Belly Dance Articles

Articles

Articles written by The Belly Dance Widower (my husband, John), students, friends and links to other sites.

Night in the Desert: the planning of a show
Hi, I'm a Belly dance Widower
The Painting
Belly Flap

Articles by other dancers

40 Days and 1001 Nights: a woman's dance through the Islamic World" (new book project) - by Tamalyn Dallal
Advice on How to Promote Yourself Successfully Without an Agent - by Adry Svraka
Aisha Ali & the Birth of the Ghawazee - by Sadira, from the Gilded Serpent website
All Shook Up: new trends ripple belly dancing community - article
from CNN Interactive, 6/28/97
Amara - from Amara's website on various topics
Amira Jamal - various topics
Are Strippers Our Enemies? - by Shira
Articles - from Americanistan on various topics
Articles - from Bellydancenet
Articles - from GoBellyFit.com (link to articles on right side)
Articles - from Desert Rain Tribal Belly Dance
Articles - from Farfesha belly dance on various topics
Articles - from Gypsy Trail Tribal Dance Co. on various topics
Articles - from OrientalDancer.net on various topics
Articles - from Venus's website on various topics
Articles and Tutorials - from Tribal Belly Dance.org
Articles by Hossam Ramzy - various topics
Articles by Joyful Dancer - various topics
Articles by Margo - articles on various topics by Margo
Abdo O'Dell
Articles for Your Perusal... - These various articles were written by folks with varied backgrounds as they embarked on a journey into the ancient and enduring art of Danse Orientale. They have begun to discover the the dance's mystery as well as it's healing rejuvenating powers.
Articles on Dance - from Anthea's website on various topics
Articles on Dance - from Eva Cernik's website on various topics
ATS - a new art from - by Amira Jamal
Back to Basics: a long over-due swing of the pendulum begins - by Najia Marlyz
Basic Rhythms for Cabaret Belly Dance Routine - by Mary Ellen Donald
Beauty and the beat - by Fayza Hassan
Belly Dance & its Benefits - by Nadiyah Vahdahty (note: this is a pdf file and it may take awhile to load)
Belly Dance for Pregnancy & Birth - collection of articles from The Goddess Dancing website
Belly Dance on the Edge - by Denis Kavemeier
Belly Dance, Through the Eye of the Camera - by Ishtra
BellyDanceArticles.com - various topics
A Belly Dancer's Cover Letter - by Salome
Belly Dancers Create World Record - from BBC News
A Belly Dancer's Profile - by Salome
Belly Dancing: an ancient art for the new millenium - from PR Web
Belly Dancing: an exercise, an art form - by Dalene Krkosska
Belly Dancing an exotic way to trim your tummy - from Cybernoon.com
Belly Dancing Costumes - by Diaa Khalil
Belly Dancing in the News - Belly Dancing making news around the world. Browse the news archives or get the latest belly dancing news headlines on your website with live news feeds!
Belly Dancing: swivel your way to fitness - by Stephanie Smith, CNN
Bellydancing, the Greek Way - by Denis Kavemeier
Brief History of Oriental Dance: from social dance to performance art - by Salome
Cairo's Costume Disasters - by Leyla Lanty, from The Gilded Serpent website
Calling All Professional Dancers! How Much do You Charger? - by Nanna Candelaria
Can I take Your Picture? - by Chris Odgen
Can't Stomach Choreography? Then Try Tribal Belly Dancing - from the Clare Champion
A Case For Spontaneity - by Amira Jamal
Child Prodigy Grows Up, Reda D!: an interview with Reda Darwish - from the Gilded Serpent website
Class Etiquette Develops Character - by Jasmin Jahal
Collecting Your Dowery - by Michelle
A Competent Teacher - by Ne-Kajira Jannan of "Tribal Where?"
Confessions of a Husband Married to a Belly Dancer - by Robert Rohloff
Creating Inner Peace with Belly Dance - by Atea
Dance as Celebration - by Margo Abdo O'Dell
Dance Class Etiquette: ten golden rules to dance by - written by Miramar
Dance it Off - from prevention magazine
Dancing Abroad - the bare minimum - by Salome
Dancing Abroad - the dangers - by Salome
Dancing Darkly: the phenomenon of Gothic belly dance - by Laura Tempest Schmidt
Dancing on the Edge - by Denis Kavemeier of Oasis. Article is about dancing to live music
Discovering Yourself as an American Belly Dancer - by Tasnim
Dreaming of Jeannie - collection of various articles
Egyptian Belly Dance 'in Crisis' - by Malcolm Brabaut, BBC News, Cairo
Ethics and Standard Practices in Bellydance - by Anthea
Etiquette, Ethics, More Than Mere Words * Giving Credit Where Credit is Due - by Zaina Hart
Fair Pay, Typical Rates, Ethical Practices and Professional Standards - by Samira Shuruk
The Forbidden Dance - article from InnerSelf.com
Foreign Moves - article from Al-Ahram Weekly
Give your Dance a Face Lift - by Jasmin Jahal
Got Strength? buffing up for belly dance - by Aruna from The Gilded Serpent website
Growing as a Dancer - by Blanca
Guest Stories - stories by dancers on various topics from Oriental Dancer.net
Gypsy Dance in America - by Caitlyn from The Gilded Serpent website
Happy Hips: a few practice techniques for great hip work - by Michelle
Handouts - a variety of articles by Robin De Danann
Healing Through Belly Dancing - by Nadiyah
Hip Life - interviews & articles by Mesmera
Hobbyist Circuit - by Salome
Homemade Promo Picture - by Salome
How I Started a Bellydance Club in High School - by Shazadi
How to Avoid Costuming Catastrophes - by Jasmin Jahal

