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Articles
6-28-09 Faruk
Sarsa ; The Life of an Artist of Mohamed Ali Street by Amina Goodyear
The best drums and riqs, however, were inlaid with mother of pearl and had fish skin heads. The best store selling these instruments was Music Center. It was owned by Mohamed Sarsa who had the fish skin monopoly and the best instruments of this kind. 6-27-09 Dyslexia
and Dance: Its More Common than you think! by Keti Sharif
If you are a dance student or teacher, chances are that around 20% of the
class could be dyslexic. As a dance teacher, it is quite important to be
able to identify dyslexic tendencies in students, and understand how you
can help them learn.
6-19-09 The
Dance Teacher: By Divine Design or Default? by Najia Marlyz
...nearly everywhere, dancers in this particular form seem to have
found it necessary to “do it all” in order to earn a living
by dance career alone
6-17-09 Dance
Alchemy by Paola
Dance can be the corporeal miming, shaping, and manifestation of the
soul’s
intent.
6-16-09 Susie's
Photos from The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant 2009
As a fish to a shiny object, so am I drawn to a well produced event
of glamorous, bedazzled and talented performers of belly dance.
6-11-09 Arabic
Lessons, My Introduction to Shaabi, Part 1 by Amina Goodyear
She taught us that besides learning the words and their meanings, Egyptians
do not stand still when singing. They dance around a bit and use their
hands, body and eyes to gesture according to the songs.
6-10-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers L-Z,
photos by Carl Sermon
Latifa, Banat Al Beled, Leena, Lotus Niraja, Mahira Tribe, Mahrabesh, Majestic
Hip, Malweh, MaShuqa, Mayumi, Nabila, Naheda, Natica, Nixies...
6-8-09 The
Real Ideal Show; Why we Dance! by Latifa
As the time approached for our
show, two of our dancers were stuck in traffic trying to reach us from San
Francisco, so we arranged our show to accommodate them if they made it and
so it would work if they didn’t .
6-7-09 Ask
Yasmina #7: Milaya, Tipping, Gossip by Yasmina Ramzy
Ask yourself "why?’ over and over again, digging deeper
for the truth, until you arrive at that moment when the beauty
of Bellydance had you completely inspired and elated, that moment when
you wanted the whole world to experience the same joy.
6-4-09 Michael's
Spring 2009 Photo Spread, photos and text by Michael Baxter
Aazura, Adriana, Ahava, Alimah, Andrea, Claudia, Eve, Kashmir Isis, Katherina,
Khalila, Maria, Meissoun, Michelle Joyce, Mychelle, Nadira, Nanna, Nicole,
Sandra, Shoshanna, Summer, Surreyya, Crystal, Tabitha, Zaheea
6-4-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers E-K,
photos by Carl Sermon
East Pennsylvais Middle Eastern Dance Club, Egyptian Sunrise, Egyptian
Sun, Enzina, Eye of Horus, Fahtiem, Fatima Al Wahid,
Femme Fatales, Gypsies & Genies, Jenivia, Jewels of the Nile, Johara &
Snake Dance Theatre, Kaeshi, Kaoru, Kimberly
5-31-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Saturday Dancers
A-D,
photos by Carl Sermon
Abzahrah, Amala, Aladina, Alchemy, Alexa, Amira, Aneena, Angelique, Anka
Kusu, Desert Jewels, Dondi ...
5-29-09 Carl
Capture Character: Rakkasah Festival East, Friday Evening Dancers, photos
by Carl Sermon
help October 17, 2008 in Somerset, New Jersey. Bianca, Willow, Tempest,
Leila Haddad...
5-28-09 Through
the Eye of the Camera photos by Vibeke, text by Laura Rose
This photo exhibit captures moments and scenery of Delilah’s most
recent Visionary Belly Dance Retreat, which took place in Hawaii, Janurary,
2009.
5-26-09 Bellydancing
Fashionably by Martha Duran
Always remember that you’re representing a country’s culture! Sometimes,
less is more; sometimes, more is less.”
5-17-09 Ahmed
Adaweya My Introduction to Shaabi by Amina
Goodyear
Where once he was known as a master plumber, he had now become a master of Saltana.
5-14-09 Know
Your Venue, Style & the Savvy Performance Artist by Laura Rose
Personally, I believe that to pull off something dangerously edgy and
thoughtfully shocking (while still providing entertainment) you might need
to offer them something as well. Something like, oh, say…skill!
5-11-09 Ask
Yasmina #6 : Abhinaya, Personal Journey, What’s Missing? by Yasmina Ramzy
Tapping into the source will change the quality of your movement,
your interpretation of the music and your emotional connection to the movement
and the music.
5-5-09 One
Hip in Each Camp, My Experience of Working in Both the Arabesque Dance
Company and the Arabesque Orchestra by Shema/EmmaLucy Cole
My dancing is fuelled by my understanding of the music and now, my playing is influenced by the emotions I experience when I dance. It is a cyclical experience which has been boosted by this incredible opportunity to work with some of the most talented Arabic musicians on the scene.
5-3-09 The
Quintessential Performer: Attitudes for the Stage by Najia Marlyz
What can you rightfully expect of an audience of persons who are not, themselves, involved in performing (or related to you)?
4-30-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias, Part
4: Teamwork Among Musicians by Artemis Mourat
You’ve got people in the audience who are paying you. If you’re
dying, don’t come to work. But if you come to work, do your job.
