Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Raksanna, Kendalle, Fahtiem, Angelika outside of Garden of Gethsamane
This year, I decided to add another leg onto my twice-annual trip to Egypt. Fahtiem and Angelika developed a 6 day tour of Israel and I decided to come along. I have never been to Israel and wanted a chance to see the country and learn first-hand about the culture. It has certainly been an interesting experience – a deeply spiritual experience and one that I appreciate very much.
Fahtiem, Angelika and a beautiful woman by the name of Kendalle and I are the four who added this leg on. It is a small group, but we all get along very nicely and I have certainly enjoyed everyone’s company. Both Fahtiem and Angelika did a great job with the itinerary and our guide, Isaac, was really wonderful.
We started our journey on Monday morning at 4:00 am. For this night owl, that was certainly a stretch of the imagination, but for those of you who know “Raksi-time,” you would have been extremely proud of me for I was actually early!!!
We arrived in Tel Aviv shortly after 1:00 pm and met Isaac, our tour guide for the week. He is an Israeli-Jew and has a great sense of humor. We briefly stopped by the hotel to drop off our luggage, get some money from the ATM and call home to make sure our families knew that we arrived safe and sound. Then, we started our journey with a driving tour of the city.
Israel– The Country
Israel
Israel, officially called the State of Israel, is an extremely unique country. It is located in the Middle East, in the western part of the Asia on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Egypt and the Gaza Strip on the southwest, Lebanon on the north, Syrian on the northeast and Jordan and the West Bank on the east. It is a relatively small country – one that you can drive its entirety in about 10 hours. There are approximately 7.5 million people who live in the country and out of that populous, nearly 5.7 million are Jewish. Arab citizens, including Muslims, Christians, Samaritans and Druze, comprise the remaining citizens.
Israel is an extremely developed country, comparable to Western cities. The infrastructure is sound, driving rules mirror our own in America and in a great many respects, is a reflection of our own American cities. The country embraces culture and refined elements of life, such as with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israeli Museum which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and dance with the Batsheva Dance Company.
To me, as an American who comes from a country founded on freedom of religion and religious tolerance, it has been quite eye opening to learn first-hand how important religion is to those who live in this part of the world. By saying that one is a Christian, Jew or Muslim is paramount to claiming a nationality – and that declaration can lead to insurmountable differences in some cases. This experience has been quite interesting to me and quite a learning one.
Israel faced with constant wars and the threat of violence, is – as one of the security guards at the Israel airport put it – a problematic country. There is an undercurrent of always being watchful and constantly on guard. I could feel the psychological strain and must say that I do not envy this mindset of life.
Tel Aviv – A Cosmopolitan City
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a beautiful city that is quite cosmopolitan. The city itself, which was founded in 1909 and merged with Jaffa in 1950 as a single municipality, is on the coast of the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. While it is the second largest city in Israel, it is also the richest city in this country – complete with upscale shopping, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, international corporations, beaches, bars, cafes, restaurants, and a major performing arts component.
Our hotel was about one block away from the Sea and you can feel a beautiful soft breeze off the water all day and night. The temperature this time of year is quite hot and humid, with temps in the low to high 90’s and high humidity. Approximately 4 million people live in Tel Aviv and its greater area.
Life here is quite interesting. As a dog lover myself, I am happy to see the number of people with dogs here – in fact, the way that owners take their dogs for a ride is to put them on the front part of a motorcycle and go out on the town! It is pretty cool! There are many shops in this area and
Can you see the dog taking his ride on the motorcycle? Look toward the front of the bike.
restaurants with outdoor seating can be found almost everywhere. The vegetation along the highways is quite reminiscent of California terrain, complete with orange trees and aloe vera cactus.
The city itself, as well as the entire country (for that matter) is very clean and you can immediately sense that there is a national pride in keeping it that way. The people are very beautiful from a physical standpoint and are extremely health-conscious and physically fit. The majority of men and women alike could easily grace the covers of GQ or Glamour magazine. It is a city that never sleeps and the night life is very active. Musicians, street artists, families and lovers enjoy the beaches and cooler temperatures – it’s an eclectic and enjoyable feeling.
