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

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:12:09 GMT

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)

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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 - 0 replies

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

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:08:44 GMT

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 - 4 replies

JULY BellyHappenings :)

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:31:41 GMT

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
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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 - 0 replies

Attend the Las Vegas Intensive--FREE

SamiraLV — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:07:42 GMT

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

Aziza — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:43:49 GMT

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

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:04:56 GMT

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 :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:59:15 GMT

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...

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:08:47 GMT

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...

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:28:19 GMT

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

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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

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

ebyland — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:11:05 GMT

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

Shems — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:55:02 GMT

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

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 03 May 2009 20:40:50 GMT

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!

Vadalna — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:50:50 GMT

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..... :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:59:42 GMT

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.... :)

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:39:48 GMT

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

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:15:41 GMT

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....

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:51:57 GMT

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.
.
.

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.
.

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.

.
.

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)

.

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)

.
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!! :)

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:55:54 GMT

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!!!!

Tessa — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:16:40 GMT

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

Diwata — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:21:10 GMT

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!

melissaclarinetchick — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:43:45 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

DISCUSSION: Swords/Schmitars and the Law??

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:04:57 GMT

I was wondering while I was watching Naimah's dazzling swordwork at last SUN's DCTribal Cafe, are there still states in the US (and/or Canada/Mexico) where you cannot carry your sword or dance with it because it can be considered a weapon?

Heavens forbid, has any1 ever been in a position where they had an altercation where they had to take out or use their sword/schmitar in tow and use in a matter of civil self-defense?
(...hopefully NOT...)

I can't imagune a scenario that some1 knowing a bd'er has a sword in front of them would try to purposely provoke/instigate a situation where she would have to go into ''Xena Mode'', but you figure you'd only have to use mase (any gun owners? tzazers?) , not show some1 you can use a sword/schmitar other than balancing it on your head.

Feedback welcomed...
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BOCA & SOULYOGA Fest 2009--Silver Spring, MD May 22-25

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:55:02 GMT

http://www.bellydancersofcolor.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

MAY Bellydancer ShoutOut... :)

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:08:41 GMT

NINA AMAYA (Baltimore)
http://www.ninaamaya.com
http://www.marylandbellydance.com

Takes bellydance with a free-flowing persona and teaches throughout Charm City, also took over for the then 5Seasons-now-AllSeasons Hafla, now held on the 1st SUN in Towson, MD at Cafe Spice. One who is a fan of veilwork and zills, one of the leading reps for establishing bellydance venues in the area as well, including the growth of the art form outside the B-more city lines.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

festival calendar

sarah — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:26:02 GMT

just wanted to let everyone know that i've compiled a calendar of the various belly dance festivals at http://www.bohemetribal.com

it's under the links section.

if anyone sees something that should be there, let me know and i'll be glad to add it!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

APRIL Birthday Flowers and Belly Powers :)

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:49:23 GMT

Tamalyn Dallal (WA) 4/11th

Any1?
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

APRIL BellyHappenings....:)

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:47:45 GMT

From the BDSS:

In This Issue
BDSS Winners
Raqs LA 2009
Raqs Britannia 2009
BDSS Mobile Content

And the BDSS Winners Are...

Grand Prize Winner (Free trip to any Bellydance Superstars Raqs event):

Marie Dumaine from Sterling, CT

Runner-up Winners

(Bellydance Superstars gift package):

Dorothy Costello from Jensen Beach, FL
Olga Lomakina from Montreal, QC
Lynn Stock from Deep River, ON
Jacqueline Tukes from Gray, GA

(Free CD or DVD):

Kim Anderson from Lucerne Valley, CA
Tanya Indelicato from Ames, IA
Frances Patterson from Hermitage, TN
George Corra from Birmingham, AL
Cynthia Florence from Tijeras, NM
Cheryl O'Neill from Dekalb Jct, NY

Congratulations and thank you to all who participated! Stay tuned for your next chance to ENTER TO WIN!

Also, thank you for all your support on our Winter/Spring 2009 tour! For more information on upcoming shows, workshops, and events, please visit www.milescopeland.biz/bdss/calendar.

To purchase CDs, DVDs, exclusive apparel, bellydance costumes, accessories, and more, please visit store.copelandstore.com.

Raqs LA 2009

www.raqsla.com

Raqs LA 2009- Selling out quickly!

Don't Miss Raqs LA 2009- A two day celebration of modern fusion, as well as the traditional beauty of bellydance, taking place at the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale, CA on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Online booking is available NOW at www.raqsla.com.

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

An abundance of dance workshops by Sonia, Suhaila Salimpour, Petite Jamilla, Kami Liddle, Moria, Zoe Jakes, Sabah, Jayna, Issam Houshan, and DaVid of Scandinavia for all levels
Vendors from around the world
A very special and exclusive Saturday evening performance by the incredible Bellydance Superstars
Delicious Middle Eastern and American food
2009 Teen Showcase
Bellydance Superstars Auditions on Sunday
Constant entertainment all day
LOCATION DETAILS:
Glendale Civic Auditorium
1401 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208

FESTIVAL HOURS:
Saturday, April 25- 11:30 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 26- 11:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Come for the weekend, a day, or just the show! Take advantage of advance prices today!

Raqs Britannia 2009

www.raqsbritannia.co.uk

Raqs Britannia 2009- Booking available now!

Don't Miss Raqs Britannia 2009- Europe's premier bellydance event, taking place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, UK on Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7. Online booking is available NOW at www.raqsbritannia.co.uk.

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

Huge souk for all your tribal and oriental wear!
3 days of workshops
Oojami Full Band
Beats Antique performing live!
DJ sets from Phil Meadley on Friday and Saturday
Middle Eastern Buffets
Junior Bellydance Contest
Superstar Auditions
All New Bellydance Superstars Show: "The Art of Bellydance"
LOCATION DETAILS:
Winter Gardens
Church Street
Blackpool, Lancashire
England FY1 1HU

Come for the weekend, a day, or just the show! Take advantage of advance prices today!

BDSS Mobile Content

Exclusive BDSS Mobile Content

The Bellydance Superstars offer the latest in mobile content with your favorite Bellydance ringtones available in the US from the following carriers:

T-Mobile
www.mytmobile.com
AT&T
Click Here

Boost Mobile
www.boostmobile.com

Helio
www.helio.com

Zed USA
www.ringtonejukebox.com
Sprint
On your phone

Verizon
On your phone

Virgin
www.virginmobileusa.com

Just click onto your phone and purchase ringtones from your favorite artists like Issam Houshan, Beats Antique, Oojami, Galactic Caravan, Pentaphobe, Turbo Tabla, Saad, and many more. BDSS Wallpapers will also be available soon!

www.bellydancesuperstars.com

From ASHARAH (VA):

Greetings dancers! Just a friendly reminder about three workshops this April at Saffron Dance in Arlington, Virginia, that will enhance your dance, polish you performance, and challenge your brain and body.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 - Tempest (www.darklydramatic.com) comes to Arlington, Virginia, to share two workshops aimed at the performing dancer: "Journey to the Underworld" and "Strange Presence."

Time: 1:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Saffron Dance Studio
Street: 3260 Wilson Blvd
City/Town: Arlington, VA

Journey to the Underworld – When’s the last time you broke down your own facades and explored the truth of what lays bare underneath? Are you brave enough to look and become stronger as a dancer for it? Being a part of the bellydance community for any length of time affects us in so many ways, many below the surface that can influence how we look and feel about ourselves and others. In this dynamic and unusual workshop, we will explore through exercises and movement combinations the mythic concept of the Descent and Encounter in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. This is a safe and supportive opportunity to challenge yourself mentally and physically, while discovering who you are or wish to be as a dancer. Warning: This is not a “woo-woo” or “new-agey” class, but it will ask you to push your boundaries.

Strange Presence – It’s all about bleeding your soul out to audience, serving it to them on a platter, and then eating THEM for lunch instead. A truly successful performance does more than show how well you can do the moves—it should really speak to your audience and exude expression. You CAN learn how to have a stronger personality on stage and channel that energy for a more dynamic performance. Discover the key aspects of capturing your audience with your stage presence and develop your own onstage drama! We’ll particularly focus on improvisational technique, character development, and learning to be more “in the moment.” This class is especially for any dancer who is ready to perform or is considering it.

Workshops will be followed by a ritual dance dedication to friend, dancer, and artist Kaihea at the Palace of Wonders. A portion of the proceeds from the workshops will benefit Kaihea's partner and cats.

Register today at MeaHuna Productions: meahunaproductions.com/

-------------------

Sunday, April 19 - Asharah will teach a three-hour intensive on mastering finger cymbals, also known as zills or sagat. NO previous cymbal experience required!

Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Saffron Dance Studio
Street: 3260 Wilson Blvd
City/Town: Arlington, VA

Finger cymbals are an integral part of American Tribal Style bellydance, and can be a lovely accompaniment to a traditional or fusion solo performance. However, many dancers often feel daunted by cymbal playing and have been using them less and less… Finger cymbals aren’t scary, and this workshop will help you approach cymbals as an instrument and as a way to enhance your performance. With the right exercises, anyone can play cymbals and dance! Asharah will lead you through an intense warm up, teach drills that layer movements and cymbal playing, introduce common cymbal patterns found in Middle Eastern music, and teach a short dance combination focusing on the playing of your cymbals with the music and your movements.

Registration coming soon to www.saffrondance.com

---------------------

Hope to see you at one or all of these workshops!

- A

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

"More excitement, less fear." - Neil Peart

From SHAKE MY DAY (NYC):

In this issue:
No class APRIL 9th
Come to TPG
Taxsim workshop
New costume

Need professional photos?
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.

SHAKEmyday news
.
Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting Mal Steins new venue when I was performing last tues. It was really wonderful seeing you all there.
Come out and support Scott Wilsons weekly gig!
.
I have spent the last many months working on my upcoming DVD Opulent motion. We just filmed it and my mind is full of lovely slow moves! Lets dance them together in the April 25th workshop!
.

OPEN LEVEL BELLY DANCE Class

EVERY THURS 6:15- 7:15
20 West 20th street, Manhattan NYC
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.
NO CLASS APRIL 9, 2009
.

EVENTS

Apr 05 (Sun): Alashiya, Brenna and Sarah Skinner at TGP
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)

.

Apr 25 (Sat): Sarah Skinner Taksim & Slow Rhythms - Technique & Combinations workshop
01:00pm-04:00pm Venus Uprising presents Sarah Skinner Taksim & Slow Rhythms - Technique & Combinations workshop. 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 movements that highlight the texture and the mood of different soloing instruments. Sarah will demonstrate correct bodylines, and explain how to seamlessly flow from picture perfect poses into fluid and graceful dance combinations. An overview of three drum rhythms that frequently underscore taksims for dance purposes will also be provided. Finally, Sarah will share the secrets of creating a structured improvisation in order to perform a poised and professional taksim number to live music. We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC NY 10011 Studi! o directions only: 646.233.3767

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

COSTUME COLLETION

Opulent Lilac Costume
While I was shopping in Istanbul Turkey 2008 I went to Nahal’s shop. This is one of three costumes I ordered from her. When I came back home from this exotic whirlwind shopping and dance trip- I decided I needed to save this costume for something special. I put the costume in a box and pulled it out to use for my “Opulent Motions DVD”.

From SAMIRA SHURUK (MD):

Dear friends,

Announcing weekly classes with Samira! Wendesday nights you can get your groove on in Baltimore. A new Pilates session starts April 6th in Columbia, MD.

Samira's specialty is helping you make wonderful memories at your special events. For a beautiful belly dance show or Bollywood mujra performance call or email Samira. 410-977-7978.

Smiles abound at weekly venues local to the Washington DC and Baltimore metro areas. Come out to a show!

Are you outside of the Washington DC metro area? Samira is still booking 2009 shows involving travel. For dance workshops and events Samira is booking into 2010. Email or call 410-977-7978

Visit Samira's website www.samirashuruk.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

Finger cymbals workshop with Asharah - April 19

asharah — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:13:31 GMT

Do you feel like you can't play finger cymbals and dance at the same time? This workshop is for you!

The Cymbalist Movement: Integrating Finger Cymbals into Your Dance
Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above.
April 19, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Finger cymbals are an integral part of American Tribal Style bellydance, and can be a lovely accompaniment to a solo performance. However, many dancers often feel daunted by cymbal playing and have been using them less and less… Finger cymbals aren't scary, and this workshop will help you approach cymbals as an instrument and as a way to enhance your performance. With the right exercises, anyone can play cymbals and dance! Asharah will lead you through an intense warm up, teach drills that layer movements and cymbal playing, introduce common cymbal patterns found in Middle Eastern music, and teach a short dance combination focusing on the playing of your cymbals with the music and your movements.

$65 Online Registration | $75 At Door

3260 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Virginia (Clarendon Metro, Orange Line)

Register at the Saffron Dance website: http://www.saffrondance.com/events

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

ATTENTION ALL BELLYDANCE AND TRIBAL STYLE TEACHERS

hollywoodmusiccenter — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:20:31 GMT

Are you a bellydance or tribal style teacher? List yourself for FREE on the www.bellydance.com Belly Dance Teacher Directory.

Complete your teacher info on this page:
http://bellydance.com/Bellydance-Teacher-Directory_ep_67-1.html

The teacher directory will go live on May 1, 2009

Don't miss this opportunity to be found by those looking for belly dance classes in your area.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Jill Parker D.C. 4-Day Intensive Immersion

Marta — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:24:46 GMT

A 4-Day Immersion with Jill Parker in Washington, DC
Beyond Trend: Belly Dance at its Finest

PLEASE NOTE: there are only *9* spots available. There is an application process. Email Tessa at foxglovesweetheartsbooking@gmail.com to inquire about an application.

*What:
An Intimate 9 Person Four Day Long Immersion with Jill Parker!

An Amazing, Fun, Fully Integrated Dance Immersion Experience. Jill’s technique drills, stylization, philosophies, musicality, improvisation, coaching for creating original combinations, 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, get to know Jill, have a great place to stay with other amazing and dedicated belly dancers.

*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.

*Lecture Topics:
Lineage/history of tribal belly dance, business sense, ethics, community building, integrity, self care, healthy body image.

*Extras:
Movie night, night on the town, dinner out, chill out, discussion

A day in the life!...
10:00 Breakfast
11:00-1:30 start with technique/lecture
1:30-2:30 Lunch
2:30-6:00 Technique/lecture
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00 onward special stuff

*Where:
The private home of Marta in Washington, DC: shared beds/rooms, in home studio, beautiful renovated 3 story home
www.moveyourbelly.com/Instruc...VII.html

*When:
Thursday June 4th- Sunday June 7th

*How:
Due to the limited space there will be an application process to select an amazing group of 9 dedicated women! Please send applications to Tessa at:
foxglovesweetheartsbooking@gmail.com

*Cost:
$850, this includes over 20 hours of workshop and lecture, plus your room for 3 nights/4 days!

*Food Option:
World Class vegan chef Peter is willing to share his culinary skills with you! $140 for all 4 days or $40 a day.

Healthy & yummy! 3 meals a day raw, vegan, fun!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

APRIL's ''Bellydancer'' of the Month

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:04:26 GMT

AMIR THALEB (ARG)
http://www.amirthaleb.com
httop://www.amirthaleb.com.ar

I don't know if he refers to himself as a bellydancer, probably more of a Middle Eastern dance artists--either way,
he has held his own and made a name for himself in the elite ranks of male dancers going today. Will be in DC area in early April
for a 1st visit for a gala show and weekend workshop. Has inspired many a woman to pick up a veil or run to take a class, I hear as well.

B.

...web gems a'coming...

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Check this out

NightwolfReturns — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:57:28 GMT

http://www.worldbellydanceday.com/

Just something I ran across surfing the net.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Registration for the BOCA & Soul Yoga - Movement & Wellness Expo 2009 is now open!

Yanna — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:12:39 GMT

This year’s BOCA will be bigger and better than ever with:
Incredible Workshops! Superstar Instructors! Fabulous Vendors! Stellar Performances!
all in one fabulous holiday weekend.

Click for class descriptions and to register: http://bocaexpo2009.eventbrite.com/

Starts
May 22, 2009 at 8:00 am ET

Ends
May 25, 2009 at 5:00 pm ET

Location
Hilton Washington DC/Silver Spring
8727 Colesville Road
1 block from Metro Station
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-589-5200

DISCOUNTED RATE FOR THE HOTEL- MENTION “BOCA” WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS VIA PHONE OR ENTER CODE “BOC” ONLINE

Hosted By Bellydancers of Color Association *BOCA
www.bellydancersofcolor.com
202-545-8888

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Info on 2009 SPIRIT OF THE TRIBES (FL) MAY 7-10, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:43:20 GMT

http://www.majanile.com/spirit09.html

This looks kick-ass...
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

MARCH's Lucky Leprechaun Birthdays....

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:35:45 GMT

Fatimah Rasheedah (AZ) 3/1st
Aunt Rocky (NYC) 3/2nd
Adore of BDSS (NJ) 3/2nd
Sonia of BDSS (CA) 3/3rd

Any1? :)
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 14 replies

MARCH BellyHappenings

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:47:45 GMT

From THE INDIGO (CA):

Yoga, Isolations and Drills: Drop in Classes Taught by Rachel Brice

After 5 years of traveling, Rachel is happy to re-establish a few home-style drop in classes at the beautiful Fat Chance Belly Dance studio in San Francisco.

