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Thoughts on the Final Day: Randa Kamel Course

rp-admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:54:44 +0000

Today is the final day of the Randa Kamel weeklong intensive. The experience has been such a whirlwind of joy, hard work, exciting events and immersion in the Egyptian culture. In short, it has simply been a piece of heaven on Earth and I am so happy to be a part of it.

For the past two days, Randa has been teaching our class her signature choreography and opening number for which she is known around the world. I was amazed and so surprised (and overcome with excitement and happiness!) to learn that she was sharing it with us. Certainly, Randa’s generosity is rare to find and a treasure to be cherished.

I have met new friends from around the world – Scotland, Japan, Germany, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Russia, Poland, England and of course, the good ol’ USA! (There are five Americans here – two of which are in the final leg of the competition tonight!)

Speaking of the competition tonight, the finalists were asked to provide a list of ten (10) well known and loved Egyptian songs that her orchestra could play. Then, Randa selected each dancer the music to which she will dance this evening. It was my good fortune to be assigned Fi Youm Wa Leyla, one of my favorite
Oriental songs in the whole world. It is the first time I have ever danced with
a full orchestra and I am so excited for this opportunity.

While, as in all competitions, there will only be one “winner”of the Randa crown, I do firmly believe in my heart and soul that each of us who competed is a winner. Part of the competition was direct feedback and evaluation from Randa herself. For me, this information is a gift – because I am a teacher, I rarely receive feedback on how to improve and grow. To see myself through her eyes is wonderful because actionable items and points to focus on and develop on. And my goal is to be able to show demonstranble improvement when I see Randa again in Chicago in May when she comes with Dee Dee Asad from Little Egypt. (Btw, if you have not done so now and are in the area, you should take the opportunity to register because as a dancer, Randa is a teacher, choreographer and performer that you simply MUST experience. Not only is Randa a lovely person, her impact on our dance and art form is global – and she is changing Oriental dance. For belly dancers who are interested in knowing the modern trends and technique, you will be left behind if you do not take the opportunity to study with and see her perform.)

So, tonight, it will be magical. Not only do I have the opportunity to perform with one of the best Oriental orchestras in the world, but I am dancing in a new costume from my dear friend, Mohammed. He is the brother of Hanan, the designer known as Queen Hanan, and he started his own design business about two years ago. On the plane ride home, I am going to write an article about him so that you get to know him. His quality is as high as Eman Zeki and I predict he will quickly become one of the premier designers of Oriental belly dance costumes.

For this evening, I am going to release all expectations and let go of all worries and concerns. I am going to simply focus on the magic of the moment – dancing in Cairo in the shadows of the pyramids, to a magnificent orchestra, in front of the woman who inspires my dance and artistically influences me beyond measure, surrounded by friends and loved ones I consider part of my extended family. Tonight is simply perfect.

And, another nice thing is that I signed up to dance with the orchestra for the open show to Alf Layla We Layla, another of my absolute favorites.

I am so thankful and grateful for the chance to be here and send much love to my husband and best friend, David, for making it possible for me to live out my dreams. For without him, I don’t know where my life would be. I love you, David!

Top 3 Reasons to Participate in Competitions

rp-admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:01:25 +0000

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.

Dreams Do Come True! My NYC Belly Dancing Debut

rp-admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:22:23 +0000

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.

The Dream Team: Raksanna and the Desert Flames

rp-admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 20:55:08 +0000

My professional troupe and I, Raksanna and the Desert Flames, competed in two fantastic events last year.

The piece below is an original Raksanna choreography to the magnificant Dr. Samy Farag and his musical number, Habipti. When I choreographed this piece, I wanted to tell the story of our team – the overall friendship and commraderie of our team as a whole and the celebration of the friendships and relationships that are between each of us.

Enjoy!

ChicagoRaks™ 2011

rp-admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:03:27 +0000

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.

