Levant Al Sonora's topics - tribe.net

Film Screening of "The Bellydancer Project" added to the Fall Festival of Music & Dance

2009-11-03T03:32:32Z

We have another exciting addition to the festival!

ASU Doctoral student, Ramsi Watkins has produced a documentary about women, bellydance and identity as part of her thesis. This 45 minute film will be shown at the end of a fabulous day of perfomances at 8pm.

The documentary contains interviews with four Arizona dancers, 2 cabaret and 2 tribal, for four different perspectives on how this dance has changed them and how they see themselves. The film includes lots of dance footage as well.

Who are the featured dancers? Come find out!

Saturday, Nov. 14th
Noon - 9pm
The Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt - Phoenix

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Open Mic at Fall Festival - Nov. 14rh

2009-10-28T06:46:33Z

Hello Musicians & Drummers,

The Fall Festival of Music & Dance (Sat. Nov. 14th @ Alwun House) will have an open mic in the Sultan's Garden area. Acoustic soloists and duets are invited to come and play!
The main stage will have entertainment from 12:30 to 9pm, including 4 bands , 85 dancers and even a film screening of "The Bellydancer Project" from 8-9pm. For more info: www.levantalsonora.com

This event is being produced by the AZ Chapter of the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Assoc. (www.mecda.org) and is a 100% volunteer run, 100% non-profit event. Please come out and enjoy the day and celebrate our AZ music & dance community!

Mahin
2009 chapter president

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Elections for 2010 Chapter Officers

2009-10-20T07:30:57Z

Dear Arizona MECDA Members,

It’s election time again! In about 2 weeks we will be voting for the offices of chapter president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

We invite you to get involved in the chapter and consider serving as an officer for the 2010 year. As an officer you can help bring new educational and performance opportunities to our Arizona Middle Eastern music and dance enthusiasts and help bring our artistic community together. An official description of each position’s duties is available on request.

All current chapter members are eligible to run for office. If you are interested in serving your community in one of these positions, please email your intentions before November 2nd to gwolfenden-steib(at)cox.net .
All members will be contacted directly for voting by the 2009 Elections Officer, Gail Wolfenden-Steib. Please look for your ballot in your email box and be sure to use your vote!

We hope to see you all at the fabulous Fall Festival of Music & Dance on Saturday, November 14th at the Alwun House!

Mahin, Tom, Demi & Trent
2009 Levant al Sonora Officers

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Fall Festival of Music & Dance Nov. 14th

2009-10-06T03:25:51Z

Hey folks - the big day is only 5 weeks away!
We've got an amazing lineup of dancers and bands, but still room for a few more acts. Email if you are interested in a spot.

We also really need more hands to put this party on! Help out for a 2 hour shift and you get in free to play for the other 7 hours of the festival. Even better, you're doing something to give to YOUR Arizona dance community.
It feels good - try it :-)

Mahin
chapter prez

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

New Fall Session of Great Classes at Plaza de Anaya start this Monday!

2009-08-27T08:01:10Z

Fall Session August 31st- October 24th, 2009

Come check out the incredible classes offered this session!
Plaza de Anaya ~ World Fusion Studio

Price: Unlimited 7 day, 4 week, 8 class card or drop in

Location: Plaza de Anaya ~ World Fusion Studio
Street: 524 W Broadway Rd Suite 107
City/Town: Tempe, AZ

Phone: 4808948777
Email: Plaza.de.Anaya@gmail.com

Description August 31, 2009 - October 24, 2009

Monday (No Class Sept 7th Labor Day)
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Foundations of Bellydance
Mia Donna

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
Intermediate BoomBahNique Fusion
Mia Donna

8:30PM – 9:30PM
Fundamentals: African Dance
Sule

Tuesday
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
DOMBA Beginning Tribal A
Gina Zavala

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
DOMBA Advanced Tribal C
Gina Zavala

8:30PM – 9:30PM
Introduction to Drum Rhythms
Elissa Nova

8:30PM - 9:30PM
DOMBA Intermediate Overview
Gina Zavala

Wednesday Thursday
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Bollywood
September 2- September 23 -Sonia
(4 weeks)
September 30-October 21- Gina Cinardo
(4 weeks)

7:20-8:20 PM
Egyptian Bellydance Combos
Roza

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Beginning Poi
Tricia Moore

Thursdays
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Finger Veil (Sep 3-24)
Tribal Skirt Overview (Oct 1-22)
Heidi

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
Anaya Beginning Tribal
Cari of Anaya Tribal

8:30PM – 9:30PM
Anaya Advanced Tribal Combos
Cari of Anaya Tribal

Friday
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
American Tribal Style Level 1
Lenay of Kamalah

7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
American Tribal Style Level 2
Lenay of Kamalah

Saturday (No Class Oct 3rd)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Yoga
Siavohn

11:30 PM – 12:30 PM
Stretch Chi
Frank and Dana

Also see upcoming workshops at www.PlazaDeAnaya.com

Go here if you want to see pics and video
www.facebook.com/photo.php

or go here for more details and to sign up
plazadeanaya.com/index.php

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Wanna go to Sedona?

2009-07-25T03:28:49Z

Road trip to Sedona on Saturday to see the Levant al Sonora Cool Summer Belly Dance showcase. Room for two more in the car if you want to go and don't feel like driving. Leaving Phx around 4 PM Saturday afternoon and coming back after the show Saturday night. Escape the heat, share the ride, and see a Belly Dance show with some of AZ's finest cabaret and tribal dancers. Email me back if you want to go.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Wouldn't you rather be in Sedona?

2009-07-23T04:39:10Z

Levant al Sonora – Arizona’s MECDA Chapter proudly presents…
Cool Summer Belly Dance Workshops & Showcase!
Saturday, July 25th
STUDIO LIVE! 215 Coffeepot Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336 (next to Devi Yoga & Creative Flooring)

To register visit http://www.levantalsonora.com
For more information write info@levantalsonora.com

SHOWCASE

Featuring Carrie Konyha, Terri Walden, Mahin, Jazmine and others!
Performance spots still available! Email president@levantalsonora.com
Showtime 7:30 pm
Tickets $15 online or at the door

WORKSHOPS

Registration online or at the door
1st Workshop: $25 members/$30 non-members
Each Additional Workshop: $20 members/$25 non-members

9:00 am – 10:45 am
Graceful Arms & Hands Plus Drills!
With Carrie Konyha

11:00 am – 12:45 pm
“The Three C’s plus All New Salamat Combos!”
With Terri Walden of Troupe Salamat

1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Thrills with Zills…Yes, You Can!
With Mahin of Zahr Jamil M.E. Dance Co.

3:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Advanced Sword & Balance Props
With Jazmine

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Sedona Belly Dance Show and Workshops

2009-07-06T23:22:02Z

Levant al Sonora – Arizona’s MECDA Chapter proudly presents…
Cool Summer Belly Dance Workshops & Showcase!
Saturday, July 25th
STUDIO LIVE! 215 Coffeepot Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336 (next to Devi Yoga & Creative Flooring)

To register visit www.levantalsonora.com
For more information write info@levantalsonora.com

SHOWCASE

Featuring Carrie Konyha, Terri Walden, Mahin, Jazmine and workshop participants!
Request your spot with your paid pre-registration!
Showtime 7:30 pm
Tickets $10 in advance / $15 at the door

WORKSHOPS

Pre-Registration ( before July 11th)
1st Workshop: $20 Members/$25 non-members
Each Additional Workshop: $15 Members/$20 non-members

Registration after July 11th or at Door
1st Workshop: $25 members/$30 non-members
Each Additional Workshop: $20 members/$25 non-members

9:00 am – 10:45 am
Graceful Arms & Hands Plus Drills!
With Carrie Konyha

11:00 am – 12:45 pm
“The Three C’s plus All New Salamat Combos!”
With Terri Walden of Troupe Salamat

1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Thrills with Zills…Yes, You Can!
With Mahin of Zahr Jamil M.E. Dance Co.

3:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Advanced Sword & Balance Props
With Jazmine

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Fall Festival in "Bellydance" Magazine!!

2009-06-27T05:23:01Z

Check it out - a two page spread of performers from Levant al Sonora's fabulous Fall Festival of Music & Dance in Nov. 08!! Gorgeous full color photos of some of the performers and a write up of the event.
I don't believe I've ever seen this kind of quality press for a Phoenix event in a national BD magazine - woo hoo!

Yay Phoenix!!

Mahin
:-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

High Fashion

2009-06-05T03:06:23Z

Arizona belly dance costume designers and crafters are encouraged to attend our Sunday meeting. We will discuss putting on an event to showcase local design and craft. Your participation is crucial. We won't do the event without someone motivated to organize it. If you can't attend but are still interested write info@levantalsonora.com

We will also work on our Summer event in Sedona and the big November event in Phoenix.

Our next meeting will be at 9:30AM on Sunday, 7 June 2009 at Hob Nobs Coffee Shop (Formerly the Willow House). 149 W. McDowell Phoenix, AZ 85007.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

LaS needs designer participation!

2009-05-25T00:06:11Z

Levant al-Sonora is considering hosting a fashion show for Arizona designers in May 2010. However, we will not do it without community participation. If you are interested in helping produce a belly dance fashion show, come to our next meeting at 9:30AM on 7 June 2009 at Hob Nobs coffee shop. Write us at info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Need Big, Cheap Venue.

2009-05-24T22:45:31Z

Levant al-Sonora needs to find a new venue for our big event on Saturday, 7 November 2009. A performing arts school or performance center might be ideal. A church might also be OK. Awlun House is not big enough or open enough.

We NEED:

Performance space (a sizable stage for larger troupes and musical groups).
At least one workshop room.
Room for vending.
We are cost sensitive ($1000 or less for whole package).

We WANT:

A dressing room.
Food (a kitchen we can use.)

If you have any ideas, leads, or contacts please write us at info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Belly Dance and the Energy Within

2009-05-01T16:33:57Z

I would like to address these three questions.
What is the reason Belly Dancers join groups of other Belly Dancers and why are groups organized?
Why would I Choose to join an Belly Dance organization?

I would like to express my opinion of some of the organizations I do belong to and have belonged to.. Their missions being to unite dancers, musicians, and fans. The support of each other in the learning process no matter what the age or level the dancer may be. Promote events, each other, as well as ourselves. A great dancer is forever a student of the dance. The objective having fun together.

I teach and have taught many women to dance for the past 19 years. I have seen the excitement of students being drawn into a world of self expression and self realization where the Dance is a vehicle to express themselves. The dance is not only a spiritual experience, but a form of low impact exercise for toning, flexibility, and strength. The dance is way as an outlet for relieving the stresses that life presents. I have seen ladies so excited they spend their free time researching as much information on the dance as they can possibly absorb.

What I do not understand is the energy of a group that unfortunately brings out some negative aspects of people. Issues of Jealousy, Competition, Back stabbing, and speaking derogatory comments about each other to potential clients.

I being an active Belly Dance Instructor, Performer, and Costume Designer for the past 30 years have not joined the Arizona Middle Eastern Dance Association for the negative reasons stated above. I have had verbal direct insults from the president in person and by phone. I have heard of her spying and asking for people to spy on other professionals in the Valley. I have heard that she is controlling and unreceptive of new ideas and energies within the group. She has sabotaged and degraded dancers that want to perform or hold events at the Greek and Middle Eastern Restaurants where she performs or sends performers to. Today I received a phone call from a client looking for a dancer . This person explained to me the derogatory comments she made about me. In essence I am old, not a good dancer and cheap because of this. This is exactly why I do not participate, or promote your events. This is why I do not join a group as local as my native home town.

My questions are this a group that is supportive of each other? Is this a group that is fun? Or is this a group to promote Mahin?
Thank you Mahin.
I have had the unfortunate expereince of being treated with disrespect at events, through telephone calls and from phone calls from possible clients with

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Chapter info straight to your Inbox!

2009-04-17T03:09:49Z

Hello Dancers all over Arizona!
There's been some chatter that people aren't getting all the dance news they need and want fast enough... we're thrilled that you want to know what our AZ Chapter is up to!!! :-)

You can go to www.levantalsonora.com and click on "E-Mail List" and enter your info right there. That will add you to our email list and you'll get the news the second it is released!

We don't send out a bunch of junk so don't worry about daily emails clogging up your inbox. Just enough to keep you up to date.

Now is great time to do that - we're about to release info on the summer and fall events - you don't want to miss that!

Pass it on....

Mahin
AZ chapter Prez

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Don't Wait for the Door!

2009-03-15T22:54:26Z

Early Registration saves you up to $25
We've extended Early Registration discounts through Wednesday 18 March.
Classes that do not meet the minimum enrollment by the 18th will be canceled - so don't wait to register at the door.

