Interview with Warda Maravilha by Mahaila Tat Ishtar

                                    Warda Maravilha - Famous Brazilian Belly Dancer                                        How do you work with your students the differents styles, that you have adopted as (being) its standard and non-creation of dancers clones?                                                                 Warda -> They know my style, and inside, I present the variations. Also because my standard is quite varied, free and loose. Also always show videos of dancers who are my idols, like Fouad Naju and Nadia Jamal, for example. But above all, learning to keep their essences.

In your opinion, why is it that our country affects both the patterns of belly dancing in the market, recognizing either as an ideal, which ends up promoting a certain bias with that model presented in our different category?
Warda -> This is true! I was very sad when I returned to Brazil *, and I look at it very closely on juries dance. The problem is quite complex. The lack of grip to impose themselves, I believe that is the main cause. I am what I am always and never changed my way for me to fit into any alleged default, since I always know that my style fits perfectly in the real Arab world, then would not accept anyone who would tell me otherwise.
I believe that we have changed a lot about it in Brazil. But we still have to work harder for everyone to choose their own styles by personal taste.
* Warda spent 12 ½ years in Arab countries like Dubai, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, among others.


For international career, the shoes are a requirement. In its place, here in Brazil, you encourage the use of their students?
Warda -> Personally, I only dance jump. But do not force her, no. Also because I have students of all ages, and work it well. But the use of step to me, is undoubtedly much more elegant.


In another interview, you said that there are many differences between dancing in Brazil and abroad. With regard to makeup, there are also disparities?
Warda -> The makeup abroad are much more beautiful than in Brazil, are arts. Different colours are used, smoky .. In Brazil, that makeup is always used very basic. I am full wagon when it comes to makeup, total Lebanese.


If you were not a dancer and belly dance teacher, what profession would follow?Why?
Warda -> Probably something in the beauty - I'm in love with beauty. Or actress.


I would like to leave a message for our readers?
Warda -> Study hard, watch many videos, not just those that everybody knows, and yes, those who are different, who are or have essentially Arabic! Kisses in the heart.


www.wardabellydance.com.br

After all, who is master?

After all, who is master?Rule that dictates the teacher is one who holds a Master degree, title of academic degree what happens to the degree awarded to an individual who showed complete mastery of a subject on which the study had a specific and directed.
But let's be sensible, this term is quite relative. An example of this is the relentless controversy over the regulation of the profession of journalism. Currently, to hold the office do not need the degree. Now: should be considered less professional who, despite having no straw, does its job competently, often even better than a student or graduate of the course? How many renowned professionals and active today, the media, precursors of lines of thought, models and diagramming program formats, would be disqualified, according to this viewpoint? Teachers are not they? According to the Department of Education, no. And as soon as this training can not be mentioned in the curriculum, because teacher is one who has the record. But even this is the reality?
Not destroy the merit of who owns study (yes, they are all teachers!). The idea here is to be open to acceptance by those who have knowledge, experience and innovative ability to create methods to develop their own activities, education, and encourage those who enjoy common interests to not only become followers imitate him, but also produce their own styles.
Confused? Not so. In belly dancing, this concept can also be applied and it is precisely this purpose. Who is the master belly dance? Master is not only one who presents and teaches techniques - it's up to the teacher-adviser - but especially one who is creator of concepts and biggest supporter of so many other creations by the students. No diminishing the teacher-adviser (he also has his prestige, as it is located and instructs existing practices). But unlike the master, he only plays.
From this point of view, not always time to market or education is crucial to label this or that person as a teacher. And, following this line of reasoning, it is feasible to say that even a student can be considered master. Look, I'm not saying that everyone is, but simply ensuring the existence of this possibility, since the student meets the requirements for classification as such.
Therefore, prevention measures to extremism, the promotion of the title or unbridled preaching of the strict maximum level that deals with - "who has a master's master" - try to keep an open mind before making judgments and above all, accepted that always has something to be learned and that the person next to you, sometimes it is able to present a solution, or teaching aid. The next may surprise you quietly.

PS: Interestingly, while concluding this article, I turned on the television, and suddenly, I came across a channel that was showing Kung Fu Panda. If you have not seen it, watch and think ..!