Catching Up! Momo Kadous, ChicagoRaks (TM) and more!

rp-admin — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:04:48 +0000

So much has happened in the past several weeks that it has been a whirl wind of events! In mid-September, Momo Kadous returned to the Windy City for my annual workshop and gala show weekend, ChicagoRaks ™ 2010, my parents celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary and I was featured at a workshop and show in my home town of Las Cruces, I was hired by LifeTime Fitness (a prestigious health club I’ve had my eye on for 10 years), my job at the doctors office is really ramping up, I turned 40 years old, my son turned 21 years old and in October, I headed to NYC to audition for the Belly Dance Superstars! Things are amazingly wonderful!

Rather than write about all of these fantastic experiences in one blog – and then not blog again for several weeks (life is busy!), I decided to write a blog on each one and I’ll post each week. That way, you can spend some free moments with me, if you’d like!

ChicagoRaks ™ 2010 – Featuring Momo Kadous

Gilae at the ChicagoRaks (TM) 2010 show

This year marks the fourth annual year for ChicagoRaks ™. My vision for this event is to bring Egypt to Chicago in an intimate setting where dancers from across the globe can study with a world-renowned Egyptian dance artists and showcase their talents for the artist in a fun setting. In addition to limiting the number of dancers to only thirty (30), I host dinners in my home or cocktail receptions to create a highly personalized experience where dancers can get to know the artist on the individual level, a rare opportunity in today’s world of mega conferences and festivals.

I first met Momo in Cairo about seven years ago. I had returned to the Land of the Pharaohs for Raqia Hassan’s Intensive Teachers Course, an amazing intensive where you immerse yourself in all aspects of the dance for ten days straight, dance eight hours a day and enjoy lectures in the evening in Cairo, Egypt. Momo, of course, is a featured instructor for this course.

During his workshop, Momo taught a mouthwatering Oriental choreography that was quintessentially his style – deep layering, interpretation of the grandest and the tiniest of details and utterly magnificent. I was completely inspired. Both his teaching style (demanding of our best, accepting no excuses and expecting the discipline typically found in a traditional ballet class) and his artistry touched me deeply on the soul level.

At the end of the Teacher’s Course, there is an opportunity to dance for our teachers. I decided to perform my award-winning choreography, Alfrec: An RE

Momo Kadous and Raksanna enjoying a relaxing moment

G Medley, that evening. With modern music that fused the many different folkloric styles to techno instrumentation, a brief taxim and a playful drum solo, I thought it was a perfect fit that showcased my personal style.

Momo, of course, was in the audience. He watched with thoughtful eyes and at times, I caught him nodding his head in approval and smiling. I was excited! That night, as I made my way back to my room, I passed Momo in the hallway of the hotel. He caught my eye and said quietly to me, “Raksanna, you have something very special. Please continue to train and develop. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.” He nodded and quietly walked away.

I will never forget that moment – it was touching, humbling and oh, so exciting!

Fast forward and I found myself producing ChicagoRaks ™. My first year, I sponsored the delightful Faten Salama and she was such a win! For the second year, I decided to bring Momo – and it was fabulous! The girls LOVED him. Year three showcased the lovely Fahtiem from Los Angeles.

When I saw Momo in Cairo last December, we talked about what a great experience everyone had had when he had visited us. We both decided that it was time for him to return to Chicago and quickly made the appropriate arrangements. He agreed to teach his beautiful Oriental choreography and then have some fun with a drum solo and a modern pop song.

Dress rehearsal - the Shamaden dancers opened the 15-minute production number, an original Raksanna choreography that honors the beautiful genres of Egyptian dance

As registrations started coming in, I was so excited to see that we had dancers representing five States (Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin and California) and seven countries (Canada, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Thailand, Mexico and the United States) participating in the weekend festivities!

There was a special dinner for Momo at my house on Friday evening and then a cocktail reception with him on Saturday, prior to the show. Guests had the chance to meet Momo one-on-one and get to know this extraordinary legend and dance master on the personal level. In class, Momo kept dancers challenged and on their toes (literally) with amazing choreography, tantalizing technique and musicality that is top notch.

Ariel of Chicago performs a beautiful fan veil dance at ChicagoRaks (TM) 2010

Saturday’s gala show was held in an eclectic theater near downtown Chicago called The Viaduct. The lineup was a wonderful mixture of solos, duets and group numbers. Erika of Chicago kicked off the evening with an energetic Sha’abi dance; Diana the Dancer from Wisconsin performed a beautiful dance to “She,” Tammimi of Japan danced to a gorgeous Oriental number and Amani Jabril delighted the audience with a lovely wing piece. My professional competition troupe, Raksanna and the Desert Flames, performed our award-winning number featuring swords, veils and wings to Dr. Samy Farag’s Habipti.

