Banat el Shamal's topics - tribe.net

Mark Your Calendars: Sunday June 29

2008-04-29T20:15:26Z

from 2-8 p.m.
Kansas City-area
Bellydancers' Picnic and Dance in the Park
Sponsored by Inanna & Siham

This is not a hafla. This is a show for our friends and family on a small outdoor stage at the Festival Shelter in North Kansas City's Macken Park.

Admission is free, but we'll be passing the hat to help defray expenses. And the picnic will be potluck. No alcohol please. Come dance to your hearts' content.

Because Siham and I are fronting the expenses (and Siham's donating use of her sound system), we're offering sign-ups for dance slots first to our troupe members. Then we'll open up registration to everyone else in Kansas City on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who don't get a slot in this show will have first consideration for the next one.

Everybody dance now!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 16 replies

Hafla at Once in a Blue Moon

2008-04-17T16:15:07Z

7-10 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Once in a Blue Moon
1603 W. 39th St.
The corner of 39th & Wyoming two blocks east of State Line Road
Hosted by Layla Bint Ali

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Northland Ethnic Festival

2008-04-06T01:12:30Z

What an absolutely gorgeous spring day we had for dancing outside.

I enjoyed performing with all of you and hope you had a grand time.

You certainly all looked gorgeous, as you can tell from the photos. (I'll be posting the rest in small batches as I get them edited.)

Special thanks to family members who pitched in to help out: BJ for videotaping the show and the husbands of Joy and Tammy who helped with photographs. Shukran to all of you.

Kudos to all of the dancers, especially Bastet for leading the debke line ... Cathy for volunteering at the last minute to take Sherree's place in the veil dance ... Joy for volunteering at the last minute to take Yolanda's place in the zill opening ... Tammy for performing in the veil duet ... Meira for dancing the assaya solo ... Tari and Kymberly for joining us as our newest troupe members ... and Sherree for coming out to support us (and dance a little at the end) despite an aching back.

You are all wonderful.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Where I Got That Copper Coin Choli/Belt/Necklace Set

2008-04-04T01:34:50Z

For those of you who asked at rehearsal tonight: http://www.moondancebellydance.com/tribalbra.htm

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

"Tin Tin" on YouTube

2008-03-28T18:26:04Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7i8YaSxrS8

Pass the link on to your friends and family! And have fun watching.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Weather Forecast for Saturday, April 5

2008-03-27T16:52:33Z

According to weather.com's long-range forecast, it's supposed to be sunny and 60 degrees. Keeping my fingers crossed. That would be perfect, wouldn't it?

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

You girls inspired my new hair sticks!

2008-03-25T01:18:34Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/belliphat/photos/08adf5b0-4d64-40cc-98f9-2f2253e60da6

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Turkish Roman Dance Party Home Video

2008-03-19T15:36:39Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LMFC23NHy8&feature=related

I enjoyed this one, because it showed children and women of all ages and body types dancing together for the sheer joy of it, and dancing well, too.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Aradia to teach at Shimmyfest in Fayetteville, AR, July 18-19

2008-03-16T08:36:55Z

For more information: http://www.shimmyfest.com

Presented by Zahara, Director of Mirage

Aradia of Las Vegas has performed as a soloist throughout the United States, Egypt, and Switzerland, and has danced at many of the top hotels, restaurants and clubs in Las Vegas, as well as performing for Celine Dion's wedding, the Block Buster premiere opening for "The Mummy, and several TV spots on the Discovery and Bravo Channels. Aradia's love for Middle Easter dance began at the age of seven when she witnessed her first performance. The passion an dbeauty of hte dance sent her running home to her family asking to take belly dance classes. Over 20 yeras later, Aradia is still as passionate about this art as ever. Her style is a mixture of Arabic and Turkish cabaret, with an authenticity appreciated by her Middle Eastern audiences. She has diligently worked to become a well-rounded dancer in Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish oriental dance as well as the many folkloric dances that comprise the Middle East. She has refrained from studying any of the classical dance forms, such as ballet and jazz, in an attempt to maintain purity in her dance style. Aradia's performances, full of energy and strength coupled with fluid technique, express her extensive training as well as her sheer joy that is always evident in her smile.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Oh, wow!

2008-03-09T19:35:05Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HncFKRlFcz4

This is such an amazing video. A bit overstated in places. Nevertheless, I was almost in tears watching it. It doesn't look like it's about dance at first, but keep watching.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Don't forget - KC Makeup & Hair Workshop 3/8

2008-03-07T21:58:34Z

Don't forget to sign up for the Makeup & Hair for Belly Dancers Workshop in Kansas City before March 1st and receive $5 off your registration fees! For more details, visit us here: http://www.belliphat.com/

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

I've told Inanna several times but...

2008-02-17T22:31:26Z

... I wanted to share with all who danced at Fusion Fest. I had such a good time watching you all! Your number was one of the most fun ones to watch. I'm so glad Zoria and I got to come this year and get the chance to see you all!!

Amara (Troupe Duende)

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Dabke

2008-02-14T01:57:54Z

Dabke is a line dance, a folk dance that is done throughout the Middle East. And there are all sorts of regional (Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, etc.) variations. Variations within countries, too. Here are some examples of dabke from YouTube, so you can see what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYHXRBlpaKs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crndAWyWpqY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzaLhzADcAA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5LThnz6C5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HaCsZE8CsE

There are basic steps that are quite simple, and it can get as complicated as you want. Instead of a "happy dance," we used to end ethnic festival performances by getting the audience up to dabke. Happy viewing!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Everyone was sick tonight ...