Article by Mahaila.net / Brazil

Makeup in Belly Dancing

                                                           Makeup in Belly Dancing

Is there a topic that deserves much more attention than simply space devoted to this article on this site. But start reading the next lines is already halfway certainly for those who want to tear this regard.
The hallmark of great makeup on belly dancing is enhanced paint around the eyes. But beware! Many other factors must be taken into account when composing the visual presentation; details that make the difference between you being ready to step in, or out door to door, with the maximum 'trick or treating'!
With the advent of the internet and the boom of the youtube videos with thousands of models and makeup tips, exploring colours and designs are sent to the network and arrive with easy access. But well before leaving following the instructions or buying a product, the result of an alert, aware that each face has a structure and skin tone, and what looks good on someone may not necessarily have the same effect on you, even if have strictly followed all the rules. The secret of the makeup of a dancer is to know your strengths to stress, because nothing else will do makeup as well as enhance their expressions through painting.
From this point, you can then make use of shades to match your costume, for example, or work on the classic smoky black and white, which adjust to any attire.Then, go around the eyes with a hint of eyeliner, which can be thin or thick, according to your taste or, more importantly, the type of your eye - almond, round or pulls (Asia). Quite common, the risk is to do with the eyeliner or pencil, by passing the outer corner of eye. This style is popularly known as 'Jade's eyes.'But try not to overdo it. Dramatic eyes do not mean garish.
To highlight the lashes, it is abuse to use mascara or false - provided that you know to apply them. He rolled a question and you think they may come off during his performance? Best-rule. Remember: become an unforgettable look at the subtlety of a sharp and well defined, not by their extrapolation.
The lips and cheeks also deserve attention. Spread gently with a blush brush toward the temples of the face. And in the mouth, and lipstick, you can use eyeliner and lip gloss, to raise or lower lips. These modalities should always take into consideration your skin tone. Experts say shades of pink and salmon are the most appropriate course for the skin, as well as for the coppery brown.
Of course, despite not having been mentioned so far, the correction, foundations and powders are also part of the ritual of beautification of the dancers belly dance.But how do these cosmetics require a much more cautiously in verse about due to its myriad of models, with varying skin types, we prefer not to delve into these items.
Some argue that the makeup to dance near the public needs to be different from those who present themselves on stage in shows. This distinction lies in the fact that the painting should be charged more, because of the distance from the audience and the lights of the effect of the venue. When in doubt, opt for simple, always appreciated by the visual harmony.
Anyway, if you can not afford a professional who keeps impeccable in every show, try investing in a good way of self-makeup. If this possibility is also out of the question, at least remember these tips when you are in front of the mirror.

This week Mahaila.net question: "Are you in favor or against the use of shoes in belly dancing in Brazil?"

Enquete (Brazilian Portuguese)

O fato é inegável: eles estão fazendo a cabeça das mulheres. Ou melhor, calçando seus pés! Os sapatos de salto alto estão ganhando cada vez mais espaço no cenário da arte da dança do ventre. No exterior, em especial nos Emirados Árabes, sapatos são considerados indispensáveis na composição do visual de uma bailarina. Em sua defesa, os militantes do movimento pró-sapato afirmam que, além de proporcionar maior elegância, o calçado priva o público de ver algo totalmente desnecessário como a fatal sujeira que se acumula nos pés da artista, dependendo de sua performance.

No Brasil, apesar de não ser uma exigência dos estabelecimentos contratantes (restaurantes, casas noturnas e eventos em geral que disponibilizam apresentações de dança oriental árabe), o sapato de salto alto tem invadido não só esses locais, mas também espetáculos em teatros, mostras e competições em festivais e até mesmo as salas de aula. Na contrapartida dessa propagação estão os ativistas conservadores da arte milenar, alegando que o sapato não apenas não pertence à tradição, à essência cultural da dança do ventre, como prejudica a saúde das articulações da praticante.

Esta semana Mahaila.net pergunta: "Você é à favor ou contra a difusão do sapato na dança do ventre no Brasil?"

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

Poll (English)

The fact is undeniable: they're doing women's heads. Or rather, his feet shod! The high-heeled are gaining more and more space in the art of belly dancing. Abroad, especially in the UAE, shoes are considered indispensable in the visual composition of the dancers. In his defense, activists of the pro-claim that shoe, and provide greater elegance, footwear deprives the public of seeing something completely unnecessary as the fatal dirt that accumulates in the artist's feet, depending on your performance.

In Brazil, although not a requirement of contracting establishments (restaurants,nightclubs and events in general that provide Arabic Oriental dance performances), the high-heeled shoe has invaded not only those places, but also shows in theaters, small shows and competitions at festivals and even classrooms. In return for this conservative activists are spreading the ancient art, claiming not only that the shoe does not belong to the tradition, the cultural essence of belly dance, as affect joint health of the practitioner.

This week Mahaila.net question: "Are you in favor or against the use of shoes in belly dancing in Brazil?"

New blog updates and our Night Out video!
http://ping.fm/KghoU

Do you know what is Poi Veils?

Veil poi is a new prop in belly dance shows. It appeared as a fusion of styles. Originally performed by the Maori in New Zealand, poi and fire dancing are now seen at festivals, raves, concerts and nightclubs around the world. Whether you are performing on a big stage or simply dancing for yourself, poi will add a hypnotic and colourful dynamic.