It does not matter what else is going on in your life.
4-28-09 Photos
from the 2008 Tour of the Bellydance Superstars by Carl Sermon
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, March 1 2008
4-24-09 Oasis
Dance Camp South A
New Twist on an Established Retreat by Ramona
Every student received a personalized notebook and music CD, which included
class notes and news articles about dance and culture.
4-18-09 Dance
of the Nile part 3: Meleya by Gamila El Masri
The erk sous seller spies
a pretty young thing in a melaya (and pink bloomers). He coaxes her to have
a cup; they flirt. He chases her, she runs away.
4-15-09 Magnouna
in Cairo, aka My Cairo Adventures in April 2008 by Catherine Barros
The tally of dance shows for this trip was 3 Nile dinner cruises (Lorna
Gow, Basima and Leila), the Tannoura show, Dina (at
the Semiramis) and the Opening Gala at the Nile Group Festival (Dalia,
Liza Laziza, Leila, Hayem, and Asmahan).
4-13-09 Recognizing
Accomplishment: Atlantis! by Helena Vlahos
I get so excited over the events they are producing, that I have no
thoughts about them as dancers. All I think about is the person who is performing
or teaching and the merchandise that the venders are selling. I only think
of the sponsors as being effective with the business side of Bellydancing.
4-9-09 A
Quest for Beauty, Part 1: Beauty is Discovered by Zorba
My wife of 17 years asked, "You’re going to do…. what?"when I told her
of my desire to take Bellydance lessons.
4-1-09 Where
is the Goddess in a Vertical Drop and a Shimmy? How Can the Practice
of Bellydance Lead the Dancer to a State of Grace or Enlightenment? by
Yasmina Ramzy
The most important practice of almost all mystical paths is meditation.
It is universal and does not need a frame of reference from any particular
theology.
3-31-09 Mina's
1001 Arabian Nights, photos by Michael Baxter, text by Mina, the
producer
1001 Arabian Nights started with asking several of the community troupe
directors and teachers I’ve known over the year if they would like
to create a show with me. They all seemed very excited about the prospect
of doing something "different" in the dance community.
3-30-09 The
Bellydance Museum: An Accident of Fate? by Stief
Soon, I found out my collection of Arabic instruments, ancient jewelry, and
our shared bank account were all gone along with my ex-wife. The only thing
I could find was a small part of my picture collection, which I now had to
sell in order to stay alive.
3-28-09 Producing "Tales
of Desire";
a Tribal Fusion Bellydance Experience by Sherri
We felt that the buzz in the community was that people were getting tired
of seeing the same performers on every performance DVD that came out,
so we really tried to
mix it up and offer a more varied line up.
3-26-09 Teaching
American Bellydance: Ich Bin Ein Berliner! by Una
Amazing! The members of the workshop wanted
more and more—and even Horacio began trying out my veil moves.
3-20-09 Tania
Luiz A Romany Fusion Artist in Osaka by Artemis Mourat
At this time I think I was longing for a well-documented dance, old and structured.
I was a little sad because I saw how people who were not properly trained
but who just had a costume would teach Oriental dance. Plus the deep
connections of Indian dance to the Divine were very interesting to me. At
the end of it all, I realized that my body, my soul and my blood are meant
to do Oriental.
3-19-09 Indonesia's
Introduction to Belly Dance: The Mainstream Media's Influence by Fahmia
Bandib
Extensive mainstream media attention has been a mixed bag of blessings
and, well, “somewhat less than blessings,” as most Indonesians
would diplomatically say.
3-17-09 Sahba
Motallebi demonstrates the Tar and Setar, new video in our Musical Instrument
Tour
Also included is footage of Sahba on stage performing with Bahram
Osqueezadeh on the Persian Santur and Rowan Storm on
the frame drum.
3-15-09 Tribute
to Bert: Photos from the GS files
Bert's memorial page, please add your comments, thank you.
3-13-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias Part 3: A Serious Accident by
Artemis Mourat
I put it (the cigarette) out and I looked at my watch, it was quarter past four. I woke up three days later.
3-12-09 Making
(and Re-making) Choreography:
Moving Forward, Moving Backward, Moving! by Cera
As soon as you set the first movement, one of those options has been limited.
Then, when you make a second choice, a third, and a forth, the possibilities
get smaller and smaller. The process is, essentially, painting yourself into
a corner, and by the time you set the last count, the song is done; the choices
are over, and they have become inevitable, solid. They stand on their own—without
you, potential-less. Pens down! Flip the paper over. Choices have been made.
3-11-09 Munique
Neith's Studio: What You are Missing if You aren't in Barcelona! by
Amanda Rose
What inspired me to write this article was not only the unbelievable
setup that is presented in Barcelona, but the fact that I have never
truly felt the warmth and compassion from any situation in the dance world
that I have from Munique, her husband Albert and their studio. They were
warm, receptive, and incredibly gracious
3-10-09 Its
All in the Flavor! Bellydance in Mexico by Martha Duran
Those
were tough times for us teachers. Students were very shy in the classroom
but eager to learn; some of them even thought that Shakira had created Bellydance!
They didn’t have much information about Oriental Dance, its origins,
or different styles. Some aspiring dancers even sat through several classes
just to check out what Bellydance was or if we teachers danced it as well
as Shakira.