2008-02-14T01:39:35Z

... or otherwise indisposed. So don't worry about what you missed. Here's what you have to look forward to next week:

* An introduction to the masmoudi rhythm, something new to play on the zills
* A review of Tin Tin for the Ethnic Festival
* Starting to learn various steps for the Dabke, which is a simple ethnic line dance that is good for warming up, and we can use is at the Ethnic Festival (and other places)
* Movement to interpret masmoudi rhythm
* Balancing (I've got really cool Pharonic piece of music to use for Siham's show next fall, and those of you who wish to can show off your skills balancing trays or swords)
* Opening up and caring for our backs (now that you all have a bit more movement in the shoulders, I want to start developing more healthy back flexibility)
* Cool down with new back stretches

See you all next week. At least, I hope everyone will be well by then.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Tin Tin

2008-02-12T00:40:18Z

I know I'm beginning to sound repetitive ... but you all did me proud. I'm looking forward to seeing the dance on video, but I already know we did well. I could tell from the audience response. Did you feel it? One of the other dancers, Dawn, called our dance "fun" and "flirty." Did you feel flirty? I know I did. <grin>

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

India Bazaar Website

2008-02-08T04:49:41Z

Tammy, here's the link you asked me to re-post:

http://www.sihorgroup.com/

Sorry I just now remembered.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Why Sherree Wasn't at Class Last Night

2008-02-08T04:33:54Z

I just spoke with Sherree this morning, and it wasn't the weather that kept us from enjoying her company yesterday evening. Her husband, John, is in the hospital with gallbladder trouble and will be in surgery this morning at 11. Because of some complications, it might not just be the laproscopic surgery. So please send prayers, good thoughts, energy his way. I asked Sherree if there is anything she needs, and she couldn't think of anything. She sounded really tired, has been at the hospital with John since Sunday (I think), and I'm sure isn't able to do a lot to take care of herself right now. So prayers, good thoughts, energy for Sherree, too.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

The Roads May Be Clear This Evening

2008-02-06T16:08:28Z

I didn't know whether to post this as a new topic or a continuation of an old one.

At any rate, I'm sure you know by now that today is a snow day for the North Kansas City school district, which normally means we would not have class. However, we do have a performance coming up this weekend. And I am hearing the snow will stop about noon, giving crews time to clear the streets by this evening.

So ... I don't want anyone getting out in the weather if they are concerned about the streets or walking in the slippery stuff ... but for anyone who would like to come rehears this evening. I will be here.

And remember this is a dress rehearsal.

Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 38 degrees, so we should be okay for rehearsal then.

And those who came last Thursday were really clicking with the choreography. They even asked to do it without me calling out the moves. And they did it! It was fun.

Looking forward to this weekend!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Guy With the Shoe

2008-02-03T16:37:29Z

Okay, here's a link to the guy with the shoe I was telling you about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHp5vg6HWvg

Enjoy!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2008-01-17T03:31:05Z

Winter weather is upon us again. According to Weather.com, rain is supposed to change over to snow this afternoon and get thicker this evening. We are supposed to get 1-2 inches by daybreak. Roads may be slick. I'd love to see everyone in class tonight, but I know you will use your discretion about getting out in the weather.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 4 replies

New Belly Dance Workout Show on FitTV

2008-01-01T20:56:37Z

Has anyone else seen this?: http://fittv.discovery.com/convergence/shimmy/about.html

I saw it promo'd on FitTV yesterday. The episodes start on Time-Warner in Kansas City next week.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 3 replies

Holiday Hafla

2007-12-28T04:34:42Z

Just a reminder ... Remember that the holiday hafla starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, the 29th. See you then!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Winter Break

2007-12-19T20:29:50Z

Joanne just e-mailed me to double check, and I thought I'd better post a reminder. Remember we decided to take the last two weeks of December off, because everybody's busy with the holidays. We'll be back in class Wednesday, January 2.

Also, remember that the hafla is December 29.

And anyone who is game, we'll be dancing in the New Year around the giant Christmas tree at Zona Rosa.

Happy holidays, everyone!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Snow Day?

2007-12-12T22:34:01Z

We usually do not have class when the North Kansas City School District is off. But it looks like the streets are pretty clear, so I'm tempted to go ahead and have class tonight. On the other hand, it might get slick again when the temperature starts falling again this evening. I did just salt my driveway and sidewalk. So ... what do you all think? Do you want to come dance? Or do you want to hibernate at home tonight?

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Just for Fun

2007-12-10T14:11:19Z

My first public performance ever. About 1985 at the Unicorn Theatre. I'm not even going to tell you how young I was then. I'd been taking belly dance classes for about a year, and this was one of my teacher's (Shalimar Ali's) student choreographies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54GU7wnkuLw

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Live on YouTube!

2007-11-30T23:40:45Z

Here's your performance, ladies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kn9UioSJFw

Well done. I am so proud of all of you.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Tribal Dreams Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska

2007-11-20T18:49:40Z

So many wonderful dancers I'd never seen before!

Khafif from Pittsburgh won Zhagareet's poll as one of the best troupes out there this year. Here's a link to Erin Roark's blog with links to a number of Khafif's dances on YouTube: http://people.tribe.net/d40d1ebf-5116-4274-a797-8af019572137/blog?topicid=ff35f17d-b3f4-4df5-9b71-33fabee782e6

Erin, herself, performed amazingly, but I don't see anything of hers on YouTube.

