA: Live In Los Angeles Bellydance Superstars (2008)
Starring: Sharon Kihara, Zoe Jakes $13.49
This title will be released on October 6, 2009.

==================================================================

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NINA AMAYA: MOSAIC CAFE HAFLA (College Park, MD) 8/29th

2009-08-16T17:58:53Z

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=68026969944

Host:

Free admission
Date:
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time:
9:00pm - 11:00pm

Location:
Mosaic Cafe
8145 Baltimore Avenue #N
College Park, MD
http://www.mosaiccafe.net

Come and enjoy the great food, ambiance, and fantastic entertainment at Mosaic Cafe. Bellydance Hafla on August 29, 2009. 9 - 11pm. Free admission. Amazing headliner Nina Amaya!
Interested dancers may contact Christina Campo-Abdoun (zefira19@yahoo.com)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Brandon's BIRTHDA-A-PALOOZA 2009 Trek (Hopefully) :)~

2009-08-16T14:03:13Z

must...start...celebrating...earlier...when....I...can...get...away....with it..... :D

======================================================================

8/20 DANSE DU VENTRE @ Palace of Wonders
9pm $10 12th & H Street, NE
http://www.palaceofwonders.com/calendar.html

Featuring: Belladonna, Ariel, Samira Shuruk and Asharah.
DC's own ''Grand Slam of Bellydance''. :D

8/22 SAHARA DANCE SUMMER SALON @ Casabalnca Restaurant
3pm $15 1504 King Street-Old Town Alexandria, VA
http://www.saharadance.com/performances

Join us for an end-of-summer salon showcasing Sahara Dance faculty and student solos. The salon will feature new solo works created and performed by students in the Developing Choreography class, as well as faculty performances. Don’t miss out on these up-and-coming performers!
(A buffet dinner is available for an additional $15 payable at the door)

8/22 HIP HOT SUMMER with LISA ZAHIYA, presented by Charm City Tribal
@ Joe Squared-133 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD
FREE Doors 9pm/Show 930pm (Menu is wicked...)
http://www.charmcitytribal.com
http://www.joesquared.com

Talis (CCT founder), as with other local artists welcomes Baltimore's own Lisa Zahiya (now
kicking ass in Asheville, NC) for a night of hip hop bellydance fusion and tribal goodies and more. Music by DJ Ihall and the Barrage Band. Drum circle as well. Lisa's the 2008 tribal Fusion Bellydancer of the Universe winner!

8/25 TASTE OF MOROCCO
730pm City Place Mall-Downtown Silver Spring, MD
( about 2 blocks north of Silver Spring Metro--Red Line)
http://www.tasteofmorocco.net

I wonder who's dancing there on Tuesdays now? Hmmm... :)~

I think I should start icing my kness right about NOW....

=====================================================================

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Brandon's Oasis' 100TH Bellydancer of the Month (August 2009) :D

2009-08-10T13:17:51Z

DRUMROLLS, PLEASE................

AUNT ROCKY (NYC)
http://www.casbahdance.org

You could probably connect at least a 1000 bellydancers who has crossed paths with her or through some1 who has
had life changing moments by associating with her. She is what bellydance means for the Big Apple, has been a
mental staple of honesty and vocal leadership about the dance for decades on top of decades and has never lodt
her enthusiasm and spirit for the art form since Day 1. Hard to find somebody better to be #100 than her, hands down.....

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

East Coast Tribal: NYC August 15th

2009-08-05T03:06:21Z

East Coast Tribal
A Bold Expression of Modern Feminine
August 15th, 7pm--10pm

At
Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street,
New York, NY

Performance, Dance Party, and Student showcase featuring
* Solstice Ensemble
* Sera Solstice
* Darshan
* Kaeshi (Bellyqueen, PURE)
* DJ Joro Boro
* Djinn (Live Middle Eastern Fusion)
* Beatbox Guitar (Pete List and Rob Mastrianni)
* Video Projection by Nasha Masha

Instructors of Solstice Studio (presenting solo work, and student showcase):

* Brad Mack
* Brenna Crowley
* Casey Bond
* Danielle
* Darshan
* Jessica
* Jezebel
* Noelle Brower
* Sera Solstice

Tickets:
$15 in advance at www.lprnyc.com
$20 at the door

Bellydance assumes a modern form, in which dancers reflect culture in current times, forward thought and healing action. Witness, and participate, as a community of over 100 New York Women take the stage to offer forth a transfusion of sublime nectar into into life blood of our city.

Doors open at 7pm with an open dance-floor to live Middle Eastern Fusion Band, Djinn. Performances include instructors of Solstice Studio, their student performances, and choreography showcase by Sera Solstice, with professional ensemble. The night concludes with open dance floor to DJ Joro Boro. Le Poisson Rouge offers a full bar, a supreme light and sound system, seating for performance, and a load of built-in vibe.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Brandon's Got DVDs for Grabs :)

2009-08-01T23:34:26Z

Here we go:

WORLD DANCE NEW YORK:
You Can Bellydance: Absolute Beginner $4
Dance Today! Bellydance $4
Instant Bellydancer: 2 DVD-Set $7

LURAINYA (PA)
Guide to Bellydance: Beginner level $10

RANIA (CA):
Bellydance: Too Hip $4
Belly Abs $6
Belkly Yoga $6

PRINCESS FARHANA (CA)
Bellydance Basics $6

BELLYTWINS
Core Conditioning $5

BDSS
30 Days to Vegas $7
Sonia: Intro to Bellynesian w/ Music CD $7

If interested, just send me a PM and holler... :)

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BELLYTWINS: August BellyNews

2009-08-01T23:18:38Z

http://www.bellytwins.com

Namaste, Sat sri akal, and Salam Alakum! Greetings!

In this issue, we pay tribute to the fun and fantasy of Bollywood! With hundreds of blockbuster Bollywood movies releasing every year, it is undoubtedly a strong part of popular culture in India. And now, thanks to "Slumdog Millionaire", Bollywood is now rapidly growing worldwide. The name originated because most of these movies were made in Bombay (Mumbai) and it is the center of the Indian film industry, much like our Hollywood. One of the great signatures of a Bollywood movie is the dancing. No film is complete without the catchy musical numbers, replete with colorful costumes, unique backgrounds, and upbeat, fun choreography influenced by various Indian and western dance styles. Jai Ho!

Namaste and Happy Independence Day, India!
Neena & Veena
Bellytwins and Bollytwins

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GET IN TOUCH
We would love to hear from you! Share your product ideas, suggestions for our newsletter or anything else that you think would make your Bellytwins experience more fun! Visit here to send us your suggestions.

CLASSES

All classes are on-going and open to ALL levels!

Bellydance: Sexy, fun!
Saturdays; North Hollywood, CA 11 am to 12 noon.
Wednesdays; Studio City, CA: 8 pm to 9 pm.

Bollywood: A blast! Excellent workout! Saturdays; Glendale/Atwater Village, CA; 1 to 2 pm.
Sundays; New! Glendale/Atwater Village, CA; 1 to 2 pm.
Mondays; Studio City, CA; 8 to 9 pm.
Thursdays; (monthly) Los Angeles; 7-8:15 pm

Online classes: Coming soon!

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Upcoming Events

July 14: Bollywood class/wkshp, Academy of Dance, Santa Ana, CA
Aug 8: San Diego, CA
Aug 9: Las Vegas, NV
Aug 18: Bollywood class/wkshp, Academy of Dance, Santa Ana, CA
Aug 21: Pasadena, CA (free to public); Levett Pavillion. For more info: www.levittpavillionpasadena.org

Recent:

Neena & Veena with our friend, Ryan Heffington (who also dances in our company) in a recent music video for INFECTED MUSHROOM. Release date TBD.

Bellytwins with Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan

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

Call 888-41-BELLY or 818-83-BELLY to order your own BELLYTWINS T-shirt now!

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

Recent:

Neena & Veena with our friend, Ryan Heffington (who also dances in our company) in a recent music video for INFECTED MUSHROOM. Release date TBD.

Bellytwins with Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan

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

Call 888-41-BELLY or 818-83-BELLY to order your own BELLYTWINS T-shirt now!

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

Great gift!

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

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

THE WAY OF THE BELLY

Rating:
Reviewed by: Diana Rohini La Vigne

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

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

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

FREE BELLY GIFT! If you order $50 or more of any Bellytwins products, we'll send you a free gift along with your order. Value $10!

BOLLY PARTY TIP How to put on a Sari

How about a bollywood theme for your next get together? All you need are some Indian food, chai, bollywood music and dance, and some friends. For attire, go elegant with a sari. There are various styles, depending on the region of India. Here's the most common:

Put on the blouse or choli and petticoat tightly. The petticoat color should match the sari color as closely as possible. The blouse can be short sleeved or sleeveless, with a variety of necklines.
Start with the inner plain edge, tuck around 2-3" it into the petticoat just right of the belly button. Make sure the bottom of the sari touches the floor. Now wrap the sari around once, so it comes back in the front on the right hand side. You should not see the petticoat at this point. Tip: wear your heals before you start to put on the sari. This will indicate exactly how much material to tuck into the petticoat so the sari hits the top of your feet. The amount you tuck in depends on how tall or short you are or how long you want to wear the sari.
Now from the tucked-in end, make pleats of equal width - about 5 to 8 pleats and hold them together neatly so they fall straight and even. Safety pin the pleated area to stop the pleats from falling apart as you are holding it. See that the pleats are piled on top of each other evenly. The lower edge of the pleats should also be even, just off the ground.
Turn the pleats towards the waist slightly and tuck the bundle into the petticoat. Tip: tuck pleats about 2 inches towards the belly button from your first tuck (#2).
Wrap the remaining sari around once more and bring it up under your right arm and over your left shoulder. Fold and arrange your shoulder pleats neatly before you place them over your shoulder. This portion should fall about knee level. Tip: if you think the portion that is over your left shoulder is too long, let go of some of the material and add more pleats (#3)
The top-end portion that is over the shoulder is called pallu. Pleat this 2-3 times (optional), and let the remaining fall off the shoulder in the back and into your arm, and pin it on the blouse.
More tips can be found in "The Way of the Belly." Buy now!

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

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

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

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

BOLLY MOVE:

Music: Pick your favorite music, medium tempo. If you want to get into the Indian groove, we suggest our Indi-Hop CD.

Start: Begin with your legs spread wide, feet slightly turned out, and bend your knees so your knees go over the toes. Be sure to keep the back straight and upright, shoulders back, tailbone dropped. Bring your arms above the head, bend elbows, and flex the hands, as if you're holding 2 plates. Engage all the muscles in your legs and arms as you slide your upper body from right to left.

Exercise: Continue sliding from side to side for 2-3 min, counting 2 beats per "side." Bring your hands to "Namaste" position, and slide 1 count for each side, as your Belly goes in toward the spine. Slide for another 2-3 minutes.

Exercise excerpt from "Indi-Hop." Be sure to warm up and cool down before exercising. Drink plenty of water. As with any exercise program, consult your physician. For other movements,

visit here for our dvds and products..

BOLLY FACTS

- India's first silent feature film was Raja Harishchandra made in 1913

- India's first Bollywood film (talkie, singing, dancing) was Alam Ara made in 1931

- India was producing over 200 films per year in the 1930's

- India's first color feature film was Kisan Kanya made in 1937

BOLLY MUSIC & DANCE

The dancing in Bollywood films, especially older ones, is primarily modelled on Indian dance: classical dance styles, dances of historic northern Indian courtesans Tawaif or folk dances. In modern films, Indian dance elements often blend with Western dance styles (as seen on MTV or in Broadway musicals), though it is not unusual to see Western pop and pure classical dance numbers side by side in the same film. The hero or heroine will often perform with a troupe of supporting dancers. Many song-and-dance routines in Indian films feature unrealistically instantaneous shifts of location and/or changes of costume between verses of a song. If the hero and heroine dance and sing a pas de deux , it is often staged in beautiful natural surroundings or architecturally grand settings.

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BOLLY JACKSON

Western music and dance was a great influence in Bollywood. But no one had a bigger impact than Michael Jackson. "Thriller" dance moves was seen in so many Bollywood songs, it was obvious that India loved the pop icon. Bollywood choreographer Farah Khan admitted teaching herself how to dance watching Michael Jackson's videos.

"Black or White" influenced Bollywood with the morphing technique in film making. The song and video features... yours truly, Veena, as one of the morphing faces in my early career. Out of hundreds and hundreds of faces, we were told that Michael himself picked the faces! Thank you, Michael, your contribution to Bollywood. Youll be missed. (BTW Tyra Banks is also one of the faces).

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BELLY LANGUAGE

This month, we feature common words and phrases of Hindi, the national language of India.

THIS MONTH'S WORDS/PHRASES:

Hello - Namaste
What is your name? - Aap ka naam kya hai?
My name is_____ - Mere naam ____hai
How are you? - Aap kaisa hai?
I am from India - Mein India se hoon
Yes - Haa
No - nahin
Please - Kripaya
Thank you- Dhanyavad or Shukriya
Excuse me- Maaf kijiye

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BOLLY SONG

The Indian Independence Day also called as Swantrata Divas in Hindi is celebrated on August 15th of every year. The day is national holiday and is celebrated in whole of India. The day is celebrated because on this day in 1947, India got its Independence from the Britishers and originated as a sovereign nation. The national flag is hoist on this day and the celebrations are at their extreme in Delhi where the Prime Minister of India raises the Indian Flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech to the people of India. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first Indian Prime Minister to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort after after he was sworned as the PM by Lord Mountbatten.

Independence Day holds a lot of significance to not only the people of India but also to the Indian Film Industry. We have witnessed a lot of Bollywood movies with their theme based on patriotism. From oldies like Kranti, Karma to the new movies like Veer Zaara, Pardes, Swades and Rang De Basanti Bollywood has produced several patriotic movies from time to time. The contribution of Bollywood is really great and we can expect more patriotic songs over the years. The significance of Bollywood can be seen from the fact that the song "Kar Chaley hum Fida jaan-o-tan Saathiyon" can be heard anywhere on this day.

Here ares some popular Independence Day songs:

Dharti Sunehri Ambar Neela, Har Mausam Rangeela, Aisa Des Hai Mera
I Love My India
Rang De Basanti
Des mere des mere meri jaan hai tu
Mera rang de basanti

Bollywood has always given us that patriotic feeling which is lacking from today's youths. These patriotic songs not only help us to remember those brave soldiers who died while fighting for the people but also pay tribute to the 'Shaheeds'. Independence Day is a day of pride for every individual and we can make this day of National importance more memorable with these songs. Thus we should thank Bollywood for producing songs like these.

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BELLY SUGGESTIONS

I'm sure you've already gotten this suggestion, but more indepth bellydance videos would be good. I've probably got all the videos you've got out sofar (minus the indi-hop, and bollywood etc). My interest is of course on my health, but also dancing for fun. I would like to see a video or series along the lines of you basic dance where you examine moves, go in to how to enhance the move through facial expressions, or gestures, and highlight common mistakes as well as things to bring that move to the next level.

Thanks!

We'd love to hear any suggestions you may have on upcoming events or products. Email us

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BELLY LETTERS

Ladies and Sisters,

I just want to thank you both so much, you are an inspiration and I thank of the two of you as mentors. I live in a small, small town where Bellydance is never talked of except in past tense. Well, I had my first public performance last night, and it went fabulously, thanks to the two of you. I learned just about all the moves from your DVD's, I own just about all of them, including your Book, "Way of the Belly". I Dance because I Love the Dance, it calls to me, but as an added benefit I lost 25 lbs and 16+ inches all over my body.

Thank you.

I still am a big dancer with a bit of a pudge but I feel so feminine and comfortable in my skin that its okay. I also got to see my Dance on Video, which at first terrified me, but I'm good. I'm graceful. Yea! Thanks for the newsletter, thanks for everything. When my pics come in, I'll be sure to send one. Have a Blessed Summer and I hope to write back in the future with more exciting news.

Brandy Michelle Linkenhoker aka Pandora's Secret

Send us your letters... We would love to hear from you!

Chinese Astrology

2009: Year of the Ox:
dependable, hard-working, calm, reliable, modest, born-leader. They are kind, caring, souls. Theyre also patient, methodical, and social.

Numerology:The year 2009 is the numeric value of "11" a Master number. The next time the world will experience the same energy will be in 2018. Equality, creative, social, togetherness, Yin-yang energy

CANCER
June 21 - July 22
LEO
July 23- August 22

CANCER
Cancerian Dancers: As a performer, her demure may seem quiet at first, but on the dance floor, she'll rip it up, surprising the audience with her creativity and non-stop energy. Cancer teachers are probably the best because they truly care about their students. Moms should be so lucky if you could get your daughter to be taught by a cancer. She's like a second mom away from home. Like the crab, she can be tough on the outside, but soft in the inside.

Cancer celebs: Meryl Streep, Prince William, Kathy Bates, Cheryl Tiegs, Chris Isaac, Kevin Bacon, Tom Cruise, Pamela Lee Anderson, Dalai Lama, Ringo Starr, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Carlos Santana, Robin Williams, Michelle Kwan, Bill Cosby, Linda Ronstadt, David Hasselhoff, Huey Lewis.

LEO
Leo dancer/performer: Of all sun signs, Leos are probably the most dominant. They are spontaneous, creative, and extroverts making them exciting performers on stage. They are born leaders who know what they want, and go after it. And because they are enthusiastic, broad-minded, and creatively expansive, they are potentially among the greatest in directors and choreographers.

On the dark side, they can be arrogant, tempermental, pompous, and very bossy, But generally, their love and generousity shines. They are faithful to those who are faithful to them.

Leo celebs: Tony Bennett, Neil Armstrong, M. Night Shyamalon, Charlize Theron, Dustin Hoffman, Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas, Don Ho, Halle Barry, Christian Slater, Robert Plant, Kim Cattrell, Madonna, Tori Amos, Gene Kelly, Steve Guttenberg, Tim Burton, Mother Teresa, Shania Twain, Richard Gere, Cameron Diaz, Van Morrison, Ben Affleck.

