I have wanted to go to Rakkasah for quite some time now. I finally got the chance to go this year, (re: extra money). I grabbed my girlfriend Ma’Veesh, we left the kids with our respective husbands, and took off to San Francisco.

When we arrived, we were so excited to be there and away from our numerous responsibilities for a long weekend, we left our luggage at the airport, not realizing it was missing as we almost sped away! Ma’Veesh shouted, "Wait a minute, our luggage!" We had to backtrack back through the train, through the terminal, to retrieve our luggage. What were we thinking? We weren’t. That set the tone for our crazy five day Rakkasah trip.

We arrived Wednesday afternoon, and spent the entire day/night in San Francisco taking in the sights. Yes, we fell for the tourist trap commonly known as the Fisherman’s Wharf. We loved it. As animal lovers, we spent some time watching the seals on the pier. We had some great seafood at Dante’s, picked up some tacky tourist gifts, shopped around, strolled about, while I madly took pictures of the trolley cars, buildings, seals, Alcatraz, etc. As a native New Yorker, I would get highly annoyed at the tourists in the city blocking the foot traffic to take pictures, only to have become one of them myself, although on a different coast!

We arrived at the hotel, checked in, and prepared for our workshops on Thursday. Our first workshop was with Ansuya. We adored her. She was very personable, very giving in her teaching, and funny! She gave a lovely talk about the spirituality and sensuality that is bellydance, and Ma’Veesh and I realized, "This is a woman after our hearts!" Needless to say, Ansuya can do no wrong in our eyes!

The next workshop I took was with Leila Haddad. Leila reminded me of the ‘old school’ ballet mistresses I have had in the past, also reminded me of a flamenco teacher I once had the pleasure of taking a workshop with. Very tough, brooked no nonsense, taught the class her way or the highway! My one disappointment was that I thought I had signed up for her Tunisian Dance workshop, but it was her Raqs Sharqi one. Oh, well, there’s always next year.

Next day was spent shopping and sightseeing in Berkeley, going to Telegraph Hill, house hunting in the hills, and eating at a delightful Turkish Restaurant on University and San Pablo. I ate there almost exclusively when I went out to Suhaila’s week-long in January, so knew about it and had to take Ma’Veesh there to eat. Friday night, I performed on the Cabaret Stage, to a very small but accepting crowd. After my early performance, we got changed and went SHOPPING! I was on the hunt for a royal blue bedlah and an assuit costume. I found it all at Audrena’s.

I enjoyed the PEKO booth, there was a lot happening over by that booth. They also had a good stereo system set up, so if you wanted to hear a CD, they gladly played it for you. If you walked by and heard a song you liked, all you had to do was ask which one, and KA-CHING! It was sold.

PEKO booth was right across from Audrena’s booth, my other favorite booth of the festival. We also loved Anatolian Imports. Ma’Veesh tried on a gorgeous royal blue and silver Topkapi design costume from Anatolian Imports It fit her perfectly. She didn’t even need to move a hook.

KA-CHING! Sold.

Audrena’s booth had lots of fun activity going on. It drew Ma’Veesh and I like moths to the flame. Audrena had an amazing red assuit costume hanging up. I just had to try it on. It fit beautifully! It was so gorgeous, three women from across the room came over to admire the costume/me in it? Ka-Ching! Sold! Of course, I was looking in the mirror complaining about the lighting and how I thought I looked like Ernest Borgning! (Yes, I have issues!) I even went up to the women and told them, "Thanks for the compliments, but I’m having a bad day, the lighting in here is bad." They looked at me like I was crazy, which I am, no argument there! Ma’Veesh and I had lots of laughs about that. I am going to use it to do cane at a major festival I dance in every year, the Bao Bao Festival. Also will use it to dance at the numerous Folk Festivals I perform at. The red assuit will see lots of use! I ended up custom ordering a royal blue costume from Audrena – also custom ordered a silver bedlah from her too! When I purchased the red assuit costume, Audrena, a lovely woman, packed it for me in a very cool plastic leopard bag. (In my world, one cannot go wrong with animal print.) When Ma’Veesh saw it, she had to have one. I ran back to Audrena’s booth and asked her for one, (well, okay, begged, even offered to pay for one). She graciously gave me one. In the meantime, we had lost our keys and had to run booth to booth to search for our rental car keys. After ½ hour of looking, they turned up at Suzanna del Vecchio’s booth. We had helped Suzanna here and there at her booth over the weekend whenever she needed a break, and when she had to get ready to dance on Sunday. Suzanna, of course, is a lovely, gracious woman, whom we enjoyed helping. I sold quite a number of videos for her, and gave out information on her Rocky Mountain retreat, which I can personally vouch for, having attended a number of them.