Each 2 hour class will include:

1. Short Viniyoga practices at the beginning and end of class to both prepare and compensate for the particular topic for that day,

2. Simple and high energy drills focusing on a particular type of movement or anatomical focus i.e. obliques, upper back and chest, shoulders and arms, etc.

3. If time permits, one or more combinations using the movements drilled in class.

This class will focus on the simple, clean and relaxed, and could be considered physically challenging.
Please bring comfortable stretchy layers for warming up and cooling down. All levels are welcome.

Every Tuesday and Thursday between March 10th and March 26th.
10 am to Noon
$25

Class size limited to 20 students. Call or email the Fat Chance Studio to pre-register and secure your spot.

Classes Held at the FatChanceBellyDance Studio, Store and Resource Center
670 South Van Ness
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-431-4322
http://www.fcbd.com
fcbd@earthlink.net

From SAHARA DANCE MID-ATLANTIC:

Hi everyone!
Sahara Dance Student Salon / Hafla Dance Party

It's hard to believe, but we're already halfway through the spring semester! The second session of the 8-week Introduction to Belly Dance classes begin this week.

Amidst the snow, we're also planning the summer schedule, which will begin the second week of May. We're looking forward to launching student Saharabesque classes to share and showcase student works in experimental belly dance! This will be in addition to a wide array of traditional belly dance classes and a few other surprises ;).

We'd love your vote in the City Paper's annual "Best of DC" poll (it takes less than a minute to vote)! Please vote "Sahara Dance" best Dance Company!

Preparations for the 7th Annual Under a Desert Moon gala continue. Costume orders have been placed, show tickets are being snatched up and costume pieces are beginning to trickle in. The abundance of shimmery chiffon, delicate fringe, sparkles, jingling coin scarves and a rainbow of skirts, pants and tops has turned Sahara Dance offices into a Middle Eastern bazaar!

We hope you'll come shimmy away the winter chill on the dance floor THIS WEEKEND at Pasha for the Student Salon/Hafla Dance Party! In addition to lots of informal class performances, Elysa and Allyson will delight us with full costume solos.

SATURDAY WORKSHOP SERIES

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

* Oriental Turns and Traveling Steps (March 7)
* Balancing Props (March 14)
* Hula-Belly Fusion! (March 21)
* Drum Solo Choreography (March 28)

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

MASTER CLASS SERIES

We spent another wonderful weekend with Yousry Sharif last month, and learned two new inspiring choreographies. Next up: Bellydance Superstar, Bozenka!

* Bozenka (April 4-5, 2009)

So that everyone has adequate space and visibility, we are limiting registrations for each of the master classes. They often fill quickly, so register soon!

EVENTS, PARTIES, AND PERFORMANCES

Sahara Dance Salon / Hafla Dance Party (March 7)

A "hafla" is a Middle Eastern dance party. Take your belly dancing out of the classroom and try out your moves in a supportive club atmosphere. Join your classmates on the informal stage to showcase your class choreography, or come to support your new friends. There will be a DJ and plenty of open dancing.
Bring a friend and your favorite hip scarf!

Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Pasha Lounge
Cost: $10 (No charge if you are performing with your class)

Monday Night at the National Theatre

Raqs Sahara and Sahara Tribal will perform Sahara Dance Caravan - A Belly Dance Journey

Travel across time on an enchanting journey from California to Cairo! Experience modern tribal dances of our own West Coast, savor captivating dances of Egypt, and delight in joyful folkloric dances of the Arab world. Tracing the roots of an ancient art form, the choreography draws upon themes of feminine beauty and oriental allure to create a mesmerizing evening of music and dance.

Date: Monday, March 23, 2009
Time(s): 6:00 and 7:30 pm
Location: National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

Please note: seating is limited. Tickets are required, and are distributed one half-hour prior to performance, on a first-come, first-served policy. One ticket only to each person in line.

If you haven't taken a peek in a while, the Sahara Dance blog, Hip Talk, now features interviews with faculty, company members and studio assistants, a Countdown to Under a Desert Moon series, and a Beginner belly dancer series, along with news, updates and all things Sahara Dance.

We've also launched a Facebook Page, where fans of Sahara Dance can connect with us, and each other. We share our photos and videos there; if you have some that you would like to share with us, we'd love to see them. Feel free to join us!

Yours in dance,
Rachel

Rachel Kay Brookmire
Founder and Creative Director
Sahara Dance
http://saharadance.com
(202) 362-4400

fFrom ASHARAH (VA):

Spring is almost here... once we dig out from the recent snow storm, right? Here are some updates for March...

Keep warm and keep dancing!

- A

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News:

Asharah is leaving her day job!

Yup. That's right. It's scary and there are a lot of uncertainties, but the sense of imminent freedom is exhilarating. I have several creative projects on the horizon, just waiting to be tackled. Most of all, I'm excited about being able to give more energy to my dance, and even more to my students.

Wish me luck... :D

Read a bit about my decision and my experience balancing work and art on my Bellydance Paladin blog.

Review of Modern Tribal Bellydance with Asharah

An utterly amazing review of my instructional DVD. Thank you, Tracey! I have no idea who you are, but thank you so much for the review.

Upcoming Events:

March 6-7th, Pomona, California
Gothla US: The Divining

Featured instructor at the second annual Gothla US. Other featured instructors include Tempest, Sashi, Shakra, Callisto, Lee Ali, Marjhani, and Anaar. Register here. The Saturday evening gala show will feature all Gothla instructors, plus a few special surprise guests!

Saturday, March 7, 1:00 - 3:00pm: Danse Mècanique
Saturday, March 7, 8:00pm: Gala Show

March 14th, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Workshop and performance

Workshop and performance, hosted by Bohemian Underground. Registration and tickets available now.

10:00am - 1:00pm: Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks

March 21, Hudson Valley, NY
Workshops and performance

Two workshops and evening performance, hosted by Willow and Shivati. Registration and tickets are now available!

11:00am - 1:00pm: Pops, Locks and Tick Tocks
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Dance Mècanique

April 4th, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Tribally Yours / Tribalement Vôtre

Featured instructor and performer, hosted by Marthyna and Les Trib’elles. Other instructors include Kassar, Les Trib’elles, Andrea Fryett, Catherine de Sève, and Shades of Araby.

206, Principale street, suite 001, Saint-Basile
Friday, 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Turkish Tribal Combinations (Intermediate level)

530, Clairevue west, Saint-Bruno
Saturday, 11:00am - 12:45pm: Introduction to Gothic Bellydance (All levels)
Sunday, 11:00am - 12:45pm: Danse Mècanique (All levels)

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

"More excitement, less fear." - Neil Peart

From HADIA (CAN):

Good evening to you all and with just two more sleeps before heading off to Mexico, my Asian tour and Magical Bali, I am sending off a quick update for with some details and changes.

I would like to thank all the wonderful ladies who came out to so enthusiastically support and explore the very special world of the Turkish gypsy in my Halifax workshop today. A great time was had by all and perhaps a few will decide to come along on our 8th Turkey "Gateway to the Orient" Tour – Sept 15 to 30th. This amazing adventure into the Real Turkey includes 20 hours of dance training in Oriental and authentic Turkish Roma (gypsy) Dance Plus the Best of Istanbul, the Mediterranean Riviera, Village life, Ancient Ruins, Natural Hot Springs and the Geological Fantasy Land of Cappadocia. This will be my last one for a few years, so now is your chance!

Venez nous rejoindre pour notre 8e Voyage « Turquie – Portail a l’Orient » du 15 au 30 Septembre !!!! 20 heures des cours en danse orientale, baladi et danse Roman (gitane) Turc, Istanbul, la méditerranée, les ruines anciens, les sources thermale a Pamukkale, la monde surréel de Cappadoce.

For all details and registration: http://www.hadia.com/turkey.htm

I will be back from my Asian tour and the Magic of Bali Retreat on May 4th and off to "My Kind of Town – Chicago" for my weekend workshops and show on May 16/17th PLUS the Level 3 Teacher Training, the 18-20th http://www.pineappledance.org/hadia.htm

I have cancelled my Montreal workshop on May 23/24th due to some logistical hurdles and date conflicts. Hopefully, I can offer this workshop at a later date.

Malheureusement, au cause des complications des dates et de location de studio, je suis obligée d’annuler mes stages du fin de semaine les 23/4 mai, en espérant de pouvoir les rapporter au plus tard!

Meanwhile, I will be busy setting up the Annual Summer Intensive Oriental Dance Training in my new home – Nova Scotia. July 3rd to 12th

http://www.hadia.com/professional.htm http://www.hadia.com/professionnelle.htm

This great program will feature a 15 hour – 3 day technique training from July 3rd to 5th, and a full weekend workshop July 11/12th with our brilliant musicians from Montreal. Both of these sessions are open to dancers of intermediate level and higher, with no DVD audition required. The fabulous Lebanese Festival will put the finishing touches on a not to be missed weekend.

For the ladies who are hoping to join us for the entire professional oriental dance training program, please make sure to have your DVD auditions out to me by the time I return on May 3rd. The pro course will include both of the above weekend workshops in Halifax, with the mid week in my beautiful home of Lunenburg.

Teacher Training Level 1 tentatively scheduled in Lunenburg for the 3rd weekend in August and Level 3 in Toronto for Labour Day weekend, http://www.hadia.com/teacher.htm

Hope to hear from and/or see you soon.

Hadia: hadia@hadia.com

More updates for Fall 09 coming soon.

From BLACK ORCHID DANSE (GA):

BLACK ORCHID DANSE
presents
Danse Fest Oriental
featuring guest instructors
Jim Boz, Ava Fleming & Karim Nagi
A fun-filled retreat celebrating the beauty of the art of bellydance and the creative dynamics of the drum over 3 full days of intensive workshops and awe-inspiring shows.
May 15 - 17, 2009
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Atlanta, GA
Friday, May 15, 2009

Dancer's Schedule: 8 hrs of workshop classes
Ava Fleming - Move (Drum solo)
Jim Boz -Textures & Morphing
Karim Nagi - Dancer-Drummer Combination

Join us at Friday Night's Hafla
Meet and greet the instructors and organizers then relax, enjoy the party and the awesome array of exciting dance performances.
Hors D'oeuvres will be served..

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Dancers' Schedule: 10 hrs of workshop classes
Karim Nagi - Sagat "Zills"
Jim Boz - Fusion Combos
Ava Fleming - Sultry Sharqui
Karim Nagi - Arabic Drum "Saidi"
Jim Boz - Slow Moves Textures & Layers

Never taken a bellydance class before? This is for you!
Valerie - Kundalini Yoga
Mahsati Jahan- Beginner Bellydance Techinque
Suhad - Beginner Bellydance/Cardio

Black Orchid's Danse Fest Oriental
An elegant dinner show featuring national and international dance performances.
"An affair to remember!"

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dancers' Schedule: 10 hrs of workshop classes
Jim Boz - Baladi Combinations & Expressions
Karim Nagi - Rigg (Arab Tambourine)
Ava Fleming - Layer Cake
Jim Boz - Arabic Techno
Karim Nagi - Arabic Drum

News & Updates

* Due to economic conditions, early bird prices and packages will remain in effect until further notice.
* 10% Group discounts for 5 or more are currently still in effect.
* Installment plans (4 payments) will be available thru 02/28/2009.
* Black Orchid Danse is proud to announce their vendors:
o Arub Dalal www.arubdalal.com
o Audrena's International Bazaar www.audrena.com
o Audra Evans Photography http://audradance.com
o Beauty by ChristineMillan www.christinemillan.com
www.azhiadance.com
o Joharah Int'l Costumes www.joharah.com
o Magical Fashions www.magicalfashions.com

www.blackorchiddanse.com
info@blackorchiddanse.com
See you in May!!!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

PHILLY: Studio 1831’s Night in the Middle East -- Sunday, April 19

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:02:04 GMT

http://www.studio1831.com/events.html

No, it's not a mirage! Studio 1831 transforms into an extraordinary oasis for a night of
mystical, magical Middle Eastern dance!

You and your friends will be treated to spectacular performances by some of the area’s most talented dancers, drummers, and performance artists. Feast on Arabian delicacies while haggling for belly bling at the Studio Souk. Win prizes at the Studio raffle! Dance your asp off at the after-show belly boogie! Studio favorites Valarina, Rena, Kiri, Jeannine, members of the Shake Charmers Dance Company, Shelly, and the Rag Tag Tribal Dancers will be performing, along with fabulous surprise guest artists. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For a registration form, visit www.Studio1831.com.

$10 before or $15 at the door, space permitting.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

online belly dance classes with Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour!

Suhaila — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:33:45 GMT

Visit www.suhailaonlineclasses.com for more info.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BYO Zills

Nanna — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:11:58 GMT

3/31/09 - 5/5/09 - BYO Zills.
Nanna will break down her expert finger cymbal techniques through changing rhythms and musical sequences. Add sparkle to your dance, and build rhythm & coordination.

Tuesdays @ 7:30 pm
Shoebox Studio SF - 855 Folsom St. Suite 112
http://www.shoeboxsf.com/classdescriptions.html
10 Class Card $130 – Expires in 6 months - Drop in $15
Phone: (415) 861-5976 - Discounts Available:

Nanna Candelaria will teach in separate sessions which focus on specific and essential components to Belly Dance, and comprising a full spectrum of skills, in particular those used by the solo dancer. Sessions last 6 weeks and are based on an immersive approach to progress. Beyond basic aspects such as: stretches, exercise sequences, movement study, steps, and combinations; students are thrown into the music in order to also practice alternate concepts. She offers details on focus, projection, visualization, timing, dynamics, and efficient distribution of strength and energy. The overall goal is the development of a more personal, effective, and fulfilling dance experience.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

RACHEL GEORGE's Instructional DVDs Now Out

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:13:12 GMT

http://www.rachelbellydance.com/newvid.htm

Advance Your Bellydance Series
"Advance Your Bellydance - Vol. 1: Drum"

This DVD teaches an intricate drum solo routine to Frank Lazzaro's "Cairo to Casablanca," also found on Middle Earth's "Lavender" CD. The variety of rhythms featured, coupled with the precise locks, isolations and layering Rachel is famous for make this piece a treat for dancers looking to expand their repertoire of performable drum solos as well as ideas for movements to add to their own choreographies. This choreography is technically challenging while portraying a mood of sassiness and fun.

"Advance Your Bellydance - Vol. 2: Lyrical"

Volume 2 features choreography to Om Koulsoum's "Ayla". The piece is sensual and dramatic featuring the haunting classic as played by none other than San Diego's own "Middle Earth". The "Alf Leyla" track can be found on their latest CD titled "Lavender". From dramatic backbends and turns, an extensive floor work section and a healthy amount of complex layering throughout, this choreography is sure to inspire and challenge beginning/intermediate through seasoned professional level dancers.

$35/ea. or $65/both

"Lavender" by Middle Earth CD
$15 (from Sand Diego and one of Rachel's fave bands...)

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

From YUCY (VA): AMIR THALEB WEEKEND in DC/NoVA April 10-123th

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:30:23 GMT

Amir Thaleb, who was born in Argentina into an Arab family, he is one of the top and most widely recognized belly dancing teachers in the world. As a result of the world wide recognition, he is constantly asked to give seminars and shows all over the world. His students come from all over the world to learn from this great teacher. He has teached and performed places like Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Egypt, Spain, Italy, Venezuela, Colombia, USA, Canada, Chile, and Mexico. In Cairo at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival by Raqia Hassan he is a returning teacher and active member every year.

Event and Workshop Schedule.

Friday April 10, 2009
Dance Gala with Amir Thaleb and Faten Salama at Casablanca Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia!
Featuring Live band with Hisham and Mohsein and some of the best local performers and troupes in the area!
Time: 9:30 PM
Tickets: $40.00 ( $41.25 by Paypal)
$45.00 at the door (open buffet dinner is included)
Reservations are highly recommended. ..
Please call (703) 549-6464 to reserve your table.

Saturday April 11, 2009
Crown Plaza Hotel in Old Town, Alexandria
Masri Baldi Combinations, Technique and Egyptian Oriental Choreography
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon .*****. Registration and shopping
12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM ***** Masri Baladi combinations and technique
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ***** Break (lunch will not be provided)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ***** Egyptian Oriental Choreography.
Cost: $95.00 ($115.00 after April 1st, 2009)

Sunday April 12, 2008 -
Drum solo and Oriental Tango Choreography!
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon .*****. Registration and shopping
12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM ***** Drum Solo technique and choreography.
2:00 PM -3:00 PM ***** Break (lunch will not be provided)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM *****
Modern Oriental Tango Choreography
Cost: $95.00 ($115.00 after April 1st, 2009)

$180.00 for Saturday & Sunday ($230.00 after April 1st, 2009)

- To reserve your ticket for the gala, please click at...www.bellydance forlife.com/ amirt...p. html
-To register for the workshop by paypal, please click at... www.fatensalama. info
-To register by mail, please click at... www.bellydanceforli fe.com/regis. ...htmll
-For vendors form, please click at.......www. bellydanceforlif e.com/vendo. ...htmll
-No refunds. Non-transferable. No videotaping!

