Raksanna Jareeda Interview
Raksanna
This year has been quite full for you! You’ve won 3rd place in Little Egypt’s 2007 Queen of Raqs Sharki competition, were nominated by Zaghareet for 2007 Instructor of the Year and 2007 Favorite Cabaret Dancer of the Year and became certified by Raqia Hassan in 2006 through her Winter Intensive teachers course. You’ve accomplished many things, but let’s go back to the beginning. How did you get started in Oriental Dance?
I had been teaching fitness classes, such as aerobics, kickboxing and Pilates, for a little over 10 years. As part of my certifications, continuing education is mandatory and each year, there are huge industry conferences where you can attend classes and meet the continuing education requirements. In 1994, I was living in rural upstate New York and traveled to Manhattan for a conference. One of the class options was “The Goddess Workout” with Dolphina of California. I thought, “Hey, I’m a Goddess! I better see what this is all about.” Dolphina taught an introduction to belly dance with basic movements, followed by a beautiful veil dance. I instantly fell in love! Where I lived at the time, there was no access to teachers (I was about 10 hours north of NYC), so I devoured all the videos I could find. Soon afterward, my family moved to Chicago for work requirements and I went from teacher to teacher, learning what I could, until I found Jasmin Jahal. I immediately connected with her as both a student and as an individual; I studied with her ever since. Even today, I attend weekly classes for consistent, high quality training (she truly is one of the best in the world!) and supplement regular classes with workshops and seminars across the country. In addition, I travel to Egypt at least once a year to study with Raqia Hassan in her Intensive Teacher’s Course.
Tell me more about your training in Egypt.
My training is very specific to Egyptian style belly dance. Throughout my dance career, I’ve heard so many times, “It’s about the spirit.” I did not really realize what was meant by that statement until I had the chance to travel to Cairo and experience the Egyptian spirit and life first-hand. There is such joy and passion in every aspect of life and it is translated into the dance. I travel to Egypt to emerge myself in the culture and the people and to continue my dance training. Raqia Hassan (internationally known and highly sought after teacher, choreographer and producer of the annual Ahlan Wa Sahlan festival) hosts an Intensive Teacher Training certification each December. This course is simply amazing. For ten (10) days straight, participants learn from the world’s greatest Dance Masters (such as Dr. Mo Geddawi, Randa Kamel, Dina, Beba, Magda and Atef and many others) from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with only 30 minutes for lunch and an hour dinner break, then attend lecture from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The final evening is a student show, followed by a show from one of today’s top dancers. Last year, Dina and her full twenty-seven (27) piece orchestra performed for us.
The entire course is a life-changing event for me and is the primary reason I go back. I’ve made many deep friendships with dancers from all over the world and the course gives me the chance to reconnect in person.
If a dancer is serious about Egyptian style dance, then I highly recommend participating in this workshop. It is well worth the investment of time, money and effort – and you will leave a much different person and dancer than when you first arrived.
You’re on the competition circuit. Tell me about the advantages and the disadvantages of competing.
Based on my experience, there are two routes that you can take as you progress through your dance career: artistic and competition. Both are wonderful and both serve distinct and delightful purposes.
The competition circuit gives you the chance to meet wonderful dancers and artists from across the country. From a personal perspective, this is a wonderful benefit as I’ve made several great friendships I would not otherwise had the chance to establish. From a dancers’ perspective, you get exposed to other styles of dance, new ideas and a taste for the local flavor where the competition is held. Also, you get feedback from different perspectives on what your strengths are and where you can improve.
One of the best pieces of feedback I have received is with regard to costuming. I am a voluptuous dancer, with more curves than most professional and/or competitive dancers out there. I competed in several events and wore the “normal” bra and skirt costume. Judges told me that I would look better in either a pants suit or a full dress. I took their advice and the impact was amazing. The next competition I participated in, I placed – not only because of my performance that evening, but also because the fuller coverage accented my body and provided the complete package.