I had seen Tribe Marrakech before, and enjoyed seeing them again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ySb-TX5tag

Sabine of Tribalation! had a lovely, fluid solo followed by a rocking sword dance. I don't see a solo of hers on YouTube, but here she is dancing with her troupe, Tribalation!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlaSKpatlQw

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1NWReH1p4o

I had never seen Princess Farhana perform, although I knew her by reputation. She wasn't the most accomplished dancer I've ever seen, but her personality -- oh, my! -- filled the theater: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xecMHPHV3lo

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYI_BvveR7g

and (Adult Content -- View at Your Own Discretion Only) she didn't teach burlesque last weekend, but I couldn't resist providing a link to her dance to "Fly Me to the Moon," a tribute to astronaut Lisa Nowak:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sx6aEXI8o8

The reputation of Samantha Riggs of Boom Boom Bollywood and Pirate Scallywags Circus fame also preceded her, but I couldn't find a solo performance. Here is the bollywood troupe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypcup0PTops

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Samantha Riggs Boom Boom Bollywood Saturday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Kansas City

2007-10-30T15:34:27Z

Passing on this info from Layla:

"Samantha Riggs is the Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer and Lead Dancer for both Boom Boom Bollywood and The Sexy Scallywags Pirate Circus in Tempe, Arizona, and is a performer with Fyrae fire arts troupe. She was the assistant director as well as a core dancer, teacher, musician and choreographer for Domba Tribal Fusion Dance Troupe (winners of the 2006 Zaghareet ?Best Troupe? award) from 1996 until their dissolution in October of 2006. Samantha has traveled the world teaching Bollywood Style Dance, Tribal Style Belly dance, Tribal Fusion, Fire Arts and Pirate Belly dance. Her serious obsession with Bollywood movies has, over the years, infected others... leading to her higher goal of connection and understanding between the Western and the Indo-American communities. Samantha has a long history on stage with many other forms of theatre arts including fire performance, stage combat, acting, stand-up comedy and comedy improv, singing, drumming and folk dancing.

"This will be a Bollywood intensive for the day offering 2- two hour classes. There will be no evening show. Space is limited to The Once in a Blue Moon Studio unless we get overwhelming response.

"Registration Starts at 9:00 a.m. Saturday Jan. 20th, 2008 at Once in a Blue Moon 1603 West 39th st 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

"Bollywood Form & Attitude: Mitwa
This class will cover the dynamic and exuberant choreography of the song 'Mitwa' from the film Lagaan. Samantha will also be incorporating her signature Bollywood tribal style combos ? made popular by Boom Boom Bollywood ? which can be adapted for use in any choreography or tribal dance form. It is suitable for men and women of all dance levels. Women should be sure and wear a support or sports bra. If you wear a skirt, be sure to wear something under it as we will be jumping and spinning!

"1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Bollywood Anima
The definition of ?Anima? ? The feminine inner personality
Bollywood ?Anima? will teach some of the most graceful and feminine moves from Hindi cinema. This class will focus on the intricate lyrical expression and group formations as depicted in "Silsila Ye Chahaat Ka," from the movie Devdas (one of Bollywood's most popular and enduring dance numbers), and the Rajasthani-styled coyness of ?Minnat Kare? and ?Kangna Re? from the newly released movie Paheli. Samantha will teach parts of these dances as choreography and also demonstrate how to use elements of the dances as modular combinations. This class is suitable for women, men who wish to learn a feminine style, young people at least 12 years of age ? beginners, intermediate or advanced students in the Bollywood Style. Women should be sure and wear a sports or support bra. If students wish to wear a skirt, pants or shorts are recommended underneath it ? there will be some spinning and floor work. Bring knee and/or foot pads if you need them for floor work.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday Jan. 20th 2008 at Once in a Blue Moon 1603 W. 39th st KCMO 64112 Three blocks East of Stateline Rd, On the corner of 39th and Wyoming. Call 913-908-2779 for more info if you need it.

Both Classes Registration By Jan. 10th $80.00 __________
Both Classes Registration After Jan. 10th $90.00 _________
One class only $50.00 ________ Mitwa _________ or Anima__________

If you would like to pay though paypal you can send your payment to laylabitnali@hotmail.com. Just remember to add $3.00 per transaction. Or mail to Betsy Pike 4931 Bell St Kansas City, MO 64112 "

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Tribal Dreams Festival 2007

2007-10-28T03:18:43Z

In Lincoln, NE hosted by Benu

For more information, they have their own Tribe site: http://tribes.tribe.net/tribaldreamsfestival

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Cartouche Belly Dancers' Garage Sale

2007-10-28T03:11:10Z

You are cordially invited to our
Open House
Saturday, 1st December 2007
at
Cartouche's Belly Dancers' Garage

next to 1344 Massachusetts T.
Lawrence, Kansas
From 12 noon
To 5:00 p.m.

A buffet luncheon will be served with all of your favorite Arabesque goodies!

A sale will be in progress.

Call us if you get lost at:

(785) 843-7815
or
(785) 865-5242

Tell your friends and share a ride!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Oreet Workshop November 17th in Columbia, MO

2007-10-27T21:02:49Z

Belly Dance United is Proud to present Oreet

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Stoney Creek Inn
2601 S. Providence
Columbia, MO

www.bellydanceunited.com

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Rachel Brice

2007-10-25T02:33:55Z

Just wanted to follow up on our discussion this evening of tribal dancing and show you some clips of Rachel Brice. This is the dancer I told you about that a lot of tribal fusion dancers are trying to emulate, with that fluid, snakey almost boneless look to the torso and arms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pA5CTHQPys

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Golden Age Egyptian Dancers

2007-10-25T02:24:41Z

Shira shared this link on her Tribe, and I wanted to pass it along. It's a fun compilation of clips of lots of Golden Age Egyptian belly dancers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qwiorV-a6I

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

I Just Saw the Video ...

2007-10-23T04:38:31Z

... of your Friday performance. And I have to tell you, we all have good reason to be proud of our performance. I can safely say -- without fear of contradiction -- that ours was one of the best troupe performances of the entire weekend. Yay, us! Like I kept saying during rehearsals, "You guys rock!"

Siham's comment after we finished watching our routine? "They're becoming dancers now. They're not just memorizing steps. They're becoming real dancers."

No word yet on when we'll get the DVDs. Chris is working on them. And we'll be getting a disc of photos as well. He was going to try to get it to Siham to give to me tonight, but that didn't happen. Keeping my fingers crossed we'll get the photos next week.