My production company had been hard at work over the spring and summer perfecting one of my original choreographies that was a tribute to Egypt. The sixteen minute number started off with Shamaden as a nod to the Pharonic times then moved to Alexandria for a Melaya Leff number. A soft, spiritual number came next to feature the Zar, followed by the joy of Nubia. A traditional Saidi stick dance came next and the piece culminated in a rousing drum solo. I dedicated the number to both Momo Kadous and Faten Salama for their deep inspiration to me.

The girls rocked it! My heart swelled with pride as Momo’s eyes lit up throughout the show – and in the end, when we presented him with a Chicago cap and a photo of us all, his remarks brought tears to my eyes. “Tonight, I have seen my country, Egypt, on the stage. The passion and the spirit of these dancers show this art is not just about the body … but this art is about the soul, about touching the audience with your spirit and bringing us each closer to our humanity.”

Momo Kadous and Raksanna, Sept 2010

Momo, thank you. Thank you for your inspiration, for those words of belief so many years ago and for your own spirit that brings me closer to my own humanity, allowing me to dig deeper into my own artistry. I will see you in a few weeks, back in the shadows of the Pyramids, as I study with you again.

Hugs and shimmies to you all,

Raksanna

Mahmoud Reda!

rp-admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:20:39 +0000

Greetings from the Shadows of the Pyramids

rp-admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:53:08 +0000

Greetings from the Shadows of the Pyramids! – June 29, 2010

Wow! It has been such an amazing trip to Egypt so far! My friends and colleagues in the dance world are here and it is so good to see everyone again. My heart is filled with joy and love – and I know the special feeling of magic that is part and parcel of Egypt is what calls to my spirit and brings me across continents and oceans to be here on such a regular basis. I love this country and I love belly dance.

The girls who came with me have had an amazing time! Debbie, Lynn and Joy went on so many excursions – from visiting Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea (where they saw the catacombs, the world famous library, the light house and ate lunch by the sea) to visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as Saccarra, to a day trip to the Egyptian Museum and then the Old Church world, their days during the first week were absolutely complete! My camera has no more charge, so I will post photos when I get back to the States.

Lynn stayed for only a week and enjoyed the tour part of the package. She was such a treat! Lynn picked up a college course on tape of ancient Egyptian history so she was able to put all of the excursions and sights into context. Our guides from Ahlan Wa Salan travel have been the utmost professional and knowledgeable – as always! I have come to Egypt many times and the people who make up the travel company – Yassir, Bassem, Sameul, Mustofa, Regaey and all – are among the finest tour groups in the world. I always feel safe with them and have never experienced any problems whatsoever.

The dance festival began last Friday. The gala show was fabulous, as always! The show opened with a great band that featured five Tanora (sp??) dancers – these are the male dancers that spin for what seems like forever. The crowd went wild!!! It takes such amazing control and grace to be able to spin and NOT get dizzy and fall down!

After the Tanora dancers came this really cool Nubian ensemble. There was a live band and dancers that both danced on the ground – as well as about four men that dances on STILTS that were at least ten (10) feet tall! Complete with dancing horses (people dressed up like horses), this show had everyone out of their seats and shimmying along.

A new designer, Fernando from Argentina, followed with an amazing display of his new costume line. He creates beautiful modern costumes and I have to say that each and every one is absolutely gorgeous! With the World Cup going on and a strong showing of dancers in the festival from Brazil, one of the top hits was his Brazilian-inspired costumes – very beautiful!

Katia from Russia followed the fashion show. She is a nice dancer and set the tone for the evening. Her costume was very nice and she did a very good job with her dancing. It was nice to watch her performance – I have taken several of her classes over the past several years and it was my first time to see her in action with her 19 piece orchestra.