I was also excited to be at Rakkasah to meet Gwen of Flying Skirts. I am Gwen’s cover girl on her website and also her ‘hang-tag’ girl. My picture is featured on her hang tags. We never met in person, and I was so excited to finally meet her! She is as nice and lovely in person as she is on the phone/email!

I also got to meet Lora from Lrose Designs. I am a pretty good customer of hers, as I am Audrena’s. It was a thrill for me to get to meet all these lovely entrepreneurial women in person.

Ma’Veesh and I didn’t get to see too many performances, we were so busy shopping and chatting with people – next year we will try to catch more performances and do less shopping. (Wishful thinking?) The performances we did get to see were lovely. I got to see Bal Anat. Greatly enjoyed the troupe. I especially loved when Jamilla, Suhaila and Isabella all danced together. It brought tears to my eyes. It represented – to me- a beautiful dance form being handed down from mother to daughter through the generations, giving hope that our lovely dance, no matter what kind of fusion people throw at it, (yes, I’m ‘guilty’ of that myself at times!) it will survive. Ma’Veesh and I saw some other performances that had us scratching our head a bit, and another performance in which we were completely offended. All in all, a great place to people watch, shop, see performances, eat and have fun.

Speaking of eating, the food vendors were great. The lines were long, but moved very quickly. The food was reasonable priced, except for the small cups of soda, they were sold at a different vendor and were a bit over-priced. Would have loved to see soda sold cold in bottles, so we could carry with us and drink at our convenience, instead of slopping around with small cups of soda.

I enjoyed the Souk-style shopping of the event. I loved the crowds and the mayhem in the auditorium. I enjoyed haggling with some of the vendors, and meeting others. There was only one incident I had with an extremely rude, aggressive vendor, which I called to Shukriya’s attention. In a festival this size, there is always going to be one or two vendor issues. Shukriya handled it brilliantly.

As an event manager in my town of Boulder, Colorado, I know how difficult it is and how many things one has to do to manage an event of this size. My hat is off to Shukriya and her staff for a job well done. My one suggestion would be, Shurkiya, you need a bigger auditorium! Would have loved to see even more vendors and a bigger stage area for the cabaret stage.

I also like the way Shukriya handles the dance call in. It is very democratic and the only way I can think of to insure fair access to the stage. Yes, it is frustrating to get busy signals over and over for hours on time, but well worth it when the phone starts ringing. To make your task easier, you can recruit your children/spouse/significant other/friends/family to help with the call in.

All in all, I give this event 4 ½ stars out of 5, and plan on attending next year.

Maria & Gwen of Flying Skirts holding one of her 
lovely skirts & the "hang tag" 

Me, Cabaret Stage Friday Eve

Having recently picked up "Bellydance Performance Ensemble with Suhaila", and having been completely blown away by the troupe performances, I decided I just had to fly out to San Francisco to study with Suhaila.

As a mom of four, a part-time event manager, teaching 5 bellydance classes a week, and performing every weekend at restaurants, private gigs, what-have-you, my life does not really lend itself to flying here and there to take a week off. However, I was determined. Now that my ‘little’ guy is 11, I felt now was the time in my life I can do some traveling. I have an extremely supportive husband, so he was glad to hold down the fort with the kids, dog, snake, house, etc. as I went flying off to Suhaila’s weeklong.