The disadvantage … well, I’ve seen some dancers participate in competitions and place so much importance on the competition performance that they lose perspective of their entire talent base. Instead of realizing that a competition performance is a snapshot at one single moment of time, as opposed to a statement on who they are or their value/talent as a dancer, I’ve seen women internalize not placing or winning and really beat themselves up. That’s the hard part. I honestly feel that, if you pursue the competition circuit, you have to do a lot of mental exercise to keep everything in perspective and embrace the journey for what it is – an opportunity to perform, get feedback and meet many wonderful women.
In addition to performing, you own your own studio where you teach weekly classes and are sponsored for seminars and weekend workshops. What is your teaching philosophy and why are you drawn to teaching?
That’s a pretty deep subject for me and it reflects the way I look at life. These days, it seems like there are very few times when we feel connected and a part of a community. We wake up, hurry off to work, come home, gulp down dinner and either head off to dance class or fall into bed and wake up to repeat the process. This harried lifestyle can lead to a slow death – where there is little emotion, surface relationships and a seeming isolation from others as well as our self. When I teach, I make a concerted effort to touch each student personally – to make the connection on the individual level and help each dancer increase her technical proficiency, express her through new choreography and feel even more confident as a dancer – and as a person. It’s my responsibility as a teacher to bring out the best in each student and to encourage her to be the best dancer she can be.
It is the same when I perform. People who attend shows have paid for a ticket. They want an experience – something out of the ordinary. You never know what their day was like before they come to see you …. They may have had the most wonderful day, but maybe they just ended a huge argument, heard negative news about their health or had a day they’d rather leave behind. It’s my duty as a dancer to touch each audience member on the soul level – to give them joy and let them walk out a happier person than when they walked in … happier, because they’ve shared an experience with me and because the dance has brought beauty and art into their lives, even if only for a moment.
Why am I drawn to teaching? My greatest thrill and reward in life comes from seeing others embrace who they are, fall in love with themselves and become strong, beautiful individuals who believe in themselves and know their worth – regardless of their age, weight, beauty, economic status, whatever they previously held as their limitation. I’ve seen so many women’s lives change for the better through dance and it gives me great joy to know that, in some small way, I was part of their journey to great esteem and self worth. That’s on the personal side. On the dance side, I absolutely love to see choreography bring music to life through a dancer’s movements. I believe if we create art through dance and send good energy out into this world, the world becomes a better place for all of us.
You own your own Studio. Tell me how that came about.
After graduating from Clarkson University with my Master’s Degree, I worked for a Fortune company for six years, making my way up to Vice President of Marketing and Communication. Although I enjoyed my work, I realized that my true passion is dance and fitness, so I opened my own Studio and worked both at the corporate job and the Studio for about a year. Once the Studio was able to support me coming home, I left the corporate job to teach and run the Studio full time.
My husband, David, was recently able to leave his corporate job as well. He now handles the back end side of the business (accounting, marketing, operations) and I teach classes and do the creative work. I could not do it without the love and support from this wonderful man, my husband and best friend of nearly 20 years.
My son, Tony, has also been a tremendous help. From working back stage in shows to understanding when the Studio demands so much time, he truly is a gem. I’m grateful for these two men in my life.
Who are some of today’s artists who inspire you the most?
Randa Kamel is absolutely amazing! She is like a lightening bolt of positive energy; I feel a very strong connection with her. Jasmin Jahal continues to bring me to new levels, constantly striving for excellence. Dr. Mo Geddawi is simply delightful with his elegance and grace and creates beautiful Oriental choreography. Nabil Mabrouk instills precision and discipline into his work. Magda and Atef, who are husband and wife, and Shalabee, have taught me many things in the folkloric and Reda style. And of course, Raqia Hassan challenges me (in a great way!) with technique and rich choreography.
What three gems of wisdom would you share to other dancers out there?
- • Know what you want from the dance and embrace it. Looking for fitness? Enjoy the movements and the training, feel like a beautiful goddess and celebrate your success! Dance for recreation? Set fun goals and jump into new dance opportunities! Going pro? Talk to other dancers who make their living through dance, learn from their wisdom and train, train, train.
- • Love yourself and take care of yourself. All too often, society promotes an unrealistic vision of “perfection” and “flawlessness” that is unattainable. Block out those damaging images and messages. Recognize and celebrate your strengths, look at flaws and imperfections as what makes you unique and an individual and love yourself. Take care of yourself mentally and physically (Mom was right – eat your veggies!).