3-9-09 Authenticity
in Dance Photography by Scott Belding
There are three things that make a dance photograph great: authenticity,
detail and connection.
3-6-09 Bellydance:My
Lifesaver & Soul Mate by Lisa
Chen
So, here with both of my arms having injection needles inserted and an
oxygen mask on my face, I began to visualize that I was standing at FatChance
BellyDance’s
studio with other dancers.
3-4-09 Ask
Yasmina #4 Feminine
Spectacle, Workshop Requirements, My Styles of Dance, by Yasmina Ramzy
Dancers, who are willing to pay to be on stage, are
perhaps not always ready to be there.
3-3-09 Recieving
Filthy Lucre: Justifying Payment for Your Art by Najia
Belly dance can be a respectable art and teaching it should be a respected
employment. Often it isn’t, and that is why you have to set your career
goals—and don’t forget to consider the money!
2-24-09 Quality vs. Quantity, Buying CDs vs.
Downloading Music by Mher Panossian
and Sherri Wheatley
...especially for those
that are performers and need the sound file to be the highest quality format
when it comes to amplification
2-16-09 Badia
Masabny, Star Maker of Cairo by Jalilah
Due to the performance of
a Hitler parody, however, Masabny was placed on Hitler's list of people
to be executed once he took over Egypt. Fortunately, the Germans never made
it to Cairo!
2-12-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias Part 2: Clubs and Musicians by
Artemis Mourat
...and here was
an Italian, playing all these Greek melodies. I was mesmerized. I discovered
that Greek music is fantastic.
2-11-09 Excerpts
From Aesthetic Explorations of the Egyptian Oriental Dance Among Egyptian
Canadians by Kathleen Fraser
One respondent attempted a description of Egyptianness in the dance. "Egyptians
are plumper, more attractive. What makes the Egyptian style is the costume, soft
movements, gentleness (no jumping or jerking), subtlety, dala, the drum, soft
music." Charm and liveliness of face contributed to perceived quality of "Egyptianness."
2-7-09 BDSS
Update: New Choreographers contribute to 2009 Show by Miles Copeland
I will admit that
I have never been a big fan of the more ‘folkloric’ approach
to Bellydance, but then again I have to be open to try something new
with each show.
2-6-09 The
Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive 2008: Vegas and Belly Dance Celebrities Report
by Mareeshka, photos by Brad Dosland
Just as its host city brings together Paris’ Eiffel Tower , the fountains
of Bellagio, and the pyramid of Luxor , the Bellydance intensive brings
together this local talent with international stars, combining traditional
cabaret with the latest tribal styles, to create a big event that feels
comfortably intimate
2-5-09 Fire
in your Belly: My Dance Story by Annette Nel of South Africa
I’ve always wanted to be a dancer. I vividly remember when I was four
years old and had just started ballet, the driveway became my stage and
the African sun my spotlight as I did plies, twirled, and pitter-pattered
on tiptoe to a growing audience of passers-by. I remember curtsying to a
young schoolboy who stopped to stare. Today, I realise it wasn’t my
extraordinary dancing that stopped them in their tracks.
2-4-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 5:T-Z by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
2-2-09 Bahram
Osqueezadeh on Persian Santur video
Footage captured in August 2008, at the Mendocino Woodlands, Middle
Eastern Music and Dance Camp.Bahram play for us and talks about his intrument.
2-2-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 4: R-T by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-30-09 Say
Thank You! Gracefully Accepting Compliments by Chandani
Responding with a simple “Thank you!” should be rewarding to both parties.
By receiving praise from another, you acknowledge that you did your
job well. It should be a merry moment that enhances your spirit. You have
an accomplishment that you should be proud to share, and the audience
member offering you the compliment is acknowledging that your dance has
touched something in the life of another.
1-28-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 3: M-R by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-28-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 2: D-K by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa
1-27-09 Improvisation,
Taqsim, and Teaching, Things I Love by Rahma Haddad
Because improvisation is so instantaneous, the performer
doesn’t know what he is going to do until he does it. Likewise, the
dancer may not remember what was done when the dance is finished. This
is why creating improvisational dance is rarely boring.
1-26-09 Sunday
at Carnival of Stars, Page 1: A-C by Carl Sermon
November 9, 2008, Event Sponsors- Pepper Alexandria
and Latifa.
1-18-09 Dancing
with Legends: Interview of Freddie Elias Part 1: When Boston's Golden
Era Rocked to Music Orientale by Artemis Mourat
They do not study
the craft in a deep and meaningful way, and everybody’s in a hurry.
They don’t get into it right. They don’t think! If you do
not work hard, you cannot protect your craft.
1-16-09 Thorn
of the Rose:Making Friends with Criticism by Najia Marlyz 11-28-08
Thorns make the rose
ever more precious; though one’s ego rarely treasures moments of
having felt the sharp thorn of stinging criticism. If the dancer is open
to criticism—valid or invalid—it can open the door to the
process of re-evaluation that otherwise might never happen.
1-15-09 Ask
Yasmina #2, Handling Media, Choreography, Name Our Dance by Yasmina
Ramzy
In creating a work of art that will enlighten or move an audience
emotionally, the artist's intention is to communicate a message or an emotion.
1-13-09 Connections:
Yoga and Belly Dance by Narah
I started my Yoga
practice not long after beginning to Belly Dance. I was drawn to it and
stayed with it as I enjoyed the benefits of its complementary practices.
