Los Wiggles De La Westamundo

Ya know, everyone hates my faux spanish. And it's really tacky because I live around so many spanish speaking people being in San Diego. Kind of apologies...but then again. ;)

Friday of Wiggles contest done!
What a festive time - making cracks with Janie, hanging out with awesome dancers like Aneena (of double veil fame), Oreet (of multi-award winning fabulousness fame) and more.

Firday was the Headliners and Mini Ensembles:
Headliner:
First Place Etana Hayal
Second Cassiopoeia
Third Malika

Mini-Ensemble:
First Bahira Basma
Second Naiya & Numa'air
Third Annwyvyn & Tamar'a

GREAT job done by everyone!

Today gets even more exciting!

OF course, the judges (myself included) already started at a low point in being obnoxious and annoying Janie -- and it's going DOWNHILL from there! LOL

Too much freakin fun!
Hope to see more friends today.
Will try to check back sometime.

Such fun....but unfortunately, I can't drink until AFTER the judging.

Oh - Namira - she was awesome in the Mini Ensembles...as usual. But she left a present for me after the judging - a package including a Cup of Noodles! Inside joke, but those of you who were at the Bad Girls of Belly Dance party at Rakkasah West last year know what I'm talking about!

Wiggle Packin!

Yup, getting ready to head to Reno to do a bunch of stuff at Wiggles of the West:

- Judge Competitions (those shoes do NOT go with that costume!)
- Vend (Hopefully my shirts are ready today)
- Support my student Vanessa who is entering the "Rising Star" category
- Get Crazy

Will miss my kids. The pic is two of them. They're not brothers, they just tend to do stuff together like that. :)

At the beginning of a loooong stint on the road:
Reno this weekend
Sedalia the next
Home for about a half a day
Then off to Baltimore for my 5 day intensive
Then PHX
Then I get to be home for a weekend
Then my BDay Bash
Then Chicago
THEN A FEW DAYS OFF!

(Fingers crossed, and pass the Xanax...)

Oreet/Zaina Weekend in SD/LA Important Update!

SCHEDULE UPDATE:
- Zaina Hart has Cancelled, she will return at a later date.
- Friday Workshop with Oreet Moved to Saturday 11:30am
- Saturday afteroon Oreet workshop remains also.
- Saturday Night Show cancelled
- Sunday LA Workshops Cancelled.

***Refunds will be issued within 1 week***

For More Info, visit www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com

Updated Tour Schedule 2007 into 2009!

Here's my Updated Tour Schedule from 2007 into a bit of 2009!

Saturday
June 30
San Diego, CA Foundations Certification Workshop
Certification Series - Workshop

Saturday
June 30
San Diego, CA Zil Skilz Workshop
Workshop

Saturday
July 6-7
San Diego, CA
Jim Boz & BellyDanceSanDiego.com present OREET and ZAINA HART in workshops & Show
www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com

Sunday
July 8
North Hollywood Jim Boz & Belly Dance San Diego present workshops with OREET & Zaina Hart
www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com for more info

July 14-15
Reno, NV Wiggles of the West
Vending & Competition Judge

July 20-22, 2007
Sedalia, MO

Workshops & Show
Presented by Judy's Creative Costuming
More Info

July 25-29, 2007
Clinton, MD 5 Day Intensive
Workshops & Showcase
Dancer- The Unusual Store

August 2-5
Phoenix, AZ GET BOZIFIED Weekend!
Featuring classes from Drills/Founations & Technique, through Master Classes, Performance and Funky Fusions!
This event tradtionally sells out. Sign up early!
www.BellyDanceShoppe.com

August 18
San Diego, CA Boz's Belly Dancin Birthday Bash!
Workshops, and wild Hafla!
Details coming soon!

August 25
Chicago, IL 1st Annual Midwest Belly Dance Challenge
Performance, Guest Judge & Master Class!
www.ShimmyChicago.com

September 8-9, 2007
Milwaukee, WI Shaia Fahrid Presents Jim Boz in Workshops & Showcase
Workshops, Performances, Vending

Fri-Sun
Sept 28-30
United Kingdom International Belly Dance Congress
Workshops & Performances
Teaching with Kay Taylor, Leila Haddad, Randa Kamel, Raqia Hassan
with Performances by Natacha Atlas, Transglobal Underground and more!

