Ramblings of a belly dancer

Get Involved in Middle Eastern Music!

majda — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:23:58 GMT

I would like to start a bi-monthly music salon. What I want to do with this is to get musicians together to play and rehearse music mainly from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans. Everyone, no matter your musical level, is encouraged to attend these salons – drummers, melody players, dancers aka zill players! Last fall I spent 5 months in Cairo, Egypt where I began my journey into Arabic music. I really don’t want to loose what I’ve learned, so I’d like to see if anyone in the Atlanta area is interested in coming to weekly music rehearsals/ jam sessions/ learning sessions about Arabic music. I would like to be able to share what I’ve learned so I can practice and not forget it! Any instrument would be welcome, just keep in mind that quartertones are harder to play on some instruments than others. I have some sheet music from this semester in Cairo, but I’m open to learning things by ear as well, which is how it really is done. The sheet music is all in C as I play the violin, so any of you b flat or F or alto or bass players be prepared to transpose the music if you want to play it. I don’t profess in any shape, form, or fashion to be an expert in Middle Eastern music, just a student who wants to grow her skills with an ensemble! I would like this to be very low key and fun and hopefully a way to grow a handful of students and musicians that appreciate and want to perform Middle Eastern music, especially so that when the big names come in town, we can really benefit from their instruction. I am just playing facilitator for this event. I will share my knowledge and I hope others will participate and do the same. Everyone is encouraged to bring both sheet music and songs to the salon for us to play. You do not have to read music to be here, nor do you have to have any experience in music to participate. I would like to be able to foster a community of people wanting to learn music and be able to play at haflas and events. Here is some general information: Date and Time: Sundays: May 10th, May 31st, June 14th and 28th, July 12th 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Cost: I ask everyone bring a donation of $5 cash for rehearsal space for each rehearsal. Place: We will meet at Awalim’s rehearsal space in the Virginia Highlands 1031 Reeder Circle Atlanta, GA (house is up the hill, rehearsal in the garage studio) Events: Eventually I would like to be able for this salon to be able to perform at haflas… Communication: If you are interested in this salon, please join the google group: groups.google.com/group/memusicatl

I'll be home for Christmas...

majda — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:56 GMT

Egypt tried to screw me over one more time before I could get home...but such is the nature of Egypt. But, il'humd'il'allah I was able to get a flight to be back in the states on Christmas Eve!!! Merry Christmas everyone and may your holiday be warm, joyful, and full of family and friends...hope to catch you in the new year! Oh, and totally not my picture of the pyramids, I wish I were that cool :)

Music Salons/ Jam Sessions in the ATL

majda — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:56:53 GMT

Salam aleikum min el Qahira! This past semester I’ve learned so much about Arabic music. I really don’t want to loose what I’ve learned, so I’d like to see if anyone in the Atlanta area is interested in coming to weekly music rehearsals/ jam sessions/ learning sessions about Arabic music. I would like to be able to share what I’ve learned so I can practice and not forget it! Any instrument would be welcome, just keep in mind that quartertones are harder to play on some instruments than others. I have some sheet music from this semester in Cairo, but I’m open to learning things by ear as well, which is how it really is done. The sheet music is all in C as I play the violin, so any of you b flat player be prepared to transpose the music if you want to play it. We could hold it at different locations in the Atlanta area or agree to have it at a central place. I don’t profess in any shape, form, or fashion to be an expert in Middle Eastern music, just a student who wants to grow her skills with en ensemble! I would like this to be very low key and fun and hopefully a way to grow a handful of students and musicians that appreciate and want to perform Middle Eastern music, especially so that when the big names come in town, we can really benefit from their instruction. So, who is interested?

