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.
The beatiful Fahtiem
A tiny dancer with a huge, lovable personality, Fahtiem is well-known and loved across the world. This dynamic blond bombshell is an inspiration to me, both as a dancer and as a person, and I recently had the blessed opportunity to watch her performance in the one … the only … Carnegie Hall.
One of World’s Most Prestigious Venues
Located on Seventh Avenue, between West 56th Street and West 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan, Carnegie Hall stands with its majestic architecture and rich legacy. 881 Seventh Ave is home to performances from the world’s top talent for musicians, artists, dancers and other performing artists.
The Hall is named after Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist who paid for the construction of the building. Carnegie is considered to be the second-richest man in history after John D. Rockefeller; he founded the Carnegie Steel Company in the 1870’s and made the majority of his fortune in the steel
Street View of Carnegie Hall
industry. By the time of his death, Carnegie had given away most of his riches and when he died, the remaining funds were given away to charities and foundations.
Carnegie Hall The architecture was designed by William Burnet Tuthill. Built in 1891, it is one of the last standing large buildings in New York without a steel frame; it was built entirely of masonry. Although the exterior has been renovated several times throughout the past 120 years, the institution underwent a $60 million restoration and renovation effort that began in 1985. The job was tremendous and included fresh paint, new seats, carpeting and a new stage floor.
There are three auditoriums within Carnegie Hall. Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage (also known as the Main Hall) seats 2,804 people, Weill Recital Hall is an elegant, intimate space that seats 268 people and Zankel Hall, Carnegies’ newest space, seats 599 patrons.
Belly Dance (Middle Eastern, aka Oriental Dance) at Carnegie
In addition to musical concerts, Carnegie Hall hosts a myriad of performing arts presentations including dance, even belly dance.
Of note, Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah both taught Oriental dance at the International School of Dance, Carnegie Hall and presented his legendary dance company, Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Company, on the Perelman Stage.
Speaking of Bobby, Fahtiem trained and mentored under him. She grew and developed her own depth and understanding of Oriental Dance to our art form. On her website is a quote from her inspiration: “Fahtiem brings a touch of class to Oriental Dance, as well as a delightful sauciness, making her not only a grand entertainer, but an artist as well. It’s no wonder that as a performer, teacher, and choreographer, she is so in demand.” (Ibrahim Farrah).
It is no wonder, then, that she followed his guidance and graced the stage of this celebrated Hall.
A Benefit Concert to Turn Up the Peace
Inside the "Great Hall" of Carnegie Hall
Normally, when we think about peace, thoughts of world peace come to mind. However, that’s looking at the big picture … and sometimes, that view can be a little overwhelming.
Two pioneering spirits decided to take a different approach.
Phillip Kanakis and Nandapriya Sattva joined forces to create a not-for-profit organization called Turn Up the Peace. Their overriding philosophy is that peace is not merely the absence of war, but rather the compassion and good will that we, as fellow human beings, show ourselves, the planet around us all and all surrounding forms of life.
To achieve peace, according to Turn Up the Peace, it is essential to create permanent uplifting solutions to people in at-risk situations. For example, one current project is to provide food for communities in Sri Lanka by planting Jackfruit trees to grow fruit that can feed families for 100-200 years.
As you can imagine … achieving this vision takes money.
In order to kick start their efforts, Kanakis and Sattva created a Benefit Concert to raise funds for the initiative. This Benefit Concert premiered on one of the world’s greatest stages – the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.
Top World Talent – from Marla Maples to Chamber of Orchestra of New York to Dan Reed to Fahtiem
The evening began with world famous Marla Maples as the Master of Ceremonies. Her sunny personality known around the world for her co-hosting of Miss Universe Pageant, Miss USA Pageant and Fox after Breakfast, to name a few, set the tone for an enjoyable experience.
