Dina in DC!

Back in the beginning of May I had the honor of seeing a live performance by Dina!  Love her or hate her she has a style all her own and in my opinion is a master of Egyptian dance.  She can stand in one spot and shimmy for 5 minutes and convey so much emotion just in her face and her arms.  I was lucky enough to have VIP seating which meant I was very close to the stage in the front row and was able to see every move.  There was also a workshop that weekend but I wasn’t able to participate. If she comes back around I’m not going to miss a chance to learn everything I can from her!

The audience was primarily Middle Eastern as was most of the speaking.  There were 2 great opening dancers from Canada that were hand-picked by Dina along with a live music set by Mohamed Reda.  During his performance I saw so many people – young, old, men, women, children (one cute little girl even got up onstage and showed how it’s done!) up and dancing.  The folks at the table next to us invited us to get up and dance.  I was reluctant (improv…oh noes!) but once I got up I felt like I fit right in.

Dina’s set lasted about an hour.  She changed costumes about 4 times and only took about 3 minutes to switch from one beautiful costume to the next. It was great being that close and seeing the joy in her eyes as well as the joy she spread through the whole room.

I brought my camera but figured photos wouldn’t be allowed.  Man was I wrong! Almost everyone was either snapping photos or recording videos with their phones.  I suppose it’s a cultural thing perhaps? I know here in the US photography is sometimes not allowed. It didn’t seem to matter to Dina or the event hosts – who by the way were super nice!! So once my phone died my friend went and got my Nikon and I was able to get some shots. At the end of the show Dina was gracious enough to stick around and many of the workshop participants were able to get their photos taken with her. I almost didn’t but thought when will I get this chance again?  I stepped in line and had my picture taken with her!

It was a great night and I’ll never forget it! I tried to remember every move she made but ended up just in awe of her talent and presence.  If she comes around your town don’t miss it! Here’s some photos…

Saw a Show and Took a Photo

A local dance troupe, The Women of Selket,  hosted their annual workshop this past weekend here in Richmond VA.  The guest instructor and performer was Fahtiem.  For those who have not heard she really really can do a belly roll side to side.  Yes.  Not up and down but left, right, left, right…  I have laid in bed many nights trying to accomplish this.  Up and down I can do but sideways??  Maybe I’ll start trying diagonal…

Anyway check her out here – This isn’t the exact choreography she performed Saturday but you can see the fantastic belly action very clearly.

Also want to add that all the dancers that night were great!!  Some interesting props – fan veils and feathers – and some good old-fashioned Egyptian Lasser Fakir makes me smile 🙂

The next day I took a mini road trip to Charlottesville to play with a friend’s Nikon D50.  We were wandering around The Mall and I noticed a sign that said BellyDance – Alexandras Dance School.  I went closer to get a photo, looked up and saw a zil class in session…

Alexandra's Dance School in session!

I was very tempted to go on up and join them.  Maybe next time – I’ll call ahead.

 

I Can’t Stop Watching Fifi Abdo!

Part of my real job (the one I get paid to do)  involves watching a website for a zero to change to a different number for anywhere from 2-4 hours a day.  Needless to say I have lots of time to watch YouTube videos and read up on dancers.  Today 4 Fifi Abdo videos showed up on my Recommended Videos.  I’ve always been a fan of hers.  One class I took last spring focused on the stylings of a few different dancers – Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca  and of course Fifi.

Some have criticized her for not having a huge repertoire of moves – it is true that you don’t see her executing huge exaggerated arms or big flowy traveling  moves too much.  Her traveling can be as simple as walking forward with a slow 3/4 or hagallah and backwards with just a shoulder shimmy (Fifi Abdo in Pink Galabeya).  What you do see is a dancer who dances from the inside – Someone who has been dancing her whole life and the music is in her and the dance is how she shows you.  She can stand in almost the same spot for an entire song (Lessa Fakir performance) and it is beautiful to watch.

I also like that she is true to herself.   She has made a name for herself as one of the top performers in dance.  She pushed the boundaries of dance in her country and even though she was criticized for her “boldness” she never let that stop her.   She is not only a dancer but also has gained some recognition for her charity work and helping the less fortunate in Cairo.   Although she did stop dancing in 2004 she has worked as an actress and still teaches the occasional workshop.  (See article here for more)

As a dancer I admire her for pushing boundaries.  She did get away with things other
dancers couldn’t have – Her famous Shisha dance is a great example!

I like to think my style is moving more towards traditional or classic Egyptian.  I’ve danced to everything from Egyptian Pop to Turkish to a variety of Fusion styles.  When I hear Hossam Ramzy, Mohamed Abdel Wahab or any other traditional Egyptian music I hear it in dance moves.  The music tells my body what to do – It was created for the dancer.  And when I watch an Egyptian dancer interpret the music it just makes sense.   I like the internal feel – that the dancer is baring her soul by her movements.  Down to the facial expressions…I especially like the brow furrow and the shaking the head “no”.  Whereas American Cabaret is more done for or at the audience, I think Egyptian style is done for the dancer and with the audience.  I hope with enough studying I can convey those same emotions when I perform.  What Richmond VA needs is more Classic Egyptian workshops!

For some examples of  more traditional styles go check out my YouTube page link in the Blogroll and look through the playlists Traditional Belly Dance.  Also Vintage Belly Dance has some other staples like another favorite of mine Suheir Zaki.