"It definitely will help you to improve your own show and make it more captivating.  I started to use it after having experience dancing with fire and glow poi." Said Alexis. The most fantastic is that once you learn poi veils then you can also perform and create choreographies with glow poi, that is a boll with LED inside and when you spin it create lights design on the air around you. You also can dance with pixels poi, that is also LED poi in form of a baton however you program on the computer what to write on the air. You can even write the bride's name or the name of your company. A part from LED poi you can also dance with flag, ribon, spiral, veils poi.

Last week we had a girls night out and Alexis, our lovely HADASSAH Stars teacher performed as surprise with pixels poi. That was absolutely amazing! The combination of the song and the patterns she could draw in the air was absolutely amazing. Everyone was watching so surprise as me. Have a look at our Night Out video. You will see the even in a minuscule restaurant with limited space she could dance and make the audience paralyzed. The only word we could hear was: OMG!!!

The fantastic news is that to all belly dancers in the UK, Alexis will teach us to belly dance with poi veils on the 20th November. How exciting is that? She is one of the pioneers in the UK and have circus background which make her even more special. In the workshop you will learn the technique to use all kind of poi. In the workshop we are going to use Spiral Poi, afterwards you can dance with flag, spiral, veils poi, as mentioned before.
The bad news :-( is that we have only 2 places left due to the fantastic repercussion. So have a look below and grab your poi workshop opportunity!

For all workshop info and more Alexis poi videos visit: HADASSAH Stars

How to wash your belly dance costume!

Do you know you need to wash your belly dance costumes?

Dancing every night you need to have many costumes. But it is comum you repeat your costumes from one week to other. When the costume is new, the fabric and beats are so shiny but it never smells good, even when just come from the designers. A mix with incense, shisha and cigaret makes even a brand new costume smells HORRIBLE!!! So what you do? Perfume... :-) and you keep using it adding make up and sweaty. GOSH!!! 

Because is new costume we refuse to wash, as it looks clean. But trust me, it is not clean.

Fresh air or bacterial spray helps for a little while till the day you go to work and you can smell your colleagues costumes, so you realise that we all should wash more frequently. I was thinking, make up, shisha, food smells, sweaty and sometime liquids on the floor that your costume wiped up. Gosh, time to wash all my costumes!

But how is the best way to wash? My friends wash on the wash machine, that I have tried and I confess that is scared when you have a pretty expensive costume. So I washed by hand, one by one and it was a good experience. 

See below how I did. so you can wash your costumes too and won't smell like my friend ;-))))

I washed all inside a plastic box in the bathroom, but you can also wash on the sink or bath.

1- Fill the sink or bath with clean warm water. Cold won't take all stain off and too hot can damage fine fabrics and crystals. 

2- Add soap or wash capsules. I used Surf with essential oils capsules. It is small plastic capsules filled with a liquid to wash your cloths in the wash machine but once you sink it in the water it melts and mix with the water. I liked the work it did and its smells sooo good and fresh.

 3- Sink your costume in the water and start to wash by hand paying more attention where you have make up and stains. Allow the product clean your costume at the same time use your hands to help the stains off. Always very delicate moves.

 4- You are going to see the water very dirty, that is a mix with dirty and fabric colour. Change with clean water as many times as necessary. Just use soap in the first wash afterwards just clean water to take the soap off. You might need to change about 3 times with clean water. Don't worry if still after 3 washes the water is still a bit coloured, it might be the fabric colour.

 4- It will be very wet, so just hang somewhere in the bath and allow it dry a bit, naturally.

5- Once it dropped all water you can hang your costume close to a open window and allow it dry naturally with fresh air. It might take 3 days to dry completely but I am planning to leave it drying for 5 days. If you store your costume still a bit wet it will create mold, you might don't see but certainly will smell.

 6- When you hang your costume also check if you need to fix anything. Always is necessary some sewing or replacements. So before use again make sure you fix all necessary.

Remember that using perfume every night also make your costume smells bad after long time. So I strongly suggest you all to wash your costumes every 3 month or less, if you use regularly certain costumes. 

I hope this help you to keep your costumes clean and smelling like flower flowers. 