About a month before the January Level I/Level II workshop, I received an email stating that the workshop was going to be filmed for a documentary. Since I am a ‘ham’ at heart, I had no problem with that. I was, however, looking forward to a week of not caring what I looked like, to worrying about how I looked on camera. More on that later!

I arrived in Berkeley on Sunday, a day before the workshop began. I stayed at a hotel right on University and San Pablo. I took the bus every day to the workshop and home from the workshop. Since I am a native New Yorker, taking buses and subways is second nature to me. I wouldn’t dream of renting a car, it would be a complete waste of energy (gas) and money, when all I had to do was walk ½ block and climb on the bus.

I love public transportation and grew up taking it everywhere, even to the beach. My dad is a retired transit worker for the subway system, he used to drive the A train from Harlem to Far Rockaway (where the beach is) so you can say it’s "in my blood". The minute I got to Berkeley, I loved it. It reminded me of Queens, New York, my hometown. I loved all the different ethnic groups and races, the hustle and bustle, the traffic, the lights, the buses, the stores, the bodega’s, the different ethnic restaurants. If Berkeley were a little dirtier and a lot more crowded, I would’ve thought I was home. I am happiest in a city setting, so I was in heaven. I spent Sunday walking around, shopping at the Mexican supermarket for food to stuff my refrigerator back in the hotel, checking out a fabulous Turkish Restaurant and Indian Restaurant that were both cheap, buffet style and delicious!

Being an early bird by nature, I was up by 5 a.m., ready to get to the workshop. I had a lovely time getting ready for breakfast in the lobby, reading some newspapers, and generally having a relaxing morning. I haven’t had one of those ever! I grew up in a large Italian-American family, with Grandparents, Aunt and cousin upstairs from us, and me, dad, mom and brothers downstairs. Mornings were never quiet; in fact, our house was never quiet, ever! Not to mention two dogs, cat, etc. And living in a noisy city.

Walked my ½ block to the bus and within 5 minutes, was at Suhaila’s dance studio in El Cerrito. Tiffany greeted me at the door, being I was early, as usual! I spent the early part of that morning at the studio meditating. (I am a serious yoga student) so meditation is important to me. I wanted to meditate to clear my mind of all pre-conceived notions and letting my spirit be accepting of the week to come. After my meditation, I opened my eyes, and there was a camera right in front of me, full on in my face! I didn’t mind, it in fact made me glad that I was able to meditate and concentrate with all the hustle and bustle going on around me. I had no idea the cameraman was there. I put on makeup that morning, just a little, so I was glad for that. Otherwise I would have stressed about the camera close-up. By the end of the second day, I couldn’t care less about the camera, the sound guy, whatever, I was so busy learning and having a great time. The documentary staff was very respectful of the students, and not once did I feel they got in the way. They never told us what to do what to say, where to stand, they worked around us and were there as observers, unless they were interviewing us.

The day progressed pretty quickly, with Suhaila leading the classes. Kendra took over a lot of the class duty and teaching duty, I would say it was pretty evenly split between Kendra, Tiffany and Suhaila, with Kendra doing the most. Tiffany and Kendra are wonderful teachers, very giving, supporting, and clear in their direction. I was so glad to have them there.

Suhaila was unbelievably giving and respectful and supportive of all her staff. I was so impressed with how she treated everyone in her studio, that I am now a fan for life. I’ve been a manager of a dance studio, manage events, etc., and I know what it takes and does not take to run studios and events successfully. Everything I saw in Suhaila’s studio was impressive and how a studio/business should be run. As a businesswoman myself, I admire Suhaila not only for her business skill, but her success as a dancer.

I was also impressed with everyone that attended the workshop. I met a fantastic group of women at the workshop. All ages and levels. There were two women all the way from New Zealand that were wonderful! In the future, I am planning to travel to New Zealand, and I will look them up. They were fun, fantastic women. Margaret Cho was in the workshop also. I approached her once to tell her I was a fan of her work, and she was very gracious. She was a lot of fun. No one had any kind of diva complex at the workshop. We were all there to learn, we all took our dance seriously and it showed.