Oh, and the costumes glowed!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Last Night

2007-10-22T18:41:45Z

I am so proud of all the dancers in Banat el Shamal. Despite the fact that you were nervous last night, you really pulled together and danced like ... well ... like a troupe. Kudos to you all. Brava!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Inanna Dancing at Layla's Fusion Fest

2007-10-22T14:26:43Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTzQInfmH6I

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Student Improvisation at Gladfest 2006

2007-10-13T22:07:49Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pcI9mnoNUo

posted in Banat el Shamal - 4 replies

A Friend in Iraq

2007-10-12T15:05:17Z

A young woman who is a close friend of our family up and joined the U.S. Army year before last. She did well on the testing and was given additional language and intelligence training. But that only put off her posting so long. I just received word that yesterday she arrived in Iraq. She would be most appreciative of care packages, cards, letters. If anyone is interested in supporting her while she is over there, please let me know off-list, and I will send you her full name and military address privately. I've asked her husband to provide us with a short list of things she might most like to receive in a care package. And if you pray in any way, please if you would be so kind to place Becky on your prayer list, I would very much appreciate it.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Wings of Isis at Gladfest

2007-10-10T02:31:44Z

Performed by Halah and Inanna: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXBg7gNlJtU

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Inanna's Cane Dance at Gladfest 2006

2007-10-10T02:30:50Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA6TngEI0sw

Watch for the "Whoops!" :-)

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

The costumes are here! The costumes are here!

2007-10-09T22:12:22Z

That's the good news. The not so good news is that the purple costumes are more like burgundy. Which actually looks all right with my red hair. I dunno how the other folks who ordered "purple" costumes will feel about this. But since they came all the way from India, it's not worth our money to ship them back. And I think they'll work fine. We'll look like we're on fire up on stage: red and burgundy. Hot!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Banat el Shamal Performs Mijwiz

2007-10-04T03:36:12Z

Here's our senior troop members performing Mijwiz at the Northland Ethnic Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrgwIyVBWOo

posted in Banat el Shamal - 4 replies

Inanna Performing Khaleegy

2007-10-02T14:42:22Z

At Northland Ethnic Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6ypWaQY2gY

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Banat el Shamal performs El Tesht Aalli

2007-10-01T22:42:12Z

Thank you all for your patience while I figured out how to get talkies out of my videocam.

Here is the newest members of our troupe performing El Tesht Aalli:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjkkYl3vdY

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

I finally figured it out ...

2007-10-01T22:34:35Z

... how to get moving pictures and sound out of my video camera and upload it all to YouTube. It sounds like a small thing, but it took me a couple hundred dollars worth of hardware and software and hours and hours of work.

Here's my cane dance at the Northland Ethnic Festival 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPcsNAZ1h6Y

I'll be working on getting everyone's dances uploaded, and I will be able to make discs for everyone. Hooray!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 4 replies

Dancing Horses

2007-09-22T18:15:52Z

I keep telling everyone in class about how the Egyptian horses dance to the Saidi rhythm. Well, here's a lovely little video of just that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYFfQ4SDT8Q

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Location Change for Judy Cunningham's Belly Dance Garage Sale

2007-09-21T18:56:45Z

Judy asked me to pass this message on:

"Hi: This is Judy with a location change for the Bazaar on September 29. It was origianlly
scheduled to be at the Best Western Motel, but they double booked so I had to change my
location to: The Convention Hall at the Sedalia Liberty Park. This is located at 1600 West
Third Street (this is just a block east of hiway 65 where third street crosses it just north
of the 65 and 50 hiway junction.

"There are several motels where rooms are available-a good choice would be the
Sunset Motel, 3615 S. Limit(hiway 65) phone 660-826-1446. Prices are $40 and 45
plus tax.

"Sorry to have to make this change and hope to see you there and please, please
pass this information on to other dancers posssibly coming to this event.

Thanks, Judy"

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Medieval Belly Dance: Rose of Damascas

2007-09-20T13:31:40Z

This dancer's video caught my eye. I thought the dancing was lovely. See what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDbf4376Y8

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Siham Ali Presents Raffa and Nakana Middle Eastern Workshop and Shows

2007-09-11T16:00:23Z

October 19-21,2007

Friday, October 19 Schedule
7 p.m. - Doors open for show

Saturday, October 20 Schedule
9-10 a.m. Registration, Shopping
10 a.m.-Noon - Raffa, Oriental Fusion
Noon-1:30 p.m. - Lunch by "A Touch of Class Catering"
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Rafa, finish choreography
3-5 p.m. - Nakano, Middle Eastern drum class
7 p.m. - Doors open for show

Sunday, October 21, Schedule
9-11 a.m. - Registration and brunch by Siham's Company
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Raffa, Choreography

Bring drums for Nakano drum class

Seminar Location: Rodeway Inn - Grandview; 15201 South 71 Highway; Grandview, MO 64030 (816) 331-0300 Single $48 plus tax, Double $56 plus tax. There's an indoor pool at the hotel.

Pre-registration deadline October 13. Saturday workshop $70 if you pre-register, $75 (and no lunch reservation) at the door, $20 for just the workshop with Nakkano. Sunday workshop $50 if you pre-register, $55 at the door. You get brunch Sunday even if you pay at the door. If you pre-register by October 13 for both Saturday and Sunday, you get a combination fee of $110. Five or more paid registration forms submitted together by October 13, and you get 10 percent off the workshop fee.

Show tickets are $15 before October 13, $20 at the door.

Sorry no refunds.