How to Dance to Live Drummers (as opposed to the dead ones who are such a bore!) - by Michelle
How to Look Better Naked, or in Costume...without Exercising - by Meleah
How to Nail Your Drum Solo - by Michelle al Farfesha
How to Wear a Sari - from Exotic India Art
International Dance Discovery - Donna Carlton
Iran Court Slaps Ban on Dancer - by Jim Muir from BBC    News. Article is about Iranian dancer Mohammed Khordadian
It Wasn't About the Trophy - by Salima
Joy of Teaching - by Yasmela from The Gilded Serpent website
Julia's Essay on Tribal Belly Dance - by Julia DiVerdi
Learntobellydance.com - articles on various topics
The Legendary Um Kalthoum - by Roz
Let Us Belly Dance - by Iris J. Stewart, from the Innerself   Magazine.
Learning to Burn: Farah Akbar attends the Oscars of belly-dance - from Al-Ahram Weekly On-line
Lucy: learning to talk - article from Al-Ahram Weekly Online
The Lure and Legend of Arabian Jewelry - from Saudiembassy.net
The Magic of Tribal - an essay by Alley Smith
Male Belly-dancers Dazzle Istanbul - by Chris Morris, BBC
Middle Eastern Dance: a beautiful, ancient, yet misunderstood art - by Hala Fauzi
Morocco - articles written by Morocco
Music & Style - by Yasmela from The Gilded Serpent website
Music Copyright Law for Belly Dancers (or for any Performing Artist) - by Yasmin
Music, Dance and Drama - article is about Moroccan music
My Daughter is a Belly Dancer: infusing a different culture into our home - by Pat Beaven
My Vision of Belly Dance as an Alternative Spiritual Culture - by Ansuya
The Mystique of Belly Dancing - by Tom Verde from The Savvy Traveler
One Debate about �Belly Dance� - by Nizana

Overcoming Stage Fright - by Michelle
Packing Your Performance Bag - by Michelle
Payment for Performance - by Amira Jamal
Performing Rights Laws - by Ne-Kajira Jannan
The Phenomenon of the American Bellydancer - by Atea
Posture & Breathing for Middle Eastern Dance - by Miramar

Producing a Performance Show - by Michelle
Raqs Sharqi - articles by Andrea Deagon
Retro-Trieving - by Sadira, from The Gilded Serpent website
Roots Raqs: an International Belly Dancer goes home to Macedonia - by Paola
Safe Dancing Tips - by Kashmir
Saidi Dance - by Ashraf Hassan
Shira - articles on various topics by Shira
Sikidim, Sikidim - from Al-Ahram Weekly
Silk - an indulgent luxury - by Leslie Wood from Hawaii Belly Dancer Magazine
Sin Eaters: Sheiks condemn charity meals from bellydancers - from Cairo Bureau Chief Gayle Young
So you Want to go Pro? - by Jasmin Jahal
So you Want to Learn to Belly Dance - by Roz Rayner-Rix
Soraya's Mission Statement, Professionalism and Integrity in the Entertainment Business and Beyond"! - by Soraya
Star Interviews - meet various belly dance artists through their interviews on Oriental Dancer.net
Still More Dancing in the '70s - by Kalifa, from The Gilded Serpent website
Surviving Stage Fright - by Jasmin Jahal
Tips on Getting Tips - by Zaheea
The Top Twenty Club Cliches - by Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
Tummy Talk - by Susan Hack
Tummy Trouble in Cairo - by John Daniszewski
Under Wraps on the Stage: women in the performing arts in post-revolutionary Iran - by Maryam Habibian
Undercover Belly Dance in Irag: Thaawumpf - by Meena
"Veiled Visions": how Belly Dance music was first brought to the United States - by Ray Rashid
Western Dancer's Guilt - by Miles Copeland
What is Fusion? - by Michelle Morrison
What is Phrasing? - by A'isha Azar
What is Tsifteteli? - by Chryssanthi Sahar Scharf
When Comparing & Contrasting - by Shira
When in Cairo... belly dance - by Anthony Sattin
When Pop Culture Meets Belly Dancing; here we go again! - by Shira
Who Really Gave Us This Dance? - by Sausan

