FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raksanna Productions Receives 2011 Best of Aurora Award
NEW YORK, NY, October 25, 2011 – Raksanna Productions has been selected for the 2011 Best of Aurora Award in the Health & Fitness The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Four-Time Award Winner. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com
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Note from Raksanna – this article was originally written in July 2007 and the thoughts still ring true. If you’re looking for a competition, another fantastic event that I *highly* recommend is Ahlan Cairo Nights: Queen of Raks Sharqi sponsored by Dee Dee Asad of Little Egypt. This event features Egyptian judges, fantastic workshops and gala shows that are as close to Cairo as you can get in North America.
As our beautiful art form continues to grow in popularity, dancers are faced with many opportunities to take workshops, attend haflas and perform in multiple venues. Among the performance opportunities are a plethora of competitions, as well.
Raksanna competes in Queen of Raks Sharki
Although I have been performing and teaching for more than a decade, I entered the competition scene in early 2006. Before I made the decision to compete, I had to make sure I truly understood my motivation for competing. After sincere introspection, I realized these were my top three reasons for competing:
Setting and Achieving a Goal
As a “type A” personality that is driven to do more than humanly possible – and to do everything to the absolute best of my ability, I’ve found that goals enable me to reach greater heights.
During a “normal” schedule, I teach classes and workshops and continue my own personal dance training on a weekly basis.
Deciding to compete gives me a target and helps me go to the next level of professional dance.
Competitions also enable me to concentrate my time and efforts on specific results. By identifying an event, there is a hard and fast deadline. This means that I have to
focus my energy and resources in a very specific way and manage my time effectively. It certainly would not do to be unprepared when on stage in a competition!
While it’s great to win – and to set your sights on winning – it’s important to understand and keep in mind that anyone who participates in a competition is a winner. The hard work, commitment and courage it takes to get up on stage and ask someone (usually, three or more people!) to judge you is in and of itself a feat to be recognized and celebrated.
Kindred Spirits: A Network of Beautiful Artists
One of the largest benefits I’ve found to competing is the wonderful network of like minded spirits. When I first started the competition route, I had many stereotypes of what kind of culture would be present at the events. To be candid, my preconceived notions were that the line up would be filled with cutthroat and vindictive diva’s.
The great news is that the stereotypes could not be further from the truth! My personal experience is that 98% of dancers involved in competitions are wonderful, warm women who love the dance. Backstage, dancers help each other to make sure that all of us do the best we can when we’re performing.
One example I can share is about Susan, a delightfully fun dancer from Oregon. I met her at the recent Belly Dancer USA competition sponsored by Mezdulene.
We were backstage, preparing for our event and she helped hook my costume together. As she was pinning my bra, she realized that the hook had come off. Susan gave me a quick lesson in emergency costume repairs (did you know that a safety pin can act as a solid pin to hook your bra eyelet and guarantees the bra will remain fastened for you?) and had my costume fixed in two minutes and ready for competition.
Susan also made sure that she was in the audience when I danced and she shouted her support for me. As I had traveled alone from Chicago to Canyonville, Oregon, Susan’s acts of kindness and support meant so much to me. It is this kind of bonding and camaraderie that I’ve enjoyed immensely throughout the competitions.
Keeping It In Perspective: Feedback is a Gift
Sometimes, when you’re a teacher, you don’t get a lot of feedback on how you can improve. After all, students look to the teacher as the expert and the source of knowledge. I’ve enjoyed getting feedback from the judges so that I can see myself from the outside in. Feedback truly is a gift – it provides you with insight that you may not have had before and, when taken in a spirit of reception and thankfulness, I’ve found that constructive criticism has really given me the tools to progress as a dancer and performer.
To illustrate, I am a curvy, voluptuous dancer with a full-figured body. Recently, I received a suggestion from two judges to try a different style of costume that would be more appealing to my figure. Rather than take the feedback offensively, I researched a variety of vendors and found a costume in the style suggested. I tried it on and – guess what? The judges were right!
The difference between the previous costume style and the new style was simply amazing!
Belly Dancer USA – A Must Do Experience!