Hey twins!
I'm married to an Indian guy from Punjab. I'm meeting my in-laws for the first time next month, and I wanted to surprise them by wearing a sari. One of my friends showed me one time, but I forgot how to do it. I was wondering if you knew how to wrap one?
BTW - I just got your Bollywood Blast dvd, and I absolutely LOVE it. I'm so excited to show off those moves on the dance floor when I see them!
Irene C, Illinois

Dear Irene,
We're actually featuring a "how to wrap a sari" in this issue. Hopefully, that'll give you some guidance.
Good luck and have fun with your in-laws!

Belly Blessins,
N & V

Ask the Twins a Question

CURRY CHICKEN KABOBS
Summer bbq grilling - Indian Style!

Ingredients:
3 cups rice, cooked
1 or 2 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas, cooked
1/2 cup plain yogurt (milk or goat)
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1 - 1/2 pounds chicken breast
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
6 skewers
1 large tomato, chopped

Directions:
Mix garlic, yogurt, and spices. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 6 hrs, turning occasionally. Discard excess marinade. Thread chicken on skewers. Cook 8 to 10 minutes on grill, turning twice. Toss rice, tomato, green onions, and peas. Serve skewers over rice.

Tip: For a more "Indian" flavor, you may want to add a pinch of Garam Masala instead of or in addition to chili powder. You can find this spice at any Indian market. Also, add a couple of whole cloves the last minute of cooking your rice (optional). As always, try to use organic ingredients.

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HUMMUS
Quick and easy!

Disclaimer: We apologize for accidentally printing the Lebanese Fattoush recipe written 2x instead of the Hummus recipe in the last issue. Thank you for bringing that to our attention! So, here it is...

Ingredients:
16 oz. of cooked garbanzos or 1 can garbanzo beans, drained.
3-4 garlic cloves
1/4 cup of lemon juice
Sea salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper
Pinch of chili powder (or to taste)
1/4 olive oil

Directions:
Put garlic in food processor until chopped. Add remaining ingredients except olive oil. Slowly add oil to processor while running. Top with extra olive oil.

Got a favorite recipe you'd like to share with us?

For more Middle Eastern recipes, check out "The Way of the Belly."

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

THE SWEET SIXTEENS of the OASIS HONORS 2009 :) August 1-28

2009-07-31T21:40:01Z

http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html

OASIS HONORS 2009 (SOLOISTS) SWEET 16
=====================================

2009 SPHINX BALLOT:
Shems (MD)
Aziza (OR)
Princess Farhana (CA)
Amy Sigil (CA)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
Mira Betz (CA)
Kybray Corr (Mexico)
Sadie (CO)
Nathalie (FL)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
Suhaila Salimpour (CA)
Naimah (MD)
Michelle Joyce (CA)
Rachel Brice (CA)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Aradia (NV)
Aveyanda Skye (Holland)
Portia (FL)
Ebony (DC)

OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2009 SWEET 16
===================================

2009 SPHINX BALLOT::
Marina (FL)
Sahira (TX)
Ava Fleming (AZ)
Kaeshi (NY)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
Azhia (Canada)
Amar Gamal (NY)
Katya Faris (IN)
Petite Jamilla (AL)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
Sonia (CA)
Jehan Kamal (NY)
Eli Del Negro (Mexico)
Amira Mor (NJ)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Bozenka (FL)
Batsheva (VA)
Shaell (MD)
Fayzah Claudia (NY)

TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2009 SWEET 16
==================================

2009 SPHINX BALLOT:
Zafira Dance Co. (PA)
Devyani (AL)
Sol Tribal Fusion BD (CA)
Hipnosis (PA)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
BellyQueen (NY)
Fat Chance Bellydance (CA)
Ooh La La! (CA)
Kassar Tribal (NJ)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
ROMKA (DC)
Solstice Dance (NY)
Baraka Mundi (NC)
Shakra Tribal Grove (MD)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Delirium Tribal (SC)
Saffron Dance Ensemble (VA)
Gypsy Caravan (OR)
Raqs Sahara (DC)

Voting starts: August 1st, 12:01am ET
Voting ends: August 28th, 8:59pm ET.

Send votes to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com
**You can vote for the two (2) bellydancers/troupes you'd like to see advance to September's
Elite 8 voting round(s).

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

LARGEST outdoor all weekend HAFLA - Belly Dance celebration and gathering in TEXAS, Maybe the USA...

2009-07-31T16:43:15Z

On September 19 and 20, 2009 we are planning the largest hafla aka, celebration of middle eastern dancing... Belly Dancing.... to be held on the grounds of Middlefaire Renaissance festival in Hillsboro, Texas.

this is a zaggaret out , inviting all belly dancers, middle eastern dancers, performers, actors and vendors of dancer and gypsy goodies in and around Texas to come join us.

ALL are encouraged to come join us..... this will be an open dance forum... so any and all dancers will be encouraged to perform... drummers, a smorgasbord of dancers to drum for... and vendors... mucho dancers to target your wares to... have yet to meet a dancer who doesn't like the bling, swing or feel of new dancer stuff ;)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JULY's Firecracker Birthdays, with Ice Cream, Cake and Sparklers :D

2009-07-31T06:45:31Z

Ashley Bennett 7/2nd
Heather Stants 7/4th
Local BDSS Ebony (DC) and BDSS Rania 7/15th
BDSS Sharon Kihara 7/31st

Any1? :D
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 10 replies

FROM Rayhana Rhea (MD): SHIMMIES FOR THE CURE 9/12th-Baltimore, MD

2009-07-27T00:32:18Z

Announcing a new Meetup for Baltimore/DC Belly Dance and Music of the Middle East!!

What: SHIMMIES FOR THE CURE

When: September 12, 2009 1:00 PM

Price: $40.00 per person

Where:
Columbus Gardens
4301 Klosterman Ave
Baltimore, MD 21236
443-676-9038

I am training with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training program to prepare for and run 13.1 miles in the Baltimore Half Marathon on October 10, 2009. This will be my 3rd event that I have fundraised and ran for the LLS. Last year I ran 26.2 mile in the Baltimore Marathon and 13.1 miles in The Disney Half Marathon while raising over $7,000 for the LLS. I hope to surpass that amount this year with your help!

I am running in memory for my grandmother LaVerne Virginia Mack, who passed away in March 2009 from brain cancer and my mother-in-law Valerie Ann Richardson who passed away in August 1990 from pancreatic cancer. And in honor of my friend Allyson’s son Connor Riggs an 8 year old boy, Connor who was diagnosed with ALL at the age of 3 and underwent 2 ½ years of chemo and steroids. And I am happy to say that Connor is winning his battle and is now in remission.

At this year’s event, the 2nd Annual Shimmies For The Cure, a fundraising Hafla (Belly Dance Show) on the date of Saturday, September 12th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Columbus Gardens located at 4301 Klosterman Avenue, Baltimore, Md 21236. This event will feature a Buffet Dinner, a Belly Dance show, open dancing, DJ and a Silent Auction.

Tickets are on sale now $40.00 per person. The buffet will include :
• Beer, Wine, Soda & Coffee
• Cash Bar for all other Alcohol
• Hand Carved Beef, Turkey and Ham
• Italian Meatballs
• Chicken Scampi
• Mini Cheese, Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza
• Vegetable Tray
• Cheese tray
• Dessert – Crème puffs, Chocolate Eclairs, Cookies & Cake

The show will begin promptly at 1:45 p.m. The line- up is amazing and is as follows:
• Bellydance Delight
• Carrie Shusta
• Damiena Dances
• Helena Zahra
• Karma
• Naimah
• Rayhana Rhea
• Sestraluna
• Shems
• Typhrodisia
If you would like to donate items for the silent auction, please email me at

my3weiners@verizon.net

or if you would like to make a monetary donation, you can donate directly to my fund at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/balt09/crichardson.

Please be aware that all donations are tax-deductable and our tax information is as follows:

Tax ID # 13-5644916.

Thank you for supporting our mission

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-DC-Bellydance/calendar/10960830/

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SAFFRON DANCE (VA): Summer Happenings

2009-07-26T23:58:57Z

http://www.saffrondance.com
http://www.saffrondance.com/events/index.html

Upcoming Workshops
Salla Saffron

Saturday, August 8
7 PM Saffrontinis, Spirits & Lite Fare
8 PM Show

Where:
Saffron Studios
3260 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
703-276-(BELLY) 2355

Hailed as a favorite event among Saffron students and fans, Salla Saffron offers an intimate evening of nosh, Saffrontinis & Oriental & Tribal Belly dance featuring student soloists. Performers include: Nikki, Jayme, Becky, Katherine, Keely, Jemina, Jackie, Candita & Lesie

Online Ticket Price: $20.00
At Door: $30.00

Summer Gala Dinner Show
ONLINE FLYER @ http://www.saffrondance.com/images/dinnergala.jpg

Where:
Marrakesh Restaurant
Washington DC’s Premier Authentic Moroccan Restaurant
617 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Metro: Convention Center/Valet Parking Avail.)

Cocktails & Open Dancing: 6:00 pm
Dinner/Show: 7:00 pm

Online Ticket Price: $45.00
At Door: $60.00

Price Includes 4-course Prix-fixe Traditional Moroccan meal.
(price includes food, service & gratuities)
(Cash Bar available for beverages & spirits)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OASIS HONORS 2009: 2nd Round July Nominees Remaining... :)

2009-07-26T16:17:28Z

Thanks to everyone who cast a vote last month. The following are the remaining bellydancers/troupes
for voting now through July 28th @ 9PM ET. Send your votes to: navel_y2k@yahoo.com
**You may vote for as many as four (4) bellydancers/troupes in each ballot to move on to the
next voting round in August:
http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html
===============================================================================

THE OASIS HONORS 2009 NOMINEES:

2009 SPHINX BALLOT:
Sandra (CA)
Shems (MD)
Aziza (OR)
Princess Farhana (CA)
Suzanna Del Vecchio (CO)
Taletha (KY)
Shayna (NY)
Amy Sigil (CA)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
Olivia Kissel (PA)
Mira Betz (CA)
Jim Boz (CA)
Zoe Jakes (CA)
Kybray Corr (Mexico)
Sadie (CO)
Didem (Turkey)
Nathalie (FL)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
Ariellah (CA)
Suhaila Salimpour (CA)
Elizabeth Mahina (CA)
Naimah (MD)
Michelle Joyce (CA)
Eva Cernik (CO)
Rachel Brice (CA)
Tempest (CA)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Aradia (NV)
Natalie Brown (SC)
Yasmina (AZ)
Aveyanda Skye (Holland)
Portia (FL)
Autumn Ward (NY)
Amir Thaleb (Argentina)
Ebony (DC)

===============================================================================

THE OASIS of COLOR HONORS 2009 NOMINEES:

2009 SPHINX BALLOT::
Lulu Sabongi (Brazil)
Marina (FL)
Shaska (NV)
Radhiya Taj (MO)
Sahira (TX)
Ava Fleming (AZ)
Martina Mahtab (Italy)
Kaeshi (NY)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
Azhia (Canada)
Tarik Sultan (NY)
Amar Gamal (NY)
Rena (PA)
Katya Faris (IN)
Petite Jamilla (AL)
Morgana (Spain)
Aisha Ali (CA)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
Sonia (CA)
Jehan Kamal (NY)
Eli Del Negro (Mexico)
Mia Shauri (Puerto Rico)
Arish Lam (Puerto Rico)
Yashira (Puerto Rico)
Rania (TX)
Amira Mor (NJ)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Bozenka (FL)
Olu (CA)
Batsheva (VA)
Khalidjah (IL)
Myryka (AZ)
Khadijah (CO)
Shaell (MD)
Fayzah Claudia (NY)

========================================================================

THE TROUPE OASIS HONORS 2009 NOMINEES:

2009 SPHINX BALLOT:
Zafira Dance Co. (PA)
Devyani (AL)
Sol Tribal Fusion BD (CA)
Black Swan Tribe (AUS)
Traveling Hips (AR)
Sabaya Bellydance (TX)
Hipnosis (PA)
Ashiqui (ENG)

2009 PYRAMID BALLOT:
BellyQueen (NY)
Urban Gypsy (TX)
Torque Tribal BD (NC)
Fat Chance Bellydance (CA)
Ooh La La! (CA)
Kassar Tribal (NJ)
Atash Maya (CA)
Raks Awalim BD (MT)

2009 CLEOPATRA BALLOT:
ROMKA (DC)
TribalTique (CO)
Solstice Dance (NY)
Baraka Mundi (NC)
Shakra Tribal Grove (MD)
Bellyfringe (CAN)
Midnight Mirage (UT)
Troupe Alchemy BD (NY)

2009 LIL'EGYPT BALLOT:
Dreams Bellydance (FL)
Delirium Tribal (SC)
Asha Bellydancers (NV)
Saffron Dance Ensemble (VA)
N.O.Madic Tribal (LA)
Adam Basma Dance Co. (CA)
Gypsy Caravan (OR)
Raqs Sahara (DC)

Thanks,
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

2009 WAMEDA 30TH Anniversary Hafla--September 11-13, 2009 featuring SADIE & KAYA STAR!! :)

2009-07-26T16:14:56Z

http://www.wameda.org
http://wamedahafla2009.eventbrite.com/

Internationally known superstars, performing artists, choreographers and instructors, SADIE & KAYA will grace the East Coast with their presence at the much anticipated

=====================================================================
"FAMILY REUNION" HAFLA WEEKEND

**JOIN WAMEDA TODAY FOR GREAT SAVINGS!! **

****(scroll to bottom for full schedule!)****

Be sure to join us for this full and exciting weekend of top-notch workshops and performances. Don't miss this opportunity to study with SADIE AND KAYA!!

Remember workshop pre-registration is on a "first come, first registered" basis to perform on the Hafla with KAYA & SADIE!

=======================================================================
***SCHEDULE OF WEEKEND HAFLA 2009***

WORKSHOP TOPICS

Friday- Afro-Brazilian Samba Workshop & Meet & Greet

Saturday-Pops, Locks, and Layers and Drum Solo Choreography

Sunday- Zils and Drills, Slow & Sultry Moves, and Arabic Pop

FRIDAY
AFRO-BRAZILIAN / SAMBA: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Brazilian Samba is one of Sadie and Kaya's most requested classes and workshops. This workshop will break down some of the most popular moves and foot patterns in the Samba noPe`, the soloist dance seen at Rio's Carnaval and in many night clubs in Brazil, as well many of the traditional Afro-Brazilian movements and add them together in exciting choreography or short combinations. Get ready to have a great time, burn some serious calories and add some spice to your dance vocabulary.

Meet & Greet September 11, 2009 9:30pm

(Open dance-bring your hip scarves!!)

SATURDAY
POPS, LOCKS and LAYERS 10am - 12 noon

This workshop follows the teaching format developed exclusively by Sadie & Kaya. You will be introduced to several concepts that will unleash your true potential to execute sharper, cleaner, stronger movements and isolations. Available only through the “Tandem Training Method” that IS SADIE & KAYA!

LUNCH 12- 1pm

DRUM SOLO CHOREOGRAPHY - 1- 3pm

Experience the full potential of a Drum Solo. Kaya and Sadie do not skip a beat. Learn how to apply the "Drum Solo Secrets" in one of Kaya and Sadie's stellar Drum Solo choreographies.

*SATURDAY Night HAFLA -

Doors Open 6:30p.m. and Dinner 7pm

Show at 8:30p.m.

SUNDAY

DRILLS and ZILS 10am – 11am

A must for training at any level! This workshop fully breaks down the focused dance and zil technique before drilling. Fancy foot patterns and layering will be introduced, along with many fun and interesting zil rhythms and patterns.

BRUNCH 11am-12noon

SLOW & SULTRY MOVES 12noon – 2pm

Kaya & Sadie first explain the characteristics of a Taksim and Cifte Telli and the dancer's role in a Taksim performance. You will learn seamless transitions, varying your temp, and using the breath of the movement for subtle effect. Kaya & Sadie show you how to turn movements into dancing. You will learn poses and extensions that add drama and emotion to your performance with the fluidity and grace that are the key to a beautiful Taksim dance.

ARABIC POP 2pm – 3pm

Who doesn't love the fun and lively Arabic Pop song? This workshop will highlight many of the traditional Egyptian moves and add some zest and variety to give you a fresh and exciting pop choreography.

======================================================================
Friday Evening will kick off the 30th Anniversary Hafla "Family Reunion" Celebration Weekend with Sadie & Kaya. We start with the exciting Samba Workshop 7pm til 9pm. After that, it's the continued "Meet & Greet" with open dancing, mingling and mixing, celebrating this glorious weekend together. This is going to be a weekend to remember! Bring your family to the Saturday night Hafla Dinner and Surprisingly Luxurious, Multidimensional Performance Show. This is the major highlight of the weekend...10 hours total of workshops starting on Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning and afternoon. WHEW! Cleo's Closet and Fantastic Designs are going to be vending their magical dance costumes and paraphernalia. This is the most sumptuous, exquisitely delicious, all you can eat, buffet of the best food you have ever tasted! Something for everyone! This is a monumental party in Washington D.C. Tell your friends and family... If they're not belly dancers, they WILL be dancing this night, at The WAMEDA Hafla!! See ya! - Frankee Sunshine, VP of Programs

All reservations must be made by 8/12/2009. In order to receive the preferred rates,

$99 per night, , individuals with telephone requests must identify themselves with WAMEDA HAFLA. Individuals need to call (866) 240-6315. Rates cannot be changed upon check-in or at checkout times for guests who fail to identify their affiliation at the time the reservation is requested. After the cut-off date reservations will be accepted on a space available and rate available basis.

Holiday Inn College Park

10000 Baltimore Avenue (Rte 1)

College Park, Maryland 20740

Phone: 301-345-6700

Fax: 301-982-4361

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JULY BellyHappenings :)

2009-07-26T15:43:19Z

From SAHARA DANCE MID-ATLANTIC:

Hi everyone!