Crowne Plaza Hotel is pleased to offer a special rate of $129.00 plus tax, just mention "Belly Dance for Life" when you make your hotel reservation. The cut off date to make your hotel reservation is 3/11/09
Crowne Plaza Hotel (Old Town-Alexandria)
901 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-683-6000
Fax: 703-683-7597
Website: http;//www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel .com
Click here forAmir Thaleb workshop flyer... www.bellydanceforlife.com/amirt..r.html
Click here for Amir Thaleb and Faten Salama gala show flyer...www.bellydanceforlife.com/amirf. ..whtml

For more details please contact: yucy@bellydanceforl ife.com or fatensalama@ hotmail.com
http://www.bellydanceforlife.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Teachers in the King of Prussia, Norristown area in Pennsylvania

Pameyla — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:35:55 GMT

Hi Everyone,

A friend of mine is interested in taking belly dance classes. Does anyone know of any teachers in the King of Prussia or Norristown, PA areas (close to Philadelphia)? Any leads would be appreciated! Thanks!!

Pameyla

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Armenian cultural tour, last call !

Simona JOVIC — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:05:15 GMT

Hello,
This is the last call for the Armenian cultural organized by Simona Jovic (www.simonajovic.com), Helene Eriksen (www.helene-eriksen.de) and the Armenian Youth Center from Erevan. If you want to book a place, this is the moment, cause we will be closing the registrations very soon !

CULTURAL TOUR TO ARMENIA
Organized by Simona Jovic & Helene Eriksen
Discover the armenian, persian and roma culture in Yerevan from April 21 to 28, 2009

Together with the Armenian Youth Center from Yerevan, Simona Jovic and Helene Eriksen invite you to Armenia to discover the persian, armenian and romani culture. There will be dance workshops with Helene Eriksen (persian dance), armenian artists (armenian dances) and Simona Jovic (roma dances). Includes cultural visits, discovering of the city of Yerevan and other surprises! More details bellow.

Our itinery :

April 21st, 2009 - Arrival and discovering of the city of Yerevan

Arrival. All the participants will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the hotel. For our stay in Yerevan, we have chosen the 3 star Olympia Hotel. This garden-like hotel sits away from busy traffic and quietly overlooks beautiful Mt.Ararat. It is conveniently located not far from the city center.In the evening, when everyone arrives, we will have a walk together and start exploring the city of Yerevan.

April 22nd, 2009 - Introduction to persian dance by Helene Eriksen

Helene Eriksen will be teaching wonderful Persian dance as the opening workshop of our beautiful 20-hour workshop-series that we will be offering you during your stay in Armenia. This workshop will be for 2 1/2 hours in the morning. In the afternoon a local Armenian dancer and her musicians will join us for 3 hours to introduce us to the music, rhythms and dances of Armenia. Our goal for this trip is to explore and discover the everyday life of Armenians and not just have a superficial touristic experience. And so we have chosen a dance studio in the center of town which we will travel to by metro! In the evening you will be free to explore Yerevan on your own.

April 23rd, 2009 - Armenian dance workshop

In the morning, Helene will continue teaching Persian dance. In the afternoon, our Armenian artist will join us again for 2 hours. The Armenian dance heritage is one of the oldest, richest and most Itinerary varied in the Near East. In this workshop will be taught the women dances of Armenia, which are very graceful and lyrical and express the natural pride of Armenian women. In the evening we will take you to one of the many places in Yerevan with traditional live music.

April 24th, 2009 - Yerevan city tour and Tsitsernakaberd

Our partners from the Armenian Youth Center will take us for the whole day on a city tour of Yerevan. We will discover the richness of one of the oldest cities in the world (its origins are in the 8th century B.C.) with a local guide. We will visit Republic Square, the Opera House, Matenadaran, the Cascade, Mother Armenia & Victory Park, Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral and more! After lunch in a traditional restaurant (included in the price), we will go to Tsitsernakaberd. On the April 24th, people from all around Armenia come to Tsitsernakaberd, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915 during the last years of the Ottoman Empire. We are lucky to be there on that day and share this important moment with Armenian people from around the world!

April 25th, 2009 - Introduction to roma dance from Southern Balkans by Simona Jovic

This morning, Simona Jovic will introduce her Rroma dance workshop (2 1/2 hours). She will be teaching Cocek, a Rroman dance from south of Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania. In the afternoon, the Armenian music and dance workshop will continue. (3hours)

April 26th, 2009 - Village tour and the lunch with the locals

Our trip to Armenian isn’t only about dancing. By taking you to Armenia, we want you to discover the real life of the Armenian people: how they live, what is their religion, how they cook, what are their traditions, etc. This day will be perfect for that. Our partners from the Armenian Youth Center will take us to the heart of the country, to Ashtarak and the surrounding villages. We will visit some well known monasteries and most importantly; we will meet local people and have lunch with them!

April 27th, 2009 - The last day of the armenian and rroms dance workshops

One more day with a lot of dance...unfortunately the last one. In the morning, we will work on Rroma dance and in the afternoon on Armenian dance. In the evening we will have a farewell party! We will go all together to a nice venue with music and share a moment (and maybe some dancing!) with our Armenian artists and organizers.

April 28th, 2009 - Departure

In the morning, I hope we will find a moment to talk all together about our Armenian experiences, take group photos and exchange contact information. After that, all the participants will be transferred to the airport.

Prices :

COST: 995 Euros with dance workshops, / 795 Euros without dance workshops
INCLUDED: Transfers airport/hotel/airport • Accommodation in the 3 star Bass Hotel near the city center (double occupancy) • Breakfasts everyday and lunch on April 24th and April 26th • Excursion to Ashatarak and other villages in the heart of Armenia by minibus, including lunch with the local people • Yerevan city tour with a local guide in a minibus. Visits of Republic Square, Tsitsernakaberd, Opera House, Matenadaran, Cascade, Mother Armenia&Victory Park, Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral. Lunch in an Armenian traditional restaurant included. • 5 hours Persian dance workshop with Helene Eriksen • 5 hours Balkan Rroma dance workshop with Simona Jovicć • 10 hours Armenian dance workshop with local Armenian dancers
NOT INCLUDED: airfare, airport taxes, travel insurance,
visa, transportation in the city (except the Yerevan and village tour), drinks and other meals than those mentioned above, tips

REGISTRATION: simonajovic@gmail.com

Looking forward to meeting you in Armenia !

Simona Jovic
President of Humanitarian and Cultural Organization "Roma of the World"
Romani dances performer and teacher
www.simonajovic.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BELLADONNA's FEMME FATALE Student Showcase (DC) 3/21st

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:43:14 GMT

http://www.belladonnadance.net/id12.html

The Femme Fatale Show!

newstudentshow09.jpg

Saturday March 21st, 2009
7:00pm
A Student Showcase of Dark Feminine Power!
Come and see the modern representation of women who made history. This show is the embodiment of femininity in all it's glory. Based upon infamous female characters from the past, it is brought to life in a new way through Belladonna's creative vison and her students hard work! It will feature students of all levels as well as special guests Mavi, Ariel and Shems! One night only!

Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kolorama RD NW
Washington DC 20009
*please note no paper tickets will be issued
please bring your paypal reciept in place of a paper ticket.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

EL BASHA (Baltimore): A Nice BellyJoint...In A Bad Spot?

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:43:23 GMT

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-li.scenecol05mar05,0,3555283.column

The above link is an article written by Sam Sessa of BaltimoreSun.com, and he does say that he enjoys the new venue, which has bellydancing (we think0 on weekends, but does mention that it's 2 blocks down from the infamous ''The Block'' section of North Baltimore Street, which has a lot of strip joints as well as a few no-d-0o-gooders and street walkers at times, from what I've heard in the past, but the area has somewhat improved over the years, and a place like El Basha is a major improvement for that section of downtown Baltimore, almost how NYC and Mayor Guiliani tried to clean up all the seediness of Manhattan about a decade ago.
With that said, the article rubbed a few bellydancers the wrong way in a Y!Group representing B-more dancers, and they e-mailed him back to voice their concerns over the article, and he would take a ''2nd look'' over the matter, but it's interesting to hear from Baltimore-area dancers, especially those who lives in the city, of the importance of finding neighborhoods and locales (or the difficulty of it) to establish legit bd'ing venues to perform in with a restaurant/hookah setting (I think the place may be BYOB).

Feedback from all welcomed.
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

MARCH's Bellydancer of the Month

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:33:04 GMT

JILLINA (CA)
http://www.jillina.com
http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com

What can I add that she hasn't doen in her career already? :)
Baring a snowout, they'll be in DC on Tuesday, 3/3....

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

BREAKIN' NEWS: NOURHAN SHARIF on TODAY (NBC) & In DC This Weekend...

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:15:26 GMT

From SAPHIRA of SAFFRON DANCE (VA):
http://www.saffrondance.com

This just in!
Saffron Dance's very own darling, Master Instructor Nourhan Sharif will be a guest on the Today Show on Thursday morning, March 5. Try to catch the interview or better yet come study with her in person at Saffron's "Best of the Best" Bellydance Beginners' Weekend Intensive this coming weekend. There are just a few spaces left.

Date & Time
March 6:
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
March 7:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Ticket Prices
$150 Regular Registration

Best of the Best: Bellydance Beginners' Weekend Intensive
Faten Salama, Nourhan Sharif, Saphira

Nowhere else on the East Coast will you find such a content-filled and information rich weekend of bellydance taught by the most respected and experienced teachers anywhere. This workshop presents the perfect pacing of warm-ups, movement, drills and lectures to jump-start your bellydance journey. It is designed and created specifically for dancers with up to two years experience and perfectly suited for a first-timer with no dance experience at all.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Nanna @ Shoebox Studio in SF

Nanna — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:53:05 GMT

Shoebox Studio SF - 855 Folsom St. Suite 112
7:30 pm

Nanna Candelaria teaches rapid fire Zills, veil work,
& core belly dance technique.
Emphasis placed on skills for the brave Solo Dancer.
http://www.shoeboxsf.com/classdescriptions.html

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

My Used BD DVD's For Sale Listing 2/09...

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:17:04 GMT

Rania: Too Hip $6
Belly Yoga $7
Belly Abs $7
Princess Farhana: Bellydance Basiscs $7
Veena & Neena: Core Conditioning $5
WDNY: Gothic Bellydance $6
The Hoop Dance Workout $6
Instant Bellydancer 1 $6
Lurainya (PA): Intro to Bellydance $10
LilEgypt (TX): Ahlan Cairo Nioghts 2005 Competition $13
BDSS: Tribal Fusions $8

If interested, feel free to PM me, (paypal or chk/m.o.) :)
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

ATS 9/8 Technique workshop available

CarrieKonyha — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:21:21 GMT

ATS 9/8 Technique !!

Attention Tribal dancers. Tired of not being able to perform ATS to 9/8 Rhythms? I have devised a family of Tribal moves with cues specifically created for performing ATS to 9/8 rhythms. This workshop includes a repertoire of 9/8 tribal moves, turnes, spins, 9/8 zill playing technique with the option of adding on 9/8 tribal skirt moves. For dancers of intermediate skill level and higher. Workshop length is 2 hours for movement technique and zills. 3 hours if adding 9/8 tribal skirt. Book me to teach this workshop at your next event. Visit http://gaiadance.net or email me at carrie@gaiadance.net

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

FEBRUARY Valentine Birthdays, with Cake AND Chocolate, Mmmmmmmmm...

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:57:59 GMT

BDSS Jayna 2/5th
BDSS Hannah Nour (NYC) 2/10th

Any1? (Easy on that chocolate....)

:)~

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

FEBRUARY BellyHappenings...

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:40:33 GMT

From SARAH SKINNER (NYC):
http://www.shakemyday.com

In this issue:
Upcoming classes
Photographs with Glamour lighting
Website updates
Sarah in stores for Valentines day
Upcoming events

Need professional photos?
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.

SHAKEmyday news

* Keep warm! Get in shape with belly dance class with Sarah!
* Update your dance promotional materials with a new photoshoot!
* Perform with the Voodoo Sisters
* Many website gallery updates

DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NEW GLAMOUR LOOK
BY SARAH SKINNER
Get promoting your dance career with professional photos with a photographer that knows how to photograph dancers.

Testimonial
“Sarah is not only a skilled photographer, but her passion and knowledge as a performer make her stand out from the rest.”
–Valerie
MORE PHOTOS

Blog
Recently, I decided that I needed something "fresh" to represent growth in my dance career. My previous photos didn't showcase the newer costumes I'd purchased or demonstrate my familiarity with props, so I thought a photo shoot would be the right investment at this time. I am constantly inspired by the devotion that my fellow dancers have shown in looking professional and updating their websites, photos or costumes. Read more... --Tava

FAMLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Fox Photography Website update
Kevin Fox's portrait work is astounding. We have just added more of his work on his website. Kevin has the ability to playfully charm even the most challenging subject, kids. We have added a new gallery dedicated to just his photographic work with kids. You can enjoy the wide range of looks and set ups that our studio provides.

WeClick.com update
The content pages of We Click have lots more information added. These pages will give you a deeper sense of what We Click Photography offers.
Additions to Family gallery, # 10
Enjoy more family photos taken by the WeClick team of Sarah & Kevin.

Testimonial
"We love that you’ve captured every stage of our family growing bigger and bigger."----John & Stacy Havens

Blog
"I know the old expression, people come into your life for a reason may be old and overplayed, but I know booking Sarah to capture my pregnancy and the joy of my miracle child on film was one of the best decisions I made this past year. We met yesterday for Veronica's six month photo shoot. Read more..." --Shaula

EVENTS

Jan 31 (Sat): Sarah Skinner At Mezzo Mezzo NY/Astoria
10:00pm 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 Belly dancing, 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

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY

Voodoo Sisters Salon
The Voodoo Sisters are running a monthly salon, every second Thursday of the month, to give alternative, Gothic, theatrical, and experimental dance a venue. We like non-traditional work, fusion dance, obscure-but-traditional forms, and anything you wouldn't see in a typical belly dance venue. We are always looking for dancers to perform for our audience of both dancers and non-dancers interested in seeing something new and different. To get on the bill, email us@voodoosisters.com with either a description of your piece or (preferable) a video link so we can see which show theme your piece fits with. The show location is the art bar Teneleven, at 171 Ave C between 10th and 11th. We have pretty lighting and a dedicated room to do our thing.

THURS NYC BELLY DANCE Class

EVERY THURS 6:15- 7:15
20 West 20th street, Manhattan NYC
More info about classes
Learn to belly dance in a a friendly environment with Sarah Skinner. Shimmy, shake and undulate your way to fitness and self confidence while allowing yourself to be captivated by the graceful, sensual and celebratory aspects of of belly dancing.
RSVP your spot!

barnes and noble Shop

Seven Veils: Romantic Belly Dance DVD
For Valentines day Barns & Knoble is selling Seven Veils! Check out your local book store and see that Belly Dance has hit the main stream!

Seven Veils is beginner belly dance instruction that will teach you how to perform a romantic dance for a special occasion. Whether it is a birthday party or a personal, romantic evening, this program will teach you the skills and give you the entertainment ideas you need to make your special event unforgettable.

Veil & DVD combo
Get the exact veils that Sarah uses in her instructional DVD's. These are great gift packages for your favorite dancers.

From the BDNC/LOTUS and the NDC:

"It Started as a Dream for the East Coast…"

The 2009 Belly Dance Nationals Competition!

November 21, 2009

Yes! It is official!

We are hosting the Belly Dance Nationals Competition on the East Coast and in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area! We had our launch this past Monday with much success! Our national champion category for troupes and soloists are half full. We have spent many meetings and brainstorming sessions to give the Belly Dance Nationals Competition a sturdy foundation.
Thanks to Alexandra for handing over the reins of the Jewel of the Nile to us - she gave us such good bones to build upon and thank you for all of your help and comments! Be a part it!~ Want to be a Future Instructor at the BDNC? We are aware that there are phenomenal dancers and instructors out there that need to be seen and recognized for their talents, but are relatively still unknown. We are firm in helper lesser known dancers as well as bringing in the big stars too. Contact us! ~ We are looking for Great Vendors and Sponsors! Take advantage of our Advertising, Vending and Sponsorship programs! ~
Want to be a Judge at the BDNC? We are looking for individuals that can offer clean, unbiased and fair assessments of each contestant. If you are interested in being part of our judging panel. Contact us! ~
Want To Compete? Take a workshop? Be a spectator? Watch the Gala Show? If you are interested in competing, simply sign up! But act fast as the categories are filling up. Get out there, dance and take it to the next level. Or, take part in our workshops that features several guest artists from around our nation! The same evening, watch as our stars light up the night in a fabulous gala evening show! ~ Volunteer?
If you are interested in helping us behind the sceens, this just shoot us an email. ~ Want To Perform? We will be celebrating in style on Friday, November 20th! All our our competitors and guests artists will attend our pre-event Meet & Greet Party. If you want an opportunity to showcase your dancing, let us know. We are seeking 7 dancers to perform at our party and in front of judges, instructors and guests!
As The NDC shifts with the times, this is just one of the projects we will be undertaking in the 2009/2010 dance year. We hope this continues when the Jewel of the Nile now known as the Belly Dance Nationals Competition goes …ahem…national! LOL!

Let's Do This!