- • Be the magic. Jasmin learned this from her teacher, Ibrahim Farrah, and passed it down to me. When you perform, become the music. Touch your audience. Create magic for them and for you … by being the magic.
Raksanna is available for workshops and performances. For more information, please visit www.raksanna.com or call her at 630-978-1149.
Coffee with Raksanna – A conversation with one of today’s rising stars | featured article in Zaghareet November 2008
Over the past few years, your artistic career has really taken off. From being a featured instructor at this summer’s Ahlan Wa Salam sponsored by Raqia Hassan in Cairo, Egypt, to two time nomination for both Instructor of the Year and Favorite Cabaret Dancer of the Year by Zaghareet readers to teaching workshops and performing across the globe, there are many exciting things happening for you.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you began your journey as an Oriental Dance artist.
For my entire life, I have always loved music of all genres – from classical to rock to opera to country to Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond. My love for music and movement inspired me to get involved with teaching fitness classes such as Step Aerobics, Kick Boxing, Pilates and Yoga. As part of being a certified fitness instructor, it is required that a certain number of continuing credits are completed each year. To earn the credits, you can attend huge conferences and get a sample of the hottest fitness trends available.
Way back in 1994, I took “The Goddess Workout” with Dolphina of California as part of a conference experience. I thought, “Hey, I’m a Goddess! I better see what this is all about.” Dolphina taught an introduction to belly dance with basic movements, followed by a beautiful veil dance.
I instantly fell in love! Not only were the movements and the dance beautiful, but the music was so rich and mesmerizing – it was heaven.
The rest is history. I dedicated myself to learning as much as possible and taking my personal journey through this dance as far as possible.
My personal goal is to create beautiful dance choreography and to uplift our art through elegance, grace and authentic passion for the dance!
You were a featured instructor this summer at Ahlan Wa Salam in Cairo, Egypt. Tell me about the experience.
Wow! What a fantastic opportunity. Raqia Hassan is the sponsor of this wonderful festival and she brings the best top talent from across the globe to provide a fun, high quality experience for Middle Eastern belly dancers.
When she made the invitation to me, it was truly a spectacular moment in my life. I was so honored to be included in the teacher line up along with names like Randa Kamel, Dr. Mo Geddawi and Jilliana from Belly Dance Super Stars.
For my workshop, I taught an advanced choreography with cymbals (zills) to a fun folkloric song. The dancers enjoyed the challenge and it seemed like every one had a good time. One of the best things about the workshop, other than the students who came, of course, was the tabla player. Raqia makes sure that all teachers have a tabla player assigned to their workshop. My tabla player’s name was Ahmed and he was FABULOUS. He would watch my hips and synchronize his drums to my every little movement.
In addition to choreography, I taught several cymbals patterns to match various rhythms; for example, Saidi, Chiftiteli, Ayub and Maksoom. It was a lot of fun for Ahmed and the students to hear the rhythms and the cymbals played together – and even more enjoyable to dance at the same time!
I look forward to returning to the festival in the years to come and to continue sponsoring dance study tours so that others can travel with me to experience the excitement first-hand.
You performed in the Opening Teacher’s show at Ahlan Wa Salam. How was it?
It was a wonderful dream come true to dance in the shadows of the Pyramids …The evening started out when I was asked for an interview with Al-Mehwar, an Egyptian television station. The reporter spent about 15 minutes with, interviewing me about the festival, how I felt being a teacher at the festival and also asked about Middle Eastern dance and its popularity and perception in the States.
During the show, I performed a double veil dance to a Natacha Atlas ballad. When I looked out in the audience, it meant so much to me to see my students (who came to Egypt with me on the dance study tour) – I could hear Ida, Jane and Lindsay supporting me and cheering me on!
Jillina, one of my personal favorite dancers from the Belly Dance Superstars company, performed earlier in the night and she stayed to watch my performance. After I danced, changed and came out from back stage, she was waiting for me. She gave me a big hug and told me I had done a great job. It really meant a lot to me and I was thrilled to discover that Jillina is just a sweet and wonderful as she portrays on the stage.
