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More Sparklers for Sale!

It is time to rotate a few costumes so here we go!

First up is a gorgeous Toni and Robbi turquoise costume SOLD with extremely three dimensional, lush beading. This set is actually heavy! It comes with a super swirly skirt with 2 slits in the front, 2 arm bands, a wrist cuff, bra, belt, and earrings!

Nitty gritty details:

Bra has a 30″ underbust and the cups measure 6h x 6v x 6.5″ diagonal, on the inside. I pushed the tape in over padding so they may even be deeper.

Belt is 37″ long, but there was a piece added by the previous owner so that she could wear it really low. She did an amazing job and you can not tell but it could be removed if necessary.

The skirt is 32″ unstretched at the top and stretches up to 38″ and it is 36″ long laying flat. I  never put in elastic and just pinned it. The skirt is 36″ long.

 Next up we have a Lime Green  Bella! ON HOLD!

This bella is bright, fun , and feathered! It comes with a bra, combo skirt and belt, and two arm cuffs with drapes…oh, and a chiffon veil! The skirt is fitted through the hip and then open up into a chiffon skirt. I typically don’t wear full skirts but this was so cute that I bought it anyways!

Nitty Gritty Details:

Bra has a 35″ underbust and the cups are 5.5″v x 7″h x 7″d.

The skirt is 38″ long laying flat and the top is 32″-33″.

I am asking $375 plus shipping and paypal for this one but am open to reasonable offers. The beautiful Nancy Asiya was the previous owner and you can see her in the picture below rocking out the costume!

Batting third we have a Leopard SIM! SOLD!

I am not sure which number owner I am but all of the fringe is still in tact and the costume is fabulous and sturdy as are all SIM’s! Originally owned by Jilina, this costume has some great dance vibes in it. Below you can see the amazing Athena Nile of Ohio modeling it! It comes with a bra, skirt, and one wrist cuff.

Nitty Gritty Details:

Bra underbust is 28-32″ because of the stretch in the band. The cups measure 5.5v x 6.5h x 7diagonal.

The skirt is 35″ long in the front and 42″ in the back but booty takes up a lot of that length! The upper hip is currently set at 31″but it can probably be a few more inches by moving the hooks.SOLD!

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Dancing at the International Food Festival!

Last week, I was honored to represent Lebanon with my performance at the McKeesport International Village Festival! For those of you unfamiliar with the event, allow me to quote the festival organizers,

“The City of McKeesport’s Annual Ethnic Food Festival is one of Western Pennsylvania’s most anticipated summer events. The three day festival allows guests to indulge in a variety of cuisine from all over the globe. Food favorites include Polish, Greek, Croatians, English, African-American, Mexican, French German, Hungarian, Chinese, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Slovenia, Slovak, Italian, Serbian and Hawaiian fares. Desserts and other delicious treats include Apple Dumplings, Penn State Ice Cream, and German Kettle Corn.

The International Village festival is also known for its continuous entertainment each day. The festival’s main stage features traditional music as well as singers and dancers. Other favorites include arts and crafts exhibit and live musicians on the smaller stage in the Blue Top Pavilion. There is also a midway with inflatable attractions and games for children.”

I was asked to perform a traditional Lebanese Bellydance Set on Day 2 at 8pm, prime time! With the help of good friend and Bellydance Legend, Kweilin, I selected Habbibi Ya Eini, Nassam Alayna (a favorite of mine), Fares Karam- 3al 3een molayeteen for cane/ stick, Emad Sayad’s drum solo, and Saharni by Najwa Karem. Fun set! The crowd was wonderful and very happy to help me balance my cane or grab the extra and swing along! I had a few of the children in the front row dancing along, and the family who hired me, singing to Fairuz 🙂 All in all, one of my favorite performances!

And afterwards, my husband Federico and our friend Matt were all fed by the Lebanese tent! The wonderful people who hired me, Joe and Jocelyne Chahine and Joe, Jr are the owners of Pita  Land in Brookline. My husband is part Lebanese and a very very particular eater…shall we just say picky?? Yet, he ate everything served to him with more gusto than I ever thought possible! Their food was exquisite and I am looking forward to ordering from them again!

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Tradesies?

I was thinking about trading these two costumes or perhaps selling them outright! It is time to rotate!

I took measurements and have two Monika Maheen costumes that I am ready to rotate. The first is a leopard (maroon-purple) and the second is one she called the coral reef (blues and whites). Both have amazing twirly skirts and are extremely comfortable to wear and perform in.. The coral reef has a curled hem that is quite lovely. My pictures really dont do them justice!

 

The Leopard : TRADED!

Coral reef: TRADED!

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Continuing your dance education

While I already follow a bellydance practice schedule for myself in addition to teaching my own classes, I have always thought that adding other dance or fitness classes helps to polish and refine my dance. I also find them to be stimulating, creativity-generating, and just plain fun.

But how do you decide what classes to take? Classes can begin to add up especially once you add in your expenses to train with master teachers in workshops and private lessons. I came across this article today taken from The Ballerina Project blog.

If you havent visited the site yes, be ready for breathtakingly gorgeous photos of dancers in the urban realm. You can also find some rather good advice for dancers in general. I particularly enjoyed this article and her tips on navigating the wealth of classes available!

