Zagats and Arabesques

I attended a lovely workshop with Akasha who is a specialist in all things Egyptian, especially folklore and understanding Egyptian music and instruments. I found it very enlightening and loved finding the nuances in their music. It's a complex as a drum solo but softer and sometimes less predictable which I actually really enjoyed.
I've learned Zagat rhythms from other teachers in the past but her method was simple and clearer and I feel I understand them much better now and can have more fun with them!

Like in every workshop, some things are easy and others are very challenging but I found some of her small tips made a world of difference and I put them into practice right away.

I look forward to more from her!

The teacher doesn't teach, not really. The teacher offers stimulation and ways in which the person can educate himself or herself. At best the teacher wakes up that person and makes a person hungry.

Belly Dance Divas- Props Workshops

EAST RAND:

Belly Dance Divas – Workshop program 2011

Where: Monreve Dance Studios at 9 Mulder Avenue, Edenglen

For booking info visit Belly Dance Diva's Website

Isis Wings – Fashioned after the Goddess of Isis of Egypt who is depicted using wings, you will learn amazing spins, turns and other incredible movements with your wings that dazzle any audience –

5 March 2011

R300.00 / person

3 hour workshop

 

Tray Balancing – Dazzle your audience with your amazing balancing ability with a tray. Learn tips and tricks to help make your performance exciting

19 March 2011

R250.00 / person

2 hour workshop

 

Fire Sticks – Learn all you need to know about fire safety, tips and tricks. Movements with your fire sticks and a complete choreography to a set piece of music contained on your free fire music workshop CD

2 April 2011

R300.00 / person

3 hour workshop

 

Dance of the 7 veils – Learn the dance of the seven veils based on the story of Salome. This workshop is fun and can add enchantment to your personal life too.

16 April 2011

R250-00 / person

1 ½ hour workshop

21 Shimmies & 1001 Variations – Learn 21 shimmy moves to incorporate into your drum solo performances.

30 April 2011

R250-00 / person

1 ½ hour workshop

Slow Moves and Techniques – Learn beautiful slow moves which you can add to your repotoire and immediately see a change in style as you use these movements

14 May 2011

R250-00 / person

1 ½ hour workshop

*Please note: You will be required to bring your own props for prop related workshops. Props can be bought through Belly Dance Divas should you require.

*All prices are inclusive of VAT where applicable

*Once booking has been made, payment will be due.

*A music CD and a certificate of attendance will be given for each workshop

Edenvale Show

We had to film a show for Saffron TV who we did an interview for about our Bollywood Dancing and charity projects. i.d.s studio sponsored the venue and the very talented Edenvale Amateur Dramatics Society did all the sound and lighting for us. It was great fun and I'm looking forward to posting some clips soon for those of you who love Bollywood as much as we do. ;)

"Dance is a metaphor for life"

“ ...As we are born, we are destined to move in life through time and space. As we learn to dance, we are also learning to move through time and space. Thus, the process of learning to dance can bring us information about living our lives, if we allow it to. We can learn how to move through our lives with fearless autonomy, grace and spirit; to flow with the melody line, be in the stillness or ride the chaos; to overcome the fear that puts us on the sidelines. We can listen to the voice in our head that says, I CAN DANCE!” - Delilah

What Makes A Professional?

This seems to be the subject of a lot of debate in the Belly Dance community here.

The definitions you find for "Professional" generally cover: 1. Engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood. 2. A professional is a member of a vocation founded upon specialised educational training. 3. master: an authority qualified to teach apprentices

I think that pretty much covers it on the technical side, if you are at least 2 out of the 3 you can count yourself a professional. After that it's the magic that makes a good performance, unforgettable. It's the way you reach out of yourself on stage and connect with someone who looks bored or grumpy and get them beam incredulously at what you can do with apparent ease and enjoyment.

If you don't love what you do and think of it as a bore or something to rush through, it does carry over into your performance. It's nuances like that, that make a performer someone you lock onto and want to watch the entire song over one who's more of a moving venue or event decoration you glance over.

You have to remember you may be doing the same moves, stunts or songs over and over, but to that one guest it'll probably be the only time they see it. You have to feel that anticipation and add drama, take a few more seconds to balance your sword on your head gingerly so that it looks even more amazing when you drop to the floor or shimmy across the room.

It's the difference between knowing all the history of a specific style of belly dance or performing for people from that culture and having them adopt you because they feel the respect you have for it and them as individuals.