The promises of relaxation, strength, flexibility, and spirituality intrigued
me and fit right into my Belly dancing lifestyle.
1-8-09 Apprenticing
at ADC by Laura
At first rehearsals
were terrifying. The girls were learning new choreographies and positioning
and I would follow along in the back, feeling like a bit of a dolt
and getting in everyone’s way.
1-6-09 2008
Drum, Dance, & Music Festival Raqs Taiwan with Karim Nagi! by
Lisa Chen
She wishes to
find the bridge between dancers and musicians, performers and audiences
while still keeping its cultural roots alive. DDM is the platform for dancers
and musicians working together and exchanging their professional experiences.
1-5-09 Now
What? Improvement Ideas for the Growing Dancer by Anna
This article is
for those of us that would like to delve into areas of the art form that
may be beyond the usual class topics.
12-31-08 8th
Annual Blood Moon Regale: Disease 101 Photos and text by Brad Dosland
With interpretations
ranging from comic to poignant, dancers portrayed a gamut of disorders
from Scarlet Fever to Head Lice, Elephantiasis to Anorexia. Many of the performances
were touchingly powerful, while others such as Origin’s depiction
of Crabs had the capacity audience at the grand old Colonial Theatre
laughing out loud (and scratching themselves subconsciously).
12-16-08 Whose
Dance is This, Anyway? Where Do Men Fit into the Belly Dance World? by
Lara
As soon as he
was born, dancers of all stripes immediately started in with "Oh, a
new little drummer for the troupe!". Excuse me? Why is there an instant
assumption from birth that all little boys will be drummers and all
little girls will be dancers just like mommy.
---Added Feature! See our Gallery of Men in Middle Eastern Dance
12-14-08 What’s
in a Name? Orientalizing Oriental by Paola
He had already
managed to use my definition of my dance form against me, to paint
me as marginal, politically incorrect, and strangely enough, to “orientalize” me
within the context of that symposium in the ways that Said describes in
Orientalism. I was now, officially, “Other”.
12-13-08 What
is a Set List? by Aszmara
Finding what makes
everyone happy is a little like having a dinner party with a person
on a diet, a vegan, and meat & potato type guy. It takes planning, discussion
and knowledge to put together a good show.
12-11-08 Parveneh:
Promoting Diversity Through Public Access TV, An Interview by Anniitra
Ravenmoon
I had always wanted
to do something with Public Access. So, the Belly dance and public
access came together and “Hafla” was born! Although I have found
some attitudes to be exclusive, I decided I wanted to be inclusive; so my show
has featured diversity. I have presented larger, smaller, older and
younger dancers (and, especially, women of color) who are often excluded here
in our local area.
12-10-08 Leila
Haddad & the Gypsy Musicians of Upper Egypt
"
In the Trail of the Ghawazee"
March 2008 US Tour, by Amy Bonham
Sponsored by the
World Music Institute. "These musicians come from a long tradition
that could be as old as the pyramids"
12-8-08 Is Bellydance
Good Exercise? by Venus (Marilee Nugent), BSc, Kinesiology, BA Art & Culture
While it is important
to love and accept one’s body as it is today—and bellydance
is a great way to get actively motivated as well as realize one can feel
sexy and beautiful at any size—it is important to continue to move
forward from that acceptance on the path of improved health and well-being.
12-3-08 My
Dinner with Nadia Hamdi by Fatima Bassmah
We asked if they
had any videos, photos, or costumes from Nadia's life as a dancer, but they
had none. When Nadia took the hijab and gave up dancing, she destroyed all
photos and videos of herself since that life was over.
12-1-08 Ask
Yasmina: Evolution, Oum Kalthoum, & Cover ups by Yasmina Ramzy
A first column
in a once-a-month series: GS is proud to present this passionate and knowledgeable
expert in the field of Middle Eastern Dance; she is an artist, pioneer,
and creator of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.
11-26-08 Bellydancer
of the Universe Competition 2008, photos by Carl Sermon
held in Long Beach,
California, on February 18 & 19, 2008, produced by Tonya and Atlantis
11-20-08 Winning
Bellydancer of the Universe by Mia
Puerto Rico is
kind of a small island, not that we’re cut off from the world or anything,
but we don’t have huge hafflas or competitions here. In fact, after
about two years of classes and training we have to travel outside our
country to keep up with the whirlwind of innovation that is bellydance.
11-17-08 So
You Want to Dance in Cairo? by Leila
Foreign dancers
who negotiate their own auditions with hotel managers usually find themselves
seated at his private table in the nightclub month after month while he
promises that next week he will make her an orchestra and give her an audition.
11-15-08 Bellydance
Fashion, American Style: The 2nd Annual Decotach Fashion Show Report by
Tanna Valentine photos by Brian Lin
For this year’s
fashion event, Ms. Lambru chose to display her costumes in the context
of a Berber wedding.
11-11-08 Omar
Faruk Tekbilek demonstrates the Ney video by Lynette
Also incuded are short performance clips of Omar with the instruments
and band members as well as his wife, Susie, performing a few Turkish style
dance gestures
11-7-08 Gift
of the Muse: Finding and Using “Dance Energy” by Najia
Marlyz
The concept of “Dance
Energy” carries with it a power that appears to compel the dancer
to move without conscious thought or excessive effort.