For more information, go to www.SihamAli.com

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

The Clearance Store

2007-09-01T15:01:02Z

Shukran to Joann for discovering the belly dance costumes at the new Clearance Store at about 62nd and North Oak Trafficway. I stopped by today and had a nice visit with the lovely young Pakistani couple that operates the store. They even gave Isabella a couple pieces of candy and an animal-shaped calculater she admired. I told them "thank you very much" and that I'd pass on the word about their store opening. The prices are amazing! $14.99 for a belt and bra top decorated with coins, $19.99 for a choli and belt with beads and paillettes. Of course, these are the flimsy Indian costumes that won't hold up to heavy wear ... and anyone who wears more than an "A" cup bra will have to alter the bra tops and cholis to make them wearable. It would probably take sewing them on to your own good bra base to provide enough support. But, hey, for that price, I bought two sets: one green and one orange. And I may go back. How fun!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

The DNA of Dancing

2007-08-10T16:27:03Z

A dancer named Leslie (from the San Francisco area) posted this info on The Indigo site, and I thought some of you might find it intriguing:

Some people, it appears, are born to dance. After analyzing the DNA of
the families of 85 professional dancers and 872 other people, researchers spotted two genes that appeared in the dancers, but not in the others. They weren't genes for rhythm, coordination, or flexibility.

Instead, people who love to dance are genetically programmed to respond strongly to hormones and chemicals that promote feelings of spirituality, social communication, and bonding with other people. "The genes we studied are more related to the emotional side of dancing," researcher Richard Ebstein tells Discovery.com.

Dancers, he said, have "the need and ability to communicate with other people and a spiritual side to their natures that not only enables them to feel the music but to communicate that feeling to others via dance.

Sourced from Science Daily, 2/16/06

If you're interested in the technical article, here's the site -

genetics.plosjournals.org/perlserv/

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

My YouTube Playlists

2007-08-09T22:33:04Z

Just FYI, this is a direct link to my YouTube playlists, including the veil and cane playlists we talked about in class last night. Lots of good ideas for steps, choreography and musical interpretation here:

http://www.youtube.com/profile_play_list?user=jolynnemartinez

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Double Veil Dance

2007-07-18T18:58:38Z

I stumbled across this while searching for something else.
Thought it was really cool and fun to watch.

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=845ATyZ-nWM

posted in Banat el Shamal - 5 replies

Sadie on YouTube

2007-07-06T19:01:17Z

This isn't new, but it's one of my favorites.
What do you all think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YamDoDK71Ds

posted in Banat el Shamal - 5 replies

Modern/Belly Dance Fusion

2007-07-06T00:10:41Z

My sister, who is a performance and visual artist, shared this clip with me this evening. It is of a San Francisco choreographer and dancer by the name of Cera:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX54XDZuT-M

Remember how I keep talking in class about s-l-o-w-i-n-g i-t d-o-w-n ... and how it is more difficult to dance slowly, because it takes more muscle control? This lady is a living illustration of that. And she's not just all about technique. Like the previous dancer I posted, she is very musical and seems to be really feeling her music.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 8 replies

Now THIS is what I call dancing!

2007-07-01T00:20:34Z

This is a lovely, lovely veil dance on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJSswtD-xbA

Her movements are all actually rather simple, as is her costume. But she is so dignified, graceful and elegant. And she is so at one with her beautiful, beautiful music. There is so much that we -- as dancers -- can learn by watching her.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 6 replies

Wednesday Class Time Change

2007-06-28T15:38:26Z

Just a reminder that we've changed the class time to allow people more time to get here from work. We'll be off next week for the Fourth of July. After that, class will be 7-8:30 Wednesday evenings.

Have a great Independence Day!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Belly Dance Costume Sale and Show in Lawrence July 14

2007-06-22T20:49:50Z

[Kathe Alkoudsi] Just to let you know, I am having my Open House July 14, Saturday. It will be from Noon to 5 PM and we'll have lunch and a sale. I have a new kind of triangular scarf with coins all around and 4 rows in the middle at a 1-day introductory price of $25 and a stack of djellabiyas I just brought back from Syria for $25, also, as my feature items. And I'll have attractive prices on everything just for that day.

Lunch will be a felafel sandwich bar, salads and desserts, soft drinks, iced tea and bottled water.

We'll be holding forth at the Belly Dance Garage, one house north of my corner address at 1344 Massachusetts in Lawrence, Kansas. You can telephone 785-843-7815 if you get lost. You can share this information with anyone who wants to get out of town and do a road trip!

Zada Al-Ghaziyeh is having her annual performance that evening of "Cairo on the Kaw", an always-fresh dance recital. It will be on block south of us at 1501 New Hampshire in the Lawrence Community Theatre.

I hope to see you then. Feel free to spread the word.

Kathe

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Martha Graham Quotation: "No artist is pleased."

2007-06-08T17:34:03Z

Here's the quote I shared with you in class last night ... attributed to modern dance pioneer Martha Graham:

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and since there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique,and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."

posted in Banat el Shamal - 3 replies

Upcoming Workshop Info

2007-06-08T02:45:12Z

For those of you who missed the postings, I did already announce information about the upcoming Jim Boz workshop in Sedalia in July and the Raffa workshop in Kansas City in October. Just check out the Banat el Shamal events page for more information.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Birthday Party

2007-05-20T15:11:42Z

Thanks everyone for getting together to celebrate JoLynne's Birthday.
I hope you all had as great a time as I did.
I apologize, but a few of the photos came out blurry. If I have your permission, I'll post the clear ones. And maybe I can get better copies from Michele.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 5 replies

Marissa at Siham's Workshop - Fall 2005

2007-05-18T14:34:43Z

All right! I finally got permission from Marissa to post her videos on YouTube. Here's her solo at Siham's 2005 workshop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz5RmOoNsjs

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Dinner Reservations

2007-05-11T18:16:56Z

have been made for 6:30 on the 16th for fifteen of us.
Looking forward to a great time!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Suhaila Will be on the Ellen Degeneres Show this Wednesday

2007-04-27T02:32:32Z

3 p.m.
KCTV5

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Reminder About Class Time Change

2007-04-25T15:33:45Z

Just wanted to remind everyone that starting tonight we are going to experiment with merging both Wednesday evening classes.