I read a Christian article called 'Glamour or Glory' which I think makes some excellent points:

Musical perfection is mathematical, but musical inspiration is divine.

The truly great performers make you forget they're performing & make you forget their performance & even forget them, you're so carried away with the emotion of their message & what they're singing about or saying or portraying.

That's called Charisma, a kind of a mystical charm, a divine anointing, a supernatural fascination.

That's what it takes and it's very hard to hang a lable on it. You should study as much as you can and practice all you can but when you get on stage, just love it and realise what a priviledge we have to be able to dance at all and that we can share this beautiful art form with the world. That's something to smile about. ;)

The Secret to Getting Body Curves...

By Fitness Trainer Abhishek Agarwal

In western countries, belly dancing is common for adults as well as children. In case of adults, it is a best way to uphold the curves, enhancing them even further. Various belly dancing classes exist to suit each individual. It ranges from beginners, then the intermediate and towards the advanced levels. If anyone wishes to start with belly dancing, they need to choose the class suiting their level and skill.

Initially belly dancing was being practiced to strengthen the hips' of women. It started in the Middle East with the main intention being ease for child birth. This tradition soon took the form of art, entertainment and exercise. Expert belly dancers could show more than thirty moves. When you are a beginner, you need to know that it is not required to memorize each step to start with belly dancing. You would just need to know to be in the right motion, since this dance involves certain isolated parts of the body. All this is done, listening to the rhythm of music.

How belly dancing helps in the curve?

Movements of belly dancing are isolated. Your hips are lifted, pushed and shimmered; all the same, the belly should roll with the muscles on pelvic being tilted. Consequently you would know how to move your arms like a snake. The legs are moved either one by one or shimmy together. To achieve a great belly dance routine, every movement should be worked upon and mastered. Once this is done, you could start implementing them in several positions or in parallel. Floor work would soon follow wherein, dropping, sitting and standing would be learnt. To add to this, veil work is where many women prefer playing; this being significant about belly dancing.

Skilled moves

Belly dancing highlights lot many things about it. Various teachers follow different names for each of these movements; however all are simply skilled moves. Body quake, lock, thrust, shake, curve and drop has all got to be linked with belly dancing. As your hands, arms and legs take over; there is exhibition of fluid motion. Belly dancers wear real sexy costumes where women get the privilege to show off the body curves. More skin should be shown for making sensual movements. The dancer manifests her art and grace to the spectators by having the hips and mid-rift exposed.

Belly dancing- form of exercise

Apart from being simply an art, belly dancing is one healthy crunch of exercise. As you dance, you work on your body muscles making it fit.

This dance indeed is a great addition to your daily fitness schedule. Stretching could be tried with exercise balls or possibly a few of the yoga stretches. Consequently, you need to focus on basic hips, waist, shoulders, thighs and belly movements.

In order to make belly dancing a good exercise, ensure to have it done at least for about 30-40 minutes, five times a week. Encompassing belly dancing in your fitness program, you could actually lose or keep your weight controlled, together with a healthy and balanced diet.

If you fall in the group of few who wish to stay fit and manifest pretty curves, then belly dancing is the apt thing you need to try out.

Bollywood Nights

Oriental Fire hitting the town in style...

The weekend

I had a lovely weekend of dancing that kept me on my toes! First was a bachelorette party in a complex with some of the biggest houses I have ever seen, most of which had horses. It was lovely. I love having lots of floor space to dance on and the girls seemed to really enjoy the show and learning belly dance moves!

The next function right after that was a surprise, it was a 1 year old's birthday party for a huge family of Egyptians! Talk about pressure. Everyone in their family could dance! It was very fun though and I ended up dancing to all their Egyptian music which is always a good challenge. The ladies were very good dancers and I was so pleased when the grandma said I was officially the best dancer she's seen. :D Win! Always nice coming from someone who's knows what bellydancing should look like. Phew! It was such a happy family atmosphere with everyone all dancing together and, of course, the guest of honor peacefully sleeping in the corner. :)

Akasha's Dance Workshops!

I'm going to be there so I hope YOU can make it!

TECHNIQUE MASTER CLASS 1 – Dance and Movement.

February 26th 2011 Time: 7h30am – 10h30am [ with water and note breaks ]

The secret of impeccable and effortless dance is a solid foundation of clean, clear and precise technique, as well as understanding not only musical, emotional and artistic components of the interpretation, but also understanding your body, your instrument, as a performer.