11-4-08 The
Skinny on Abdominal Strengthening by Venus (Marilee Nugent), BSc,
Kinesiology, BA Art & Culture
You’ve probably
heard the terms neutral spine and core balance being bandied about,
and seen numerous class offerings for Pilates, body ball, and core workouts.
You may be wondering, is this the sort of thing you should be checking
out?
10-30-08 Aussie
ATS Charm in Taipei: Devi Mamak by Lisa Chen
Since both of
us are not based in San Francisco, we share many common factors in terms
of learning ATS and developing our own visions for it back in our own home
venues.
10-23-08 One
Dancer, A Journey of Self- Acceptance by Melodi
However, it wasn’t
long before I started to realize that the other girls were different
than me. More importantly, I realized that I was different from them.
10-17-08 Tajikistan:
The Land of Dance, Part One by Robyn C. Friend, Ph.D.
Video features:
#1-Introduction by author, #2- A Map Tour on an ancient and modern map.
"
Communication with the outside world is difficult and expensive,
and nearly impossible during the winter."
10-16-08 Solstice
Festival in Catalunia, Spain June 20-22, 2008 photos by Eulalia Grau
and Janixia text by Ling Shien Bell
For the third
year in a row, Maria Cresswell produced a dance and music festival honoring
the Summer Soltice. This year's three day event took place high up in the
Catalunian Pyrenees, in a rustic hostel fed by fresh springs and bordered
by a rushing river.
10-14-08 Inside
Peek at Making Music Videos: Hakim, Khalid Selim, Walid Toufic, Ali el
Hagar, Elam, & Samira Said by Leila
I was either crying
or yelling at Hakim for most of the shoot and went home each day with a
headache from it.
10-8-08 Dance
- Deeper than the Moves by Keti Sharif
A dancer who feels “safe” in
the rhythm, footwork, technical movement feels grounded and secure as she
dances. A grounded dancer will be less "in her head” and allow
the authenticity of feeling to come through her body as a flowing, emotive
movement that expresses the music and how she “feels” the music.
10-6-08 "Just
feel the music when you're on stage!”
Interview with Ozgen, Male Turkish Belly Dancer, by Nini Baseema
Well, I think
my heart still beats for big shows and productions, as much as I know how
stressful and difficult that show-life can be. I seem to not be able to
live without it.
10-2-08 Self-Esteem
and the Bellydancer by Taaj
…but then,
I wondered, why are so many belly dancers jealous, unhappy, competitive
and insecure? Does belly dance really build self-esteem?
10-1-08 North
Beach Memories- Casbah Cabaret, Part I Circa 1973 by Rebaba
We performed what
I have dubbed “conveyer belt dancing”, that is three dancers
doing three shows each, starting promptly at 8:30 p.m. without stopping
until 2:00 a.m., whether we had an audience or not.
9-29-08 Bible-Belt
Belly Dancing in the 1970's: An interview with Azur Aja by John Clow
Azur Aja (Sharon
Wright), a belly dancer from the Nashville Tennessee area, is endearingly
known as ‘The Lady With The Veils’. Her career has spanned over
thirty-five years, and her style has been influenced by some of the
most recognizable names in American belly dance history.
9-25-08 Missing
Elections…
What Happened to MECDA’s Democracy? by Doyne Allen
In most organizations
comprised of paying members, only a vote of the membership can enact any
change in its charter.
9-17-08 Belly
Dance in Japan Reaches New Heights of Popularity by Ranya Renee Fleysher
Japanese audiences
are extremely receptive, supportive and interested in this form of
entertainment.” Conservative
elder Japanese may still disapprove of the sensual aspect of belly
dance, but among the younger generation it is seen as cool and trendy.
9-15-08 My
First Experience in Egypt by Nadira
I have always
felt a pull to visit Egypt to experience the history and culture of this
dance I love so much. The chance came about just recently and it was so
worth the wait.
9-13-08 Folk
Tours 6th Annual Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp Report and Photos
by Nina Amaya
held at Camp Greenlane
in Pennsylvania, May 2008. The authenticity of the camp is amazing. I love
Rakkasah and Tribal weekends as much as anyone else, but watching and listening
to Arab musicians play Arab music and Turkish musicians play Turkish music,
well, that adds a little something! After the nightly shows, the musicians
keep playing to the wee hours and the camp dances in the big dining hall
until we drop.
9-11-08 Spirit
of the Tribes 2008 photos by Denise Marino
April, 24-27 2008,
War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Produced by Maja
9-10-08 Festival
Fantasia: A New Direction by Josephine Wise
I had a vision
of the whole dance scene becoming one and being aware of one another.
9-9-08 Bert & Me:
Vignettes From Our Partnership by Najia Marlyz
Though Bert might
like to think of himself as a simple man, in fact, he is a very complex
and private person whose lifetime is filled with famous and colorful characters
and experiences.
9-8-08 Carl's
Raqs LA Photos, Best from the Stage on the Lower Level, Photos by
Carl Sermon text by Carl Sermon, Ma*Shuqa and Marta Schill
held May 17-18,
2008 Glendale Civic Auditorium, California, produced by Miles Copeland and
organized by Marta Schill
9-1-08 The
Broken Vessel by Paola
We, too, must
believe in our movements, believe in their purpose and message, and we must
deploy them with the array of human faculties that begin to evolve when
the Art of the Dance is taken up.