Jerusalem– The Holy City
Tuesday was a very special day for me. Isaac led us on a full day tour of Jerusalem, an ancient city that is filled with life today. It is the Holy City for three of the world’s major religions: Muslim, Jewish and Catholic and it is certainly magical, for religious and humanitarian reasons.
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and, including the population of East Jerusalem, is the largest city in the country. It is nestled in the hilltops of the Judean Mountains and is approximately 48 miles in physical size.
We started by stopping on Mount Scopus to overlook the city and learn from Isaac where the landmarks are and what we would be doing. Mount Scopus is located above the city of Jerusalem and for many years, was used as a strategic military point to overlook and attack Jerusalem. The view is simply gorgeous!
Mount Olive, looking from Mount Scopus
Our next stop was Mount of Olives. It is a beautiful hillside that has tremendous religious significance. It is the burial site for Jews and contains about 150,000 graves and tombs of famous Jews, such as Abraham Isaac Kook (the first Chief Rabbi of Israel). From a Christian standpoint, it is the place where Jesus stood and wept over Jerusalem. It is also the site of the Church of Ascension, the place where it is believed that Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection. His right footprint is imprinted in a slab of stone that is located in the Church.
After the Mount of Olives, we headed to the Old City.
The oldest part of the City (which is where the religious landmarks are located) is called the City of David and was established in 4th Millennium. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The old walled city has four quarters: the Armenian quarter, the Muslim quarter, the Christian quarter and the Jewish quarter.
Armenian Quarter – We did not have the opportunity to visit the Armenian quarter, due to time constraints, but here is a little bit about it. The Armenian quarter is the smallest quarter of the city and is home to approximately 2,500 Armenians. One of the main characteristics of this quarter is that the Armenians remained true to their religion and ethnicity by maintaining a solid commitment to their religious views (Armenian Christian) and intermarrying to keep their culture intact.
Muslim Quarter – We began the tour by entering Jerusalem in the Muslim quarter, through the Lion’s Gate. We stopped for coffee at a quaint little shop that served excellent Turkish coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Then, we began our journey. We arrived just after the midday call to Prayer and were not able to get near the Dome of the Rock, the very famous Mosque with the gold
Dome of the Rock, Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem
top. It is located at Temple Mount. This Mosque is the third most sacred of the religious landmarks for the Muslims (following Mecca and Medina) because it is the home of the Rock of Moriah. According to Islamic belief, it is the place where Muhammad ascended to Heaven, with Angel Gabriel.
The Dome of the Rock is also the site of the Foundation Stone. The Foundation Stone is of the holiest site in Judaism. Just as Muslims pray toward Mecca, Jews pray toward the Foundation Stone. It is believed to be the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God. Traditionally, Jews believe that this site is the Holy of Holies, the holiest spot on Earth. Jews are not allowed by the Muslim authorities to pray at the Dome of the Rock and that is why it is believed that the Jews began to pray at the Western Wall, because it is the site nearest the Foundation Stone.
From a Christian standpoint, the Dome of the Rock is also considered a holy site. It is the location where the mother of Constantine (the first Christian Roman Emperor) built a church, as did St. John at a later point in time. On the walls in the Dome of the Rock is this inscription:
“Such was Jesus son of Mary and peace upon him on the day of birth and on the day of death and on the day he is raised up again. It is a word of truth in which they doubt. It is not for God to take a son. Glory be to him when he decrees a thing he only says be, and it is.” (Quran:19:33–35)[
We were not able to go into the Dome, but did see it from an alley way. It is quite beautiful.
We walked through the Muslim quarter and the alleys were extremely similar to those in Cairo’s Khan el Khali. The shops and restaurants lined the alleys; the calls of “come inside my shop; I have a great deal for you” and the smells of the spices were like a transfer back to Egypt. It was quite amazing for me to experience the similarities between Egypt and the Muslim Quarter, although I suppose that it should not have been a surprise as Egypt is a Muslim State.