Acts included beautiful music from the Chamber Orchestra of New York, whose violinist, French Hornists, cellos and other members of the orchestra filled the Hall with rich notes filled with passion and joy and at times, stirred the audience to tears.
Dan Reed, known for his work as an opening act for RUN DMC, UB40, David Bowie, Bon Jovi and more, graced the stage with songs from his newest album Coming Up for Air. He played acoustic guitar and was accompanied by a fantastic drummer (whose drum was a wooden box that he used as a chair AND a drum). One song depicted the Wall in Jerusalem. His gritty voice sang out of Jews who prayed at the wall at sunset on the Sabbath and the Muslims who prayed at dawn on the other side. The audience could feel the pain and tension and the longing for a peaceful co-existence; Dan literally transported us to the Holy Land.
Backstage at Carnegie Hall, Fahtiem with her dancers
Our lovely Fahtiem presented a gorgeous choreography featuring male modern dancers, ballerinas, jazz dancers and her own Oriental dance. The piece showcased veil work, Isis wings and dancers without any accessories. The music was light, uplifting and beautiful. Fahtiem’s work highlighted her talent for beauty, grace and elegance by skillfully incorporating the different dance genres that honestly “put the magic into every step” in a magnificent, spellbinding performance.
From My Perspective
Fahtiem is one of my personal inspirations. Her dance is beautiful, she is a professional role model for dancers like me who seek to dance and teach for an entire lifetime and her personal life philosophies of creating the reality we want have resonant at a deep level for me.
As a friend and a colleague in Oriental Dance, it was such an honor to share this special, magical moment with Fahtiem. To share what is arguably the pinnacle of her career – to dance our art form on the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall – was deeply meaningful and I thank her for the invitation to be a part of the experience with her. I am so proud of her and happy for her!!!!
Gilae, Fahtiem and Raksanna celebrate at Planet Hollywood, NYC
And in my personal opinion, it is not a stretch to say that the same spirit felt on the May 5 1891 … the official opening night at 881 Seventh Ave in Midtown Manhattan when Tchaikovsky set the stage for musical excellence … Fahtiem has once again set the standard for excellence in Oriental dance.
International icon and master of Middle Eastern dance, Momo Kadous returns to ChicagoRaks™ as the featured guest artist! This year, ChicagoRaks ™ is a two day intensive with Momo.
ONLY 30 SPOTS!!!! This exclusive event ALWAYS sells out.
Download Registration Form: 2011ChicagoRaksRegistration
Agenda, Saturday, Oct 8 – Order and topic subject to change
- 9:30-10:00 am – Registration
- 10:00-12:00 noon – Oriental Choreography, Part I
- 12:00-12:30 pm – Break
- 12:30-2:30 pm – Oriental Choreography, Part II
Agenda, Sunday, Oct 9 - Order and topic subject to change
- 9:30-10:00 am – Registration
- 10:00-12:00 noon – Baladi, Part I
- 12:00-12:30 pm – Break
- 12:30-2:30 pm – Baladi, Part II
- 7:00 pm – informal potluck dinner at Raksanna’s home (bring a dish to share)
Workshop Location
Fry Family YMCA
2120 W 95th Street (corner of Book & 95th)
Naperville IL 60564
630.904.9595
** for driving directions, please visit http://www.randmcnally.com
Tuition
- One day – $150
- Both days – $250 (save $50!!!!)
- Payment plans available!
Coming from Chicago and taking the train?
Transportation to and from Rt 59 (Burlington Northern line of the Metro) can be arranged. Pitch in $10 to cover the price of gas and time for the driver (much cheaper than a taxi!) Email raksanna@raksanna.com for info.
Need Lodging?
Recommended hotel (5 minutes from workshop location, free breakfast, free Wi Fi, reasonably priced) – Super 8, 4228 Longmeadow Drive, Aurora IL 60504, 630.898.5419
On a budget? Limited number of rooms available at fellow dancers homes. Email for details.
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!
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.