We will be starting at 6:30 p.m. And the new class length will be an hour and a half, ending at 8 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this evening.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Music Recommendations

2007-04-12T14:24:40Z

A number of you asked about the music we danced to in class tonight.

First of all, we warmed up to Suhaila's "Remix" CD, which includes two 20-minute tracks suitable to class and practicing. You can purchase her CDs directly at www.suhaila.com.

Second, we did the zill drills to the "Wind Dancers" track from Fahtiem's "Reign of the Queen" CD. You can also purchase this directly at http://www.fahtiem.com/sales/itemsForSale.html.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Essay About Life and Dance by Judith Jamison

2007-04-07T22:35:00Z

Recommended reading:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9249892

If you are not familiar with Judith Jamison, she is a legendary dancer and choreographer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

Her essay is part of NPR's ongoing series, "This I Believe."

posted in Banat el Shamal - 3 replies

Northland Ethnic Festival

2007-04-02T16:18:35Z

Congratulations to the newest Banat el Shamal members who performed for the first time ever at the Northland Ethnic Festival. Joann and Joy had already performed El Tesht Aalley at Muddslide, and this time they were joined by Cathy, Tammy and Sherree.

We had a surprise when we arrived, as a group had cancelled and we got to perform on the main stage.

Inanna opened the show with an improvised rakset assaya.

Following El Tesht Aalley, the more experienced members of Banat el Shamal -- Yolanda, Meira, Christina and Kristina -- performed the troupe zill dance, Mijwiz.

We had khaleegy dancing then, by Inanna.

And we closed with a happy dance to Gawaher's "Habeeby (I Love You)," which is a popular song in Egypt right now. (The DJ told me he had recently heard an American hip hop artist sampling this song and was interested to know where it came from). A lot of the children and other audience members got up to dance with us.

Judging by the applause and the positive comments of the festival organizers and others as we enjoyed the festival afterward, Banat el Shamal made an excellent impression. And that is despite the fact that we had sound problems and that I forgot the end of one of the dances (sorry, ladies!).

I am truly proud of each and every one of you. Most importantly, I hope you had fun. After all, the joy of dancing together is what it is all about.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Video: Inanna Bint Ali at Muddslide

2007-03-01T18:01:40Z

Here I am improvising like crazy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmWdRyv2xYE

posted in Banat el Shamal - 3 replies

Video: Christina & Yolanda at Muddslide

2007-02-28T06:39:12Z

Don't the ladies sound great on the zills? And they look great, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_yRlXFPGm0

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Video: Johara and Joby at Muddslide

2007-02-28T06:11:51Z

I am especially pleased to share the video of Johara and Joby (performing with Inanna) in Mahmoud Reda's choreography set to the Egyptian folk song, "El Tesht Aalley." This is their first public performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzXvUfLviAI

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Video: Kristina at Muddslide

2007-02-28T05:32:49Z

For your viewing pleasure, the lovely Kristina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgSTzdJ8f0c

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T23:49:08Z

Last Wednesday, the second class -- as we were finishing up -- asked whether we were having class next Wednesday: Valentine's Day. I completely forgot to let everyone know we would be off that evening. Too many of us have plans with our Sweeties.

But the Wednesday after that, Feb. 21, I promised them we'd warm up to Tarkan's song, "Kiss, Kiss."

So I'll see you all on the 21st.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies

Siham Cancelled the Video Night

2007-02-05T03:14:15Z

Siham just called to say that she isn't feeling well and is cancelling the video watching night Monday. Sorry about that, gals. I hope she'll get to feeling better soon. We'll just have to wait to see the video when it's ready to mail. Sigh. And I was so looking forward to seeing you all dancing from the audience's point of view.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Snow Day: Classes Cancelled This Evening

2007-01-31T19:41:09Z

The schools haven't been called off yet, but ... I just tried driving to a hair appointment. Cars were sliding in the snow at the major intersection of Englewood & N. Oak Trafficway. At the same time, I heard on the radio that there was a 20-car pileup on I-35 north with possible multiple fatalities. And it's supposed to keep snowing this evening, which means the roads won't be cleared off until tomorrow.

I know it's the last rehearsal before Muddslide, but I really don't think you all should be trying to get to my house in this weather. Please get home and stay safe.

Want to dance tomorrow night, Thursday, Feb. 1? My calendar is open for anyone who would like to rehearse then. Just call me at (816) 453-7122 or e-mail and let me know if you'd like to come then.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Cairo

2007-01-21T04:54:55Z

And here's my beginning veil choreography (the spinning version): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSmxJwbh1zw

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Mijwiz

2007-01-21T02:22:08Z

Here's the beginning choreography (without zills) that I teach. This was performed at Siham's Muddslide in February 2006.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

YouTube: Meira's Solo at Siham's Fall Workshop Show

2007-01-17T23:17:26Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IegAeT2wN4

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Banat el Shamal on YouTube

2007-01-15T01:41:25Z

Part of this snowy, icey c-o-o--o-l-d day I've spent figuring out how to convert video to files that can be posted to YouTube.