Map of Via Dolorosa - Christ's path - courtesy of www.christusrex.org
The Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked to be crucified, begins in the Muslim quarter and continues through the Christian Quarter. The Christian Quarter is located in the northwestern corner of the Old City and as can be expected, is filled with Christian Churches of many denominations. There are a few coffee shops and museums along the way, but the majority of buildings are basically wall-to-wall Churches. It is vastly different from both a look and feel from the Muslim quarter and there is a great, visible distinction in the cultures.
The Via Dolorosa has 14 stations, or landmarks, that designate important happenings through Christ’s walk. Although there were many places along the path that were significant to me, three places stood out in my mind. We visited the Garden of Gethsemane, a garden located at the foot of Mount of Olives where Jesus and the disciples prayed the night before his crucifixion and where He was found by Judas and arrested.
Today, the Church of Agony is located in the Garden and inside is the rock where it is said that Christ laid and sweated blood from His pores as He contemplated the impending events. We were fortunate enough to arrive at the Church of Agony in time to go inside – I joined others in touching the rock and had a very profound, spiritual experience from the bottom of my being.
Site of Jesus Crucifiction on Calvary
The second place that stood out in my mind was the place where the cross was nailed in the ground and Jesus was crucified. There is a place where you can kneel and feel the hole and touch the stones where the cross was placed. It was a very special place and the spiritual energy there was an out-of-body experience.
The final stop in the Christian quarter and in the path of Christ is, of course, the location of His tomb. It is said to be in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is in the heart of the quarter. The Church was full with Christian pilgrims who sang hymns and prayers as they traveled to the holiest sites in Christianity.
Once we left the Christian Quarter, we entered the Jewish Quarter. It lies in the southeastern quarter of the City and runs from Zion Gate, along the Armenian Quarter, up the Street of the Chain and extends to the Western Wall and Temple Mount in the East. As with the Muslim and Christian Quarters, the Jewish Quarter has a very distinct and different personality. It is actually quite quiet, although there is high energy and often times laughter coming from school tours and other visitors.
Western Wall - Women's Side
We entered the Jewish Quarter and immediately went through security to visit the Western Wall. The Western Wall is the only remaining part of the retaining wall around the Jerusalem. It is made from huge ashlar blocks and has vegetation growing from its walls. The wall is divided into two separate areas, one for males and one for females. It is the site of pilgrimage for Jews around the world and was constructed by King David the Great. Many people come to the wall to pray and to place notes in the cracks of the walls. It is reported that more than a million notes are placed at the wall in a year. The notes are collected twice a year and then buried on the Mount of the Olives. I went to the wall and said a prayer and had another meaningful, spiritual experience. The energy and the prayers of the people who came before me seemed to reach out and touch my soul.
We left this beautiful ancient city and I returned a different person, deeper as an individual and spiritually uplifted from the journey.
Completely Cool – The King in Jerusalem! (and yes, I mean Elvis!!)
Elvis Cafe - Jerusalem, Israel (NOT Vegas!)
On the way back to Tel Aviv, we stopped for coffee. Imagine my astonishment when we pulled up to this café/gas station that was called “Elvis Café!” For those of you who don’t know, I am actually a very big fan of Elvis. (However, for the record, I do not believe he is still alive.)
Yes! This entire restaurant/café was dedicated to the King himself with
Raksanna and the King (Elvis, that is!)
larger than life statues, favorite Elvis songs blaring from the gas station pumps and in the restaurant and tasty dishes that were Elvis’ favorites. I was so excited that I had to go to the payphone and call my mom and daddy to let them know about it! What a blast!
On our last night in Tel Aviv, Fahtiem, Angelika, Kendalle and I enjoyed a stroll and found a delicious restaurant where I enjoyed a
Hungry Kendalle! And yes, that is McDonald's in the background
Caesar salad, shrimp with garlic and butter and a gorgeous glass of wine. My dear friend and roommate, Kendalle, was starving for a steak! Hey Kendalle – Very Interesting! Very Interesting, Indeed!!!!
I returned home in early July and although I thoroughly enjoyed my time both in Egypt and Israel, I must say that I am happy to be in my home land of America– a country that I deeply love.
