Keeping up with the Cairo Belly Dance Scene
Posted by Yasmina of Cairo on 12/11/2020 to
Dancer Education
Cairo has been my home for twenty-five years. Like so many others I was seduced by the city’s magic, and dazzled by the dance and music scene, which at that time (the mid-1990’s) was vibrant with star dancers, and buzzed with the kind of raw energy I hadn’t found in my years performing around the Middle East.
Havana Habibi: Meaningful Exchange, Impact and Challenges of Bellydance in Cuba
Posted by Valerick Molinary on 11/17/2020 to
Dancer Education
Dance is an effective tool of communication and a healing strategy that rebuilds a bridge of contact and bonds two realities that are seemingly antagonistic. Havana Habibi teaches us that we can have deep and heavy political conversations involving our bodies and our dance.
Arab Folk Dance 101 For The Belly Dancer
Posted by Morwenna Assaf on 11/10/2020 to
Dancer Education
Learning folklore can add depth and authenticity to your performance; folklore is the
backbone of the dance.
Got to be Real: Formula for Authenticity
Posted by Olga "Shamiram" Kramarova on 9/28/2020 to
Dancer Education
To begin, I would like to loop this back to authenticity...Whether you are preparing a set for your regular club or putting together a customized show for a wedding, there are some universal things of which we should always be mindful..
My Life as a Dancer: 1980’s South America
Posted by Tamalyn Dallal on 8/31/2020 to
Dancer Education
In 1980, I met a singer who sang on cruise ships and at hotels in Miami Beach. She suggested I could travel the world as a dancer. She then incorporated me into her hotel shows.
Got to be Real: Self-Reflection and Making the Moment Important
Posted by Olga "Shamiram" Kramarova on 8/17/2020 to
Dancer Education
Do you remember watching a dance performance that you truly enjoyed? Do you remember what made it so memorable? Do you ever catch yourself taking mental notes for “things to try” when watching a great performance?
Uncovering Your Best Kept Secret: Materializing the Feeling
Posted by Valentina Giraldo on 6/25/2020 to
Dancer Education
Got to be Real: Professional Dancer or Eternal Student?
Posted by Olga "Shamiram" Kramarova on 6/19/2020 to
Dancer Education
When we make the decision to become a professional belly dancer, we are doing so much more than wearing a fancy costume and shaking our hips. We are taking on the responsibility to represent a specific history, a culture and an art that deserves to be represented respectfully and beautifully. We are taking on the responsibility to stay authentic to the origins of this timeless art form, to be eternal students, and to always strive to spread the beauty of this art form with our audience.
Belly Dancing in Shanghai by Belly dancer Kaeshi Chai
Posted by Kaeshi Chai on 5/5/2015 to
Dancer Education
Shanghai, also known as the Paris of Asia, has an exploding belly dance scene that is only 2 years old. In the eye of this shimmy storm, is the Isis Belly dance club spearheaded by Sissy Wu, Estelle Shao and Sophie.
Selecting, Using and Storing Balanced Belly Dance Props By Princess Farhana
Posted by Princess Farhana on 3/25/2015 to
Dancer Education
Before you buy a sword, or scimitar (a larger, sharply curved sword), make sure it is correctly balanced. Swords are easy to test: a sword that isn’t balanced at all will fall flat on your hand (or head) making it completely useless. One that is balanced properly will stand straight on its blade. If a sword isn't balanced it may lean and will be more prone to wobble. Sometimes, you can kind of tweak the handle with your hand or a screwdriver (some are loose) and get it into correct balance; with some swords, you can actually take the entire handle off, turn it upside down, and it will balance better, but it may be awkward to hold.