October 2007
Somerset, NJ Rakkasah East
Workshops, Performances, Vending

October 20-21
Sacramento, CA Workshops & Performance
Details available soon

November 2-4
San Diego, CA Jim Boz & BellyDanceSanDiego.com present KIMAHRI from Chicago in Workshops & Show

Nov 9-11
Oakland, CA Carnival of Stars

Nov 16-18
Workshops - Details coming soon!

December 2
San Diego, CA Sandstorm & Banat Majnoonaat at the North Park Lion's Toyland Parade

January 25-26-27, 2008
San Diego, CA HAFLA SAN DIEGO!

February 8-9-10, 2008
Houston, TX

Feb 17
San Diego, CA Belly Cruise Sail Away Hafla!

February 18-26
Acapulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo, Manzanilla Belly Cruise 2008!
RAK THE BOAT
Featuring workshops with Jim Boz, Princess Farhana and MORE!
Details available soon at www.BellyCruise.com

April 4-5-6, 2008
Details coming soon

April 11-12-13, 2008
Details coming soon

May 2-3-4, 2008
Helena, MT Details coming soon

May 16-17-18, 2008
NY, NY The MEN of Middle Eastern Dance
Starring Jim Boz & Tarik Sultan
Workshops & Showcase
Details Coming Soon

August 22-23-24, 2008
San Diego, CA Boz's Belly Dancing Birthday Bash!

August 29-30-31, 2008
San Diego, CA Details Coming Soon

Feb 2009
Santa Cruz, CA D

July 18th - 16th Annual National RIDE TO WORK Day

I'm going to be riding to work on July 18th on the 16th Annual National RIDE TO WORK Day helping to promote the image of motorcycles and their *benefits* to traffic, environment, etc.

Keep an out for me on the roads.
And anyone else in your home town who might be on the road.

Start seeing motorcycles!
My mom will appreciate it. ;)

For more info, www.RideToWork.org

BELLY CRUISE UPDATE!!!

I'm SO Excited!
We *finally* have our list of instructors for Belly Cruise 2008!

RAK THE BOAT
with

Jim Boz, Princess Farhana, Saqra & Sabrina Fox of Atash Maya!

Picture this:
8 Days on the Mexican Riveria
Ports of Call Acapulco, Zihuatenejo, Manzanilla

Belly Dance Workshops during the AT SEA days!

The Infamous Guerrilla Hafla

Plus our onboard Hafla.

Bring your friends & family, because Port Days are all yours to celebrate, vacation, snorkel, soak up sun, etc.

We leave San Diego on FEBRUARY 18, 2008
(Yes, there is SUN on the Mexican Riviera in Feb!!! Nice Sun -- excellent Sun -- WARM Sun!)

Deets will be posted soon at www.BellyCruise.com
Give Harriet a call and book your room asap!

6/30/07-Weekend Workshops with Jim Boz in San Diego, CA

A Rare opportunity to study with one of our few
INTERNATIONAL
Masters of the Dance
in San Diego

Two Exciting Workshops

with Internationally Acclaimed Middle Eastern Dance Artist
Jim Boz

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

11:30am-2:30pm: A 3 hour Level 1 Certification Series Workshop: Foundations
Featuring posture, drills, technique, execution of Foundation concepts necessary for Middle Eastern dance and other related dance forms. Applicable to all genres, these techniques have been time tested in the Jim Boz format for over a decade. This workshop is open to all interested parties. The material, however, represents technical knowledge necessary for a LEVEL 1 Certification in the Jim Boz School of Dance "Excellence in Dance" professional program.
Base Price:
$45 if paid by June 25
$50 after June 25 or at the door
Available Discounts:
$10 Discount for all members of the Certification Program

PLUS

3:30-5:00pm: Zil Skilz
An exciting, mini-workshop featuring some favorite Zil Drills. Beginning with basic techniques, we will rapidly cover basic concepts from patterns, sequences and into tonal modulation. Jim has been a recording artist and studio engineer before becoming a dancer, with several recordings with International airplay under his belt. With studies in physics, programming and music theory, his sound designs have been the basis and inspiration for a number of bands across the West Coast and beyond. Applying these techniques to the concepts of tonality and musicality, we will ultimately take the art of Finger Cymbals beyond an accompaniament into the realms of musicianship and composition.
$20 if paid by June 25
$25 after June 25 or at the door