The fall class schedule is now online, and classes are open for registration! (Here's a printable PDF version.)

Fall 2009 Session (14 weeks)
Tuesday, September 8 - Monday, December 21

New fall performance classes include:

* Low Intermediate I: Sha'bi Belly Dance Performance
* Salsa Fusion Belly Dance Performance

Performance students will perform in the "Raqs Caravan Showcase" on Saturday, December 19 at the Woodward Theater at Calvary Baptist Church.

SATURDAY WORKSHOP SERIES

Here is what's coming up this month in the Summer Saturday Series workshops:

JULY

* Latin-Belly Fusion! (July 11)
* "Old Skool" Bellygroove Choreography (July 18)
* Introduction to Raqs Al Assaya (Cane Dance) (July 25)

Please see our website for full workshop descriptions and to register online.

SEPTEMBER BRUSH-UP WORKSHOP SERIES

Maybe you took the summer off and are looking for a refresher, or maybe you're looking for a comprehensive review before progressing to the next level. The Brush-Up Workshops are a great supplement to your belly dance training.

Each workshop provides a condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught at the course level, and has been designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance technique classes or as an introduction to Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students. Experienced students are welcome to revisit and sharpen foundation movements. Light and fun combinations will be taught at the end of of each workshop, drawing from the movement vocabulary within each level.

Tuesday, September 1

* Introduction to Zills, 6:00-7:15 pm
* Zills Bootcamp, 7:30-8:45 pm
* Introduction to Veil, 9:00-10:15 pm

Wednesday, September 2

* Introduction to Belly Dance, 6:00-7:15 pm
* Beginner I Brush-Up!, 7:30-8:45 pm
* Low Intermediate Brush-Up!, 9:00-10:15 pm

Thursday, September 3

* Low Intermediate Brush-Up!, 6:00-7:15 pm
* Beginner II Brush-Up!, 7:30-8:45 pm
* Intermediate Brush-Up!, 9:00-10:15 pm

Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $20 in advance / $30 at door

Please see our website for full workshop descriptions and to register online.

EVENTS, PARTIES, AND PERFORMANCES

SAHARA DANCE CARAVAN: Exploring the Evolution of Belly Dance

Trace the earthy roots of an ancient art form through the branches of fusion and fun. Cultivating the diverse talent in the studio, "Sahara Dance Caravan" will be our most imaginative show yet. Catch a glimpse of our organic and intertwined dance lineages through works in many genres. We'll explore the rich ancestral themes of feminine beauty and power in traditional and experimental pieces. Join us for a delightful evening of something new!

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2009
Location: American University's Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre
4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016

Cost: $25 (choose your seats online) 5:00 pm performance / 8:00 pm performance

Please visit our website for additional information and performance line-up.

SAHARA DANCE SALON

Join us for an end-of-summer salon showcasing Sahara Dance faculty and student solos. The salon will feature new solo works created and performed by students in the Developing Choreopgraphy class, as well as faculty performances. Don't miss out on these up-and-coming performers!

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Casablanca Restaurant
1504 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cost: $15 (A buffet dinner is available for an additional $15 payable at the door)

I hope everyone is having a great summer. Remember, there will be no classes on Saturday, July 4. Happy Independence Day!

Yours in dance,
Rachel

Rachel Kay Brookmire
Founder and Creative Director
Sahara Dance
http://saharadance.com
(202) 362-4400

From AMIRA JAMAL (MA):

in this issue
:: Featured Dancer of the Month
:: Posture: Pitch, Balance, Alignment and Poise
:: Some of My Favorite Quotes
:: Ask Amira
:: Book with CD-Rom Visual Vocabulary
:: Fall Classes

Featured Dancer of the Month
Amy (Alizah Afet) Smith

Amy Smith Greetings! I'm honored to be featured in Amira Jamal's newsletter; usually I'm on the other side of the reporting and publishing process. I publish "Belly Dance New England," a magazine and Web site for the Middle-Eastern music and dance community in New England. I've been doing that for about 12 years. It all started one weekend in 1996, when there was a tribute to George Abdo (he was still with us then) in Boston, and a big workshop with Morocco in Western Mass., and neither end of the state knew what was happening at the other end! The magazine has grown from a 10-page newsletter to a 60-plus page publication, and in the process, I've had the good fortune to meet and befriend many wonderful people in the dance community.

Another passion of mine is local belly dance history, which has spawned two projects (apparently, the magazine, my day job, and my own dance doesn't keep me busy enough). To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the magazine, I wanted to honor that history by documenting the "legends" of Boston belly dance through a collaboration with the amazing photographer Michael Baxter. Michael captures a dancer's the true essence and character, regardless of her age. This project is the first time Michael has worked with "seasoned" dancers, and he is enjoying every minute of it. Look for a "Legends" book and possibly an exhibit next year.

The "Legends" project, in turn, has spawned a documentary project! The film, called Aziza!, spotlights the "nightclub era" of Boston belly dance, from the 50s to the 80s. This was a time when there was live music and dance performances in nightclubs every night of the week. Greek, Armenian, and Lebanese musicians played together in these clubs - something which apparently only happened here. Aziza! also offers a unique perspective on how three ethnic groups intermingled socially, and how nightlife played a vivid role in the immigrant experiences of these communities.
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)

DANCE TIPS: BAKER'S DOZEN

1. Intent: Make every movement on purpose. If you are doing a hip isolation and do not want to move your arms back and forth then make sure you don't. If you are doing a hip isolation and you mean to move your arms back and forth, then do so. It's a movement's intent that makes it right or wrong.

2. Isolations: Many isolations can be willed, rather than practiced. I am thinking of the washing machine shimmy, in particular. Many of my students practice this to death along with making sure they have perfect posture and are supremely isolated. But their arms still go back and forth a little bit or their hands shake. I tell them at some point, they just have to WILL themselves not to have extraneous movement. PERIOD.

3. Practicing with mirrors: I believe that, except for very few moves, mirrors serve no purpose beyond just a quick check to see that you are getting the effect you are looking for. I find that students who practice in front of mirrors or who have studied with teachers who teach into mirrors usually (but not always) have a less strong understanding of a step than those who feel the step in their body to correct it, rather than look at it to correct it. I do have a large mirror in my home studio, and occasionally take a student over to it just to look at the difference between flat or lifted, or to look at the roundness of the arm. But once the concept is understood we immediately move away from the mirror. You may also want to look at a mirror to see how a step looks on your body. Not every step is for every body. You won't know that unless you look at it on yourself. You can love what another dancer does but it might just not be the right move for you.

4. Learn to conserve energy: Find which steps give the biggest bang for their buck. For me they are AJ's Egyptian Pivot, Open Door, Pulsing/Circling with Hip Circles, Hip Clicks, Side Hip-Lift Walk, and the Washing-Machine Shimmy. You want to have movements that fill the stage with your energy, but in effect, take none. The choice will be different for each person. Experiment and find which steps you find easy, and which can be done at different speeds, angles, and direction. These can be your default or resting steps.

5. Right Brain/Left Brain: Most dancers have difficulty doing movements equally well on both sides of their body. I strongly urge my students to start to use their less dominant side for everyday activities like eating, brushing their hair and teeth, stirring a pot, etc. Next time you reach for the phone do it with the hand that you usually don't use - dial with the other. Next time you reach in the cabinet for something do it with the non-dominant side. Not that I am asking you to sign your John Hancock with your less dominant hand, but doing this exercise will help you "rewire" in such a way that it will become easier for you to execute steps on either side.

6. Practicing Scales: I always told my children (my daughter plays the violin, my son plays the viola) that in order for them to do all the things they enjoyed - playing in the school or community orchestras, performing solos on stage, etc., that they have to practice their scales and technical studies. You cannot have the ease and confidence that it takes to have fun unless you go through all the hard work to get there. Similarly with dancing, I often tell my students: "In real life dancing you may never do this step, but it is part of practicing your scales." What I would refer to, for instance, are steps that build absolute isolation. An example would be to do a large Figure 8 without moving the torso at all. Please practice everything and practice it well, even though you don't think you will ever use it in your own performance.

7. Reverberations: This falls under the Intent and Isolation tips, but I am giving it a separate section of its own. Make sure that if you are doing a hip movement, for instance, that you do not move the opposite hip as you finish with one side. For example, if you are doing a side hip-hit walk, where you raise the hip as you step to the side, when you ready yourself for the next step, make sure you put your moving foot down directly next to the standing foot and don't place your moving foot to the front. This will cause the opposite hip to swing out (unless, of course, you want a swing in the opposite hip). I bring this up because you have to be aware that the placements of your working/standing legs/feet are as important as the hip that you are moving.

8. Be Deliberate: You must be deliberate in your movements and not be flailing and jumping all over the place. You can exude a lot of energy without being frantic.

9. Muscle Memory: When you practice a step it helps to always start on the same side in the same direction. For instance, when I work on Figure 8s with my students I always start on the right hip going from back to front. I do this so that my students' bodies will automatically drop into a Figure 8 the minute they think of doing one. Of course they can go in any direction with any variation, but this is a good way to train yourself to remember all your steps. Once you are fully trained and the muscle memory is established, you will more often "just" dance without thinking of each and every movement before, or as, you do it.

Some of my Favorite Quotes

Instead of favorite quotes this month I would like to tell you a charming and thoughtful fable:

One time there was a little cat who went to cat philosophy school. For hours and hours he would chase his tail but catch it only once in a while. An older cat came upon him and asked, "What are you doing?" The younger cat answered, "At cat philosophy school we learned that the meaning of life is happiness and that happiness is in our tail." The older cat answered, "Well, I did not go to cat philosophy school like you did, but I believe the same thing: That indeed the meaning of life is happiness, and indeed it is located in our tail. However, what I have learned is that if I just go about my business, it will always follow me every day of my life."
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!

Ask Amira: This month's question: How can a dancer do such a long show and not be out of breath or feel sick from the exhertion?

Short answer: BREATHE.

Longer answer: BREATHE BUT DO IT RIGHT.

In and out. Right? Don't be so quick to think that you know about breathing! Take a few deep breaths and notice if your chest is rising and falling. If it is, then you are not breathing properly, and especially not for a dancer. Breathing this way will tire you out easily and have you panting even before the end of your introduction. If you ever get a chance to watch a baby, or cat, or dog breathe, watch them for a while. You will see their belly going up and down. This is pure breathing - before it is affected by pollution, or cigarette smoking, or talking and eating at the same time, or running to catch up with everything from a bus to the rest of your day.

Either standing up or lying down, put your fingertips together - just barely touching - under your breastbone. This is your diaphragm and should be ultimately where your breath goes (rather than just into your chest). Inhale slowly and fully. Your fingertips should part. It might take several weeks before there is even an imperceptible separation. Do this exercise daily until your fingertips can separate 1/2 inch or more. Do it lying down in bed if it makes you light headed at first. This deep breathing will boost your stamina and help keep you from easily becoming out of breath.

An exercise to learn to steady your breathing is this: Inhale and exhale at a steady slow count, while you stand still. Start jogging in place, while your breath stays at the steady rate. Increase your intensity until you are at an absolute run. If you walk or jog (either outside or on a treadmill) do this often until you can train yourself to keep your breathing steady. The deep breathing from the exercise before, combined with this, will see you through even the most grueling drum solo and finale!

Let me say a word about stitches. You will get a stitch in your side or just under your breastbone from not breathing correctly. This especially occurs when you are doing pivoting or twisting movements (but can happen with anything). Think of it this way: Your muscle filled with oxygen is like a wet dish towel. Wring it out and the water comes out... that's like the oxygen being wrung out of your muscle. Your inclination is to bend over to the side that has the stitch. Instead, bend to the opposite side and breathe deeply. Your stitch will go away more quickly that way. But, breathe correctly and steadily in the first place and it is unlikely to happen!

Please submit your questions - about anything to do with belly dancing!
BAKER'S DOZEN - Continued

10. Loading the Pond: When there is a fishing tournament the sponsors bring in truckloads of fish to load the pond. With thousands of fish you will lucky to catch just 3 or 4. Dancing is much the same way. You must learn hundreds of steps, and then, if you are lucky, you will be able to retrieve a dozen of them for your performance. If you only have a dozen, then you will be lucky to retrieve even 5 or 6. So load your dancing pond with as many steps and variations on those steps as you are able to. BUT, remember - no one wants to catch all thousand fish! And, don't YOU dance all the steps that you know. Be able to rely on just a portion of what you know, and then do them with many variations (level change, direction, with and without arm movement, layering, etc.). The star-quality of your dancing will be found in the depth and interpretation of the movements not in how many movements you know.

11. Make Dance a Part of Your Everyday Life: Listen to your dance music as you drive in the car. While you are driving practice rib cage circles and lifts. You can even practice belly rolls, flutters, and neck slides. Just keep your eyes open! One time when I was listening to particularly beautiful veil song I swooned and closed my eyes for just a second. NOT a good idea traveling 75 miles an hour on the Mass Pike! When you are walking make sure you are lifted. When you are on the phone get up and practice your shimmies. Carry your color wheel and always be on the lookout for pretty fabrics and trims. Be a dancer, not a person who dances.

12. Making Lemonade Out of Lemons: Once in a while you will have something happen to you that could spell disaster. Don't let it. I will give you two examples that happened to me. The first one was when I was a new performer. Not only did my veil slip out of my tuck, but it got under me and I slipped on it. I held myself upright, spread my arms to keep my balance and gave a big smile. The alternative was to get all flustered, start to hunt for the edges of my veil and try to salvage what I could of my pride. Of course the people up front saw what happened, but after the performance someone from the back of the audience came up to me and said: "Boy, I really liked that move you did when you just glided forward with your arms open and gave that big smile."
The second incident happened at the Athenian Corner. I had on a brand new bedleh (two piece costume). Right after the veil section I felt one of the cups getting a little loose. I brushed my long hair off my shoulder and looked down but couldn't quite figure out what had happened. A minute or two later I realized that my bra strap had completely snapped off from the front of the bra and was hanging from the back. The bra cup stayed fairly put as it was a hard cup, but it still presented a problem. Instead of leaving the stage, fixing it, and starting over (or not going on again) I just lifted the cup from the edge, laughed, and pointed to it with the other finger. One of my students rushed over to me to hand me my veil to cover up. I figured, why bother - everyone already knew what had happened, and the cup was still (sort of!) staying up on its own. When it came time to do a backbend I said aloud to the audience, "Gee, do you think I ought to give it a try?" I held the cup to my body with one hand and did a backbend! I finished the entire show not leaving out anything. Mercifully the band knew what was going on and shortened the show even though I got all my "sections" - I went for my tips AND did the drum solo including head swings. It was one of the best and most fun performances that I ever had.

13. Be A Lady (or Gentleman): When I was a dancer in New York City there was a dancer who was revered and loved by all. We newer dancers just worshipped her, especially those of us who worked in the same clubs and got to watch her perform often. Then, one day I saw her at a workshop. She was dressed like a slob, had a foul mouth, hair a mess, smoking and drinking. I never felt the same way about her again, even though nothing had changed in her show. I'm not saying that you shouldn't let your guard down among friends. But still, she was in a public place, and among many people who respected her. You have an image when you are professional dancer, and when that image is tarnished, people cannot feel the same way about your dancing as they did before. In addition, if you are working publicly, you do have to take extra care to keep this image around the customers. Don't change into sweats, be loud and uncouth, and smoke and/or drink up a storm. It isn't nice.
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 and gift wrapping at no extra charge. ($20 in class, $25 by check, $30 by PayPal to amirajamal@yahoo.com.)

See website at http://www.amirajamal.com for ordering instructions.
Buy Now

Fall Classes

http://www.amirajamal.com will be updated soon for further details!

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.

Wellesley (begins 9/15): Tuesday nights: 6:00-7:00PM and Framingham (begins 9/9): Wednesday nights: 7-8:
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")

Natick (ongoing): 8:30 Tuesday mornings: BELLYROBICS at Lady of America Gym.

Always Available: Private instruction in Framingham

From SHAKEMYDAY.COM (NYC):

ShakeMyDay.com in New York

SHAKEmyday news

The photoshoot sale had an amazing turn out! It was so great to work with so many wonderful, beautiful, talented dancers I drooled over some stunning costumes! In the next little while Ill add photos to my gallery so you all can enjoy seeing them!