Throughout the year, I participate in four to five competitions across the country. Most recently, I had the pleasure to enjoy Mezdulene’s annual Belly Dancer USA competition held at the Seven Feathers Resort and Casino in Canyonville, Oregon. (If you’ve never been to Oregon, it’s a state that you simply must visit. Complete with an ocean coastline, high mountains and lakes, there’s something for everyone!) Mezdulene and her husband, Don, are gracious hosts and sponsors and make every attendee feel welcome.
The event was well organized. When I checked in, the schedule was readily available and I had all the information I needed to make sure I knew where to go and when. The line up and competition was professionally run. When there was an occasional skip of a CD, the technical team took care of the issue promptly and with a friendly personality. The gala show was so much fun to watch! I had the chance to see dancers from across the country and experience their interpretation of the music we all love. The vendors had beautiful goods to sell and were easy to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the event and plan on participating again next year – hopefully, bringing a few of my troupe members from Raksanna’s Desert Flames to compete in the troupe category.
Competing is an experience that will help you grow, both as a dancer and as a person. By setting a goal and achieving it, receiving feedback that can enhance your dance and meeting wonderful women who will become lifetime friends, the competition circuit can bring you many great experiences to be treasured and cherished.
Note from Raksanna: This article was originally written in June, 2007. After a recent trip to the Big Apple, I was reminded of this great experience and wanted to share it again. Originally published in Jareeda.
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.
In 2007, Morocco made my dream come true.
Where dreams come true!
Between Broadway and Lafayette street,Moroccohosts a monthly show, “Marvelous Magical Mideastern Moments,” at The LaFayette Grill. This regular gathering features her students, her professional dancers, her protégé Tarik andMoroccoherself 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.Moroccohad 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 inNew 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 primary 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 ofKuala Lumpur, who recently starred onMalaysia’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 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!
Raksanna - photography by David Gore
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
This past weekend, I had the honor and privilege to teach an Oriental choreography and technique workshop as a featured instructor of “Floralia 2010,” held in Truth or Consequences, NM and sponsored by Selena. This event is a very special event for me because two years ago, it was the first time that my family experienced belly dance and had a chance to see me dance (after nearly twenty years of belly dancing!).
This year, the experience was just as wonderful and magical. Selena hosts the beautiful event on the first weekend of May to celebrate May Day. Nearly one-hundred dancers gathered over the weekend to take workshops, share their passion for dance on the stage and reconnect with friends, old and new alike.
Close to forty (40) dancers filled my workshop on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. I divided our time together into two sections – Oriental technique and patterns, in celebration of the release of my brand new DVD Advanced Technique and Playful Patterns ™ 1, and then original choreography to the introduction to Escape from Cairo.
During Oriental technique, I taught sixty-four counts of patterns and technique that can be incorporated into a dance routine. The complex and intricate patterns incorporated airy and earthy movements with rich texture blending both Oriental and folkloric moves and level changes to create depth and interest. The idea behind the patterns was to use the movements as part of a verse or a chorus when creating choreography.
After about 45 minutes of play (why call it work when it is so fun??), we had a 5 minute water break and then returned to learn the beginning of Escape to Cairo. This dance routine features veil work and Oriental technique during the first two rhythms and was created for a stage, as opposed to a restaurant or other close performance setting. We made it through about a minute of choreography in the last half of the workshop!
I was very proud of and inspired by the workshop participants. Teaching intensive workshops is a real treat for me because I have the opportunity to come together with dancers of all levels, from beginner through professional, and from many different locations. It’s my goal to give each student something just for her – a new move, a new pattern, a new belief in herself or even a different perspective. From the feedback I received, it is my sincere belief that my goal was accomplished.
Yes, my family was there for me again, when I performed that evening during the gala show. It made the little girl in me come out to be so excited that Mom and Daddy and my brother (one couldn’t make it) to see me dance. Thanks, family! I love you.
And a tremendous heart-felt thank you, Selena, for another wonderful and magical weekend in New Mexico. I look very forward to returning to Floralia and sharing in your beautiful event.
NEW YORK, NY, October 25, 2011 – Raksanna Productions has been selected for the 2011 Best of Aurora Award in the Health & Fitness The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.