A Night in the Desert: the planning of a show
by John Parker

After our show in May at Tasty Kabobs Restaurant, Yasmina and I talked about how well it went. We had such a good time, I thought it would be nice to do something else. We should do a show case, something special. We talked more and more about it. We compared shows that we had seen before and talked about what we liked and disliked about them. Then we decided on a live band. Something that has not been done much. Then the fun really began. Where do we hold it, what dancers to ask and where do we find a band.

The first step was where to hold the show. This was not easy. After many calls, either the places were to small, to expensive or already booked. We finally found a room with a great stage. Yasmina was unable to look at it, so I got to go. I inspected it and was impressed, but I am not a dancer. So with my recommendation she said OK. We have the place, now for the dancers.

We sat down and talked about who we would like in the show. We made a list consisting of what I thought would be nice, and what she wanted. Than came the confrontation. I told her what I disliked about other shows. To long, boring and lack of variation. We finally came to an agreement on the dancers. I think each had something to give the show. Luckily everyone could do it. Now for the band.

We asked a lot of people about musicians they knew or had heard play before. After contacting some of them we thought this might be hopeless. We thought that rooms were expensive. But Morgiana was the one who came through for us. She told Yasmina about a group she had worked with several years ago, but was not sure if they were still together. She hunted for the phone number and got back with us. Yasmina called and spoke with one of the brothers. The Nights of Athens was a Greek band and was use to working with belly dancers. This was perfect. We had a place, dancers and a band.

Now the work really began. We decided on a two hour show. Anything more than that would start to get boring. We wanted to leave the audience wanting more. We decided on 8 dancers, so time would have to be limited. Yasmina talked to each dancer about what they would like to do. Some of the dancers had specialties that we wanted to show case. Then the line up, who will be first and so on. This line up was changed a few times over the months from June to August. We asked for bio's, not an easy task for anybody to write about yourself. One bio we received was more like a feature article for a belly dance magazine. It was very important, but to long for the program. Soon we had received all the bio's. We made a few programs sending to the dancers for proof reading, which we were glad we did. We made a few mistakes. Yasmina kept in contact with the dancers by mail and the band by FAX machine. We wanted to keep everyone informed. We sent maps, room and stage dimension and how the room would be setup for that nights performance. Trying to keep any questions answered and surprises to minimum. Trying to call people is difficult and the band was very difficult to get a hold of, so Faxing was the easiest way to communicate.

Advertising was something else to consider. We wanted more than just the dance community to experience this night. We made hundreds of fliers and passed them out at events, dance classes, restaurants, college campuses, every place we could think of. We sent and gave them to friends and co-workers. We submitted news releases to the newspapers and the New Times. We made about 800-900 fliers. If only 20% of them showed up we would have been very happy.

If you came to the show you know the stage was huge. So we attempted to build some props. The camel and pyramid turned out great. The moon and palm tree never made to the stage. Everything is done. Dancers and band are ready, props are made, programs and tickets are printed. Everything is piled in the spare bedroom ready to go. Now we wait for Saturday night. Four days before the show only, 45 tickets have been sold. We were sweating it a bit. But what the heck, if it doesn't pay, we will have one hell of a party.

I must admit, the night of the performance was great. The dancer's were in great moods, really looking forward to performing. The band was a little late, but when they started playing the place came alive. Everybody was excited, really excited. I have never seen an audience so interested in what was going on. Hardly anyone talked. They moved around so they could see better. Every dancer was on top of things. I have never seen so much energy. I felt by the end of the night, it was a success. Then counting the ticket stubs and finding out we had sold enough, was an added bonus.

We had such a good response from this show, we decided to do it all over again. We located a theater for the next show, which was much better for filming, and had 4 cameras at this performance. This night was even bigger and better then our first attempt. Both shows are now available on video, see our ad in this issue for ordering information.