All our best,
Lotus and The NDC
HTTP://www.bellydancenationals.com

From VAL RUSHMERE/STUDIO 1831 (PA):

News from Studio 1831
February 2009
In this issue:
New Sunday Morning Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Class

New Monday Night Salsa I/II Class Added
Wednesday's Laughter Yoga moves to 6:30 p.m.
Explore the Power of Movement, Sound, and Community

For updates, schedules, and more, visit www.studio1831.com!
* * *

Sunday Morning Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Class

Join us this Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. for an invigorating mix of Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga. Valerie and Claire (a brand new addition to the Studio 1831 team) will teach a morning class focusing on alignment, flexibility, breathwork, and more! Claire's yoga class focuses on opening the heart to joy, compassion, and gratitude by increasing concentration, self-acceptance and self-awareness through energizing Vinyasa yoga sequences. Improve your health, strength, and flexibility while discovering the path to one's true joyful and loving nature. Claire is a Yoga Alliance registered teacher and has earned her teaching certification in Hatha Yoga with Iyengar alignment from Yandara Yoga Institute in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This class can be practiced and enjoyed by absolutely anyone.

* * *

New Monday Night Salsa I/II Class Added

Starting Monday, Feb. 2, join George for TWO Salsa classes -- at 7 for Salsa I and at 8 for Salsa I/II. Try a Salsa class for the first time and your class is free!

To register for Salsa classes, contact George Dennis at 609-330-6804 or mambodelphia@verizon.net.

* * *

Wednesday's Laughter Yoga moves to 6:30 p.m.

Mukund McNair's Laughter Yoga class on Wednesday nights moves up a half hour to 6:30. Laugh your way to health and vitality with this great way to release stress. Mukund will help you connect with your sense of joy and well-being with a guided laughter yoga session. Using situations from everyday life, participants deliberately invoke the state of laughter to enhance inner joy. Each laughter yoga session is followed by a support session focusing on issues you may be having in your life. Come be part of an environment where you feel safe, nurtured, speak your mind, be seen, heard, feel supported and give support to other community members. For more questions contact Mukund on http://www.meetup.com/Laughter-Yoga-Stress-Release-and-Emotional-Wellness-Group/ or call 214-769-2156.

* * *

Explore The Power of Movement, Sound, and Community

Now starting on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Lara Vracarich's Power of Movement, Sound, and Community class invites students to rest into the core of the self, the earth, and the environment through deep meditation and grounding. This class includes a guided warm-up, yogic stretching, times of open exploration, sound and moving expression, and interactive trust-building exercises. For more information, contact Lara Vracarich at 303-859-0972 or firefreedomdance@hotmail.com.

* * *
Visit www.studio1831.com often for news and updates.
Studio 1831
1831 Brandywine Street
(one block north of Spring Garden Street)
Philadelphia, PA 19130
www.studio1831.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 10 replies

KENNEDY CENTER (DC) presents ''ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World'' 2/23-3/15

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:33:16 GMT

http://www.kennedy-center.org/arabesque
...for more information....

A lot of good free shows on the Kennedy center's Millennium Stage series over the festival's tenure, looks
like an excellent chance to get a glimpse of the non-bd cultures of art inspired by those in the Middle East.
(Also many $$ high-quality theatrical ensemble shows planned throughout as well, as well as fine art (painting/sculpture) exhibitions)...

B. :)

PS--Feel free to x-post if desired....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BELLYTWINS FEB 09 E-Newsletter

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:31:35 GMT

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2009
HTTP://www.bellytwins.com

The new year brings new changes, and a new outlook on our lives and the economy. But in the words of Barak Obama, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." We create our own changes within ourselves. So whether it is losing a few pounds or changing the world's economy, change begins with your own attitude first - everything else follows.

How about making a pledge to have fun - to make getting in shape play instead of work! A seduction, instead of a workout! Be good to yourself and others, and that will seep around you. Elevate yourself and you elevate your environment!

As we near one of our favorite holidays of the year, Valentine's Day, we are happy to share open hearted greetings with lots of goodies! Be sure to take a look at this month's Belly Move and see why this is not only a great way to stay in shape, but offers some fun mood enhancements too! We've also included in this issue a few playful recipes and a sensual new dance for that special Valentine's evening. Remember, this is a time to have fun, be playful and let your veil down! BTW - we, too, are making a lot of changes in our lives - always for the better.

If there is a change you'd like to see in our newsletter, products, or productions, we welcome suggestions from you so that we can create changes for us and our company.

From all of us at Bellytwins, we wish you a healthy, happy and magical new change, a new you, a new us, and a New Year!

Peace, love, and happiness,
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
(All classes are on-going and open to ALL levels!)

BELLYDANCE : Sexy, fun!
Saturdays: North Hollywood, CA; 11 am –12 noon.
Wednesdays: (NEW!) Studio City, CA: 8 pm - 9 pm.

BOLLYWOOD : A blast! Excellent workout!
Saturdays: Glendale/Atwater Village, CA; 1 – 2 pm.
Mondays: Studio City, CA; 8 - 9 pm.

Also upcoming classes in downtown LA and Pasadena.

Book Us View our Demo ReelDance Company

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BELLYTWINS "Bellydance Oasis" Audio CD

NEW! Bellydance Oasis is the absolute collection of captivating and exotic music for bellydancers. This exciting variety music from across the Middle East is performed by great artists such as The Salatin Al Tarab Orchestra, Hassan Abou El Seoud, Dr. Samy Farag, Said Al Artist, Al-Ahram Orchestra and Cairo Orchestra. $14.95 plus s/h
Buy now!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TWO Workouts, one low price!

Learn the latest Bollywood steps and get a great cardio workout at the same time! Buy Now!

BELLYTWINS Entertainment, Int'l - 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 323-850-6296 or email us: Bellytwins@bellytwins.com

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 323-850-6296 to order your own BELLYTWINS T-shirt now!

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!

For more comments, photos, and reviews, visit here.

Buy it now! Or call 888-41-BELLY to place your order.

Visit the Bellytwins!

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Start the NEW YEAR right!

***Free DVD!***

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.

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

MONEY SAVING TIPS ON CLASSES:
Most dancers go to dance classes on a regular basis to practice their dancing. If you’re one of them, the cost can add up over a month so you’ll obviously want to get the most for your money. Here are some money-saving tips:

Practice, practice, practice. Before class, after class, and during if you can. You’ll get the most of each class attending.
Repeat each dance steps. Do this as often as possible in order to really master EACH step.
Ask the teacher. Without disrupting the flow of the class, you should feel free to ask your teacher questions if you’re unsure about the steps.
Have a professional attitude. Get to class on time, and stay until the end. Treat this as an investment in your future.
Inquire about discounts/class packages available. Many studios discount classes if you pre-pay a number of classes, or if you belong to a specific company or union.
DVDs Although nothing beats a real live teacher, consider supplementing your practice, workouts, classes with dance dvds. If you’re not able to attend as many classes as you would like, dvds are a great alternative and very beneficial.
Work-study or scholarships Some studios offer scholarships, or a work-study, which means in exchange for working at the front desk/office, you’re granted to take unlimited classes.

Investing in high quality training will be likely to result in better job offers at the level of a professional dancer.

More food 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 RESOLUTIONS

This year’s top ten new year’s resolutions:

Getting fit through exercise: Studies show that exercise reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not dance your way to fitness with our dvds? It’s great for the brain, you learn a skill, and it’s great fun! And it doesn’t cost a lot!
Spend more time with family and friends: When we were little, it was part of our culture to get together often with family and friends, and each of us sing or dance alittle as a way to entertain each other. We can’t think of a better audience!
Quit smoking: Instead of holding a cigarette, hold a set of finger cymbals! You can buy them online. In the long run, you’re saving a lot of money by not buying cigarettes, and you’re saving your lungs!
Enjoy life more: In these tough economic times, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy life. Belly dancing in your living room (or bedroom), a walk in the park, or spending quiet time in the library is relaxing and very easy on the pocketbook! If you have kids, they can enjoy the moments with you.
Quit drinking: Instead of holding a drink, hold a set of finger cymbals.
Get out of debt: One way is to cut back on spending. Find ways to cut back on the usage of your bills such as phone and energy and water. Cooking at home will generally save money and is most likely a lot healthier.
Learn something new. If you haven’t tried dancing yet, now is the time to learn. Many gyms, YMCAs, and dance studios offer bellydance or any other type of dance. If you’ve already been bitten by the dance bug, painting, writing, or learning another language will broaden your cultural mind – while exercising it!
Help others. Take a few minutes to help a needy friend, or someone you don’t know. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or for other organizations for those that are less fortunate. It’s good for the karma.
Get organized. A very popular one. Take time to learn some software that will help eliminate all that excess paperwork. Clean out the garage, storage unit, filing cabinets.
Dance! It’s good for the soul, brain, and body!

BELLY MUSIC

PALESTINIAN MUSIC

In 1948, after the creation of Israel, large numbers of Arab Palestinians fled to, or were forced into, refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The most popular recorded musicians at the time of Arab classical music were Umm Kulthum and Sayed Darwish. The Israeli towns of Nazereth and Haifa were the centers for Palestinian music. Performers there would compose in the classical styles of Cairo and Damascus. A shared Palestinian identity was reflected in a new wave of performers who emerged with distinctively Palestinian themes, relating to the dreams of statehood and the burgeoning nationalist sentiment.

The Israeli government exerted considerable control over Palestinian music recordings within Israel, and many of the most popular cassettes were distributed through the black market. In the late 1970s, a new wave of popular Palestinian stars emerged, including Sabreen and Al Ashiqeen. After the 1987 Intifada, a more hard-edged group of performers and songwriters emerged, led by El Funoun, songwriter Suhail Khoury, Thaer Barghouti's Doleh and Sabreen's Mawt a'nabi.

In the 1990s, the Palestinian National Authority was established, and Palestinian cultural expression began to stabilize. Wedding bands, which had all but disappeared during the fighting, reappeared to perform popular Egyptian and Lebanese songs. Other performers to emerge later in the 90s included Yuad, Washem, Adel Salameh, Issa Boulos and Samir Joubran. Reem Kelani currently performs Palestinian folk songs.

Palestinian hip-hop or rap music began in the late 1990s with Palestinian youth blending Arabic melodies and Western beats, with lyrics in Arabic, English and even Hebrew, tailoring the music to express their own grievances with their own social and political climate. Borrowing from traditional rap music that first emerged in the ghettos of Los Angeles and New York in the 1970s, DAM were pioneers in forging this blend. As Arab citizens of Israel, they rap in Arabic, Hebrew, and English often challenging stereotypes about Palestinians and Arabs head-on in songs like "Meen Erhabe?" ("Who's a terrorist?")

Instruments used in Palestinian music:
Kanun Zithur, Derbekka, Tamborine, Zills, Kamanjah, Oud

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BELLY SONG

NEW YEAR’S SONG: One of the most popular song sung in every English speaking country is the ‘Auld Lang Syne’ written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns in 1700s. This tune simple means ‘old long ago’ or ‘the good old days’. Singing the song on Hogmanay or New Year is a Scottish custom. Since Scots emigrated around the world, they took the song with them. Hence, this song is sung everywhere on New Year day. Even this song is played in the Indian Armed Forces, but they play it as the farewell song as the passing out of the recruits. However, mostly this is played at the stroke of midnight to embrace the New Year with open arms.

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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. The major groups are:

Egyptian Arabic (Egypt) Considered the most widely understood and used "second dialect"
Maghreb Arabic (Tunisian, Algerian, Moroccan, and western Libyan)
Hassaniiya (in Mauritania)
Andalusi Arabic (extinct, but important role in literary history)
Maltese
Sudanese Arabic (with a dialect continuum into Chad)
Levantine Arabic (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and western Jordanian)
Iraqi Arabic
Gulf Arabic (Gulf coast from Kuwait to Oman, and minorities on the other side)
Hijazi Arabic
Najdi Arabic
Yemeni Arabic

THIS MONTH'S WORDS/PHRASES: (In Arabic and Hindi)

January: janwry (Arabic); janwry (Hindi)
Today: al youm (Arabic); Aaj (Hindi)
Yesterday: ams (Arabic); Kal (Hindi)
Tomorrow: bukra, ghadan; Kal (Hindi)
After tomorrow: baad bukra
February: Febrayer (Arabic) Febwry (Hindi)
Love: hob (Arabic); Pyar (Hindi)
Love: ishq (Arabic); ishq (Hindi)
I love you: Ana ohobak or Ana ohobik (Arabic); Mai tumse pyar karti hoon (Hindi)
Chocolate: shokolate (Arabic); chaaclat (Hindi)
Winter: sheta (Arabic); sheet (Hindi)
In the morning: fi al sabah (Arabic) subha ko or subha mei(Hindi)
Tonight: fel al massa (Arabic) Aaj raat ko (Hindi)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Afrikaans – gelukkige nuwe jaar
Arabic – antum salimoun
Chinese - chu shen tan
Czechoslavakia – scastny novy rok
Dutch – gelukkig nieuwjaar
Eskimo – kiortame pivdluaritlo
Finnish - onnellista uutta vuotta
French- bonne annee
Gaelic - bliadhna mhath ur
German - prosit neujahr
Greek – kenourios chronos
Hawaiian – hauoli makahiki hou
Hebrew - l’shannah tovah
Hindi – subh nab bars
Hungarian – boldog uj event kivanok
Iraqi – sanah jadidah
Irish - bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Itallian - buon capodanno
Norwegian - godt nyttar
Philippines – manigong bagong taon
Polish – szczesliwego nowego roku
Portuguese – feliz ano novo
Punjabi – nave sal di mubarak
Russian – s novim godom
Serbo-croatian – scecna nova godina
Singhalese – subha aluth awrudhak vewa
Slovak – a stastlivy novy rok
Spanish – feliz ano Nuevo
Swahili – heri za mwaka mpya
Sundanese – sugeng warsa enggal
Thai – sawadee pee mai
Turkish - Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian – shchastlyvoho novoho roku
Vietnamese – chuc mung tan nien

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BELLY LETTERS

Dear Neena and Veena,
Hello! I am writing today to say THANK YOU!!! My name is Lorna Violet, and with your help I just reached my weight loss goal of 50 pounds! Most of my adult life I have been overweight. I HATE to work out. I can’t even come close to expressing how much I hate to work out. But in March I made up my mind I was going to get HEALTHY and to do that I needed to get my body moving. So I started two physical activities… training my two miniature horses to drive, and using your DVD’s to learn to bellydance.

I purchased two of your DVD’s “Basic Moves and Fat Burning” and “Slim Down.” I have done one or the other at least 3 times a week since March. I later purchased the DVD “Discover Bellydance” set (Basic dance, Beyond Basic dance, Mystic dance). I really can’t tell you what an inspiration you have been to me and how much your DVD’s have helped me. I went from a size 20 to a size 9!!! I could NOT have done it without you lovely ladies.

THANK YOU!!!
Lorna Violet
Michigan

Dear Neena and Veena,
I am a 48 year old lady that has spent her entire life in a wheelchair. I have a birth defect. I could not move my lower body or extremities before I got your tapes 2 years ago. Now I feel my hips, I move my knees, and have some feeling in my feet. Someone can touch my legs or feet and know exactly where they are touching. Making daily progress keeps me focused continuing to reach even more goals.

I know I can’t get out of my chair and dance, but sitting, I’d like to develop the goal to develop the ab shimmy to flatten my stomach. Do you think this goal is achievable? If so, will you sit down and suggest a method for me and others in my situation (wheelchair bound)?

When I married my husband 20 ½ years ago, I weighed 405 lbs. Now I weigh 145 lbs. My husband has the same birth defect and is a double amputee. Weekly, for the past 8 years, we have both practiced martial arts. We believe in living very independent and positive lives. Presently we are working toward getting our fitness center opened: “The Masters Handicappable Fitness Center.” I am a certified aerobic instructor and continue re-certification classes with AAFA regularly. I wanted my classes to be creative. I am also a mother of a very active 15 year old named Forrest. We adopted him as a 5 ½ month old baby. He is totally abled bodied. I am Pam and my husband is David. I cannot lie. Another reason I’m so interested in bellydancing is to get and keep my husband’s attraction –spouse to spouse, so we’ll be together another 20 years or until death do us part.

Thank you for your time and understanding. Hope to hear from you soon! Your biggest FAN!

Sincerely,
Pam Barnhill
Texas

Hi!
I just wanted to write and rave about your Belly Baby DVD. My brother and sister in law just sent it to me because I was having such problems with my regular work out...I'm in my 8th month and anytime I work out (or even go shopping!) my back and hips get all twisted and thrown out so bad I can hardly move. I was ready to swear off exercising for the rest of my pregnancy. Anyway, I just did your work out and I feel FABULOUS! Hips and back feel great. I love also how you change the work outs frequently before it gets to be too much to handle also and how many different movements you teach. I feel this video is for EVERY pregnant woman and have already started spreading the word to other pregnant ladies.

Anyway, thank you for giving me hope that i can keep working out through to the end! it is a fabulous and beautiful work out! You rock!