8-29-08 The
Hippie Connection: Robert Altman’s 1969 In Utero Belly Dance Portrait
of ME by Melina of Daughters of Rhea
There it was,
the second of a series of black and white hippy portraits --people
raving, a woman blissfully breastfeeding, couples hugging, dogs leaping – THE
SEMINAL PHOTO OF MY LIFE – only, I was cut out!
8-19-08 The
Mendocino Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp 2008, Part 1 report
by Sophia & Lynette
This morning the classes begin. Dinner and breakfast was quite good!
The students on scholarship working the kitchen were cheerful and surprisingly
bright eyed after being up so late last night!
8-16-08 Randa
Kamal by Yasmina of Cairo
"Then the
film roles that I've been offered have unfortunately been frivolous,
or portrayed the dancer in the stereotypical way they always do. The cinema
has done enough to spoil the reputation of dancers, without me adding
to it by taking such a role."
8-16-08 Dina:
April 2008 by Catherine Barros
It was a late
night as usual as we didn't even go out until midnight to have dinner and
watch Dina at around 3am . . . but who was watching the time . . . It is
CAIRO!
8-4-08 My
Winning Experience at Leyla Jouvana and Roland's 1st Bellydancer of the
World Contest by Khalida
Author is winner
of the 1st place in the Solo Raks Sharki and 3rd Place in the Solo - Fusion
Fantasy Categories
8-1-08 Fantasy
Bellydance, A New & Ancient Reality by Jehan
This trend has
been growing steadily since I can remember, but caught fire recently, due
to the instantaneous broadcasting of ideas and styles on the worldwide web
and the proliferation and availability of video for this generation of dancers.
7-30-08 Ahlan
Wa Sahlan 2008, Not So Welcoming this Year by Yasmin
Prices have gone
up everywhere, and Egypt is no exception. The reality hit me as soon as
I walked into the Mena House. Bottled water was $4.00, where out in the
street the same bottle was $.50. A bottle of beer was $10.00. Internet connection
was $30.00 / hour. At those prices, life's little pleasures didn't seem
important anymore.
7-29-08 Saturday
at Raqs LA, One Dancer’s Journey Back Home by Emily Farasha
There was a nice
variety of vendors, mostly leaning towards the cabaret style of costuming
and props, although there were vendors catering to tribal dancers as well.
Dancing on two open stages provided constant entertainment with a variety
of performance types.
7-28-08 Suhaila
in the Phoenix, photos by Susie Poulelis, video by Lynette
June 28, 2008,
Brava Theatre in San Francisco, CA Produced by Bellydance Odyssey
7-24-08 Professional
Presence, Stories and Advice from 30 Years Under the Hip Belt and Counting... by
Aszmara
The audiences’ first
glimpse of you is as you arrive and how they see you affects their
opinion of your show. First impressions count!
7-23-08 Making
Recorded Music Memorable by Chandani
Through the years
we have come up with ways to make pre-recorded performance music sound better,
work better and avoid mishaps.
7-17-08 5-21-08 Saturday
Gala Peformance Part 2 of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada video
and photo report by GS staff
Performers in
Act 2 : Aisha Ali of Southern California, Bozenka of Florida, Amy Sigil & Kari
Vanderzwaag of Unmata from Sacramento, California, Tito Seif of Egypt,
Aida Nour of Egypt
7-17-08 IBDC
Part 3: The Community Response- Dream Big by Betsey Flood, Photos
contributed by Masouma Rose and Monica
What did those
who attended that Las Vegas event last August – the one that strove
to become the biggest belly dance convention ever -- think about their
experience? Their answers may surprise you.
7-15-08 Egyptian
Wedding Stories by Leila of Cairo
All the guests
were staring at us. The father of the bride demanded to know who ordered
the bellydancer and it seemed a fight was going to break out between
representatives of the brides’ family and the hotel organizer.
7-12-08 Jodette:
Undeniably Authentic by Sausan
“Why do
students go against their own teacher,” Jodette continued , “and
spread ugly rumors?” I looked at her a shook my head. It's a lament
that I, too, have experienced from time to time as teacher of this
dance.
7-9-08 Journey
into Womanhood by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
Our mission, as
women, is to encourage others to joyfully anticipate all the decades of
their lives. Those who have gone before us have always and will always help
us on our paths.
7-8-08 When
Two Doors Close Two Doors Open, New Venues in New York City, by Sarah
Skinner
Scott was thrilled
with the new place and said it reminds him of the late night clubs in Istanbul,
Turkey. At the end of the night I walked out into the hot summer air feeling
invigorated and inspired.
7-3-08 Belly
Dancing in Estonia by Ines Karu
As in the rest
of the world, the Egyptian style of belly dance is the most popular one
in Estonia. Most of the instructors and dancers are specialized in that
style. The American Tribal Style Belly Dance is also becoming more known
each day. The general impression of belly dance in Estonia is glamorous,
feminine, luxurious, modern and elegant. It's a time where Estonian dancers
can truly say that they can be proud to be a Middle Eastern dance artist
in Estonia.
Check
our Archives for
more!
Reviews
5-9-09 3
Instructional DVDs for Beginners:Wide Range in Quality: A Course
in Belly Dance by Galit Mersand, Aziza’s Ultimate Practice Companion,
1-2-3- Belly Dance with Bahaia Reviewed by Tracey Farmer.
