Q & A with Aziza Nawal
for Shimy-a-thon September 12th & 13th, 2009

Aziza Nawal is a multi-award winning performer of Oriental Dance. In addition to regular and guest appearances in restaurants and stage shows throughout the U.S., Aziza Nawal has appeared on national and international television including a live variety show filmed in Istanbul, Turkey. Recently she was featured on IAMED’s Belly Dance O’ Rama nationally distributed performance video. Aziza Nawal currently offers

I've had the pleasure of taking multiple workshops from Aziza and have always come away with great combinations and smooth transitions that make the moves flow beautifully. When Aziza takes the stage you will be drawn in by her crisp technique, impeccable timing and amazing stage presence; she is always a show stopper. - Kira Lang

Q) Have you always wanted to be a dancer?
A) I have always wanted to be a performer of sorts - I loved putting on little shows for an imaginary audience when I was a kid. I had day dreams of being all sorts of things - a clown, a magician, rock star and a dancer.

Q) Did you have any previous dance experience before Belly Dance?
A) Not really although I was a part of a performance art ensemble during one semester of college where I performed an avante guard modern dance duet inside of a lycra sack.

Q) How/when did you become interested in Middle Eastern Dance?
A) I've always been fascinated with it - since I was a kid. Watching those old Arabian Nights themed movies was intriguing and mysterious. In 1994 I took my first husband to the Imperial Fez. Remembering a Middle Eastern dance group I had seen at a festival a couple of years prior, I wanted to check out the 'live belly dance shows' the advertisement touted. After that I was hooked.

Q) How did you choose your dance name, or was it chosen for you?
A) It was chosen for me. When I landed my first regular restaurant gig, I attempted to use my mother's name - Delilah - but it didn't feel right. I tried making up some interesting name from science fiction but that didn't seem to work either. One of my teachers who helped me get into restaurants had a double first name - Layla Katrina - the owners thought it had a nice ring to it so they suggested I do the same and suggested two names 'Aziza' and 'Nawal' - since there are many 'Azizas' it seemed fitting to have two names.

Q) Who/what had the biggest impact on your early education?
A) I have been fortunate to have many great teachers but the earliest and biggest impact was from Zhaleh Fereshteh. Being so down to earth and possessing a clear teaching style, she helped me command a wealth of technique that I use in every performance (especially my drum solos) and in teaching my classes. Other influences include Cassandra, Hadia, Aziz and Raqia Hassan.

Q) What was the dance community like when you began and how has it changed?
A) I do think that with the internet, we are much more connected dancers in other states and abroad. Atlanta's dance community has grown in numbers tremendously. I am proud that several of us have gotten some national recognition - Ramona's book, Gina and I on IAMED's video, Amani Jabril performing at the International Dance Conference in Toronto - a trend I hope continues.

Q) How did you know when you were ready to start teaching?
A) I was urged to teach years ago but I wasn't ready. I took my knowledge for granted and thought anyone could pick up these movements as I did. I saw my students having fun but not really learning anything and becoming frustrated. I couple of years later I tried it again only this time I taught a group of my friends - their feedback and openness gave me the confidence to start teaching more group classes.

Q) What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
A) Seeing a student smile when she relaxes in class and finally 'gets' that move. Seeing the joy in their eyes when they share their dance with others at a show.

Q) Are instruction videos helpful or harmful to new students and why?
A) I think new students can benefit greatly from instructional videos. I am a firm believer in group classes for really perfecting technique and artistry, but a video can introduce someone to the dance and give them some confidence to pursue it further by taking a class at a studio, or provide a supplement like a summer reading project.

Q) Do you have any words of wisdom for beginning dancers?
A) Take a lot of classes. Practice, practice, practice.

Q) As a professional do you still take oriental dance classes?
A) Yes absolutely. Workshops primarily but I also take classes with Zi'ah of Awalim. I have primarily focused on Modern Egyptian and Greco/Turkish Cabaret over the years so I find it a nice challenge in learning ATS and Tribal Fusion. I also seek out classes and/or videos of folkloric dances I'd like to learn.