Morocco, Jehan Kamal and Samara from New York City were also there, performing in the show and teaching at the festival. Morocco delighted the crowd as usual with her sassy cymbals dance. Jehan mesmerized the audience with her oozing sensuality and Samara’s passionate energy was electrifying.
Speaking of NYC, you have recently had the opportunity to perform in New York City on several occasions.
Yes, I am so fortunate to have had a childhood dream come true. Morocco invited me to perform in her shows at the Lafayette Grill on Franklin, which is around the Broadway and Franklin intersection. The dancers who perform there are so talented and so welcoming – it is such a treat to dance with them! I have had the opportunity to return to NYC and perform on different occasions since then and must say that NYC is one of my favorite venues for a multitude of reasons.
In addition to being a popular performer, you are also a highly sought after workshop presenter and teacher. What is your teaching philosophy?
That’s a pretty deep subject and is a reflection on my life’s philosophy.
Today’s reality is a rush-hustle-bustle and “surface” kind of experience. Rarely do we feel connected to each other and part of a community.. We wake up, hurry off to work, come home, gulp down dinner and either head off to dance class or fall into bed and wake up to repeat the process. And when we take a moment to stop and reflect on our lives, sometimes we find that this harried lifestyle is leading to a slow death – where there is little emotion, surface relationships and a seeming isolation from others- as well as our self.
When I teach, I make a concerted effort to touch each student personally – to make the connection on the individual level and help each dancer increase her technical proficiency, express herself through new choreography and feel even more confident as a dancer – and as a person. It’s my responsibility as a teacher to bring out the best in each student and to encourage her to be the best dancer she can be. I expect the best from students and I give them the best I have, from my heart.
Teaching, for me, is so rewarding because I love seeing others embrace who they are, fall in love with themselves and become strong, beautiful individuals who believe in themselves and know their worth – regardless of their age, weight, beauty, economic status, whatever they previously held as their limitation. In the past two decades of teaching, I’ve seen so many women’s lives change for the better through dance. It is so inspiring to know that, in some small way, I was part of their journey to great esteem and self worth. That’s on the personal side. On the dance side, I absolutely love to see choreography bring music to life through a dancer’s movements. I believe if we create art through dance and send good energy out into this world, the world becomes a better place for all of us.
When I teach workshops, I try to develop a program where dancers will feel challenged and a sense of accomplishment when they learn a dance. Most importantly, I make classes fun and enjoyable – after all, this is belly dance … not rocket science!! It should be fun, uplifting and enjoyable – otherwise, why do it?
How do you approach performing?
My philosophy is the same when I perform. People who attend shows have paid for a ticket – and in some instances, the choice was between a ticket and paying a bill. They want an experience – something out of the ordinary. You never know what their day was like before they came to see you …. They may have had the most wonderful day, but maybe they just ended a huge argument, heard negative news about their health or had a day they’d rather leave behind. It’s my duty as a dancer to touch each audience member on the soul level – to give them joy and let them walk out a happier person than when they walked in … happier, because they’ve shared an experience with me and because the dance has brought beauty and art into their lives, even if only for a moment.
You are accomplishing many things and are a rising star. What is your philosophy on taking classes?
I firmly believe that a teacher must always continue to be a student. A teacher is like a pitcher of water and students are like empty glasses. The teacher fills the glasses with her creativity and knowledge – and it’s important to refill the pitcher, or there will be nothing left to give.
I take classes on a regular basis, in addition to seeking out inspiring teachers on the workshop circuit. I take at least six major workshops per year and participate in two competitions annually. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new, experience the music in a different way and deepen myself as a dancer and as a person. And I always make it a goal to learn at least three new things at a workshop. That’s my responsibility and I am accountable to myself to continue growing, creating and giving back. I have that responsibility to my students as well and I take it very seriously.
Tell me more about your training in Egypt.
My training is very specific to Egyptian style belly dance and I travel to Egypt once a year to train with the best in the world. Throughout my dance career, I’ve heard so many times “It’s about the spirit.” I did not really realize what was meant by that statement until I had the chance to travel to Cairo and experience the Egyptian spirit and life first-hand. There is such joy and passion in every aspect of life and it is translated into the dance. I travel to Egypt annually to emerge myself in the culture and the people and to continue my dance training.