As with all art forms, dance evolves, and over the years, various cultural and artistic influences have shaped Middle Eastern dance styles around the world, and fusion styles also began to emerge. Specific moves are culturally intrinsic to various countries.

The basic movements, however, remain constant to a homogenous style of Middle Eastern Dance, that is globally recognizable. Akasha will lead and guide dancers through the technical nuances of Oriental Dance

We begin with a body safe warm up which will lead into our basic movements:
Hip movements – Rotation / sacred 8’s / jewel / circles and beyond
Hip movements – accents and beyond
Shimmies and layered movements – even your gran can do it!
Hands, arms, shoulders - strength, suppleness and fluid beauty
Undulations – the safe way to move your body effortlessly
Steps, turns and travelling movements – own your space and be fabulous while you do it!
Strength and Stamina training
We will finish with a body safe cool down including rotational yoga stretches

What to bring: A veil and a soft piece of rope / cord about 1.5 meters long

“Remember that everything you learn, helps to shape you as a dancer, and true to the spirit of Middle Eastern Dance; to learn from various teachers, is to find the true beat of your own body.”

TECHNIQUE MASTER CLASS 2 - Zagat level 1 including Basic MED Rhythms

Time: 12h30pm – 3h30pm

Zagat level 1 including Basic MED Rhythms
Course information
A / Basic Music theory – understanding music and time signatures
B/ The following Beginner Rhythms will be discussed and identified
Malfouf
Maksoum
Baladi
Saidi
Ciftitelli
C/ Finger work and practice - 10 easy Zagat practice rhythms
D/ Movements with Zagat to basic rhythms through simple exercises – We will work through simple movements excercises with each rhythm, and add Zagat.
[ notes will be emailed to participants before the workshop ]

What to bring: Zagat and if you have an Arabic drum, bring that too

Cost and payment:
Cost: R300 per workshop – Book for both and pay R500
Extra: TMC 1 music CD @ R50 / Rhythm CD @ R50 - I will not have extra copies, book and pay for it with registration.

Venue: Dance Ability Studio’s
Address: Parkside Shopping Center, Cnr Ostrich and Hawkin rd, Bromhof, Randburg

Contact me for booking and payment – I will issue you with a booking ref number for your EFT.

These workshops are for all dancers with a minimum of 1 years training – Professional and teachers levels.

Sincere Regards / Vriendelike Groete

Ava van Aarde (Akasha)

Akasha Middle Eastern Dance

011 0234950 / 011 7819011 / 084 5125887

http://www.akasha.co.za/

Performance packages for all occasions

Group and Private classes

"1. Beginning dancer. Knows nothing. 2. Intermediate dancer. Knows everything. Too good to dance with beginners. 3. Hotshot dancer. Too good to dance with anyone. 4. Advanced dancer. Dances everything. Especially with beginners." --Attributed to Dick Crum, a folk dance teacher

That Bollywood is So Hot Right Now!

Things are certainly heating up here on Oriental Fire. We've got a busy few weeks ahead. Photographer Dean Polley is doing our professional photo shoot at the end of the month so look forward to some masterpieces! ;) We're doing a TV interview tomorrow about our group and the charity projects we're involved with (I'll reveal which station and what time the clips will air later on, so stay tuned!)

We're filming a sample of our show on Wednesday with the kind help of Natasha from i.d.s Individual Dance Studio so we can get some You Tube videos posted for you soon!

Meanwhile, Bellydancing is kicking! Thanks to all you lovely ladies who are getting married and inviting me to join in your special events leading up to the big day! Keep Dancing!

Belly Classes Today!

I missed last week as I was sick in bed with the flu. Thankfully getting sick is so rare for me but succumbing every now and then only makes you appreciate health that much more.

This Tuesday we're back for Belly Dance classes in A'La Turka. You can sign up in a number of venues call 012 662 4314 for more info.

We've moved the classes one hour later to make it easier on all you working ladies
so class times are: 5-6 and 6-7!

These classes are perfect for those with no previous experience and those who want a fun way to exercise; shimmying away the calories, gaining muscle control, strengthening your core, improving your balance and reducing back pain.

Reveal your inner goddess!

For all of you starting businesses...

I think from now on you can call my company "AAA Oriental Fire". ;)

10 Tips for Belly Dance Students

Simple tips to make your Belly Dance learning fun & get more out of every class.
By Shemiran Ibrahim

1. Breathe & feel the moment
Breathe through the movement; keep your attention in your feet, your belly, your pelvis and your breath. Stay in the moment by living in your belly and pelvis, feeling your feet on the ground and sensing your breath flow past your nostrils and your lips.