Sorraya from Brazil followed with her 23 piece orchestra and was FABULOUS! She certainly got the crowd up and involved – she is known for her shimmy and she certainly exceeded all expectations!!! Check her out on You-Tube and you can see just what a little dynamo this lovely woman is!

Dina from Egypt (yes, the famous super star) closed the show with her 29 piece orchestra. She was really amazing that night. Dina performed for about an hour and had four costume changes. Her dancing was strong and she connected with the crowd on a spiritual level that was felt by all. It is easy to see why Dina is considered the top dancer in all of Egypt.

On the first day of the festival, I taught my class. My students included dancers from Spain, Belgium, the United States, Morocco, Argentina and Croatia. One of the many beauties of our dance is that the language of our movements cross all cultures and language and what could not be understood through English was understood though the body. I taught an exciting drum solo that kept the dancers in high energy and lots of movement, and then followed with an hour of technique and patterns from my new DVD, Experience the Magic (TM) Advanced Technique and Playful Patterns, Volume 1.

That evening featured the Teachers Show. I had the amazing honor to open the show and am so thankful to Madame Raqia for making my dreams come true. With six of the seven continents represented and dancers from more than 35 countries, I danced to Nancy Ajram’s “Be Patient With Me” and a drum solo. The crowd was so receptive – their clapping and cheers inspired me so much that I was floating on air for the next three days! I will always remember that evening as one of those moments that is frozen in time because of the passion, the excitement and the experience of living a dream!!! Madame Raqia – thank you, thank you, thank you. I will post video footage of the dance when I return to the States as I am experiencing some difficulties with the power and my computer here.

The next few days were filled with workshops and of course, shopping! I took Angelika Nemeth’s “Passion and Drama” workshop – she taught an amazing choreography to a new song from Tarkan, a very popular Turkish singer. It was my first time studying with Angelika and she is an excellent instructor. She clearly breaks down movements and patterns, provides individual feedback to dancers in the class and has a fun, engaging teaching style.

Momo Kadous, one of my personal friends and mentors, taught a gorgeous Oriental choreography yesterday. Momo is such a fabulous artist and musician – he is so talented with bringing each nuance and element of the music to life! The room was jam-packed with dancers and every person walked out feeling fabulously inspired by his work. I look very forward to bringing him to Chicago from September 15-19 for ChicagoRaks (TM) 2010, where he is the featured artist teaching a 30-hour intensive workshop. For details and information, please check out the event under Events and Workshops. This is one workshop that is a MUST HAVE for any dancer who loves our dance and wants to develop him or herself. Momo will teach 5 new choreography’s, have a special section on drum solos and go in-depth on rhythms and musicality. The intensive is complete with a show that is certain to be a great experience!

Okay – you’re probably wondering about the … SHOPPING!!! Well, I can tell you that it has been a wonderful time so far. From a belly dance perspective, it is great to see Hanan Mahmoud, my primary costume designer. She is a wonderful woman and her family has been my friends for years. Hanan and Mamdouh (her husband) are a lovely couple with three children and one on the way very soon! They are good people and Hanan’s costume are extraordinary high quality, great designs and excellent prices. She has a new line here and as always, is absolutely wonderful. I have about 12 of her costumes (can you tell I love her!) and my professional dance company, Raksanna and the Desert Flames, are dressed in her lovely work. I think I spent half my mortgage payment with her on costumes!! (Shhhh! Don’t tell my husband!)

Hanan’s brother, Mohamed, just started his own line of costume designs. His style is reminiscent of Hollywood Glamour and is so sophisticated and beautiful. His hallmark is the “less is more” and I can tell you first hand with my gorgeous new costume, that he is someone to watch. Mohamed, like his sister, provides top line quality at great prices. His fabric is from Italy and all of the work is hand-made. He uses real stones, not plastic beads, and when you put on one of his costumes, you simply feel like a princess!!!! I can’t wait to choreograph a new piece and then dance in this costume!

Another designer that is an up and comer is George of Paris. His hallmark is a contemporary modern style that incorporates classic elements with the modern feel. His prices are excellent and he is also one to watch. My suitcase is bursting with yes, another costume that I cannot wait to dance in!