Arabic music percussion

majda — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:30:35 GMT

These are notes from one of my Arabic music theory classes - we had two guest artist come to class and talk about Arab music percussion. I think what was very interesting was their explanation of dom, tek, and es...I guess we've been doin' it wrong (or different) for a while now!! Oh and the pic above is from a bedouin dinner I attended in August. *************** Last Monday two guests artists, Met’hat Mamdua and Khaled Abu Higazzi came to my Arabic music theory class class to give a lecture on Arabic percussive instruments. Mr. Met’hat is a very accomplished tabla player, who plays for Arabic singers all around Egypt - including Amr Diab! He also is involved in a Turkish band that recently played at the Sakia el Sawy this month. Mr. Khaled, who gave most of the lecture, specializes in the riqq and also performs regularly with ensembles and Arabic singers. After the lecture, which is summarized below, both musicians accompanied the class for rehearsal for our concert next Thursday. Khaled started off the lecture by introducing the main percussive instruments of Arabic music. There are three main instruments, the tabla, the duff, and the riqq. The tabla is a goblet shaped hand drum that can come in up to four different sizes. The largest size is called a dahola, and the smallest is played by acclaimed percussionist Raquy Danziger. The standard Egyptian tabla weighs about six to seven kilos. The drum head, or the ra’ima as it is referred to, used to be made of fish skin, but now is made from synthetic materials. The reason for this change was the constant hassle of retuning the fish skin head as the material would stretch. Drummers would have to heat up their drums on heating pads to make sure the drum head would not stretch to be out of tune. Now, with the synthetic head, drummers do not have to have that hassle or worry about temperature change as much as in the past. Players lay the tabla on their lap with the head of the drum facing in towards the opposite knee. The doum, or the strong beat, is normally played with the right hand giving an even base tone. The tak, or the weak beat, can be played by both the left or the right hand and in many different styles that include the normal tak sound on the very edge of the drum, or within rolls, pops, and snaps. The third type of sound is ‘es’. Es is the filling of silence between the doums and teks, or the heartbeat of a darb (darb is Arabic for rhythm). The next instrument Khaled introduced was the riqq. The riqq, or the Arabic tambourine as it is sometimes called, is a small frame drum played upright with two hands. The doum and tek are opposite of the tabla as the doum is played on the edge of the drum frame, and the tek is caught in the middle of the drum. The es is mostly emphasized by the galagel, the five groups of four sets of cymbals set around the frame of the riqq. Like the tabla, the riqq used to have a ra\ima made of fish skin, but now it is synthetic. Another interesting feature of the riqq is that its frame is tunable. Players may tune a riqq higher or lower for different sounds throughout a piece. The third instrument introduced was the duff. The duff is a large frame drum that keeps the heart beat of a darb. Duff players do not play ‘es’, rather they play the doums and teks of a darb whilst the tabla and riqq players elaborate. The duff is mostly recognized with the zeffa, a wedding procession in which a distinct darb is played for the bride and groom as they walk together through family and friends being presented as newly weds. A cousin to the duff, the maz’har is a duff with cymbals. The maz’har is slightly smaller than the duff, but both are considerably bigger than the riqq. Arabic percussive sections change according to the type of ensemble. The two most popular ensembles are the takht and the firqa. A takht is a small chamber ensemble that consists of a qanoon (similar to a zither), kamanga (violin), ney (wind instrument), oud (the grandfather to the lute), and percussion instrument, most often the riqq. In these ensembles and smaller firqas the riqq is the lead percussion. When in larger ensembles, such as a firqa, the tabla becomes the lead instrument for the percussion section. In addition to this, the riqq is usually featured in pieces with longer darbs, while tablas are mainly used for shorter darbs and solos.

Updates to blog, and other random thoughts

majda — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:50:54 GMT

Pic taken from the minaret of Ibn Tulun mosque in Said el Zayeb Being in Egypt for so long has made me realize some things about dance and music. The first is that I am so glad I came back to music, back to being a musician. Making the music instead of dancing is just as satisfying to me as it is to interpret the music through my body. I missed it. It’s the core of any dancer, and I firmly believe any dancer should study music to further their musical interpretation and ear, especially those who are diving into the world of Middle Eastern dance. Arabic music is breathtakingly beautiful, take the time to sit down one day and look up the lyrics of a song you want to dance to. Currently, I can't get this song out of my head...probably because its played on the radio and t.v. all the time...everywhere...so I'll link the video clips with English subtitles so it will get stuck in your head too, mwh ha ha ha! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybZ80Rjgdtc Updates to ma blog, majidacairo.blogspot.com The last couple of blog posts are pics from my trips to Dubai, Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, and the Citadel in Islamic Cairo. I will be going to Sharm el Sheikh this weekend, a city on the Sinai Peninsula, pictures to follow insh'allah next week. December 4th my Arabic ensemble will have a concert on campus. We will be performing 12 songs, some new, some old, some original works, all Arabic! Hopefully I will be able to post some video of the concert, it will be my debut playing the qanoon!

Cairo Blog and Pictures

majda — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:25:44 GMT

majidacairo.blogspot.com Right now I'm uploading pics everyday and writing everyday as well, we'll see how long that lasts, lol. Enjoy!

Shimmy a thon - A fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis

majda — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:07:13 GMT

Hello all, My friends have been organizing Shimmy a thon since 2005. The founder, Nisaa Amira, has a little sister with cystic fibrosis and has organized this event in her honor. Now the event has been passed on to another dear friend of mine, Inara, who will be planning her first Shimmy a thon for this September. Each year Shimmy a thon hosts workshops, an evening show, and a shimmy contest in which ALL proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We have raised over $50,000 since 2005 from this yearly event! The following blurb is about Shimmy a thon 2008 - please come out and support this wonderful event. If you would like to help us, feel free to copy this blurb and send it to friends, students, and fellow dancers/ peers. We appreciate your support! ******************* Shimmy-a-thon 2008 The 4th annual Shimmy-a-thon pairs the art & joy of bellydance with the financial support to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. CF is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. (70,000) worldwide). Together we can make a difference! Saturday & Sunday September 27th-28th, 2008 Quality Inn Cobb Conference Center 755 Cobb Place Blvd. Kennesaw, GA 30144 Workshops: Aziza Nawal Drum Combos Sat. 10:00-12:00 Yasmine Funky Fusion Sat.1:00-3:00 Onca Swirling Skirt & Sassy Fan Sun. 10:00-12:00 Shimmy-a-thon Bellydance Show Cobb Conference Center 7:00PM Shimmy Contest Sun. 1:00 until the last shimmier drops Crowning of “Miss Shimmy 2008”

Confession

majda — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:31:51 GMT

So apart from 1/2 a day in Nassau, Bahamas, I've never been outside the country. Yeah, really. My father is Jordanian, my grandmother was Honduran. I grew up in a tri-lingual household, but I've never been out of the US. I'm not fluent in Spanish or Arabic, but I want to be, and for as much as I know about the Arab culture, sometimes I really feel like a fake. Yeah.

