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.
February 13-14, 2010
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