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

Sunday, March 29th at Flor de Liz Studio in Tucson

Tribal Drills with Cari of Anaya Tribal
Thrills with Zills... Yes You Can! with Mahin of Zahr Jamil
Bollywood! with Hemina Kapadia of Aashiyaana Dance Co.

AND

Arabic Percussion with Gabby Tawil

Tell your friends and students.

Register at www.levantalsonora.com
email info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Spring Workshops

2009-03-10T00:21:30Z

Early registration for AZ MECDA's Spring Workshops in Tucson continues though 15 March 2008.

Cost is $30 at the door. Save 5$ (17%) when you register early.

See: www.levantalsonora.com
Write: info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Workshops in Tucson?

2009-02-23T02:34:00Z

There is a rumor here in Tucson that MEDCA is doing some workshops in March, I have heard about it from 3 people now but no one knows that dates, who is scheduled to teach, or where! We heard there was going to be a show to but it is all a mystery. Between the 6 of us in Midriff none of us have been able to find any info (and we are all buddies with the Cabaret girls) If someone knows about it please post as several of the classical teachers have asked us also.
In case anyone missed it Midriff has been hosting a Tribal Fusion Dance Collective every Sunday here in Tucson and it is going fantastic with strong attendance. We welcome anyone to attend, and most of us would love to do some workshops tribal or not.
Any info would be appreciated.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

Spring Workshop Day in Tucson

2009-02-21T00:36:26Z

Dear Dancers and Drummers,

Levant al Sonora, Arizona's MECDA Chapter, is proud to announce Spring Workshop Day in Tucson! Please join us on Sunday, March 29th for a diverse day of rhythm and dance.... Can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday? We can't!

Tribal.... Cabaret.... Bollywood.... Percussion

There will also be a beautiful Pre-Workshop Showcase on Saturday, March 28th at the Luxor. Performance spots will be available to workshop participants. Sign up today!

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

Online registration and mail-in registration form here:

www.levantalsonora.com

Or contact:

info@levantalsonora.com

Base Price: $30.00 per workshop.
** Save $5.00 on each workshop if you register on or before March 15, 2009.
** Save $5.00 on each dance class after the first.
** MECDA members save $5.00 on dance classes. Lasts a year. Use for discounts at other MECDA events. Send in your MECDA membership application with your workshop registration and get the discount!

We hope to see YOU (and your dancer and drummer friends and distant acquaintances) in Tucson!

Levant al Sonora Board

Mahin Sciacca, President - Tom Pettijohn, Vice-President

Demi Faraday, Treasurer - Trent Shipley, Secretary

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR.... Summer Event in Northern Arizona on July 25th & 26th... head to the cool pines with us!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Next LaS Meeting

2009-01-12T23:03:34Z

Our next meeting will be at 9:30, 18 January 2009 at the Fair Trade Cafe near Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix. The public are encouraged to attend at 10:30.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Fall Festival of Music and Dance

2008-11-03T23:29:42Z

Join Levant al-Sonora for our Second Anniversary Fall Festival of Music and Dance

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, 1 November 2008
First Congregational Church
1407 N. 2nd Street (1/2 block south of McDowell Road), Phoenix, AZ
$5.00 per person. Children under five free.

--10 vendors, including Efes serving food.
--Non-stop entertainment from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including five bands.
--120 performers
--Seven drop-in workshops. Suggested donation, $5.00.
--Raffle and prizes.

Bring your friends!

Workshop and stage schedules available at http://www.levantalsonora.com.

Email info@levantalsonora.com for more information.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Last LaS meeting before the Festival

2008-10-14T06:19:48Z

Our next meeting will be at 9:30 AM, Sunday, 26 October 2008 at the Fair Trade Cafe 1020 North 1st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85003. We will start the part of the meeting for volunteers and vendors at 10:30 AM. As always, everyone is welcome.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Fall Festival Meeting

2008-09-24T20:35:45Z

Dancers and volunteers should attend.
9:30 AM to about 11:00 AM, Sunday, 5 October 2008
Fair Trade Cafe 1020 North 1st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003
info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Newsletter Editor

2008-09-24T20:31:57Z

Levant al-Sonora needs a newsletter editor. The job would involve writing a monthly newsletter and attending meetings once a month. Contact info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Next Meeting

2008-08-11T00:26:50Z

Our next meeting will be at 9:30 AM on Sunday, 14 September 2008 at the Fair Trade Cafe, 1020 North 1st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Party Decorators

2008-08-11T00:25:52Z

LaS needs decorating committee members and masters of ceremonies for our Saturday, 1 November 2008 Fall Festival of Music and Dance. If you want to help contact us at info@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Use our calendar

2008-07-24T23:25:57Z

Please use the LaS calendar at www.levantalsonora.com to find fun belly dancing events. Also please post your event on our calendar.

Note that the June and July 2008 minutes are also on the website.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Sell stuff

2008-07-15T23:08:42Z

Levant al-Sonora still has vending space available at its Saturday, 1 November 2008 Festival of Music and Dance. It is going fast, in fact we are probably out of covered space.

If you want to sell stuff -- out in the sun and possibly rain -- contact Mahin at president@levantalsonora.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Dance or play music

2008-07-15T22:32:30Z

Levant al Sonora may still have a few performance openings left for our Saturday, 1 November 2008 show. If you want to perform, contact Mahin at president@levantalsonora.com.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Mahin.....you were amazing!

2008-06-27T19:43:55Z

I loved watching you at Pharos Live!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Pharos LIVE is HERE

2008-06-14T11:08:35Z

It's here!

The Show: Saturday June14th, 7:30pm at The Sets in Tempe, AZ (93 E. Southern... Southern and Mill).

Pharos Workshops:

Saturday June 14th and Sunday June 15th. Schedule available here (blog section):

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=376417472

Pre-registrations have been going great, but plenty of room still available. Walk-ins/Drop-ins WELCOME! (cash or check). Just show up for the class(es) you want and your IN!

Trash City's online box office is closed! Just show up to the workshops you want. For the Pharos LIVE! Show, tickets are available at the door throughout the night (no price difference).

Raquy and the Cavemen, Hands of Kali , and Bastet have been in Phoenix since this morning (dining, sight-seeing, shopping, etc.). They love it. Now come out and show these great artists some AZ love in return!

Last chance...

Peace!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Pharos Schedule and Info

2008-06-12T03:47:59Z

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=376417472&blogID=404873156

Pharos Site:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=376417472

Critical Info:

WALK-INS, DROP-INS are more than welcome at Pharos. There is no price difference. We ain't like dat! We want everyone to come, partake , and enjoy. So come, take a workshop or two and immerse yourself in Pharos.

Parking: You can park wherever you like at ASU for Pharos' workshops. But if you don't park where I'm about to tell you to park, you will be towed ($120). Don't believe me, Valerie and I got towed just 2 days ago. So pay attention. Pharos workshop parking IS the APACHE parking structure located at Normal St and Apache Blvd. Parking is FREE and you don't need a decal (don't let the signs weird you out). If you park anywhere else, it is at your own risk.

The Apache Parking Structure is like 100 feet away from the SRC building. The SRC is located at 400 E. Apache (Normal and Apache). The entrance to the SRC faces North. Once you enter the SRC, there will be signs posted directing you to the workshop areas. There is security at the front desk and they are aware of the event. Just say you are there for the Pharos event and you will be guided to your destination. The workshops are on the second level, on the south end in rooms C and D. We will have personnel there to assist you in "check-in".

At first you will enter the SRC and be overwhelmed. It's big, state of the art, and nice. Get over it. Pharos owns the SRC for Saturday and Sunday... which means you own it as well. You will see the "studio" rooms and your heads will prolly explode. They are nice and clean and modern and have that spongy stuff underneath the hardwood (easy on your footsies), and plenty of mirrors and natural sunlight and massive AC. There is a balcony with a pretty cool view as well (for you dagnasty smokers).

You can bring in beverages, water bottles, and even snacks if you like. However, whatever you bring in, you take out with you. I don't know if the ASU's MU is open on the weekends, but the MU building (not too far away) houses at least a dozen fast food restaurants. It's actually quite sick. ASU has it going on! (our tax dollars at work).

Photography is allowed and Mikel Floorman may even take some professional pics of the workshops.

I hope you all can appreciate how difficult it was to get ASU on board to support these workshops. We've been in constant negotiations with ASU for over a month. In the end, they are proud to support Pharos and support our drum and dance community. They find merit in the workshops being held, and they are behind us. We have over two million dollars of insurance to protect everyone. However, all participants must sign our waiver form at check-in or you cannot participate in workshops and there are absolutely no refunds for any reason.

The Show: Yes, it's open photography! You are allowed to take pics. We just ask that you keep it to a minimum. Constant "flashes" negatively affect the performance groups. Take pics, but be respectful.

If you have questions, post them and they will promptly be answered.

Thanks.

Pharos LIVE is on Saturday, June 14th at The Sets (93 E. Southern) in Tempe, AZ.

Pharos workshops ARE AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE STUDENT RECREATION COMPLEX (SRC) located @ 400 E. Apache (Apache and Normal) in Tempe.

I hope you all come out to support local music, drumming, and dancing. This is a phenomenal show (a don't miss event!), and the workshops are great too!

Thank you for your support and everyone involved in Pharos (about 100 people from our community) hope to see you there.

For those who can't make Pharos, other local events are occuring during the weekend as well: Way out West and I believe Naj is hosting a gathering as well. We wish them the best of luck and will miss them at Pharos LIVE!

Snarf...

Out

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

ONE WEEK AWAY

2008-06-07T09:00:44Z

The time is fast approaching for Pharos LIVE! (JUST ONE WEEK AWAY!). We are stoking the embers to “light it up” as we speak, cuz this show is going to be the HOTTEST thing to hit our AZ Dance and Drum community since Jose burned his jalapeno and called it chipotle.

So follow the light on Saturday, June 14th to The Sets (93 E. Southern) in Tempe, AZ to see 7 (yes seven) LIVE music groups performing for some of the best and hottest belly dancers, African dancers, interpretive and fusion dancers in AZ and beyond!

We have (Dancers):

Amanda Rose (Belly Dancer of the Universe 2008)
Deja Dance Collective
Arizona Drum and Dance
Satori Sunrise
Of the Earth
Carrie Konyha
Lara
Mahin
Diosa (Belly Dancer of the Universe Runner-up 2004)
Renee
Jen (Bedouin Tribe)
Desert Flowers
Anaya Tribal
Hands of Kali
Bastet
Katara

...all performing to incredible live music from the likes of
Traveler
Cosmos
Of the Earth
Soleil Noir
The White Claws
Arizona Drum and Dance

...and head-lining the show, all the way from Brooklyn, New York, RAQUY AND THE CAVEMEN!!!! (and they said it couldn’t be done... Well, we did it!).

Remember, show starts at 7:30pm (doors open 1 hour in advance). Tickets are sold up to the show time. Also remember that each ticket includes two FREE drinks ($10 savings right there). There will be a hooka bar on the patio and The Sets does serve food! There are also vendors promoting and selling there wares in our “market place”.

Don’t miss the Hands of Kali’s audience tarot reading...

Pharos LIVE: Bringing musicians and dancers together for a show by the community and for the community, bringing some of the best out of state talent to your doorstep, and portraying an ungodly amount of talent and instigating a helluva lot of fun for all.

Let Pharos draw you in. Follow the light... We hope to see you there.

Thank you for your support :)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

AZ chapter Meeting - June 15th

2008-06-03T04:09:56Z

The Arizona chapter meeting is open to everyone who is interested in sharing ideas and helping with the AZ MECDA events. Members and non-member alike are welcome.

Fair Trade Cafe
1020 N, 1st Ave. Phoenix

Sunday, June 15th 9:30 am
(Yes, we realize this is Father's Day but didn't have too many open days as options...)

Hope to see some of you there,

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

MECDA Fall Festival of Music & Dance

2008-06-03T02:30:51Z

Hello Everyone!

Plans for the Fall Festival of Music & Dance are well underway! The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 1st on the grounds of the First Congregational Church in downtown Phoenix.

The day will include continuous entertainment on the festival stage from 10:30 to 5pm, 7 drop-in workshops by instructors from throughout Arizona and vending galore in the lovely courtyard.

We invite you all to get involved in any of these ways:

Performers for the festival stage - musicians and dancers of all styles!
Volunteers to help with admissions, stage managing, sound, lights and workshop helpers. Volunteering is so important for an event like this - it takes a LOT more than the 4 members of the chapter board to keep an event of this size running smoothly! Please consider donating an hour or two of your time to help this event become a success.

We hope to hear from many of you soon - email president@levantalsonora.com
Check the webpage for full event details... www.levantalsonora.com

Thanks,
Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Check out Pharos LIVE bands!