NOTE: Quality finger cymbals are required for this workshop - please acquire and adjust before classes. The School HIGHLY recommends Saroyan PROFESSIONAL Finger Cymbals (www.SaroyanZils.com). The following models are best suited to this workshop series:

* Grecian
* Afghani
* Tutankhamun
* Arabesque II
* Dervish


For More Information
Call 877-682-5873

WORKSHOPS HELD AT:

North Park Lion's Club
3927 Utah Street (Just Off University)
San Diego, CA

Registration:
Register via PayPal or mail in registration. (Credit cards accepted ONLY via PayPal).
Mail in registration MUST be received by June 25to be valid.
visit www.jimbozschoolofdance.com/index.php or call 877-682-5873 for more info

BellyDanceSanDiego.com presents A Weekend of Stars with Oreet & Zaina Hart!

BellyDanceSanDiego.com Proudly Presents
Multi Award Winning Phenomenon & International Dance Sensations

Oreet & Zaina Hart

Together in 5 EXCITING Workshops
AND
An Incredible Dance Showcase!

A WEEKEND OF STARS

In San Diego AND Los Angeles
July 6, 7 & 8

TWO Multi Award Winning Middle Eastern Dance International Sensations, OREET from New York City and ZAINA HART from Vancouver, WA - in 5 Workshops:
Friday Evening and Saturday in San Diego
and
Sunday in North Hollywood.

Plus an EXCITING All Star Lineup Showcase in San Diego Saturday Evening!
Starring Oreet, Zaina Hart, Vanessa, Banat Majnoonat, Jim Boz & MORE!

Don't miss this exciting event!

www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com




Friday July 6 - San Diego
Oreet 7:00-9:00
"The SharQuiT Method"
A structured and challenging Egyptian style technique. If you want more strength, precision and stamina, then this is for you!
$40 in Advance/$45 after June 30

Saturday July 7 - San Diego
Zaina Hart 11:30-1:30
"Out of the Box" Egyptian Combinations
This two hour class will incorporate basic Egyptian steps into combinations of "three" that can and will be mixed into complete choreographies. Zaina will also cover entrances which are so crucial to making your opening "statement" and exits "your thank you for letting me be here". Beginners through professionals will benefit from Zaina's clear and precise explanations and approaches.
$40 in Advance/$45 after June 30

Oreet 2:30-4:30
"The Art of Taksim"
All Levels - Experience new terminology, musical
phrasing, plus learn technique and movements to part of a fun yet
challenging choreography. Taksim set to music by Oum Kalsoum.
$40 in Advance/$45 after June 30

Saturday Evening Dance Showcase - July 7 - San Diego
Featuring: Oreet, Zaina Hart, Jim Boz, Vanessa, Banat Majnoonat and MORE!
$10 Admission

Friday & Saturday San Diego Workshops & Dance Showcase held at
North Park Lion's Club
3927 Utah St (Just off University)
San Diego, CA



Sunday July 8 - Los Angeles (North Hollywood)
Oreet - 11:30am - 1:30pm
"Cairo Cabaret"
Work on your performance skills and musicality with this fun Egyptian pop choreography set to music by Nancy
Ajram.

Zaina Hart - 2:30 - 4:30pm
"Wings of the Phoenix Arms and Hands"
Zaina's arms and hands are her
signature - - elegance, grace and power that every dancer can and will want
to incorporate into their performance. Learn first from "The No", Zaina's
Basic Position, which works into multiple movements, incorporating level
changes, texture and dimension. Dancers will learn how to
bring arms and hands into focus both "with" other movement and steps, as
well as main focus. Dancers and teachers from across the county have sought
out Zaina for this specialty movement.


Sunday Los Angeles (North Hollywood) workshops held at
Madilyn Clark Studios
10852 Burbank Blvd
(in the NoHo Arts District)
North Hollywood, CA

www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com

FOR MORE INFO CALL 877-682-5873
Or Register ONLINE at www.BellyDanceSanDiego.com



Oreet has always been fascinated by the body and how it moves. Her family's Middle Eastern cultural roots exposed her to an array of ethnic sounds and rhythms, including traditional belly dance melodies. This inspired her to learn all she could about dance and movement, everything from gymnastics to ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and folkloric dance. Oreet became passionately committed to understanding the ins and outs of each genre and its impact on the body.