* June 30 (tues) Sarah performs at the Cupping Room
* Jul 11 (Sat): We Click Studio Rock and Roll Party
* Jul 12 (Sun): Sarah Skinner and students at Grisly Pear
* Jul 18 (Sat): Sarah Skinner workshop in Plattsburgh NY
* Jul 19 (Sun) - Jul 25 (Sat): Sarah Skinner teaches at Noyes Rythm- CT
* Photos from latest shoots
* Opulent Motion DVD --IN STOCK!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CarmelJun 30 (Tue): Sarah Skinner at the Cupping Room
08:00pm Live music by Souren, Sourens son and Haig. Live music starts at 8pm, belly dance show by Sarah Skinner at 9:30ish. The Cupping Room 359 West Broadway (near Broome St.), Soho NY 10013 phone 212.925.2898.
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Jul 11 (Sat): We Click Studio Rock and Roll Party
9:00pm The Photography Studio of Sarah and Kevin Fox Rock and Roll Party with live music provided by: Scott Wakefield: Guitar and lead vocals Kevin Fox: Bass and vocals Eric Anthony: Guitar and vocals John Rochette: Drums and vocals Bring some friends but please don't list this party on any social sites. Bring some booze. It's a key ingredient to our Rock & Roll recipe. If you haven't been to one of our parties, You Should. Dancing for hours on end. GOOD OLD FASHIONED ROCK AND ROLL You'll know every song. We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC NY 10011 646.233.3767
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Jul 12 (Sun): Sarah Skinner at The Grisly Pear
08:00pm-10:00pm Every sunday there three dancers. Live music by Scott Wilson on the baglama hydra, (the rest of the band changes up- Umut Yasmut on kanun, Rami El Asser on Riq, Raquy Danziger on doumbek, and guest artists). The Grisly Pear Bar/Restaurant 107 MacDougal St. (between Bleecker and W.3rd) $20 minimum at tables.
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Jul 18 (Sat): Sarah Skinner workshop in Plattsburgh NY
1:00pm-04:00pm $45 in advance / $55 at the door.
A taksim is an improvisation played on a single instrument. Slow, sultry and sensuous, the taksim segment of the show is where the dancer must express an emotional connection to the intensity and drama of the music. In this workshop, Sarah Skinner will teach correct bodylines, and explain how to seamlessly flow from picture perfect poses into fluid and graceful dance combinations. An overview of four drum rhythms that frequently underscore taksims for dance purposes will be provided. Combinations enhance and compliment the mood of each rhythm will be taught. Practice flows and combinations will be taught from the Opulent Motions DVD.
$45 prepaid SIGN UP NOW and get the advance price deal.
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Jul 19 (Sun) - Jul 25 (Sat): Sarah Skinner teaches at Noyes Rythm- CT
The Noyes School of Rhythm and Dance presents Sarah Skinner as artist in Residence. Sarah Skinner will teach an afternoon class of Belly Dance every day that week. Noyes Rhythm is a system of movement that helps women to increase or regain their natural sense of rhythm. The result of our work here is fluidity, ease and wholeness and lightness of movement; a way of moving that is akin to the vitality and freedom of all nature. Summer Center of the Noyes School of Rhythm 245 Penfield Hill Road Portland, CT 06480 (860) 342-0328
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PHOTOGRAPHY

Photoshoot blitz!

Veiw Gallery
I had a great time this summer working with so many stunning dancers. It was great to see the transformation from people walking in the door- to the lights going on and a dance artist coming to life in my lens.

.

SHOp
.
coverOpulent Motion DVD - the Artistry of Slow Moves
Beginner-intermediate instructional program with Sarah Skinner: - slow rhythms (ciftetelli, masmoudi, slow 9/8, slow makqsoum) and rhythmless taqsim - combinations - practice flow - special focus on expressivity and articulation.
2 1/2 hours packed full of great stuff!
$14.98 plus $5.00 shipping (North America only)
IN STOCK!
.
Sarah talks about the ‘Artistry of Slow Moves’

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

SERPENT: Miles talks Contests & Certifications: Are They Meaningful?

2009-07-15T00:52:37Z

http://www.gildedserpent.com/cms/2009/07/11/milescerts/

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DISCUSSION: Did Any1 Attend RAQS BRITTANIA 2009 (UK) ?

2009-07-12T23:48:47Z

What is the combined bellydance (modern/cabaret and tribal) atmosphere like across the pond?

Is there equal anticipation in expectance for those of you Euro bellydancers here as it is for us
when Raqs America or Raqs LA comes by (of course, y'all got to get a performance this year
out of it, lucky ladies)?

Is the tribal bd community stronger or still more regionally underground throughout the UK
since Raqs UK's inception(s)?

What's the one thing you like to see added to Raqs Brittania for 2010?

Who are the fresh faces bound to make for stardom IN the UK as far as modern/cabaret and
tribal bellydance goes?

Were the workshops taken/attended everything that you thought they would be? Was there some-
thing missing?

Feedback welcomed, including short stories on your personal experiences of taking it all in
and just being around all the goodness... :)~

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

RESULTS: 2009 Bellydancer of the Year Pageant-Walnut Creek, CA

2009-07-12T23:42:48Z

http://www.bellydanceroftheyear.net/

Just like we on the east coast looks forward to BOCA/SoulYoga Fest in DC, this
event is big for the Cali gals on memorial Day weekend. Once again, another contest,
another MIA SHA'URI (PR) appearance in placement of a categorty she entered. Does any1 know her,
and is she really that good? Hopefully, more of the bd community will get to know more of her as time passes...

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OASIS: Bellydancer of the Month History Now Up :)~

2009-07-12T23:36:38Z

http://sites.google.com/site/brandonsoasis/bellydancer-of-the-month

It'll be a while before I link them all. :D

It's hard to beleve that I started back in mid-2001, and with next month will hit the ONE HUNDRED
MARK in the BDOTM, which was done as a side inspirational project that I actually got from Yasmina (AZ)'s Joy
of Belly Dancing website when I saw that she was doing it. As corny as it seems, that's an impressive number
to have reached. So to view all 97 (as 2 bellydancers has gotten it twice), click the link and count away....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Last ALL-SEASONS HAFLA at Cafe Spice (Towson, MD) on August 9th

2009-07-12T23:31:26Z

http://www.marylandbellydance.com/allseasonshafla

Shahrzad (formerly Vasha Hatal) of Delaware will be the headliner.
Nina Amaya, taking over from Devra johari a couple years ago when it was held at the 5Seasons in downtown B-more
has done a great job in keeping a monthly bellydance performing presence going, but will take a hiatus in SEPT and
for October, when they find a new venue, will pass the torch on to another dancer (Tydirah, I believe) to continue it.
Congrats to Nina for all her efforts with the hafla....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NEW IAMED DVD Releases

2009-07-12T23:27:31Z

http://shop.bellydance.org

Sadie & Kaya's (CO) ''Pops, Locks & Shimmies 2'' leads a new set of releases for the Cali
site, including a few new CD releases. Suzy T. Evans also has added Dynamic Combinations 3 & 4,
showing how poular the 1st 2 DVDs of collabroations were.

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

This Looks Interesting: THE UNMATA RODEO-Half Moon Bay CA August 8th

2009-07-11T17:43:52Z

http://unmata.com/rodeo/

Lucky Californians, hmph.... :)~

Tickets for the Unmata Rodeo available now!!!

just
$49.95
buys you a full day's admission, complete with unique performances by Suhaila Salimpour, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, and Mardi Love
(you may know them as The Indigo),
and, of course, UNMATA!
In addition, the day includes free shows by a host of authentic acts including Sooz, Denzel, Striipykz, Dahlia, six-gun Sheriff Joe, firepit fiddlers, a bevy of saloon girls, and the rockin' sounds of Colonel Jimmy and The Blackfish!

Space is limited; reserve yours now:

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

RACHEL BRICE COSTA RICA RETREAT 8/23-30 with SAHARA DANCE MID-ATLANTIC

2009-07-11T15:34:17Z

http://saharadance.com/workshops/costa_rica.php

Belly Dance Yoga Retreat with Rachel Brice
August 23 - 30, 2009
Pura Vida, Costa Rica

Put the world on pause to immerse yourself in an intensive yoga and dance practice. Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica, while studying with one of the leading artists in tribal belly dance. The weeklong intensive will include 20 hours of dance instruction with Rachel Brice, delicious and wholesome food, beautiful accommodations and a serene tropical setting for reflection & rejuvenation.

A typical day would include:
8:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Yoga stretch, dance preparation
11:00 am Conditioning drills
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Dance technique/special topic
4:00 pm Open Lab
6:30 pm Dinner

Retreat Itinerary

Sun, Aug 23 Arrive at resort
Mon, Aug 24 Day off to relax or explore Costa Rica
Tues, Aug 25 Workshop
Wed, Aug 26 Workshop
Thurs, Aug 27 Workshop
Fri, Aug 28 Workshop
Sat, Aug 29 Workshop
Sun, Aug 30 Depart resort
This retreat is suitable for all levels, with individual attention to challenge advanced dancers. A basic foundation in belly dance and/or yoga is required.

*** View photos from previous retreats! More! ***
The Workshops

Rachel Brice will teach 20 hours of challenging and rigorous tribal belly dance. Participants will learn to develop a daily tribal dance practice, while mastering techniques for stage presence and performance. Prepare to sweat!
Rachel Brice

Rachel BriceRachel Brice has been studying yoga and belly dance since the age of seventeen. She began teaching yoga in 1996, after 7 years of yoga practice and training with Erich Schiffman. Also in 1996, she became a Certified Massage Therapist, and was a chiropractic assistant for three years. She studied full time in the University program of Dance Ethnology at San Francisco State. She has toured with The Indigo with Le Serpent Rouge and The Yard Dogs Road Show. Currently she is touring with the Bellydance Superstars.
About Pura Vida

Pura Vida, Costa RicaEnjoy a 7 day retreat in beautiful Pura Vida, Costa Rica. Pura Vida, which means "pure life", is located on a private mountaintop estate in Costa Rica's Alajuela province and surrounded by coffee plantations and lush foliage. The estate commands fantastic views of Iraz, Barva, and Poas volcanoes and of the central valley with the capital, San Jose. Caribbean and Pacific beaches border this beautiful land filled with white-water rivers, waterfalls, tropical rain forests, active volcanoes, mountain cloud forests, exotic wildlife and birds.

Visit the Pura Vida Spa Resort Facebook.
The Food

Delicious, wholesome and nutritious cuisine is included! Pura Vida is famous for its great buffet cuisine. Guests, both vegetarian and those who enjoy fish or chicken, return not only for the world-class facilities and outstanding spa treatments, but very much for the delicious healthy cuisine. It's an exquisite marriage between the inspiration of many international chefs. The resort is committed to serving guests a huge variety of freshly prepared delicious recipes with exotic ingredients from the tropics and many home made chutneys, freshly baked cookies, granolas and other surprises.

Breakfast includes freshly squeezed juices, a huge variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, German bread, home made granola and a variety of hearty dishes like made-to-order omelets, tamales, home made tortillas, whole grain pancakes and more.

The lunches are famous for the huge selection of delicious gourmet salads, soups and main dishes, fresh juices and . . . a surprise every day!

Dinners are a feast of international cuisine, piquant flavors and aromas from many different countries along with a freshly made dessert every evening.

The best Costa Rican coffee and exotic tropical fruits are available in the restaurant all day long at no additional cost.
Accommodations and Fees

Pura Vida offers more than 50 accommodations for every taste and budget. From luxury suites with your own Jacuzzi hot tub, to charming A-frame Chalets, to tentalows (tents that aren't much like a tent).

All accommodations can be arranged with either two single beds or one king-size bed. The electrical system in Costa Rica is identical to that in the U.S. So, anything you bring (laptops, electric razors, hair dryers, etc.) can be used without the need of an adapter. Soap is provided in all the rooms; however, you should bring all other toiletries.

The rates below include: all dance classes, lodging, three meals per day, and ground transportation to and from the San Jose airport. Airfare, gratuity, bar and spa services are not included in the rates listed below.

Note: If you have a spouse or friend who would like to accompany you, but won't be taking the workshops, their cost is $600 less than the respective room rate below. This non-participant fee includes all meals, the shared room, and use of the Pura Vida facilities (pool, hot tub, other common areas). For example, if you and your non-dancing husband would like to share a Super Deluxe room, the registration fee would be $3,200 ($1,900 for you and $1,300 for him). If you would like to register a non-participant, please send us an email, and we'll send you registration details.

Also, if you register at the double occupancy rate and are attending the retreat by yourself, you will be assigned a roommate.

Flexible payment plans are available. Please contact us for details.
Double Occupancy
Tent Chalet $1,610/person
Standard Rooms $1,690/person
Deluxe $1,760/person
Super Deluxe $1,900/person
Suites $2,065/person
Pagoda $2,345/person
Single Occupancy
Tent Chalet $1,820/person
Standard Rooms $1,925/person
Deluxe $2,030/person
Super Deluxe $2,245/person
Suites $2,660/person
Pagoda $3,255/person

Note: some rooms share a common bathroom. All rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis. The servicing airport is San Jose, Costa Rica.
No refunds or transfers.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

2009 BELLYDANCE NATIONALS (MD): Workshops Announced

2009-07-11T15:28:12Z

http://www.bellydancenationals.com/WORKSHOPSCLASSESUPDATED.html
http://www.bellydancenationals.com

Workshops to be held on November 21 & 22, 2009 in Linthicum/Baltimore, MD
as part of the 2009 BD Nationals compettiion, hosted now by Lotus Nirajs & the
NDC (MD). formerly the Jewel of the Nile ran by Alxandra Ahnide (NJ).

This is going to be radically yummy....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

An East Coast BELLYDANCE CRUISE for 2010?

2009-07-11T13:46:59Z

Got this sent to me by Belinda about a week ago for plans to Carnival FL and beyond for about 5 days just
after the 4th of July next year for a bellydance-themed cruise encounter, more details at:
http://www.bellydanceblissfantasycruise.com

Looks very interesting....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

What Are Your Favorite Bellydance Scene(s) In a Film or TV Show?

2009-07-11T13:43:49Z

The 2 that stands out for me come from ''007'' films: From Russia with Love and the killer Gypst bellydance scene,
which still has many a woman's abs hurting trying to duplicate what she did to this day, and the goofy scene from
The Man with the Golden Gun, where Bond accidentally swallows the bullet of a former British agent that was used
as a lucky cherm in the navel of a bellydancer (too funny).
One of my all-time TV faves was the scene from matt Houston, where Kamaala (CA) was performing, hired at Matt's office
to dance around for his client he was protecting, played by the late (and whacky) James Coco.

Any others stands out? Maria and Aziza Sa'id has a listing page(s) of those that you can run through to jog your memory:
http://www.boulderbellygrams.com
http://www.zilltech.com

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DISCUSSION: Bellydancers and Stress

2009-07-11T11:30:37Z

Q: As a bellydancer, from prepping to performing to teaching to non-bellydancer activities and
the staggers of everyday crap that can and can't be controlled, it's almost time for anger management
to deal with society's daggers they wanna throw at 'ya nowadays.
How do you handle the stresses of your bellydancing aspects and help to stay in control and focus to
keep grounded? What remedies or hidden techniques you use to get away from existing stresses?
What vice(s) are worth avoiding in order to not have to deal with the stress monster raising its ugly head?

Feed the monster, I mean, feedback welcomed....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BREAKIN' NEWS: For Those of You Using Yaoo! Geocities for Webhosting

2009-07-11T11:26:01Z

Last year, AOL Hometown shut down and had to move my Oasis Honors back on Yahoo! Geocities.
NOW, I just happened to go to that page for my managing of files and read this:

======================================================================================================
GeoCities is closing on October 26, 2009.

On October 26, 2009, your GeoCities site will no longer appear on the Web, and you will no longer be able to access your GeoCities account and files.

If you'd like to move your web site, or save the images and other files you've posted online, please act now by downloading your files or upgrading to Yahoo! Web Hosting. See details in the help center or upgrade to Web Hosting now for only $4.99 a month.

*Which probably means for me I'm going to have to announce the winners for 2009 on my new Google site and make a new page.
Every site wants you to pay now, you can't set up anything for free anymore, it seems. Fort hose who hve bellydance sites on Geocities,
leat them know of the upcoming changes....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

SAFFRON DANCE (VA) presents: Master Egyptian Instructor: Mohamed El Hosseny 8/14-16th

2009-07-11T00:05:48Z

Saffron Dance Presents
Intensive Weekend Workshop with Master Egyptian Instructor: Mohamed El Hosseny
http://www.saffrondance.com/events/index.html

August 14-16 2009 with Mohamed El Hosseny

Workshop Location
Saffron Studios
3260 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22205
[Free Off Street Parking & walking distance - Clarendon Metro]
703-276.BELLY (2355)
Space Limited – Register Early!

Friday, August 14, 6-930 pm
Workshop 1: ORIENTAL CHOREOGRAPHY
Hosseny will present an original Oriental Choreography!!! His own special style consists of charismatic combinations full of emotion & drama! Hungary and fresh, he is impressive in every step. Technique & choreography will presented. Don’t miss this special event first time presenting in Washington DC and in the US!

$85.00 (online)/$100.00 (at door - space permitting)

Saturday, August 15, 11-4pm
Workshop 2: EGYPTIAN FOLKLORE DAY~ Focus on Suez!
YALLA! Egyptian Folkloric Day – Introduction to Suez culture, technique and choreography. Foklore is the root of all good oriental dancers. This workshop will present a Simsimiyya choreography with spoons/clapping rhythms and his amazing footwork. Guaranteed to add new movement and styling to your dancing....time permitting, Hosseny will introduce other Folkloric dances from his region.

$105.00 (online)/$125.00 (at door - space permitting)

Sunday August 16, Sunday 10-1:30 pm
Workshop 3: ORIENTAL FUSION
Hosseny will present an Oriental fusion/fantasy choreography & technique. Take your dance to a higher level. Egypt (Cirque du soleil: Mystere) will be presented for a special Egyptian pharaonic fantasy choreography! Mohamed will break down turns, technique & his own magical steps!

$85.00 (online)/$100.00 (at door - space permitting)

Weekend Package Price For All Three Workshops: $250.00

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

WAMEDA'S Annual Members' Showcase

2009-07-10T19:38:41Z

Join us as we continue to celebrate our 30th year as WAMEDA! We are celebrating our members and we support their performances at the John Addison Concert Hall at Harmony Hall in Ft. Washington MD this Sunday July 12, 2009 2pm. For more info please visit
http://wamedahafla2009.eventbrite.com or www.wameda.org.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Waiting patiently...

2009-07-10T01:11:24Z

Brandon,
I was very honored to win your award last year...but have yet to be asked for information regarding the donation to the charity of my choice. In previous correspondance, I was told it would be a few weeks, then a few months...just curious...have ANY of the prizes been awarded? When should the winners expect confirmation that these charities have been bequested?
A few of the other winners from last year and I have been in touch and we're all curious.
Gia

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

IBCC 2010 Call to Artists and register Now!

2009-07-07T15:55:56Z

3rd International Bellydance Conference of Canada - April 21-25, 2010, Toronto, Canada!!

Do you think the 3rd Conference could be even more AWESOME?

You betcha!