God Bless the USA!
Farewell Cairo – July 2, 2010
Today is my last day in Cairo, then I begin the next leg of my journey. The past few days have been simply marvelous, spending time with friends and enjoying the magic of Egypt.
Alla Abou Lellah is a friend of mine. He is an internationally known and respected choreographer of folkloric dance and he is also the manager of entertainment at the Mena House. Alla took me and a friend, Roza of Phoenix, AZ, on an informal tour of Cairo one night after the festival. He drove us to downtown so that we could see the city at night – bright lights, energetic and lots of things going on – even at 3:00 am! Then, we stopped by the Nile river and spent some time looking out at the Faluca boats, the cruise ships and the fishermen enjoying the night air. Then, he treated us to a beautiful cup of mint tea at this special place where artists of all sorts – dancers, singers, writers, comedian’s, musicians – hang out. We sat next to the Nile River and enjoyed each others company. It was simply wonderful.
Last night, I had dinner with Magda and Atef in their home. Magda and Atef are the directors of the world-famous Reda Troupe and are very dear friends of mine. Atef is a fantastic cook and last night was no exception. Magda, Atef, Esmeralda (my friend from France), Roza and Alla dined on the equivalent to American lasagna, fillet tenderloin in a mushroom sauce, potato salad, cucumber and tomato salad and the Egyptian specialty, kofta. The evening ran late as we all shared stories, watched DVDs and reconnected after the hecticness of the festival. It was pure heaven!
Today, the schedule is quite full. In about an hour, Mohamed (my driver while I am in Cairo) will pick Esmeralda and me up and we will visit Madame Raqia in her home, stop by Khan el Kahlili (the famous market dating back to the 1300′s), meet up with some friends and then stop back by Atlantis Oils to indulge in another session with Mr. Ibrahim. Did I tell you that the second time I visited him, Ibrahim surprised me with an essential oil perfume he named after me and created it to remind him of my fragrance? I was so delighted and honored – what a beautiful gift. I look very forward to seeing him today and enjoying a back and shoulder massage. I will miss him until my return to Egypt this December.
Other exciting news …. well, I am starting to work to commission a composer to create a CD for me of original music!!! I am quite excited about this and look so forward to starting the work. It will be fantastic and a great project! Then, of course, I’ll develop original choreographies to go with the music … so keep your eyes and ears open for more news about upcoming events!
Well, I’m off for now. I will write again when I get to my next destination. For now, keep on shimmying!
Hugs and love,
Raksanna
Greetings from the Shadows of the Pyramids! – June 29, 2010
Wow! It has been such an amazing trip to Egypt so far! My friends and colleagues in the dance world are here and it is so good to see everyone again. My heart is filled with joy and love – and I know the special feeling of magic that is part and parcel of Egypt is what calls to my spirit and brings me across continents and oceans to be here on such a regular basis. I love this country and I love belly dance.
The girls who came with me have had an amazing time! Debbie, Lynn and Joy went on so many excursions – from visiting Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea (where they saw the catacombs, the world famous library, the light house and ate lunch by the sea) to visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as Saccarra, to a day trip to the Egyptian Museum and then the Old Church world, their days during the first week were absolutely complete! My camera has no more charge, so I will post photos when I get back to the States.
Lynn stayed for only a week and enjoyed the tour part of the package. She was such a treat! Lynn picked up a college course on tape of ancient Egyptian history so she was able to put all of the excursions and sights into context. Our guides from Ahlan Wa Salan travel have been the utmost professional and knowledgeable – as always! I have come to Egypt many times and the people who make up the travel company – Yassir, Bassem, Sameul, Mustofa, Regaey and all – are among the finest tour groups in the world. I always feel safe with them and have never experienced any problems whatsoever.
The dance festival began last Friday. The gala show was fabulous, as always! The show opened with a great band that featured five Tanora (sp??) dancers – these are the male dancers that spin for what seems like forever. The crowd went wild!!! It takes such amazing control and grace to be able to spin and NOT get dizzy and fall down!