2008-05-28T22:29:15Z

Check out these sites to see the Pharos LIVE bands, read blogs, listen to music, and perhaps even watch some video.

Soleil Noir
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=138223754&MyToken=a0e4f65b-d941-4904-99d0-b8c1b3711db9

Of the Earth
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=231224926&MyToken=5254e12e-bd11-4451-b5e7-13dc9a64897b

The White Claws
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=130468392&MyToken=d716db71-8359-45db-89ec-e8ab1274fa9d

Traveler
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=177184319

Cosmos
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=277359346

Raquy and the Cavemen
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=10484474

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Raquy in AZ June 14th and 15th!

2008-05-17T22:32:15Z

Hey everybody, Raquy Danziger of Raquy and the Cavemen will be in town On June 14th and 15th to perform in a show and teach some doumbek workshops. I encourage you all to come out and embrace this opportunity to learn and get some tips from one of the great doumbek players in America. Space is limited.

Bernd Geh of AZ Drum and Dance is also teaching a djembe workshop!

The workshops will be held at ASU. You can find the specifics here:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=376417472

You can register for workshops (or buy show tickets) on-line at:

http://trashcityentertainment.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=26

Or, you can register with Anaya Tribal, The White Claws, or The Desert Flowers in person (cash only).

Thanks...

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Workshop Descriptions and NEW Pharos Info:

2008-05-16T02:52:08Z

Here is the 411 announcement of the Pharos event workshops and general info and more. Enjoy!

We’ve made some changes. The workshops have moved to a new location. All workshops will be held at ASU in their state of the art Student Recreation Complex (SRC). The address is 400 E. Apache. It’s basically on Normal St. and Apache Blvd. Parking is on the west side of Normal St in the Apache parking facility and parking will be FREE! The SRC is on the east side of Normal St. Keep in mind that the back of the building faces Apache Blvd. The front of the building is on the North side facing into the campus. None of the times or prices have changed.

Workshops:

AFRICAN DANCE FOR BELLY DANCERS
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm)
ASU Student Recreation Complex (SRC) Dance room D
$30
Instructor:
Mabiba Baegne

One of the best and well known African dancers/drummers/singers, Mabiba Baegne, will be in town on Sunday June 15th to teach ONE WORKSHOP ONLY at the Mystic Jewell Studio at 1:30pm (as part of Pharos). This is the rarest of opportunities to learn from the best. And, she knows that many of your are belly dancers, so her dance class has you in mind.

Beyond that, this is the only dance class that is taught to LIVE drummers, courtesy of AZ Drum and Dance. She’s gonna work you out and rock your world. I’m fairly certain that every instructor for Pharos is taking this class (depending on schedule), so you won’t be alone. New horizons and mixing it up... that’s what it’s all about. Check out the BIO below (workshop price $35. Registration available at www.Trashcityentertainment.com under Pharos):

Mabiba Baegne was born in Brazzaville in the Congo and was initiated
into dance by her grandparents when she was eight years old.

She joined the National Ballet of the Congo with Bolle Bantu. She worked as artistic director, choreographer and taught dancing, drumming and singing plus performed with children (from kindergarten through university level) and also with adults.

Mabiba has worked under the tutelage of Grand Master Djembe players Famoudou Konate and Mamady Keita. Mabiba has toured and performed with both djembe players. She teamed with Mamady in the famous Zig Zag School of African dancing and drumming in Belgium.

As a singer she has toured with Salif Keita, Mamady Keita, and Samba Ngo. She appeared on television and radio programs singing with well-known French singer, France Gall. She is a featured singer on Mamady’s first CD (“Wassolon”) and was a member of Sewa Kan. For many years, Mabiba has been in high demand as a dance and drumming teacher throughout the United States.

In the United States, Mabiba has been instrumental in teaching Central and West African dancing and singing. As well as the first woman to teach traditional West African (Guinea) dununs in the U.S. She was the first woman to produce a dunun training tape here. She has given Master classes at Stanford, San Francisco State, Oregon State, University of Washington (Seattle), UC Santa Cruz, Mills College (Oakland), etc.

Among her US performances, was her role as “Djinga (the King Queen of Angola)” at Brooklyn Academic of Music, in Minneapolis, MN, at the Shakespeare Center in Washington, DC and at Mills College (Oakland).

ZILS & FRAMES:
(Saturday, June 14th, 2008 from 12:30 to 2:00pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room C
($25)
Instructor: Raquy & The Cavemen

This class will be broken up between zil instruction and frame drum instruction (riqq, tar, etc.). It’s a dancer friendly percussion class that will teach zil technique and patterns to many common rhythms. Towards the end, the class will focus on frame drums and perhaps we’ll all just jam :)

BEGINNER DUMBEK (122)
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, from 9:00am to 11:00am)
ASU SRC building Dance room C
$35
Instructor: Raquy Danziger

This class will incorporate the following: How to hold the drum, basic sounds (dum, tek, ka), traditional rhythms, accompaniment of Middle-Eastern songs and dance, and some basic concepts in soloing.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED DUMBEK (270)
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room C
$35
Instructor: Raquy Danziger

This workshop will focus on: Odd rhythms, snaps, different types of finger rolls, and Turkish Split Hand Technique, as well as address more about solos and accompaniment. This is your class drummers. Ask lots of questions. Raquy is like totally the most coolest and nicest person, so don’t be shy.

Raquy Danziger is one of the most popular performers, teachers and composers of Middle Eastern Drumming today. Audiences worldwide are not only surprised by this young woman from America, but captivated by her virtuosity, profound musicality and the passion she brings to performances. Her varied repertoire includes traditional Middle Eastern music as well as her own compositions.

For the past few years, Raquy has been going to Egypt to teach and perform, where she has collaborated with some of the most famous musicians, including Said El-Artist and Hamish Henkish, she has appeared on regional TV including Al-Jazeera Channel and National Egyptian Television and was interviewed by numerous magazines.

A classically trained pianist, Raquy first discovered hand drumming during her travels in Varanase, India where she immersed herself in the study of Indian rhythmic cycles. Later, in Israel, Raquy was drawn to the dumbek (otherwise known as tabla) and the groove of Middle Eastern music.

In the last few years, Raquy has found her own voice as a soloist, group leader and composer. She writes compositions for ensembles comprised of her students as well as master players from the Middle East. She also formed Raquy and the Cavemen, a group in which she also plays the Iranian kemenche, a rare and exotic bowed instrument.

Raquy’s infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern music has made her one of the most sought after teachers of Middle Eastern drumming. An inspiration to scores of students locally and hundreds more at drumming camps and retreats around the country, Raquy is single–handedly responsible for the wave of “Dumbek Fever” sweeping the metropolitan area.

Raquy has released a Dumbek Instructional Kit - “Dumbek Fever” - which includes a book, a DVD and a CD that’s selling all over the world. She also released 4 albums: “Naked” (2007), “Jordan” (2005), “Dust” (2003) and “Masmudi” (2001). “Dust” has reached the top 20 on the CMJ world chart and “Jordan” debuted at the top 30.

Raquy and the Cavemen allow the listener to experience the musical cultures from The Middle East and Egypt and fuse them with Liron Peled’s hard rock drumming background. The name Cavemen is appropriate due to the rawness of the beats, and there is also a timeless property to the music that makes it impossible to dislike. The whole experience of the music takes you on a journey to the roots of Middle Eastern drumming. Its sound is like a close stare into the eyes and soul of the Middle Eastern culture that lives inside the music. Raquy brings forth the experience of an ancient culture straight to the stage for everyone to reflect, react and rotate to.

BASIC DJEMBE TECHNIQUES
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, from 11:30am to 1:00pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room C
$35
Instructor: Bernd Geh

Bernd Geh is the founder and head of Arizona Drum and Dance. He is also the only (or one of very very few)Mammady Keita sanctioned djembe instructors in Arizona.

This class will teach the the proper hand techniques: The dun and gun (bass), the go and do (tones), and the pa and ta (slaps) of the djembe, as well as dive into various African rhythms and poly-rhythms. If you don’t have a djembe, there are up to 10 available for use courtesy of AZ Drum and Dance.

BERND GEH has been continuously teaching West African drumming since 2001 in the Phoenix area. Bernd is originally from Germany and started to study the Malinke music in 1997 with his major and most influential teacher Herman Kathan, who is a professional drummer and represents Tam-Tam Mandinge Germany, which is a branch of Mamady Keita’s worldwide djembe school network.

Bernd also learned from numerous African masters and teachers, such as Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, Adama Drame, Amadou Kienou, Moussa Traore, Abdoul Doumbia and Bolokada Conde.

Bernd is currently a professional level student of Mamady Keita.

But wait, there’s more!

DYNAMIC TRIBAL IMPROV
(Saturday, June 14th, 2008, from 11:00am to 12:30pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$35
Instructor: Christina of HANDS OF KALI

This workshop will concentrate on the important interplay between short, “simple” moves and longer combos in tribal improv. The relationship of these different types of moves, with multi-tempo music, brings a lively dynamic to any group improv. After high-energy drills on shimmies and zills, this class will move right into an intensive tribal bellydance workout guaranteed to make you sweat and smile, all at the same time. Suitable for dancers at all skill levels.

STEAM PUNK CHOREOGRAPHY
(Saturday, June 14th, 2008, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$35
Instructor: Maureen of HANDS OF KALI

What is “Steampunk”?

Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction which came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of “the path not taken” of such technology as dirigibles or analog computers; these frequently are presented in an idealized light, or a presumption of functionality. It has now manifested itself into fashion and music.

Learn an original, steam-punk-inspired Hands of Kali choreography to the song “Proper Hoodidge” by Amon Tobin—perform it solo, as a troupe, or just pick and choose the combinations that you want to add to your dance repertoire. We will do a quick yoga warm-up (bring a mat if you have one); then learn the 3-minute routine, which alternates slinky moves with pops and locks. Handouts with choreography notes will be provided.

SWORDS AND DARKNESS:
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, 3:30pm to 5:00pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$35
Instructor: Kendra, the head of HANDS OF KALI

Get ready for the World’s most innovative, contemporary, fresh, skilled, and dare I say... Darkest Belly Dance Troupe in existence. Formed in 2003, Hands of Kali are out to make a statement... lead, Follow, or get out of the way. Under the direction of Kendra, you will be challenged and you will overcome (she will make you). Your horizons will be broadened, you will learn, you will appreciate... and you, yes you, will be infinitely better for surviving it... and Kendra and The Hands of Kali will be there for you, supporting you along the way with patience and praise.

PRECISION FLOW: STOP ON A DIME, BEND SPACE AND TIME
(Saturday, June 14th, 2008 from 9:00am to 10:30am)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$30
Instructor: Bastet

This fun, sassy, and challenging workshop integrates the modern precision of “hits” from pop-n-lock, the timeless grace of bellydance, and the mesmerizing appearance of “flow”-a distorted sense of time-into your fusion repertoire. Classic Egyptian Cabaret, Tribal fusion, and ATS stylings are transformed into an energetic and hypnotic performance with “hits” (or “pops”) that melt seamlessly into excruciatingly slow transitions called “flow” that seem to bend time, leaving your audience breathless until you travel back into normal space and time.

DOUBLE FAN FUSION
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, from 9:00am to 10:30am)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$30
Instructor: Bastet

Bastet first picked up a pair of fans in 1999 to bring something new to the urban dance scene in Florida. Fusing her urban stylings with subsequent training in Egyptian Cabaret, Tribal Fusion, and American Tribal Style, Bastet creates powerful and dynamic performances. Well-known for her exciting double fan performances throughout the southeastern United States and her new home in New Mexico, Bastet teaches the use of props and layers as an extension of your natural movement, creating graceful, powerful, and fluid performances. Until her recent move, Bastet was a performer with the tribal fusion troupe, The Dance of the Fates (now Jahara Phoenix), based outside of Atlanta, GA.

Last but certainly not least, there are workshops from the famous, talented, and beautiful DIOSA!!! She doesn’t do workshops that often, but has agreed to do two workshops at PHAROS! What a treat! Here they are:

POP AND DROP: BELLY HIP-HOP
(Saturday, June 14th, 2008, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$30
Instructor: Diosa Holmes

This fun and entertaining workshop consists of belly dance combinations fused with hip hop movements. Students join combinations into a complete choreography, with the ability to use the finished piece for their own performing events. A brief explanation is provided on how to diagram a song and choreograph to music (a template will be provided).

THUMP & DRUM: PULSATE TO PERCUSSION
(Sunday, June 15th, 2008, from 11:00am to 12:30pm)
ASU SRC building Dance room D
$30
Instructor: Diosa Holmes

This enjoyable and slightly challenging workshop incorporates many classic and modern elements of the “drum solo” performance. Students incorporate locking techniques, sharp muscle control, and expressive traveling movements to develop a stylized and complete choreographed piece that can be performed to any 4/4 rhythm. A brief explanation is provided on how to diagram a song and choreograph to music (a template will be provided).