I am going to review 3 videos that are mainly for beginners
or practice. They are from 3 vastly different dancers who each
have unique styles.
5-3-09 Sensual
not Sexual:Exploring Sensuality in Bellydance, DVD Reviews
of “Sensual
Belly Dance with Blanca”, and “Sensual Passion with Tamalyn
Dallal” 2 DVDs reviewed by Tracey Farmer
“Sensual Passion” (the DVD) is not about sensuality! Again, like Blanca’s “Sensual Belly Dance”, this DVD is not another “charm your man and get him to fall in love with you” instructional DVD.
4-17-09 Two
Dance CDS for Performance and Listening, "The
Soul of Cairo" & "The Masters of Bellydance Music" 2
CDs reviewed by Amina Goodyear
This family is dedicated to producing (and also finding) the latest and most
popular bellydance music as well as reissuing classic albums in a remastered
format with updated liner notes.
4-7-09 Middle
Eastern Dance Theater:Erotic Chantal and Mythogical Ishtar 2 DVDs Reviewed
by Joette
This is where I had to stop and get a drink of water. Thrusting pelvises on the pyramids was wild and not at all the way had I remembered the pyramids!
3-27-09 ASWAT:
Arabic Music Concert by Rebecca
Firestone, held Saturday,
January 25, 2009 Skyline College, San Francisco, California
They'd hired a different director this time, all the way from Cairo, Dr. Sari Dowidar. Dr. Dowidar got professional results even out of amateur performers - probably by pushing them hard. That kind of pressure isn't always fun, but it really pays off. Maqams (maqamaat) are hard enough for the uneducated ear to distinguish without muddying the waters further with inaccurate pitch and tone.
3-14-09 So,
If You Cut up a Rose, is it still a Flower? Fusing Bellydance With
Other Dance Forms by Rebecca Firestone
A reader’s position at this point will depend on whether you think
that bellydance and Middle Eastern dance are one and the same, and whether
you feel any particular sense of ownership over either one of those terms.
3-7-09 Thrillin'
Zillin"; DVD Review of "Belly Dance with Zills " review by Tracey Farmer
This is helpful for dancers who have a problem playing zills while
dancing, or who are OK with just a drum playing the rhythm but get confused
when playing to a song. Elsa uses some familiar songs in this DVD which
will give you the feeling of "Oh, I've danced to this before; maybe
next time I'll add my zills".
2-27-09 Currents
of Intention "Doorway to Ecstasy"
Book Review by Dhyanis
Sherry says that Prema Devi seemed to download information directly from
the temple priestesses of antiquity, admonishing her students to condition
both body and soul. She guided students to focus their attention, breath
and movement to receive and channel higher energies.
2-26-09 The
Girlz Got Skilz: DVD review of Asharah's Modern Tribal Bellydance by
Tracey Farmer
Those who are interested in tribal fusion, I would
definitely recommend this DVD to get a feel for the specific moves
that are popular among tribal artists. If you’re already a tribal
enthusiast, then this is a must have in your DVD library.
2-15-09 Academia?
Like it or Trash it! 2 Books Reviewed: Dancing Communities & Dancing
Fear and Desire by Joette Sawall
One thing that I have found within our community is the general lack
of scholarship and a feminine voice within the research.
2-13-09 Tarot:A
Fantasy Belly Dance Concert by Thalia
The large, well rehearsed cast--musicians, temple maidens, acolytes,
and servants with a variety of props--deftly played up the campy quality
of the piece, contrasting the work's darker messages about the fickle cycles
of gain, loss, and impermanence
12-19-08 Training
Aids or Trainer's Ads? 3 Books Reviewed by Martha
The
E.D.A. Handbook for Middle Eastern Dance by David
of Scandinavia, Tribal
Vision by Paulette Rees-Denis, Belly Dance for the Versatile Dancer
V. 1: Foundations by Zanbaka
12-18-08 Fabulous
Fan Veilzz w/ Mahsati Janan DVD Review by Tracey Farmer
Like I said before,
this video is for those who are familiar with belly dance already. The fan
veil is a new concept and performance skill , as well as a new prop in Middle
Eastern dance.
12-15-08 Love
and Romance, Egyptian Style, Book Review of The Poison Tree, planted and
grown in Egypt by Marwa Rakha Review by Bonita Oteri
Bravely baring
her soul and laying her innermost fears on the altar of Truth as she sees
it, the author gives us a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Love and
Romance, Egyptian Style.
12-15-08 Kaleila’s
Belly Dance Baby DVD, Dancing While Pregnant Review by Merika
In this touchingly
personal video, Kaleila sets out to “inspire other pregnant women
to feel beautiful."
12-15-08 Unveiled:
3 Instructional DVDs on Veil Dancing Reviews by Martha E. Duran
Fabulous 4-Yard
Veils by Shoshanna, Seven Veils Romantic Bellydance by Sarah
Skinner, Bellydance With Veil by Sarah Skinner
12-5-08 Getting
in Shape: Three Core Training DVDs and One Special Treat Review by
Rebecca Firestone
Core Training
for Bellydancers Bellydance, Yoga Conditioning with Ariellah, Industrial
Strength Dance Workout with Shakra, Bellydance Arms & Posture with Rachel
Brice
11-14-08 Unveiled
Musical Gems,
3 CD Reviews by
Joette Sawall
Raqs El Qamar by Chris
Marashlian, Rhythms of Turkey by Tayyar Akdeniz, Angelika Unveiled, by
Angelika Nemeth and Raul Ferrando
11-8-08 2
DVD Reviews: Must or Must Not for Your Library? FCBD DVD Steps and Combinations,
Vol.7 Fluid Precision Belly Dance DVD Review by Martha Duran
In search of the
perfect library for a bellydancer I have found these wonderful elements
for the bellydancer in need of fundamentals.
