ZivaDiva's topics - tribe.net

NEW DAPHNE, AL CLASSES UPCOMING

2008-08-12T16:52:56Z

NEW SESSION OF BELLY DANCE BEGINS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008, AT 6:00 P.M.at the Daphne Recreation Center, Daphne, Alabama. Email me for more info: zivadivawithzuri@yahoo.com
Session length: 8 weeks
Weekly class: 1 hr and 15 min
Cost: $45 per person

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Mobicon 2008

2008-05-22T11:53:19Z

Well, Zuri just had our annual performance at Mobicon 2008 in Mobile, AL. That's the Mobile Science Fiction Convention. This is one of our MOST FUN venues! I have posted some pix and more to come!

When I started with Zuri there were 6 of us...NOW we have about 25!!!! All under the patient guidance of Maresha, our director! Whoohoo!

We are a big group now and we have a talented bunch of dancers. We do Egyptian/Turkish stylings, but we also now have a Tribal Fusion element!

Way cool!

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New classes in DAPHNE, ALA, coming up!

2008-05-22T11:46:43Z

Yep, that's right. The current session ends May 29. The NEW SESSION will beginThursday, June 12, 2008 at 6:00. Cost: $45/person. 8 week session of one hour and 15 minute each week.

We have FUN in this class!

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Loved seeing Zuri at MobiCon

2008-05-20T15:43:21Z

Great show ladies! I always look forward to watching y'all at the Con!

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SHARING THOUGHTS/BODY IMAGE

2007-08-08T20:16:01Z

I look around and everywhere I see magazines, books, billboards, t.v. shows, and advertisements for numerous ways to stay young looking forever. The “young is beautiful” attitude permeates our society and has caused us to have a very narrow definition of beauty. The worshiping at the alter of eternal youth has caused us to devalue our older people, look upon the natural aging process as a horror.

I certainly have issues fighting it everyday. It is not easy aging in our society. As we get older we become invisible and no matter how talented or smart we are, no one notices because they stop looking at the exterior and don’t bother to enter within to see the real person.

I have thought a lot about this.

I finally concluded:

My body is the culmination of all that was good and bad in my ancestry. Some days I feel good about myself and sometimes I don’t.

Yet, when I look at my face and body I see copies of:

My dads eyes, deep set and serious, hiding my most private thoughts;
My dads nose and facial structure which contains the minute hint of our Native American ancestry;
My mom’s mouth and smile, which has brought me so much encouragement and love as I navigated through my life;
My grandma’s hands, which lovingly prepared me breakfasts of homemade grits and biscuits and who always loved me unconditionally;
I also see:
My stomach, which was cut to deliver my beautiful daughter, Jayme. No longer flat, but a reminder of the beauty of carrying life within.
My dad’s feet, not small, but sturdy, able to carry me wherever I wish to go and which allow me to dance to celebrate happiness.

Why would I want to change any of this?

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RIBS OR NO?

2006-12-29T21:21:16Z

I’m going back to teaching belly dance after a 1.5 year hiatus due to a back injury. I admit that at first I was concerned about doing so because my body isn’t lookin’ so hot. You all know what I mean. I’m about 20 lbs. over what I’d like to be and I just don’t feel “comfy” in my skin.

However, when I expressed this sentiment to a close friend, her heartfelt and loving response was, “But, just think how good those women will feel when they come into that studio and see a real woman teaching!”

She didn’t mean to imply that non-weighty women aren’t “real” but she was trying to say that with all the media attention to rib-showing skinniness it’s nice for the average woman to see that NON-rib showing babes can be hot, too! Woohoo!!

Recently, the Bellydance Superstars were in Mobile, Alabama (where I live). The show, as always, was GREAT! Bozenka really rocked! BUT, can y’all believe there were some in the audience who actually called her chubby?!?!! What’s wrong with this!?

I remember a friend who once heard Suhaila say that her mom, Jamilla, told her that a belly dancer’s ribs should never show (I apologize if this is incorrect...). So, let’s hear it for the NON-rib showing hot mommas out there!

Heck, let’s hear it for the NONS and the RIB-SHOWERS...we’re all gorgeous!

Let’s all try to see the light of the Creator/Universe in all those around us and celebrate our uniqueness, (even if my uniqueness is 20 pounds more than someone else's!)

It will sure help me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!

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Petite Jamilla Workshop and Evening Show August 12

2006-08-04T23:53:19Z

PETITE JAMILLA Workshop and Evening Show!
August 12 (Saturday)
Childrens' Dance Foundation
1715 27th Ct, Homewood, AL
1pm-4pm Veil Workshop
8PM Evening show featuring Petite Jamilla and some of the south's finest dancers

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
DOUBLE VEIL AND SPINNING
Teaching her 7 techniques to double veil in addition to spinning pointers, Petite Jamilla uses Visualization and meditation methods to relax the body and focus the mind on spinning through which she found her own spiritual connection.