Diosa won 1st runner up for Belly Dancer of the Universe 2004 in the Fusion Category. She also performs at many venues and has danced for Shakira, Sonia Montero de Falcone, the Arizona Republic, Lollapalooza, Rakkasah, Cooperstown, Arizona State University, and more.

She was formerly a member of the Arizona Belly Dance Troupe, led by Danah Stedman, the award winning Black Opal Dance Company directed by Ava Fleming, guest dancer of Maryana/Melissa’s Unity in Motion, and Kahlea’s Natium World Dance and Diabolique: Unconventional Entertainment. Diosa is currently the director of a new Middle Eastern ensemble, The Desert Flowers. The troupe performs Egyptian cabaret, hip-hop fusion, Eastern Indian fusion, and American tribal. They have performed at Zoofari at the Phoenix Zoo, Maricopa County Fair, the Arizona State Fair, and many private parties around the Valley. The Desert Flowers have had the privilege to work with wonderful groups such as Satori Sunrise and White Claws World Percussion.

That’s it! There ya go Phoenix drum and dance community (and beyond). Four drum workshops and eight dance workshops from some of the best talent around. Wow, a bunch of drummers and dancers congregating in one place learning and mingling... it’s like a collegiate hafla.

I feel as if I’m missing something though...

Oh yeah! There is the Pharos LIVE! show on Saturday night (June 14th, 2008, at 7:30pm at The Sets in Tempe). What is Pharos LIVE? Well, it’s seven local and national ethnic music groups (with a lot of drumming) gathering in one place for one event... with dancers galore, and all for one incredible, once in a lifetime, show. Acts include (and in no particular order):

Raquy and The Cavemen performing with Diosa, Bastet, and Hands of Kali

The White Claws performing with The Desert Flowers, Satori Sunrise, and Anaya Tribal

Of the Earth performing with their dancers

Soleil Noir performing with Deja Dance

Arizona Drum and Dance throwin’ it down with African dancers

Cosmos performing with their dancers

and Traveler performing with their dancers.

Special performance by Katara, audience tarot reading by Hands of Kali, hookas, alcohol, more alcohol, a Moroccan market with various venders, and last but not least... more alcohol. It’s like an SCA event gone horribly right! C’mon, that was funny.

Perhaps... just perhaps, more will be added.

Vending space is available at The Sets. Contact Chris @ www.trashcityentertainment.com

THERE IS ABSOULUTELY NO VENDING AT ASU FOR WORKSHOPS!!!

There are killer discount packages available for workshops:

The “ANY THREE” discount allows one to take any 3 workshops (drum or dance) for $80. Considering the talent involved, that’s pretty damn cheap!

The Pharos MEGA DISCOUNT is for dancers that want it all. There are no conflicts in the scheduling of the dance workshops. If you want to take all eight of them, the price is $180. That’s nearly a $100 savings.

General admission for the Pharos LIVE! show is $25. Keep in mind that the price includes two (yes two) free drinks from the bar... anything you want. HA! You’re welcome.

VIP/Reserved seating for Pharos LIVE is $40. You get a table vs. auditorium seating or standing room only. Again, the price includes two free drinks from the bar... anything you want (lush). Hey, we be cool like dat!

Tickets and workshop registration is available online at this link:

http://trashcityentertainment.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=26

Unfortunately, there are unavoidable on-line banking (convenience) fees. However, you can also order tickets over the phone by calling Trash City Entertainment @ 602-399-9500.

Unfortunately, this Pharos event isn’t that big. Instead, it is merely friggin’ HUGE! Your chances of seeing Raquy & The Cavemen live outside of New York, Cairo, or the San Francisco area are slim to none, and Slim has his bags already packed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and learn from Raquy and Hands of Kali and all the Pharos instructors. This event is tre’ sick.

Pharos burns for YOU! Jump in the fire!

Pharos is brought to you by Trash City Entertainment in conjunction with The White Claws and Drumopelli.

Pharos is:

The White Claws
Anaya Tribal
Of the Earth
The Desert Flowers
Satori Sunrise

Producer/Director: Drumopelli

Stage Manager: Valerie Olinger

Booking Agent: Mary Riley

Workshop Coordinator (NEW!): Colleen

Pharos... it’s not just a lighthouse anymore!

Thank you for your time...

Finis

Addendum: You can also purchase tickets and register over the phone by calling Chris at Trash City Entertainment at 602-953-2728.

Registration may also be made in person (cash only) at various local BD and Drum events (TBA), and only through Colleen, Pharos workshop coordinator, or a representative of the various sponsor groups.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Minutes from April 08 MECDA Meeting - YES Your chapter is active!!

2008-05-10T19:38:45Z

Levant al-Sonora Minutes
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Old business
1 Current membership list request.
We received the membership list. It is short. Many people have not renewed.
2 Minutes of the previous meeting.
Trent forgot to bring hard copies of the old minutes. When the minutes have been amended and approved they will be posted on Tribe and the web site.
3 Demi Faraday is the new Treasurer.
4 MySpace and Facebook profiles.
Profiles had not yet been created on the major social networking sites. Demi volunteered to do this.
5 Web calender.
5.1 Tom will add the web calender to the web site.
5.2 Someone needs to contact promoters for calender information.
6 Forwarding financial records from the previous Treasurer.
This has been done and the new balance was verified.
Dance in the Park
There was a lot of discussion about the SCA, Encanto Park, and vending. Mahin contacted the Encanto Park administrator who reports that the behavior was not licensed and that there has been a crack down.
Mahin though sponsorship or advertising on the program could help with costs.
A ranch in Gilbert was proposed as an alternative to a park. Private property would remove many of the problems with fees and permits associated with having an event in a public facility.
Costs for a dance in the park could include facility use fees, stage or flooring rental, sound systems and microphones, water, bathrooms, tents for workshops, and tents for dressing rooms. In addition, the sound system would need electricity.

1 Dance in the Park timeline
May 1 Location selected.
June 1 Plan for promotion (teachers, flyers, news outlets, web calendars, MECDA publications.
July 1 Performers recruited and scheduled.
Event formally announced to the community.
August 1 Vendors recruited.
Mini-workshop instructors decided.
Sound system plans.
September 1 Active advertising to fully begin!
October 1 Handle final details of vendor tables, sound system, volunteers, and so on.
November 1 The Big Day!
December 1 Event recap, monetary profit or loss, new members, ideas for next time, and so on.

Studio Tour
A California chapter has had good results from sponsoring studio tours. Each month the tour visits a new studio. It is essentially a no-cost event that helps promote belly dance and good will for MECDA in the community.
Three studios would be enough to start the event. It would not be restricted to MECDA members. Possible participants were discussed.
New Business

1 Press list
Demi was going to assemble a press list to include The College Times, The New Times, The Arizona Republic, The Tribune papers, The Independent, and the Midtown Messenger.
2 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at 9:30 AM on 11 May 2008 at Fair Trade Café.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Drum solo workshop w/ Carrie Konyha

2008-05-08T23:26:57Z

Saturday, June 21st. 10:30am, $25
Sedona, AZ
Drum solos are a staple part of any full length belly dance show but dancers often find it difficult to understand how to dance most affectively to a drum solo. Learn traditional drum solo technique & a full drum solo choreographed by Carrie Konyha. Class includes information on how to choreograph your own drum solos. Choreographed routines act as a valuable tool for dancers to learn how to combine movements and transition from one move to another. 2 hour workshop. Must preregister. Space is limited. Location: CArries home studio in uptown Sedona AZ. Driving directions provided upon registration. Contact Carrie at 928.282.1587, carrie@gaiadance.net or visit http://gaiadance.net

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

tribal bra and belt

2008-04-27T01:00:10Z

you may see photo on page one in my pics
if interested contact me at tcsdance@aol.com
70.00 plus shipping

This is a hand made costume. Both bra and belt are lined. The bra is very sturdy will hold it's shape well.The bra will fit a 36-38 B/C. This costume will work great for new students, hobbyist class recitals, parties, Goth night, belly fusion, photos, and performances.
This is an original one of a kind costume.

The bra will fit a 36-38 B/C. The bra cups are covered in a blue velvet panne' fabric. The bra is trimmed in a brown gimp trim about an inch wide, with a navy blue border. Beneath the trim is a belled and coined chain. At the center of the bra is an O-ring with a chain with bells attached. The side panels and the straps are made from the same fabric that covers the bra cups. The bra ties across the back kris- cross with D-rings. the bra straps are 48 inches long.

The belt is cover in the same fabric as the bra.This belt will fit a M-L(about up to a 14 in pant size and can be shortened) . The belt also has also has the same brown trim with the navy blue border. The belt is 37 inches long not including the tie ends. The tie ends are 18 inches long. The belt can be shortened if needed before it is shipped.The belt also has 3 Afghani pendants on it . 2 small silver ones and one large multi colored one at the center in the back. The ribbon fringe is made up of various yarns, lace, gimp trim and ribbon in various colors of blues and browns. On each side of the belt is there are silver belled and coined chain for sound and movement.
As stated before this is a one of a kind of original piece of wearable art
This costume has a real elegant flare to it moves very well
email mail with any questions or more photos

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Big Hafla w/Souhail Kasper and Guests. May 3rd... don't miss it!

2008-03-06T01:15:59Z

An update on the hafla: we'll be partying down on the west side at a picturesque home in Goodyear. There will be food, goodies to buy from Anaya Tribal and Fashionable Movement, and lots of rocking live music to dance to. Featuring Moroccan music-maker Rachid Halihal on oud, violin and vocals (his enchanting voice being his best instrument, IMHO) and a kickass primal percussion section led by Souhail Kaspar, we’ll be ready to rock the house! Bring some wine and a tasty snack and your best party gear and get ready to get your dance on. We’ll have some surprise musicians, both local and otherwise, and featured dance performances by the sensational Helena Vlahos, the sublime Carrie Konyha, and the lovely Lara Kymana.

The hafla is $15 in advance and will be $20 at the door (see below). Also, check out our cool classes. If you want to learn to rock the drum like Souhail or get tips on shakin your booty to the rhythm, or if you liked Rachid’s beautiful singing and want to learn a cool Moroccan ditty to sing or play later, there is a workshop there for you!

Registration details are on my website: www.phoenixhafla.com

I’ll be updating it more over the next few days, so if you don't see the info you want, please drop me a line.

Also, a reminder that Midnight Caravan II will be October 17th-19th, so if you’re working on an event for the fall or know someone who is, please pass the word. That weekend we’ll be hooking it up on the east side at the Mesa Women’s Club.

Can’t wait to everyone there!

(In case you're wondering, the hafla fees help cover the musicians’s airfare, food and hotel expenses, and occasionally there’s enough left over to compensate them for their time. I do my best to find cool, eclectic locations to have a fun, yet affordable shindig and share the talent and teaching skills of these amazing artists with my friends in Arizona. If you have access to a big, cool house or venue or nice space somewhere and would like to host in the future, let me know! I’m always on the lookout for fun locations).

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Dumb Question I know but...

2008-02-15T19:48:58Z

Where do I pay for my membership renewal?

Is there an address here in AZ I can send a check to? Or a website that I can use? I just realized we're up for renewal this month.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

FREE bellydance workshop This Sat. Jan 26th

2008-01-21T21:59:03Z

Carrie Konyha is teaching a FREE introduction to bellydance workshop This SAt. Jan 26th as a part of the "Celebrating the Art of Movement" event at OldTown Center for the Arts in Cottonwood AZ. Carries workshop is at 11:00am. No previous experience needed. For further information on call Elena Bullard at (928) 639-4321.

For more info on Carries full dance class schedule visit http://gaiadance.net

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Please post past events at "MECDA Members Everywhere"

2007-12-25T08:22:56Z

Hi,
Please come post any MECDA chapter events that you had during 2007 following my thread
"It's a Wonderful MECDA"

MECDA Members Only is NOW "MECDA Members Everywhere" and open for anyone interested, we want any potential friends to come and understand why they SHOULD be a member!

What if MECDA did not sponsor events? What events would not be there?
Also feel free to fill in with some details about the event and what happened.
Thanks,
MECDA Moderator

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Natium's Spring Natyam II

2007-11-05T21:18:44Z

Save the date!

NATIUM World Dance will be hosting it 2nd Spring Natyam in 2008!
March 29 2008, please save the date for the bellydance, world fusion showdown of the year in Phoenix Arizona.
From student performers to professional troupes and dancers, this is surely going to be entertaining and fun.
More detail will follow, but for now, please save the date for March 29 2007!
Both Natium (our troupe's namesake) and Natyam (The Indian term) mean dance. Please join us for our spring dance to welcome fertility, prosperity and auspiciousness in our lives.
Studnets, this will be your chance to shine and show off all of your hard work in classes!
Kahlea

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Dance in the Park Spring Festival.