Here, then, is the debut of Banat el Shamal at Siham's fall workshop show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vulcY5ZgmN8

None of these ladies have been dancing more than two years. I am very proud of them.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Tonight's Hafla Cancelled

2007-01-13T18:14:05Z

I was really hoping the bad weather would give us a break this evening so we could get together and dance. But -- after holding off this morning -- the sleet's starting again. One of the drummers has already sent his regrets, saying he'll be staying home warm and safe with his family. We will miss seeing all of you, but that is what I hope for you as well ... that you will be warm and safe at home.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Bollywood Restaurant

2006-12-30T18:03:06Z

Perhaps I'm the last person in town to know it, but just last night I learned there is an Indian restaurant in Independence that shows continuing clips from Bollywood films in the dining room. I sense the need for another night out coming on. :-)

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Holiday Hafla

2006-12-18T17:17:37Z

Wasn't that so much fun? It was good to see so many of you enjoying yourselves at the party. Will be posting some photos a little later today.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Cartouche Customer Appreciation Day

2006-12-01T23:15:03Z

Saturday, December 2, 2006

Cartouche
Invites you to attend their
Customer Appreciation Day

In the
Belly Dance Garage at
1344 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence, Kansas
From
12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M.
Come Hungry!
A Syrian Lunch will be served
And there will be a sale!

Directions: Take the East Turnpike Exit, Make a left and go straight to 7th Street and jog left, then right at Massachusetts St. Go to 14th St. and
The Belly Dance Garage is the second building on the left from the corner.
From Hwy. 10, turn North at Massachusetts and
Go down to 14th Street. The Belly Dance Garage
Is the 2nd building on the right from the corner.

LOST? CALL (785) 843-7815
Note: there will be a dance evening at the Aladdin Restaurant in the evening. If you want to attend, call Joanne Hargis for reservations and to get on the dance list at (785) 842-3010.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Classes Cancelled for Tonight Due to Inclement Weather

2006-11-29T20:57:07Z

It's about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, and I just learned the NKC School District is cancelling all evening activities due to the weather. Our policy is that if the school district closes, so do we.

I'll miss seeing everyone ... especially because we missed last week due to Thanksgiving ... but I'd rather have everyone warm at home than out risking your safety trying to get to class.

See everyone next week!

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Now You Can Pay for Classes With a Credit or Debit Card

2006-11-09T03:18:00Z

Through PayPal online, which is the only affordable option I could find for a small dance studio.

You'll find the links to pay for classes online on the new "Register and Pay" page of the Salaam Dance Studio web site, www.SalaamDance.com

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Classes Cancelled for Wednesday, Nov. 8

2006-11-08T19:45:20Z

Sorry, everyone. Isabella and I have come down with an upper respiratory virus that is making the rounds of her school. I was going to try to have classes tonight anyway, but I'm feeling rapidly worse as the afternoon wears on. Will be trying to call everyone, but thought I'd post the class cancellation here as a backup.

Hope everyone else on this list is well and stays well, and I'll see you all next week.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Banat el Shamal at Siham's Fall Workshop Show

2006-11-03T06:27:48Z

One of our troupe members, Michelle, put together a lovely montage of photographs and music from the Friday evening show. I wanted to share with our friends:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrcExDS6JFk

This was the evening of the debut of Banat el Shamal (Daughters of the Northland).

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

A Great Big Thank You, Inanna

2006-10-23T02:33:25Z

Merci, Merci, to our wonderful teacher who wrote us such a fun choreography, remained patient while we learned it, listened to our whining, handmade each one of our costumes, gave us our pep talks, cheered us on, and presented us with roses after our debut. We all love you.
Christina

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Tahseen's Memorial Service

2006-10-18T14:42:47Z

Tahseen Alkoudsi's Memorial Service/Wake (open mike)
Saturday, November 4, 2006
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ecumenical Christian Ministries (ECM) Bldg.
1204 Oread
Lawrence, KS 66044

Directions from K-10 Kansas City/Overland Park region:
K-10 becomes 23rd Street in Lawrence. Drive 23rd Street to Massachusetts Street and turn RIGHT onto Massachusetts. Drive Massachusetts to 14th Street (Kathe Alkoudsi/Cartouche is at that intersection!) and turn LEFT onto 14th Street. Drive UP 14th Street onto the KU campus at the top of the hill and turn RIGHT onto Jayhawk Blvd. Drive Jayhawk Blvd. two blocks and the ECM Bldg is on the corner of 12th & Oread.

Directions from I-70 (Wichita/Topeka):
Take the West Lawrence Exit. After passing the toll booth, you are on McDonald. Drive McDonald TROUGH the underpass, staying left, merge up onto Iowa Street. Merge into the left hand lane and prepare to turn LEFT onto 9th Street at the lights. Drive down 9th street to Indiana Street and turn RIGHT onto Indiana Street. Drive up Indiana Street to the top of the hill (looks like a Dead End but it's not) where you will turn LEFT, but be prepared to immediately turn RIGHT onto Oread. The ECM Bldg is at that intersection.

Directions from I-70 (Kansas City):
Take the East Lawrence Exit. After passing the toll booth, turn LEFT onto that street (I can't remember the name--sorry!). Drive across under the underpass and across the bridge to Downtown Lawrence. Keep straight through the lights at the end of the bridge and you are on Vermont Street. Take Vermont Street to 9th Street and turn RIGHT. Drive 9th Street to Indiana Street and turn LEFT onto Indiana. Drive up Indiana Street to the top of the hill (looks like a Dead End but it's not) where you will turn LEFT, but be prepared to immediately turn RIGHT onto Oread. The ECM Bldg is at that intersection.

Any questions can be directed to me via tribe message.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Advance Tickets Available for Siham's Shows Oct. 20 & 20

2006-10-17T16:24:36Z

Just FYI, I have a few advance tickets for sale for Siham's show this weekend. If you purchase them in advance, the price is $5 less than at the door: $10 for Fridays' show (will be $15 at the door) and $15 for Saturday (will be $20 at the door).

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Tahseen Alkoudsi

2006-10-16T13:39:23Z

From Kathe Alkoudsi Monday morning, October 16th

"I regret to share with you that Tahseen, my husband of 38 years, passed
away
tonight as I held his hand.

He will be interred tomorrow in the Memorial Park Cemetery and a time
for a
memorial service will be announced later.