Broke dancer, What else is new?

majda — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:42:12 GMT

Economy 1, Dancer 0 So, with this summer's gas prices, low class attendance, and all around economy, I am trying to scramble some money for rent, Egypt, and Pennsic - and failing miserably.... To help rectify that situation, I've posted some items from my dance closet that I am willing to part with. PM me if you are interested in any of these items, and I am willing to bargain if you want to buy multiple items. Pay Pal is my preferred method of payment. I will probably also be posting some more items throughout the week so keep your eyes open! Thanks! ~Majda

Don't miss pre-reg for Linda's Belly Grooves Workshop!

majda — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:32:38 GMT

Hello lovely dancers! This is a happy reminder to take advantage of the pre-registration for the Belly Grooves Workshop with Linda of Nashville on Sunday, July 13th! We still have spots available for the show, so register today to reserve a spot! Again, here is the information: Date: Sunday, July 13th Workshop 11 AM - 2PM, Show at 7:30 PM $60 pre-registration (Before May 31st) $65 after May 31st and at the door RISPA Studio in Alpharetta, GA Sunday Show at Veranda Taverna Doors open at 7 PM Show starts at 7:30 PM NO Ticket Charge! Veranda will be offering $5 Tapas and Drink Specials just for us! Visit www.amanijabril. com for a link to registration and payment See you at the 'shop! ~Majda -- Majida Anwar Marketing Director, Amani Jabril Middle Eastern and World Dance www.amanijabril. com amani@amanijabril. com 404-550-4692

Cairo Dreams

majda — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:21:41 GMT

So finals are over...I had 5 to take and none of them were fun...some were harder than the others, but I survived. I decided that today was going to be the day to go get my passport, but God had other plans for my mode of transportation, namely a broken radiator. I spent my entire afternoon at the mechanic until it was fixed...took a nap on the bench outside in between airplane landings because my mechanic is right next to the runway of Dobbins AFB. So after that whole debacle, I went to dinner with Rob, and we walked around Piedmont Park for a bit. Came back and updated my website, but did not check for the 10+ bugs that I need to correct... ANYWHOO all these events led up to what I like to call 'dream surfing' ...web surfing all you can about your life's goals and dreams. As I sit at my desk in Atlanta, Georgia just wishing for the night life in Cairo, I turn my head around what my life will be like in September. I have to get in touch with my oriental dancer again and its wonderful. Youtube after youtube after youtube after youtube to just try and soak in all that is Cairo...get's me to thinking as to why I shouldn't try to do this for a year. I have the ability... And by the way, Randa Kamal is amazing and I can't wait to see her live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZPP5BSpCYk

I'M GOING TO CAIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

majda — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:11:49 GMT

My study abroad adviser FINALLY got in touch with the American University in Cairo and e-mailed to tell me I've been accepted!!!!!! This is a dream come true...I'll basically be in Cairo from late August to January...I just can't comprehend it all right now. I've basically been waiting for almost a year to hear this news, OMG OMG OMG OMG.....I'M GOING TO CAIRO!!!!! Note: this picture is very accurate of my facial expression at the moment, minus the rollers...!!!

Stuff

majda — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:34:59 GMT

I've realized what I am missing in dance - music. I've been so hot and heavy into the dance these last couple of months. Classes, workshops, privates, shows...every day and performing every weekend. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every second of it and I want more...so much more it hurts sometimes, but this past weekend I took a violin melody workshop and it was amazing. I was playing the music, not dancing. Music is untouched in my capitalistic mind, unlike dance which is feeling like a job, a dream job, but a job no less. I went with my good friend Aminah, and she really helped me realize the joys of being a musician. We learned two songs - al rayah and lamma bada yatathanna and we learned it by ear...which was an experience in itself. Rachid Halihal was the instructor, and he was amazing. He showed us how to play the violin like a rebaba as well...and it hurt alot less. So my goal? Be able to play all of the songs from Dorku.com for Pennsic and maybe some on the violin as a rebaba...and taqsim. The maqams are fascinating, beautiful, and I'm able to have another outlet besides dance...it's like finding dance all over again, but in becoming a musician.

April Shows/ Workshops

majda — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:31:27 GMT

Hello all, here is my schedule for April if you are interested in seeing me dance, or more importantly, supporting these shows and workshops. Hope to see you around! ~ April 5th – Zafira Workshop Pre-show, Knoxville, TN jaiamara@bellsouth.net for more info ~April 12th – Students Performing at Open Shimmy at Efes Restaurant, Marietta, GA inara999@comcast.net for more info ~April 14th – Student show at Nicola’s in Atlanta, GA www.awalim.com for tickets ~April 19th – Suhail Kaspar/ Rachid Hilhal Workshop and Show, Durham, NC http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail_show.html ~April 27th – Advanced Seminar with Amani Jabril in Alpharetta, GA www.amanijabril.com ~Continuing Oriental Combo classes Tuesdays April 15th, 22nd, and 27th in Canton, GA www.atlanta-bellydancing.com -- Majida Anwar Teaching the Essence of Belly Dance www.majidaanwar.com Majida.anwar@gmail.com 678-697-6277 Check out my MySpace! www.myspace.com/majidaanwar