2007-10-18T06:46:16Z

By now there's not really enough time to put together Mahin's idea for a dance picnic at Papago Park in early November.

I envision an all day Dance in the Park Spring Festival. All day would basically mean 10:00am to Sunset. We would have amplified music, vendors, food vendors, one or two stages, maybe some free lessons. It would be a great way to promote belly dance and would let the teachers and studio owners get some PR. Maybe it would be something less ambitious depending on resources, but I'd really like it to be more community outreach and PR for the dance business community than a friendly event for dancers.

Do you know of any other organizations in AZ for popular performance dance? Maybe hip-hop?

If you are interested in being on a committee to put the thing together please reply to this post and contact me at trent_shipley@yahoo.com. Please include your cross-street, how far you are willing to travel, and how much time you can give to the Spring Dance Festival each week.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

Wednesday, October 3rd - "Cyrcle - The Drummers Groove" Drum, Music and Dance Energy Exchange Circle

2007-10-02T06:38:37Z

Wednesday, October 3rd - "Cyrcle - The Drummers Groove" Drum, Music and Dance Energy Exchange Circle

at

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
8034 N. 19th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 433-0255

From 7:00 to 9:00
Wednesday, October 3rd

Come and share the love and communal spirit of this wonderful event. The lights are low and there is magic in the air. Loose yourself in the moment while you give and receive revitalizing energy. It's all about the love and your individual expression of it. Just let yourself go.....oh yes...and there will be group hugs.
Dancers of all types and skill levels are welcome!
Musicians, bring your melodic instruments, drums and or light percussion..
This is an exchange of energy "Cyrcle" so please come and share!!!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

MECDA Picnic in Nov.?? Who's in?

2007-09-05T05:38:21Z

Hey everybody... our MECDA chapter is planning a celebration of our first year. Here's what we have in mind.....
An all day picnic at Papago Park at the ramada near the lake tentatively set for the first Sunday in Nov., including all day performances - as many as we can get - on the ampitheater stage. It's a beautiful setting and we'd like it to be a very relaxed community gathering.

The stage is about 20 x 20 but in a hexagonal shape. I think it could accomodate groups of up to 5. We'd like to the lineup to reflect the diversity of styles we have in the community and therefore want to include as many of our AZ dancers as possible.

The preliminary plans have been checked out. What we need is to know that the community is willing to come out and dance and participate. There will be no admission, but donations to defray the cost of the event will be accepted. Before we put down the money on the event and invest our time in more planning, we'd like to know that people are interested in coming out and supporting it.

In addition to dancers, we'll need some volunteers both in preparation and on the day of the event. The park has power for a sound system, but we a system to plug into it for amplified performance music. It would have been nice to include live music but the park rules don't allow live amplified music :-( - damn! I'm not sure if that excludes acoutstic instruments.

So what do you think?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Sedona Summer Workshop Day Cancelled

2007-08-16T22:49:13Z

The MECDA Summer Workshop Day planned for Aug. 25th in Sedona has been cancelled due to insufficient pre-registration. To those that *did* pre-register, thank you for your support of MECDA in Arizona - full refunds are on their way to you.

Thank you,

Levant al Sonora Board
Arizona's MECDA Chapter

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Belly Dance Workshops in Sedona, Saturday, August 25

2007-08-08T03:44:26Z

Arizona’s MECDA Chapter Levant al Sonora Presents
Summer Workshop Day

Here is a workshop out of the desert heat in beautiful Sedona Arizona. This is a perfect opportunity for belly dancers in Northern Arizona to receive instruction from some of the best instructors from Southern and Central Arizona. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity.

Saturday, August 25th ♦ Sedona Community Center
2615 N. Melody Lane. – Sedona, Arizona - 86339

Workshops are limited to 30 participants – Register Today and Reserve YOUR Space!

WORKSHOP FEES: (per class) Pre-Registration (before August 15th ) MECDA Members $35 Non-members $40
After August 15th & At The Door $45

Online registration at: www.levantalsonora.com
Info: 480-233-0022

9-11am GINA (Tucson) ONCE MORE WITH FEELING!
Exciting combos in the classic cabaret style! Learn movement sequences and transitions that you can use as building blocks for your own choreographies or in semi-improvisational performance. Combos will emphasize the art of expression with movement. This workshop will also include some improvisational exercises to help bring out YOUR expressive style!

Gina received her early training from Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour and was a member of both Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat. She currently performs, teaches and promotes events in Tucson.

11:15am – 1:15 pm CARMEN EVANS (Tucson) DOWN-HOME BELADI
Expand your repertoire of styles by learning traditional beladi to authentic music. We will learn clean, clear, hip and arm movements with power and grace designed to ignite an audience. Emphasis will be on hearing and interpreting the music with appropriate moves, gestures and feelings. We will also examine how to make your dancing more authentic when you wish and how to expand that authenticity to lift the level of your choreography and performance to truly professional heights.

Carmen Evans is a nationally known dancer, holding a B.A. degree in dance education. She has studied under Bobby Farrah, Elena Lentini and Yousry Sheriff, performed in the New York area’s prestigious nightclubs and trained many of the region’s professional dancers. After moving to Tucson, she started the Arabian Dance Arts Studio. In 1997 Carmen was elected to The American Academy of Middle Eastern Dancer’s Hall of Fame for her contributions in education and dance excellence.

2:30-4:30 pm YASMINA (Phoenix) MELTING POT COMBINATIONS
Need some new combinations to spice up your dance? These combos are fused with different cultural flavors and some funk thrown in to make them fun. Doesn't matter if you are a cabaret or tribal dancer these new combinations will work in your dance style.

Yasmina is a performer, instructor and hosted “The Joy of Belly Dancing” TV show on Public Access from 1990 - 2003. Yasmina created “Yasmina’s Joy of Belly Dancing” website (www.joyofbellydancing.com) a resource page for dancers and has placed in several belly dance competitions. She performs several styles of belly dancing and loves the American Tribal Style (ATS). Yasmina is part of the group Hipnotic Hips, a tribal fusion troupe that performs in the Phoenix area.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Middle Eastern Feast - SCA event August 25

2007-08-01T19:07:10Z

This event is open to the public, hosted by the east valley chapter (Barony of Twim Moons) of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a non-profit educational/social group dedicated to the study and re-creation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras.

Middle East Feast
August 25, 2007

The Barony of Twin Moons annual Middle East Feast approaches! Soon the arrival of the caravans will bring music, dance, and a feast to delight the senses. We invite the kingdom to join us in this celebration!

Join our lovely Baroness Isabel, and the brave and good Baron Thomas as we enjoy all things Middle Eastern. Spend the day enjoying dancers and drummers from our Kingdom and beyond. There will be merchants with exotic wares to entice your wallet. Bring your pillows, rugs, and coffee tables and spend the day relaxing and enjoying a marvelous feast (there will be tables and chairs available for those who can not sit on the floor). For the kid in all of us there will be the annual bead trading game that always brings enjoyment to all that participate. There will be a performance by the Red Hands Tribe and the Grand Alliance, if you have not seen these musicians and performers before then you definitely do not want to miss this event!

Full event information can be found at our website
http://middle-east-feast.tripod.com/index.html

Location: Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills AZ 85268

Site & Fee Details: Site hours 10am - 6pm, no pets, no indoor smoking, dry (no alcohol) site, no camping. The site fee includes feast and is payable in advance on the ACCEPS website (http://acceps.ansteorra.org/regit/event_main.php) or at the gate. The site fees are as follows:
Adults (SCA members) - $15.00 pp
Adults (non-SCA) - $18.00 pp
Children (age 5-17) - $10.00 pp
It is strongly encouraged due to the popularity of this event that you take advantage of the advance payment system through ACCEPS. There is a $1 per transaction fee and you will need a debit or credit card to make your reservation. Cash or checks made out to Barony of Twin Moons, SCA Inc. will be accepted at the door.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPS REGISTRATION IS AUGUST 10TH! After that date you can pay by cash or check at the event.

Event Steward: Lady Gwenllyan verch Wilkin (Elisaba Dow) 480-544-2332 (no calls after 9pm) emaccat076@mac.com
Feast Steward: Lord Iohn Hambledon (Brent Dow) 480-635-2651 (no calls after 9pm) monasterycycles@aol.com
Merchant Liason: Lady Helena de Argentoune (Heather Jeffcott) 480-813-1060 hrjeffcott@aol.com
A complete list of feast ingredients can be obtained by emailing the feast steward.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Open Dance - Thank You!

2007-07-28T22:47:19Z

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Open Dance Night this past Thursday. We had a great time as usual :-)

Especially big thank you's to our featured dancers: Levana, T.C., Azula, Rukshana, Chyna Daisy (in her stage debut!), Epona, Zina and Zoraya. And of course huge kudos to White Claws with Fatimah and Jsa'ne who gave a fabulous LIVE performance of the piece from their video - and much more!

Next Open Dance dates: Sept. 6th and Oct. 11 - keep and eye on Tribe for more details.
I am already making the list for Sept 6th's performers- contact me if you'd like a spot.

Thanks again,

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Performance Lineup for Open Dance Night - July 26th

2007-07-20T17:39:24Z

Here's the lineup for Open Dance Night....
Rukshana, Levanna, Zina bint Badia, Zoraya, Azula, Rakalaya, T.C. , Epona and Fatimah Rasheeda
and if that's not enough....
White Claws Drums too!

Come out and join the fun... details on my Tribe page Events section.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Open Dance Night

2007-07-17T01:08:42Z

Come on out - dance, play and have good time!
We've got LOTS of performances lined up but there's still time for you to hit the dance floor!

Thursday July 26th 7:30pm
Oasis 2 Cafe
SW corner of Broadway & McClintock in Tempe

$2.00 admission at the door

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Early Registration for GET BOZIFIED Weekend ends July 5!

2007-07-03T16:05:09Z

There's still some space left in the workshops!
Score your spot now at the 'Early Bird' (read: Cheep) prices.

Here's the website:
www.gobellydance.com/JimBozWorkshop.html

GET BOZIFIED Weekend
Workshops with Jim Boz
August 2, 3,4 &5 Workshops BellyDanceShoppe Studios
14848 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone (602)997-4149

(Show at Mesa Woman's Club, 200 N MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85201)

Thursday, August 2 7:00-9:30pm – DRILLS, THRILLS, CHILLS & ZILS!
20 Person Limit $40 until July 5/ $45 after

Those crips isolations, those sharp hip articulations, the focus of moving your hips to the rhythm while your upper body gracefully acknowledges melodies and
ethereal passages. You can achieve them through isolations techniques and foundation exercises! We'll present a batch of straightforward technique
focused exercises sure to sharpen your skills, then mess with your head for some seriously challenging layers. We have some neeeeewwwww ones for yaaaaa!
Add in a Zil Drill (bring your aspirin) with some exciting techniques and combinations. (These ain't your momma's finger cymbal combinations!)

Friday, August 3 (Studio) –PRIVATE LESSONS - $60/hr
Semi Privates also available - $20 each additional student up to 6; 7 and over $175/hr.
Must pay in advance – no refunds.

Friday Night – “Unofficial” party

Saturday, August 4
5 hrs: ORIENTAL FOUNDATIONS, TECHNIQUE, COMBINATIONS & EXPRESSION (5hrs (10am-4:00pm with lunch from 1--2pm)
$75 July 5 or before, $85 after - 20 Person Limit
More than just "here's a step, and here's a step". We'll get on the same wavelength with a few textures, organize them into expressions, then start getting into feel, and passion, and pull, and drama and all the deliciousness that makes this dance more yummy than just going thru the motions. We will stick to Egyptian style for this one, but will happily nod to variations for Tribal, AmCab, Lebanese, Greek, etc.

Saturday Night Show at Mesa Woman's Club
Show $20 in advance $25 at the door

Sunday, August 5 10AM-12:30PM MASTER CLASS
10 Person Limit $75 July 5 or before $85 after
Advanced technique and combinations – will NOT slow down for foundation concepts! Subject will be Raks Sharki in Jim's style - combination and/or
choreography - JIM'S WHIM. It will be whatever Jim happens to be working on at the time. Subject matter will be fluid, covering topics and concepts important
to Advanced students and professionals. We will cover a few combinations in a few styles, drilling the different levels of focus of the combination beyond
the mere step. The steps will be mind bending enough...trust me.