2. Relax your lips
Part your lips sensually. Don’t clench your jaw or your mouth, stay loose. This will also help you to breathe out of your mouth and in through your nose, allowing for a bigger exhalation through the mouth and a deeper inhalation – refilling and re-energising your every move. Also, keep your tongue connected to the roof of your mouth; according to ancient Taoism, this keeps your energy flowing up and down your body. Try it especially when you are feeling blocked.

3. Let go of tension
Think loosey goosey! Watch yourself in your body; are you tensing up all the time? If you’re not having fun in class you’re missing the whole point. If you stress in your mind you will tense up in your body. Make joy your first focus and some magic will then happen with your movement; it will flow easier and feel better. Beautiful Belly Dance not only looks good, it feels good.

4. Watch your mind
Start challenging your negative self-talk. This is a key to open up a door to your true feminine beauty. Read the Emotional Aspects of Learning Belly Dance to help you on your learning journey.

5. Dance without ambition or competition
As Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi says in her illuminating and heart warming book Belly Dancing; Unlock the secret power of an ancient dance; “Dance without ambition or competition”. Judgment of self and others is such a joy killer. If these thoughts come up for you, pay no attention and shift your focus onto better things, like how it feels to have your feet on the ground, are you holding your posture up correctly, or simply listen to the music and lose yourself in it.

6. Create community
Make friends, don’t isolate yourself in class. Get to know like-spirited women from your community. This will bring bigger meaning to your dance.

7. Dress up
Buy some affordable jewellery to compliment your hip scarf, or a flowing gypsy skirt and any other additions that will add colour and spice and increase your interest. Costuming is a big part of the Belly Dance experience. Feel like a little girl again! Please note that if you wear skirts to tuck them into your waistband so that your teacher can still see your knees and feet; the base of all your movements!

8. Really learn the feet, they are your foundation
Don’t brush over the feet as unimportant. They are your very foundation on top of which your hips and whole body depend, like the base of a pyramid holding up the entire structure. Feel the earth with your feet, live in your feet.

9. Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your teacher, it always serves everyone. And remember, you are a paying customer!

10. Soak in Arabic music
Get into the music, buy CD’s and listen to them all week. As a beginner, start with slower rhythms, then graduate to the faster tracks.

Alia Workshop in Cape Town

Cape Town is privileged to welcome

ALIA

Miss Bellydance Switzerland 2010

She is having workshops for

ONLY ONE DAY!

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best of the best!

Saturday 19 February 2011

at the Roodehek Estate in Roodehek Terrace (off 105 Hope Street in Gardens, German Club)

2.00pm- 3.30pm, Workshop fee R180

Taqasim - the art of interpreting melody and rhythm.

In this workshop we will explore how to dance to different instruments most commonly used in the Taqasim (solo improvisation),

as well as learning some challenging and inspiring combinations to a few rhythms, creating a rich and multifaceted performance.

All dancer levels welcome.

3.45pm – 6.15pm, Workshop Fee R300

Modern Cairo style choreography.

Learn new and inspiring moves and combinations in exciting modern Egyptian style.

Level: intermediate to professional

If somebody attends both workshops,

the fee for the 4 hours workshop will be R440

ALIA - www.yallaalia.ch

Miss Bellydance Switzerland 2010 comes on a flying visit to Cape Town bringing her own unique and exciting Egyptian style, tips and new ideas to inspire and spice up your own dance style. ALIA is a former member of the Egyptian Khaled Seif dance company and now dances with the Swiss based dance company, 'Oriental Divas'. Although originally from London, ALIA has performed and taught for several years in Spain and Switzerland, travelling regularly to Cairo for inspiration and new ideas. ALIA focuses on a high technical level, expression and interpretation of music and combines Egyptian technique with a modern style full of elegance, strength and joy. Her classes are challenging, invigorating, harmonious and fun!

For more Info or to book contact:

 

Marina Rehbein (Ajsa Samia)

International Oriental dancer, teacher and choreographer

Executive Director of Palace of the Winds NPO 052-395

Member of the International Dance Council CID Reg.Nr.12326-UNESCO

ph. +27 21 701 2993

cell +27 73 810 9208

fax +27 86 512 8363

iorientaldancefestival@webafrica.org.za

ajsasamia@yahoo.de

http://www.ajsasamia.com/

http://www.iodfcapetown.com/

http://www.raksafrica.co.za/