Ansuya and Ziah's Smackdown

majda — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:48:16 GMT

Ansuya in Athens The Ansuya workshop was fun. Anuysa's style is very different to what I am currently studying and it was a breath of fresh air to go back to a style that reminded me of my early beginnings in the dance. While she is not notably Egyptian or of the Arabic style, her cabaret style is very freeing. I really liked her explanation of the cabarets where her mom would dance in the 60's and 70's. Bands were constructed of an eclectic mix of musicians of different nationalities and dancers were always the fusion artist to make their dance and show unique and personal to them. We got a lot of material, almost to the point where specifics had to be glazed over to cover everything. The only thing about the workshop that didn't settle with me was the lack of warm up before stretching...that really hurt my muscles the first day, but I managed to get to the venue early on days 2 and 3 and do my own warm up. The show was fun. It was at the 40 Watt in downtown Athens...my panel got stuck on my bra for a second, but I caught it pretty quick. I FINALLY got to meet Mashati (hey girl!) and some other dancers around the belly dance scene in the Southeast and it was very nice to do so! One thing I did not realize about downtown Athens was how cheap the liquor is! I had three drinks for a grand total of 6 bucks...I thought it was a miscalculation and giggled at myself for my luck. Someone then explained to me later that Athens is a college town, so booze is cheap...damn you Atlanta! Ziah in Asheville This past weekend was still fun...for the parts I was conscious for. I followed Ziah to Onca's house where we then traveled up into the beautiful Asheville mountains for a natural hot tub in Hot Springs. The evening was lovely and beautiful, Onca is such a hospitable host. On our way back we stopped by Jerusalem Garden to pick up some food. I ran in just to see half a set performed by Lisa Z and ran out so we cold get home for some food and sleep. This is where everything gets hazy...for the rest of the weekend I was stuck in bed with a stomach virus, so no smack down and no performance! I sat through the first half of the workshop and when it was clear I wasn't getting up anytime soon, I left to take a nap until the show where I could sit in a chair and with eyes glazed over watch the hafla show. I was able to drive back okay from Asheville with little stops thanks to a gothic book tape Ziah lent me, and here I am now sitting at my computer in bed hoping this is a 24-48 hour thing and not a longer than that sort of bug...

Tribal Carnivale!

majda — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:58:34 GMT

TRIBAL CARNIVALE at the Red Light Cafe! Saturday, March 29th, 9 PM $12 at the door LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.... TRIBAL CARNIVALE brings you an all-tribal bellydance revue! A full-on stage show with a variety of extraordinary performances, both traditional and progressive, to stir your soul! Featuring new works by the Awalim Dance Company, Jahara Phoenix, Banat Almeh, and the Delphi Dancers. A spectacular show by proud members of the Atlanta bellydance community- COME GET LOUD WITH US!!!! 553 Amsterdam Ave, Atl, GA 30306 Call Ziah for more information at: 404-581-0199 www.redlightcafe.com - For directions