PS. I hope my colleague read this :-/ 

Wonderful Greek Night

Who said belly dancing can only be danced by Middle Eastern songs? Well, I also thought that before meet Galu Restaurant in Sutton. A few months ago I first danced at Galu restaurant and for my surprise was with live band, which I love. But for one more surprise, was with Greek live band! Well, never tried before. When I first started I felt sooo stif, gosh! I didn't know the songs and was worried being dancing funny. But the music was so good to dance that I would stay there for all my life. Tonight was the second time I danced with Greek live band at the same venue. Tonight was much more relax and I could enjoy even more. Lovely people, great management, spectacular band, what I wanted more? So I would say to you that we can belly dance even chines music if we truly enjoys it and let the rhythm takes us. A big smile and connection with the audience is the key don't let the night die. For now I suggest everyone interested in Greek food to visit Galu, you will absolutely adore the environment. Www.galu.co.uk

The campaign "Stop Ballet within Bellydance"

This image was the most popular in the last months against Ballet within Bellydance.
One of the most polemic subject in the last years. There was no group, forums and groups of friends that wouldn't talk about this polemic mix of styles.

Ballet is part of bellydance since 1930's when Europeans influenced Bellydance adding Classic Ballet technique into this tribal and street style. The idea in that period was to professionalise the dance to be seen in theatres and musicals. Badia Bassabai, the dancer who opened the first Cassino in Cairo with public shows of Bellydance, also had added ballet into bellydance to be able to choreograph peaces to the public and make it more sellable.

Ballet for long time was necessary to develop technique, posture and add professionalism in belly dancing. Nowadays everyone is noticing there are too much ballet into Oriental Dance and even Folkloric styles, which most professionals don't agree. We can see some dancers, with ballet background with stiff arms and strong moves from ballet. But we also have to agree that these elements might be bringing more ideas, new steps and another way to bellydance. It worked in early 1930's why won't work now?

I do agree that Bellydance is a cultural dance and must be performed like its origins respecting the folkloric and historical side. However I believe all these new elements from ballet can contribute positively in our dance, considering that Ballet is the first form of technical dance ever registered.

The correct I would say, everyone should learn classic music if one dance want to play rock in roll and everyone should learn ballet if one day want to dance hip hop... Does that make sense???? What I want to say is that Classical form of art is always more complex, studied and precise and YES can contribute to folklore and popular styles of music and dance.

However, I have to agree with most of Facebook and Twitter comments saying that "When is too much is too much!!!"

Are you dancing bellydance or Ballet wearing Egyptian costume?

So, I believe classical art must be studied by everyone to understand art and learn to appreciate the beauty of it. However, once you decide to do bellydance, study it with love and all your passion. Integrate in your moves the passion of this culture and the love of these songs and only Belly Dance...

About last post! Subconscious judgement.

Oh Gosh, never realised so many people would read the last post and find themselves in that situation. What a coincidence? So I suppose a lot people must study first and then find a job. Or better, take the job of other professionals instead.
Anyway, when I wrote that was inspired in daily auditions between 4 restaurants I work at and surprisingly a few dancers recognised themselves in that situation and called me to ask why write about them? What?? Wasn't exactly about them, was a general comment with something that keep happening and we want to change.

The case is that girls are impulsive and right away said: Why to write about me? I don't study because I am learning with youtube? I can't study because don't have money? I can't study but I have done a lot? bla bla bla.. What I can do with that? That is just excuses that won't help at all.

We give the job and expect improvement, however no improve no job! Because there is a lot girls out there that have been studying for at least 10 years, hardly and spent a lot money on that. So it is not fair you take the job if you have no knowledge enough and "recognise this". If you recognise yourself I suppose your subconscious is telling you the true and yourself are taking the responsibility to get off the professional works yourself! So no one has to fire you, because you did yourself.

I wish all girls starting in this business have a look at the "big picture" and not only what is around them. I hope they take the advices and improve, keep studying hardly, or honestly... get a life! don't waist your time in something is not for you.

Dancers can't stop to learn!!!!

I know this sounds just obvious but some people don't get it.
I am lucky I born in a third world country where people really take serious every single thing they do. If someone choose to do belly dance for hobbie, you can make sure from this classes will grown many potential professionals. In third world countries everything works like that, because people just choose something to do when is really engaged with that and they will give their blood to realise it.

Unfortunately living in london I've seen strange thing. Classes drop in every where, teachers that have no clue about anything what they are teaching. Girls that come to audition and have no idea what is belly dance, have never ever taken regular classes and want the job. Eventually they take the jobs because they are pretty, but trust me, it won't last long.

That is what countries with good economy makes on us. Everyone hunting for fast/shit learning just to make money, with no love and passion for anything they do.

Working for a well known restaurant in London, I've learn one dancer went for audition, didn't get trough but is still bugging for the position. Strangely is that our manager asked her if she is studying and she said is practicing at home!!! come one, this girl have ever taken any class and can't make one simple basic step properly. It is so shame!!! The most sad is that my manager told her that she should LEARN, proper learn, taking regular classes etc... But she have million excuses and bad choices.

This dancer kept saying is learning on her own trough youtube. Com'n, who can learn with theirselves when they don't know absolutely anything to start on.