DANCE AND/OR SPEAK AT THE IBCC!!
APPLICATION FORMS:
Application forms for Speakers, Panelists, Film Artists, Main Stage and Open Stage available now!

form page 1: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/arabesquebellydance/IBCCone.jpg
form page 2: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/arabesquebellydance/IBCCtwo.jpg

or we can e-mail or snail mail to you
info@bellydanceconference.com

REGISTRATION:
*SPECIAL IBCC full package rate: $499 until September 30 '09!

$599 until Feb. 28 '10
$699 Regular Rate

Regular Price: $699 for 5 Days & Nights of awesome Bellydance Mania
call: 1-416-920-5593 to register!

Past Registrants:
for every year you have attended the IBCC, you receive an additional $50 off per year

FULL CONFERENCE PACKAGE:
Includes all:
Workshops, Performances, Films, Lunches, Music Classes, Lectures, Specialty Classes, Debates, Vendor Bazaar, Programs, T-Shirt & Tote Bag!

no refunds

SEE THE IBCC WEBSITE:
http://www.bellydanceconference.com

JOIN THE IBCC FACEBOOK GROUP:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=5810522139&ref=ts
Join us on facebook:

SEE THE IBCC SPONSOR, ARABESQUE, HERE:
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Arabesque-Dance-Company-Orchestra/63954888883

See us on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/arabesquebellydance

Follow Yasmina Ramzy on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/YasminaRamzy

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

HAPPY 4th of July, Folks! :)

2009-07-04T18:48:36Z

Enuff said...
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Attend the Las Vegas Intensive--FREE

2009-07-02T04:07:42Z

Hello everyone. (from Director of Volunteers, Reema)

I have been asked to be the Director of Volunteers for the LV Intensive 2009. I am looking for enthusiastic, fun loving people who want to take part in one of the biggest and best events Las Vegas has to offer. So many performers come to Las Vegas and witness first-hand the comradery and family like atmosphere at this event and a great part is owed to all the wonderful and generous volunteers we count on each year.

Additionally, volunteers get the added perks of taking some classes or attending the shows for free, and have fun. There are many opportunities to be involved in. We need people to be ushers,to help at the registration tables, and to check people into classes. We also need help running the festival stage, runners for vendors & performers, personal assistants to the teachers, etc. We'd enjoy having some "belly husbands" who want to help move, set up, and tear down equipment as well as dealing with technical aspects of the event. Please join our Bellydance Intensive family. If you are interested, please e-mail me direct at reema@bellydanceintensive.com.

Sincerely and Yours in Dance,

Reema, Director of Volunteers
reema@bellydanceintensive.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

My Latest Clip: Karsilama

2009-07-01T22:43:49Z

This is my latest youtube offering:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8P7L8Z1nrc

Hope you enjoy! Smiles, Aziza

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JULY Bellydancer of the Month

2009-07-01T09:04:56Z

TAKA (CO)
http://www.verytaka.com

Imagine having to make a name in a bd circuit that includes Sadie and Kaya Star, Suzanna del Vecchio,
Eva Cernik, Khadihaj, Rooshana and others. She's holding her own and has a lot of promise, one of
many who has performed at restaurants and burlesque shows throughout the Denver area. If my
records are right, she's the 2nd Asian-American (Katya Faris, 6/2007) that I've chosen for BDOTM. :)
And, she loves to do taqsims and drum solos, especially to live bands.

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Brandon's RAQS AMERICA 2009 Blog :)

2009-06-29T01:53:10Z

Hmmm. Where do I begin?

To say the least, a lot of extra effort went into trying to make everyone as happy as possible, and from the looks of the attendances of the workshops, all went very well from the instructors I had a chance to talk to. It was also fun to watch through the looking glass of the 3 studios to see them interact with their students (including Petite Jamilla's multi-veil choreography class). Miles, as well as the other vemdors were well at work selling merchandise, an important element in driving the productivity in '09. A lot of localized representation came through, as the current downtrend in the US economy kept many folks at home from traveling to the DC/MD line this year, which was a shame.
I was kind of annoyed a bit as RAQUSA got closer that there was a few people who stayed away from the workshops because there was no planned performances to go with the weekend open house performers. Of course, a majority of these folks should be reminded that they WERE at GW-Lisner Auditorium back in March, where there were plenty of BDSS goodies on stage and a few empty seats then. I and the bellydance community is glad that the only thing that didn't happen was a SAT night show.
Not to mention, a lot of local instructors, bellydance superstars themselves, got deserved accolades for their chance to showcase their tutorial guidance for those in session. If anything, having a chance to give local and beginner bellydancers a weekend spotlight is a wonderful trade-off. Those who got to show up, that is.

I can't complain or criticize, but at any given time one's schedule can get confused or fate intervenes. A few folks who signed up for the open houses either canceled or wasn't able to make it . This left long gaps of time in-between performances, but plenty still worth the wait for folks like myself. Some things can't be troubleshot in life, and this weekend was a test to everyone's patience in a way, and passed with flying colors for the most of it.

Coming in to this year, I knew it would be hard to imagine to top the enthusiasm and excitement going into 2008, having the full weeknd as well as the kick-ass SAT nighter of local stars and the BDSS perform. There was a need to be here for myself as an enthusiast and as a supporter of the localites looking to get their feet wet in the performing experiences of what RAQUSA was all about. Knowing that most folks were holding off of performing in the open houses to do the auditions (to take place SUN evening), I went in to the weekend with an open mind of expecting anything and hoping to be surprised. I think I achieved that.

The Top 10 Thing Taken Away from RAQS AMERICA 2009
==============================================

1. ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION.
Giving the BDSS's more time to focus on their students and what they wanted to have them do in their workshops and not have to throw in in-between time to prepare for a show may have been a blessing in disguise, if for this year, hoping for a return in 2010. The ladies were full of energy (see Kami Liddle and Petite Jamilla for workshop in your town) and from the amount of sweat glistening off of a lot of my online friends in town this weekend, they were put through the full course and got their money's worth, which is all you would expect. Miles chose not to have a 1-day/full weekend admission fee, and should be thanked for that, especially with all the criticisms he gets. He is a battleship, nothing can penetrate him (we think). :)~ That had to perk up extra interest for those who would have not bought a CD, a DVD, or jewelry and other items if they were hip-hit in the wallets/purses.

2. AN ALL-STAR LINEUP
For the WORKSHOPS. Ansuya, Kami, PJ, Sabah (making her 1st appearance), Sonia and Issam, Zoe Jakes and Bozenka. And don't forget local talents of Rachel K. Brookmire, Saphira, Ebony and Lotus Niraja. And all of that in your own backyard for a full weekend. Got your tribal. Got your modern. Got your fusion. Not too '' sha'bi ''. Where did I hear that from again? Hmmm.....

3. THE NEW JOE'S ''BIGGEST FANS''
You may remember last year from my '08 blog about the lack of AC inside the performing area, as the nite show was almost the resemblance of a hot tub party at Spring Break. This time around, they got out the biggest windblowers you can find. Alas, the area around the performance stage (with the lighting) could use an extra fan or two for next year.

4. MILES BEING MILES
BDSS creator/founder Miles A. Copeland, remains the rock that holds things in-place. If anyone can manage to get these ladies across the globe in this economy, he can and has. His rules will not be broken, but that doesn't mean he can mend or bend them when needed to manage a situation efficiently. He has helped teach other to organize and operate similar smaller established tours and events by making the efforts he has, and doesn;t get enough credit for his efforts. He lets the bellydance dance, and he manages and directs the business end of it all. He has a nice established following in Asia (especially Japan and Korea, working on China) and would like to get a BDSS foot in South America, under the right conditions. He, like the ladies of Sahara and Saffron Dance , will learn from what did and didn't go as planned to make this event even better, and has 12 months of brainstorming and planning to see that it happens. Everything is a work in progress, and from the workshops and merch sales, Miles will be happy. Not fully, but happy.

5. THE OTHER ''SUPERSTARS''
An impressive display came from an area where bellydancing didn't take center stage (sort of). In the last 5 years, Miles had produced and collaborated a hell of an effort in making bellydance CDs and musicians more accessible to the BDSS and the eclectic ears of bellydancers and afficianados globally. He has a nice collection of classical and modern bellydance music, music that caters to the tribal and fusion genres, and a killer list of drumming choices. Bellydancers have to have something to dance to, other than their own voices and heartbeats, and making the music grow with the DVDs they put out will be a bigger benefit in the long-term. And those who perform professionally would like to see more submersions into the need for more alternative (gothic/industrial/electronica/tribal groove/''bellytechno'') styles of music and musicians.

6. HEY, WHAT AM I? CHOPPED COUSCOUS??
Uh-oh, Brandon's snapped again. No, wait. hear me out. I think it's time for Miles to invest a little into developing a male-oriented merchandising scheme somehow. A ''workshop'' where ladies/bellydancers can bring their male counterparts/significant others to meet the BDSS/local teachers and have an open discussion on the art form, how they can be a big part in its future without having to be a dancer or a musician...and that bellydance and stripping is still NOT the same thing. Hell, I'LL do it if necessary. Issam is wonderful in helping bellydancers with their drum solo work. How about a class helping area male drummers expand the horizons in their own areas as the BDSS does local beginners and students for once? Hell, invite local area drummers to teach a workshop or two, even have an improv drum circle. We, as men, could benefit from a FRI night, 2-hour max ''meet and greet'' sssion wtth the ladies/Issam, even Miles (if he's not at a local restaurant watching belly dancing on his own). Finding ways to get more men into the mercghandise arena and represent the BDSS is as crucial as the continued global development of their acceptance in the mainstream of today's professional performing artistry.

7. THE PETITE ''POWERHOUSE''
Just don't call her ''Mighty Mouse''. It's one thing to watch the mastery of 2x and 4x veilwork of Petite Jamilla. But you REALLY have to appreciate her at point blank range when having a quick rap session. The girl is FINE. As toned and as toning can get, folks. She an go into fitness pageantry or swimsuit modeling tomorrow and not miss a beat. To say the least, her biceps are a result of a lot of dance classes as well as her own personal workout regimen program that keeps her mentally and physically at top form. As devoted she is to her craft, she is as down-to-earth to talk to about what the worldly travels the BDSS has blessed her with. (And, she's now working on a SIX veil number that many will hopefully get to see done live or on videotape/clip sometime down the road). I joked are you going to get to 10 and that'll be the benchmark? She jokingly said no, but she's always in the need of a challenge. She mentioned some of the adversities that bellydance (and her veilwork) has helped her cope with, words I'll choose to leave seperately off from this. But, it was enlightening to know. Surprise, she eats A LOT, she also burns it off very quickly (with as much dancing, ya kinda have to, right?0 Three cheers and veils for having to be a 2nd-generation bellydancer, and extending the legacy your mother had (Jamilla Rasa) that you proudly continue on. She is a lucky woman, although looking at her, she looks like she can pass for a freshman in college.

8. SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL, 'HON!
You have to be from Baltimore and beyond to get that one. In 2009, the city (and capital) of Annapolis, MD made a splash in the Open House weekend, particularly Saturday with offerings from Typhrodiasia and her troupe Sestraluna.. Local favorite Latifa and her Banat el-Beled troupe dazzled the crowd all afternnon in troupe and solo efforts, based out of Millersville, MD. Baltimore was well represented by Shems (on SAT) and Naimah (on SUN), whose eclectic Afro-tribal groove moves seemed to put a hypnotixed look on the crowd's faces than anything else. Or, her abdominal work froze them in their tracks. Baltimore, 'ya got competition, 'hon! better et 'ya grooves on for next year....

9. SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
That is, the diverse cultural backgrounds and reps of all folks who took the classes throughout the weekend. All races were there, more than I can remember at any workshop offerings. A Middle Eastern-influenced art form that is growing in culture and representation with each passing day, and it's a good thing.

10. IT'S A BIRD....IT'S A PLANE....NO, IT'S ''VENDOR GIRL'' !!
Every year, when an annual event takes place, you hope for a standout moment that makes it all worth while. Surprises are best when they come from places you least expect it, and it started in the vending area. Little did I know that a young woman proudly helping Miles out with the DVD/CD and other sales earlier in the day would catch my ass and others off-guard at 4pm on SAT when she got in a lovely emerald green/gold bra/belt design costume and pop and locked her way into many people's minds for the rest of the day. Was this a trick by Miles? Doubt it. :)~ Nevertheless, the talented dancer did her routine, shimmied off-stage, changed and turned back into Lois Lane, er, the vending girl. She even moved her spot to dance up about 1:45 because of all the unexpected delays, a real trooper. So much in fact, it's her gig, to help out as the BDSS tours across the world and gets to sell items that makes us all happy.
Her name is Megan Hartmann, who hails from the Midwestern upbringings of Columbia, Missouri. Although the number performed was cabaret, I learned on SUN that her 1st love is tribal fusion. As in hardcore love. She sees a time where, with the BDSS or a dence opportunity down the road, she will take the genre of tribal fusion to a new level. She has the skills to go very far, in fact. She was blushing to know of the well-footed standing the DC area bellydance community has in tribal and fusion (thanks to BOCA and DC Tribal, woo-hoo!!) and continues to develop that talent throughout Northern VA as well.
Megan is as giddy as she is punctual with her dancing, and mock my words, there may be a serious future in the BDSS with her name on a DVD or on the marquee of a performing venue in the future. She would also be happy just to have a regular following of tribal and fusion near Columbia, if not Kansas City o St. Louis right now. (One of her 1st teachers was Somra El Nubia, a tribal teachng/performing legend who has graced many BOCAFests in this decade). It punctuated also the ability of a normal person, in an instant, to change into another character of one's self, in this case scenario a bellydancer and become an entity visually unexpected.
Being a performer and being yourself and seperating from it is harder for the bellydancer probably than it is for folks like me. To perform for numerous people, you have to get into a mode of focus and concentration few will ever possess. Even though they dance for us, it's still about them. The stage is their palace. But once they step down the stage, it's back to the dressing room to change back into some form of normalcy. Not as easy as it sounds. Traveling bellydancers are a close, tight fit for each other with not a lot of interaction at times outside of their job work. It takes a special talent to accept these sacrifices to achieve the status the ladies of the BDSS has today, and from a distance Megan is both a team player and a promising young talent....available to grace that palace at an instant's notice. And, give you some damn good feedback on CDs and DVDs just released, too. :D

REFLECTIONS
*For 2010, someone bring in a TV with a DVD player and when there are intermission breaks like the ones that
happened this year, pop in a DVD, particularly performance, to keep the crowds in the building.
*As evidenced with the turnout on Sunday, there needs to be a focus put back on the modern/cabaret version of
the dance. Tribal and fusion was dwarfing the others, and likely for the audition process.
*For 2010, either for a ''meet and greet'' or performance night if it returns, have a local area band perform.
*For most shows, the BDSS don;t have the option of coming out and meeting fans after the show as much as
they used to or would like. Schedules, 'ya know. The best way to get in touch is to take a workshop earlier or
get on to Facebook, or MySpace, or Tribe and keep in contact with'em. Makes it a lot easier.
*For future RAQUSA workshops, PLEASE bring your own or get your own water and keep well-hydrated.
These are no kiddie workshops. The'll make 'ya sweat. :)
*Make it an effort to talk to or find Miles and say a simple ''Thank You''. It means a lot to him.
*When you see Rachel K. Brookmire or Saphira, give them a nice hug. It means a lot to them, too.
*For 2010, set up pre-registrations for RAQUSA just before Xmas and/or just after New Years, because
folks will have more $$$ accessible to make plans well ahead to prepare, especially if out of the DC area.
*More tabla, doumbeks and other instruments for sale for the vending area in 2010. Hell, I even bought a
pair of BDSS zills. :)~ Ears of DC, beware!!
*More website advertisement opportunities, especially for bellydance retailers and outlets throughout the
DC and Baltimore-metro areas, including a links page for those who also want some web traffic. That
can go a long way to making the ends meet for Miles and his biz efforts.
*While on that note, involve, more of the Baltimore, MD bellydance scene in conversations of representing
bellydance for 2010. Less on ''America'', more on ''MidAtlantica''. Hello, WV, DE, lower PA and outside of
Northern VA, like Richmond. It needs to be approached as a regional thng now.

OK, I've babbled enough. Took me 2 hours to spew this. :)~ Good job done by all who attended and performed.
Hopefully, a lot of new friends that has been made and those who did travel got a chance to capture some good
memories. We are lucky to be blessed to have women as talented grace their presence in front of us and help
other bellydancers to engulf their love for an art form celebrated by thousands of women, thousands of years ago.

For 2 days out of the calendar, everyone got to be a Bellydance Superstar. With 363 days to keep it light bright
until June of 2010.

BFJ 6/21/09.

NEXT: The Standouts....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

JUNE BellyBirthdays...

2009-06-28T18:28:17Z

Rena (PA) 6/2nd
Onca of Braka Mundi/Mezmer Socity (NC) 6/5th
Melanie W of Kassar (NJ) 6/5th
BDSS Colleen 6/7th
Rachel Brice 6/15th
Shaell (MD) 6/17th

Any More?...
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

JUNE BellyHappenings...

2009-06-27T12:07:22Z

From DOLPHINA (CA):
http://www.goddesslife.net

Greetings! June 2009

Dear eGoddess community,

One of the questions I hear most frequently from our eGoddess community is when is the next burlesque DVD coming out? The answer is top secret or to speak in burlesque terms: the answer is undie cover! However, I have some other delicious treats up my fishnets to satisfy the desire for more of the bump-n-grind.

The appetite for burlesque is undeniable; it is HOT HOT HOT! Performers like the Pussycat Dolls (who I performed with before they became a singing sensation) and Dita von Teese are strutting their stuff everywhere and reviving the retro dance. Besides, how can you resist the sultry music, sparkly costumes and playful names?

In April, I certified many new Goddess Workout instructors - women from Malta to Minnesota - and many asked to also be certified to teach burlesque. So to fulfill this burning yearning, I am dedicating this newsletter to all things burlesque!

And this month I will be certifying instructors to teach Burlesque.

Blessings,

What's New at GoddessLife

Become certified to teach The Goddess Workout Cardio Burlesque with online video classes.