TribalCon and Birmingham

majda — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:25:41 GMT

Wow. What a couple of weeks. Last weekend TribalCon, and this past weekend Souhail Kaspar and Naser Musa in Birmingham. I don’t know if I will be able to recount all of the amazing things that happened in both events, but this is blog and damn it I’m going to try! TribalCon Personally, I had been half involved in TribalCon since the first “Ice Con” four years ago. I took the marta because I didn’t have a car at school and ended up having to walk the last mile in the ice to get to the Friday night drum class with Jas and the hafla. I remember Jas’s class being awesome; lord knows what I sounded like slapping the drum with my hand. That was my first time dancing to live Middle Eastern music and I’ll be damned if I danced until my ride told me we were going home now! The next year I barely made it to TribalCon before I had to go do a million things that weekend. I think I took half a class and regretted not being there more! Last year I was with Awalim and got the full experience, taking classes, hanging out with dancers and musicians and felt a little more comfortable with my girls in Awalim and less like ‘that cabaret outsider’ lol. It also helped that I knew some of the Pennsic people who attend every year, like Khafif, Asim, and Lisa and the Naught Nomads. It was (and was this year) a Pennsic reunion! There was something about this year that spoke to me in pure harmony. This year was completely different than the previous years. I helped with the organization of this amazing event and wow, with a staff of about 40+ people; this thing is a one complex machine to run! Many props to Ziah to being somewhat sane and executing this event. If there were any main problems, I was not aware of them, and that is a great sign of an event. The hafla was just as magical as it was the first year with all of my favorite musicians jamming and having a great time while providing some kick ass music. The classes were all amazing, although I do have to admit that I really can’t handle so many classes in one weekend. I’m more of a smaller workshop, one teacher, one weekend where I can really soak up the essence of that dancer. I had taken workshops from Mira and Zoe before, and also with Jill and Elizabeth, but it still was too much for me to handle physically and mentally. I think I mostly go to these events (also Triborignal) to see my friends and mingle with the dance community. If I can take about ½ of the classes offered, I feel as if I’ve gotten my money’s worth, because the conversations I can have with fellow dancers and musicians are priceless. With that said, the only thing left to talk about is the show…ooooh the show. I’ve been to many a workshop belly dance show, and while I understand that these shows are a prime time for dancers show their skills to the community, I loved how TribalCon has become a show for dancers to show their variety and creativity with the dance. We had a great variety of performers from all aspects of tribal. Mira’s and Elizabeth’s Whiskey dance had me rolling in the isles laughing, such characterization! That was my highlight of the evening. I don’t quite know how to react to the reaction of the crowd for my solo, I personally felt half to what the drum solo could have been, but damn did people like it! I’m glad ‘cuz I’ll be performing that solo a couple of times, and hopefully at some point it won’t be as sloppy as it was a TribalCon. One thing I’ve learned about choreography is that I love repeating choreos’s at performances to really reach the full potential of that choreo. Awalim has taught me this, and it’s a lesson I’m happy to learn. Repeating the show at the Ren Faire and our regular choreographies lets us focus on audience interaction and clean, readable interpretation of the music. Habi’Ru and Bal Anat are also classic examples of a great choreography used to its highest potential. This past weekend Let me preface this with one of my New Year’s resolutions which was to learn the maqam scales and be able to freestyle with ease at Pennsic. As soon as I heard that Naser Musa and Souhail Kaspar were going to be in Birmingham, I signed up as soon as I could. What interested me the most about this pair of musicians is their background in Arabic music. Most of the maqam training I’ve come across is geared more towards the Turkish side of music, and while that’s fine, I’d like to explore and really study the Arabic stylings because that’s what I grew up with. Naser’s class was an introduction to the rast and bayati maqams. We actually learned to sing two songs, one being a Jordanian folk song that my dad called his ‘grandmama’s song’. The class went 45 minutes over, which was awesome because we were able to learn another song! Where Naser is peaceful and calm, Souhail is a spitfire of a drummer and teacher! He kept us on our toes, but I felt my technique become stronger and cleaner after only a 2-hour class. After the drum class, I had a private scheduled with Naser for some more indepth study on the maqam on the violin. We focused on Al Yady and the bayati maqam, and basically we spent an hour tuning my ear to the e half flat. I think having a clear understanding of these quarter tones will really help develop my ear as a dancer and as a violinist. I’ve come to the conclusion, with Naser’s recommendation, that I will need to tune my violin to the Arabic tuning structure which is going to completely turn my training upside down! The hafla was so much fun. I am always so surprised at how international Birmingham really is! The hafla included flamenco dancers, Notinee (the name of the company?) who presented a unique style of Indian dance, and of course oriental and ATS belly dance. The first half of the show featured the dancers with recorded music, and the second half of the show started with a set by an 11 year old who was already a great doumbek player! She was so cute, and I got goosebumps listening to her solo. Naser Musa and Souhail Kaspar did a set that included Khaleeji music from their new albumn. Towards the end of the night, a couple of dancers, including myself, were able to dance to their music. What an experience! Souhail’s classical style was very fun to work with, and he really kicked my butt! Deanna did a lovely solo with Naser Musa and Souhail, so if you are reading this Deanna – you did awesome! Of course there was free dancing afterwards and a huge ATS group, which made me want to study ATS in depth some more. Looks like I am going to have to go to Birmingham more often…

Spam-alicious Plug for Classes

majda — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:23:43 GMT

Hello All! My March – April classes start on March 11th, and these classes are geared for the intermediate dancer who wishes to explore the cultural history of classical Egyptian dance while learning fun combos and choreography. Hope to see some of you in class! Discounts apply for signing up for both classes, information on Jendayi’s website. Intermediate Oriental Technique In this class, students will be challenged with complicated combinations and drills that will improve their Oriental or 'cabaret' technique. In addition, students will also be exposed to the history and music that characterizes Raqs Sharqi, or Oriental dance. Each class will include warm-up and conditioning, drilling, and combinations that can be incorporated into your own choreographies. Students should bring zills to class for warm-ups. This is the perfect drop in class! New combos will be explored each week of the 2 four week sessions. Tuesdays, March 11th 2008 - April 29th 2008 7:00 - 8:00 PM $48 per four week session * 1 of 2 part series! or $15 for drop in www.atlanta-bellydancing.com for directions and registration! Intermediate Oriental Choreography Wala Wahed translates to 'Not Even One' and is sung by Egyptian artist Hakim. The choreography taught in this class is a classical Oriental piece inspired by Morocco of New York. The combinations in this choreography are independent of the technique class offered at 7 PM. Zills are required for this class as this will be a zill piece. Tuesdays, March 11th 2007 - April 29th 2008 8:15 - 9:15 PM $48 per four week session* 1 of 2 part series! www.atlanta-bellydancing.com for directions and registration!