We did needed this girl, she would have many shows regularly if take serious. But this girls doesn't seems to have clue the importance of learning. So the life will have to show her in a hard way.

If I could give you guys one single advice would be: Don's stop to learn!!!!!! That is you guarantee.

Beauty and lucky one day gone and the knowledge will save you.

Best of luck to all hunting for belly dance job but please don's stop to take classes ;-)

Ya Ghaieb - Fadl Shaker

Arabic

Ya ghayeb

ya ghayeb leih ma tes2al
a7babak elly y7eboonak
ma ynamo el-leil le 3oyounak
ana bafakkar feek
teb3od 3anny w tensany
me7tajak janby ter3any
tnaseeny jrou7y w a7zany
ana moshta2 le 3eneik
ya 7abiby, la trou7 be3eed
enta naseeby w be 2lby el-wa7eed
enta elly fe alby wallah
tefdak ed-denye kella
[2x]
7obbak ghayar 7ayaty
nassany jrou7y w 2ahaty
fakkarny be kell 7kayaty
khallany doub
enta gharamy kello
ya shamsy, 3omry w dello
aslak hal 3alam kello
7obak ma toub
ya 7abiby, la trou7 be3eed
enta naseeby w be 2lby el-wa7eed
enta elly fe alby wallah
tefdak ed-denye kella
ya ghayeb leih ma tes2al
a7babak elly y7eboonak
ma ynamo el-leil le 3oyounak
ana bafakkar feek
teb3od 3anny w tensany
me7tajak janby ter3any
tnaseeny jrou7y w a7zany
ana moshta2 le 3eneik
ya 7abiby, la trou7 be3eed
enta naseeby w be 2lby el-wa7eed
enta elly fe alby wallah
tefdak ed-denye kella
ya ghayeb leih ma tes2al
a7babak elly y7eboonak
ma ynamo el-leil le 3oyounak
ana bafakkar feek
teb3od 3anny w tensany
me7tajak janby ter3any
tnaseeny jrou7y w a7zany
ana moshta2 le 3eneik

English

O Absent One

o absent one, why don't ask
your loved ones that love you
that won't sleep the night for your eyes
I'm thinking about you
you go away from me and forget me
but I need you here next to me to take care of me
to make me forget my wounds and sorrows
I miss your eyes
oh my love, don't go away
you're my destiny and the only one in my heart
you're the one in my heart, I swear
I'd sacrifice the whole world for you
[2x]
your love changed my life
it made me forget my wounds and pains
and reminded me of all my tales
and made me melt
you are all my love
my sun, my life and shadow
you are the whole world
I'll never give up on your love
oh my love, don't go away
you're my destiny and the only one in my heart
you're the one in my heart, I swear
I'd sacrifice the whole world for you
o absent one, why don't ask
your loved ones that love you
that won't sleep the night for your eyes
I'm thinking about you
you go away from me and forget me
but I need you here next to me to take care of me
to make me forget my wounds and sorrows
I miss your eyes
oh my love, don't go away
you're my destiny and the only one in my heart
you're the one in my heart, I swear
I'd sacrifice the whole world for you
o absent one, why don't ask
your loved ones that love you
that won't sleep the night for your eyes
I'm thinking about you
you go away from me and forget me
but I need you here next to me to take care of me
to make me forget my wounds and sorrows
I miss your eyes

Ottoman Empire and Turkish Style

The Ottoman Empire started in 1343 to 1922, when sultanate was abolished and Turkey become a republic.
The centre of the Empire was always the Royal Palace. The harems were part of the house where all women of the family stayed altogether. It was a place where non-family man was not allowed so they had the Eunuchs to guard the Sultan's harem. The harens was alweys huge with hundred of womend who were wives and cuncubines. Because the Ottoman Empire was muslin, music and dance was forbidden. However Rakkase is from the Ottoman Empire, they would dance in the harems women for women, they had to wear headscarves and conservative dresses. Although forbidden by religion, the government tolerate music and dance.
The females dancers would hardly apear to the public so for intertainment they had male belly dancers called Rakkas. The male would have more freedom. The history said there are two kinds of Rakkas: Kocek and Tavsan Oglan.The Tavsan Oglan would wear a hat and tight trousers and the Kocek would wear women's costume with long hair. Both use to dance in public celebrations and wedings.
Without women for these intertainments male dancers would take the post. They were dance and music trained and they dance sexy and provocative. Everything to attract the public they danced slow belly moves, acrobatics, playing metal symbals and using wooden stiks like cane. The boys ware very attractive, affeminate and they would dance as long as they can hide the beards. The boys was a good substiture for the Rakkase, women's belly dancers, however sometimes the public lost control sattering glasses, shouting and attacking the dancers.
The dancers were organised by agencies. All dancers would work to agents who find the performances and train them. The historian said there were over 3000 male dancers and 15 agencies in Turkey in that period.
In 1856 the male belly dancers were officially baned from Turkey during Mahmut II era. Many Koceks were forced to Emigrate to other countries and many went to Egypt.
There are still a lot male belly dancers in Turkey, in some areas they still dress as women. Nowadays they no longer work in agencies like in the Ottoman empire. The male belly dancers are as popular as female and they perform as part of the country folk and no as sexy as in the Ottoman Empire.
The idea of male belly dancers is purly from Turkey in the Ottoman Empire. It is still not acceptable in Middle Eastern countries to see male dancing affeminate and moving sexly their bodies. However it is acceptable folkloric dancers.