Melissa Koch

BELLY SUGGESTION

Hi, I think that you girls should make a fun exercise Dvd for teenagers like me. It can increase the chances of a young girl to workout and sheds lots of pounds. I had been working for a week now, and I saw amazing results. Thanks twins. I hope that you girls read my message and take my advice.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have a suggestion on a featured article, a product you’d like for us to produce, or anything else, please email us: bellytwins@bellytwins.com

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

VALENTINE'S ORGANIC CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Ingredients:
8 oz. organic dark bitter chocolate
1/4 cup organic cream (preferably goat milk)
1 teaspoon organic peppermint extract (for minty truffles) OR
1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
Organic cocoa powder, sifted
Crushed nuts of your choice (pecan, walnuts, pistachios)

Directions
Heat chocolate and cream in a heat resistant glass bowl over simmering water.
You may opt to use a double boiler.
Mix until well combined.
Whisk in flavoring.
Put mixture in fridge to chill approximately 90 minutes.
Use a melon ball scooper or teaspoon to scoop out small chocolate balls. Roll in cocoa powder or nuts, or combination of both.
For additional flavors, try rolling truffles with finely shredded organic coconut

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TURKISH PIZZA
Italians usually get the credit for inventing pizza, but some people believe that Turkish pide (flatbread with toppings) may have come first. This recipe is an adaption of a pizza discovered in a street-side café in the Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya. Here's our version of it:

Ingredients:
Organic corn meal for dusting
12 oz of organic whole-wheat or spelt-flour pizza dough
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ cups grated cheese - (organic goat, water buffalo or cow)
2 medium diced organic tomatoes
1 medium diced white onion (or another sweet onion)
1 minced seeded jalapeno pepper
2 oz. cooked organic shredded chicken, tofu, favorite meat (optional)
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions
Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the lowest oven rack; preheat oven to 500 degrees F or highest setting. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and dust with cornmeal.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15-by-10-inch oval. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Turn edges under to make a slight rim. Brush the rim with 1 teaspoon olive oil.

Sprinkle cheese over the crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and pastrami, if using. Season with pepper. Drizzle with another 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Place the baking sheet on the heated pizza stone (or baking sheet) and bake the pizza until the bottom is crisp and golden, 10 to 14 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Got a favorite recipe you'd like to share with us?
For more Middle Eastern recipes, check out "The Way of the Belly."

BELLY MOVES:

SENSUAL VEIL

When one thinks of a bellydancer, you picture a women dancing with flowing fabrics, which seems to be an extention of her sensuality. But did you know dancing with a veil is actually a good workout for the arms and the upper chest and back? The movement we're going to teach we call the Shaharazad. First, grab some fabric to work with for your veil. It should be around 2 ½ - 3 yards of preferably sheer, silk, or light material. If you don't have one, no worries. You can still get the exercise benefit without the fabric.

Now, put on some of your favorite music, preferably with an eight count rhythm. If you really want to get into the belly groove, we would recommend the audio cd's "Bellydance Core Conditioning" for an Arabic techno-fusion or "The Way of the Belly" or "Essential Bellydance" audio cd for a more "traditional" sound. For this particular movement, pick something about medium tempo.

We start this move with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, and create figure 8's with just your arms - first with your right hand, sweeping diagonally down, circle it up, then leading the back of your hand as you sweep diagonally on the opposite side. Think of the figure 8 horizontally. Start slowly at first. Four counts per circle, doing a total of 32 counts. Keep your knees soft, bellies in, chest lifted. Now increase the speed - 2 cts per circle, with 32 more counts before switching sides. Now try the left arm. Sweep diagonally, from left to right, circle it up and then sweep right to left and circle it up... creating the infinity sign. 32 counts - 4 cts per circle. Now double time. 2 cts per circle, 32 counts. Great! Now both arms - same direction at the same time. Another 32 counts, first the slower speed. Four counts per each circle. Count to four on the left circles, and then another four counts on the right circles. Now double. Count 2 on each circle - 4 cts per figure. Remember, you can always increase or decrease the amount of repetitions, depending on your own level. Adding the feet, let's go back to the the slow speed. We're just going to simply shift your weight from side to side as you continue the infinity movements with the arms. If your arms are going left, shift your weight to the left foot, and point the right toe. And the opposite, going to the right, shift your weight to the right, pointing the left toe. Continue this, except open your arms wide so that when your arms are moving to the left, you will find your left arm is now towards the back. And when you're moving to the right, your right arm is in the back. Keep doing this until you feel comfortable. Eight more counts, and now increase the speed. This time, bend your body away from the moving arms. 32 counts.... And rest. Very good! Now practice this one with your honey!

As with any exercise program, consult your physician. Exercise excerpt from The Way of the Belly (book/dvd) and Mystic Dance (dvd). For this move and other movements, visit here for our products.

DID YOU KNOW?
The use of a veil in bellydance may have originated from: In the 1940s, King Farouk of Egypt employed Russian ballet instructor Ivanova to teach his daughters, and it was she who first taught the great dancer Samia Gamal to use the veil to improve her arm carriage.

"Veils" or coverings:
India: odhani, chooni, dupatta, chunari, laharia (Rajastani style), adhivasa (Vedic Indian) Muslims/Arabic-speaking countries: hijab (head scarf), chador (Iran), Burka (Afghanistan)

For this move and other movements, visit here for our products.

"Getting to know you... getting to know all about you..."

Chinese Astrology 2009: Year of the Ox: dependable, hard-working, calm, reliable, modest, born-leader. They are kind, caring, souls. They're 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 2027. Equality, creative, social, togetherness, Yin-yang energy.

CAPRICORN:
December 21- January 19

Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Goat
Animal: Elephant
Flower: Rue
Lucky Day: Saturday
Lucky Number: 3 (series)
Positive: stable, patient, dependable; hard-working, aim for accomplishments, good with business, self-control, self-reliance, noble, great friends. Negative: can be secretive, reserved, tactical, jealous, suspicious, slow to forgive.
Color: Brown
Gemstone: Garnet
Zodiacal mate: Cancer
Metal: Lead

Celebs: Richard Nixon, Ricky Martin, Nicolas Cage, Katie Couric, Jim Carrey, Humphrey Boghart, Elvis Presley, Joan of Arc, Janis Joplin, Edgar Allen Poe, Benjamin Franklin, Denzel Washington, Paul Revere, Mary Tyler Moore

AQUARIUS
January 20 - February 18

Symbol: Water bearer
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Lucky Number: 2 (series)
Lucky day: Saturday
Color: Pink, Violet, Green
Flower: Snowdrop
Animal: Dog
Metal: Platinum
Zodical Mate: Leo
Positive: Honest, tolerant, respectful of others beliefs,cheerful, idealistic, generous, humane, religious but respectful of other faiths, intuitive, talented, bright.
Gemstone: Amethyst

Celebs: Jennifer Aniston, Paul Newman, Rihanna, John Travolta, Axl Rose, Garth Brooks, James Dean, Bridget Fonda, Oprah, Shakira, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Bob Marley, Clark Gable, Alice Cooper, Michael Jordan, Arsenio Hall, Burt Reynolds, Ashton Kutcher, Sheryl Crow, Farrah Fawcett, Janice Dickenson

Dear twins,
Can you explain what is the difference between your bellydance and your Bollywood classes?

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
Bellydance is a dance style from Egypt - it is sensual, sexy, and works with isolations with the body - from neck to hips. The hip-oriented movements are circular, vibrations, and staccato. Bellydance is for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes also because the movements are gentle and very feminine. The costumes worn in performance are a bra, belt, and either skirt or "harem-style" pants that are glitzy, beaded, coined. Usually, the belly is shown. Very popular with women.

Bollywood is a dance style from India - mainly from Bombay (or Mumbai). It is also very sexy, and works with every part of the body - from head to toe. It is extremely popular for both men and women, because of the music and dance movements. It's fun, GREAT cardio and strength workout, and contains alot of variety in it's movements, so you'll never get bored. It has gained even more popularity in the last few years, and currently surpassing bellydance. Costumes worn in performance are also glitzy skirts, choli tops, and other varieties, depending on the music.

This was a very quick explanation, but you can read more about the dance styles on our website - click on either history of bellydance or history of india

N & V

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Yay, SHEMS (Baltimore): YA HABIBI! ON Friday, March 13th @ 9pm

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:53:59 GMT

Ya Habibi!

Friday, March 13, 2009 9pm
at the Lebanese Taverna
719 S. President St
Baltimore, MD 21202

To Purchase Tickets $25 in advance (via PayPal)

$30 at the door
ticket price includes the show and a delicious mezza

Hosted by Shems, featuring performances by Shems's belly dance students from the MAC classes and professional area belly dance performers including:

Lucy
Belladonna
Ariel
Shems
Nina Amaya
Ouranitsa
Lorelei
Murjanah
Tydirah
Nawal Qalbi

and groups:
Nojoom
Shannon, Ayana, Martine, Roja, Kristin, Grazyna, Nina Amaya,
Yafiah, Noelle Adira, Renee, Maria, Hilma, Apriel, Erica

Kawaakib
Ayana, Lorelei, Apriel, Ouranitsa, Marigo, Ghadir, Tina, Yafiah,
Samantha, Tydirah, Kimberly

For more information contact Shems
shemsdance@gmail.com | 202-320-8749
http://www.bellydancebaltimore.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

A Special Gothentine's Edition of DC TRIBAL CAFE @ Asylum 2/22nd ;)

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:46:33 GMT

Sunday Feb 22nd

DCTribal Café

6-9pm

$10

Asylum Bar & Lounge
2471 18th Street, NW
Washington DC 20009
$10
6-9pm (show starts at 7pm!)

featuring Karin of Kassar, http://www.kassartribal.com
Eugenia http://www.eugeniadance.com
and Belladonna! http://www.romkadance.com http://www.belladonnadance.net

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!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Performance opportunities at the LAS VEGAS Bellydance Intensive are now OPEN!!

SamiraLV — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:34:03 GMT

We are very excited to announce that registration for the festival portion of the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive is now OPEN!! Please visit tinyurl.com/festivalinfo for more details.

Additionally, we are also accepting online "auditions" for the evening shows. To be considered for the evening shows, please visit tinyurl.com/auditioninfo for all the details.

***Please note that the festival portion of our event is different from our evening shows. Inclusion in the evening shows is by an online audition and is a different submission form. Inclusion in the festival is open to anyone and is on a first-come first-served basis. If you want to be considered for the evening shows, we recommend filling out a festival submission form as well so you can still dance at the event if you aren't chosen for the show.***

We are looking forward to your participation in the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive this year.

Much Love & Happy Dancing,
Samira Tu'Ala, Organizer

www.bellydanceintensive.com
www.bellydanceintensive.mobi (for mobile phones)
702-296-9269

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

H A P P Y V A L E N T I N E ' S D A Y ! ! :)

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:13:08 GMT

Enough said... :)

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

The perfect Valentine's Day gift...workshops with Elizabeth Strong in PA!!

kari_merlina — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:57:09 GMT

Workshops and evening show with Elizabeth Strong in Pittsburgh, PA!!! Don't miss the opportunity to study with the lovely and talented Belly Dance Superstar!

Valentine's Day Special......Register February 13th or 14th and recieve a Sadiqa T-Shirt free (while supplies last)!!!
www.karimerlina.com/elizabethstrong.html

Details:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
- Workshops at Sterling Yoga www.sterlingyoga.com
- Evening performance featuring Elizabeth and members of the Pittsburgh Belly Dance Community at the 3rd Street Gallery
Hosted by Sadiqa
www.sadiqabellydance.com
**No refunds unless the event is cancelled**

Workshops:
10:30 to 12:30pm - Upper Egyptian Fusion - The more you know, the more confidently you will express your voice. This class provides a basis in Upper Egyptian repertoire, and then integrates traditional folkloric movements with Classic Egyptian and modern Tribal Fusion movements. This workshop is sure to broaden your repertoire and give you the chance to enjoy earthy, folkloric movements with Belly Dance. $40($50)

1:30 to 3:30pm - Fancy Footwork of the Turkish Roman: This all levels workshop in Turkish Roman Dance will cover everything from toes to head, arms to belly. The styling's of Turkish Roman Dance are elusive and expressive. Enjoy, as you expand your dance vocabulary and explore the energizing 9/8 rhythm!
$40($50)

Both workshops: $70($90)

Evening show with light refreshments: $15

Start off the fun event by taking yoga with Sterling Painton - $10
9 to 10:15am. www.sterlingyoga.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Track listing for Nariman Abboud album

celinebellydancer — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:34:49 GMT

I have a Nariman Abboud album but my Lebanese is not what it could be (rather non-existant) the third track is Zena . . .

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BRANDON'S Wintertime VHS Used BD Clearouts... :)

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:08:39 GMT

1st Come, 1st Serve to any1 Interested
(Payment: PayPal or Check/Money Order, Can Inquire with PM)...

PRINCESS FARHANA: Raks N Rolls-Tantalizing Taqsim Techniques $10
SHAMIRA (NJ): Drum Solo 2000 $6, tThe Sensuous Workout $8
VEENA & NEENA: Basic Moves, Fat Burning, Hips, Buns & Thighs or Arms & Abs $4/ea.
RANIA (CA): BD Boogie, Daily Quickies, Cardio Shimmy or HipHop HipDrop $4/ea.
AMIRA MOR (NJ0: BD Your Way to Fitness $6
OREET: SharQui Workout $5
ROOSHANA (CO): No Guts, No Glory-X-Training for BDers $11
RANIA (CA): Exotic BD Workout $8
MARA (AZ): BD 1-Beginning Instruction with Mara $6
LIL' EGYPT (TX): LA Fever $12
CINDY LOADER (CO): Bell-E-Sentials: 1st Class $10, Rock, Roll & Bellydance $8

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Aziza in philly!

Aisha — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:38:34 GMT

The earlybird deadline is fast approaching. Sign up by Feb 1st for the special price. Go to www.azizaphilly.com for all the details.

Finally, your opportunity to study with the renowned dancer Aziza, in Philadelphia for the first time. Aziza has taught and performed around the world and is now coming to give 3 exciting workshops in Philly.

Friday night, she will give an intimate master class, limited to 25 intermediate to advanced level students. She will teach two four hour long workshops on Saturday and Sunday as well as perform in a gala show with other local dance stars. Please join us for this rare opportunity.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 4 replies

DISCUSSION: What Would Make The Perfect Bellydancer?

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:11:16 GMT

If you were trying to create the ''perfect'' bellydancer, from head-to-toe, what selected bellydancers would you combine together to do so?
HINT: If your particular bellydancer is a certain dance genre (ex: lebanese), you can choose from other selected Lebanese specialists, or combine them with other dance styles as well.

I'll try to do one myself as an example...

MY Perfect bellydancer

Mindset:/Cerebral Perception: Artemis Mourat (MD) and Suhaila Salimpour (CA)
Facial Perception: Dina (EGY)
Arms and Hands: Zaheea (CA)
Upper Body/Torso: Jillina (CA)
Abdominals: A Combo of : Sonia (CA), DFelilah (WA), Rania (CA), Sadie (CO) and
Rachel Brice (CA)
Lower Body/Hips: Sharon Kihara (CA) and Rachel K. Brookmire (DC)
Legwork: Aziza (OR) and Yasmin (MD)
Professionalism: Samira Shuruk (MD) and Lotus Niraja (MD)
Grace and Style: Shems (MD), Aziza Nawal (GA) and Ansuya (FL)

Damn, I feel like Dr. Frankenstein now. :)~ OK, Any1 else, give it a try...
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 4 replies

FEBRUARY's Bellydancer of the Month :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:55:15 GMT

ELYSA of SAHARA DANCE (DC/MD/VA)
http://www.saharadance.com/about/faculty/elysa

One of the best bellydancers around, a perfect compliment to RKB's drive and focus and a member of raqs Sahara (worldly-recognized), a perfect example for bellydancers of color to follow for her class and professionalistic approach to performing on stage. Not only is she a dynamic instructor (whose workshops and classes fill out faster than a Redskins game at FedEx Field), she is the Assistant Director of the Raqs Caravan divisions of Sahara Dance as well. Has the rep for ''being able to dance to any sound, including hand claps and any1's pulse rate''. :)

My ''web gems'' for this month (from my site):

AVA FLEMING (AZ)
http://www.avafleming.com
BELLYQUEEN DANCE THEATRE (NYC)
http://www.bellyqueen.com
RADHIYA TAJ (MO)
http://www.radhiyataj.com
NATHALIE (FL)
http://www.nathaliebellydance.com &
http://www.miamibellydanceconvention.net

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

TEMPEST Invades DC-April 11th :)

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:07:35 GMT

From ASHARAH's latest e-news:

Greetings everyone!

I wanted to let you know that I am bringing artist, dancer, and deviant Tempest to Arlington, Virginia, on April 11 to share two workshops aimed at the performing dancer: Journey to the Underworld and Strange Presence. Singular workshops are $45, but both workshops bought together are $75.

Workshop Descriptions:

Journey to the Underworld (1:00pm - 3:00pm) – When's the last time you broke down your own facades and explored the truth of what lays bare underneath? Are you brave enough to look and become stronger as a dancer for it? Being a part of the bellydance community for any length of time affects us in so many ways, many below the surface that can influence how we look and feel about ourselves and others. In this dynamic and unusual workshop, we will explore through exercises and movement combinations the mythic concept of the Descent and Encounter in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. This is a safe and supportive opportunity to challenge yourself mentally and physically, while discovering who you are or wish to be as a dancer. Warning: This is not a "woo-woo" or "new-agey" class, but it will ask you to push your boundaries.

Strange Presence (3:30pm - 5:30pm) – It's all about bleeding your soul out to audience, serving it to them on a platter, and then eating THEM for lunch instead. A truly successful performance does more than show how well you can do the moves—it should really speak to your audience and exude expression. You CAN learn how to have a stronger personality on stage and channel that energy for a more dynamic performance. Discover the key aspects of capturing your audience with your stage presence and develop your own onstage drama! We'll particularly focus on improvisational technique, character development, and learning to be more "in the moment." This class is especially for any dancer who is ready to perform or is considering it.