Some real ramblings...Is it wrong to want to be a professional belly dancer?

majda — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:56:30 GMT

This turned from a debrief of the weekend into a deeper rambling of my life’s goals and ambitions that has to do with a barrel of sugar…go figure...and the picture was just gorgeous so I had to share! This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to teach 7 hours of belly dance and emcee an amateur dance show. It was a weekend full of belly dance, and I don’t think I could do any else that would make me happier. The ladies in my workshop were attentive, they asked questions, and were enthusiastic about the workshop material. We drilled the choreography a number of times, and after 4 hours the ladies were getting a handle on it. Seeing other human beings understanding my movement creation gave me a mental high for the rest of the weekend. I had a conversation with Jillina when she was in town this past summer about teaching workshops. Obviously she has to be passionate about what she does, or else she would be the dancer she is today. I remember the conversation vividly because even in the midst of the craziness of teaching a workshop and performing with the BDSS no less than 2 hours after the workshop, she was very passionate about being able to reach out to the students of her workshop. She was very talkative about how the workshop went, her teaching style, and the importance of the student feedback she asks for through surveys at the end of the workshop. I found this very inspiring and it made me take a step back from my own teaching style. At the low end of the spectrum I have started conducting surveys for every session for my students and after every workshop I conduct. At the higher end, I’ve become more aware of how I am teaching students, inspiring them, and motivating them to look at belly dance as more than exercise or something fun to do, but also as an art form that can change lives. I’ve found a change in my own dance more recently. As a business major, I recently took an organizational behavior course and while the majority of the class was very interesting, one point that stood out was the learning consciousness model. The learning model can be applied to belly dance. Ziah had pointed out an article that took this model into the context of belly dance: http://www.rossah.com/main/main1.htm (Go to BD Mastery) I’ve found that going to beginning and intermediate classes are helpful, and yes I do want to learn and learn how to teach. One of the most inspirational workshops I’d ever taken was the General Skills Certification with Carolena and I distinctly remember how humble her demeanor and how she stressed everyone learns, and that you never stop learning. A quote that someone posted on the Biz of Belly Dance tribe rings in my ear: • Beginning dancer. Knows nothing. • Intermediate dancer. Knows everything. Too good to dance with beginners. • Hotshot dancer. Too good to dance with anyone. • Advanced dancer. Dances everything. Especially with beginners. I feel that in my dance community, there are dancers and students who feel as if they know everything there is to know about dance. How can this be? People devote their entire lives to one aspect of one style of belly dance i.e. Carolena, Rachel Brice, Suhaila, or Jillina. Each have a very specific style and each are ever changing and expanding their dance. I feel so meager in the dance world compared to such great women! I feel as if I’ve been a hobbyist until about 2 years ago when I joined Awalim. Everything before was playtime, a joke to what dance really is. I wasn’t dancing, I was prancing around in some lame excuse for a costume wiggling my hips to however I saw fit. I guess I was your typical Arab girl who thought she was the shit because she was Arabic and thus could belly dance better than anybody. Ever. And that attitude has melted away mainly by growing up, going to college, becoming independent, and also from becoming a professional dancer in that injecting discipline to my dance. So, with all of that said…why is it wrong to want to be a professional belly dancer? Teaching workshops, teaching classes, teaching privates, performing, choreographing, marketing, researching, costuming, keeping up with the industry, learning, going to workshops, practicing, practicing, practicing…the list goes on.. am a business major Isn’t this a profession? Isn’t this a enough work to last a single person more than 40 hours a week? Yes, I realize you become a starving artist, and yes I realize our society (and sure as hell the Middle Eastern society) does not see this as an art form, hell I don’t think the dance community at large sees belly dance as an art form. I want to spend hours of my day creating my own aesthetic, my own creative vision, my own choreographies, and sharing it with the world, sharing it with women to make them come alive, find their inner spirit and passion. I realize that a lot of time, energy, and money goes into this profession, and I also realize that I won’t know the sacrifice until I make it, but I feel so passionate about this art form I’m willing to make that extra step. I guess you could say I’m on the edge about to jump into everything. I can’t do anything now, not like I want to, I’m still on the outside looking in, but just you wait. Life happens while you are busy making other plans, but I see this stage of my life more as if there is a tiny hole in a big bag of sugar, each grain slipping out one by one. Give it some time and the hole will become so large all of the sugar will rush out at once, and just as it happens to be I have a whole barrel full of sugar waiting to burst out. (Okay so maybe that was lame but it was the imagery in my head, darn it!) I haven’t even begun to start dancing!

Saiidi Cane Workshop with Majida Anwar!

majda — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:42:20 GMT

Hello everyone! Kira is sponsoring me in a 4 hour workshop on February 2nd in Sandy Springs, Georgia. I'll be teaching a short cane choreography that incorporates folkloric steps and modern combinations. Space is limited because swinging canes in a crowded room spells disaster! Kira is also conducting costuming workshops througout the year of 2008 with different instructors and there are discounts involved for those who sign up for the costuming workshops plus the dance workshops. Visit her website at www.kiradancing.com for more information. Happy Holidays!

January Classes with Majida Anwar

majda — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:49:32 GMT

I have decided to move my trip to Egypt to the fall after Pennsic....The American University in Cairo was not going to give me my acceptance letter until Mid-December which would give me about 3 weeks to prepare for the trip. The trip will end up costing myself and my family around $20,000 (on the low end) which isn't money I can throw around! Combined with not being able to sign up for classes that I need in Cairo and financial aid paperwork headaches, my decision was basically made for me. Its been bitter sweet coming to this decision, but I'm really happy with my decision as next semester is looking very promising both as a dancer and as a student at Georgia Tech. I've been approached for some projects that I'm excited I can take on now. And, now I get to go to TribalCon, whoo hoo!