Belly Dancer Diary - One day with Francy!

I normally wake up early, about 8:30am, as a married woman I try to match my times with my husband even when is hard to me. Having a nightlife is hard to keep a "normal life". So I do my best to be able to dance as long as I wish keeping the marriage harmony.
First thing in the morning I take my vitamins, that helps me to keep going healthy and then I have a light breakfast. Soon as the morning starts I have to answer all emails and voice mails I couldn't answer the evening before as I was dancing. Normally the emails are requests to private parties, new students to my lessons, new girls for my agency, business proposal etc... Mornings and early afternoons I spend most time answering all emails and calls.
About 12:30am I will probably cook something light with loads of proteins and fibre that keep me going all day on. Sometimes I like to try new Middle Eastern food.
From 1:30pm, when normally the other performers wake up the phone don't stops ringing to cover shows and find covers to last minute shows. Afternoons are time to prepare the cd's for the evening, sewing costumes when necessary, practice a bit new steps... Also is time to look after hair, nails, skin.
About 4:30pm I normally have a break to eat some light snack and prepare my water bottle To take with me for the evening.
From 5pm the time is precious and run fast. Then will have loads to prepare same time so I won't answer the phone to concentrates in get ready on time. My shows starts early as 7pm so I need to be ready to leave at 6pm. I work every day of the week, some days teaching and the rest of the week and weekend performing. The shows will finish as late as 1230pm, this because I defined till what time I want to work because I know most of my colleagues will finish at 3am. But for me by 2am I am in bed resting to start a new crazy day tomorrow. For a professional belly dancer, who lives with dance and teaching, has to keep busy to guarantee a good income. As our work is very enjoyable I don't feel the need to take day off but I do take long holidays!

Week days - Around 2-3 shows per night
Weekends - Around 5-7 shows per night

Full time dance teacher diary - One day with me again!!!

My day is pretty much the same every day. As I already told you in my Dancer Diary I wake up about 8:30am. The days I teach I check emails and return calls during all mornings, have a break for lunch and afternoon I prepare my lessons.
So when I teach I spend my afternoon creating new choreographies and remixing new songs for the lessons. Normally these days I also contact new gyms for new groups or book new private lessons to the next weeks. Restaurants also book us to teach in hen parties.
These afternoons I take to organise all I have to teach in that week and plan my schedule. Some groups need more attention and some I need to create more difficult combinations to challenge them. When the group has already about 10 choreographies we organise a family show. Or the group take part of charities and haflas.
If the group decide to take part of any event I may spend one afternoon ordering costumes from the designer in Egypt.
 When is about 6pm I leave home way to my lessons. I normally take with me a huge bag with scarves and everything the girls might need for their lessons. My lessons take 2 hours. First we would do technique and secondly choreographies. When I teach I arrive at home about 11pm.

I normally have 3 afternoons private lessons and 1 or 2 evening group lesson.

How to choose the right belly dancer for your event?

Nowadays is possible to find a huge selection of professionals available to entertain your guests. From modern to tribal, from Egyptian raqs el sharq to cabaret style. All sizes and shapes, all experience levels and prices. But remember, in your party the most important are your guests, so choose a dancer who will match your guest's expectations, not just yours.

When you know exactly what you want for your party contact the professional belly dancers and let her knows "clear" what you expect from the show. It's important to inform if there is any religion restriction or a special guest who should be invited to dance.

Remember: cheap always cost more. If you are doing the party of your life like your wedding or a special day to someone you should really consider to hire the best dancer you can afford. It's worth the money and you will keep amazing videos and photos of the special moment.

BUT... If you still prefer to hire the cheapest one, you can still delete your photos and videos later, however you won't delete the bad experience from your guests memory!

How much can cost to be a Belly Dancer??? Check below how much a "real" professional belly dancer should spend yearly so you can understand their prices.