While there, I arrange private lessons and intensive studies with dance masters. In addition, I participate in courses such as Raqia Hassan’s Intensive Teacher Training certification each December.
Each time I go, I have life-changing experiences. My love for the dance is intensified, my artistic ability is strengthened and I have a chance to invest in the many friendships I’ve made over the years.
If a dancer is serious about Egyptian style dance, I highly recommend traveling to Egypt and immersing herself (or himself) in the culture, music and people. It is well worth the investment of time, money and effort – and you will leave a much different person and dancer than when you first arrived.
You own your own dance and Pilates studio, are the artistic director of the professional belly dance troupe, The Desert Flames, and have a student troupe, Alef Bey. Tell me a little bit about that.
From a curriculum perspective, my program has levels 1 through 4, an apprenticeship program for potential faculty members and two performing troupes. The Desert Flames are my professional dance company and we dance in weddings, at parties, festivals, staged shows, corporate events and fundraisers. Alef Bey, my student troupe, is directed by Cheryl Newman, my curriculum director and senior faculty member. She provides a fun format for dancers to enjoy team spirit, nice choreography and perform in two venues per season. She works with Patricia Givens, my other senior faculty member, and my two junior faculty members, Jeannine Worthington and Jodine Goldstein, to teach level 1 and 2 students and I focus on level 3 and 4 students. I am also developing a soloist track for those dancers interested in pursuing a career similar to mine.
The women who take classes at the studio are very inspiring to me. They come to class each week, work hard at learning choreography and fine tuning their technique. They approach each class with great spirit and a heart for fun – and they keep me on my toes by expecting only my best, each and every day! I am very blessed to have these women in my life.
Who are some of today’s artists who inspire you the most?
Randa Kamel is absolutely amazing! She is like a lightening bolt of positive energy; I feel a very strong connection with her and am fortunate to call her a personal friend as well as a primary teacher of mine. Dr. Mo Geddawi is simply delightful with his elegance and grace and creates beautiful Oriental choreography. Nabil Mabrouk instills precision and discipline into his work. Magda and Atef, who are husband and wife, and Shalabee, have taught me many things in the folkloric and Reda style. Jasmin Jahal is an inspiring choreographer. Raqia Hassan challenges me (in a great way!) with technique and rich choreography.
You’ve taught and performed in three continents, five countries and seven States. Are there any top places you’d like to teach and perform?
It’s my goal to visit all fifty States and meet the wonderful dancers from across our great Nation. I’d also like to teach and perform in Ireland, Moscow, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand – to name a few!
Do you have any “gems” of wisdom to share with other dancers out there?
- Know what you want from the dance and embrace it. Looking for fitness? Enjoy the movements and the training, feel like a beautiful goddess and celebrate your success! Dance for recreation? Set fun goals and jump into new dance opportunities! Going pro? Talk to other dancers who make their living through dance, learn from their wisdom and train, train, train.
- Love yourself and take care of yourself. All too often, society promotes an unrealistic vision of “perfection” and “flawlessness” that is unattainable. Block out those damaging images and messages. Recognize and celebrate your strengths, look at flaws and imperfections as what makes you unique and an individual and love yourself. Take care of yourself mentally and physically (Mom was right – eat your veggies!). Give yourself grace, girlfriend!
- Be the magic. Jasmin learned this from her teacher, Ibrahim Farrah, and she passed it down to me. When you perform, become the music. Touch your audience. Create magic for them and for you … by being the magic.
Raksanna is available for workshops and performances. For more information, please visit www.raksanna.com, email Raksanna@Raksanna.com or call her at 630-689-3611. Media kit available upon request.
Rak’in Chicago with ChicagoRaks!™ | By Val Peinovich, member of Raksanna’s Desert Flames | Published in Zaghareet!
The great city of Chicago shimmied and shook last fall (September 2007) when Raksanna hosted her annual ChicagoRaks™ weekend in the beautiful Double Tree Hotel in the Chicago suburb of Oakbrook, Ill. The fantastic event was filled with exciting workshops, shopping from premiere belly dance vendors and a dramatic gala show featuring international icon, Faten Salama, dancers from Raksanna’s Academy of Dance and workshop participants.