Oreet received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Performance from SUNY College at Brockport, and later settled in New York City to perform with several modern dance companies. Simultaneously, she choreographed works of movement for emerging dance and theater companies and brought her professional dance expertise to fitness clubs around New York City. Excited by the health club trend of offering dance classes as a form of exercise, Oreet was eager to learn, become certified in, and teach all forms of bodywork. Her certifications with AFFA, Johnny G Spinning and Back Logic allowed her to teach hi/low-impact aerobics, step, body sculpting, spin, kickboxing and stretch classes at several popular fitness clubs.

By 1996, Oreet found herself increasingly frustrated. Something was missing from the "trendy" Oreet often overheard women who were seemingly committed to their dance classes and workouts complaining about their "problem areas" or poor body image. Like her students, Oreet was also working hard physically yet struggled with an unsatisfied sense of wellbeing. Motivated to reach all types of women, Oreet began experimenting with the workouts workouts and dance techniques she was being asked to teach. she offered.

Years of trial and error and ongoing feedback from her students and clients helped Oreet form her new technique. Returning to her roots, Oreet blended together the body-loving art form of belly dance, with the cardiovascular and toning benefits of fitness classes. SharQui - The bellydance workout™, was born.

After teaching SharQui in Manhattan and across the U.S. for almost ten years, Oreet has developed a following of students. The SharQui technique works on core strength, speed, isolation, stamina and, most importantly, focuses on positive self-image in a judgement-free environment. SharQui - The bellydance workout™, is perfect for those seeking a new and exciting way to get fit and for the serious dancer looking to stay healthy and dance smarter.

Oreet continues to expose women to SharQui's philosophy and methods. She currently teaches master classes and just developed her new workout, Belly Blast by SharQui™ where weighted belts are implemented for an advanced SharQui workout. Oreet also teaches the SharQui method as ACE and AFFA continuing education credits and is a regular presenter at the Sara City Workout Fitness Conventions, ECA and other health and wellness expos throughout the country.

SharQui-The bellydance workout™ DVD is available through Amazon.com.



Multi Award Winning Zaina Hart is a charismatic performer whose trademark is her mesmerizing arm and hand movement and unique body styling. Zaina is a performer/choreographer who is also known for her precise hip articulation and fiery performances who has been performing Middle Eastern Dance for nearly 30 years. She currently resides in Vancouver, WA, where she maintains Zaina's House of Dance, (a Middle Eastern Dance Studio) and produces the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition™, Festival and International Bazaar * held annually the last weekend of September. Over the past 29 years, Zaina has had the opportunity to study with many of the "Master Performers and Musicians" of the Industry (see below) and has become a Master Teacher/Performer in her own right.

Zaina's style is "Basic Egyptian", however, she adds to this her own extraordinary flair - her personality, which depending on performance and music is a powerful mixture of elegance, playfulness, humor, and sensual. Zaina has the reputation of being able to interpret La Danse Orientale through nontraditional music and characters and as well has developed quite the reputation as Comedian and Emcee.

As Director of The Bedouin Babes she and her dance partner Aiyanna were honored to receive a first place title in the "Wiggles and Giggles" Category of Reno's very own Wiggles of the West Competition in a spoof on larger than life derrières. Two years later Zaina brought "Banana" to Reno's Wiggles of the West Competition and again received the "Wiggles and Giggles" first place title.

Zaina's current Troupe/s "Z-Ladies" and "Z-Girls" will be hitting the circuit in late 2005 with new choreographies, new performers and and lots of "Zzzzzzzip".

Zaina is the Owner and Editor in Chief of the newest and most exciting dancer's publication, The "Belly Dancer" Magazine. She is also the past Secretary of MED&CA (Middle Eastern Dance and Culture Association) and is still involved in Reptile rescue and preservation, having participated as a Board member of "Reptile World Zoo" which had been developed to provide hands-on education, scientific research, observation, a pure breeding environment, expert advice and care instructions about reptiles. She has also served as a Staff Writer for various Middle Eastern Dance publications (Wiggle Hips and Jareeda) with articles translated and reprinted in various European publications.