Considering only professional performers:

• A professional dancer who performs everyday has to have at least 10 professional costumes to cover everyday of the week surprising the audience. Note that most professional dancers have more then 30 costumes. However the professionals buy at least 10 costumes a year. Each "real professional costume" you can't find for less then £250 and can get up to £700 new. So lets do a medium price of £300 each considering tailor adjustments. 10 Costumes x £300 = £3000 a year.
• A "real professional" dancer spend loads of money for the first 10 years studing with the hight profile teachers, some of them travel to Egypt regularly. The fist 10 years are decisive to build up a professional carrer, so they attend private lessons, buy DVD's, travel, attend workshops. I would say the first 10 years is when we spend more money, after that we still invest in lessons but might be half and it has to keep forever. It cost at least £2000 per year.
• Since 1930's all professional belly dancer use high heels. Firstly for more elegance on stage and secondly for health and safty reasons. A good dance shoes don't cost less then £45 in the UK. And if the dancer performs everynight she might need about 3 to 5 pair a year. Let's say 3 pairs a year x £45 = £135 a year.
• All professional dancers like to perform with some props to intertain the audience. All these props have to buy new one each year as it gets demaged using everyday. So she must have at least: 1 cane = £25, zills = £25, 5 silk veils = £150, Sword = £100, Fan veis = £35
• Most belly dancers use hair extentions, false eyelashes, false nails, fake tan and it can easily cost over £2000 a year.
• As we perform everynight we also have to use good products on our skin. Make up products £500 year
• Cd's and mp3 musics £100

Please note I have mentioned all in a medium price. High profile dancers spend much more money for sure!!!

A "REAL Professional Belly Dancer" invest in their work at least
Monthly £672.50
Yearly £8070.00 !!!

Sadly some dancers just buy DVD's online and costumes cheap as £100. They can charge much less, they will perform to your guests and unfortunatelly you all will think our work is "that cheap".

Now think twice when you choose a dancer to your event. And help us to keep the real dancers who invest their lives preserving this ancient art.

Do you still want the cheap one?

Oriental Dance Stars and the Egyptian Golden Era

Badia Masbani

• Born in Lebanon around 1896
• Moved to Egypt in 1920's
• She opened the first music Hall in cairo called "Opera Casino"
• She trained many stars such as Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Naima Akef
• She introduced into belly dance folk steps and improved the way to dance adding more arms moves and using all stage. From this it was known as Oriental Dance or Raqs el Sharki

Tahiya Carioka

• Born is Ismaileya, Egypt around 1915
• When teenenger she went to work with her family in Cairo where she started her carrer as dancer
• She was introduced to Badia then started to dance in Opera Casino's trupe and gradually became famuous
• She starred in not less then 150 films in that period
• She was know as Carioka as she introduced into belly dance Brazilian Samba moves improving shimmies

Samia Gamal

• Born in Egypt in 1924
• She also started her carred in Opera Casino and trained by Badia
• Samia was also trained in ballet and modern danced which later she introduced techniques into belly dance improving our posture and stage skills
• She soon became famous and starred in films includding the famous Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ (1954) with French comedian Fernandel and ‘Valley of the King’ (1955) with Robert Taylor.
• Samia also introduced veils to the dance inspired in Hollywood films
• She had a short relationship with the composer and musician Farid el-Atrash who later split up with her and refused to marry her

Naima Akef

• Naima  starred in many movies and theatre productions and once won the first prize at a festival of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow
• She also took part of the dancers in Kitcat with Beba

 

Farida Mazar Spyropoulos

• Born in Syria around 1871
• She was the firs Oriental Dancer to perform in US at the "Street Cairo" an exhibition held in Chicago in 1893

 

Hekmet Fahmy

• She danced with Beba and Naima in Kitcar cabaret
• She became famous for espionage in Cairo during Second World War, she used her charming to extract important information from English to pass to Germans
• She was imprisioned in 1942 for 2 years after she was suspected of spying for the Germans
• After the was in 1946 she produced a film called "Almotasharidah"

 

 

Shafiqa Al-Qibtiyya

• Born in Cairo, Egypt in 1851
• She was student of Shooq, the first Oriental Dancer in Egypt
• Shafiqa was already famous in 1920's as she was the pioneer to the candelabra dance
• She danced for years in a club called El Dorado and later she opend her own Club know as "Alf Leyla"
• Saddly she became addicted to coccaine and died in 1926

 

 

Houreyya Mohammed

• She worked for Badia Masbani in Opera Casino which opened doors to the cinema

 

Hagar Hamdi

• Hagar took part of many Egyptian films in 40's.
• In the film "Abou Halmous" (The father os Hamous) she plays a dancer in a club. 1947
• She can be seen in more then 30 films in that time and danced in most of them
• She retired in the 1950's and went into clothing business
• She worked with Badia in Opera Casino but got fired as Badia didn't belive in her potential
• So the actor Youssef Wehbe treined her. Once she was ready he gave her a role in his film in 1944.
• She proved in her films that she was indeed a good dancer and actress and she became famour lates 1940's
• She was married 5 times. Once with Kamel el Shenawi (who played her husband in one of the films)
•  She died in 2008 at age 88.