And boy, did we get a dance workshop. That’s the kind of workshop that I am talking about when I tell people I dance. As a student of other dance forms in life, I’ve never taken a dance class where I did not work my butt off, and Suhaila’s weeklong was no exception.

In the mornings, we did warm-ups. The first day was her level I warm-up, second day level II, and third day level III warm-up. We never went beyond a level III warm-up. Then drills, drills, and drills followed the warm-ups. There also was an explanation of which muscles were used in which moves, which was extremely helpful if you are a teacher and did not already know which muscle groups you were using. Since I do yoga, had a personal trainer certification years back, and am studying up again to re-apply, I already knew that, but it was great to go over in such a specific way. Her workshops are definitely a challenge, which I completely and unreservedly recommend! I would, however, recommend that if you are even slightly out of shape, you get yourself over to the gym, dance classes, yoga classes, whatever, at least 4 months before the weeklong, or you simply will not be able to keep up. By Thursday, there were a few women who dropped out of the workshop. It is intense, serious dance for the serious student. I am not implying those who cannot make the week are not serious, I am, however, seriously recommending you get yourself in the best shape you can before you attend.

Wednesday afternoon, we were treated to Jamilla and her zil workshop. With Rachid helping, it was a fun, high-energy class. I have to say I came to Suhaila’s already loving Jamilla. I am of Sicilian background, as is Jamilla, so I already had a place in my heart for her. Being at Suhailas, with her family surrounding her, made me very homesick for New York, and having my family around me as I was growing up. It made me a bit nostalgic, because Jamilla reminded me of the Aunts in my family.

Suhaila’s studio is very welcoming, accepting and open to all that wish to be there. For breaks, lunch or otherwise, you are welcome to hang around, sit on the couch, eat, sleep, and watch movies, whatever you wish. One afternoon I stayed there, and told Jamilla I was Sicilian too. She was lovely! She wanted to show me her "Sicilian Card". (I knew what she meant, there is a Sicilian Organization you can belong to, and my cousin does, so I knew all about it.) She couldn’t find it, but she was so sweet! Suhaila’s daughter Isabella is darling too. I am a mom of four, so I love kids, and often kids are drawn to me. I am usually a kid and animal magnet.

Isabella came up to me and asked me, "Where are you from?"

Me, "I’m from New York"

Isabella, "I knew it!"

Me, "How did you know that?"

Isabella, "You look like a New York or Las Vegas person."

Me, "How does one look like a New York or Las Vegas person?"

Isabella, "You have big hair and talk loud."

Me, "You are so cute!"

Kids are the greatest; I love them, because they just speak their mind so generously and from the heart. I just laughed and laughed. Isabella was right, I do have ‘big hair’ and I do talk loud, it’s the Sicilian New Yorker in me! Even my own children make fun of me.

If you wish to leave the studio for lunch, the studio is a block away from a big strip mall, with a Barnes & Noble, a Macaroni Grille, etc., and lots of coffee shops across the street and on the same block. One nice little breakfast/lunch grille is on the same block as the studio run by a very nice retired police officer, who informed me that on the corner, a coffee shop/boutique is opening shortly by people from Long Island.

After two days, I forgot the cameras and the big boom mic and the producer were there, and just worked hard and had a great time dancing. The producer asked to interview me on camera, which was fun. I told her I had to "fluff & buff" before hand, and she laughed, and it became a bit of a joke about "fluffing & buffing" as the week wore on. I loved the interview, they were gracious and intelligent, and am looking forward to the documentary DVD. The cameraman and sound guy were also very nice; everyone that week had such great energy. A newspaper reporter from the Contra-Costa Times also interviewed me. http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/13725312.htm

He was a nice reporter, and actually did not misquote me, except for one little mistake saying I taught other dance classes and incorporated bellydance, which I just teach bellydance. Through my work in Boulder, I have lots of experience with reporters, most good, some bad, so I was a bit wary of talking to him, but he was wonderful, and represented me well, so I was glad for that.