“The weekend was an absolute fabulous experience,” said Wendy of Aurora, Il. “I made new friends with other dancers, had a blast learning great choreography and enjoyed a gala show that I’ll never forget!”
Nearly 100 dancers from across the Midwest donned sassy hip scarves and started the weekend at 9:00 am on a gorgeous Saturday morning. The day started off with a great warm up that included lengthening stretches to warm up the muscles, combinations designed to get the heart pumping and technique to prepare dancers for the day.
Sassy, Drum Solo Cheryl, a senior faculty member of Raksanna’s dance academy, kicked off the Master Classes with an amazing 2 ½ minute drum solo. Her teaching style was fun and nurturing and she took the time to break down the advanced choreography with clear instruction, providing less challenging options for those who wanted a modification.
“What a great, fun dance!” remarked Jeannine of Naperville, Il. “It was just the right blend of challenging combinations, hip articulations and technique. Cheryl did a nice job of teaching the dance in the two (2) hour time frame. I can’t wait to perform it!”
Featuring Faten Salama! After a brief lunch break, dancers gathered back in the ball room to begin training with guest artist, Faten Salama. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Faten is known around the world for her vibrant style, soulful emotion and feminine grace. She started dancing at the age of 11 and has traveled around the globe, performing for heads of state, ambassadors and royalty.
“Sponsoring Faten Salama was such a wonderful experience for me,” said Raksanna. “The combination of her professionalism, high energy and delightful personality make Faten a joy to work with! I am honored to be able to continue my commitment to excellence in our art form. Bringing the best belly dance masters to Chicago with important artists like Faten is a great opportunity. She truly is one of the best!”
Faten taught two Master Classes over the weekend: a playful Saidi Stick (Raks Assaya) routine and a flirtatious Melaya Leff routine. Both pieces were choreographed to traditional Egyptian music and brought the essence of Egyptian dance to life!
Susan of Detroit commented, “Wow! What a fun time! I learned so much from Faten – the technique portion of her workshop was filled with great patterns and the choreography for both dances was just fantastic.”
Fabulous Shopping and Dazzling Gala Show Raksanna prides herself in sponsoring first class events with attention to every detail. She invited premiere vendors such as Audrena, Magda and Nijali to showcase their beautiful costumes, accessories and more for the dancers’ shopping experience. Another vendor was Susan from Living Young, who enhanced the shopping experience with essential oils.
The Gala Show started off with an award-winning three course dinner. Guests had the choice of chicken or surf and turf, accompanied by a cup of mouthwatering soup and a fresh dinner salad. Desert was a tasty Crème Brule and coffee or tea.
After dinner, the show featured an excellent variety of soloists, duets, trios and group numbers as well as students from Raksanna’s Academy. Dance routines included Modern Egyptian, Tunisian, Raqs Sharki, Turkish Gypsy, Raks Assaya (stick) and much more.
The closing number was the sensational Faten herself. She delighted the audience with her friendly presence, drew everyone into her emotions and touched each and every person in the room. Her feet danced on air and she brought the house down when she invited all the dancers who performed back up on stage to dance with her.
“Faten danced for an amazing 23 minutes – and it felt like 5!!!” said Sharon of Wichita, Kansas. “When the show ended, I wanted more … I just could not get enough of her!”
ChicagoRaks™ – An Annual Event Raksanna offers sponsors ChicagoRaks every year. In 2008, she is hosting a weekend long workshop featuring another Egyptian Dance Master: Momo Kadous. The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 12, with a huge show and is followed by two days of workshops, great shopping with Turquoise International and Magda and, of course, the opportunity to meet great friends from across the country. For more information about ChicagoRaks™ or other fantastic workshops sponsored by Raksanna, please visit: www.raksanna.com or call 630-689-3611.
As for me, you can bet I’ll be there!
About the Author Val Peinovich, a professional belly dancer, is a member of the Desert Flames. She has been dancing for over five years, is the mother of three beautiful children and has one grandchild. She loves belly dance and one of her favorite magazines to read is Zaghareet. She resides in Plainfield, Ill., with her youngest daughter, Leah, and Jersey, her dog.