New Goddess Workout drop-in classes. Come drop-in on a class, or buy a class series and save money. New classes start in June. Click here for all the class details and to register.

Workshop in Chicago - On June 28th Dolphina will teach Goddess 101 at Exhale Spa. This workshop will sell out. Click workshops on the left and then click the workshops tab and then scroll down to 6/28/09.

The Art of Seduction Workshop June 11 8-10:30pm in Los Angeles. Click here for more info.

Follow GoddessLife on Twitter.

Read my latest blogs: When you don't Feel Like a Goddess and The Art of Seduction.

GoddessLife 101

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

Lesson #12: Become certified to teach The Goddess Workout Cardio Burlesque with online video classes

For the month of June only, I am offering online Teacher Training video classes for you to learn to instruct The Goddess Workout Cardio Burlesque.
Through this month you can purchase the online certification and begin teaching The Goddess Workout Cardio Burlesque. You will be given a pass code to watch 6 online videos that will be presented one per week, beginning today. These courses will guide you on everything you need to begin teaching, such as "class structure", "how to create routines", and "creating 4-6 week classes". In addition, you will be listed on GoddessLife's website as a certified instructor with a bio and link to your class and contact information. And as a special bonus, I am offering a 1 hour phone consultation with me to answer all your questions and give you ideas on how to personalize and maximize your teaching.

Click here for more info and to Register

Inspirational Goddess of the Month

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

Name: Lisa "Li La"

Living: Madisonville, Louisiana

Story: After years of teaching a sensual dance class, mind & body classes, as well as group exercise, I was ready to embark on a new journey - and that is when I found The Goddess Workout: Cardio Burlesque. My face lit up the first time I put in the DVD I thought, "Why didn't I discover this sooner - this is so ME!" My husband sat on the couch with a huge smile on his face watching as I strutted and bumped across the room - he knew I was hooked (well, at least that is why I think he was smiling...wink...wink)! Plus, growing up in the New Orleans area and living in New Orleans for several years made it that much more significant to me because of the strong burlesque history!

The way Dolphina breaks down those sexy moves has helped me grow as a dancer as well as an instructor. Most women think that they have to have some special skill to be able to dance with sensuality and I have always tried to convince them otherwise. Dolphina has given me the tools to officially prove them wrong and I now look forward to teaching them The Goddess Workout!

To say that The Goddess Workout has changed my life would be an understatement. I have always been "the naughty friend" that loves to shake her booty. But Dolphina's concept of "everyone woman is a goddess" has helped me take it a step further by embracing my womanhood. I am now a more complete woman. Today, as I practice Cardio Burlesque and Bellydance along with Dolphina, I feel like a true Goddess - loving my body and loving to move it!

Favorite Goddess Workout Move: I can't get enough of the Bumps from the Cardio Burlesque DVD. My favorite would either be "Too Hot" or "Betty Bump" - it's a tough call.

Favorite Indulgence: G Rated? Hmm...I would have to say anything that is made of sweet, delicious SUGAR.

Dream Job: Unrealistically - To travel around the world as a professional dancer. Realistically - To own a fitness/dance studio that will inspire women of all ages to be and feel SEXY!

Order the Goddess Workout DVDs

Legendary Goddess of the Month

How do I choose just one Burlesque Queen for Goddess of the Month? I can't! Forgive me now as I run their names through my mind knowing I will forget some of the greats. I selected each one of these stars because they had a major influence on the dance, forever leaving her glittery, feathery, bubbly stamp. These babes are the icons. I must begin with Gypsy Rose Lee who was so smart that she could hold her audience enrapt with her witty banter and sometimes just take off one glove. Sally Rand caused a sensation at the World's Fair by doing a feathered fan dance - and nothing else! Now you won't see a show without this famous prop. Of course, Bettie Page was the ultimate pinup with her innocent smile and girl-next-door looks. Her image is still plastered on magnets, coffee cups, and other various sundries. I have to include Blaze Starr for her onstage antics that made being arrested for obscenity a burlesque institution. Lily St Cyr was so drop-dead gorgeous, she raised the dance to an art form with her good looks. And last, but not least, called "Her Majesty, the Queen" Ann Corio. A title like that says it all.

Take a Goddess Workout Class in your area.

Goddess Movie of the Month

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

Click here to order movie

The Goddess Workout Cardio Bellydance

This is my first time featuring two DVDs as Movie of the Month, and one of the DVDs is from GoddessLife. For those of you who still haven't tried it: Get ready to sizzle in the most glamorous workout ever created! In this liberating cardio workout, I will teach you cabaret-style moves that are simple to execute and will sculpt and define your entire body. Learn to strut with confidence so you can perform a private dance for your man, jazz up a girl's night out or be the center of attention on stage. Discover what every great seductress knows - the art of the tease! DVD EXTRAS: Bonus Performance by Dolphina "Lingerie 101" - Modern lingerie fashions have been heavily influenced by Burlesque style. Discover all the sassy lingerie options that every goddess should know!

Gypsy

Rosalind Russell plays the role of Gypsy's Mama Rose with explosive power, but with the understanding and heart that the real Rose possessed. Natalie Wood adds a glistening sparkle to this cast with class as the vibrant Gypsy Rose Lee, dazzling and beautiful. She plays against her child star image by lustily singing and grinding to a stripper beat and playfully tossing her clothes off. Karl Malden is excellent as Rose's fiancie Herbie. The Sondheim/Styne songs are all incredible and a thrill. There is the showpiece "Let Me Entertain You", the bouncy "Have An Eggroll, Mr. Goldstone", the charming "Small World", and the exciting final number, "Rose's Turn". See this one and "you'll have a real good time, yes, sir!"

Goddess Book of the Month

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

The Bare Truth: Stars of Burlesque From the '40s and '50s

A "revealing" piece of Americana! This is a book to relax with and enjoy over and over again. Following the tremendous success of his first book on the subject, The Queens of Burlesque, Len Rothe has again pulled from his collection of original photographs. There is a delightful selection of over 100 images of Burlesque stars. Together with a revealing text that introduces burlesque to today's new audience, these photographs retain the surprise and teasing elements that endeared the dancers on stage in the heydays of burlesque shows, before television. In theaters throughout America, striptease dancers entertained grateful audiences.

Click here to order Book

Share with the community your favorites

Goddess Music/playlist

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

Absolutely Burlesque

When I made this mix, I had a difficult time choosing the tracks. So I decided to select the songs I play most frequently in The Goddess Workout Burlesque Class.

Listen to playlist and download

Goddess Event of the Month

Goddesses empower themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to create the lives they want. I'm expanding this section to include not just live events and celebrations, but also workshops, seminars and programs that will support you in your ongoing growth and fulfillment. These are not to be missed - see you there!

The Art of Seduction Workshop June 11 8 -10:30pm For Women Only $45 in Los Angeles

This workshop will cover everything! Discover the art of seduction with sassy flirting tips, creating bedroom ambiance and sensuous dance technique. Learn the secrets of dressing and undressing, massage, the joy of toys, and super sexy tricks for in between the sheets that will drive your partner wild! Indulge yourself in champagne and aphrodisiacs and share your steamy stories with other fierce women. Every goddess will receive a free mini-seduction starter kit. Not for the faint of heart.

Click here to Register

The Goddess Workout Bellydance Workshop June 28th Chicago Exhale Spa 2 - 3:30pm $35

Join Dolphina as she teaches an unforgettable workshop filled with bellydance and the empowerment of women. This 90-minute workshop introduces you to the basics of bellydance and the power of being a goddess. Tone your abs, buns, and thighs as you learn undulations, figure eights, and shimmies. Wear comfortable workout wear that makes you feel chic, beautiful or sizzling hot! Suggestions are leggings and a tank top. Coined hip scarves are provided for everyone. No dance experience is necessary and experienced dancers are welcome. Most importantly, this is a time for you!

Register Now! This workshop will sell out. Click workshops on the left and then click the workshops tab and then scroll down to 6/28/09

From ONCA/BARAKA MUNDI (NC):
http://www.barakamundi.com

The Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival, Asheville, NC. June 12-14, 2009.

Tickets on Sale NOW at www.sideshowburlesque.org!

Come One, Come All...to the Greatest Burlesque Event of the Year!
ABSfest offers three days of Joyous Spectacle, Networking & Fun, right here in the old Paris of the South.

Friday, June 12: Red Carpet Gala & Opening Ceremonies

Saturday, June 13: ABSFest Spectacular at the Orange Peel

Sat. & Sun. June 13-14: Workshops! A dozen classes - Burlesque 101, Intro to Trapeze, Hooping, Stage Make-up, Boylesque, & more.

GET TICKETS NOW AT WWW.SIDESHOWBURLESQUE.ORG or call 828 232 2980!

Incredible ABSfest Shows with Regional and National Artists. 2009 ABSfest Award Winner Holiday Childress of The Goodies is pictured above.

COME SEE!

Friday, June 12, 9pm at MoDaddy's.
The Red Carpet Gala ~
Red Carpet Walk
Opening Words & Awards
Teaser Performances
Special Guests
Fashion Show
Afterparty: Live music & dancing with Wasted Wine, Belly Muse and the go-go antics of the Malamondos!

Saturday, June 13, 7:30pm, at The Orange Peel.
The ABSfest Spectacular with award-winning national artists ~
Opening Words
High Heels, High Fliers, Juicy Vendors, a Flea Circus... and our festival headliners; Trixie Little & the Evil Hate Monkey!
10:30pm Afterparty with Asheville's own THE GOODIES.

ALSO: New this year, outside the Orange Peel, enjoy our first ever SIDESHOW MIDWAY. Artists have gathered from NYC, New Orleans and beyond to create fortune telling machines, creepy puppets, and classic performances by the Cyclops Strong Man, the Tattooed Fat Lady, Sword Dancers and every stripe of Neo-circus folk. Our thanks to the mad scientists at More Than Mammal for the Midway.

WWW.SIDESHOWBURLESQUE.ORG or call 828 232 2980!

Classes in the ABSfest Seminary: Get Right with the Gods of Sass!

COME LEARN!
Register for classes at www.sideshowburlesque.org.

SATURDAY, June 13
9-10:30 Burlesque 101 with the ladies of Salome Cabaret
9-12noon Pin-Up Workshop with Corky Bordeaux of Bootstraps
10:30-12 Vintage hair for the Modern Woman Talloolah Love of Syrens of the South
12-1:30 Amplify your Assets with Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey
12-1:30 Hoops with MelMacPink
1:30-3 Dedicated Flexibility for Movement Artists with contortionist Alyssum
1:30-3 Intro to Aerials with Guerrilla Divas
3-4:30 Circus-style Service with Rigel 7 of Shitz & Gigglz

SUNDAY, June 14
9-10:30 Feather Boa with Lady Di
10:30-12 Business of Burlesque with Katherine Lashe of the Syrens of the South
12-1:30 Women's Make-up & Hair for Stage with DeLacey 'Heartbreaker' Santini
12-3 PRIVATES with Trixie and Monkey. Take your performance concept to the next level. $100/hour. They are worth it - and so are YOU!
1:30-3 Fire Performance & Safety with Sneaky McFly, ABSfest Master of Ceremonies
3-4:30 Boylesque with Smokin' McQueen

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE. See website for locations and updates.
Thank you for supporting the arts and keeping Asheville funky!

Contact Info:
The Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival
Future of Tradition Productions
44 Tampa Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
www.sideshowburlesque.org
828 232 2980

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

May / June 2009

Summer is around the corner, and it'll be time for vacations, recreations, and rejuvenation. So, take time out for yourself. It's time to renew our minds, bodies, and spirit. Relish in the good things of life in the sun. Walk (like an Egyptian, of course) in the park or beach, and enjoy the sunshine. Better yet, throw on a hip scarf and belly dance! William C. Williams once said, "in summer the song sings itself." As dancers, we put physical motion to songs. If we keep a song in our hearts, then aren't we always (or should be) dancing to life? So, whether it is on a beach, in the desert, or even in your living room, let the sunshine in... and dance..(like an Egyptian, of course!)

Peace & Blessings,
Neena & Veena
Bellytwins

GET IN TOUCH
We would love to hear from you! Share your product ideas, suggestions for our newsletter or anything else that you think would make your Bellytwins experience more fun! Visit here to send us your suggestions.

CLASSES

Bellytwins Bollywood Dance company in a recent appearance for the Children’s Hospital. Celebrities attended: J-Lo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Arnold Schwartzneggar, and many more.

All classes are on-going and open to ALL levels!

Bellydance: Sexy, fun!
Saturdays; North Hollywood, CA 11 am to 12 noon.
Wednesdays; Studio City, CA: 8 pm to 9 pm.

Bollywood: A blast! Excellent workout!
Saturdays; Glendale/Atwater Village, CA; 1 to 2 pm.
Sundays; Glendale/Atwater Village, CA; --NEW! 1 to 2 pm.
Mondays; Studio City, CA; 8 to 9 pm.
Thursdays; (monthly) Los Angeles; 7-8:15 pm

Online classes: Coming soon!

Book Us View our Demo ReelDance Company

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

Call 888-41-BELLY or 818-83-BELLY to order your own BELLYTWINS T-shirt now!

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

NOW AVAILABLE!

"I would HIGHLY recommend this dvd as a baby shower gift - or for expecting mothers on mother's day!" -
Cameron Johnson, fan from Ohio

Recommended by Fit Pregnancy Magazine
Now available!
Call 888-41-BELLY to place your order.

PRODUCTS
Great Gift for Brides and Grads!

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

***Free DVD!***

THE WAY OF THE BELLY

Rating:
Reviewed by: Diana Rohini La Vigne

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

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

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

Shop now!

SEEKING PERFORMERS

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

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

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

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

BELLY TIP

Bikini season is around the corner, and for many of us who live in warm clients, some days, it feels as if it's already here! Here are some tips in choosing a swim suit that will make you look your best: And guess what? Many of these tips will also apply when you're shopping for dance costumes: Samba, Bellydance, Hawaiian, Salsa, and more.

Slim a heavy torso with strong vertical elements (a zip front, vertical stripes).
Minimize a pear shape with bust-enhancing details (piping, embroidery, asymetrical straps).
Balance out a top-heavy figure by choosing dark colors on top and avoiding frills or other embellishments on top.
Maximize a small bust with push-up bra tops, prints on top, and "extras" like ruffles or gathers.
Hide a tummy with suits that offer built-in control panels, and two-piece bottoms with more coverage (tankinis are great).
If you wear a different size top than bottom, look for bikini separates.
Remember what you're going to use the suit for: if you enjoy playing volleyball in the beach orÊswimming you need to rethink flimsy strings and suits that need lots of pulling and tugging to keep in place. Swimwear. Make your legs look longer by choosing a suit with high-cut legs (also makes your bottom look trimmer from the back!)
More tips can be found in "The Way of the Belly." Buy now!

More tips available on The Way of the Belly

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

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

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

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

BELLY MOVE
BASIC DEBKE:

There are many debke movements. Here's a very simple and basic one:
This is actually danced with shoes, but you could dance barefeet if you want. Stand with your feet parallel, about hip width apart. Start with the left foot crossing over the right, slightly bend both knees; step the right foot out. Repeat again; low kick; and stomp with the left foot. Be sure to warm up and cool down before exercising. Drink plenty of water. As with any exercise program, consult your physician. For other movements,

visit here for our dvds and products..

Consult your physician before this or any exercise program.

BELLY SIGNS
Chinese Astrology

2009: Year of the Ox:
dependable, hard-working, calm, reliable, modest, born-leader. They are kind, caring, souls. Theyre also patient, methodical, and social.

Numerology:The year 2009 is the numeric value of "11" Ð a Master number. The next time the world will experience the same energy will be in 2018. Equality, creative, social, togetherness, Yin-yang energy

TAURUS
April 21 - May 21
GEMINI
May 22 - June 21

TAURUS
Element: Earth
Metal: Copper
Anatomy: Throat and neck
Planet: Venus
Animal: Bull
Color: green and pastel shades
Gemstone: Emerald. These precious stones were used as amulets to ward off epilepsy in children and thought to cure diseases of the eye. Indian folklore suggests that these stones will improve memory, intelligence, and enhance clairvoyance. Cleopatra prized emeralds above all other gems.
Flower: Violets
Lucky Day: Friday
Lucky Numbers: 6 (6 series)
Numerology: 5 Five indicates mental and physical stimulation and challenges. Loves to travel.
Positive: Loving, persistant, placid, desires security, practical, stable, balanced, law-abiding citizens
Negative: Jealous, possessive, resentful, inflexible, self-indulgent, greedy, argumentive
Zodiac mate: Scorpio
Taurian dancer: May be potentially one of the best instructors in dance because of her patience, reliability, and warm-heartedness towards her students. As a student, she is determined to "get it right," which eventually makes her even a great performer.
Possible health concerns: asthma/respitory, abscesses, overweight, liver/kidneys, RA, genitals/womb.

Taurus celebs: Shirley Temple-Black, Shirley Maclain, Glen Campbell, Sergei Prokofiev, Leonardi DaVinci, Carol Burnett, Jack Nicholson, Jack Klugman, Ulysses S. Grant, Karl Marx, Orson Wells, Annette Benning, Sugar Ray Robinson, Bing Crosby, Wayne Dyer, Irving Berlin, Martha Graham, Harvey Keitel, Stevie Wonder, George Lucas, George Carlin, Florence Nightengale, Henry Fonda, Billy Joel, Fred Astaire, Renee Zellweger, Janet Jackson, Melissa Gilbert, Emilio Estevez, Jay Leno, Cher

GEMINI
Element: Air
Quality: Mutable
Basic Trait: I Think
Metal: Quicksilver
Color: Saffron Yellow and Azure Blue
Gemstone: Topaz, Agate and Aquamarine
Flower: Azaleas and Lilies
Planet: Mercury - symbol of communication. In ancient times Mercury was believed to be the messenger of the gods. This planet governs intellect, communication, wit, writing and diplomacy.
Color: Orange
Gemstone: Agate
Numerology: 6 Homelife is important. Stability and creative. Gemini dancer: Ruled by the planet Mercury making them quick witted, verbose,and inquisitive. As instructors, she communicates in various ways to make sure her students understand. As a person, she is jovial and easy-going, and always on the go. It's hard to pin her down. When she learns to apply her intellectual and verbal communication skills to her movements, it's a delight to watch, because it's so full of youthful energy and personality. Their twin personalities in dance gives them versatility in moods and movement.
Possible health concerns: arms, shoulders, hands, lungs and nervous system and its subjects need to beware of diseases and accidents associated with the upper part of the body, as well as nervous and pulmonary disorders such as catarrh and bronchitis.