Zaina in PurpleZaina believes that what makes this dance so unique and beautiful is the differences in styles, age, gender, race, body form and passions of its performers. There is truly a place for everyone in this dance. Remembering that dance is an expression of life, and Middle Eastern Dance is the oldest form of dance documented, there is little doubt that the experience of this dance will be a positive, joyous one.

Because of her unique teaching and performing style, Oregon Public Broadcasting approached her in 1999 to assist in the making of as well as be featured in a Documentary about Middle Eastern Dance and its effect on the lives of the women and men who have chosen the art form for their creative outlet. The Documentary was shortened to an "Art Beat" segment which to date has aired on three separate occasions and received the most votes for re-airing in the summer of 2003.

INFLUENCES/INSTRUCTORS: There have been many wonderful instructors along the way. Zaina's style has specifically been influenced by the teachings of Masters such as; Jamilla and Fatima Al Wahid, Suzanna Del Vecchio, Mahmoud Reda, Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah, Bert Balladine, Dalia Carella, Horacio Cifuentes, Morocco, Jodette, and many more. Her coach and long time instructor Halima, has helped hone her skills and bring Zaina to an awareness of "her own dance persona". As well, Zaina began studying film of who she believed were the "greats" of Orientale - Egyptian - Cabaret style dance in the early 80's. The greatest of these influences have been Naima Akef and Sohair Zaki and currently "Dina".

From Zaina: Instruction is a never ending process. I will take classes/lessons as long as I perform because it continues to challenge me dance skill, push me in different directions, and moves me "OUTSIDE THE BOX".
Zaina's Awards & Titles
2001 Headliner of the Year
2001 Wiggles and Giggles -(Comedy Category) Winner as "Banana"
1998 Entertainer of the Year 1st Runner Up
1998 Wiggles and Giggles (Comedy Category) Winner - Bedouin Babes
1997 Alternative Stylist-Belly Dancer USA
**1995 Miss USA (Belly Dancer USA)**
1995 Alternative Style Winner - Corvallis Classics
1993 Alternative Style Winner - Coos Bay Classics
1991 Winner - Professional - MED&CA Olympics
1990 Alternative Style Winner - MED&CA Olympics

Festival on the Nile - 5/18 - 5/20 - Jim Boz Workshop Just Added!

Hey, just a heads up: This weekend I'm teaching a 'just added' workshop called "Mezze al Sharq' at Festival on the Nile in Orlando, FL.

Here's the description:
In Jim's style of foundations, technique, concepts and texture sequencing, we will explore several combinations suitable for different styles of Middle Eastern & related dance including: Raks Sharki, Baladi, Jazz Fusion, tempo/dynamic changes, accents & more. Slow pacing at first to set the ground rules for a fast paced hi-nrg romp through dance styles and characteristics to enhance your repertoire!

Call Shari to register - and register asap. I'm teaching in a smaller room at the same time as Frederique's workshop, so the space is seriously limited - it will also be intense and awesome!

Visit www.FestivalOnTheNile.com

Kim Chee Wishes & Soju Dreams

Wow, what a grand trip this has been!
Just getting ready to re-pack everything from my trip to Seoul.

It will be nice to get home and taste something familiar, although certain dishes here in Korea have become familiar to me. I was great with eating Korean food, so every meal was....yup, Korean. No McDonald's, TGIF's or Dunkin Donuts for me! LOL

Oh, although there were fish, sushi, seaweed, that rice porridge stuff and other Korean and Asian stuff for the hotel breakfast buffet, I admit I stuck to potatoes, eggs, rolls, bacon, etc. But at least the meats were things like veal sausages, meatballs and other variations on the American breakfast theme.

Soju is good....Tongtongju even better! YUM!

Can't wait to get home tho.

Here's a pic of me with Sookun Lee, the owner of BellyBoom and the promoter who hired me. She's a fabulous dancer! One of the two top famous Korean belly dancers. The other one (Mi Hee Kim) was in my workshop too! I'll post her pic on my blog on my website since I can post more pics there. :)