Raksanna Raks Knoxville!™ | By Neran, Producer of Hillbelly Raks | Published in Chronicles and Zaghareet!
When you think of Tennessee, the first things that come to mind are usually Nashville and country music, Oak Ridge and science or the Smokey Mountain Range. Belly dance is not a typical activity that comes to mind!
However, for a dazzling weekend this Spring, nearly thirty dancers participated in Raksanna Raks Knoxville, sponsored by Hillbelly Raks. They gathered at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for a workshop with Raksanna and The Academy Ballroom, a local dance studio specializing in ballroom dance, for a fun gala show.
The Gala Show
On Saturday evening, the show kicked off the festivities. The performance featured local talent and, of course, Raksanna as the guest artist. Held at The Academy Ballroom, the event attracted nearly seventy-five (75) guests. The audience was very warm and receptive, cheering and “zaghareeting” the whole night long. Solos, quartets and troupe dances showcased the talents of more than twenty-five (25) dancers.
Mahsati, a dancer from neighboring Ascheville, NC, entertained the audience with a fan veil dance followed by an energetic drum solo. Her style was soft, intricate and she was an audience favorite!
Shahira, also known as Cynthia Turnage, also performed. She danced a modern choreography created by Momo Kadous and the audience loved her! Shahira was a student of Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah for many years and she recently returned to Oriental Dance after a brief hiatus.
Raksanna closed the show with her award-winning number featuring a medley from the modern Egyptian band, REG Project. The audience clapped and zaghareeted along as Raksanna let her quintessential playful and flirty Egyptian style shine through.
Workshop Fun
On Sunday, the dancers gathered at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. The first workshop ran from 12:00-2:00 pm and featured an exciting 3 minute drum solo choreography to a piece by Hassam Ramzy.
Known for her commitment to each student, Raksanna taught the workshop choreography and technique at a pace where all levels and abilities could catch on. Beginners were encouraged in a nurturing way to try at their own pace if things became too challenging, individuals with specific concerns (one dancer was 8 months pregnant and could not do floor work) were given modifications that looked great for the dance and advanced/professional dancers were given the advanced movements and tempos.
“I firmly believe that any choreographer or teacher worth their salt should be able to accommodate all levels of dancers and all abilities into choreography or technique,” said Raksanna. “The role of a teacher is to inspire and love the students – and give them content that will grow their skills and make them stronger dancers in a way that is loving, fun and with the heart to devoted to building them.”
After a half-hour lunch break, dancers turned their attention to advanced technique and patterns. In her recognized Egyptian style, Raksanna taught several intricate dance movements and patterns that could be used together or used as independent movements and incorporated into choreography or improvisation. “The mental challenge was great – it was so nice to have different hip movements combined with fun foot work! I really felt I could sink my teeth into the technique and enjoy it for a long time,” said one of the dancers.
At the end of the workshop time, Raksanna provided hand outs with notes on choreography and technique, walked through any and all questions and then gave time for videotaping the choreography and the technique. “My goal is for each dancer to be able to take the content and use it in their dance,” remarked Raksanna. “Take the movements and the dance and make them yours! It is such an honor and compliment when a dancer feels so inspired by my work that she or he performs it or uses parts to create his or her own art.”
Feedback from Dancers
Every dancer left the weekend feeling stronger, happier and like they had learned new technique and movements. “Raksanna has a very special gift that makes each and every person feel as though she is dancing or teaching just for them,” remarked Shahira. “She reminds me of Suharzeki with her ability to touch each person on the soul level.”
About Neran – A belly dancer for many years, Neran proudly sponsors high quality dancers for workshops and shows in the Tennessee area. During the day, she works for a law firm. When she is not working, dancing, or studying the history of dance, she spends time training her Belgian Malinois, Shuvani, in Agility, Rally, and Schutshund. She can be reached at 865.696-5947 or neranraks@yahoo.com and is pleased to highly recommend Raksanna for workshops and shows.