Kathe Alkoudsi"

I am working on a location for the memorial service. Any suggestions for Lawrence? Kathe wants a neutral location where the belly dance community can gather.
Masani

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Thanks to Everyone Who Came to Celebrate Our Grand Opening

2006-10-10T16:27:43Z

Well, the day was slow in places, but we had our rushes. Women seemed to come in small groups to register together for classes, and we managed to fill several. It will be fun to train all these new dancers!

But what really brought people in to the new studio was the hafla. We definitely had a full house. And lots of dancing going on.

Halah and I have decided that Chris and Cara need to do a drum solo duet, because their styles meshed beautifully.

Kristina got to share a dance in progress, a lovely veil solo she's working on for Mudslide.

And all the Banat el Shamal dancers who were there showed off their troupe choreography, which will officially debut in two weeks at Siham's workshop. I think we'll be ready, ladies, don't you?

Also, a big thank you to Jivette for coming with her neice, dancing and even helping to drum for the veil circle. That was a loooooooooooooong chiftitelli set, but the dancers were enjoying it.

Another huge thank you to Marissa, who brought us a statue of the Buddha as a studio warming gift. She tells me this is a traditional gift in the Phillipines for people opening a new business. We have to find the perfect place for him to grace the studio.

And Zaina paid us a surprise visit with another studio-warming gift ... a framed photo of Halah and me (along with Siham and the rest of the crew who performed at the RenFest up in Iowa a number of years ago.) We really appreciated her thoughtfulness.

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes and helping us to celebrate the grand opening.

Phew! Now we're exhausted and need to take a day off to catch our breath.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Banat el Shamal & Salaam Dance Studio in the Kansas City Star

2006-10-04T04:02:03Z

So we're performing at Gladfest last Sunday, and there's a photographer there from the Kansas City Star. He tells us he's taking pictures for the online edition of the paper. And here we are: http://kcsweb.kcstar.com/projects/Community_Faces/

Thanks to Christina for letting me know these had been posted.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Gladfest Performance

2006-10-02T20:05:26Z

Wow! It was 94 degrees by noon on Oct. 1 when Halah and Inanna of Salaam Dance Studio, along with the Banat el Shamal dancers, performed on the Center Stage at Gladfest.

Thank you so much to Meira, Marissa, Jasmine, Christina, Joanne and Joy for your willingness to come out with very little notice and share your lovely dancing with us and with the audience.

We had a surprisingly large turnout, despite being scheduled against a Chiefs football game.

Thanks to Dave for taking the still photographs. And thanks to my husband, Robin, we have video, which I'm learning to edit the video and post on YouTube. Been meaning to learn how to do that for a while.

I'll be posting each dance individually, and here is the first installment -- the opening Isis Wings number performed by Halah and Inanna:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00m707uoZ6E

posted in Banat el Shamal - 5 replies

Ethnic Festival

2006-08-27T15:33:15Z

Do you have any photos to post from your performance last weekend?

posted in Banat el Shamal - 1 reply

Classes Cancelled Tonight (Wednesday, August 23, 2006)

2006-08-24T23:52:00Z

Sorry everyone. Robin has come down with a bad virus and is very contagious. Also needing quiet and rest. Temperature of more than 102 degrees ... a rash all over ... upper respiratory complaints. You don't want to get this.

He's on the phone trying to get some business taken care of, so I won't be able to call everyone until a little later this afternoon.

Talk to you soon.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 6 replies

Belly Dance Exercise Class Starting in October

2006-08-21T19:16:29Z

Starting Friday, October 6, I will be leading a half-hour belly dance exercise class. Forget technique and choreography. Join us and just have fun dancing (and get a gentle workout, too!). I'll be leading movements to help you warm up your muscles ... to get your heart pumping ... and then cool down.

This will be an ongoing class: Fridays from 11:30-Noon.

Class fee: $5 per class or $15 for a package of four classes.

A minum enrollment of five students is required. Maximum enrollment of 10.

Classes will take place at my home studio near the intersection of Englewood & North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Mo., north of the river.

E-mail me off-line with any questions or for registration information: inanna@inanna-bellydance.com

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Time-Warner Cable Has Belly Dance Workouts On Demand

2006-08-18T21:23:29Z

I've been meaning to post this for a while. If you're in the Kansas City metro area and subscribe to Time-Warner cablevision, tune in to channel 150. There you will find a number of short exercise workouts that you can select and use when you want to do them. Use your right arrow to select the dance category, and you will find several belly dance workouts. Also Afro-Brazillian, Hula and even exotic dancing. <grin>

posted in Banat el Shamal - 0 replies

Guaranteed to Make You Smile!

2006-08-18T00:08:14Z

Someone posted this link on You Tube. It's a funny segment from what appears to be a Turkish sitcom featuring a belly dancer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r7_zVy3dgY

posted in Banat el Shamal - 3 replies

An Old Friend

2006-08-14T13:58:50Z

Yesterday I ran out to Hancock's Fabric in Overland Park to see if I could find any more of the fabric I want to use for troupe costumes. No luck, although I did find some material that would coordinate beautifully. When I told the lady at the cutting table how much I wanted from each bolt, she paused, looked at me closely and said, "JoLynne!" I knew her from somewhere. Her face was so familiar. But it wasn't clicking into place in my memory. Then the memories surfaced. "We were in dance class together! Are you Doris?" She was indeed. More than 20 years later, and she had recognized me. I was so pleased to become reaquainted. She and I had taken class together from Shalimar, my first belly dance instructor ever. Turns out Doris hasn't danced in years, but she has thought off and on about taking another workshop. I gave her my number, and she said she'd call. Maybe she'll come to Siham's workshop in October. I was so pleased to renew an old acquaintance.

posted in Banat el Shamal - 2 replies