Gemini celebs: Sir Lawrence Oliver, Bob Dylan, Patti Labelle, Stevie Nicks, Isadora Duncan, Henry Kissinger, Mel Blanc, Vincent Price, Marilyn Monroe, Kenny G, Tom Jones, Johnny Depp, Judy, Garland, Donald Trump, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, Paula Abdul, Nicole Kidman, Prince William

BELLY TALK
How have BELLYTWINS Products made you look like a "Hot Mama"? We want to hear from you! Send us your photos!

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BELLY MUSIC & DANCE

Dabke
This issue we feature the music and dance of Lebanon. One of our favorite styles of dance to perform is Dabke - also dabka, and dabkeh. It is the national dance of the people of the Levant in Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Iraq. Dabke is associated with a distinctive genre of music, and the word Dabke may refer either to the dance or to the music (or both). Palestinians are known to have the most creative and original dabke of the Levant. Danced by both male and female, Dabkeh is a dance of community, often performed as a line dance at weddings and other joyous occasions such as family parties or competitions. Usually the leader of the dabkeh would be in the front of the line or out of the line alternating face to face to the audience and the other dabkeh dancers. It can also be performed as a semi-circle.

The meaning of "dabkeh" in Arabic is "stomping of the feet." The leader, called raas (meaning "head") or "lawweeh" (meaning "waver"), is allowed to improvise on the type of dabkeh. The leader twirls a handkerchief or string of beads known as a masbha (similar to a rosary), while the rest of the dancers keep the rhythm. The dancers also use vocalizations to show energy and to punctuate the rhythm. The Dabkeh leader is supposed to be like a tree, with arms in the air, a proud and upright trunk, and feet that stomp the ground in rhythm, emphasizing their connection to their land. The dance is also to mock the steps of horses.

Dabkeh was popularized in the 20th century by Lebanese composers Assi and Mansour Rahbani and singers like Zaki Nassif, Fairuz, Wadih el Safi, and Nasri Shamseddine. Lebanon's most famous dabkeh troupe was the Firkat el Arz. Other troupes today include Ibdaa, Sareyyet Ramallah, and El-Funoun.

Dabke originated in the Levant where houses were built from stone with a roof made of wood, straw and dirt. The dirt roof had to be compacted which required stomping the dirt hard in a uniform way to compact it evenly. This event of cooperation is called ta'awon and from here comes the word awneh, meaning "help." This developed into the song 'Ala Dalouna', or roughly translated "Let's go and help". The dabke and the rhythmic songs go together in an attempt to keep the work fun and useful. Debke music can be found on our website. Buy now!

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BELLY SONG

Lebanese singer, Feiruz made this beautiful lyrical song famous in 1960. It's a great veil number ...or just to listen to it after a hectic day ...
Listen Here

NAHNA WEL QAMAR JIIRAAN (We are neighbors with the moon)
Nahna wel qamar (amar) jeran
(The moon is our neighbor)

Beito khalf tlaalna
(His house is behind our hills)

Biyitlaa min kbaalna biyismaa'i El alhaan
(He rises in front of us, listening to the music).

Aaref b'mwaa a'eidna w taarek b'kareadna ajmal el-alwaan.
(He knows our rendevous, and shines beautiful colors on top of the shingles).

W'yaa ma shirna maa'ouh b'lail elhana maa el-nahdaat.
(And how we stayed awake with him, all evening happy, accompanied with our sighs).

W'yaama aala m'tlaaouh sharahna elhawa ghawa hkyaat.
(And how on it's rising, we spoke about our love and the stories).

Nahna wel qamar jeran
(The moon is our neighbor)

Lamma ttal w'zaarna aa' kanater daarna rashrash el mirjaan.
(When he showed up, visiting, he sprinkled coral over the house arches).

Yaa jaaret el kamar..ya ahla ghinniyeh
(Oh you moon's neighbor. The most beautiful song)

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BELLY LANGUAGE

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

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

Lebanese dialect shares 80% of its vocabulary with Syrian Arabic, and about 75% with Jordanian and Palestinian Arabic dialects (Gaza & West Bank). Moreover, mutual intelligibility with Egyptian, Iraqi, Moroccan, and other Arabic dialects varies from 60%-30%. Most of Lebanese vocabularies are of Phoenician and Aramaic origins. French, Turkic, and Persian loanwords make less than 20%. Lebanese is one of the most understandable languages among the Arab States*. In the past fifty years, thousands of songs, poems and books, and hundreds of plays and screenplays have been written in Lebanese. The Egyptian language has also been growing in popularity in the past century due to its tremendous media productions in the region.

THIS MONTH'S WORDS/PHRASES:

Hello Marhaba
How are you? Kiffak (to male) Kiffik (to female)
Yes E
No La
Thanks Merci
Good morning Nharkon saxiid or Bon jour
Good evening Masa Ikhar or Bon soir
What is your name? Cu ismak (to male) Cu ismik (to female)
My name is ___- Isme ____

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BELLY MOMS

For the mommy-to-be:

Did you know that belly dancing can help a pregnant woman...
To appreciate a mother's lovely, growing womb;

To strengthen the muscles of the pelvis, the legs and the whole body for when that special child enters the world;

To release tension from the weight of growing breast through shoulder movements and to get extra space through chest movements if the baby is in a high position;

To massage the baby with the waters by soothing it through continuous hip circles;

To stimulate the uterus by doing birth movements. These are the vertical movements of the pelvis which excite the pelvis, contrary to the horizontal ones which relax it;

To work and accelerate labor that is too slow or weak through birth movements.

Movements specifically designed for mothers-to-be are found in BELLY BABY. Buy now!

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BELLY HEALTH:

The Imporance of Stretching.

Flexibility is a very important part of your exercise program. Unfortunately, it is often over looked by most people. Lack of flexibility is the root of most problems. When a muscle is tight, it limits the muscles ability to contract properly, causing inefficient movement.
Muscles that are tight are more likely to become injured and cause the opposing muscle to contract improperly. Proper stretching dramatically reduces the need for certain medications, injuries, and/or certain physical problems. Without proper stretching, the body's movements becomes limited, and results are difficult to achieve.
More on health on The Way of the Belly

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BELLY LETTERS

Hi,

I wanted to thank you for the beautiful DVDs you did for beginners. I have two of them and absolutely love the work outs. I have dropped 7 pounds already just by doing the workout three times a week. Some of the stretches or warm up exercises that you do I am not able to do mostly because I am very heavy. Also because I have very bulky muscles since I was a small child.

The dancing brings me so much joy and peace almost like coming home.
Thank you,
Jodi

Dear Neena and Veena,

Good evening! My name is Neferure Sayama and I'm from Europe.I love bellydance and I love you Neena Veena i really adore and appreciate your unicate dance.But in here ,in my country I can't find your DVDs i just found 2 and of course i bought them...but on your site I saw that you have so many DVDs and i can't buy them cuz I'm from Europe...Anyway I am so glad that I can write to you for sending my appreciate for you...I'm trying to dance as you but on my sealf it is a bit hard .If I were from America i'd sure come to your dance school i really love your moves,i'm crazy acctually.
Your faithfully,
Sayama Neferure

Send us your letters... We would love to hear from you!

ASK THE TWINS

Hey Girls!
Is there a difference between Egyptian and Lebanese style of bellydance? If so, can you tell me?

Thanks,
Shanni
Pennsylvania

Hi Shanni!
Yes, there is a difference. Not a huge one, and most people can't really tell. Many dancers seem to incorporate both styles without really knowing it. In a quick explanation, the current Egyptian style seems to be more subtle. No or little "snake" arms, no or little large movements across the stage. Lots of shimmies "layered" on top of other dance movements. The dance emphasizes the hips, not the arms, and definitely not the hands. It's soft and sensual. Lebanese style seem to be larger. Movements used include snake arms, turns, reverse undulations, and hip lifts. Some of my friends call "jazzier." "Floorwork" (dancing on the floor) is also done in this style, whereas in Egypt, it no longer exists. Many professional dancers may mix the two.

Belly Blessins,
N & V

Ask the Twins a Question

BELLY RECIPES:

LEBANESE FATTOUSH
Quick, easy, refreshing!

Ingredients:
6 lettuce leaves, chopped
3 cabbage leaves, chopped
2 small radishes, minced
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 sweet corn kernels
1 large tomato, finely diced
1 small onion, sliced thin
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
12 sprigs flat parsley, minced
12 mint leaves, minced
Fresh tarragon
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 pomegranate seeds (optional)
Pomegranate molasses (optional)
2 tblspns fresh lemon juice
Sea salt to taste

Directions:
Rinse all ingredients in cold, filtered water. Toss together all ingredients into a large bowl. Serve cold.

Tip: You can use any or all of the ingredients listed. Always try to use organic.

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HUMMUS
Quick and easy!

Ingredients:
6 lettuce leaves, chopped
3 cabbage leaves, chopped
2 small radishes, minced
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 sweet corn kernels
1 large tomato, finely diced
1 small onion, sliced thin
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
12 sprigs flat parsley, minced
12 mint leaves, minced
Fresh tarragon
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 pomegranate seeds (optional)
Pomegranate molasses (optional)
2 tblspns fresh lemon juice
Sea salt to taste

Directions:
Rinse all ingredients in cold, filtered water. Toss together all ingredients into a large bowl. Serve cold.

Tip: You can use any or all of the ingredients listed. Always try to use organic.

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

From SER SOLSTICE (NYC):
http://www.seradance.com

Upcoming performances!!!!
Tuesday: June 9th, 9pm:
Raquy and the Cavemen,
with Sera Solstice
Opening the night: 9pm: The Throwbacks
9:30 pm: Dancers from Solstice Studio
at Public Assembly: 70 North 6th st, Williamsburg Brooklyn
http://www.publicassembly.com
Cover: $10!!!!
Spread the word!!! This is going to be great.
Witness one of the most sought-after Doumbek drummers in the US, Raquy, with her most talented and sexy band, The Cavemen. Solstice Studio Instructors open the show at 9:30, and then Raquy performs at 10pm with featured dancer, Sera Solstice. Come ready to dance!!!!

Thursday June 11th:
Shaking the Trees, a Fundraiser for PURE
A Bellydance Benefit for PURE to adopt 3 trees in Prospect Park
Dancers: Amantha, Elekra, Jeniviva, Mimi Fontana & Manhattan Tribal, Neon, Paola Blanton, Pacita, Sahazha, Sera Solstice, Sonali with Laura Torell, Tara Star, MC Eshtar-Lucretia
Location: Satellite Lounge: 143 Havemeyer St, bet. South 1st and South 2nd st, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Doors 8:30, show begins 9pm
$15

Saturday, June 13th, 10pm
Beats Antique:
hosted by Trisha McBride
Opening with:
Solstice Ensemble, Vorona, and Trisha McBride
Followed by DJ sets by Zoe Jakes and Red Siren
Get yer tix now: http://trishamcbridedance.com/workshops-events-and-more

June 17th, 8:30pm:
Birthday party and performance by Solstice Studio's Danielle
A weekly event every Wednesday hosted by Djinn and Kaeshi Chai
at JeBon, 15 St. Marks Place, New York, NY, $10 cover, plus $5.00 minimum. Come out to celebrate our beloved Danielle!!!

Hope to see you there!!!!
Peace and Love,
Sera Solstice
Founder/Director
Solstice Studio
http://www.boldbellydance.com/

East Coast Tribal Intensive
with Sera Solstice
Sunday June 21st, 2:00-4:30
at
Solstice Studio
66 West 39th Street, at 6th Avenue
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018

This workshop will guide dancers through a series of drills, including layering and shimmy combos, which will lead into a short choreography using pop 'n lock isolations as well as Modern expansive movements. Perfect for the dancer who wants to develop a sense of grace and control through movement. Much focus will be on movement quality, transistions, and feeling through movement.
$30 in advanced, $35 at the door.
Workshop size is limited. Reserve your space at info@boldbellydance.com.

Recent Video:
Solstice Ensemble peformance at Tribal Fest 9

Sera Solstice at Rakassah West

Danielle's performance at Tribal Fest 9

Brenna's Solo at Solstice Studio

Sera Solstice at Tribal Fest
...and sign-up for our mailing list! :)

From NEON/WDNY (NYC):
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com

Dear Friend, this is a monthly newsletter announcing new DVD releases by World Dance New York.
If you feel you may have received this message by mistake, or would rather unsubscribe, please accept our apologies and follow the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the botom of the newsletter. Thank you for your time and attention, and happy dancing!

World Dance New York direct sales: 30% discounts (US) and free shipping worldwide.

Love Potion - The Bellydance Workout :: Neon, Blanca, Sarah Skinner :: 140 min.

INFO | PURCHASE | YouTube trailer | Flickr photo set

The Love Potion Bellydance Workout combines dance fitness with dance instruction. The program consists of three sections: The Love Potion Workout - 40 min. Practice Flow for beginners - 50 min. Tutorial section for beginners - 50 min.

Love Potion is a muscle-conditioning and sculpting workout made of 100% bellydance steps and designed to give you a true dance experience through sequences of real dance combinations set to rich, evocative music. It is a non-stop movement program: The step-by-step technique instruction is offered in a separate 50-minute Tutorial section. Exploring all major areas of the bellydance vocabulary, the Love Potion dance movement combinations are introduced gradually; each section of the workout adds new material and builds on the steps and combinations featured in previous sections.

A Tutorial section explains the mechanics of every move: You will learn the core bellydance vocabulary, and develop beautiful form, muscle control and precise technique. Each step is explained in detail, and followed by an option to practice it with music in the corresponding section from the Practice Flow at first a slow and then a faster tempo.

The Practice Flow is a separate beginner-level program that introduces and drills each bellydance step and all the major Love Potion combinations. This section features 50-minutes of non-stop dance practice. It moves at a slower pace than the Love Potion workout and offers more repetitions of individual moves before developing them into combinations.

Fantasy Bellydance :: performances :: 90 min.

INFO | PURCHASE | YouTube trailer | Flickr photo set

Fantasy Bellydance, with its dreamy, exotic, highly artistic, non-traditional dances has evolved through the aesthetic explorations of many 20th century and post-millennial artists, finding its distinct genre definition and a powerful impetus through lavish and whimsical Fantasy Bellydance concerts hosted in New York City by the Venus Uprising creative salon. This compilation of fantasy bellydance performances is based on creations seen at the “Cult of Myth” show held by Venus Uprising within its Fantasy series.

Many artists performing Fantasy Bellydance stay within the vocabulary and technique of traditional bellydance, while others blend it more liberally with modern dance, jazz, and world fusion. Other dancers draw on Tribal technique, aesthetics, and concepts to create fantasy themes and images.

This “Fantasy Bellydance” program features performances by New York City dancers Anasma, Autumn Ward, Ayshe, Blanca, Fayzah, Irina, Neon, Rayhana, Sarah Skinner, Sira, Tanna Valentine, and Uyum Dans (Elisheva and Kittarina), and brings you rich exotic world music by composers from the US, Europe, and Latin America.

In this DVD: Atlantis flourishes and perishes; Firebird lights the forest with its brilliant feathers; Prince Charming loses his battle with the dragon; pirate wenches clash in a fierce duel; an invocation to the Moon goddess is recited in a jewel of a dance; a Mermaid finds and loses love; Salome asks for the head of the holy man; the Swan Maiden swirls in a magical rite; Eleutheria, Ruler of the deep seas, unfolds her tentacles; Android emerges from a sci-fi future to save the world with robotic grace; an Amazon warrior is called to the battle; Persephone falls from innocence into dark passion; a fantasy geisha glides mysteriously amid the waves of her silk fans; Aphrodite is born of the sea; a slinky cabaret seductress dances in an old-world port at the crossroads of the world...

Silk & Feathers: Burlesque Fan Dance :: Jo Weldon :: 70 min.

INFO | PURCHASE | YouTube trailer | Flickr photo set

Created by New York City-based burlesque star Jo Weldon, “Silk and Feathers” is an introduction to burlesque fan dance. Popularized by the ostrich feather fan dance act of Sally Rand in the 1930s, fan dance with striptease or the implication of a body reveal has become a globally-recognized staple of burlesque performance.
In “Silk and Feathers” Jo Weldon teaches three fan dance routines - with beautiful small marabou fans, glamourous veil fans, and with fabulous and sophisticated large ostrich fans. The dances are set to classic burlesque music and use a wide array of movement, poses, and techniques from the distinctive vocabulary of burlesque fan dance.

Each routine is carefully constructed for beginners, with precise movement and repetitions to build skills specific to this unique art. You will learn all the basics of burlesque fan dance, enhance the grace and poise of your movement, and expand your musicality and acting skills as the dances take you from sensuality to playfulness, and from a grand-diva stance to naughtiness.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

urban fusion workshop this weekend 6/21

2009-06-16T19:11:05Z

along with many workshops!

Hi,

This Sunday I'll be teaching a 2 hour urban fusion choreography workshop at Raqs America.

It's $35 in advance as are most of the other workshops that weekend.

If my urban fusion isn't your thing, there's tons of other workshops to choose from:
http://raqsamerica.com/workshops

There's also open stage dancing all weekend.