ATS Workshop December 8th

majda — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:36:45 GMT

Hello all! Inara of Belly Dance Oasis is sponsoring me in a workshop Saturday, December 8th in Marietta, Georgia. Hope to see you there! ATS Workshop with Majida Anwar of Awalim 2PM-5PM Saturday, December 8th Efes Restaurant on Marietta Square $40 preregistration (E-mail inara999@comcast.net) $45 at the door American Tribal Style is a form of belly dance best described as improvisational choreography. In this workshop, students will be introduced to the ATS format and tribal technique through drills and chorus line improvisation. No tribal experience is necessary. Majida Anwar is a performer, instructor, and choreographer of all styles of belly dance based in Atlanta, Ga. She is a member of the Awalim Dance company and teaches multiple levels of belly dance in both cabaret and tribal styles all around Atlanta. In April of 2007, Majida Majida Anwar received her General Skills Certification in American Tribal Style from Carolena Nereccio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. For more information about Majida Anwar, please visit her website at www.majidaanwar.com AMATEUR NIGHT AT EFES! Following the workshop, come to Amateur Night/Hafla at Efes - this is a perfect opportunity for workshop attendees to apply their new skills! You do not have to attend the workshop to perform. Amateur Night is open to anyone - dancers of all levels and styles are welcome. Students, this is your chance to test out that new choreography, new costume, or simply get some performance experience! There is no entrance fee, and the restaurant is not requiring ticket sales to allow us to use the space. You can order a full dinner, just an appetizer, or dessert & coffee. Please do order something. The food is fabulous - so let's show our appreciation for Efes' generosity in allowing us to use the space. If you'd like to perform, please e-mail Inara at inara999@comcast.net. Bring your costume, bring your music, and get ready for an awesome night of dancing and performance! www.inarasbellydance.com www.majidaanwar.com

Pennsic...

majda — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:07:32 GMT

I have so many thoughts running through my mind right now I think I'll attempt to list some of them in a somewhat cohesive form Bought waay too many things that I really (really!) needed including: an antique assuit scarf circa 1920's, matching maio bracelets and earrings (Father Dunn is EVIL!!), lots of morrocan scarves, some bedouin bungy cords (goat hair), sheet music, a mongolian hat, a dance basket,more necklaces, a kick ass skirt from Ocean, a new drum case for my poor old tabla, and a wooden mug that had to be chistened properly Danced along side some of the country's top dancers and I am truly honored to say that! Hung out with some of the coolest people I know (or dorkiest...but that's what makes it awesome!) Met some new people and got to bond with some more Camped with the best damn pirates and dancers in pennsic Bacon! Danced with some of the best musicians in the country, where else can you go and dance to a hurdy gurdy and a kanoon in the same night next to a fire?? Danced to some of the best poundage imaginable... thank you Kazuki, Nevik and Jas you rock my world! Performed with friends and enjoyed every second of it ... even with that damn twsited ankle! Took some amazing class and wishing I could have taken more Ate cheesy wursts around a camp fire at 4 am in the morning - like I said, best camp ever! I think I came undone the night of the African drumming at House Hedghog - I'd never really danced African style before, but my attempt felt so freeing! Starting an ATS circle at Wolf's Den on first Monday was incredible, thank you Nikki! Experienced my first rainy pennsic , okay so apparently it wasn't as bad as "that one year" but my tent became river front property when it was all said and done twisted my ankle after an exceptional night of, ahem, drinking spirits...maybe a bit too much spit on the deck... received my first favor from a queen at hoity toity, its such a cute ring! Thanks to her majesty the queen of Artemisia rocked out to teribus, y'all rock! - ziah and I were lucky enough to dance with veils at the bacchanalia party while they were performing I had an amazing Pennsic. I learned a lot this Pennsic and will be doing a lot of tweaking to my packlist for next year. If memory serves me right I will be flying back from Cairo july 22nd which will give me just enough time to run around like a crazy person packing for Pennsic. Good thing I took my sister this year... she will be my packing lackey for next year mwh ha ha! whew! I tackled my laundry load yesterday and actually finished unpacking.. that is record time for me. My body is achy and sleep deprived, I have a cough and a sore throat, and my ankle is still weak and sore... and I couldn't be happier.