11-6-08 "Aheb
Masr, Music and Songs for Oriental Dance" CD Review by Catherine
Barros
produced by Nader
Zakaria, at Merryland Studio Heliopolis, Artistic direction by Yasmina.
Depending on your mood and tastes, there should be something for just about
everyone on this CD.
11-3-08 Teach,
Reach and Dance- 3 DVD Reviews: “
Hilary Live: Belly Dancing Around the World with Hilary Thacker”, “
Angelika Presents: Oasis at the Races” and
“Belly Dance with Jrisi” by Amani Jabril
This uneven exchange
between music and dancer, I feel, took away from a performance that had
the potential to be much more dynamic.
10-15-08 Bellydancing
With Fire with Leslie Rosen Reviewed by Rebecca Firestone
Leslie gets an "A" on
fire safety. Her safety section is a great overview, covers just about everything,
and has clear visual demonstrations of fuel handling, dipping, and shaking
out the excess fuel.
10-13-08 One
DVD reviewed by Two- Pop, Lock and Shimmy! Belly Dance with Michelle, by
Yasmin and John Clow with Introduction by Shira
With the current
titling issues of Pop, Lock and Shimmy and IAMED’s upcoming Kaya and
Sadie release however, I decided to pull out my notes and give the original
drill DVD its due.
10-9-08 A
Big Picture Book Review: Martha Burns' "Belly Dance, Celebrating
the Sacred Feminine" Reviewed by Stasha
Every page is
a work of art, a truly astonishing array of images. The content is very
inclusive and features all age ranges, body types and styles. You will see
yourself, your best self, in these pages.
9-11-08 Sacred
Bellydance: Level One DVD Review by Eugenia
Produced by Temple
of Jehan. This is followed by a “body prayer” performed by a
number of women in similar garb. While this segment is graceful and calming,
I found it at the same time somewhat creepy, perhaps due to the haunting
background music and repeating vocals.
8-26-08 Elena
Lentini and Carvanserai Dance Theatre: “ Argumentum Ornithologicum” Report
and Review by Elaine
November 7-10,
2007, Hudson Guild Theatre, New York City, most photos by author, show photos
by Mia Moy
8-12-08 Review: "Allure
of the East: Orientalism in New York, 1850-1930" at the New York
Historical Society by Thalia
This small
one-room exhibit with its narrow geographic focus--the city O. Henry dubbed “Baghdad-on-the-Subway”--presents
much for dancers to consider. As belly dance continues to gain popularity,
what is this continuing "allure" of the Orientalist inspired arts?
When is attraction to this aesthetic drawn from a desire to understand other
cultures and when is it driven by desire to market ourselves?
7-14-08 Jenna
Wood' s "The Dancing Cymbalist– How to play music
with finger cymbals and dance at the same time." Book Review
by Yasmela
I was eager to review this book in hopes that it would be a new tool
to help revive the dying art of finger cymbal playing. Jenna Woods seems
to share that hope.
Check
our Review
Archives for more!
Other Departments
Comics
4-21-08 Strained
Relations Comic by Pepper Alexandria
Hi! Remember
me? I'm your long lost cousin!
10-27-05 Gilded
Serpent Awards for Self Promotion!
Get your own Gilded
Serpent award in any field you choose!
1-25-05 Intruder,
BEWARE! comic by Lynette
"How dare
they pollute our pond!"
1-11-05 Romancing
the Stonewall Comic by Alexandria
"Hi, dear,
can you send me a payment?"
10-30-04 Fill-'Er
Up! by Alyson
"I'm so glad
you came to help me Theify!", Alexandria's Belly Dance Comics tm
8-2-04 A
Whole Latte' Shaking Going On, Belly Dance Comics tm by
Alexandria
"Ok, I think
we can stop now!"
6-24-04 Saving
Grace, Belly Dance Comicstm by Alexandria
"Could I
sit here for a few moments?"
4-26-04 Class
War-fair? Belly Dance Comics tm by Alexandria
"I sprang from the forehead of Isis!"
2-29-04 You've
Got Mail! Belly Dance Comics tm by Alexandria
Female Clones
from Zayda III are being killed and robbed of their family jewelry!
8-11-00-Yasmina's First Club Gig by
Lynette
"You're so beautiful! Wouldn't you like to audition to dance for us?"
10-19-99 Belly
Dancer Paper Doll by Jan Dove
Print this paper doll. Then color, cut
her out and PLAY!
2-99 Fabulous
Fritz's Adventures in Show Biz. Adventure #1 by
Lynette
"I'm just a photographer, I don't know these women!"
? -99 Fabulous
Fritz's Adventures in Show Biz #2 by Lynette
"I have just enough time to drive back..."
Archives
"Where
did that article go that I just read?"
The Gilded Serpent Archives now has over 1000 articles!
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