Workshop Price: $45.00 pre-register
Workshop Price $50.00 at door

8pm Evening Show Tickets $12.00 general public, $10 senior citizens, students

Workshop Contact and Registration: Jamilla Rasa- 205-621-0609- jamillarasa@yahoo.com

Studio Restrictions: 20-25 people

Parking: Free and lots of space

Directions to Workshop Location: (205) 870-0073 Call studio for directions

ABOUT PETITE JAMILLA:
Bellydance Superstars youngest member Petite Jamilla, as pictured on the cover of “Live at the Follies Bergere” DVD has been touring with the Bellydance Superstars since January of 2004. Performing the celestial and inspiring double veil as a featured part of the show, is just a fraction of what this talented dancer has to offer. Since she was 17, Petite Jamilla has been teaching workshops that range from Zill Techniques with Modern Incorporations, Choreographed Fusion Drum Solo’s, and Spinning Introductions with Double Veil “How To’s.” By the age of 20, she had produced 2 instructional DVD’s [Beginner’s Dance Movements, and Secrets of the Double Veil] available for purchase through www.bohemianmarket.com. Cross-Cultural Fusions are a passionate focus for this dancer as her Irish/Native American ethnicity became the incentive to further explore and push the boundaries of fusion in dance. With training in Bellydance (taught by her mother, Jamilla Rasa), Polynesian, Scottish Highland, Modern Irish, and Cape Breton Step Dancing her unique blend began an unclassifiable style. Dually equipped as a classically trained musician in Western style compositions and Scottish/Irish blends - it was, of all things, the Highland Bagpipes that showcased Petite Jamilla’s talent for the critically acclaimed Rod Stewart in February of 2000.

posted in ZivaDiva - 1 reply

On being older, heavier, etc., and belly dancing

2006-05-26T17:14:48Z

Hi, all,

I teach belly dance in Daphne, Alabama. I use the name "Bombshell Belly Dance" for advertising purposes because I believe that all women are beautiful and powerful...especially older women. Also, I have seen many timid women morph into real "bombshells" during my class sessions. They celebrate their own unique physical and spiritual attributes.

That said (and you can read more about it on my blog (upcoming), I do say that although I encourage all my students to love themselves as they are I still have issues relating to my own self-image. After all, we are in an art form that supposedly celebrates women. The dance is from the Middle East and I've heard that there it's good to have a little meat on your bones.

Yet, here we are in America. Not only are we bombarded by the media everyday that unless we're thin, young, beautiful we're not worthy of notice, but we are also seeing it come into the belly dance arena.

For instance, we have the Bellydance Superstars. They are ALL good dancers (Petite Jamilla came from Alabama and we know her and her mom reasonably well). Yet they are selected from a narrow list of requirements almost all relating to youth, beauty, and body weight.

NOW we have the current issue of Habibi and the last issue of Habibi featuring the same thing.

I'm now 45. My body bears the memories of many life experiences. And hard as I try to NOT let the media effect my self-image, it still does. Because I am not like "those" then maybe I should stop dancing (although I won't).

Do any of you experience this? Would you please comment on this? If you have any words of wisdom or otherwise, I'd love to hear from you.

posted in ZivaDiva - 14 replies

looking for contact info for a teacher named suahlia?

2006-05-06T02:00:33Z

does anyone here dance with her? what is her contact info and where is she located. she was recommended by a friend. would love your feedback. thanks

charna

posted in ZivaDiva - 1 reply

oops, meant to say suahlia is located in bay area...el cerrito i think?

2006-05-03T05:36:00Z

any other suggestions for great teachers that are bart friendly would be appreciated.

charna

posted in ZivaDiva - 2 replies

Best Beginners DVD?

2006-05-03T01:30:44Z

I bought *wince* "Bellydance~Fitness for Beginners~basic moves and fat burning" and have been doing it for a year. I have an old shoulder injury and I swear these moves have helped the pain and given me more range of motion. In addition I have greatly reduced the size of my midsection (son is two now).
I enjoy it so much, I want to start Bellydancing... for real. I dont have access to classes and would like to know what the best DVD is to learn actual Bellydancing in the comfort of my own home.
Any suggestions??

posted in ZivaDiva - 5 replies

Check out BDSS clip

2006-01-28T01:50:14Z

www.lakeisabella.net/bdss_ktla.wmv

Bham Feb 17 show
Feb 18 JILLINA workshop

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Bellydance Superstars and Jillina Workshop in Bham AL Feb 17-18

2006-01-13T21:54:11Z

FRIDAY, February 17, 2006
BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS performing in Bham
Virginia Samford Theatre
1116 South 26th Street
Bham AL
ONE SHOW ONLY
8pm
www.bellydancesuperstars.com for tickets
1-800-594-8499 for tickets

Saturday, February 18th 2006
________________________________________

Bellydance Superstars Productions present a Master Class with Jillina!