When you arrived in the morning, there was coffee, tea, juices, bagels, fruit, and lots of goodies for us. Water was provided for us all day, but I do recommend bringing your own, and a lot of it! Prepare to sweat, and smell! Be ready to re-apply deodorant often. I also use an all-natural rose-water spray that I purchase at an organic market in Boulder that works wonders. I spray it right on my clothing and skin, and it naturally deodorizes, in addition to frequent applications of deodorant. In the afternoon, there were snacks for us also. The last day of the workshop, Suhaila and staff treated us to a catered dinner at the studio, which was delicious. The first day of the workshop, we also got a knapsack and goodies in the knapsack. We also got our "I survived the Suhaila week-long" t-shirt as a parting gift on the last day.

The afternoons at the workshop were spent learning a drum solo choreography, which were lots of fun. There was something for everyone in the workshop, technique, warm ups, drills, and choreography.

On Wednesday, after the workshop, I decided to stay around the studio, and wait for her folkloric fusion being offered that evening. I walked over to Barnes & Noble, grabbed a bite to eat at the little grill on the block, and had a great folkloric fun high-energy class taught by Kendra and Suhaila. By the time I got off the bus that night and back to my hotel room, I was pretty wiped out. However, I woke up the next day bright and early and raring to go.

I decided not to test, because I just cannot afford time-wise to keep flying out to California, however, I am going back this August for her Level I/Level II workshop again, and may test for both, and hopefully get to go back out to Level III. We never know what the future holds for us, but I do know this much, I enjoyed the week-long workshop immensely and highly recommend it.

What is Appropriate Costuming?

The idea for this column came from an experience I had with my intermediate students. I was asked to teach a group of seventh grade girls a nice Middle Eastern dance for their after-school dance club. I taught them a cute veil dance. For the year-end show, the teacher who ran the dance club invited all the professional performers who taught dances to the children to perform at the show. Due to previous commitments, I sent my intermediate students to do a troupe number. The teacher already informed me that the school had alot of conservative students/families in the dance club. I told my students that they must wear a leotard under their harems and choli outfit. One of the students balked at this stricture. I had to explain to her that the school had alot of conservative families that would be at this show, and it was appropriate to respect that and to wear an appropriate costume with that in mind. With this experience in mind, I decided to write the column.

When I am hired to perform at restaurants/clubs, I always make sure before I apply that I know what the restaurant expects regarding costuming. Most restaurants/clubs expect and want a bellydancer in cabaret outfitting. Usually the beaded/sequined bra/belt variety, but also a beautiful beaded beledy dress is appropriate. I would not expect to wear the same type of outfit I do at the restaurants/clubs to a school function. When I perform at schools, whether part of my storytelling troupe Ziva Dunya, or solo, I cover myself neck to foot. When I wear tribal style ALA Fat Chance Belly Dance, I wear a leotard UNDER the choli so no belly flesh is exposed. The principal and teachers appreciate it, and I am always asked back to the schools year after year.

If a client hires me for a function/party and informs me that there may be some people there that are slightly uncomfortable with a bellydancer, I make sure I wear harems under my skirt, and that I pick a cabaret costume with a larger bra cup so that there is not an excess of cleavage. Or, I choose a beautiful beaded and sequined beledy dress. Every one of those parties that hired me appreciated that I still looked like the vision they had of a bellydancer, but still modest enough not to offend anyone. You also can never make assumptions. I have danced for a gathering of nuns, and they wanted me to wear what I wear in the restaurant. They absolutely had the best time, and got up and learned some moves after my show per their request. They are having me back next year for their annual gathering. You might expect that they would have wanted me to cover up, but that was not the case.

Remember that when you are hired for a gig, it is a matter of respect towards the person/persons hiring you that you are aware of the issues they may have with respect to your costuming, and that their concern is appropriate. How you feel about the issue or your political views regarding costuming should be kept to yourself. You are not hired to make a statement about anything other than to ENTERTAIN! You are the entertainer/performer they have hired, and you need to act/dress appropriately. You will get more jobs and more references then you can imagine if you respect the person hiring you regarding dress & behavior. Wouldn't YOU be embarrassed showing up at a children's school to dance with excess cleavage and leg showing? I know I would. You are not there to show your body, you are there to dance for the children and teach them a little of the culture where the dance originated and for them to have FUN.