Thank you for your support.
The Belly Dance Widower
John Parker

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Hi, I am a Belly Dance Widower
by John Parker

That is what I would have said a few years ago. Being the husband of a busy dancer you feel abandoned. I mean I can not dance or play zills, so there is no place for me at the performances. So, what do you do? If you are like me and have two left feet and no rhythm, you can not learn to dance or play a musical instrument. Plus stage fright might be another reason. So I decided to become a part of what was going on. I was watching TV one day and saw a program about Public Access. I suggested this to my wife, Yasmina and we decided to look into it. Because Belly Dancing is so misunderstood, this would give her a chance to spread the word about how wonderful the dance is. This is how I became part of the dance community. I became the Director of "The Joy of Belly Dancing" TV show.

Now the TV program is going on to other things, video production. This is a whole other ball game. In video production there are so many other things to think about. Copyright laws, royalties, time limits, studio time (which costs a bundle), quality of reproduction to name a few. After the tape is finished, how to distribute and market it. Then making a profit. Just think, to make a half hour video, it will take you at least eighty hours of work. You have to plan the video, make sure the star practices, schedule studio time, contact the musicians for permission to use their music, find out fees, photo session for the front cover, film the video, edit to final product, the list goes on. The first time around seems endless. Remember ask for help. Most people in the video production business are very willing to help as long as you do not have an attitude. Remember sharing your experience is one of the best parts of doing this.

One thing I have learned is that the dance is a very versatile way to express yourself beautifully. As a viewer of a dance performance I look for the enthusiasm, beauty and enjoyment of the dancer and her dance. All this talk about some are not catering to the Middle Eastern Community seems backwards to me. These people have come to America to enjoy some change in their life. Change is the essences of what has to happen. Learn from the past, keep it, improve it, make people understand it. Make your audience, no matter who it is, love it. Let this dance spread. Lets get more people to enjoy it. The Dance community needs to work together and support each other. Everyone has something to give.

Being involved with the dance and its community has made Yasmina and my life together better. Hope to see you at some of our future endeavors.

John Parker
Seven Veils Production

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The Painting
by Naseem

I do not know the name of the painting, nor do I know who painted it. Small children do not let their minds be cluttered by such mundane things. I do know the place where the painting hangs is somewhere in Dayton Art Institute.

My family took me there often when I was small, and this painting captured my attention. I would stare at it for what seemed like ages, transported to another world. I would find myself standing on a dark street somewhere in the Middle East. Drab dirty buildings rise up around me. A crowd of onlookers surround the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. Her skin is creamy white, and her moves sinuous. She is a belly dancer. Her head is thrown back, hair cascading down behind her, and her eyes focus upwards, towards the heavens. The light converges on her, especially her rounded pale belly.

I want to be like her. She seems so strong, to stand before such a crowd and dance alone. Every eye focuses on her, the epitome of beauty. Hence, my mind equated her beauty and strength with the ancient dance she performed, and it became my goal to learn this dance.

I tried to copy the moves of the belly dancers I had seen. It wasn't until I started high school, however, that I really learned the dance. I signed up for classes and found a wonderful teacher. I studied and progressed, practicing for hours at a time, and began performing.

When I dance, nothing is planned. I often dance to live music, but even when I dance to taped music there is no choreography. Whirling and twirling, my hips move to the music. I feel beautiful. I become strong. All eyes are focused on me, and I dance for the joy of living.

Being alone on stage has given me courage to come out of my shell. This ancient dance has completely changed my outlook. I now feel as if I can take on the world. I used to be afraid to speak out in class, fearing the attention, but now I am willing. Presentations in front of people no longer fill me with dread. I am outgoing where I was once quiet and shy.

Belly dance has also allowed me to immerse myself in a culture. I play Mid-Eastern music on a drum called a doumbek. I perform in Mid-Eastern restaurants and sample the food. I know the long history of the oldest dance on Earth, an ancient history that is passed down from dancer to dancer.

The community of belly dancers is diverse. We are all ages, and come from many occupations. We have different levels of involvement; some dance every once in a while, others are completely immersed. All are welcome, however, in this great network, and all are valued. The seasoned dancer who has been performing for years has a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart, while new dancers bring a freshness. Belly dance provides a camaraderie for all who love and understand it.

There is a mystery to the dance I cannot put on paper. Words cannot describe it. Anyone who watches the dance, however, sees it. It comes from the ancients, from the sacredness of the dance so many women have performed through the ages. It is the spiritual aspect of the dance that only another dancer can come close to understanding, although it is different for each individual.

I have become the woman in the painting. I am strong and beautiful. The eyes of the world are upon me. I know her movements, perform those same movements. I cast my eyes upward to the heavens. I am part of something greater than myself.

Amira
International Emissary of Dance

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