Sunday, August 5 2:00-4:30PM - PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE (All Levels Welcome) -
20 person limit – $40 July 5 or before/$45 after
Okay, you know some moves - you know a few combos - you have a song you like. Now what?!? How do you put it together so they remember more than your shoes, your costume, your hair or your smile! We will cover phrasing, energy transfer, stage dynamics, texture sequencing/morphing, entrances and a grab bag o'tidbits that will help evolve your dance into a performance

Sunday 6:00-8:30pm – Funky Fusion! (All Levels Welcome)
20 person limit $40 July 5 or before, $45 after
Hip Hop, Jazz, wild staging and more! Do you ride the fence between Middle Eastern Dance, American interpretive, ATS and funky funky Tribal/Fusion?
You'll get a serious kick out of this one. Oh heck, don't even want to do that stuff? I'll let you in on a little secret: technique is technique - it's the
expression that changes the label. heh heh heh SO - we will re-cover some of the techniques from our drills applicable to a few funky combos, and then
expand on their expression. Take the same techniques and apply them to Egyptian (oh wait, you probably did back in January!), then we'll show them in
context of a Tribal/Fusion combination. But the mind bend doesn't stop there - the same combinations make *excellent* accents & embellishments for phrases and exciting combos for Drum solos! (Ooooh, and we'll do them all! Muah hahahahahha)

****Master Class and/or (semi)Private classes not included in any packages.***

FULL EVENT PACKAGE:
Thurs & Sat workshops, Sunday Performance & Fusion classes plus show ticket
(A la carte, this would be $215/235 )
==> $180 July 5 or before,$195 After <==

WEEKEND PACKAGE (Sat & Sun only):
Sat workshop, Sun performance & Fusion classes plus show ticket
(a la carte, this would be $175/200)
==> $145 July 5 or before.$175 After <==

SUNDAY ONLY PACKAGE (Sun workshops only, no show):
Sunday Performance & Fusion Classes only,
(a la carte, would be $80/90)
==> $75 in Advance/$85 After <==

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Tucson Spring Workshop - A Success! THANK YOU!

2007-05-11T04:08:15Z

Tucson Spring Workshop Day on April 22nd was a success on so many levels. First off, thank you to everyone that registered and came to the workshops. We hope you all had a fabulously fun and educational day! Without you there would only be sad, empty studio space. With you all there we had lots of smiles, sweat, laughing and groans or exertion (thanks Kahlea - we heard!)

Workshop participants have been sent a survey link by regular e-mail. We want to know what YOU thought of the event. If you attended a workshop but do not receive a survey e-mail, please contact me.

To our instructors, Habib, Jazmine and Kahlea, thanks for believing in this chapter and this event and coming out to share your talents and knowledge. We've heard such wonderful comments from your students about each and every one of you!

Also, the chapter officers would like to thank Kendra and Zuzi! studio for being such a welcoming and helpful venue. The studio was beautiful, spacious and had a great feel. We look forward to returning for another workshop day (weekend?) next April!

For those of you who were unable to join us, you missed this one but don't miss the next one!

You can view photos from the workshops here:
http://www.levantalsonora.com/index.htm

Next up - Northern Arizona Summer Workshops in July. Stay tuned... details to come soon...

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

Open Dance Night - Thank You!

2007-05-11T04:06:19Z

Thank you to everyone who came out and packed the house at Oasis 2 for Open Dance Night last week! There was not an empty seat in sight - except when people got out on the dance floor...
Thank you to all our lovely and talented performers... Ankestamen & Raks al Beladi, Mitra, the MCC Tribal class, Kessa, Zaida (in her cabaret debut!!), Khrystia, Rukshana and Dakini Devi. And if those lovely ladies - and gentleman - were not enough.... Abdou, Captain Aires, Johnny (an Oasis regular) and an unidentified man kept the dance floor jumpin' between shows. Our emcee Kymana not only announced, but joined in on the playing too.

The evening had great energy - if you came out, I hope you had a fun time. If you didn't make it- join us next time!
You can find pictures from the evening in my Tribe photo album.

Speaking of "next time".... I have something *very* different and intimate up my sleeve for July. If you are a musician or dancer and would like to be involved, Tribe me for the unreleased "top secret" details... hee hee.
The Open Dance party will be back in September...

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

A message from MECDA's Central Board

2007-05-03T18:57:00Z

May 2, 2007

A letter was mailed to MECDA members from a "Concerned Committee." This is our response which will be sent to All Mecda Members who have given us their email addresses.

MECDA was formed as an organization to improve wages and conditions for Bellydancers. We have accomplished that - and we have moved on to become a needed communications organization to provide unity and service to all dance communities throughout the United States.

As to our finances: We have a direct connection between receipts and 1099's to all payments, which are made by check; we have no credit cards. There is no money missing from MECDA.

We did pay a penalty to the IRS for one year when Treasurers were changing offices, and our statement was late. This was years ago, and it was not a big issue: Once in 30 years is a great record.

We have about 20 individuals working in the Central Board and the Cairo Carnivale. For them to receive an average of $1,300 a year means about $100 a month. This may not even account for the gas money they spend to do their job.

Officer qualifications change according to what computer skills are available for them to do their jobs in the best and easiest manner.
If an individual on the Board does not perform competently, they are replaced.

We had a request to sub out our 'treasurer' position to an accountant. He would only enter our materials into "Quicken," no judgement of the appropriateness of the invoice, no response to members, no attendance at meetings. Data entry is only a small part of what the MECDA Treasurer does. He was not useful to us.

Obviously, all MECDA members are valued and treated equally. Each MECDA member pays a maximum of $50 to join - they receive $74.00 worth of publications (Chronicles, Happenings, Directory) in return, as well as discounts on events and products. We make up for the difference between this amount and your membership fee from revenue generated by the Cairo Carnivale.

The individuals who sent you that letter didn't even trust you to vote the way they want even after reading their distortions and lies.They expect you to send them your blank ballot with the required envelope to them - so they can vote instead of you!

The current MECDA Board has worked very hard to accomplish communications, events, and services for members across the country.

FYI:

MECDA'S CODE OF CONDUCT includes the following: "Personal information obtained in private will be respected as such. Members will not repeat gossip that could be detrimental to the welfare and happiness of others."

AND Furthermore:

Article IX of the MECDA Bylaws states: "Names, addresses, phone numbers and other pertinent information of and about MECDA members will be kept in confidence by the officers so entrusted for the sole reason of conducting MECDA affairs, and will not be released without permission of the specific member(s) involved."

It is unknown at this time who provided the confidential names and addresses of MECDA's membership, but this situation is currently under investigation. If the person(s) involved in releasing the confidential information are discovered, pertinent action will be taken.

Please contact all members in your chapters and all of your MECDA friends and encourage them to send in their OWN ballots!

Thank You,

The Current MECDA Board.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

Great job!

2007-04-27T16:33:47Z

I've posted more meaty versions of my praises to you guys in Bellypraise and the Uncensored tribes, but I thought I should say something here as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Thanks to all the officers of Levant Al Sonora for organizing such a great set of workshops! I've taken home quite a few things that I want to work on as a result. It was a nice mix of topics and styles.

I can't wait to see what you all have up your sleeves for the next workshop day up north!

Again, thanks for all the hard work in putting this all together. It was a great day!

~S~

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

Open Dance Night - Thursday, May 3rd

2007-04-27T14:57:32Z

We're doing it again - this time at Oasis 2. If you haven't seen the *new* Oasis you've got to check it out!
The fun starts at 7:30 - food, drinks and hookahs available all evening.

Our lineup includes:

Mitra - solo cabaret
Ankestamen and her Student Troupe
Zaida - solo cabaret
Alchemy - Radiant Motion of Light
Khrystia - Tahitian
Rukshana - solo cabaret
Kessa - Persian Classical
MCC Folkloric Tribal class

And YOU on the open dance floor! Bring your hipscarf - grab your drum. This is a community dance night :-)

All for just $2.00 Cover at the door.
Oasis 2 Cafe - NW Corner of Broadway & McClintock - near Smart & Final

Tribe me if you need more info - see you there!

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Wednesday, May 2nd " - Cyrcle - The Drummers Groove" Drum, Music and Dance Energy Exchange Circle

2007-04-26T02:54:56Z

Wednesday, May 2nd " - Cyrcle - The Drummers Groove" Drum, Music and Dance Energy Exchange Circle

at

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
8034 N. 19th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 433-0255

From 7:00 to 9:00
Wednesday, May 2nd

Dancers of all types and skill levels are welcome! Also bring your melodic instruments.
Drummers, bring your drums and or light percussion..
This is an exchange of energy "Cyrcle" so please come and share!!!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Tucson This Weekend - still spaces available!

2007-04-20T21:19:51Z

There's still room in all three workshops - Kahlea, Jazmine and Habib.
Tucson's not very far - come on down and be part of our very first workshop event! Online registration and payment will be open till Saturday morning. After that, you can call (480-233-0022) to hold your spot and register and pay at the door.

I'm really looking forward to this :-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

tucson workshops

2007-04-15T20:04:24Z

Is there still space available for the tucson workshops i was going to register through paypal on the sight but it says its closed.I am STRESSED I sent a check in but blonde that i am addy was wrong so it came back so i was just goona do the paypal thingnow ive waited to long please say i can send it in again or just pay at the door!!!!HELPI wanted to take habib and kahlea workshop the first and last!!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Tucson Workshop Day - April 22nd!

2007-04-09T19:38:46Z

Mark your calendars!! Here it is folks... our FIRST Workshop day!

A full day of Middle Eastern Dance workshops in a variety of flavors!

9-11am HABIB (N. AZ)
MIDDLE EASTERN MEDLEY- You can make the most of your performance when understanding what
rhythms you are dancing to. Habib will introduce some common Middle Eastern
rhythms that one usually encounters in a BellyDance performance, plus a few unusual
ones. Dancers will learn their count and how to move with them, plus dynamic ways
to end a musical phrase.
Rhythms covered….MASMOUDI, ZAAR, SAIIDI, Wahida Kibira & Samaai, Variation on Masmudi Kebir

11-1pm JAZMINE (PHX)
CABARET COMBOS with ZILLS
Fill your dancers' toolbox with exciting combos to various rhythms and fun, interesting zill patterns that make them even more exciting!
This workshop is the perfect compliment and musical extension to Habib's rhythm workshop.

2-4pm KAHLEA (PHX)
BODY DRILLS & COMBO THRILLS
We will begin with some isolated body movement warm ups to get us into the swing of our day. Next come some deep, cleansing stretches to rid ourselves of toxins and bring your fabulous day of dance all together. Then we will kick it into high gear with some cardio and strength building with some of my personal faves *groan*:
Booty Bumps, Calf Killers, Abs Assertions, Quads Crunchers, and Shoulder Shredders!
Once we get through that butt busting period of class, you will learn some of Kahlea's signature ATS (American Tribal Style), Tribal Fusion and Diabolique Funky Fusion combinations.

Workshops limited to 25 participants - register for YOUR spot!

WORKSHOP FEES:
MECDA Members:
$35 per wkshp/ pre-registered by April 1
$45 per wkshp/ at the door

Info on membership: www.mecda.org

Non-Members:
$40 per wkshp/ pre-registered by April 1
$45 per wkshp/ at the door

Online registration will be available soon at:
www.levantalsonora.com

The Goddess Garden & Ganesha Bazzar with both be vending their beautiful wares all day!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 14 replies

OPEN DANCE MARCH 22nd

2007-03-28T16:17:04Z

All dancers & musicians of all levels and styles are welcome to come and share a social evening of music and dance. The dance floor will be open to anyone with an urge to shake it so bring your hipscarf! Open jam on stage for musicians too!

Musical ensembles and solo/group dance performances are welcome - please contact me to reserve your performance slot - they will be limited to allow plenty of open floor/stage time.

Thursday, March 22nd 7:30pm
Cleopatra Cafe
7826 N. 27th Ave. (just south of Northern on the west side)

Delicious food and *seriously premium* hookahs available all night.

Admission $2.00 per person ($1.00 for MECDA members - bring your card)

I hope to see many of you there!

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

MEDCA membership down

2007-03-27T17:44:23Z

I want to join now that I have money. But the online signup is down. Yours isn't working either.

Also when is a student night planned. I have students are willing and eager to do their first show. We have 2 group choreographs, one drum solo, and a couple of solo improves (teacher and 1 student).

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

Performance Slots for Open Dance 3/24

2007-03-21T17:55:45Z

There's some available - come on out and dance for us!
All levels, all styles welcome. Check my Tribe page for details.

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Next Meeting

2007-02-24T07:28:35Z

Mark your calendars.... our next meeting will be
Saturday, March 24th 12;30pm
Bookman's Community Room
1056 S. Country Club Dr. Mesa

Topics:
Update on Tucson Workshop Day
Planning for N. AZ event
Planning for a small Phoenix event (hafla, etc.)
Planning for Phoenix event in November
Your new ideas!!!