**To register for this workshop
www.bellydancesuperstars.com

WORKSHOP TIME: 10:00am - 1:00 pm

WORKSHOP LOCATION:
Children's Dance Foundation
1715 27th Court South
Birmingham, AL 35209
205.870.0073

WORKSHOP PRICE: $60 advance / $65 at door

TO REGISTER:
www.bellydancesuperstars.com

JILLINA WORSHOP DESCRIPTION:
*BRAND NEW CHOREOGRAPHY NOT AVAILABLE ON DVD!!!*
Classic Egyptian Piece in the style of "Tarab". Emphasis on instrumentation, using technique from legendary dancers fused with the modern movements of today's stars. Useful tips for improvisation will be addressed. Handouts will be available.

CONTACT:
Jamilla Rasa
jamillarasa@yahoo.com
205-621-0609

Studio Restrictions: No food or drinks in any studio space. Food and drinks are allowed in the lobby areas and hallways.

Parking: No restrictions.

There will be a variety of merchandise available for purchase at the workshop including apparel, jewelry, DVDs and CDs.

ABOUT JILLINA:
Master performer/instructor and the director and main choreographer for the Bellydance Superstars and Sahlala Dancers. Jillina is featured in the film, AMERICAN BELLYDANCER. INSTRUCTIONAL BELLYDANCE WITH JILLINA, is the latest in her line of award-winning DVDs. Her artistic interpretations, understanding of the culture, extensive background in dance and signature style is evident in her choreography. Recognition for her teaching has taken
her to Egypt, Germany, Japan, Brazil, England, Argentina, Spain, U.K., Taiwan and Canada. Through annual trips to Egypt she progresses in her art and keeps up with modern trends. Jillina is a master of technique and discipline driven by a tireless will to achieve excellence as an artist.

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From Miles Copeland

2005-12-17T02:22:01Z

Want to be an embedded reporter on the Bellydance Superstars’ upcoming US tour, posting your experiences and thoughts each day on the Internet, and telling it like it is for all of bellydance world to see? Traveling for a week up close and personal with this controversial and history-making troupe of amazing ladies, as they make their way across America from show to show, will be quite an experience. If you are 18 or older, think you have writing talent, love bellydance and know something about it, and like to travel, this assignment could be yours. To apply, this is what you have to do: Write a few paragraphs as to why you should be chosen for this assignment (no more than one page please and don't offer money UNLESS it’s A LOT! :) ). Make sure the writing sample you submit is the one that BEST showcases your writing abilities. The Bellydance Superstars will choose the ten best submissions themselves, but the final choice will be made by the bellydance community at large by voting online. Of course, the winner will have all expenses covered (airfare within the domestic US) and be paid for their services. Up for it? Please send your submission or e-mail to claudia@bellydancesuperstars.com or via fax at 323.512.4089 by January 4, 2006.

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Why "Bombshell Belly Dance?"

2005-12-02T19:01:16Z

Why “Bombshell” Belly Dance?

Because bombshells are REAL women, each with her own personality and her own special body type. Real women are more beautiful in their curviness and softness than any airbrushed model. Think about the beautiful bombshells of the past: Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Carmen Miranda, Mae West, Dolly Parton, and, of course, Betty Boop! These women were not emaciated. They were strong, healthy women. The kind of women you might live next door to, pass in the supermarket, or sit next to at a poetry reading, a soccer game, or the symphony.

I coined the term Bombshell Belly Dance because my primary focus, other than teaching the technique of the belly dance, is on each woman in the room. I encourage each student to love all of herself--mind, body, and soul. Especially the body. Too many women are focused all the time on some body part they feel is not attractive. They feel they are too weighty, too skinny, too old, too-whatever! And this is NOT true.

Each woman walking this earth was put here on purpose by the Creator. Therefore, how can any woman not love herself if the Creator loved her enough to put her in a special place? Those stretch marks on the belly, that little tummy that isn’t the same since childbirth--they are beautiful. Why? Because they are the symbols of the great honor that belongs to women because they have the ability to sustain life within themselves and bring forth life. Therefore, these are marks of beauty--how could they be anything else?

I encourage my students to step outside of the box they have allowed themselves to be placed in. Show that belly! Wear flowers in your hair! Wear bright colors! Wear that feather boa if you want to! Be outrageous! Take back your feminine power! Allow yourself the joy and pleasure of being a modern day bombshell! When you are 80 years of age sitting in your rocker on the front porch be able to say, “I’m glad I did!” instead of “I wish I had!”

The term “bombshell” is so ripe with powerful, positive connotations. The belly dance is so uniquely a woman’s dance (although men do dance) because as a woman learns to move her body in ways perfectly suited to it, she begins to get in touch with that inner part of herself that has been cut off by society’s current screwed up standards for beauty. She experiences empowerment, improved self-esteem, more self-confidence. Most of all, she really begins to understand and accept her own unique beauty.

I encourage my students to do like Dolly Parton (paraphrasing): find out who you are and do it on purpose!

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Costumes

2005-09-20T02:37:15Z

I absolutly love your costume, I am looking for something like that, as being older and a few stretchmarks I dont want to be showing my belly, your blue and black ones that you and your friend are wearing in the photes very nice!!!

posted in ZivaDiva - 1 reply