Workshops will be followed by a ritual dance dedication by Tempest to friend, dancer, and artist Kaihea at the Palace of Wonders.
http://www.palaceofwonders.com
(Kaihea, beloved human being and co-founder of DCTribal.com, fought a brave battle against cancer before losing that fight last November 2008. This evening will be in celebration of her life and memories of joy and happiness she gave so many, in the DC area and to all those whose lives she touched.)

Come explore your inner shadow, artist, and renegade by registering today at MeaHuna Productions: http://meahunaproductions.com/?page_id=12

Hope to see you there!

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

"More excitement, less fear." - Neil Peart

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

PRINCESS FARHANA (CA): Her Abs are Unleashed in New DVD :)

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:55:43 GMT

http://www.princessfarhana.com
http://www.princessfarhana.com/video_abs.htm

ABS-OLUTELY FABULOUS!
It’s time to BELLY dance!

World-renowned belly dancer Princess Farhana is known for her incredible abdominal technique, and on this DVD she will share the secrets for developing truly amazing abdominal work. After laying the foundations with core strengthening, powerful muscle isolations and breath control, you will learn technique for a strong, sustained flutter and how to achieve amazing belly rolls- upwards, downwards and from side to side! You will also learn to layer your abdominal movements, like the outrageous “flundulation”, a flutter layered over a belly roll; plus how to combine abdominal work with figure eights, hip circles and upper torso isolations. Also included: stomach pops, abdominal expansions and contractions, body waves and undulations: costumed performances by The Princess and bonus footage! Pretty soon you’ll be yellin’, “That’s Just How I Roll!”
DVD 127 minutes. $34.95

If you are paying by cashier’s cheque or postal money orders must be made out to:
Pleasant Gehman
c/o Princess Productions
PO Box 29504
LA, CA. 90029-6504

*FOR WHOLESALE PRICING, PLEASE CONTACT FARHANA:
Tel: (01) (323) 460-4890 pgehman@earthlink.net

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

NEW GAME: You Should Get to Know...and Why?

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:44:21 GMT

1) Is there a bellydancer who you think rocks and she/he (and their site) needs to be known to others...
2) ...and what makes this person (or troupe) so good that they give you the yippee's?

Me:
TAKA (CO)
http://www.verytaka.com

Will be the next big thing coming out of Denver, always nice to see more Asian ladies representing the art form, and she has a liking to the growing ''bellydancer involved with burlesque'' as she participates in Burlescapades held regularly in the Denver area on a monthly basis (similar to the gifts of the Palace of Wonders here in DC). Her physique will knock 'ya on your ass and does killer drum solos, won't be long before others outside of Denver will want to recognize her budding talents.

Any1 Else? Shout'em Out!!....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

How Do We Bring DURGA To DC In 2009? :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:35:59 GMT

http://www.meddevi.com/durga/

DURGA! DURGA! DURGA! DURGA! DURGA! DURGA! DURGA!....

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

Bozenka's Specialty Workshop this March at Arabesque!

Princess — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:25:00 GMT

Specialized Workshops with Bozenka of Bellydance Superstars fame!

March 5, 7 & 8, 2009 at Arabesque

3 hour workshops - $75 ea, or $190 for all three

March 5: FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND BODY LANGUAGE
6:00-9:00pm

March 7: CLASSICAL EGYPTIAN TECHNIQUE AND COMBINATIONS
3:30-6:30pm

March 8: REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
3:30-6:30p.m.

workshop descriptions: http://www.arabesquedance.ca/academy-17b.php

Arabesque
1 Gloucester Street, Suite #107
Toronto, ON

416-920-5593

www.arabesquedance.ca

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

El Hobb Kollo - Olm Kalthoum (x-post)

Nadirah Johara — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:33:54 GMT

Anyone know the composer/orchestra or whomever for this clip of EL Hobb Kollo!
I CAN tell you its is NOT:
1. The Cairo Orchestra
2. Bassem Yezbek (Amani & the Badawist)
3. The track from Raqia Hassan's Dalaa El Helwee with Badia'a
I've searched iTunes as well...
Anyone know?
Please PM if you have any ideas who it could be or how to find out!
Thanks in advance!
xoxo,
Nadirah Johara
www.nadirahjohara.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Questions for BELLYDANCERS...

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:26:43 GMT

Q1: If there was a celebrity, in any industry field, you'd like to see take bellydance lessons or
come out and say they'd like to be a bellydancer in 2009, who would it be and ehy?

Q2: If there was a band, in any musical genre, who was searching for a bellydancer to have
in a music video and/ot take on a tour in 2009 (and YOU wanted to be a apart of that),
who would they be and why?

Enjoy the Inauguration....from the view of your TV sets...trust me... :)~

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

Private Classes with Nanna Candelaria

Nanna — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:48:57 GMT

Eliminating inefficient energy output is crucial in producing compelling performance. One-on-one instruction is the surest way to get the most out of Nanna's know-how: An understanding of musculature, relaxation, musicality, timing and dynamics. Private Classes are recommended to those who wish to develop their style, refine their dance, and discover new possibilities!

By appointment – Email dancenanna@juno.com
Visit www.BellyDancebyNanna.Com Online to find out

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

From ARIEL (DC): CANINES for DISABLED KIDS Benefit @ Palace of Wonders 2/5th

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:54:10 GMT

A sizzling hot variety show at the Palace of Wonders --- Raising money to give guide dogs to disabled children who can't afford them.

Palace of Wonders
1210 H St. NE
Washington, DC
www.palaceofwonders.com
www.caninesforkids.org

Doors at 8 PM, Show at 9 PM, $10

Featuring:
Burlesque by Paco Fish
Bellydance by Ariel, Damiena, Eugenia, and Samira Shuruk
Drag King Ken Vegas and Belladonna
Fire performance by Dance Afire

About Canines for Disabled Kids:

Canines for Disabled Kids is a small non-profit located in Princeton, Ma. They raise money to provide disabled children ages 6-18 with "scholarships" for service dogs.

The wait list for a service dog can be up to 5 years. By providing these scholarships, the kids get on a much shorter waiting list and receive their service dog more quickly.

Canines for Disabled Kids sponsors social dogs for autistic children, balance/walker dogs for mobility impaired children, hearing dogs for deaf children and general service dogs. In some cases we will also sponsor therapy dogs used specifically for children.

Even if you can't come to the show, consider making a donation!

To donate, go to: http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp

If you would like to donate through your work, send a check, donate a car, or auction an item for us please go here: http://www.caninesforkids.org/resources/donate.htm

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

JANUARY Birthdays for the New Tear....

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:08:06 GMT

Mark Balahadia (NYC) 1/1st
Chemagne (CAN) 1/1st
Kybray Corr (MEX) 1/2nd
BDSS's Ansuya & petite Jamilla 1/29th

Any1?...
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

JANUARY BellyHappenings

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:32:24 GMT

from BELLYQUEEN (NYC):
http://www.bellyqueen.com

monday, january 5 - Thursday, january 8

7 new bellydance courses kick off with Kaeshi
440 Studios, 440 Lafayette, bet E 4th St & Astor Pl, NYC

Mondays 6.30-7.30pm Level 1 "Move Your Belly" Technique & Choreography Starts 1/5
Mondays 7.30-8.30pm Level 2 Veil Technique & Combos, Starts 1/5
Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm Level 1 "Move Your Belly" Technique & Choreography Starts 1/6
Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm Level 2 Veil Technique & Combos. Starts 1/6
Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm All Levels Tribal & Cabaret Drills Starts 1/7
Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm "Move Your Belly" Technique & Choreography Starts 1/7
Thursdays 7.30-8.30pm Level 2 "Hip Pop NYC" BellyPopping Choreography Starts 1/8

L1 Move Your Belly Technique & Choreography: This course covers the basic foundation movements of bellydancing by building on steps learned from week to week providing you with a low impact workout that improves flexibility and coordination. The "Move Your Belly" choreography is a tried and true classic favorite for many students. (Optional: Finger cymbals)

L 2 Veil Technique & Combos: Bored with using the same old veil moves? Then sign up for Kaeshi's veil course to be inspired with lots of new ideas. You won't view the veil in the same way ever again. Check out YouTube videos of Kaeshi demonstrating traditional, Tribal Fusion and Experimental veil.

All Levels Tribal Fusion & Cabaret Drills: Polish and drill foundation technique as well as traveling and layered movements in bellydance. Be prepared to sweat!

L 2 Hip Pop NYC BellyPopping Choreography: Learn bellydance and popping techniques for fresh ways to isolate your body culminating in the full choreography "Hip Pop NYC". Check it out on YouTube, (shot on the main stage at the 2007 International Bellydance Conference of Canada, featuring Kaeshi, Anasma and Elisheva.)

All January courses are taught by Kaeshi Chai.

$65 for 5 Wk Course, $15 drop in, $130 for 10 class card
Go to www.bellyqueen.com/classes.html for more information and to register.

monday, january 5

SET 2009 INTENTIONS WITH pure
8.30-10.00pm at 440 Studios, Studio 4D
440 Lafayette, 4th Floor, NYC

PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment) is a community dedicated to spreading peace and healing through dance and music. www.puredance.org
Jan 5th: Setting 2009 intentions for the new year.
Jan 12-Feb 2: New choreography celebrating the ancient union of dance with music using finger cymbals and drums. With percussionist, BradMack.

$5 per session, $20 for the month.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

ATHENA NAJAT (GREECE) & kaeshi at jebon
7.30-10.30pm at JeBon
15 Saint Marks Pl, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, NYC

Athena Najat is a Greek-American belly dancer with an extensive background in classical ballet and modern dance techniques. She began her Middle Eastern dance education under the mentoring of master teachers in New York such as Serena, Rayhana, and Layla, whose motivation and encouragement deeply inspire her performances. She has since travelled the world to experience the dance traditions of Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Cyprus, Greece, Macedonia, and Israel and continues to extend her research and learning in this rich dance form. www.athenanajat.com

Talented dancers, Neva, Malaya and Pacita will also be performing. More info about Djam...

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14

ALTRAGRACIA & ROB MASTRIANNI AT JEBON
7.30-10.30pm at JeBon
15 Saint Marks Pl, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, NYC

Altagracia, Kaeshi and Caribbean Rose Dancers will performing to the fabulous music of Djinn and Rob Mastrianni. Altagracia was born in New York City but lived for 6 years of her childhood in Puerto Rico where it was easier for her mother, native Puerto Rican and father a political refugee from Madrid, Spain to be together for short periods of time as a family. She has taken all her dance experience and training that ranges from Latin Hispanic Folkloric, Flamenco, Jazz, Modern and Middle Eastern Dance and developed her own unique style...Latin/Arabic Fusion. www.caribbeanrose.com | More info about Djam Under JeBon...

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JANUARY 17-18

KAESHI PERFORMS WITH COLLAGE IN BOSTON
Sat 8pm and Sunday 3pm at the Zero Arrow Theater
2 Arrow Street, Cambridge, MA

Kaeshi is a featured soloist in Ahmet Luleci's acclaimed Collage dance company. www.collageusa.org

An exciting evening of original choreographies with a fusion of Turkish, Balkan, Israeli and Eastern European music & dance. Boston's award-winning fusion dance company, Collage, performs its signature high-energy mix of traditional dance forms reinterpreted through contemporary choreography.
"The first-rate dancers perform with vibrant energy, impressive precision, and heart." - Boston Globe. The show features the Boston debut of Psiphas. This dance is inspired by the many cultures that came together with the creation of the state of Israel, performed in Collage's unique international fusion style. In addition to several of Collage's most popular numbers from the past, the show also features Rituals, which explores the unifying elements that connect people across spiritual beliefs.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

TAMAR KALI & KAESHI AT JEBON

Music and movement have always been integral parts of Tamar's life since childhood. Her early exposure to dance included instruction in ballet and modern dance. Originally introduced to the art form of Raqs Sharqi (Bellydance) in early 2000 and found it was a perfect fit. She has since studied with masters such as Arianna al Tiye, Dalia Carella and Elena Lentini. Regularly touring internationally as a professional musician; Tamar considered the return of dance to her repertoire of creative expression, a blessing.

As a dancer in this style for 7 years now and a teacher for 5, it is her goal to continually expand her knowledge and experience as well as enrich the lives of women through this art form. As a daughter of the African Diaspora Tamar acknowledges the ancient tradition of Raqs Sharqi as a healing art and educational tool. http://people.tribe.net/tamarraqs
More info about Djam Under JeBon...

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, FEBruary 14-15

TOUGH LOVE TRIBAL WITH UNMATA & ZAFIRA
Two Award Winning Fusion Companies Visit NYC for the First Time!
Proudly hosted by Kaeshi Chai and Trisha McBride

Saturday, February 14 . 11.00am-4.30pm Workshops with Zafira
Saturday, February 14 . 7.30-9.00pm Tough Love Valentine's Show
Sunday, February 15 . 11.00am-4.30pm Workshops with UNMATA

Full day of workshops (4 hours) $75 adv / $90 (after Feb 1st)
Full weekend of workshops (8 hours) $140 adv / $160 (after Feb 1st)
Tough Love Show $20 adv / $25 at the door / $15 for workshop participants
Tough Love Weekend Package $155 adv / $175 (after Feb 1st).

Find out more information about this event.

Web Site Changes, Articles to Read and Upcoming Events

New Djam Under JeBon Page listing upcoming dancers and 2007/2008 performers www.bellyqueen.com/djam.html

Recent International Press
Russian Bellydance magazine article about Kaeshi. Written by Yulia Silk. (In Russian)
Halima Bellydance Article about Bellyqueen in Europe. (In German)
Tanz Oriental German Bellydance article and photos of Bellyqueen's show in Frankfurt (In German).
Article about Bellyqueen in the leading Russian Bellydance magazine. Written by Dariya Chugunova (in Russian).

November 8th & 9th 2008: Leon, Mexico
Amar Gamal will teach an intensive 2 day workshop in Leon, Mexico
Contact Esthela gallardo_esthela@hotmail.com

February 16th - March 1st 2008: Mainland China
Kaeshi and Jillina will perform and teach in Beijing and Shanghai.

from SUHAILA (CA):
http://www.therealsuhaila.com

The Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance Presents...

Multi-Level Weeklong Workshop with Suhaila Salimpour! ...at the "Mother Ship" in Albany, CA...
January 26th - 30th, 2009

Just in time for the New Year! A five-day workshop open to all participants. Students receive an offering of the vast material Suhaila covers as an instructor, including an overview of the SSSBD certification program. As a BONUS, this workshop includes an afternoon with the legendary Jamila Salimpour giving instruction on her format as well as an informative question and answer period! Multi-level workshops include detailed technique, choreography, and opportunities to certify in SSSBD Level 1. Many of Suhaila's students, both those who are certified and those who are not, enjoy taking these multi-levels every year.
Price: $550 ($495 for SSSBD Members)
Click Here To Register

Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance

425 San Pablo AvenueAlbany, CA 94706 (510)527-2400 www.TheRealSuhaila.com

from NINA AMAYA (MD)
http://www.marylandbellydance.com/allseasonshafla

What
All Seasons Hafla featuring Naimah, Shodekah, and the Mezmer Society!
When

Sunday, January 11, 2009 4:00 PM

Where
Cafe Spice
321 York Rd
Towson MD 21204

Featuring:
Naimah, from Baltimore
The Mezmer Society Asheville, NC
Viviana, Lewes, Delaware
Sapphire Fly, Baltimore, MD
Hanan, Annapolis, MD
Safiya, Annapolis, MD
Gwen, Alexandria, VA
Kaoru, Baltimore

WELCOME TO THE PARTY!
Come out and have fun!

Note- it is NOT the first Sunday this month, we're letting you recover from New Year's Eve, and the show is January 11.
Naimah is our stunning headline act for January 11! She will be performing with beatboxer Shodekah! Watch her on youtube!
Naimah on youtube

This just in! A second headline act!
Onça O'Leary And August Hoerr form the Mezmer Society from Asheville NC!!!
The Mezmer Society: Luscious Cabaret & Balkan Ruckus www.barakamundi.com/mezmer

Producer, Future of Tradition Productions ~
'Triboriginal: Tribal Dance, Music & Culture Camp' www.triboriginal.org
'ABSfest: Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival' www.sideshowburlesque.org

Onça will be available for private lessons, too!

The first Sunday of every month (except August) there is a party for the bellydancers, by the bellydancers and of the bellydancers in Towson MD, at the Cafe Spice, 321 York Rd. Towson. If you would like to dance, press above on 'application'. All skill levels and bellydance styles are welcome.
SWAP MEET! Bring your stuff! Lots of bargains.
DOORS OPEN AT 3:45!! (Dancers arrive at 3:30 to check in!) Nina Amaya hosts, and Rashid Aladeen opens with drumming, sometimes we have a whole band! You are invited to put on your zils and hip scarf and dance and play along. Please bring an instrument if you can. ( contact Nina before the show to see if she can fit you on the discount list!)
If you have pictures from a previous show, please share! Send them to ninadances@gmail.com or post them to the bellydance meetup:
http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-DC-Bellydance/

Tickets are $22 at the door-please bring cash to make check in go smoothly!

Delicious Indian Buffet and Dancer Yard Sale at Intermission

posted in Bellydance Nation - 7 replies

BREAKING NEWS: 2009 Bellydance Nationals Competition-November 21st in BALTIMORE, MD :)

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:52:48 GMT

http://www.bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/7740-introducing-belly-dance-nationals-competition.html

Off of Salome's BD Forum via Makeda Maysa (MD), led to it by Lotus Niraja (MD) from Yahoo!Baltimore Bellydance Group
(...did that make sense? I'm dizzy....)

Belly Dance Nationals Competition
INTRODUCING
The 2009 Belly Dance Nationals Competition!
November 21, 2009
Hosted at the brand new BWI Hilton.
(Baltimore-Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport, which is actually Linthicum, MD, just outside of Baltimore...)

Featuring Ahava, Ava Fleming, Tanya of Las Vegas, Oreet, Lisa Zahiya,
and many more!

Because the East Coast has fabulous mega-metropolitan cities such as
New York City, Miami, and Washington, D.C., the organizers of the
BDNC (who are city girls themselves!) saw a need to have a large
scale competition right in their own backyard...the East Coast.
The Jewel of the Nile is now The Belly Dance Nationals Competition!
With the blessing of Alexandra Ahnide, founder of The Jewel of the
Nile, we are keeping her traditions and going upscale. You, our
honored guests have also spoken, providing enormous feedback, and
tips about what you want in a competition.

Our hope is that we will continue the wonderful event bequeathed to
us by Alexandra with the class and professionalism you have come to
expect from The NDC. The BDNC event planned for 2009 is going to be a
spectacular event! We have been working hard to put together a
glamorous event that will be run with integrity, ethics, and
professionalism. Expect nothing but the best!

In celebration of our first year:

~The first ten registered contestants will receive a free workshop

and two free All Day passes for the event. (Troupes count as one
entry).

~We are gifting 25 Gala Show tickets! Just look for me or one of the
members of The NDC! Tell us you want your free ticket! The free
tickets will be limited edition, commemorative Gala Show tickets to
help celebrate the 2009 BDNC event!

Feel free to contact us with comments or questions.
eventinfo@bellydancenationals.com

I'm happy of this because I had a nice discussion with Alexandra a while back of what needed to be done (because my personal/work
scheds wouldn't let me get up to Cherry Hill, NJ annual for JOTN (Jewel of the Nile Pageants) and trying to bring it to either DC or Baltimore, so this news is a perfect compromise to have it transport accessible for everyone from DC/MD/and NoVA, as well as a majority of the Mid-Atlantic region, too). :D

Website info will be coming soon, I'm sure....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Introducing....CHARM CITY TRIBAL. COM (of Baltimore)--1st Event on 2/20/09!!

brandonoasisdc — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:26:15 GMT

http://www.charmcitytribal.com

Charm City Tribal presents its first ...

*~BLOODY HEARTS BALL~*

Friday, February 20, 2009
9:30 PM
Joe Squared
133 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD

Special performance by tribal fusion dancer NAIMAH!

Also featuring local tribal dancers -- Yosha Radha, Lilam, and
Scarlett -- a drum circle, and dancing for everyone. Bring your drum,
zils, etc. Music provided by DJ ihall. No cover charge!

~ Charm City Tribal is a group of performers and artists dedicated to
growing the strength, beauty, and creativity of the tribal bellydance
community in Baltimore. The spirit of our events is playful and
inclusive of tribal-related dance and music styles. We're after a true
dance and art party featuring both performers and audience
participation. Dance with us!

(geez...Brandon's so friggin' chatty this evening...)

*On behalf of those who have been blessed by the presence of the dancers here in DC through DCTribal.com, it is with extreme happiness to see this and be able to make this post, after years of waiting for the ''elements to come together'', Baltimore area dancers have a tribal presence to nurtutre and develop to give representation on their own home turf!! With the lead of Naimah and Ruta the Barefoot Dragon, and future tribal stars to take from Kallisti tribal and Gypsy Fusion, plusPiper's tribal influenced positive steps forward, it won't be long that Baltimore tribal superstars will join DC'ers as a powerful tag-team region of bellydance supremacy!
(...OK, I'm turning into Dr. Evil from those Austin Powers flicks....shutting up now...)

B. :)

Seriously, congrats to all B-More tribals out there, this has been long overdue....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

2009 Bellydance Retreat, Atlanta, GA May 15-17, 2009

Saamiyah — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:34:53 GMT

Friday, May 15, 2009 - Sunday, May 17, 2009
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Black Orchid Danse presents its 2009 Bellydance Retreat in Atlanta,
Georgia featuring Middle Eastern Dance Artists AVA FLEMING, JIM BOZ & folkloric dancer and musician KARIM NAGI.

Dates: May 15 - 17, 2009
Location: Sheraton Gateway Hotel - Atlanta Airport

Come join us for an amazingly packed weekend of bellydance and music with 22 hours of workshop classes over 3 full days, an exhilarating cocktail reception on Friday night and Saturday night's Elegant Dinner Show (dress to impress)featuring performances by national and international artists.

Black Orchid Danse is also pleased to offer:
Classes for all levels of dancers and drummers, private sessions with
the instructors,"An Introduction to Bellydance" package for those who have never taken a bellydance class along with vendors offering an
awesome array of merchandise, makeup consulting and spa services.

Registration is now open and installment plans are available. For
more information and event details, please check out our website at

www.blackorchiddanse.com or contact us at info@blackorchiddanse.com

See you there!!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

JANUARY 2009 Bellydancer of the Month :)

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:16:46 GMT

AUTUMN LEAH WARD (NYC)
HTTP://www.autumnward.com

She is heavenly and adorable, and a damn fine dancer , too. (And has a set of killer hips any bd'er would die for!!) :D
She started out in the DC area, performing many shows during Artemis' recitals on an annual basis and making a name for
her signature textbook performance itineraries that made her popular. She's continued her successes in the NYC area since 2003,
and Neon couldn;t have picked a better indiviual to have her own line of instructional DVD's to come out, starting with 1/24th's
release of Beautiful Technique from Step One, theu WorldDanceNY. Autumn's a dancer for all seasons year 'round. :)

B.

PREVIEW od DVD & YouTube Clip:
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=78&catid=7

posted in Bellydance Nation - 4 replies

NEW!!: SADIE's Complete BD Guide DVD :)

brandonoasisdc — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:52:04 GMT

https://www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com/productDetails.php?productId=1339

She said this was one of her best to put together, looks like a keeper....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Aisha Ali comes to Maryland!

Kostana — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:31:58 GMT

You don't want to miss this special 2-day intensive with Aisha Ali! Internationally recognized authority on the dances of Egypt and North Africa, Aisha traveled to the Middle East in 1971 to observe firsthand many traditional styles of dances not seen in the United States. She made subsequent visits to Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia from 1973 to 1997 to document folkloric materials that were fast disappearing. In 1973, she stayed among the Ouled Nail in Algeria, a tribe famous for its dancing women. Over the years she has frequently danced at celebrations in Egypt with the Banat Maazin, a Nawar gypsy family of Ghawazee. In the United States, Aisha directed the North African performers at the Los Angeles Olympics opening festival in 1984.

SATURDAY (2pm-6:30pm): GHAWAZEE: Includes brief history of the Nawar and the Halab, playing segat, interpreting the music, discussion of traditional and modern costuming, movement technique and styling, shimmies, Beladi Stick dance—Saidi, Beladi Et Teit —Delta, plus rare video footage of the Nawar Gypsies will be shown.

SUNDAY (12pm-4:30pm): OULED NAÏL (Algeria): brief history of the tribe, their customs & costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
SHIKHAT DANCE (Morocco): brief history of the dancers, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
MOTREB DANCE (Iran): brief talk about the dancers, their costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! Register for BOTH DAYS (4-Hour Workshop each day with 30 minute break) - ONLY $150 BEFORE January 30, 2009!
After January 30, Fee for both workshops is $175.
Single day registration is $90.00.
To register online: Please go to www.wmfolklifecenter.org

For more information on Aisha Ali: www.aisha-ali.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Jill Parkers Foxglove Sweethearts....

Tessa — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:21:36 GMT

if you want to stay updated on the latest with Jill and the foxgloves please join our new tribe, http://tribes.tribe.net/foxglovesweethearts
i promise I'll get some pics up soon and keep ya'll updated the best i can!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

WAMEDA's Annual Winter Workshop, Clinton, MD-February 1st

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:52:17 GMT

WAMEDA's Winter Workshop
Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 9:00AM

REGISTER ON: http://www.wameda.org
Washington Area Mid-East Dance Association
or register on Eventbrite
WINTER WORKSHOP REGISTRATION click the link for the flyer to share with friends!

WAMEDA WINTER WORKSHOP FLYER

February 1, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00pm WAMEDA Winter Workshops
9am until 9:45am Registration and Shopping w/ Vendors
* 10 am Nadirah Nasreen - Luxurious Veils Routine
* 11 am Veda Sereem - Fast Egyptian Combos
Noon to 1 pm **Lunch Provided** Shopping w/ Vendors
*1 pm Amustela - Drama in Your Dance
*2 pm Belladonna - Awesome Tribal Combinations
*3 pm Stream - Tabla Rhythms for Drummers & Dancers

$60/Non-Members $50/WAMEDA Members

Sign up for $30 Annual WAMEDA membership (discounts to all programs throughout the year, plus newsmagazine and other perks)
Price: $50.00

See the full event details, including location, at
http://www.meetup.com/MD-DC-VA-BellydancersofAll-Colors/calendar/9308895/.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

whats going on in LA around june?

Ember — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:35:28 GMT

I'm gonna be in town from june 12th through th 15th. anything going on bellywise?

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

Complete Tribal Fest Info.... Aloha

ChuckTheDJ — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:44:22 GMT

Tribal Fest Number 9 Number 9 (3X3)
May 13 - 17, 2009
Sebastopol CA

24 hours of performances over the last 3 days!

For more info and class sign ups, THEY ARE OPEN NOW!!

www.BlackSheepBellyDance.com
http://bsbd.tribe.net.

the teacher line up so far

Amy Sigil of Unmata - CA
Ariellah - CA
Asharah - VA
Aubre of Lumina Bellydance Co. - CA
Carolena of FatChanceBellyDance - CA
Colleena of the Shakti School - INDIA
Daniela - FL
Deb Rubin - CA
Frédérique - CA
Grace of Deviant Dance - OR
Heather of Urban Tribal Dance Co.- CA
Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy - CA
Kajira Djoumahna of BlackSheep BellyDance - HI
Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla - EGYPT & US
Kiki Kuan of Tribal Sky - TAIWAN
Lava of Sisters of Alchemy - BC, CANADA
Lee Ali - CA
Mardi Love of The Indigo - CA
Marjhani of Oojahm - CA
Michelle Manx - TX
Onça & August of the Mezmer Society - NC
Paulette Rees-Denis of Gypsy Caravan - OR
Patricia Passo - SPAIN
Princess Farhana - CA
Rachel Brice of The Indigo - CA
Romka - WA, DC
Sabine of Tribalation! - OR
Samantha Riggs of Boom Boom Bollywood - AZ
Sashi of Ascend Tribal Dance - CA
Sera Solstice - NY
Shakra - WA, DC
Suhaila - CA
TABU - NV
Tatseena of Good Vibrations - CA
Tempest - NJ
Tori King of Daughters of Durga - NV
Zafira - PA
Ziah Ali of Awalim - GA
Zoe Jakes of The Indigo - CA

A partial list of vendors
Geisha Moth! - www.geishamoth.com

Kajira & BlackSheep BellyDance - Kajira will have her 3 new Instructional DVD's available. www.BlackSheepBellyDance.com

Med'Devi Ink - Tempest- meddevi.tribe.net

Bali Isle - www.stores.ebay.com/wendybalisle
www.baliisle.com

Blume Bauer Clothing www.bellydancegear.com

Naked Artisan Photography www.thenakedartisan.com (booth set up outside behind hall on week-end of group and solo shots)

Saharaja Bazaar ( formerly Gypsy Threads) www.saharaja.com

Creatrix Designs www.shaktihenna.com

Tombo Studio www.tombostudio.com

Gypsy Caravan www.gypsycaravan.us

Tawapa / Wild Card www.tawapa.com & www.wildcardcollection.com

Hipsterr www.hipstirrbelts.com

Colleena & Shakti Imports www.colleenashakti.com

Talismana Designs ( no web site listed on form)

Silk Road Tribal www.silkroadtribal.com

Firefly Style www.fireflystyle.com

Raven's Fire www.ravensfire.biz

Tuareg Jewelry www.tuaregjewelry.com

Kyla's Keepsakes www.kylas-keepsakes.com

Zrii Drink (a HUGE hit last year) www.2hiworldwide.myzrii.com

Black Lotus Clothing www.blacklotusclothing.com

Solace & EMP - Jeremiah Soto www.empcds.com

Chovihani www.chovihani.com

Phoenix Rising Designs www.phoenixRisingArtists.com

Alter Egos Bazaar (no web site on form)

Flying Skirts www.flyingskirts.com

Firebird Faerie Wear (no web site given)

We also will be having the "Teachers Vending Area" on the steps outside the Youth annex in back... A lot of the teachers will be vending there. So far I have heard from Suhaila, but more will come. Last year Sam from Boom Boom camped out there! LOL
reply to this post delete this post

Tribal Fest’s first ever “Tribal Bellydance Jam Band”.

Here is the deal... We are trying something new this year at TF. An open dance floor with a Jam! The vision is we have a core group of players and people join in and dancers do their thing..

Introducing the “Tribal Fest Jam Band”! Jeremiah Soto of Solace, Jeff Rees from Gypsy Caravan and Mizna and August Hoerr of The Mezmer Society (see bios below)

They will take the Tribal Fest stage and invite anyone who would like to come play with them to come up. Like a great drum circle! This is your chance to come up and jam with some of the most outstanding musicians in the bellydance scene today!

Bring your drum, your zills, your mizmar WHATEVER!!! Join them on-stage and add to the sound and excitement. Don’t be shy!! When will you have the chance to do this again??!!

Everyone is welcome to join in. Dancers, do you have a hubby or partner who plays something? This is their chance to be apart of the show!

Now if THAT weren’t enough excitement, of course it is an “Open Floor Dance Time”!!

Time for all you Tribal dancers to get up and show the world that you can dance as one. Improv at it’s finest!

Doesn’t matter what “style” you do or how long you have been dancing. Come on stage, or in front of the stage for an awesome open floor with what will be the best Tribal Jam Band ever to jam on a stage.

This will go down in history!

Jeremiah Soto
Jeremiah has been composing music since 1986 and has evolved through several genres of music including Industrial, Gothic, Electronic, Contemporary World and currently Middle Eastern Dance music. Arabic percussion has always been a fascination of Jeremiah's and he has studied with renowned dumbek master Souhail Kaspar as well as learned African polyrhythms and frame drum technique from Ronnie Engel. After being in groups such as Kokuein, Eventide, and Still, Jeremiah embarked on a solo
project, thus forming Solace in 1995.
www.soundsofsolace.com/solace/

Jeff Rees
Jeff’s first exposure to learning a musical instrument was playing the accordion and clarinet as a young boy. Jeff’s music took a big turn when he joined Paulette’s newly formed tribal bellydance troupe, the Gypsy Caravan. From travels and research he started playing the zurna from Turkey, the ney and the mijwiz from Egypt, and created the distinct sound of the Gypsy Caravan band. He now plays a vast assortment of horns and percussion, also including the Egyptian rababa, the Indian shruti box, the Armenian dudek, and the Australian didgeridoo.
Playing with Gypsy Caravan, Jeff also started a new band, Mizna, who released their first CD of tribal bellydance music in 2006. Touring the world with Paulette and Gypsy has been an enormously rewarding experience, as he has had the opportunity to play with musicians and for dancers in many other states and countries. With Gypsy and Mizna, Jeff has recorded nine CDs and various films and DVDs. He has made guest appearances on several CDs outside of Gypsy, including playing with Domba, Solace, and Americanistan. Playing music is Jeff’s meditation, his passion, and his art; he plays from his heart and soul.
www.gypsycaravan.us/mizna.php

August Hoerr, Accordionist
August taught himself to play accordion as angsty teenager, and after discovering Middle Eastern music, began working with Tribal dancers in 1999. Discovering a mutual interest in Balkan music and quirky party songs, he formed The Mezmer Society with Onça (Baraka Mundi) in the Autumn of 2007. They have taught and performed at events including Tribal Fest, TribalCon, and Tribal Revolution, and they are scheduled to continue touring throughout the United States. The Mezmer Society is fully committed to spreading the aesthetic of hafla joy as quickly and loudly as possible.
In addition to to The Mezmer Society, August is a member of the quartet Ashes in Order, and maintains a career as an internationally represented figurative painter. He is the president of the Institute for the Advancement of Occultism and Aerophonics (previously Asheville Accordion Club), and he has released albums with the cinematic trio Soora Gameela, and Greek fusion band Makari. August lives in Asheville, North Carolina and is currently working on material for his first solo album.
www.augusthoerr.com

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

The 2009 Miami Bellydance Convention

Nathalie — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:13:09 GMT

September 4th-7th 2009 Miami Bellydance Convention!

The Miami bellydance convention will be held this year at the beautiful Intercontinental Hotel for the second time. The reduced Rate per room is $115.00 per night if you mention that you are with The Miami Bellydance Convention!
The Miami Bellydance Convention offers workshops with world renowned instructors, exhibits, bellydance vendors, shows, performances, after parties, live bands, competitions and much, much more.