In conclusion, remember it is the person hiring you paying your bills, and what they want and expect regarding costuming, (extra modest or cabaret style) is what you should wear to the gig. It goes without saying not to do anything against your morals; such as if a party asks for a topless dancer you would direct them to the adult entertainment heading in the yellow pages! If you don't personally feel that you should cover up because the client wants you to, then explain that and forward the job to someone else instead trying to make a point with the client.

What CD’s do you recommend to students that they just "have to have" in their collection?

Glad you asked! I have written my list below. Keep in mind that everyone’s musical tastes differ. If you love a song, chances are you will dance beautifully to it, rather than dance to something someone else deems a "great song". This is not in any way a complete list.

With that in mind, here are my top CD’s. in no particular order. Enjoy!

Bellydance Superstars Vol. I
Bellydance Superstars Vol. II
Haikim Yaho
Said Mrad plays Baligh Hamdi
Said Mrad 2001 Nights
Best of Amr Diab
Alabina
Alabina II
Mezdeke Vol. III
Mezdeke Vol. IV
Tarkan Olurum Sana
Brothers of the Baladi, Season of Hope (Christmas CD)

Gypsy Caravan, Migration
Solace Ahsas
Solace The Gathering Season
Solace, Rhythm of the Dance
Mafufo’s Drumsongs for Dancers
Sirocco III
Domba's CD's 

Dear Dancin’ is easy,

You have nothing to apologize for. Most of us are born with a talent that god/nature endowed us with. Not many of us are lucky enough to know it, let alone go for it! You were lucky enough to realize that dancing was where your talent lies. You have been dancing since you were little, it is something you have always done. You have found your dance form that suits you. Other dancers are exceptionally talented in ballet, and have the correct body type for that form, or tap, and have the necessary rhythm and feel. You found bellydance. Good for you!

The number of lessons does not a bellydancer/dancer make! I am sure we all know people who have been taking lessons for 5 to 10 years and still need to take 5 to 10 years more. Then there are those dancers who think they have reached the top and think there is nothing more to be learned and think they know it all. There is always something to be learned, we can always grow in our dance, whether it be bellydance, tap, hip-hop, jazz, what have you.

You, my dear, are dealing with jealousy. Just be the best dancer you can be, ignore the nay-sayers, and remember, the proof is in the pudding. You are working and you are popular.

And remember, you are dancing for the audience, not for other dancers. So if the audience likes you, that is success, if the other dancers do not, well, so be it.

Hang in there!

You are a fortunate women to have found a group of ladies and troupe director who are true friends. You have to decide which is the most important factor for you, being in a troupe that is supportive, or striking out on your own. Can you speak to the troupe director and possible do both? I see nothing wrong with that. Of course, that would be up to your troupe director. Any time in life we face change, it brings stress and uncertainties. How we handle it is part of our personalities. Some of us dive right in and embrace change, and others agonize over the choice. But one thing never changes, it is YOU who has to make the decision. No one can make it for you.

I would start with an internet search. I would search for restaurants who hire dancers. When I arrive at my new destination, I would visit the restaurants (during slow times, usually 1 – 4 pm), with my resume , bio, and references in hand. Find out what they normally pay for a show. Do not undercut!

On your internet search you can look up teachers and performers in your area. Email them, introduce yourself briefly and say you would like to be in the community, are there any workshops, or classes (if you are a student), or shows coming up. You would like to support the community you are new to, and would like to be a member. You may get an email or two, or none at all!

Also look for local vendors. Vendors are usually great places to find out information on events, teachers, places to dance, etc. They are very hooked into the community, because that is their bread and butter!

If you are a teacher and are looking to teach, when you arrive, contact the directors of the dance studios with resume in hand, and start your classes! Recreation centers and YMCA’s are also good starting points to look for teaching jobs.

Good luck!

You should also familiarize yourself with different rhythms. For instance, you may say, or the band may say, "We are playing such and such song, it is a saidi rhythm." You may also request a slow chiftetelli or a fast ayuub.