Outside of belly dance, Debbie, Joy and I have visited Khan El Khalil, the ancient market, that has not changed since its inception in the 1300′s. Shop after shop after shop features knicknacks and souvenirs – and of course, there is the world famous Mahmoud, whose three-story building is filled with belly dance treasures from Shamedons to Isis wings to hip scarves that are unique and top quality. We also visited a jewelry store that featured Egyptian gold at great prices, a carpet factory where the workers demonstrated how the beautiful Oriental silk rugs are made, to a cotton store for textiles and linens created out of the finest Egyptian cotton and more. There was also a stop to a perfume shop for great smelling perfumes at a fraction of the cost that you will find in the States, or elsewhere in the world.

One very special stop for me was a visit to Mr. Ibrahim at Atlantis Oils. Atlantis Oils is a healing center that has been operating for four generations. Mr. Ibrahim and his brother run the shop and they have a beautiful organic “farm” of flowers and plants located in the Baharia Oasis, about five hours from Cairo, in the midst of the Bedouin community and near the Crystal Desert. The flowers from the Oasis are brought back to the shop in Cairo (on Pyramids Street) to be pressed for their oils in the purest of forms. Each flower and plant has a specific healing purpose – and of course, can be used for perfume, if desired. In addition to the oils, Mr. Ibrahim and his brother are healers – meaning that they do massage therapy, chakra healing, Reiki and other energy work. As a Reiki master teacher myself, I can tell you that Mr. Ibrahim is authentic. I indulged in a much needed full body massage and a chakra healing – and left so grounded and energized that I felt as if heaven itself had touched my soul. Debbie and Joy enjoyed a foot massage with reflexology, a method that dates back to the ancient Pharonic times. Please, if you come to Cairo, please do yourself a favor and visit Atlantis Oils on Pyramids Street. You will be very pleased, I absolutely promise.

Well, it is off to the festival for me. Please keep an eye out for updates – my connection is rather limited here, but I promise to write at least once a week and fill you in on all the details!!!

Hugs and shimmies,

Raksanna

“Ahlan Wa Salan” Festival: Here I Come!

rp-admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:35:28 +0000

Lynn and Raksanna at Chicago O'Hare, getting ready for take off!

June 19, 2010

I’m on my way to the world famous belly dance festival, Ahlan Wa Salan, sponsored by Raqia Hassan and held in Cairo, Egypt each year. As a returning featured instructor, I am very excited to be on the way to a fantastic event! More than 1,000 dancers from across the world, representing all seven continents, gather in the shadow of the Pyramids to dance, learn, tour Egypt and meet new friends and colleagues. Raqia does an outstanding job at bringing together to top instructors with a variety of styles, highly professional tours and a fun-filled festival for serious dancers and hobbyists alike! I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to teach and be a part of such a great event.

Each time I visit Egypt, I come back a different, deeper person and a stronger dancer. One of the things I love so much about teaching at the festival is the inspiration I get from the students who share my passion for the beautiful art form of belly dance – and the joy that comes from bonding with each other through ancient movements and artistic interpretation of fantastic melodies, pulsating rhythms and gorgeous instruments! It is ALL good!

This year, I am taking a small tour group with me. Lynn, Deb and Joy decided to come with me across the waters to the continent of Africa, the cradle of civilization. Deb and Joy departed from their home town in North Carolina yesterday and will arrive at the hotel in Cairo about six hours prior to Lynn and me. We departed from the Windy City of Chicago and arrive tomorrow morning at approximately 1 am. It takes a full 24 hours (with flight time and lay over) to make the trek across the world.

Lynn and I are now in London, enjoying a late breakfast and several cups of coffee. Lynn is a great person and so excited to go Egypt. She is staying for one week and her itinerary is filled with exciting, spectacular tours of the country. Lynn picked up a lecture series on Egypt and has made it all the way from the birth of the human race to the time of Alexandria the Great. It is such fun to experience her excitement for the trip! I’m glad she decided to come along!

Well, I promised to blog throughout the next three weeks. Stay posted for photos, snapshots and journal entries so that you can “travel along” with me!

Happiest of shimmies,
Raksanna

A Certification that Stands Out from the Rest: Faten Salama’s “Al-Massrawey”

rp-admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:48:38 +0000

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!