Hope to see you out,
Ebony

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

ReOrient Artistic Perceptions of the Middle East - This Weekend June 14, with Dance & Music workshops June 13-14

2009-06-12T13:55:02Z

ReOrient
Artistic Perceptions of the Middle East

Dancers and musicians will be creating pieces inspired by art, literature, or poetry from the Middle East.

Sunday, June 14, 2009 7:30pm

@ The Creative Alliance at the Patterson
3134 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
ReOrient Show Tickets

Tickets can be purchased via PayPal at

www.bellydancebaltimore.com

Or send a check made out to Nina Amaya
1020 Regester Avenue, Baltimore MD 21239
Indicate number of tickets.

Creative Alliance members get a discount for the performance
Contact Nina Amaya | ninadances@gmail.com | 443-834-3191

Hosted by Ariel, Shems and Nina Amaya,
featuring performances by:

Ariel
Shems
Nina Amaya
Beatbox Guitar
Kassar
Mariyah
Aszmara
Lotus Niraja
sound by
DJ Amar

________________________________________________

Workshops will also be offered this weekend from our Guest Performers

Saturday June 13 & Sunday, June 14, 2009

@ Harbor East MAC
655 President Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

All workshops are $35 each,
$40 at the door,
except Nina Amaya's mini-workshop which is
$15 in advance and $20 at the door.

See www.bellydancebaltimore.com for full workshop schedules and descriptions.
________________________________________________

For more information contact Nina Amaya
ninadances@gmail.com | 443-834-3191
www.bellydancebaltimore.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

OASIS HONORS 2009 Nominations (Oasis/Oasis of Color/TroupeOasis) Announced

2009-06-09T18:34:36Z

http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html

A few folks may have already checked and found out from last week, I just finished grinding the Troupe Oasis selections earlier today and finalized it a few seconds ago....As usual, voting begins June 1st for the opening round of voting, I'll be putting up the links later in the week...

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

Beats Antique in BOSTON!

2009-06-06T14:50:50Z

The tribal music event of the season! Don't miss the unstoppable trio as they rock Boston for one night only!

BEATS ANTIQUE, an Oakland based group featuring ZOE JAKES, DAVID SATORI, AND SIDECAR TOMMY, have stumbled down the rabbit hole and emerged anew on the other side. COLLIDE is a product of that absurd adventure, forging a curious alliance between middle eastern traditions and potent west coast circus, underground hip hop, breakbeat brass band, downtempo, glitch and dubstep. BEATS ANTIQUE'S second album has brought the paradox of electro-acoustic music into the future. www.beatsantique.com

The event includes:
-Opening performances by Incus (tribal medicine rock) and Vadalna Tribal Dance Co.!
-World Beat set from Boston's own DJ Lavoie!

Doors open @ 7:30PM
Show starts at 8:00PM

Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door

TO ORDER TICKETS GO TO: WWW.VADALNA.COM

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JUNE's Bellydancer '09 ShoutOut..... :)

2009-05-31T18:59:42Z

ZOE JAKES (CA)
http://www.zoebellydance.com
http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com
http://www.rachelbrice.com (The Indigo)

Feel free to add your own compliments of Zoe, too many for me to even get started. :)~
Will be at raqs America for workshops June 19-21 here in DC...

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

MAY Birthday Greetings.... :)

2009-05-25T18:44:17Z

Today:
Sarah Skinner (NYC)
Maia Fatinah of Mooshkila (MD) :)

Also:
Aubre (CA) 5/11th

Others? :)
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

BELLYMOTIONS (FL).com's New Site & Portia's 1st Instructo-DVD

2009-05-17T14:15:41Z

http://www.bellymotions.com/

It's always fun when you reveal a new update of your own creations, and the cover rocks, too...
Congrats, Portia!

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

MAY BellyHappenings....

2009-05-17T13:46:12Z

From SHAKEMYDAY.COM (NYC):

ShakeMyDay.com in New York

SHAKEmyday news

* Great workshop - thank you all so much for coming
* Eventful weekend: two performances to live music and a veil workshop!
* Elena Lentini workshop
* There will be class this week!
* Fantasy DVD is in stock
* Opulent Motion DVD and Love Potion DVD can be pre ordered on ShakeMyDay
* HUGE photoshoot SALE!!!
* May 1- Sarah celebrates her birthday!

THANK YOU

.

Apr 25 (Sat): Venus Uprising presented Sarah Skinner Taksim & Slow Rhythms - Technique & Combinations workshop. We had a great time! The room was filled with such wonderful engery- Thank you all for sharing your dancing spirt with me!

.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CarmelMay 22 (Fri): Sarah Skinner at WTK
08:00pm Come check out one of the most amazing live bands in NYC performing on a new night! Come out and support this new night!
Sarah Skinner belly dance performance at WTK. The Noga Group: Avram Pengas, Samir Shukry, Nick Mandoukos, Elysa Sunshine, Lefteris Bournias, Eran Asias and Farouk, Woolworth Tower Kitchen, 9 Barclay Street (Between Church & Broadway, near Broadway) New York, NY 10279, Phone (212) 571-2930

.

May 23 (Sat): Sarah Skinner Veil workshop
02:00pm-05:00pm Veil workshop taught by Sarah Skinner. Workshop info. We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC NY 10011 Studio directions only: 646.233.3767

.

.

CarmelMay 23 (Sat): Sarah Skinner At Mezzo Mezzo
08:00pm Live Middle Eastern Music and Belly Dancing at Mezzo Mezzo in Astoria Queens. Mezzo Mezzo NY in co operation with Creative Artists Productions present: Live Middle Eastern Music and Bellydancing, featuring a rotating band format each week ,with different guest artists from NYC areas. Mezzo Mezzo 31-29 Ditmars Blvd Astoria NY (corner 33rd St) Astoria NY (718) 278-0444. For more info: Chris info@creativeartistsproductions.com.
.
.

ElenaJun 27 (Sat): Elena Lentini workshop
12:30pm-05:30pm with hour lunch.
Contemporary Arabic Spanish flavored choreography.
More information email elenalentini@aol.com
Pearl studios, 500 8th ave. 4th floor.
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SarahOPEN LEVEL BELLY DANCE Class

EVERY THURS 6:15- 7:15
20 West 20th street, Manhattan NYC
THERE WILL BE CLASS THIS THURS
More info about classes
This months classes are open level. They will be focused on elegant arms, graceful poses, sultry movements for senual taxsims. The second half of the class will get fired up with hip isolations and hot shimmy drills.
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Photographysale

MAY 16-20 Get a photoshoot for $150!!!
SALE 1/2 off a regularly priced belly dance photoshoot
GET A PHOTOSHOOT
Sarah is an expert at helping dancers find natural angles and poses that convey accurately the essence of their individual style of movement and stage personality. Sarah's extraordinary eye for detail, her meticulous attention to positioning elements of costume and finding the most expressive and flattering body line and facial angles result in polished, memorable images with an artistic edge.

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NEW ARRIVAL- IN STOCK NOW

cover Fantasy Belly Dance Performance DVD
Fantasy Bellydance, with its dreamy, exotic, highly artistic, non-traditional dances has evolved through the aesthetic explorations of many 20th century and post-millennial artists, finding its distinct genre definition and a powerful impetus through lavish and whimsical Fantasy Bellydance concerts hosted in New York City by the Venus Uprising creative salon. This compilation of fantasy bellydance performances is based on creations seen at the “Cult of Myth” show held by Venus Uprising within its Fantasy series. Sarah Skinner's group Salome performance is included on this DVD. Released April 28 2009
$14.98 plus $5.00 shipping (North America only)

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PRE ORDER IS NOW AVAILABLE

coverOpulent Motion DVD - the Artistry of Slow Moves
Beginner-intermediate instructional program with Sarah Skinner: - slow rhythms (ciftetelli, masmoudi, slow 9/8, slow makqsoum) and rhythmless taqsim - combinations - practice flow - special focus on expressivity and articulation.
Release Date: June 2009
$14.98 plus $5.00 shipping (North America only)
PREORDER (June 30, 2009)

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cover Love Potion - The Belly Dance Workout for Beginners DVD
The Love Potion Bellydance Workout combines dance fitness with dance instruction. The program consists of three sections: The Love Potion Workout - 40 min. Practice Flow for beginners - 50 min. Tutorial section for beginners - 50 min.
$14.98 plus $5.00 shipping (North America only)
Preorder (May 26, 2009)
ShakeMyDay.com Come and enjoy belly dance photography by Sarah Skinner.

From BELLYQUEEN (NYC):

Dear Bellyqueen and PURE Friends,

On March 21st, Brad and I celebrated 10 years of marriage by renewing our vows with the king himself, Elvis, at the Viva Las Vegas wedding chapel.
I was overjoyed to have the chance to wear both a western white wedding dress as well as a red silk chinese wedding dress. Thank you for those who made it to the wedding in real life as well as shared the moment with us via webcam.

On April 15th, we held 80s Prom night at Je'Bon in the East Village celebrating Brads birthday. Amar Gamal masterminded our 80s revival choreography, pulling in the talents of Djinn musicians, Pete List, Chern Hwei as well as the birthday boy, Brad. A big shoutout for all the guests who dressed up to the nines and celebrated with us in true 80s style. Watch the 80s JeProm Video on YouTube (Shot by Hannah Nour)

Bellyqueen Dance Theater is on the eve of embarking on a 6 city tour of Asia touring through Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei. Please scroll down for more details. All NYC classes are continuing without stop, as well as the weekly Wednesday Djam under JeBon.
Please watch for PURE NYC at the dance parade on May 16th, and make a trip to NYC to take Tamalyn Dallal's teacher training intensive course June 5-7.

Peace and shimmies,
Kaeshi
www.bellyqueen.com
www.puredance.org

Bellyqueen in the Press

* Watch Bellyqueen on Croatian RTL television network, with excerpts from their theater show. Thank you to Dunja Orijentalni ples for posting it.
* See article & photos from Bellyqueen's 10th Anniversary Show on Bellydance Japan Magazine 2009 Winter Edition.
Thank you to Miyuki Obata for featuring Bellyqueen and Akiko Nishimura for taking the photos.
(A full length DVD of the show will soon be released from Hollywood Music Center)

JapanApril 28th-May 7th 2009: Japan
Bellyqueen Dance Theater (Amar Gamal, Kaeshi, Elisheva, Anasma, Sandralis and Cara West) perform and teach in Japan (Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya). See poster with details about shows and workshops. Please contact Hiromi.

May 8th-10th 2009: Hong Kong
Bellyqueen (Amar Gamal, Kaeshi, Elisheva, Anasma) perform and teach in Hong Kong.
Please contact Janaki.

May 12th-13th 2009: Bellyqueen in Guangzhou, China
Amar Gamal and Kaeshi perform and teach in Guangzhou. Please contact Lilian.

May 15th-17th 2009: Taipei, Taiwan
Kaeshi & Amar Gamal perform and teach in Taipei. Please contact Violet Mozaini.

May 22nd-24th 2009: Silver Spring, Maryland
Amar Gamal and Kaeshi will perform and teach at BOCA Festival (Bellydancers of Color Association) in Silver Spring, Maryland Contact Dr. Sunyatta dr.sunyatta@verizon.net

May 29th-31st 2009: Long Island, NY
Kaeshi teaches and performs at Festival of the East. www.BellyDanceLI.com

Tamalyn DallalJune 5th-7th 2009: New York, NY
Tamalyn Dallal returns to NYC to teach a Teacher's Training weekend intensive plus distinguishing between many Egyptian bellydance styles from different regions and eras. Find out more info!

June 11th & 13th 2009: Augsburg, Germany
Kaeshi teaches 3 workshops and performs in Germany. amina@fieryamina.com

July 25th & 26th 2009: Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida
Amar Gamal will teach an intensive 2 days workshop in Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida. Contact Maria Jamal jammalm55@yahoo.com

August 8th and 9th: Atlanta, Georgia
Amar Gamal will teach an intensive 2 day workshop in Atlanta, Georgia
Contact Shani shani@shaniga.com / www.shaniga.com

August (Date to be confirmed): Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kaeshi, Jillina, Ansuya, Elizabeth Strong, Ahmet Luleci, Elayssa, Louchia, Ozzy will teach and perform in the Bellydance Festival of Asia.

PURESeptember 4th-6th 2009: Switzerland
Amar Gamal will teach an intensive 3 day workshop in Switzerland
Contact Amira amira@amiraqs.com / www.taksim.ch

Sept 19th 2009: Multiple locations around the US
PURE takes to the streets in our annual procession. www.puredance.org
The date has been moved from July to September to commemorate World Peace Day.

September 26th-27th 2009: Vancouver, Canada
Kaeshi will teach and perform in Vancouver.
Contact Leona leonais@shaw.ca

October 4th 2009: Boston, Massachusetts
Amar Gamal will teach a 1 day workshop in Boston, Massachusetts
Contact Zabeth zills@earthlink.net / www.za-beth.com
...............................................................................................
Bellyqueen Dance Theater www.bellyqueen.com | PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment) www.puredance.org

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

BREAKING NEWS: RAQS AMERICA (DC) 2009-- June 19-21, Info Now Up!! :)

2009-05-16T20:55:54Z

http://www.raqsamerica.com

Not sure if there'll be an evening performance show, but admission is FREE and
plenty of good BDSS and local superstar workshops to be had!! :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Jill Parker in Washington DC!!!!

2009-05-16T16:16:40Z

Jill Parker Coming to Washington DC!!!!! ***************** 3 hour Ooey Gooey Slow & Slinky & Bah Blam Combos workshop with Jill Parker When: Saturday June 6th 11am-2pm
Where: Saffron Dance 3260 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 (3 minute walk from Clarendon Metro)

Workshop: Ooey Gooey Slow & Slinky & Bah Blam Combos! We'll start with technique/posture drills, move into slinky gooey movement quality with a focus on full body integration, extension, form, shape, expression, then we'll take it up a notch moving into stylized combinations galore!

JILL PARKER is an international, award winning instructor, choreographer and director. Jill is the "Mama of the modern tribal fusion bellydance movement", an original member of FatChanceBellyDance, director of Ultra Gypsy, Djun Djun, The San Francisco Foxglove Sweethearts & a frequent collaborator with Theater Flamenco. With over 2 decades of experience, she has trained many top dancers in the genre. Jill's big heart and deep love for this intoxicating form shine through in her classes and performances. She is an exceptional teacher with a knack for demystifying this sensuous dance making its techniques accessible to new dancers, while offering tremendous insight for refinement and breakthrough to advanced dancers. $45 advance/$55 at door

Save your spot now: Spots for sale at www.myspace.com/princesstiphanie

NEED MORE JILL?!?!? 4 day, 25 hour plus Intensive. June 4th-7th Washington DC
e-mail foxglovesweetheartsbooking@gmail.com for more information

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Flamenco Workshop in Wichita, KS

2009-05-15T05:21:10Z

Hello everyone - if you're looking for an opportunity to learn something new, come join us August 21-23 at Safira's Center for World Dance for a flamenco workshop to be conducted by Melinda Hedgecorth, out of Sevilla, Spain.

Check out Safira's website for a flier and more details.

http://dancewichita.com/flamenco_preview.pdf

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Jalsah Charlotte NC on May 24 2009!

2009-05-12T16:43:45Z

Hey everyone!

Ishtar Pittsburgh’s BellyDance Band packs up and heads south for Memorial day weekend!

Join Ishtar and special guests Ken and Joe from Charlotte at the Salvador Deli on Saturday May 23 at 8pm! Yes, you read that right, the Salvador Deli, known for their great sandwiches and cool bands in the NoDa section of Charlotte is located at 3215 North Davison St 28205. Free show...come chat with me and the band!

Sunday May 24 is Jalsah Charlotte, the ULTIMATE in bellydance parties! Everyone bring your instruments, drums and hipscarves. Party the night away with Ishtar. You get to sit in with the band! Everyone dances all night! Cover $5.

www.thejalsah.com/pages/Charlotte

Sunday May 24th 2009 -- 7PM
(Aminah's house)
411 Brookhollow Dr, York SC, 29745

Workshops!!! Go beyond Hadouni! Let's learn some new kick ass tunes to rock the Jalsah!

Individual workshops are $20, two workshops are $30, take all three for $50!

2PM - 3PM $20
Basic Darbuka Technique and Rhythms -- Mark of Ishtar will teach basic darbuka-striking technique and six rhythms common to Middle Eastern music. He will cover how to hold the darbuka, proper posture and technique, as well as how to make the three main darbuka sounds--the "DUM", the "TEK" and the "KA". In addition, participants will learn how to change seamlessly between rhythms which is imperative for playing effectively with melody musicians. This class is perfect for dancers and drummers at all levels.

3PM - 4:30PM $20
Art of Taksim and Basic Makam Theory -- Melissa of Ishtar will cover: How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also how to practice your improvisational skills. Tips on how to taksim for a solo dancer and how to handle a taksim in a choreographed dance. Recieve feedback concerning your taksim skills. Dancers welcome!

5PM - 6PM $20
Middle Eastern Music Ensemble For ALL Instruments -- If you play it, BRING IT! Drummers and melody musicians, learn songs together. Put your rhythms to the test! The members of Ishtar will break down several Middle Eastern folk songs that will be played at the Jalsah later that evening. This workshop is perfect for musicians and percussionists ready to try something different! Learn the basic structure of several popular Middle Eastern bellydance songs in an ensemble format. Percussionists can learn how specific rhythms fit particular songs and how to change seamlessly between rhythms. Melody musicians can learn popular Middle Eastern melodies and will be given instruction on basic makam theory. Specific songs will be determined by skill level within the class.

Mavi Mavi, Chaje Shukarije, Ushti Babo, Konyali, and Shish Kebab

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Visit my new site: www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com ! There you can find listings of all my sheet music available for purchase! I will directly email you the pdfs for you to save on your own computer.

I realize that www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com is verbose, but it is accurate! "No dorks, just shmu." (shmu is a short term for sheet music, someday I'll regale you with the story of shmu...)

Thank you all for your support over the years! See you soon!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies