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The Gilded Serpent Archives
Table of Contents
Yes, the GS Archives are getting very deep! ALL 1000+ articles are here though! Use the search box or scroll carefully. You can also go to the "About Us" page and look for the author and find their articles list on the author's "Biopage." UPDATE- the Archive for GS reviews has been split off to its own page.
Articles,
Just scroll down, arranged with most current at top- 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999,

Events, V ideos, Music, Books, Other . Reviews from all years are still grouped together here.
Old news of dancers& musicians you know!
Some very strong opinions expressed! Topic covered now added to the list.
Do you know any of these stars? These pages may have distorted layouts. We are just learning as we go along here!
here also are old printed PR calendars

WANTED: List makers! It has been suggested that we have articles listed by theme. We would welcome help with this! An example list could be, "X's favorite list for beginners." Depending on the response, the lists may be posted on this page or as a group on a new page. Send your portrait and list to editor@gildedserpent.com Great axample here-Surreyya Favorites- the new professional

another list GEO - listing articles by Country from or about
another list by theme in the works here- Mining for Gold

 
2007

7-31-07 Part Two of Antique Textiles: Costuming Before the Reign of Egyptian Costumers by Najia Marlyz
I view today’s dance values as interlopers—meant to mitigate Belly dance’s checkered past by exchanging its innate free emotional expression for speed and difficulty of execution and an over-the-top outpouring of energy that is neither sensual or exotic.

7-30-07 Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Sunday Photos, Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle Joyce, May 27, 2007 Danville, California,
Event produced by Leea. The competition for the Finalists.

7-25-07 Tribute to Reema by Taaj
Hali said, “The day of the contest, backstage we could all just feel her. We were like, ‘This is for Reema! She’s here!”

7-17-07 Belly Dance, Through the Eye of the Camera by Ishtar
Males dominate photography and film industries in both the west and the east. As well as ideas concerning the status of the dancer and gender, films involving belly dancers can give us information on the class dynamic and stratification that exists.

7-16-07 Music Copyright Law for Belly Dancers (or for any Performing Artist) by Yasmin
From Hollywood blockbuster movies down to clips on YouTube the law is the same and it applies to anyone who uses someone else’s music for their own purposes.

7-13-07 Easter in Cairo by Peppina
She is so strong and powerful and beautiful and intense. Even the not-so-stylish costumes she used to wear didn't take anything away from her.

7-12-07 Belly Dance:Time for Personal Assessment or How old are your Shoes? by Tasha Banat
What do you personally want from the dance? In order to answer this honestly, you must make a personal assessment of your goals and include your achievements.

7-11-07 "Veiled Visions" How Belly Dance Music was First Brought to the United States by Ray Rashid, intro by Amina
One time he told me about a blind accordion player who sat and made lots of jokes while they rehearsed, that musician turned out to be Ammar el Sharie.

6-30-07 Chapter 5: Listen to the Music by Amina Goodyear
Yousef wanted us to look exotic, like we were from the Middle East, so he made us stay downstairs, look available and wear sexy, skimpy pantaloon outfits or diaphanous caftans when we were not dancing.

6-21-07 The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Weekend Two, photos by Susie Poulelis
Afro-Cuban, Chinese, Peru, Korean, Appalachian, Bolivian, Mexico, Tajikistan, Cambodian, South Indian, Tahitian

6-19-07 My DVD Shoot Adventure, A Bellyqueen & Peko Collaboration by Elisheva
I thought I had left my bad luck mantra at the airport, but I soon found that it followed me right through the studio door.

6-15-07 Seeking Sol Bloom by Kharmine
Unbeknownst to Bloom, the troupe had a hired Algerian guide, “a giant Kablye,” who had lived in London and was able to chide Bloom sternly in an accent “normally heard in an English drawing room."

6-14-07 The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Weekend One, photos by Lynette Harris
Chinese Dragon, Kathak, Flamenco, Philipines, Bali, Afro-Peru, Mexico, Tahitian, and Shabnam does "Belly Dance Fusion"

6-13-07 Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant 2007 Saturday Photos, Photos by Michael Baxter, Photo Prep by Michelle Joyce, May 26, 2007 Danville, California, Produced by Leea
Saturday's contest includes Troupes, Duo/Trios, Grand Dancer, and Preliminaries for Solo's, Finals will be on the Sunday Photo spread

6-10-07 MECDA’s First 30 Years , The Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association's Changing Role in our Community by Marta Schill Kouzouyan
Diversity, however, often leads to dissention, and controversy flew regarding the perception of the rather strict parameters of the Egyptian style.

6-7-07 More of Carl Sermon's Photos : Rakkasah West '07
Prep and layout by Michelle Joyce

6-6-07 Chapter 4; Smokin' by Amina Goodyear
Now that I was legitimately part of the Bagdad family and on the payroll, Yousef told me that all the dancers had to split their tips 50/50 with the band. This meant that I was making less money than when I wasn’t getting paid at all.

6-4-07 Dance is in their blood by Kevin Potvin
Arabic dancing served as a way for women to share emotional experiences with each other. It is a part of everyday life for ordinary folks, and so worthy of attention by me, even, the pretend-to-be working class snob.

5-30-07 Photos of Gala Show for Raqia, photos by Carl Sermon, prep and layout by Michelle Joyce
On Saturday night there was a show at the Veteran's Hall. The Show was: Big on technique; sometimes a little too studied. The soloists were selected mostly for being Raqia's students.

5-18-07 A Report on the First International Bellydance Conference of Canada Part One- Lectures, Workshops, Panel Discussions by Diane Adams Photos by Lynette
April 18-22, 2007 Toronto, Ontario. Hosted by Yasmina Ramzy of Arabesque Academy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this International Bellydance Conference of Canada, the first ever on the Canadian dance scene, proved to be one of the top dance experiences in this reviewer’s 30-year career.

5-17-07 Interview with Kay Taylor by Leila of Cairo
As Kay seemed a bit older and wiser to the ways of Cairo, many people assumed she was my manager. They would address their questions about my fee or my experience to Kay. 

5-8-07 The Bou-Saada Bus by Yasmela
Every single one of us could play an instrument, sing, dance, run a sound board, set a stage with backdrop, lights, monitors and microphones, plug them in, and put them away. We made our own costumes and our own drums and used duct tape in a thousand creative ways. While we never made a living from it, it was our way of life. Our experiences will bond us forever.

5-6-07 How to Charge What You Are Worth by MIchelle Joyce
The first step to becoming an effective negotiator is to emotionally detach yourself from the outcome. If you can’t walk away from the deal, you have already lost.

5-4-07 The Devil's Details, Show Ethics for Professionals, Part 1- Booking a Party by Yasmin
When a dancer looks good, she, or another, will get called back to perform again. When she looks bad, customers might be turned off to our lovely art form forever. Therefore, a bad dancer not only ruins things for herself, but for all of us

5-1-07 How We Got our Video Groove On by Zari
Ultimately however, it seemed that getting a video is like getting a gig: sometimes, you have to create your own opportunities.

4-18-07 Antique Textiles: Renewed Life for Dance by Najia Marlyz
In fact, we often danced for many little luncheon gigs in offices and other places as a surprise birthday gift—to the music of our own solo sagat. Now, that is a skill that I have never seen anyone repeat since the early seventies!

4-17-07 Chapter 3: A Marriage Made in North Beach by Amina Goodyear
The stage was alight with the flames of the candelabrum’s candles and the eerie glow of her costume. Fatma’s costumes were always comprised of material that glowed in the dark as her show began with no light—except for “black light”.

4-17-07 Finger Cymbals by Melina of Daughters of Rhea
Above all this cross-cultural cacophony soared my mom’s perfectly paced zills, right left right, right left right, right left right left right left right. If you put me in a room blindfolded, I could distinguish her playing from any other dancer on earth.

4-14-07 Randa Kamal in Cairo The Photos of Susie Poulelis
I was fortunate to travel to Cairo on business in April '06, and managed to take some time to see a few sights and, at least, one dance performance: Randa Kamal at the Marriot Zamelek's Empress Nightclub

4-11-07 Bellydance in '70s Berkeley: Cedar Sposato's Photo Archive
Linda was a member of Masha Archer's Troupe...

3-22-07 The Photos of Susie Poulelis, Sunday March 18, 2007, Rakkasah Festival, Richmond, California
Isabelle shines at 9!

3-18-07 Circle Dance by Melina of Daughters of Rhea
The circle is a perfect, democratic & unending shape, the shape of an energized community, the shape of this lovely round planet.

3-16-07 In Tribute: Rhonda/Baseema of Troupe Ooh La La by Shabnam
There were times she could barely walk due to a flare up of Lupus, but she always came to rehearsal and gave a 110%--despite the pain or trouble, she was going through that day. Rhonda soon became the troupe mascot because of her courage and commitment. "If Rhonda can do it, you can do it!" became our motto. She was a great source of inspiration and motivation for all members of Ooh La La.

3-14-07 Morgana's Animal Magnetism, Interview with Morgana of Madrid by Surreyya
After seeing Morgana’s Serpent Dance, where she embodies the personality of the serpent, I was hooked. Any snake lovers or snake dancers will have a special appreciation for this piece.

3-12-07 Islamic Architecture by Michel Harris
Oil wealth, along with social and political change, has threatened Islamic culture and traditions. Therefore, many Muslim planners and architects are reacting to this invasion of Western culture by reasserting their Islamic heritage.

3-10-07 Belly Dance Workshops: Realistic Expectations by Eleyda Negrón
The difference between a Christmas gift and a workshop though, is that in the worse case scenario, you can always return your gift and change it for something else, but… What do you do with a workshop that didn’t suit you? It can become a waste of time and money for both ends.

3-8-07 Nakish- An inteview with "The Lady with the Eyes" by Sausan
I worked hardest for the dancers in San Francisco to wipe out the discrimination factor and to make sure that all cultures were included in the performance of this dance.

3-5-07 My Dance Career’s Dark Side: As seen through a fog of murky emotion by Najia Marlyz
Will recounting my dark stories help me to purge them? Should one forget those special moments of insult and bad human behavior that all performers face?

2-7-07 Sunday Photos PAGE 2-Carnival of Stars Photos by Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California

2-18-07 Its Not Your Grandmamma's Zar By Roxxanne Shelaby
Luckily at some point we hear the distinct rhythm for a Zar and follow the drumming right to the front door of an apartment house.

2-17-07 An Inconvenient Body Truth by Barbara Donahue
Therefore, here I am now, having worked very hard to learn as much as possible to master my body, invest in the costumes, and—Bam!—suddenly, menopause has hit me!

2-15-07 DVDs can be a Lifesaver to the Disabled! by Lia Medina
Nonetheless, I continue to Belly dance. I will not give up dance until I can no longer succeed in dancing at least four of its basic steps.

2-13-07 Sunday Morning Panel Discussion at Carnival of Stars, November 11, 2007 Transcribed from video by Allyson
Panel members discussed Fusion in Belly Dance. Members included: Jihan Jamal, Shareen El Safy, Dahlena, Debbie Lammam, Amina Goodyear, and Edwina Nearing

2-7-07 Sunday Photos PAGE 1-Carnival of Stars Photos by Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California (panel discussion and Sunday photos PAGE 2 yet to come...)

2-5-07 Tips on Getting Tips by Zaheea
Some audiences don’t know that they are expected to tip. Don’t take it personally.

1-27-07 Mining for Gold in the Gilded Serpent Archives - List #1 Surreyya's Favorite Articles
I've compiled a list of articles that have inspired, influenced and enabled me to cross many intersections when arriving at a challenge.

1-25-07 One Banat: An Exploration of Some Belly Dance Costuming Origins by Tasha Banat
Since the establishment of Israel, the definition of the term “Middle East” seems to have changed and now has come to refer to a conglomeration of a number of unrelated countries in the Asian and African parts of the hemisphere.

1-18-07 Who Really Gave Us This Dance? by Sausan
And, in their quest for self-expression, they, too, would fall prey to the sweet expressive motions of a timeless dance only to find a cure for their soul in the performance of this expression in front of an appreciative audience.

1-17-07 Western Dancer's Guilt, a Response to Naajidah, by Miles Copeland
People have occasionally suggested Arabs would be “horrified” by the inclusion of the Tribal style in our show but I can tell you that this style is extremely popular with Middle Easterners who come to our show.

1-16-07 The Costume Contest Carnival of Stars Bellydance & Comic Book Convention & Costume Contest Photos by Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California

1-12-07 The Magnificent Fundraiser Part IV: The Berkeley Fire Department and Act 3, Bert and Najia's Duet by Najia Marlyz Slideshow coding by Tammy Yee
Near the end of our Second Act, the curtain began to smolder badly filling the air with an acrid stench and blue smoke...

1-4-07 Saturday Photos -Carnival of Stars Bellydance & Comic Book Convention & Costume Contest Photos by Michael Baxter
Event Sponsors Alexandria and Latifa November 11 & 12, 2006 Centennial Hall, Hayward, California (Costume contest, panal discussion and Sunday photos yet to come...)

2006 (90-100 articles - you count them!)

12-30-06 I Dance; You Follow by Leila
As Westerners interested in an Eastern dance form, we might want to ask ourselves if we are missing certain critical aspects of Raqs Sharki because we are not open to Eastern teaching methods.

12-26-06 Teaching at the 2006 Ahlan Wa Sahlan Cairo Festival by Leyla Lanty
Performing on teachers' night is a good way for new teachers to attract more students to their classes.

12-18-06 My Moment with Nagwa by Ahava
While dancing I kept eye contact with the judges and guests of honor. I still remember their mannerisms and what I perceived to be their glares. Randa and Dr. Mo were conversing and smiling contently, Faten and Zahra were clapping. Also, there sat Nagwa Fouad, “Queen of Cairo!”

12-15-06 Queen of the Bay Bellydance show and Competition June 17, 2006 Photos by Michael Baxter,
Event Sponsored by Shabnam and Maurice in Oakland, California.

12-11-06 Happy Holiday Download! Comic by Alexandria
Click on image for larger file- dowload, print, and color!

12-8-06 It Wasn’t About the Trophy: The North Valley Belly Dance Competition in Oroville, Ca. 2006 by Salima
I have done many things in my life and by forcing myself to have other performers judge my performance, I have motivated myself to step up to the plate and accomplish what I had set in my mind to do.

12-5-06 The Ethics of Fusion by Naajidah
If the culture that you’re borrowing your moves from objects to your fusion, does it matter? Are you being respectful or exploitative if you borrow steps from a culture that doesn’t want their music and dance used that way?

11-28-06 Back to Basics by Najia Marlyz
Belly Dance is most meaningful when we define it as a communication of mutually held emotional response and truths between people

11-17-06 Interview with Safaa Farid by Leila
These days there are times I feel I've seen everything an Egyptian dancer can do in the first five minutes of her show. She doesn't change. But foreigners study the dance very hard and they put much time into their show so that is it interesting for a whole hour.

11-10-06 How I started a Bellydance Club in High School by Shazzadi
I expected hardly anyone to show up at the first meeting. I was shocked when over 40 girls showed up and were very excited about the whole idea. So I was able to prove interest.

11-9-06 The Ethnic Dance Festival 2006 Photos by Susie Poulelis Weekend One – "Time" June 10, 2006
Palace of Fine Arts, San Fransico, CA

11-2-06 The Constant Grind by Margo Abdo O'Dell
Today, the bitter truth is that the curvaceous and fleshy female figure is constantly disrespected by the media and pop culture.

10-29-06 Opening a Bellydance Studio, Tips for Success by Keti Sharif
She has recently retired fully from bellydancing but offers great advice on business plans for dancers wishing to expand their hobby into a career.

10-24-06 Adventures in Turkey 2006 by Michelle Joyce, photos by Michael Baxter
I am not exaggerating when I say that Sandra actually threw herself into Bella's arms and wept when she first laid eyes on her.

10-18-06 “The Bellydancers of Cairo” An interview with filmmaker Natasha Senkovich by Betsey Flood
As a maid you can find yourself in compromising positions—not good situations for a woman to be in—but in Egypt, it is considered so much better than being a dancer.

10-17-06 Judging in Germany, The Summer Festival and the International Raks Sharqi Contest 2006 by Dondi S. Dahlin.
photos by Klaus Rabien, Berlin, Germany. "It is also an easy out for judges who need to find a reason to drop a dancer’s score…especially if the competition is tough."

10-12-06The Soltice Festival, Belly Dance in Spain- Part 2, Photos by Lynette
held June 23-26, 2006. Part Two- The Evening Show, Event organized by Maria Cresswell of Tribal Girona at Sanctuari Els Arcs, Girona, Spain. A medieval hostelry with a chapel, set in the beautiful volcanic natural park of La Garrotxa near the picturesque village of Santa Pau.

10-11-06 The Soltice Festival, Belly Dance in Spain- Part 1, Photos by Lynette
held June 23-26, 2006. Part One- Workshops and Setting, Event organized by Maria Cresswell of Tribal Girona at Sanctuari Els Arcs, Girona, Spain. A medieval hostelry with a chapel, set in the beautiful volcanic natural park of La Garrotxa near the picturesque village of Santa Pau.

10-6-06 What is Gypsy Bellydance? by Amy Luna Manderino
...it is a sore point for representatives of the Roma community whose advocacy groups are very clear on their preference for the term Roma or Romani and consider the term "Gypsy" to be suspect when used outside their own community.

10-5-06 From the Land Down-under, Part 3: More of Our West Coast Dance Adventure by Trisnasari
"Hi, I'm Suhaila's mum; I hear you Underbelly girls are good zillers!"

10-3-06 Rhea: Greek Flavor and Flair Article by Rebecca Firestone, Photos by Carl Sermon,
Rhea & Laikis Orientale and Greek Folk Dance Workshop sponsored by Ma*Shuqa, held Saturday, August 19, 2006, at the Empire Buffet restaurant, in San Jose, California

9-29-06 The Body Beautiful- A Review of Aziza's workshop by Eve
Moving across the country and learning to adjust to a new environment is never an easy thing, but add in the difficulty of adjusting to a completely new bellydancing community, and you have a recipe for "Awkward Stew".

9-28-06 Teacher Student Rivalry, Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 16 by Mary Ellen Donald
"After all I did for her, why did she turn on me that way?" "I'll show her that I can do just a well without her help?"

9-22-06 Kohl: Drawing the Line by Dawn Devine
Along with henna, kohl has been part of the beauty regimens of women since the dawn of history, and an unbroken line connects the eyes of today with those of the ancients.

9-15-06 The Taxim from a Dancer's Perspective:Tarab or Tyranny? by Najia Marlyz
Sometimes, these improvisations can be quite elaborate. The effect is somewhat like modern jazz and stays within the framework of the traditional maqam or maqamat.

9-14-06 Territorialism Undermines Event Sponsor's Efforts, Interview with Dee Dee Asad by Lynette
Open discussions of such issues will help dancers, musicians and those people who surround and support them, to recognize similar patterns in their own local environments.

9-12-06 From the Land Down-under, Part 2: Northeast and Canada by Trisnasari
What is happening in Australia, is also happening in America.

9-11-06 "The Spirit of Egyptian Dance" Shareen El Safy- with the George Lammam Ensemble Workshop & Show, Photos by Carl Sermon, Sponsored and produced by Debbie Lammam July 22 & 23, 2006, Dance Mission Theatre, San Francisco, CA

9-7-06 Amani's Oriental Festival 2006: June 20-25, 2006 by Beverley Joffe
Delving into Oriental Culture, Dance and Surviving Israeli Military Attack.

9-5-06 Eilat Oriental Dance Festival, January 2006 - Report by Sophie, Photos by Gali Tibon
As my friends' car was making its way through the desert, the sense of anticipation, mixed with excitement, was growing inside me.

9-4-06 Tatseena's Bellydance Fantasy Festival 2006 Photos by Lynette & Carl Sermon
July 28 & 29, 2006 Marina Community Center, San Leandro, California. "This festival was created for family, friends, and fun!" says Tatseena.

8-30-06 Independent Contractor or Employee? by Taaj
The important thing is that the relationship between worker and payer be classified correctly for tax purposes so that you are aware of what taxes and filings you are liable for.

8-28-06 Bellydancing, Mythology and Astrology: Exploring the creative character of dance expression by Keti Sharif
Is dance a ritual, a means of celebration, a form of entertainment, or something more? Could it be a mode of human expression that harnesses the secrets of the universe?

8-16-06What Middle Eastern Audiences Expect from a Belly Dancer by Leila
Audiences in the Middle East, especially Egyptians, see bellydancing as something to be participated in, critiqued, and loved (or hated) with gusto.

8-15-06 Bellydance Journalism Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 14 by Mary Ellen Donald
One powerful tool used to mislead is bellydance journalism.

8-13-06 God Belly Danced: Belly Dancers in the First Century Banqueting Tradition, Part 5, by DeAnna Putnam
So, like in the Old Testament Book, belly dancing can at times be connected specifically with wine and viticulture

8-9-06 A Meeting with Hallah Moustafa, Haute Couture Costume Designer in Cairo by Milena Miklos
I’d heard there was an American costume-maker living in Cairo, but her clients prefer to keep her name a secret.

8-8-06 Spirit of the Tribes 2006 Photos by Juddy Lane, submitted by Maja, Event Sponsor, April 2006
A Belly dance festival specializing in "Tribal Fusion" including dance from culturals other than from the Middle East or North Africa.

8-4-06 Field Report from the Dance Gig Front by Surreyya Hada
After a pause, and a little embarrassment, I threw my hands up at him in disgust and walked away. The audience laughed loudly.

8-1-06 Rhea’s Travel to Syria, Part 5 –Sex and the Single Girl by Rhea of Athens
The Trials and Travails of a Lone Female Traveler

7-31-06 From the Land Down-under, Part I: The Festival by Trisnasari of Melbourne, Australia
In the wings, before we hit the festival stage, Andrea whispered to Mel and I, “Well, this is our first international performance!”

7-25-06 Freedom From Choreography: A Lucy Report by Nisima
Lucy certainly did “Free me”! ...

7-20-06 About Cymbals & a Workshop Checklist, Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 13 by Mary Ellen Donald
Believe it or not, playing cymbals can be a real pleasure. Playing them well can greatly enhance your dance performance. Playing apologetic or offbeat cymbals can ruin your dance performance.

7-5-06 Sheikka Rimitti, Queen of the Rai by Linda Grondahl
Unlike most of the music that we are familiar with from the Middle East that are usually unrequited love songs or patriotic love of country songs, the rai songs are about drinking, suicide, suffering, colonialism, poverty, exile, homesickness, corruption and the passion and pain of actual love making.

6-29-06 “Gypsy” Dance in America, by Caitlyn, photos of author by Rachel Ong
Roma dance usually brings to mind tambourines and skirt-swirling, but these images are mainly a fantasy.

6-27-06 Om Kalthoum, The Voice of Egypt by Yasmin
She was without contest the most well-known singer of the Arab world. She was also the most influential woman of her time in the Middle East.

6-26-06 The Spirit of the Dance: A Response to the Criticism of my Tribal Fest 2006 “Pierced Wings” Performance by Sashi
I was originally hesitant to write this article regarding my Tribal Fest 2006 “Pierced Wings” performance as I personally believe that a performance should not have to be explained by the artist, rather it should rely on what it evokes in others.

6-21-06 Photographic Review of the 33rd Annual Bellydancer of the Year Pageant Photos and report by Michael Baxter
This show has some wonderful traditions.

6-20-06 Unionizing Belly Dance:MECDA's Beginnings, Part 3:Tying Up Loose Ends, by Samra /Sherifa,
The problem was that after the first strike, where the issues were so clear cut – no one had been paid since the owner gambled away our money, tip-sharing had just been instituted -- people were unwilling to continue with strikes for getting contracts all over town.

6-19-06 "It IS About the Food!"by Margo Abdo O'Dell
The matriarchs were teaching me about a cultural art from my Lebanese heritage.

6-18-06 The Magnificent Fundraiser Part Three: Acts I and II by Najia Marlyz
...today’s dancers and producers sometimes write that they believe that large stage shows with good sound and lighting, a Master of Ceremonies, and live music are only now starting production ...

6-12-06 Belly Dancer of the Year 2006 Photos by Susie Poulelis
Danville, Ca, Sunday May 28, 2006 BD of the Year - Finals, more photos coming!

6-9-06 Weird Rituals and Beyond: Exploring Current Controversies in Middle Eastern Dance by Barbara Grant
If you are like me, (I know that many are not) you first responded viscerally and negatively to both situations. Then, as the shock wore off, perhaps you tried to make sense of it all.

6-6-06 The Bellydance Scene in Taiwan Toss Hair Dance by Eugenia
The women were much more skillful than I expected: just 3 years ago, nobody in Taiwan really knew anything about Bellydance.

6-5-06 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 12 Moved by the Music by Mary Ellen Donald
I did all this because those sudden shifts in rhythm and tempo and the abrupt breaks in the music that were unfamiliar to me could have made me look like a fool...

6-2-06 Tribal Fest 2006, May 19 in Sebastopol photos by Susie Poulelis
Performances from Saturday late afternoon including: BlackSheep, Sashi, InFusion...

6-1-06 I Love Lucy: Confessions of a Dancer by Yosifah Rose
Lucy does not believe that one can properly perform Oriental dance with a set choreography.

5-30-06 Fresh Old Sounds by Charmaine Ortega Getz
Seeking fresh sounds in belly dance music? Consider a trip back to the 1950s up to the groovy ‘70s when a new style of music was bringing the East to the West.

5-29-06 Traveling to Tizi Ouzou by Linda Grondahl
When I was in high school, I was fascinated by some of the names I read about when studying world geography.

5-29-06 P.U.R.E. Danceby Dhyanis
A collective of dancers and drummers plan to take music and dance out into the streets this summer on July 15 in cities across the nation and globe.

5-27-06 Bellydance in Iceland by Sabah
Recently, I was able to witness first hand how truly global the world of bellydance has become. Dances of the Middle East and North Africa are no longer a mystery and unknown “exotic” style of dance.

5-26-06 Sashi - Kabob by Lynette, Warning, possibly disturbing graphics!
The punctures appear to go under the skin into the subcutaneous fat layer and not through muscle tissue.

5-23-06 The Photos of Saroya Ahlaam, March 2006, Rakkasah Festival, Richmond, Ca
...she was a replacement at Rakkasah for a no-show and did a great job! I was so impressed with the crystals on her costume. You could see them sparkle from the back of the auditorium.

5-21-06 The Photos of Susie Poulelis, March 2006, Rakkasah Festival, Richmond, Ca
Shoppers were treated to an improvised drum solo by Shoshanna in the foyer

5-17-06 An interview with Leila by Lynette
"Turning tricks," or sleeping with nightclub or hotel owners, is not required to make it as a dancer in Egypt, but it is a complicated and questionable industry and there are many pressures.

5-17-06 Making New Musical Inroads in Luxembourg 2005 by Mark and Ling Shien Bell
Helm takes Rhythm Diatribes Workshops to Europe. It was extremely educational for us to watch the learning process in three very diverse regions.

5-16-06 Got Strength? Buffing up for Bellydance by Aruna
Muscles are like smart-aleck teenagers. If you ask them to do something, they do just enough to get the job done—and no more.

5-15-06 Rhythmical Truths Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 11, by Mary Ellen Donald
In my books and in person, I make the point that there are two basic kinds of rhythmical variations – embellishments and fill-ins.

5-15-06 God Belly Danced, Part IV: The Rise of the Pagan Anti-Belly Dance League by DeAnna Putnam
Dancing girls, wherever they came from, at this time apparently were luxury import items and thus were subject to a 25 percent duty tax, equal to that of precious gems.

5-11-06 Rocking with Raqia by Taaj
Each explanation brought the class closer to understanding the essence of Egyptian style.

5-7-06 Photos from Bellydance Superstars Audition in San Rafael, CA, Feb 2006 by GS staff
Tough lighting conditions! Though, we did managed to get a few.

5-5-06 2005 Folktours Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp Pennsylvania, by Zarqaa, Photos by Sarah Skinner and Carl Miller.
Look around and delight in the glory of the dancers and musicians. Dance.

5-2-06 Cairo '05, How to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Breathe Raqs Sharqi, Part 4of 4 The End of the Trip by Andrea
We were hooted and hollered at countless times, passed an angry bunch of men arguing about Allah-knows-what, women with large bundles balanced on their heads, people in the stores and on the street trying to sell us stuff, but we were safe! 

4-29-06 Interview with Magda Ibrahim by Debbie Lammam
That is very enjoyable, to see someone who didn’t know how to do something before and now they do, and I’m the one who helped them do it, regardless of whether they are Egyptian or foreign.

4-26-06 Much, Much More by Margo Abdo O'Dell
Please do not call me a belly dancer. Because for me, it is not just a flip of the hip, the wink of an eye.
It is not just the sparkle of jewels, the want of applause.

4-20-06 Photos of Saturday Workshop & Evening show from Aida Nour & Magdy El-Leisy Workshop 2006 Photos by Lynette Harris & staff sponsored by Little Egypt held on Feb 25, 2006 in Los Angeles, California- CASUALS- Show photos still coming!

4-14-06 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 10-How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks by Mary Ellen Donald
Not so fortunate are those people who feel threatened most of the time, limping from one extreme response to another.

4-12-06 How to Prepare for a Superstars Audition by Samira
Also, remember that a professional troupe is a business. So if mixing business and pleasure turn you cold, this may not be the right artistic outlet for you.

4-11-06 Adventure Amid the Tempest: The Biloxi Fest's Near Brush with Hurricane Katrina, by Sydney
Consequently, we did not allow Hurricane Katrina stop us from driving 450 miles to immerse ourselves in and perform with Mark and Ling Shien Bell of Helm! MORE PHOTOS ADDED!

3-30-06 Interview with Magdy el-Leisy by Lynette
Ballet gave me freedom to create my own style. I didn't go to folklore school as a child so I have more freedom to express my own style.

3-27-06 The Bellydance Superstars Show In Perspective by Miles Copeland
There are many factors to balance, and ANY show can be improved. The point is to also know the limitations that one faces in doing all the things one would like to do.

3-23-06 Cairo '05, How to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Breathe Raqs Sharqi, Part 3 of 4-Current Cairo Happenings
by Andrea, You could say that Aleya and I are burning the candle at both ends and enjoying every moment! Our priorities are three: take lessons, buy costumes, and watch shows.

3-17-06 Photos of Friday Evening show from Aida Nour & Magdy El-Leisy Workshop 2006 Photos by Lynette Harris & staff sponsored by Little Egypt held on Feb 24, 2006 in Los Angeles, California,

3-16-06 Giza Awards 2005, A Cultural Odyssey, by Rebecca Firestone
Can it be that the West has been so involved in learning technique and choreography that the very soul of the dance has been left to those in the Middle East who are desperately struggling to keep their art alive?

3-16-06 Fahteim in Vegas by Neferteri
The Las Vegas 2006 belly dance season is off to a phenomenon beginning!

3-14-06 Hosting Australia’s Leonie and Alpen Sukan by Samiya
What was going to be another dance choreography workshop weekend turned into a weekend of dancing and drumming. It is now over year later, and people are still talking about that weekend.

3-10-06 "Just Dance," Says Aida, A conversation with Aida Nour by Lynette Harris
She likes improvisation, and says that if a dancer has very good technique and a good ear for the music she should “just dance.”

3-7-06 Streets of Cairo- Egyptian Rhythm, Language and Dance by Keti Sharif
Cairo's streets are much like its dance – streams of freestyle movement guided by intuition rather than rules. There are no 'principles' as such in both circumstances – it’s the organic-ness of Egyptian life that creates order in chaos.

3-5-06 Cairo 2005 How to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Breathe Raqs Sharqi, Part Two of Four-Dance Lessons by Andrea
In Egypt, if a woman is only going to wear one item of make-up, it will be black eyeliner.

3-3-06 How MECDA Began Part II, To Whom It May Concern by Mish Mish El-Atrash
I was very curious to hear what Fairuz had to say about how M.E.C.D.A. began, as I was one of the original dancers to organize it.

2-28-06 Loay Dahbour: Kuwaiti Drum Pro Interview by Yosifah Rose
In addition to teaching us about drum solos, Loay also took some time to share with us his valuable insights as a musician after working for the past thirteen years with hundreds of San Francisco Bay Area Bellydancers.

2-15-06 The Danish Caricatures Controversy: a Muslim-American Political Cartoonist Weighs-In, by Khalil Bendib
Try as I may, while reviewing the infamous Islam-o-phobic Danish caricatures, I fail to discern in them any clear political statement other than the questionable assertion that Islam equals terrorism.

2-14-06 Cairo 2005 How to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Breathe Raqs Sharqi, Part One of Four, by Andrea
Today is an historical day in Egypt! The first “real” election with actual opposition candidates is taking place. I’m trying to stay abreast of this important event from TV news, but the American and British news sources barely talk about it.

2-11-06 What Kind of Snakes are Good for Dancing? by Neferteri
“So many snakes, so little time.” What is a girl to do? I am often asked what is a good snake to dance with. Well, that depends on two things.

2-9-06 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 9, Can't We All Get Along? Dancers and Musicians by Mary Ellen Donald
First, you don’t have to be afraid of working with live music.

2-6-06 The Peace Belt comes to Tucson by Lucy Lipschitz
But it matters more, I think, that this dance can be used to stimulate thinking and discussion, and even to help feed and clothe other human beings.

2-3-06 Bellydance Community Floods Costume Consignment Store with Love by Evelyn Reece
New Years’ Eve San Anselmo, CA . A new year brings new opportunities. My New Year came early and wearing the guise (or should I say costume?) of a disaster.

1-29-06 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 12-Learning to Perform
I knew I wasn't dancing like one of the pretty dancers I had seen in 1966, but now it was 1968, and it was time to focus on my own goal of learning more.

1-20-05 Amani “Around the World” DVD Report by Katya Faris
She has put her dancing on stage and has created numerous theatre productions in the past 10 years and this show is the first one on DVD.

1-17-06 Bellydance Superstars, Our Plans for 2006 by Miles Copeland, 2005 Photos by Monica Berini
There is nothing like consistency and constant pressure to deliver at your best each night to weld a group or troupe together.

1-16-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 8, Leadership Risks by Mary Ellen Donald
When you lead people, you take certain risks. One such risk is that of self-revelation.

1-11-06 Return to India – This Time it’s Personal! by Michelle and Sandra
We thought that the misfortunes associated with our previous performance tours of India were simply anomalies in the blissful and glamorous world of dancing overseas.

1-10-06 The Dina Show! Photos by Catherine Barros, Slideshow coding by Tammy Yee
Event sponsored by Little Egypt on May 28-30, 2005 at the Crowne Plaze in Miami, Florida

1-9-06 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 9 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

1-4-06 What You Can't Get From Instructional Videos by Rebecca Firestone
Being able to withstand honest opinions is crucial. If one never communicates directly with one's peers AS PEERS, that is, not as sycophantic students, one can develop an insular and self-referential mindset without ever realizing it.

2005 (97? articles)

12-30-05 My Retirement by Zaharr
Thirty-six years of feeling special, of dressing up night after night and of being “The Sultan’s Favourite Kadin” ended with such a quiet whisper that even I was surprised.

12-27-05 Spokane's First Belly Dance Festival, text by Nadiyah, the sponsor, photos and captions by Lynette
Spokane’s First Annual Belly Dance Festival offered instruction for belly dancers of all levels and a variety of styles.

12-22-05 Comic Book Artists Portray Dancers
In addition to the dancing and vending, comic book artists were on hand to demonstrate their ability to convert photos into works of art as well as to promote their work.

12-15-05 Dancing with Snakes by Maria
Snakes may not need to be walked and played with as do dogs and cats, but they do like to be handled – in fact – it is essential that they become accustomed to being handled by you particularly, in order for the snake to find dancing with you acceptable.

12-13-05 The Zar by Yasmin
We do know that today thousands of women in Africa and the Middle East use this music to cure all kinds of illnesses. They literally dance until they drop.

12-10-05 Articulating the Collective Dream: The Giza Awards, and why the legacy-making process is important to you.
by Amina Goodyear and Gregory Burke. "We embrace change however roughly it appears. With video we feel secure in the knowledge that the legacy of the past will never abandon us."

12-9-05 Noshing around the Bay by Neran and Nisima
On Neran's first visit back to Bay Area a year after relocating to Knoxville, Tennesee she announced to Nisima, "there are no and I mean no Middle Eastern restaurants in Knoxville; let's go to as many as we can while I'm here."

12-7-05 The Universal Categories of The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, report by Amy Bonham
held February 19-20, 2005 in Long Beach, California, photos by GS staff

12-3-05 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 8 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

12-2-05 A Photographer's View, The North Valley Contest 2005, photos and report by Michael Baxter
It was an exciting contest, covering five categories: Novices, Intermediates, Troupe dancers, Solos and Live Solos. Live music was provided by the amazing Light Rain.

11-30-05 Paradise Found at Habibi Hawaii 2005 A Report by Tammy Yee
Azure skies and sun-kissed palms provided the perfect backdrop for Habibi Hawaii, Honolulu's Premier Bellydance Festival and Celebration.

11-27-05 Belly Dancer USA Competition, Canyonville, Oregon, June 11-12, 2005, photos and report by Saroya Ahlaam
Mezdulene and her supporting staff need to be commended for their hard work and effort. It was a smooth running event that was well organized and a joy to attend. I’ll be back next year!

11-24-05 My Incredible US Tour by Maya
This trip was almost two months of intensive adventure and provided an exchange of experiences with many dancers.

11-22-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 7, Negatudes by Mary Ellen Donald
I have just enjoyed putting on a show for a warm and responsive audience. What a joy! This has prompted me to take time to look at the role that an audience plays in the outcome of a performance.

11-17-05 Traveling with the Touareg by Linda Grondahl
This was my 5th trip to Algeria since 2000 and I have been amazed at the rapid economic development. The government is working very hard to make Algeria a very popular tourist destination once again.

11-17-05 The Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition Ahlan Cairo Nights Dallas, Texas August 4, 2005 by Catherine Barros
A review and report from and observer's point of view!

11-17-05 Dancing For Masters by Vivian Bressan “Vivi” 2nd place winner of The Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition
A report from a contestant's point of view!

11-16-05 Belly Dance Secrets for Fitness and Rejuvenation by Keti Sharif
The most important factor in sustaining an exercise program is the 'fun factor'; Belly dancing comes with great music, exciting moves, noisy coin belts and its own special dress code.

11-14-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 6 Unexpected Mishaps by Mary Ellen Donald
I invite you to chuckle with me as I retell several gems of last year. I wouldn’t dare to boast of any lesson you must learn from all of this, and discovery of a meaning is up to you!

11-8-05 My Adventure Begins! by Asmahan
At last, another North Beach Memory! "I was creating my life as an adventure, I was making my own destiny; this was Kismet!"

11-2-05 The Divine & Fusion Categories of The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, report by Amy Bonham
held February 19-20, 2005 in Long Beach, California, photos by GS staff

10-26-05 Interview with Mahmoud Reda Part 3: Film & Future by Morocco
If you know about photography, then it will help performing for the movies or for television because usually the choreographer stands beside the director of the movie.

10-17-05 How MECDA Began by Feiruz Aram
M.E.C.D.A., (Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association) is a nationwide organization which began in 1977 for the purpose of organizing working dancers, sharing information between teachers...

10-16-05 The Egyptian Category 2005 of The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, report by Amy Bonham
held February 19-20, 2005 in Long Beach, California, photos by GS staff

10-9-05 Zaharr's Memoir, Part 11- The Minerva
What do Greeks know about Belly Dancing anyway?” He just grabbed my hand and we headed toward the door. Grumbling, I followed him inside and I was startled to see a big stage with a large wooden dance floor right in front of it.

10-7-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 5, Cymbals & the Music by Mary Ellen Donald
But that’s not the rhythm. As I say at the beginning of each workshop, “Rhythm is the patterned arrangement of sound and silent.”

10-4-05 Raqia's Response by Dee Dee Asad
I visited her in the Masr el Dawly Hospital, near where Raqia lives in el Dokki, the next week. Raqia was unable to travel to Sweden while sick!

10-1-05 Interview with Maya Gaorry of Italy, Talks about Size, Fat, and American dancers, by Lucy Lipschitz
Before there was no rule on how big dancers should be, and now it’s changing. Changing everywhere.

9-30-05 My Experience With Amani’s Oriental Festival by Beverley Joffe
Lebanon, June 14-19, 2005. Amani placed strong emphasis on the folklore and identity of Oriental Dance when compiling the program and offered touring to assist in blending technique with emotion.

9-16-05 Ahlan Wa Sahlan 2005, Cairo a review and diary by Leyla Lanty
On Monday night, the opening gala was a great success in all senses of the word! It was one of the best large scale events I've attended.

9-16-05 How to Analyze Dance Styles by Meissoun
For a long time, the term “style” was something that I didn’t really understand.

9-14-05 Behind The Nile Group Workshops in Cairo by Zeina
How absurd it sounds! How could we, in a small country that a lot of people couldn’t even locate on a world map, compete with her enormous festival in Cairo?

9-13-05 What is a Ghazal? by Leigh
 “Ghazal” is a word in Arabic that means talking to women.

9-9-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 4, For Whom Do You Dance? by Mary Ellen Donald
Who do you dance for – your audience or yourself?

9-8-05 Belly Dance, Burlesque and Beyond: Confessions of a Post Modern Showgirl by Princess Farhana (Pleasant Gehman)
“BUT WAIT!!!” I can hear you screaming, “ BURLESQUE IS STRIPPING!”

9-6-05 Making New Musical Inroads in Spain by Mark and Ling Shien Bell
Helm takes Rhythm Diatribes Workshops to Europe, series continues...

9-5-05 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 7 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

8-19-05 Interview with Mahmoud Reda Part 2: The Troupe by Morocco
So what I call my choreography is not folkloric. It’s inspired by the folkloric.

8-18-05 Re-defining Belly Dance and Middle Eastern Dance by Tasha Banat
The fact is that “Middle Eastern Dance” is not an acceptable definition for Belly Dance and let me explain why.

8-16-05 Sparkle Mind, Beginner Mind by Karen Roberts
dragged my weary bones out of bed at 5:30 yesterday morning, March 5, 2005, grabbed some coffee and headed east toward Sedalia, Missouri, for Judy Cunningham’s Belly Dance Workshop and Bazaar with Margo Abdo O’ Dell of Minneapolis.

8-16-05 Sausan’s First Egyptian Dance Seminar by Melinda
What would you think if you heard somebody say, “There are no isolations in Egyptian Belly dance"?

8-2-05 Rakkasah West Festival 2005 Page 3-Sat & Sun, photos by GS Volunteers including: Jasmine, Lynette, Michelle, Monica, Sandra, Susie, Zaheea, and probably more! Festival date- March 2005, Richmond, California, One page left!

8-1-05 Tips on Dancing to Live Music (a Musician’s Perspective) by Frank Lazzaro
Many dancers find performing to live music intimidating, but with a little preparation, good communication, and a positive attitude, you can make it the most exciting part of your dance performance.

7-30-05 Rakkasah 2005 Casual photos by GS Staff
One maybe two more pages of photos coming yet and then we are done!

7-29-05 The Untaught Teacher by Reanee Temple
What then, do we do about a teacher who has been misled, apparently, concerning the history of our dance?

7-27-05 Calling all professional dancers! How much do you charge? by Nanna Candelaria
Over the years, we dancers have unwittingly kept the general rate ridiculously low in restaurants and nightclubs.

7-19-05 Interview with Mahmoud Reda Part 1: The Beginning by Morocco
The Ministry of Culture should be of help, not a source of problems. But anyway, they had control of all the theaters, so to find a theater we must go to them, but they gave us problems. I don’t know why; maybe they were jealous!

7-18-05 Rhythm and Reason Series, Article 3, Community Warfare by Mary Ellen Donald
Time and again I hear dancers deplore the fact that in many parts of the country there are warring camps among dancers; that is, groups that openly oppose each other and that try to keep all useful information and all jobs to themselves.

7-18-05 Cairo Carnival 2005 Page 1 June 11-12, 2005, Glendale, California photos by Lynette
Please help us identify faces. Thanks!

7-17-05 Hadia Speaks: a Telephone Interview by Erica
Hadia’s experience is that, although many dancers in Middle Eastern countries are wonderful artists, they generally lack the skills to teach in an effective, methodical, safe way.

7-16-05 The Junior Division of the The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition photos by Lynette
Ages 10-17 years, held Saturday, February 19, 2005, in Long Beach, California

7-15-05 "Ya Mustapha!": A Song Conquers the World by Meissoun
One of the most covered songs of the last 50 years is not from the Beatles but an old Oriental folk song.

7-12-05 Belly Dancer of the Year 2005 Finals photos by Monica and Susie
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.

7-5-05 Sirat Al-Ghawazi, Part 6 by Edwina Nearing
Begun in the mid-1970's , the early sections of "Sirat Al-Ghawazi" were first published under the title "The Mystery of the Ghawazi." We are happy to be able to respond to the continued demand for these articles by making them available to our readers worldwide.

7-5-05 Belly Dancer of the Year 2005 Preliminaries photos by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.

6-20-05 The 2005 Eilat Festival, My Fete in Israel by Orit
This was the first professional festival of its kind in Israel. Despite its being overwhelmingly exhausting and loaded with material, the celebrating continued in the lobby, well into the night, with endless conversations and the exchange of tales.

6-18-05 Belly Dancer of the Year 2005 Grand Dancer, more Duos, Trios & Troupes photos by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.

6-18-05 Gitaneria Arabesca: A Different Approach to the Student Recital by Vashti Photography by John Steele
Ah, the student recital. There is nothing like watching fledglings leaving the nest, discovering their own creative wings and flying off into the wonderful world of belly dance.

6-5-05 Rakkasah West Festival 2005 Photos- Saturday & Sunday Page 2 photos by GS Staff and Friends
More to come!

6-3-05 Belly Dancer of the Year 2005 Page 1 Duos, Trios & Troupes photos by Monica
May 28, 2005, San Ramon, California.

5-28-05 Rakkasah West Festival 2005 Photos- Saturday Page 1 photos by GS Staff and Friends
More to come!

5-27-05 The Rhythm and Reason Series Article 2- Special Experiences  by Mary Ellen Donald
The audience of mainly flamenco aficionados gave our Arabic Suite a clamorous response.  This bringing together of bellydance and flamenco had begun as a flash of imagination in Cruz’ mind.

5-18-05 Atef Farag: A Life in Dance Interview by Debbie Lammam
Pure Egyptian dance does tolerate a lot of sexual innuendo that is not present in my work.

5-10-05 Making New Musical Inroads in France and Ireland by Mark and Ling Shien Bell
Helm takes Rhythm Diatribes Workshops to Europe, series continues...

5-5-05 Initiating Dance Dialogue: Current Trends, The Panel Discussion at Carnivals of Stars Festival, transcribed from video by Andrea, Panel members included: Heather as moderator, Monica Berini, Shira, Barbara Bolan, Amina Goodyear, Debbie Lammam.

5-5-05 Carnival of Stars Holiday Dance Festival and Comic Book Convention Photos by GS Staff
A new festival held on Nov 14, '04 produced by Ghawazee.com's at Centennial Hall, in Hayward, California, which included a panel discussion, raffle, costume contest, and famous comic artists, along with the usual dancing and vendors.

4-29-05 Bargaining for Injeers by Kayla Summers
Bargaining is not just about the money, although that is a qualifier. Bargaining is a medium in which two strangers can have a conversation. Turks love to bargain, and it may be how they get to know you...

4-29-05 Power Failure Halts Troupes & Finals Categories, The Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, Part 1, Sunday Evening, held February 19-20, 2005, in Long Beach, California report by Amy Bonham, photos by GS staff
Willow Street outside the Grand Willow Street Center was a raging river on Saturday morning and the rain continued through the weekend with intermittent dry spells.

4-22-05 Auditioning for the Belly Dance Super Stars: Two Personal Experiences
The Cattle Call by Layla Katrina - "I knew I was not what they were looking for."
My Experience with the BDSS Audition in Paris by Dazzel - "He wanted me to believe that his troupe was too good for me."

4-22-05 Friday Evening, Page 2, Rakkasah West Festival 2005, Richmond, California
photos by GS Volunteers including: Jasmine, Lynette, Michelle, Monica, Sandra, Saroya Ahlaam, Susie, Zaheea

4-19-05 Helm takes Rhythm Diatribes Workshops to Europe by Ling Shien Bell
The musicians will be conducting a series of rhythm/music workshops in Ireland, Spain and Luxembourg this April.

4-11-05 San Francisco Screening of American Bellydancer by Miles Copeland
Traveling to San Francisco to attend the screening of American Bellydancer to a largely belly dance community crowd was like jumping into a hornet’s nest of opposing views!

4-6-05 The Rhythm and Reason Series Article 1- Cymbals, Beyond Basics  by Mary Ellen Donald
Each rhythm has a distinct arrangement of accents.  If you are sure of where these accents come, you can bring a unique flavor to each section of your routine.

4-3-05 The London Belly Beat! by Alexandria
They have nothing against tribal or fusion styles and seem to enjoy all belly dance.

3-31-05 Rakkasah West Festival 2005 Photos- Friday Page 1 photos by GS Staff and Friends
More to come!

3-26-05 “My Aim in Organizing a World-inclusive Oriental Dance Festival” by Amani
Dancer Amani of Lebanon Comments, "Oriental dancing has become a widespread art; it is now found all over the world, and among all levels of society in all the five continents! "

3-22-05 Happy To Be Me: Dancing Without Shame-- Recognizing Beauty & Potential Within by Nisaa Elon
I