A look at some of my mentors...

While listening to one of my new CDs entitled "Golden Era of Bellydance" I felt inspired to start writing about some of my early mentors in the dance.  This album contains music which was popular during the 1940s - 1970s.  So, I thought, why not start with the ladies from this era who first inspired me?! 

The time period of the 1940s - 1970s is often referred to as the Golden Age or Golden Era of belly dance.  It was during that time that some of the greatest & most influential dancers elevated belly dancing through their performances in the finest night clubs and in film.

Today, I will present one of dancers of this "Golden Era" who was a tremendous influence on me as a beginning student of belly dance & still is now--Samia Gamal.

Her costuming choices, including dancing in heels, provided a strong influence on dancers who followed.  Prior to this time, dancers on stages or in night clubs, did not typically wear high heels to dance.  Her use of the veil as part of an entrance piece supposedly also started a trend.  (Apparently, the use of a veil as a dance prop was born out of a dance exercise.  It was one of her dance instructors who made Samia carry a piece of fabric while practising to improve her arm placement & upper body carriage).  Samia's cross-training in other dance forms, particularly ballet, changed how she presented the dance in comparison to her predecesors as well as her peers.  Her style is elegant, graceful, charming & dynamic.  I'm still in awe of her dancing everytime I watch any footage of Samia.

For a history on Samia (Samya) Gamal please refer to the following article by renowned musician Hossam Ramzy.

Hossam Ramzy's Article on Samya Gamal

Hossam created a series of videos entitled "The Stars of Egypt".  There are 2 titles devoted to clips of dancing by Samia Gamal.  These videos, only available on VHS at this time, are incredible treasures and are a must for any serious student of the dance.

I hope you've enjoyed learning a bit about one of my belly dance mentors.  Next, I'll write about another dancer from the Golden Age who I admire--Taheyya Karioka.

Importance of Cross-Training

This topic came up in discussion after classes last night.  There may have been the odd moan & groan during classes when our drilling became rather aerobic & tested the strength and endurance of all.  Hmmm, another good topic for my blog.  Building muscular strength & cardiovascular endurance is of great importance & should be a part of a belly dancer's regular training.

There are numerous activities which are a great compliment to belly dance training--namely yoga, pilates & strength training.  In addition, any sort of cardio work, whether cycling, running, fast walking, spinning, etc..., are necessary to condition the heart and lungs.  These activities, practiced regularly & in conjunction with your belly dance training, will lead you to achieve your utmost potential!

Now, stop moaning & groaning, and start training!!  ;)

One of my great idols - Lulu Sabongi

When she dances--sometimes I think I forget to breathe!

Lulu Sabongi Stage Performance

Lulu is based out of Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Her dance style is part-classical Egyptian, part modern-Egyptian with a little South American spice thrown in for good measure.

Lulu's training is extensive--the list of instructors she has worked with is amazing.  Among the dancers Lulu has studied with are:  Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda, Amani, Dina, Raqia Hassan and Souhair Zaki.

If any of these names are unfamiliar to you--shame on you!  ;)  Time to do a little research on these folks if these are not names you recognize.

Check out some more footage of Lulu on her website.

Lulu Sabongi

Educating the public about belly dancing

I think all our work & efforts at educating the public about belly dancing is paying off!  On a number of occasions recently I've heard comments like:

"Did you know this is a woman's dance passed along from one generation to another--mother to daughter".

"This is a dance traditionally performed by women, for women."

It makes me realize that people are paying attention (especially students taking belly dance classes). ;)  Keep spreading the word & educating people about this beautiful dance. Good job everyone!  You give me hope that we can make a positive impact on what people think about belly dancing.

Welcome!

There is so much information to share with my students & fellow dancers in the Edmonton belly dance community.  How should I go about getting this information out there?  Well, why not try blogging!  So...here it goes!

Workshops:

There are so many fantastic upcoming workshops I don't know where to begin?!

One of the workshops I am really looking forward to is Sadie's workshop in Edmonton next spring.

Sadie Marquardt Workshop - Spring 2010

An event not to be missed--the IBCC.  This year, some of the featured instructors include:  Mahmoud Reda, Jillina, Hadia & Delilah just to name a few.  (Can you believe it?  Mahmoud Reda!  Take the opportunity to learn from this legend...)

International Bellydance Conference of Canada 

Then...there's the Fifi Abdo workshop in Toronto next summer.  I believe this will be Fifi's first time in Canada too!

Fifi Abdo workshop Summer 2010