Come join us and share your ideas and talents :-)

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

belly dance gathering feb 24 2007

2007-02-23T02:36:58Z

A Belly Dance Gathering

Join us for our 1st gathering

February 24, 2007
Inside The Bungalow Coffee House (Coffee Talk)
48 North Robson Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
8:00 to 10:00 pm

Admission is free but please support our venue and have a cup of coffee.
Will have some schedule dancers performing as well as some open dancing.
for more info contact me TC at 480 831 1320
or Levanna at 480 233 2526

Dancers performing: Yasmina, Aloha, kali, Epona, Levanna, Nissa, Leah, Adayna, Anthea, Milikah, Demi Faraday, Hipnotic Hips, Shimmy Rebellion, Jason, Eiledon, Kalista, Ankestamen, and Enshallah,

Also not to sure how big the turn out will be so if you have and extra folding chair you may want to bring it.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Website Update

2007-02-21T00:45:16Z

Hi everyone ,

Tom has done some expansion work on the chapter website - take a look....

www.levantalsonora.com

You can download and print flyers and registration forms for the Tucson event there. Membership forms and information are also available there.

Nice job, Tom!!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 2 replies

Possible thing to do "World Dance Day"

2007-02-06T19:09:08Z

I received this e-mail and thought is sounded like a MEDCA type thing. What do you think?

WORLD DANCE DAY

Dance Day preparations

On the 29th of April, as every year since 1982, Dance Day will be celebrated all over the world by the international community of dancers and dance enthusiasts.
The International Dance Council CID has prepared the following guidelines as a useful checklist for persons institutionally involved in the wider field of dance: teachers, choreographers, group leaders, journalists, researchers, associations, suppliers, organizations etc.

Object
The main purpose of Dance Day events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance. Special emphasis should be given to addressing a "new" public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year.

Events
Dance Day events may be special performances, open-door courses, public rehearsals, lectures, exhibitions, articles in newspapers and magazines, dance evenings, radio and TV programs, visits, street shows etc.

Organizers
Events are primarily organized by dance companies, amateur groups, schools, associations and other institutions active in dance. Wherever possible, it is better for events to be organized jointly with a non-dance institution such as a government agency, a public school, a municipality, a business enterprise, a trade union.

Content
Organizers have full freedom to define the content of the event.
Make sure that you include general information on the art of dance, its history, its importance to society, its universal character. This can be done in a short speech, a note in the program, a text distributed to those present. By adding this dimension you make the event different from dance activities taking place any other day.
Read a message from a prominent personality, a poem, a passage from a text by a famous author.

Coordination
In order to achieve maximum success, it is important that preparations start early enough.
It is imperative to inform the press and generally the media about your event.
Notify an organization holding a central position at regional or national level, which should publish a list of events planned for Dance Day.
Entrance to events should preferably be free, or by invitation. Invite persons who do not normally attend dance events.

Location
At best, events should take place in "new" places, such as streets, parks, squares, shops, factories, villages, discotheques, schools, stadiums etc.
By setting the event in original surroundings you stress the fact that this is an event dedicated to the universal family of dancers.

Prof. Alkis Raftis
President of the CID

1. Please translate the message to the language of your country (if applicable) and send it to the Press and to dance organizations.

2. World Dance Day has been established in 1982 in view of attracting attention to the art of dance, every year on the 29th of April.
On that day, dance companies, dance schools, organizations and individuals are asked to organize an activity addressing an audience larger than their usual one.

3. The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.
It is a non-governmental non-profit organization (NGO) founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based.
Its purpose is to act as a worldwide forum bringing together international, national and local organizations as well as individuals active in dance.
It represents the interests of the dance world at large and consults accordingly governments and international agencies.

International Dance Council - CID - Conseil International de la Danse
UNESCO, Paris, France
www.cid-unesco.org

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Our Official Logo

2007-02-05T14:31:50Z

The votes are in and our Secretary announced the winner at the meeting Sunday. The winning design, by Ruben Segoviano is the one that is curently our Tribe picture.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to ceate and submit a design. They were all nicely done, but this one was the clear winner by vote count with twice as many votes as the runners up.

Congratulations Ruben! Thank you to all those who participated in voting too!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Meeting Sunday Feb. 4th!

2007-02-03T20:40:16Z

OK - we've got a room!
We will be meeting at the Yucca Library on 15th Ave. just south of Bethany Home Rd. in Phoenix at 1:30. Check the event listing on this tribe or my tribe page for full details.

We'll be planning for the Tucson workshop day and generating ideas for a camp weekend in Northern Arizona in July or Aug. and a Phoenix event in November.

Everyone and every one of their ideas is welcome... come on out folks! You don't have to be a member.

However.... members are invited to bring their event flyers and business cards for the networking/advertising table.

We hope to see MANY of you there :-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

Tucson Event Plans

2007-02-03T16:36:19Z

Your board has been hard at work on planning the Tucson event. We'll be telling you all the details SUNDAY at the meeting. Hopefully the flyers will be ready that day too.

We will also be announcing the results of voting for our logo design. Voting closes on the 2nd - if you are a current member and haven't returned your ballot yet, time is running out so get it in...

But that's not all.... we're gathering info to plan for July in Flagstaff and November in Phoenix. Bring your ideas, help gather info, suggest locations. Get in on the planning folks - this is a COMMUNITY event.

We hope to see lots of you Sunday!

BTW you can tell that the ME community isn't much for sports - nobody knew or even mentioned till last week that the meeting was on Supberbowl Sunday - HA!
Tape the game - come to the meeting :-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 7 replies

A Ballot Coming Your Way!

2007-02-01T19:48:59Z

A head's up to all current MECDA AZ Chapter members....
By tomorrow you should recieve an e-mail ballot for the chapter logo selection. We have 5 designs to choose from. The ballot will include a link to view them all and then reply back to our secretary with your vote.

Voting will be open for 7 days and the winning entry will be announced at the open meeting on Sunday Feb. 4th.

Just an FYI - the last ballot that went out only got just over 50% returning a vote. We are hoping for a much better return this time. Members - use your vote and be heard!

And EVERYONE - we hope to see you at the meeting. If you aren't a member yet and would like to be, you can pick up a membership form at the meeting or go to www.mecda.org.

Member or not - you and your ideas are welcome at the meeting. See you all there :-)

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 3 replies

Logo Designs!

2007-01-19T21:39:29Z

I've posted our two submissions for the chapter logo design in the Tribe photo album. At the meeting we decided to extend the deadline to Dec. 31 so more artists can (hopefully!) turn in their designs. Members will be able to vote for their favorite after Jan. 1 (via e-mail).

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 9 replies

The Next Meeting?

2007-01-19T04:58:49Z

When/where will the next L al S meeting take place? I'd like to get it on my calendar. It's amazing how quickly those things fill up!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 10 replies

Awakening the Divine Feminine Within

2007-01-16T16:32:37Z

Carmel Community Center
97 W. Oakland Street, Chandler
presents the first in a Series:

Awakening the Divine Feminine Within
Workshop and Party
Saturday, January 20, 2007

Come explore the exotic art of Middle Eastern Dance with the professional facilitation of Gazelle and Jewel. Explore a new part of you at the workshop. Celebrate it at the Party!

Your Sensual Self 12:30-2:30: Jewel will begin with inner-focused work connecting participants to their own inner sacred sensual self through visualization and subtle movements designed to open and connect the chakras. This then naturally flows into veil work where you will learn a veil routine that you'll have the option to perform that evening.

Your Passionate Self 3:00-5:00: Gazelle will help evoke your passionate and fiery energy through inner meditation work followed by physical release exercises to warm the body and encourage dynamic energy flow inspired by the rhythms and music. Specific Middle Eastern movements follow leading into a short choreography that you will have the option to perform that evening.

Dance Party! 7:00-10:00
Dance and watch others dance to the evocative music of the Middle East! Food Buffet includes Middle Eastern delicacies of baba ganoush, hummos, tabouli, pita bread and baklava.

Costs: Workshop $45. Dance Party $10 (ALL welcome).
Childcare provided through Carmel Center Playhouse for the party for an extra $20.

Limited Spaces available. Advanced Registration a must!
Please call Jewel at: 480-213-9424 to register.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

This Tuesday January 16 - Yasmina's !!!LAST!!! Last class recital at the Mesa Senior Center

2007-01-12T17:11:54Z

Yasmina's !!!LAST!!! Last class recital at the Mesa Senior Center

LET'S SHOW THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN A PILLAR OF THE BELLYDANCE COMMUNITY SOME LOVE AND SHOW UP ! ! !

**Yasmina's Mesa Parks and Rec. recital class**
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Mesa Multigenerational Center
247 N. Macdonald (1 block south of University, 3 blocks east of Country Club)
Guest dancers welcome -- more info contact Yasmina,
yasmina@joyofbellydancing.com

Guest musicians - Obelysk

Now.....who's going?.......

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

January Workshops with Makara

2007-01-03T02:47:55Z

Well, the holidays are finally over and its time to start shedding those holiday pounds and inches... well at least for me!! Come take some fabulous winter workshops taught by Makara and hosted by none other than The Mystic Jewell World Dance Studio!!

Saturday January 6th 2007

Workshop: Sword to Die For
Time: 10am to Noon
Description: Start the morning off with this two hour sword workshop!! Learn several balancing techniques as well as a few daring drops and much more. We'll also learn hot combos that can be used to spice up your sword work!! And still there’s more.... lean a delicious new choreography that you can use in your next performance!!
Cost: 20 dollars

Workshop: How Slow Can You Go??
Time: Noon to 2pm
Description: Feel like you rush your slow movements or just don’t know how to bellydance slowly at all?? Want to learn how to move sensually and feel sexy doing it?? This workshop will teach you slow sexy combos as well how to combine those with common bellydance moves to create a slinky, sensual dance to make 'em all drewl.
Cost: 20 dollars

Workshop: Locks, Drops and Bellyrolls
Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Description: Heat up the afternoon with this Drum Solo technique workshop. Learn new locks, drops and yes bellyrolls and how to combine them into a smokin drum solo. Learn how to choreograph your own drum solo and learn a drum solo choreography as well!!
Cost: 20 dollars

Take all 3 workshops for only 50 dollars!! Thats a 10 dollar savings when you sign up for all 3!! Call now to save your space..... workshops are filling fast!!! Call Missy at The Mystic Jewell Studio at (480) 894-8777. Or sign up online at www.mysticjewell.com
The Studio is located at
524 West Broadway, Suite 107
Tempe, Arizona 85282
(480) 894-8777

...north side of Broadway, west of Mill Avenue & just east of the light at Roosevelt in Tempe...

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

Jazmine's Retirement Party TONIGHT!

2006-12-30T22:02:23Z

Yes, Jazmine is officially retiring from restaurant work and she's doing her final show at Oasis tonight at 1:00 am. All are welcome to come enjoy it and dance into the wee hours of the morning (Oasis closes at 4am!) Drummers are welcome too - come on out and show her some luuv ;-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

This Friday at Mythos... Classical Arabic Music Masters

2006-12-29T04:12:44Z

Friday, December 29th 11:00 pm
Mythos Bistro
2515 N Scottsdale Rd. (E side of Scottsdale north of McDowell in Wilshire Plaza)

Gabby Tawil on percussion, Tony Hajar on ney and the new guy in town.... Ashraf Hakim on cello joined by Joe Borik and Helen Finch on percussion.
These three Arab-born and trained musical masters take the stage for an evening of beautiful classical Arabic classics starting at 11:00pm. Dance show at 11:30 with Mahin.

Come out for a fabulous evening and support live entertainment!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

There's a place for us ...

2006-12-23T04:36:14Z

When I started dancing, my very first public performance was at a Traveler show. Dancing to the live music was exhilarating and interacting with the audience was amazing!! It was dancing for the pure love of dancing. I had loved the dance for years but it was there that I fell in love with performing.

Part of my New Year's goals was to surround myself with positive energy and peaceful people. In line with that goal, I have an idea. What do you all think about setting up someting monthly - or at least quarterly - where we could get together and perform. Everyone ... no matter what style or experience level ... to live drums (wink wink drummer boys and girls) or to recorded music ... someplace "safe" and happy ... to support and encourage one another and to bond as performers.

I know I sound all hippie peace-lovin flower child-esque but ... well ... that's me LOL!

What do you think?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 5 replies

Meeting Minutes Dec. 3rd (reposted)

2006-12-20T20:46:56Z

Levant al Sonora
Arizona State Chapter of MECDA

MEETING MINUTES

Sunday, December 3, 2006
at
Bookman’s Community Room
1056 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 85210
1:00-3:00 PM

ATTENDANCE: Members signified by (*)
Mahin*
Tom Pettijohn*
Karra Lawrence*
Leah Polasik*
Sasha*
Dave Frankus*
Elissa

1. MECDA Overview Information (Tom Pettijohn)
Most information was already known by the attendees. For a detailed account of what MECDA offers, full information can be found at the MECDA website
www.mecda.org. Dave Frankus became a new member of Levant al Sonora at the meeting.