After the Tanora dancers came this really cool Nubian ensemble. There was a live band and dancers that both danced on the ground – as well as about four men that dances on STILTS that were at least ten (10) feet tall! Complete with dancing horses (people dressed up like horses), this show had everyone out of their seats and shimmying along.
A new designer, Fernando from Argentina, followed with an amazing display of his new costume line. He creates beautiful modern costumes and I have to say that each and every one is absolutely gorgeous! With the World Cup going on and a strong showing of dancers in the festival from Brazil, one of the top hits was his Brazilian-inspired costumes – very beautiful!
Katia from Russia followed the fashion show. She is a nice dancer and set the tone for the evening. Her costume was very nice and she did a very good job with her dancing. It was nice to watch her performance – I have taken several of her classes over the past several years and it was my first time to see her in action with her 19 piece orchestra.
Sorraya from Brazil followed with her 23 piece orchestra and was FABULOUS! She certainly got the crowd up and involved – she is known for her shimmy and she certainly exceeded all expectations!!! Check her out on You-Tube and you can see just what a little dynamo this lovely woman is!
Dina from Egypt (yes, the famous super star) closed the show with her 29 piece orchestra. She was really amazing that night. Dina performed for about an hour and had four costume changes. Her dancing was strong and she connected with the crowd on a spiritual level that was felt by all. It is easy to see why Dina is considered the top dancer in all of Egypt.
On the first day of the festival, I taught my class. My students included dancers from Spain, Belgium, the United States, Morocco, Argentina and Croatia. One of the many beauties of our dance is that the language of our movements cross all cultures and language and what could not be understood through English was understood though the body. I taught an exciting drum solo that kept the dancers in high energy and lots of movement, and then followed with an hour of technique and patterns from my new DVD, Experience the Magic (TM) Advanced Technique and Playful Patterns, Volume 1.
That evening featured the Teachers Show. I had the amazing honor to open the show and am so thankful to Madame Raqia for making my dreams come true. With six of the seven continents represented and dancers from more than 35 countries, I danced to Nancy Ajram’s “Be Patient With Me” and a drum solo. The crowd was so receptive – their clapping and cheers inspired me so much that I was floating on air for the next three days! I will always remember that evening as one of those moments that is frozen in time because of the passion, the excitement and the experience of living a dream!!! Madame Raqia – thank you, thank you, thank you. I will post video footage of the dance when I return to the States as I am experiencing some difficulties with the power and my computer here.
The next few days were filled with workshops and of course, shopping! I took Angelika Nemeth’s “Passion and Drama” workshop – she taught an amazing choreography to a new song from Tarkan, a very popular Turkish singer. It was my first time studying with Angelika and she is an excellent instructor. She clearly breaks down movements and patterns, provides individual feedback to dancers in the class and has a fun, engaging teaching style.
Momo Kadous, one of my personal friends and mentors, taught a gorgeous Oriental choreography yesterday. Momo is such a fabulous artist and musician – he is so talented with bringing each nuance and element of the music to life! The room was jam-packed with dancers and every person walked out feeling fabulously inspired by his work. I look very forward to bringing him to Chicago from September 15-19 for ChicagoRaks (TM) 2010, where he is the featured artist teaching a 30-hour intensive workshop. For details and information, please check out the event under Events and Workshops. This is one workshop that is a MUST HAVE for any dancer who loves our dance and wants to develop him or herself. Momo will teach 5 new choreography’s, have a special section on drum solos and go in-depth on rhythms and musicality. The intensive is complete with a show that is certain to be a great experience!
Okay – you’re probably wondering about the … SHOPPING!!! Well, I can tell you that it has been a wonderful time so far. From a belly dance perspective, it is great to see Hanan Mahmoud, my primary costume designer. She is a wonderful woman and her family has been my friends for years. Hanan and Mamdouh (her husband) are a lovely couple with three children and one on the way very soon! They are good people and Hanan’s costume are extraordinary high quality, great designs and excellent prices. She has a new line here and as always, is absolutely wonderful. I have about 12 of her costumes (can you tell I love her!) and my professional dance company, Raksanna and the Desert Flames, are dressed in her lovely work. I think I spent half my mortgage payment with her on costumes!! (Shhhh! Don’t tell my husband!)