About Raksanna – An award-winning, internationally recognized teacher and performer, Raksanna is known for her dynamic, powerful performances and her fun-loving, nurturing teaching style. She is a frequent instructor at Egypt’s “Ahlan Wa Salan” and travels across the United States and the world teaching workshops and performing. For more information about Raksanna or to book her for your next seminar, please visit www.raksanna.com, call 630.689.3611 or email Raksanna@raksanna.com. You will be delightfully pleased and wonderfully inspired!
By Raksanna | Published 2008
Raqia Hassan and Raksanna
Have you ever dreamed about dancing in the shadows of the Pyramids? Floating down the Nile in a felucca? Learning from the world’s top belly dance instructors and experience gorgeous gala shows with stars like Randa Kamel, Dina, Sorraya – who perform with their own personal orchestra until wee hours of the night?
Then, you simply must consider traveling to Egypt, the cradle of civilization, and attending Raqia Hassan’s annual Ahlan Wa Sahlan festival. This year marks the 10th anniversary that Raqia has organized the festival that attracts more than 1,000 dancers from all corners of the globe.
Raqia is a personal friend of mine. During her last visit to the States, she and I spent cherished time together talking about the festival. Here are excerpts from our conversation:
Raksanna: Raqia, you first started the festival ten years ago. What was your original vision of the festival?
Raqia Hassan: I wanted to organize a venue where dancers from across the world could come to Cairo and experience the best of Middle Eastern dance. The festival is a celebration of dance and life. It is an experience where dancers get to know fellow dancers from across the world, learning about cultures far from their own and of course, immersing themselves in a true Egyptian experience.
Raksanna: The first night of the festival is an exciting gala show with performances from the top Egyptian dance stars.
Raqia Hassan: Yes, that is correct. The first night sets the tone for the rest of the festival. There is a Gala Show that includes a full dinner and show. The night starts around 7:00 pm and goes until well past 3:00 in the morning.
Raksanna: The next ten days are filled with dance workshops every day. Dancers can take a minimum of four workshops or can fill their days with as many workshops as they’d like.
Raqia Hassan: When they check into the hotel, dancers receive an information packet and schedule of events. They then select and register for the classes of their choice. During the day, from 10:00 – 6:00 pm, workshops are held. Every night there is dancing. We have an annual competition where dancers participate and compete each night. After the competition dancers finish, there is open dancing.
Raksanna: Another aspect of the festival that I have always enjoyed is the opportunity to take tours to historic places.
Raqia Hassan: Yes, of course! Egypt is a land filled with magical places and beautiful, important sites that every person must see and experience while they are here. My son, Yasser, owns Paradise Travel, the official travel agency for Ahlan Wa Salan. He has a staff of highly educated tour guides and a very talented administration. The team can arrange tours of the Pyramids, the market, the Museum, a cruise down the Nile River, anything you want to do is possible.
Raksanna: I have relied on Paradise Travel for many years now. Their service is wonderful and they have always done an excellent job at arranging my tours. You should be very proud of Yasser and the high quality, professional job he and his team do.
On a different subject, this year is the tenth (10th) year anniversary for the festival. Congratulations for your continued success! What is in store for this June?
Raqia Hassan: (laughs) Oh, many wonderful, special things. This year is going to be even bigger and better than in years past. The festival is one day longer and there will be many fabulous shows, some great surprises and much more! You will have to come to Egypt and experience the excitement!
Raksanna: Raqia, thank you so much for your time. You are an inspiration to so many dancers all over the world. Thank you for your love of the dance and for creating a festival for first-class dance instruction, fun competitions and fabulous tours can be experienced. I know that I am a stronger dancer and a better person because of my experiences with you and your team. See you in Cairo!
For more information and to register for the festival, please visit: www.raqiahassan.net.
About Raksanna: Award-winning, internationally recognized performer and teacher, Raksanna is a contemporary Middle Eastern dance artist. Known for her dynamic, energetic performances and a fun-loving, nurturing teaching style, Raksanna is one of today’s popular seminar instructors. She is a featured author in dance publications, producer of the annual ChicagoRaks™, operates her own dance and Pilates program in Chicago and is a regular instructor at Ahlan Wa Salan in Cairo, Egypt. To book Raksanna for your next workshop weekend, visit www.raksanna.com or call 630.689.3611.
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