Procrastination

majda — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:55:42 GMT

I kept getting sent this stuff, so I finally caved and decided to fill one out. Plus I'm procrastinating... Anyways, you all should fill one out too! The Letter A Are you available?: Nope What is your age limit on someone you're dating?: um.... What annoys you?: People who are ignorant The Letter B Do you live in a big house?: teeny tiny dorm room When is your birthday?: august 18th Who is your best friend?: all of my girls from Awalim! The Letter C What's your favorite candy?: Kitkat Bar Who's your crush?: Mira Betz! When was the last time you cried?: a couple days ago The Letter D Do you daydream?: can't survive a day without What's your favorite kind of dog?: Wishbone! What day of the week is it? Tuesday The Letter E How do you like your eggs?: Scrambled Have you ever been in the emergency room?: Yes What's the easiest thing ever to do?: Laughing The Letter F Have you ever flown in a plane?: Yes Do you use fly swatters?: I used to be a fly swatter specialist at home, mwh ha ha Have you ever used a foghorn?: Nope The Letter G Do you chew gum?: Yes Are you a giver or a taker?: Prolly a little of both Do you like gummy candies?: All chocolate all the time The Letter H How are you?: Tired, recovering What's your height?: 5'2.5" What color is your hair?: dark brown The Letter I What's your favorite ice cream?: mint chocolate chip Have you ever ice skated?: Eh, yeah Do you play an instrument?: Yep! Violin and the tabla - for ren faire! The Letter J What's your favorite jelly bean?: strawberry daquiri, although I like giving people the vomit one saying its apple Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke?: lots of times Do you wear jewelry?: mostly bracelets and earrings The Letter K Who do you want to kill?: Usually it's an Atlanta driver Do you want kids?: Someday, far far away from now Where did you attend kindergarten?: Chapman elementary school The Letter L Are you laid back?: I try to be, although this last week not so much Do you lie?: I try to always be honest The Letter M Whats your favorite movie?: Robin Hood: Men in Tights, plus a who lot of other movies Do you still watch Disney movies?: um, DUH! Do you like mangos?: I <3 mangos The Letter N Do you have a nickname?: teh maj What's your favorite number?: 16, 23 The Letter O What's your one wish?: That people could realize that there's always room to grow and that we must always continue to learn and evolve. Are you an only child?: Nope Do you wish this was over?: not really, I'm enjoying myself The Letter P What one fear are you most paranoid about?: Failure What's a physical trait you look for in the opposite sex? Eyes and shoulders, yeah its kinda weird The Letter Q Are you quick to judge people?: Hmm, I try not to.... I think it's human nature to judge quickly, but I think we have the choice whether or not to hold on to those judgements. The Letter R Do you think you're always right?: I don't think it, I know it! Do you watch reality TV?: no, not really The Letter S Do you prefer sun or rain?: I appreciate both, unless at Pennsic, no rain, no flooding! Do you like snow?: Yes! But not when it's nasty and polluted What's your favorite season?: late spring The Letter T What time is it?: 9:48 am What time did you wake up?: 9:04 am When was the last time you slept in a tent?: hmm...last august lol The Letter U Are you wearing underwear?: Yes Underwear or boxers?: boxers The Letter V What's the worst veggie?: brussel sprouts, not a fan at al Where do you want to go on vacation?: Pennsic, NOW! Where was your last family vacation to?: Las Vegas , and it was awesome The Letter W What's your worst habit?: saying yes too much Where do you live?: on georgia tech campus The Letter X Have you ever had an x-ray?: yes Have you seen the X Games?: I don't think so, just commercials fr it Do you own a xylophone?: No, The Letter Y Do you like the color yellow?: it is lovely, and my mom's favorite color Name something important that happened during your birth year?: I was born, what's more important than that? Whats one thing you yearn for?: the world wide acceptance and practice of belly dance The Letter Z What's your zodiac sign?: leo Do you believe in the zodiac?: I think there's always some truth to everything What's your favorite zoo animal?: i'm more of an aquarium girl

Damn it! Everyone is belly dancing!

majda — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:55:53 GMT

The other day in rehearsal I began to think about belly dance and how far it has come in the last couple of years. Not even 5 years ago, 3 workshops in one year in Atlanta was HUGE. Everyone was very weary about stepping on each other's toes in sponsoring a workshop and literally at the workshops themselves. Now, there hast to be at least one workshop a month if not more, and with big names! Atlanta has soo many talented dancers coming, both old and new. Personally, I've made a decision to start taking from the more experienced dancers for a couple of reasons. The first is because obviously they are experienced. These dancers know and have come in contact with all sorts of students in age, size, and level. They make their material easily available to all of their participants in a challenging way. These dancers also offer history. This is a soft spot for me because I feel that today's dancer doesn't know about the history of belly dance. Tribal, fusion, cabaret, whatever, all dancers would benefit from learning what belly dance, i.e. raqs sharqi, is all about! I can tell pretty easily if a dancer has her history straight, its visually apparent in their music interpretations. I've made a list of workshops I want to attend this year and they include: ~Morocco in Asheville ~Eva Cernik in Georgia ~Tamalyn Dallal in Atlanta (if possible because of Pennsic) ~Fat Chance Belly Dance - certification in April! These are dancers that I think would enrich my knowledge as mentioned. To me, they are bigger than 'what's hot' right now, they are pure in their style and thorough, not shallowing their dance and what they teach to others. This semester at school my Arabic and History of Women in the Middle East classes have made this need for history even greater to me. I've even began considering a study abroad next year in Cairo. I really want to be able to speak fluently, and be able to read some books in Arabic that have to do with dance. There is an biography of Mahmoud Reda that I'd like to wrap my brain around that my Arabic teacher pointed out to me. Unfortuneatley, its hasn't been translated, more reason for me to become fluent. Cairo has always been the Mecca of belly dance, and being able to study with Egyptian master teachers has always been a dream of mine. I just want to submerse myself in that culture before it is too late. There have been small instances here and there that really make me want to go over there sooner than later. I found out the other day that Madam Abla passed away from a long battle with cancer at the end of last year. Madam Abla was a master of the bedleh, making them pieces of art. It seems I have a yearning for a time passed by...