Hanan’s brother, Mohamed, just started his own line of costume designs. His style is reminiscent of Hollywood Glamour and is so sophisticated and beautiful. His hallmark is the “less is more” and I can tell you first hand with my gorgeous new costume, that he is someone to watch. Mohamed, like his sister, provides top line quality at great prices. His fabric is from Italy and all of the work is hand-made. He uses real stones, not plastic beads, and when you put on one of his costumes, you simply feel like a princess!!!! I can’t wait to choreograph a new piece and then dance in this costume!
Another designer that is an up and comer is George of Paris. His hallmark is a contemporary modern style that incorporates classic elements with the modern feel. His prices are excellent and he is also one to watch. My suitcase is bursting with yes, another costume that I cannot wait to dance in!
Outside of belly dance, Debbie, Joy and I have visited Khan El Khalil, the ancient market, that has not changed since its inception in the 1300′s. Shop after shop after shop features knicknacks and souvenirs – and of course, there is the world famous Mahmoud, whose three-story building is filled with belly dance treasures from Shamedons to Isis wings to hip scarves that are unique and top quality. We also visited a jewelry store that featured Egyptian gold at great prices, a carpet factory where the workers demonstrated how the beautiful Oriental silk rugs are made, to a cotton store for textiles and linens created out of the finest Egyptian cotton and more. There was also a stop to a perfume shop for great smelling perfumes at a fraction of the cost that you will find in the States, or elsewhere in the world.
One very special stop for me was a visit to Mr. Ibrahim at Atlantis Oils. Atlantis Oils is a healing center that has been operating for four generations. Mr. Ibrahim and his brother run the shop and they have a beautiful organic “farm” of flowers and plants located in the Baharia Oasis, about five hours from Cairo, in the midst of the Bedouin community and near the Crystal Desert. The flowers from the Oasis are brought back to the shop in Cairo (on Pyramids Street) to be pressed for their oils in the purest of forms. Each flower and plant has a specific healing purpose – and of course, can be used for perfume, if desired. In addition to the oils, Mr. Ibrahim and his brother are healers – meaning that they do massage therapy, chakra healing, Reiki and other energy work. As a Reiki master teacher myself, I can tell you that Mr. Ibrahim is authentic. I indulged in a much needed full body massage and a chakra healing – and left so grounded and energized that I felt as if heaven itself had touched my soul. Debbie and Joy enjoyed a foot massage with reflexology, a method that dates back to the ancient Pharonic times. Please, if you come to Cairo, please do yourself a favor and visit Atlantis Oils on Pyramids Street. You will be very pleased, I absolutely promise.
Well, it is off to the festival for me. Please keep an eye out for updates – my connection is rather limited here, but I promise to write at least once a week and fill you in on all the details!!!
Hugs and shimmies,
Raksanna
Lynn and Raksanna at Chicago O'Hare, getting ready for take off!
June 19, 2010
I’m on my way to the world famous belly dance festival, Ahlan Wa Salan, sponsored by Raqia Hassan and held in Cairo, Egypt each year. As a returning featured instructor, I am very excited to be on the way to a fantastic event! More than 1,000 dancers from across the world, representing all seven continents, gather in the shadow of the Pyramids to dance, learn, tour Egypt and meet new friends and colleagues. Raqia does an outstanding job at bringing together to top instructors with a variety of styles, highly professional tours and a fun-filled festival for serious dancers and hobbyists alike! I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to teach and be a part of such a great event.
Each time I visit Egypt, I come back a different, deeper person and a stronger dancer. One of the things I love so much about teaching at the festival is the inspiration I get from the students who share my passion for the beautiful art form of belly dance – and the joy that comes from bonding with each other through ancient movements and artistic interpretation of fantastic melodies, pulsating rhythms and gorgeous instruments! It is ALL good!