MECDA national has approved the Board members currently serving as Interim Board Members to a full one-year term of office. The chapter board members are:
Mahin, President
Tom Pettijohn, Vice-President
Karra Lawrence, Treasurer
Leah Polasik, Secretary

2. Kick-off Fundraiser Event (Mahin)
The MECDA fundraising belly dance event was held at Layali Restaurant, 4855 E. Warner Rd. Ste-11, Phoenix, AZ 85044 on Friday, November 3, 2006. Vending was available outside in front of the restaurant. Vendors present contributed items for a raffle to be held that evening. The show consisted of varieties of belly dance styles, a fashion show of costuming provided by the vendors, and live music during the performance and for open dancing. Layali Restaurant was virtually “standing room only” which did create problems for the wait staff and the attendees. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of wait staff, many individuals did not get their food until very late. This problem will be brought up with the owners of Layali in order to assure better service to show attendees in the future. Layali Restaurant’s owners have expressed a great interest in continuing to be a venue for MECDA events.

3. Treasurer’s Report (Karra Lawrence)
Funds raised from the Kick-off Fundraiser, after expenses to Layali Restaurant and the purchase of a roll of tickets to be used for the raffle come to $840.00 admission charges and $70.00 on the raffle for a total of $910.00.

4. Logo Design Vote (Leah Polasik)
Two artist submissions for logo consideration were on display for the purpose of choosing a logo to represent our new chapter. A motion was made by Dave Frankus to extend the submission period until 12/31/06 to allow for more artists to complete their designs. The motion was seconded by Sasha and approved by the board. Mahin will post that information online. After 12/31/06, all artists’ submissions will be presented to the current membership for voting. The logo designs being considered will be e-mailed to all current members to allow for an online vote. Members will have 7 days from the time the e-mail is sent to respond their choice of logo design and return their vote to Leah Polasik at (private e-mail) for vote tabulation. The winning design will be posted and members notified.

5. Levant al Sonora website (Tom Pettijohn)
The website is currently unavailable for viewing however; Tom will be securing the keys to the website and will take over the responsibility for it. The website will be available for public viewing however only current members will have the privilege of posting their teaching schedules, classes, events, and photos to the website.

6. Future Meetings Schedule & Location(s) (Leah Polasik)
In order to make meeting as accessible to membership attendance, the following schedule as been decided: There will be a total of six (6) meetings a year, one (1) meeting approximately every other month alternating locations to both Bookman’s Community Rooms eastside and northside and alternating days to include Saturday and Sunday. To accommodate the needs and concerns of members outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area, it was suggested that a representative of the belly dance community be selected from the area expressing interest and that person attend the meeting as a spokesperson for that geographical area and report back to that belly dance community. This schedule was approved by the board members.

7. Proposed Annual Events & Chapter Goals (Mahin)
Three annual chapter-sponsored events have been proposed for voting by the current membership. They are:
A workshop/show weekend in Phoenix in October/November
A dance-camp weekend up north in the summer (July?)
A workshop/show weekend in Tucson in the spring (March?)
These events could include music workshops and workshops by Arizona teaches from other areas of the state; perhaps teachers from Flagstaff teaching the workshop in Tucson, for example. Drawing from the state-wide talent pool of teachers and performers is a great “plus” for the state of Arizona and would give the belly dance community a chance to experience the teaching styles of individuals not in their local geographic area. Special attention needs to be paid to the timing of these events so as not to interfere with other promoter(s) and group’s activity schedule such as Rakassah and various SCA major events. All efforts will be made to choose a “clear” date.
A volunteer planning committee from the membership would be established to plan and help run these events to insure smooth operation.
A vote on the total schedule, not individual events, will take place online to the current membership on this proposed schedule before the next chapter meeting. A “yes” vote will indicate acceptance of the three proposed events. A “no” vote must include a suggested change to the above schedule.
Dave Frankus brought up a concern regarding the producing of dance shows with a more professional standard. These concerns include staging, lighting, and sound system quality. Other issues include payment for all performers – dancers and musicians. Payment is an official recognition of an artist’s work. Unless a performer agrees to non-payment and wishes to donate their time and talent to an event, all performers should receive payment for their efforts. The board members agree that this is the ideal scenario for future shows and the board will work together towards accomplishing this goal.
Goals for chapter success were discussed with the following suggestions:
• A 50% increase in chapter membership statewide. Current membership stands at 21 members. An addition of 10 new members from within the entire state, not just the Phoenix area, is a preferred goal.
• The majority of events planned and run by the chapter should be profitable; at least two out of three events resulting in funds available for deposit after payment of expenses.
• A core of active and dedicated member volunteers need to be established statewide, with a minimum of representation from southern Arizona (Tucson), the Valley (Phoenix metro), and northern Arizona (Sedona/Flagstaff).
• In addition to the three large-scale annual events, two (2) smaller, theme-oriented events would be desirable in the Phoenix metro area and one additional theme-oriented event in both Northern and Southern Arizona.

8. New Business from Attendees (Open discussion)
Everyone in attendance agreed that charity events that benefit a worthy cause within the geographical area is definitely something the chapter will consider. However, before being able to give of ourselves financially to others, we need to have the needed funds to run our events successfully and achieve our goals. Therefore, charitable events will have to wait until our chapter is fully functional. Everyone in attendance agreed.

Meeting adjourned at 3:00PM.

Respectfully submitted on December 9, 2006,
Leah Cara Polasik
Secretary

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 7 replies

A Word from Your Moderator....

2006-12-19T01:42:11Z

Dear Tribe members,
There’s been a lot of trouble on Tribe lately as I’m sure many of you are already aware. One characteristic of Tribe’s Terms of Use agreement is that there are no clearly defined rules for moderators. Each tribe’s moderator is free to set the tone of the tribe with the guidelines of their choice. In the interest of peace, I’d like to clarify the guidelines for this tribe.

The word here is RESPECT.
Everyone here is free to speak their mind and give their thoughts, ideas and opinions.
Everyone here is also free to disagree openly with others so long as all communication is *respectful and purposeful*. The greatest ideas and strongest bridges are often found where two people who agree to disagree meet with common respect.

Think twice – post once. Nothing will be deleted. Your words are here for all eternity (or at least as long as Tribe exists). Use them for good and choose them carefully.

No one is a perfect communicator. If you somehow despite your best efforts offend or get out of line, step up to the plate and explain, clarify or if need be, apologize. Those that do will still be welcome.

The main goal of this MECDA chapter is to help build the local dance community and bring it together. If we have disagreements here, rest assured something good will come out of them if we stay at the table and keep talking with respect and an attempt to at least SEE the other point of view – even if we do not agree with it.

If anyone has anything to add please go right ahead….

Respectfully,
Your Moderator

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 9 replies

Annual Events??

2006-12-18T05:57:52Z

We need everyone help to think of recurring events in AZ's BD community that need to be considered when setting the date for our chapter events. We want to schedule with as little conflict as possible - I'm not sure *zero* conflict is possible given the limited number of weekends in a year!

We are particularly interested in those that may fall around the proposed 3 annual events:

(March) Tucson workshops
(July) Northern AZ dance camp weekend
(Oct.) Phoenix workshop/show weekend

Any come to mind?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 11 replies

How do I join?

2006-12-12T19:49:14Z

Call me crazy, but I couldn't find anywhere on the MECDA website to process a membership request. Where can I sign up?
Thanks!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

We Need A Logo!

2006-12-11T23:56:59Z

To all you artists out there... we are accepting designs for our Levant al Sonora chapter logo. We have had two submissions already and will take more through the end of November. You can submit them on paper by mail or electronically.

We will be setting an early Dec. meeting date soon to plan for next year and vote on a logo at that time. Let's see what you've got!

Mahin

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 7 replies

Who are the MECDA members?

2006-12-11T06:20:21Z

Another roll call of sorts. Curious who in this tribe is an actual Mecda member?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 12 replies

Membership forms?

2006-12-11T06:09:16Z

Does anyone have a softcopy of the membership form? I'd like to print some out and keep a few in my class bag and gig bag. This way I can just pull some out and ask "Are you a member of the AZ chapter of MECDA?" I know, it may get annoying, but if it increases membership, then it's good, right?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 2 replies

The coming year...

2006-12-08T17:38:53Z

The officers are working on setting a meeting date/place for early Dec. We'd like to generate ideas and a tentative schedule for the year's activities so we can plan ahead.

We also need to get ideas for the kinds of activites, guest instructors, performances, parties, whatever you have in mind. This would be a great place to start brainstorming for that.

We'll keep notes for the meeting :-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 19 replies

Visiting for Christmas

2006-12-06T15:45:27Z

Hi everyone,

I'm visiting my family in Phoenix and Tucson this Christmas and I was wondering if there were any haflas/events going on from December 16th-December 30th? I'd love to meet dancers in Arizona as I am planning on moving back in a couple of years.

Thanks!
Oracle

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 1 reply

Roll Call?

2006-12-02T16:09:10Z

Let's all say hi and how we are affiliated with the AZ dance community, shall we?

Kahlea- Performer, teacher, choreographer, troupe director NATIUM World Dance and local feather ruffler. *wink
Hoping to help the chapter and be a part of our faboo community!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 16 replies

Next Meeting Dec. 3rd 1:00 pm

2006-11-27T20:19:07Z

The next Levant al Sonora chapter meeting will be held Sunday November 3rd 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Bookman's Community Room (1056 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa 85210). We have decided to alternate the meetings between the Bookman's at Northern & 19th Ave. and this one to provide both east and west side locations with good freeway access.

What we'll be talking about.....
Kinds of events we want to have

Major annual events that will be the skeleton of our chapter year

How to involve ALL of Arzona - this is a statewide chapter and we want to include northern & southern AZ in event locations & activities

Please join us and start tossing ideas around here to this tribe too - see topic: "The Coming Year".

This chapter will be what WE ALL make of it! :-)

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 4 replies

WEST VALLEY TRIBAL BELLYDANCE CLASSES

2006-11-22T02:15:16Z

American Tribal Style Bellydance

Wednesdays 7:30pm
Classes begin Jan. 3rd

$14 drop-in rate
4 classes for $ 50 ($6 savings)
8 classes for $95 ($17 savings)
Discounts available for Students & Slim & Tone Members

Classes held at
Slim & Tone Studio
12409 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale
Non-members welcome
Class size is limited. Call or email to reserve your space!

Syren Bellydance Co.
& Anaya Tribal Fusion Bellydance
602-570-9122
anahid@anayatribal.com

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

World Music & Dance - Hejira of Seattle - in the Valley

2006-11-17T03:28:15Z

Hejira is a Seattle-based World Fusion Jazz Band with spellbinding music, soulful singing and mesmerizing dancers, .

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=66972

Monday Nov. 20th 7:30 pm
Efes Turkish Cuisine
SW corner of Guadalupe & McClintock in Tempe
$5.00 cover at the door + dinner required

Wednesday, Nov. 22nd 7:30 pm
Cleopatra Cafe
west side of 27th Ave. south of Northern Ave, in Phoenix
$5.00 cover at the door + dinner required

Hejira specializes in World Rhythms such as; Beledi, Ayub, Zaar, Cheftitelli, Turkish 9/8, Bulgarian 7/4, Persian 6/8, Brazilian, etc. A Middle Eastern dance troupe also regularly perform with us. They welcome all area belly dancers to join us in 'open dance'. Drummers are encouraged to join in, as well.

Come on out folks & welcome them to Phoenix!

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 0 replies

AZ Dance Lessons area/tribe?

2006-11-16T00:33:42Z

Do we have anyplace set up just for posting our AZ Delly Dance Lessons? Should we make a tribe for it?

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 6 replies

Can anyone tell us

2006-11-15T22:16:58Z

Can you give us a quick run down on how to join?
What the function of the group is?
Is this a non profit?
any work done for the community not just the belly dance community but like and outreach program, food drives,free classes to low income children,pick up trash on the side of the road.......that kind of thing
Do you get anything when you join?
Do you have meetings? if so when and where
I missed the meeting in the summer and have not heard or really seen any flyers or recruiters around to sign up or give information about the group or org.

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 6 replies

What does it mean??

2006-11-14T14:23:58Z

OK... I'll be the first to ask the stupid question that many of us must be wondering about.

What does "Levant al Sonora" mean? Translation please??

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 17 replies

The Photo Album...

2006-11-09T22:50:15Z

How about THIS be the "official" AZ MECDA Chapter photo album? So photos of all MECDA events go here?

Whaddaya think??

~S~

posted in Levant Al Sonora - 6 replies