Join us for a Labor Day weekend you won't soon forget! This event is for bellydance enthusiasts of all kinds from everywhere. No matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced student, this convention is designed for everyone to enjoy and learn. Bringing more than 14 different instructors from around the world and offering 40 hours of instruction, this event is just for you!

We look forward to seeing you at the Miami Bellydance Convention this year!

Instructors at the 2009 MBC:

Saida (Argentina)
Yamil Annum (Argentina)
Bozenka (Miami-FL)
Tamra-henna (CA)
Jihan Jamal (Miami-FL)
Fereshteh (Scotland)
Samay (Miami-FL)
Mariyah (NY)
Mira Betz ( CA)
Lacey (Orlando-FL)
Nathalie (Miami-FL)
Ava Fleming (Phoenix)
Madrina (Tampa-FL)
Roshana Nofret (Miami-FL)
Zaina Hart (WA)

Packages available in our website now! Take advantage of the early bird specials!
www.miamibellydanceconvention.net

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BREAKIN' NEWS: AZIZA in Philadelphia-February 27-March 1, 2008!! :)

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:04:03 GMT

http://www.azizaphilly.com/details.html

Philadelphians, this'll be bigger than the Phillies winning the World Series... :)

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S ! ! :)

brandonoasisdc — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:00:18 GMT

...and to those still partying through Hannukah and those ready to partake in Kwanzaa activities as well...
B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Sahara Dance on NBC

ebyland — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:04:54 GMT

NBC recently interviewed Rachel Kay Brookmire and filmed classes at the central studio for a segment on Sahara Dance!

http://saharadance.com/hiptalk/2008/12/sahara_dance_on_nbc.php

Add a little hip sway to your step and join us at the Sahara Dance studios!
** Sign up for your first Beginner I belly dance class and save $20! **

Sahara Dance Beginner I Belly Dance
Students will learn new movements each class, building coordination,
grace, strength, and flexibility. Come discover the joy of this
organic dance form and celebrate movement through an ancient,
life-embracing art! Learn and practice basic technique including
proper stance and posture, arm carriage and patterns, fundamental
shimmies, isolations, introductory undulations and traveling steps.
Choreography will be taught to incorporate new movements.

No prior experience necessary.

saharadance.com/credit
Enrollment Session: Sunday, Jan 13 - May 4, 2008 (16 Weeks)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Blade Running made it's debut

Rachel — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:27:31 GMT

At Tribal Fusion Faire 08 on December 14'th. The Katana looked great and Bene Gesserit belly dance has a new sword technique.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

CHRISTMAS COOKIE & MILK December Birthdays with Reindeer....

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:57:12 GMT

Any1? ...or with Manorahs (sp)?

Miss Suhaila (CA) 12/19th
BDSS Sabah 12/23rd...

B. :)

posted in Bellydance Nation - 2 replies

Sevdije spins!

Chandra — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:29:54 GMT

Sevdije Lika of Tampa Bay spins her dace magic at Beledi Bay! - Starting Jan 09.
Don't miss your chance to study with this talented performer/instructor

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

DECEMBER BellyHappenings...

brandonoasisdc — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:21:36 GMT

From LOTUS DANCE STUDIO (FL):

Happy Holidays to all!
Lotus Dance Studio wishes all its students, family and friends all the best this Holiday Season. As this year comes to a close, I'm happy to have shared dance space with so many of you. From the Faerie Show to the Open Houses, from Tribal Solstice 2 to "The Dead Can Dance", it was an awesome year of amazing performances and collaborations with many incredible artists from around the country. Many thanks to all who visit Lotus Dance Studio, from California to New York and to all those who track the 30 miles or more, two to three times each week to take "Tribal Style" classes at the only "Tribal Style" dedicated studio in SoFlo.

Thank you all for an amazing year. I can't wait for 2009, another Faerie Show, another Tribal Solstice and many, many more awesome times dancing together.

Holiday News
Don't miss our Holiday Celebration and Show on Dec. 13th (more below)

Christmas and New Year's Closings
Lotus will be closed from Monday, December 22, 2008 through Friday, January 2nd. Classes resume Saturday, January 3rd as usual. LOTUS

Lotus Holiday Celebration

It's Holiday Fun for the entire family
A beautiful show and a great time with Lotus!

Lotus Dance Studio at the Holiday Plaza
9117 Taft St
Pembroke Pines
Hollywood, FL 33024
954-433-3552

We have beautiful performances by the Lotus Instructors, Students and Guest Artists!
Alicia
Isis
Bliss
Lizzy
Alina
Many More!

Doors open at 3pm
Show at 5pm
Come celebrate the holidays with us.

Tree Trimming, Merriment, Raffles, Contests, Face Paintings by Addy (Phantom Arts), Tarot Readings by Micsto,
2 mini classes special instructors. Much more.

$15.00 Adults
$10.00 kids less than 10 years old.
Click Here for all information

Masala Fusion teaches at Lotus!
Don't miss South Florida's popular Fusion Duo, Erin and Brianna of Masala Fusion teaching us how to dance with POI. How to spin those awesome props and create a memorable experience for yourself and for your audience.

Mark your date!
Sunday, December 7th from 12:00noon to 2:00pm
Cost is $35.00 in advance and $45.00 at the Door.

Each participant will take home a set of practice poi.

You will learn REELS, which are vertical circles, butterflies, Mexican waves, much more.

Call the studio to register at 954-433-3552

Lotus Kids at Lotus
Kids Program
As part of all the awesome Lotus Deals, we have revamped our prices for Kids Classes and included Mommy & Me classes as part of the Kids Programs.

Now you can bellydance with your child while saving your hard earned dollars.

Come in the studio to check out our new program. Take advantage of our new prices!

New fresh ideas and the hottest deals to keep you dancing!

Bellydance and Hip Hop for kids. Every Day!

Click Here for full schedule of classes

RAK Solid Belly
"Belly Fitness Boot Camp" with Sandy!

An intensive one and a half hour class with Belly Pilates Yoga and a full hour of Belly Cardio with Sandy each Saturday Morning. And much more!!!!

This is so exciting!

It's a challenge
It's a contest
It's a nutritional and exercise program where your progress willl be traked in weight and body fat.

What you get
2 classes per week
Your choice of 3 distincts nutritional programs

I can't wait to tell you so much more about it. This program is specifically designed for those who find gym workouts boring.

Sandy will be writing up everything for us and I'll be updating you real soon on all the details.

If you can't wait to know more, just call me at the studio, I'll be able to give you more information. But let me tell you, this is going to change some lives!

Join us on Saturdays, starting January 9th 2009!

In the mean time, enjoy your Holidays, eat, drink and be merry! As of January 9th..........you're in Sandy's hands!

From AUNT ROCKY (NYC):

Hi, My Darling Dance Devotees!
My one-time 4-day August Folk Feast was sold out & fabulous. We had a ball! Now, as requested, we are going back to our usual, popular format.
NOW it's time to celebrate a great victory & the rebirth of hope! Come dance with us!!!Join us for my
JANUARY 3-9, 2009WINTER WEEKLONGSEMINAR!!!
Places are limited: http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
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, private Studio in the heart of New York City6 West 20th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues) - 2nd floor Don't miss this opportunity to study with master teachers Sign up NOW!
Last January Weeklong sold out over 2 months in advance ...don't miss out! only $450$150 deposit (non-refundable)the most for your money!
Technique & ChoreographyLimited Places - Reserve Early!!!
5 hours daily
9:30 am - 3:30 pmin climate-controlled studio Scheduled:usable routines: Oriental & folkloric -3 by Morocco (2 Oriental & 1 Folk)& 1 by Tarik Sultan+*3* very special Guest Teachers:Paola Blanton (Malaysia) - Macedonian Chochek(the REAL "Balkan 'belly' dance"!)
Carmine Guida - Drummingreally understand the rhythms!
Joe Williams - Delsarte techniqueputting emotion in your dance
Plus: Opening ConcertSaturday eve January 3, 20098:00pm (doors open 7:30pm)
with all the GUEST STARS&Morocco & theCasbah Dance Experience Bring your friends: their tickets are only $20 in advance,$25 at the door (if space is available!)
The seminar price INCLUDES:
1) an OPENING CONCERT by MOROCCO& the CASBAH DANCE EXPERIENCEfeaturing all the guest teachers
2) music for the *4* routines byMOROCCO & TARIK SULTAN
*&*
3) a signed Certificate of Attendance!!!
Our wonderful BIG studio is at: 6 West 20 Street - right off New York'sfabulous Fifth Avenue. You can see it at:http://www.casbahdance.org/STUDIO.htm
Rave reviews of my seminars are at: http://www.casbahdance.org/REVIEWS1.htm(lots more not online yet!)
& a short biography is at: http://www.casbahdance.org/MOROCCOSBIO.htmand a wonderful, front-page featured article on Morocco in Al Ahram, the world's largest Arabic-language newspaper, published in Cairo is at: http://www.casbahdance.org/AlAhramReview.htm
Participants in Morocco's seminars state that they've never learned somuch, so clearly, with such detailed cultural fact in so short a time.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to be a part of an exhilaratingexperience!!!
REGISTER NOW ... Deposit is $150: US checks or money orders only, full priceis $450, which also includes your ticket to the opening night concert.
OR - if you wish to pay the *entire* price, you can do it via PayPal (for aslight additional charge, to cover *their* fees), directly from my websiteat: http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
Hope you *are* interested & that I will see you in January!
Yours in dance,Morocco

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

Register NOW for a Fabulous Weeklong Seminar
in my great BIG studio: January 3-9, 2009
http://www.casbahdance.org/WEEKLONG.htm
MAGICAL MIDEASTERN DANCING IN MID MANHATTAN!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"HAVE IT ALL II" June 24-July 8 or 13, 2008!
INCOMPARABLY FABULOUS CAIRO/GIZA!
& the AHLAN WA SAHLAN FESTIVAL! &
INTRIGUING ISTANBUL &
you can take an OPTIONAL NILE CRUISE!
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE. DANCE, DANCE!
http://www.casbahdance.org/HAVEITALL2.htm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 BELLYQUEEN (NYC):
http://www.bellyqueen.com

Dear Bellyqueen and PURE friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!
I just returned from an incredible trip to mainland China where I traveled with the legendary, Tamalyn Dallal to 4 different cities.

1. Shanghai, Paris of the East
2. Zhengzhou, home of the Shaolin Temple
3. Changsha, home of the world's largest toilet
4. Chongqing, the most populated city in the world with 30 million people, and home to the spiciest chillies in China.

I will be teaching bellydance on Wednesday nights starting December 3rd for the next 3 weeks. Please join me from 6.30-7.30pm on the 4th floor at 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette, between East 4th St and Astor Place, $39 adv/$42, $15 drop-in or $130 for a 10 class card.
I will be focusing on Tribal and Cabaret drills and technique for all levels. You can register at www.bellyqueen.com/classes.html

Wednesday Night Weekly Djam at JeBon!
Tomorrow night, December 3rd we are featuring LaylaMary and Kaeshi at JeBon dancing to the live music of Scott Efendi Wilson and his band. Students, Diana, Candace, Megumi and Aimee will also be dancing. Please join us for a dynamite evening.

15 St Marks Place, between 3rd Ave and 2nd Ave. $10 (plus $5 minimum at the restaurant.)

7.30-8.30pm Video screening of amazing bellydancers from around the world.
8.30-10.30pm Live music, open floor and dance performances.

December 10th: Next week, we feature Mimi Fontana, Manhattan Tribal, Barushka (upstate NY), Sophie and DIana to the live music ofRob Mastrianni, Pete List and Brad Mack.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 3 replies

DISCUSSION: The Current Economic Climate & Its Effect on The Bellydance Instructor

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:38:22 GMT

I've been pondering for a while now, thinking about the possibilities of bellydancers having to close up shop of their studios or having to cancel scheduled classes or cut back on the number of days, because the number of students dropped off slightly or so considerably, that maintaining a managed level to cut a profit, make ends meet or pay for rental use of a teaching enviroment are ultimately overwhelming.

Many a bellydancer may have been told their current shifts/services aren;t needed in a cafe/restaurant due to cutbacks in the regular flow of patrons in a given evening/week, too, but that's a seperate issue for another thread down the road......

I've started this thread not just to get feedback on what's going on of bellydancers across the country (and abroad, since there's been an economic crunch felt all over, so I've heard...) but for bellydancers to offer any kind of troubleshooting mechanisms of mental support and tutorial guidance for others in maintaining the fiscal needs an instructor has to to survive this kind of climate, one that's going to last deep into 2009 before a bottoming out can be seen and felt.

Feedback welcomed as always, and hope everyone continues to find bd work going in to the New year....
B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

BeLLy HoLidaY ChAlleNge

Lady_Morrighan — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:03:25 GMT

Salutations dahlin's

Each year, I extend the Holiday challenge for troupes to perform at their local nursing home or childrens hospital. I'm a little late getting the message out this year (school was very demanding this semester), so if it's too tight... go for New Years, or plan something now for Valentine's Day. I think it's important that we dance for the joy it brings and these venues will certainly deck the halls with joy. Bring everyone! All your students, basics to advanced - have them bring their families. Fill the place up with friendly faces. If they don't want to dance, they can mingle with the people, pass out candy, or hugs. It can be VERY casual and you will still be deeply appriciated.

Happy Holiday with Peace & lalalalaLoVe for all!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

I've heard of new massage techniques, but this one takes the cake!!!

NightwolfReturns — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:48:19 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvJPaUJVLTo

posted in Bellydance Nation - 8 replies

DECEMBER's Bellydancer of the Month :)

brandonoasisdc — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:54:14 GMT

SAPHIRA (VA)
http://www.saffrondance.com

She and Rachel K. Brookmire helped with creating Sahara Dance, establishing a stronger textbook foundation of basic modern EGY BD inside of the DC line, and has been forever grateful for it ever since. Her dedication and following has been highly regarded by Miles A. Copeland and was a featured interview in the BDSS doc, ''American Bellydancer''. She is now the founder and creative director of Saffron Dance, established in Arlington, VA just blocks from the Clarendon Metro (Orange Line), and a damn good person on top of it. :D

B.

posted in Bellydance Nation - 5 replies

IAMED DVDs for very low price

Anaedith — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:09:31 GMT

I have all of these DVD’s for sale. I am selling them out very cheap, because I want to buy Christmas presents for my family, so if you are interested you can email me at ana_edith83@hotmail.com

** All the DVDs are original **

*** I do take PayPal only ***

*** FREE shipping and handling. All the DVD’s are in very good conditions ***

IAMED DVD’s

1.-Ultimate Combinations 2 $26.00

2.-Drum Solo with Jillina $26.00

3.-21 Shimmies and 1001 Variations Vol. 1 $26.00

4.-Belly Dance Live $26.00

5.-Belly Dance Revolution! $23.00

6. Belly Dance Reloaded! $23.00

7. Belly Dance Rocks! $23.00

8.-Belly Dance Espectacular $26.00

9.-Rockin’ the Casbah $26.00

10.-The 1st Award of Belly Dance $20.00

*** Other DVD’s ***

Every Shimmy in the book (Bozenka) $15.00

Belly Dance Evolution $13.00

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies

Registration is up! Pittsburgh Bellies...in Erie!

Carlala — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:08:49 GMT

Registration is up!

Find all the juicy details & Register here:
www.theflemingschool.com/pitts...es.htm

Early Bird ends, Jan 1st at Midnight!

Pittsburgh Bellies…in Erie!
Featuring:
Sadiqa www.SadiqaBellydance.com
Khafif www.khafif.com
Sitara Nasrin www.SitaraNasrin.com
Zafira www.ZafiraDance.com

Workshops:
Saturday & Sunday, Jan 10th & 11th 2009, between 9am and 3pm, at Long's Selinger location, www.LongSchoolofDance.com

Show:
Saturday night at The Bel-Aire Hotel Ballroom. 6pm doors, 7pm show

AfterParty/Open Dance/Drum/Jam with Khafif:
Sat night after the show! 10pm-1am

Hotel:
The Bel-Aire. Room block is under “Pittsburgh Bellies” and rooms must be reserved by Dec 24th to receive our special $69.99 rate!
Call the Bel-Aire to make your room reservation soon as space is limited! (814) 833-1116 Indoor pool & hot-tub; hot breakfast in the morning on the pool terrace; Victor's onsite restaurant/bar!
.2 mi across the street from the workshops location.
www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/pa339 .

Sunday Buffet at Casablanca Grill:
Sunday, 3-5pm
www.CasablancaGrill.net
All-you-can-Eat Sunday dinner with our Pittsburgh Bellies!
.4 mi down the street from the workshops location … We're taking over the block!

Workshop schedule & descriptions, instructor bios/details, vendor/performer/advertising information, online registration & more now available:

www.theflemingschool.com/pitts...es.htm

See Yinz there!!!!!

posted in Bellydance Nation - 1 reply

XMAS Website Roll Call: Who's Got Stuff To Sell? Shout It Out!! :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:12:36 GMT

ME:
http://www.cafepress.com/brandonstore

:)

Any1? Go f or it....

Also check out
http://www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com
RANIA and SADIE has new DVDs coming out in time to place under those Xms trees or manorahs....

posted in Bellydance Nation - 0 replies