This year, I am taking a small tour group with me. Lynn, Deb and Joy decided to come with me across the waters to the continent of Africa, the cradle of civilization. Deb and Joy departed from their home town in North Carolina yesterday and will arrive at the hotel in Cairo about six hours prior to Lynn and me. We departed from the Windy City of Chicago and arrive tomorrow morning at approximately 1 am. It takes a full 24 hours (with flight time and lay over) to make the trek across the world.
Lynn and I are now in London, enjoying a late breakfast and several cups of coffee. Lynn is a great person and so excited to go Egypt. She is staying for one week and her itinerary is filled with exciting, spectacular tours of the country. Lynn picked up a lecture series on Egypt and has made it all the way from the birth of the human race to the time of Alexandria the Great. It is such fun to experience her excitement for the trip! I’m glad she decided to come along!
Well, I promised to blog throughout the next three weeks. Stay posted for photos, snapshots and journal entries so that you can “travel along” with me!
Happiest of shimmies,
Raksanna
Raksanna with two of her mentors: Raqia Hassan and Faten Salama
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tomorrow, I am sponsoring the legendary, world-famous Faten Salama and her certification in Egyptian dance: Al-Massrawey: The Real Egyptian Certificate Program. This eighteen (18) hour program provides dancers with an in-depth education on the history, geography and culture unique to Egypt and the art and dance that is specific to different tribes, areas and styles. Additionally, Faten is teaching “Labanotation” – the study of how dance steps are explained and written in order to preserve the dance.
Why did I choose to sponsor Faten for the certification? There are so many reasons and while space and time does not permit an in-depth explanation, here are three main reasons:
• Authentic work presented by a recognized world leader in Egyptian dance – Faten Salama is a native Egyptian. She has danced since the age of three; has been a principal dancer in the National Troupe of Egypt; performed for royalty, dignitaries, and audiences from around the world; is a beautiful artist, creating soulful dances that are touching, feminine and thoughtful and she is firmly committed to educating dancers and audiences alike on the beauty, respect and dignity of the dance. Just as importantly, Faten is a sweet woman with a positive, loving spirit that is committed to excellence. She is someone that I enjoy spending time with and consider a friend.
• Dancers need this type of first-class training and credentials – Yes, there are solid and respectable certification programs out there that have been developed by world-respected artists. In fact, my own extremely comprehensive apprenticeship program required for any faculty members who join my team offers a solid foundation and significant knowledge that benefits from my own near-two-decades experience in the dance. I do not question or discredit any of the programs, including mine, or take away from them. However, what these programs lack is the intricate knowledge and spirit of a native Egyptian who grew up in the culture, with the dance and approach that can only come from someone who is from Egypt and has the credentials and experience that Faten has. It’s like when I moved from New Mexico after 21 years of growing up there to New York and living there for seven years. No matter how much I love New York, I am not now and never will be a native New Yorker.
• This program raises our art form in the Western World – I have traveled to Egypt many times and have witnessed and experienced first-hand the difference between the way our artform is perceived in the West and the way it is perceived in the Middle East. Belly dance in the Middle East is what ballet is to the Western world. Great dancers are supported by a full orchestra with violins, kanouns, drums and more. Singers complete the show and it is a simply beautiful experience. People pay up to $100 per person for a ticket for a dinner and a show, dress up for the event and look at it as a prestigious evening out. It is the same approach that we in the West take with an evening to the ballet or Opera.
In America (as well as around the world), we need educated dancers who can collectively raise the standards and perceptions of our art form. Yes, as belly dancers and entertainers, we can certainly give a life-memory to a family who hires us for a 75th year birthday bash (and enjoy doing so) … but there is so much more to what we can and do offer … from fascinating stick work in with Saidi style stick dance to the fun-loving Hagallah routines to the glamorous Oriental dance, we need dancers out there performing high quality dances and educating our Western audiences about the culture and the history, the richness behind what we love.
So, to all the dancers joining me for this exciting weekend – Welcome to Chicago! Welcome to Faten Salama’s Al-Massraweya: The REAL Egyptian Certificate Program! I’m proud to be your host and delighted to present to you the one, the only, Faten!