Beba Ezzedin

• Born in 1910 Beirut, Lebanon
• She started her carrer in Beirut
• She opened her own club called "Kitkat" where also Naima Akef danced
• She was well know in the high society and the government circle.She remained famous in 30's, 40's and 50's
• Beba was very successful dancer and business woman earning the equivalent of 150.000 Euros per month by that time.
• Besides being a belly dancers she faught agains English coloni as a Patriot and freedon fighter
• When Badia left Cairo to Syria she sold Opera Casino to Beba. So Beba became a very powerful and successful business woman. She hired high profile dancers and musicians.
• Singers like Souad Mekawy performed in her nightclub
• Beba died in 1950 at age 40 in a car accident

You certainly can find more about these dancers browsing on internet through Wikipedia and Google. All these informations I had collected from teachers around the world. But I did find on internet similar information. You also can see some films with these Stars on youtube.

 

Remember that from these ladies Belly Dance was spread to the world and improved to attract more audience. These ladies are the begining of the Oriental Dance as we know today, before was Gypsy, tribal and gawazee style.

Belly Dance from 1930s and European influences

In 20's and 30's there was plenty of Egyptian films that added belly dance in it's story making it more popular. Egypt was a huge film industry by that time till late 40's. From this period is dated the beginning of a revolution in it's way to dance.
To make belly dance more worldwide, the film producers added veils to make more mysterious, swords making more challenging, high heels shoes making more elegant and other props from Egyptian folklore and gypsy influences. These elements professionalized belly dance and attracted more audience.
If you really love belly dancing you must meet Ms. Badia Masbani! She is considered the godmother of Oriental Dance. She was Lebanese and moved to Egypt early 20's where she worked successfully as actress and dancer. In 1926 she opened the first music hall in Cairo named "Opera Casino" or "Madame Badia's Cabaret". She offered a variety of intertainment such as music, comic, dance and magic. The Opera Casino became a real success and really attracted the tourists from Middle East and Europe.
Badia really contributed with belly dancing introducing to the folk styles such as Shaabi, Gawazee, Baladi, Saidi and Melea more thecnique. These folk styles were danced mostly in one spot using limited arms positions. Badia then introduced snake arms, lift arm and use all stage space. She also was pioneer to choreograph belly dancing for stage shows.She also added classical musicians to the traditional line up of riqq, darboukka, ney and zurna. These musicians then would introduce rhythms from all Middle East, Turkey and Greece, at that time Ottoman Empire.
With all this changes, Badia professionalized belly dancing and it became Raqs el Sharki or Oriental Dance.
But also around1900 French trevelers got fascinated with the rhithms and the hip moves of the gawazees dancers. They described in their travel stories as "danse du ventre" or Dance of the belly. That is why we call Belly Dance.

The Origin of Belly Dancing

It is still not clear in the history when and where excaly started Belly Dance in the World. The closer scientists and anthropologists could get is that Belly Dance started in the ancient Egypt as part of the local religion around 5.000 years ago.
As far as we know, some kind of dance, similar as belly dancing, was executed inside the templos as part of an Egyptian religion. Only special and selected women would dance to attract fertility for humans, animals and nature. These women was called priestess. In this period the religion was matriarchal beliving the women was real God, because they bleed every month and have babies but do not die. For that reason they believed the women had special powers and an conection with the divine.
Later on, many wars and invasions happened in Egypt and Middle East. Specific in 639AD when the Islamic invasion happened they took the Egyptian dances religions as part of the public intertainment and no more as a pagan religion. From there Egypt was no longer preserving their original anscient religion and became Muslin, an patriarchal religion. From this periodo belly dance was seen as part of intertainment in parties and weddings.
Because of the constant wars in this period many women lost their partners. Some of them could marry again or share a husband with other women, some of them became prostitute and others dancers on the streets. From this belly dance became a business when some women, normally gypsies, would sell their dance or intertain people on the streets and private events to get money.
The street belly dancers would receive loads of coins, and they would attach these coins in their belts to save it. More coins, better dancer! that is what they belived.
The best dancers ware invited to dance in the castles to the kings and rich people. These would give them jewelry like rings, earings, bracelets and necklaces. These jewelries the dancer would save attaching them in the costume. That is why nowadays we still use costumes with loads of crystals and rich sequins.
From 639AD till 1930AD, belly dance became an important public intertainment. It was a way to live for many women in that period.
In that period the belly dance would be freestyle and improvising. With loads of hips and arms moves. The music would come from drums, cymbals, harps and many styles of pipes.