Q) What advice would you give up and coming instructors?
A) Practice, practice, practice. Never stop taking classes.

Q) How important to you is understanding the music and culture that 'belly dance' sprung from?
A) Extremely important. The music and culture of the region is so essential. Modern Egyptian, American cabaret, ATS, tribal fusion and most certainly folk dances, require studying the music/rhythym/culture of the region which brings a richness to the performance art. Knowing what the lyrics mean before performing to a song is very important - you don't have to speak the language to find out a song's meaning - there are plenty of resources out there.

Q) What is your specialty and what made you decide to specialize in it?
A) Performing to a drum solo is probably what I'm best known for and could be considered my specialty. I am a diehard fan of 'arena rock' - when the drums start to play it inspires me to make interesting movements as if I were that flashy drummer pounding out a rhythm extravaganza while the crowd roars for more. Okay I may never perform for thousands of fans at Madison Square Gardens but it's fun to imagine being a Rock Star.

Q) What style(s) of dance do you perform and what do you most enjoy about the style(s)?
A) I primarily perform Modern Egyptian and Greco/Turkish Cabaret. I love the delicate elegance of Modern Egyptian style and the demand it requires of 'feeling' the music it accompanies - whether its identifying the nuances in the orchestration or portraying the passion of the lyrics appropriately. Greco/Turkish cabaret provides an outlet for exuberance and flash - plus all the great props and multi-part routines!

Q) How do you prepare yourself for dance competition?
A)Picking out the music is hardest. Then it's time to choreograph - but not too much because I want the judges to experience a bit of spontaneity. I then make sure my costume says what I want it to. I usually have to buy a new one and then perform in it a few times at local shows where I can 'work out' my routine. Once I arrive to the competition I keep one thing in mind - that I am only competing with myself.

Q) How does competing in dance competitions improve your dance overall?
A) It has made me take a closer look at what I am doing as a dance artist. You can't wing it. Improvisation has its merits but there needs to be structure to a dance work just like a painting or a poem. Many competitions give you judges feedback which has been very helpful. There is also a feeling of accomplishment - even if I don't place - that I created something and put it to the test.

Q) Do you have plans for future competitions?
A) I don't know. Before I got engaged I was planning to do at least two or three. Wedding plans took precedence over preparing for a competition and now I am at a point where it isn't as important to me. Plus I have filled my life with so many other responsibilities and projects. Perhaps in 2011 when I have some free time :)

Q) Do you still get nervous before you perform and do you do anything that helps alleviate nervousness?
A)Yes. I just breathe and say an affirmation right before I go on.

Q) Do you have a memorable performance experience you would like to share with us?
A) Back when the Bellydance Superstars began touring for the first time, they made a policy of inviting a local instructor or troupe at each stop to perform in the show in order to encourage support among teachers and students. I was fortunate enough to get a call from Miles Copeland who invited me to perform when the show came to the Variety playhouse in Atlanta. I was thrilled! It seemed like the ENTIRE Atlanta belly dance community was in attendance plus those in surrounding areas - 600+ peers - was I nervous? Hell yes. I did a drum solo, part way through my head band started to slide off - I removed it with my index finger, twirled it around and flung it toward the floor where it landed right on the beat! The crowd gave me the warmest reception and thunderous applause at the end - it's the closest I've gotten to being a rock star.

Q) Where do you see your career heading in the future?
A) My focus is to strive to improve my teaching abilities, and continue the study of this dance and all of its aspects in an effort to become a master level instructor so I can in turn share my knowledge with students for years to come. I am studying ATS so I can perform more often in a troupe environment. I am also going to express myself as a fine artist - I am hoping to put my Bachelor's Degree in art to good use by beginning few projects in the visual arts arena.

Aziza Nawal
azizaraks.net
404-247-9861
azizanawal@gmail.com

Aziza Nawal will be performing in the Gala Show Saturday evening as well as teaching, "New Combinations for Middle Eastern Rhythms" Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM
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