International icon and master of Middle Eastern dance, Momo Kadous returns to ChicagoRaks (TM) as the featured guest artist! This year, ChicagoRaks (TM) is a two day intensive with Momo himself, complete with a gala show in his honor. Co-sponsored by Turquoise International and Raksanna, Momo Kadous teaches brand new choreographies, a special drum solo section, emphasis on rhythms and technique and much, much more!! This exclusive event ALWAYS sells out.
Registration Form
Early Bird Special – on or before Sept 5, 2010
Weekend Package $ 175 | One Day Pass $ 100
Regular: On or after Sept 6, 2010 or at the doorWeekend Package $ 200 | One Day Pass $ 125
All tuition payments are made directly through Ali at Turquoise International. www.turquoiseintl.com 800.548.9422. Contact Ali at turquoiseintl@earthlink.net to register or for payment plan options! Class Size Limit: 30.
Gala Show Tickets
Platinum Tickets (invitation to Wine and Cheese reception with Momo Kadous, Platinum priority seating): $35
Gold Tickets (Advance entrance to theatre, VIP seating): $25
General Admission: $20
All show ticket sales are made through Raksanna Productions. 630.689.3611 or www.raksanna.com/events-workshops/store/ All show ticket sales are final. No refunds, no replacements, no transfers, no exceptions.
Contact Raksanna at Raksanna@Raksanna.com for details (location, time, etc.) and registration form. If you would like to perform, please let Raksanna know. Limited performance spots available.
Dreams Do Come True! My NYC Belly Dancing Debut | By Raksanna | Published in Zaghareet and Jareeda
Raksanna and Morrocco
When I was a little girl growing up in a small town, I fell in love with the performing arts! Experiencing the passion of artists through their songs, dance, music and acting was inspirational. I dreamed of being able to do the same … and secretly longed to dance my heart out one day in a magical place called New York City.
This week, Morocco made my dream come true.
Between Broadway and Lafayette street, Morocco hosts a monthly show, “Marvelous Magical Mideastern Moments,” at The LaFayette Grill. This regular gathering features her students, her professional dancers, her protégé Tarik and Morocco herself in a showcase of Middle Eastern belly dance.
One day, as we were talking via email, Morocco invited me to perform in her June show as a special guest artist. Needless to say, my heart soared and I literally jumped up and down with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning!
The Big Day
I flew in from Chicago O’Hare to NYC’s La Guardia airport, checked into my hotel, grabbed my dance bag and headed to the subway. Morocco had sent me precise directions on how to get from the hotel to the restaurant for which I was very grateful, as there was a train change in the middle of the journey.
What’s It Like In The Big Apple?
The first thing I can tell you is that Manhattan has a very special energy to it. The air crackles with the creativity of artists, the hustle and bustle of millions of people getting to and from work and the amazement the visitors as they experience the city for the first time.
The subway system is no different. On my way to the restaurant, an all-male quintet played the melophone (the marching French Horn), baritone, trumpet, trombone and drums greeted workers as they made their way from offices around Lexington Avenue down to the subway. As I changed trains to catch the #6, a soulful guitar player strummed the relief of the end to another work day and walking down Broadway, music played from a local restaurant while a street dancer tapped his way to paradise and people passed by, throwing tips in his tin.
Nervous, Scared, Excited – All at Once!
I arrived at The LaFayette Grill about an hour before show time and made my way to the dressing room. Excitement filled me – this was my first time to dance in New York! And I was nervous and shy, too– after all, NYC is known as the capital of the dance world and NYC dancers are arguably among the best in the world. All sorts of questions were in my mind – would they accept me? Would they be friendly? The scared little girl inside wondered if they would like me – and, not only that, I was afraid my hips would freeze and my feet would be swallowed into the earth!
As I entered backstage, I was greeted by friendly faces, warm smiles and open arms. My fears quickly melted away like cold ice cream on a hot summer day! It meant so much to me to be accepted and supported.
I felt the connection between dancers that only dancers know – that pre-show exhilaration, the last minute “can you please help me pin my costume,” “how does my make up look,” and the last minute choreography cram sessions of listening to IPods and marking the dance just one more time.
Morocco arrived shortly after I did and greeted me in the dressing room with a big hug. Knowing this was my first performance in NYC, she quietly coached me as to what to expect and the proper etiquette for this particular show, both backstage and as an audience member. She informed me that dancers were more than welcome to watch the show, as long as we were in cover up. I was thrilled – what a tremendous treat to be able to see the other dancers from the audience as opposed to back stage. I knew I was in for a great time.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Let the Show Begin!
I quickly covered up and took a seat in the audience. The music started playing and the dancers came on stage, one after another. Each dancer created a special moment on stage – some sharing a fun side of his or her personality, some a sensuous side, some flirted and some played… and all were wonderful!
Torkom, a male dancer wearing a gorgeous royal blue costume, played the zills in perfect rhythm, matching both hip and foot movements precisely to the music. Samiha graced the stage with lovely sensuality that oozed from the soul. Karima Nadira lit up the place with her fantastic smile.
I was fourth from the last number. Almost too soon, it was time for me to go back stage to prepare. I took a deep breath and did my usual pre-dance ritual. I envisioned myself spreading joy to each and every person in the room through my dance, connecting and leaving them happier than they were before they came to the show. The words of my teacher, Jasmin Jahal, came back to me … “be the magic” … and I felt them reverberate in my soul.
My music started. The intro played and the time had come! I felt the wind lift my feet and I danced my heart out – giving every ounce of energy to the people. I smiled – and they smiled back! They clapped, they had fun, zaghareets filled the air and their joy come back to me, touching me deep in my heart. As I danced, Morocco caught my eye with a special look that made me feel her love and support.
It felt great! As the music made its final crescendo, I took my bow to a happy, spirited crowd and enjoyed the moment, one I will remember for my entire life. Time stood still for an instant and I drank in every delicious drop of the enchanted experience.
After my number, I hurried backstage to get dressed so that I could enjoy the rest of the show. I had the pleasure of watching fellow guest artist Paola Planton of Kuala Lumpur, who recently starred on Malaysia’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance.” She mesmerized the crowd with vibrant moves and sizzling hip work. Tarik’s sassy, light hearted dance was a pleasure to experience – I had heard so many great things about him and they are all true!
Morocco came on stage and performed a wonderful routine. That woman can move her hips! She had fun with the audience, singing along as she danced during a high energy pop song, paid tribute to Classical Oriental with a beautiful piece of music and dazzled us with a dynamic drum solo.
Tarik and Morocco closed the show with a tantalizing duet. It was spellbinding to watch them mirror each other, moving as though they were one. Their fondness and deep love for one another shined through and created a very special kind of energy on stage. It was truly the perfect ending for a perfect evening.
A Treasured Experience
All too soon, it was time to head back to my hotel. I said my “see you very soon!” goodbyes to everyone, wishing them the best of everything. As I made my way back to my room, I floated on air with an elated heart, tears of ecstasy and every fiber of my being on fire!
Thank you, Morocco, for making a dream come true. I will cherish this memory forever.
Until we see each other again, my friend, happy shimmies.
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.
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