In a quick summation, she states,

1.Know your background. You should know what style of training you’ve had thus far. If you are not sure, talk to your previous coaches, read their biographies; that should at least give you a sense. This has to do with my first suggestion of going to instructors who teach something different from what you’re used to. The nature of experiencing a different approach, phrasing, or philosophy every teacher has is akin to working with a new ballet master or choreographer, and one of the best things you can do when preparing yourself for dancing various types of ballets.

2.In ballet, we always improve. So when you go to a new class, do so with an open mind and embrace everything you can learn and add to the arsenal of your dance vocabulary. Don’t just follow the order of movements, pay attention to details: the musicality of a combination, the amount of attack a teacher might expect in a step, the corrections they give mid-way…

3.Don’t forget what you already know. Just because this teacher does not stress the use of port de bras as much as your old one used to doesn’t mean you should forget it. Keep all that, anything it might be, and add the new layers. Try to identify points of similarities and points of differences. If a movement is taught differently you cannot disregard. Only directors can afford such attitude. You can’t. Master it both ways.

4.Another thing I find very beneficial is going a level up, if there is one, or a level down, of your own (those going down – less often). For younger people the increased challenge, excitement of performing the fancier elements, and often, being in the presence of an admired dancer are but priceless in the development into a professional. For pros and older students going a level down provides an excellent space for re-checking those basics, taking more time with execution, or taking it easy after an injury or a break.

5.Don’t forget to attend your rarer, but all-important class of jazz, hip-hop or whatever. Not only is cross training good for your muscles, it’s good for your coordination, can do no harm to your ballet form (if there is one) and can open up room for movement previously unexplored with the ingrained repetition of ballet.

Enjoy!!!!

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Why Bellydance?

Why Bellydance?

That is a question I am asked all the time. It can mean “why of all dance forms, did you choose bellydance?” Sometimes, the question is asked as a means of convincing the questioner that it is worth his or her time to try out a few new lessons.

While I can point to scientific data or health related articles that tout the benefits of the dance, I would rather share with you my own story and happening upon this art form.

In 2002, I and a dear friend of mine decided to try bellydance at the Dance Alloy, partly out of curiosity, partly as a way to have some fun in the cold winter, and perhaps a small part of us wanted a new exercise to augment our running. Our first class with Roxelanna was all that we had hoped it would be: full of danceable music, drills and conditioning exercises, excellent movement breakdown, and just a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Being the self-conscious woman that I was (and perhaps still am), I scanned the room at the beginning of class, and was happy to note that all shapes, sizes, and ages were well represented there.

I must admit that at that time, I wore a full t-shirt, almost baggy with yoga pants when taking class. The fear of exposure, the lack of confidence in myself and my form, and my rather dismal body image did prevent me from fully concentrating and enjoying our class. I even think at that point seeing my bare feet was slightly shocking, but I stuck it out. I enjoyed the dance tremendously and it brought me such joy. It was always a chance to step outside of myself and to be expressive in a feminine way…something that I rarely could do in my day to day work.

The years passed and my confidence in myself and my body image grew. I finally realized, while not model perfect or reminiscent of what I saw in magazines, my shape was beautiful in its own way. I thought it became more and more beautiful as I trained my body in the dance. Evey time I conquered a new move or mastered a combination, I felt more feminine, more joyful, and stronger.

After 6 years or so, I began to teach and to perform professionally. I continued my own study with Mirjana (my second teacher and long term role model), and augmented with travel outside of town to find master teachers. To this day, I travel to workshops, intensives, retreats, and private lessons to continue honing my skills and simultaneously my confidence. I also use it to stay in shape.

But why did I want to perform bellydance?  I know now and perhaps always knew that I perform for one main reason: to bring joy to people’s lives. Bellydance is a joyful dance. Bellydance is a welcoming dance, accepting to all ages, sizes, and shapes. Bellydance is beautiful and  often brings out a beauty in the dancer that she did not know existed.

And now after a decade of bellydance, as I augment my studies with other dance forms, I still look at bellydance and see joy, strength, and beauty. I work now to bring those to you, the audience, the student, and the sister so that in dancing you too can discover your inner strength and confidence.

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Sparklers for sale: Eman and pharonics!

Time to rotate! I’ve got two costumes up for sale this time. I am the first owner for the Pharonic bedlah and the first wearer for the Eman.

Black Turquoise Star of Egypt Eman: I have a gorgeous Black Turquoise, Star of Egypt (Dahlal’s naming). It is mint condition, fits super well and accents the booty. It has one slit in the front. It comes with bra, skirt, and two arm bands. The lycra material is very heavy and durable and the tribaret ornamentation is a knock out. I am the first to use this costume and have worn it approximately 4 times.

Nitty gritty details:
Bra underbust: 34″
Bra cups: 6.75″horizontal x 6.5″ diagonal x 6″ vertical (I took out the padding to take the measurements.)

Skirt top unstretched is 28″ (currently no elastic in the top, but i always meant to add some)
Top of skirt fully stretched is about 38″
Skirt length is 39″ laying flat on the ground.

SOLD!



Gold Pharonics Bedlah: I have an amazingly beaded, intricately designed gold pharonic bedlah. I am the first owner and bought it new at the bellydance store. It is in excellent condition! It comes with bra, two piece belt, waist strap, three arm bands, and headband.

Nitty gritty details:
Bra underbust: 31″
Bra cups: 6.75″horizontal x 6.75″ diagonal x 5″ vertical

Belt is in two pieces with the smaller piece measuring 14″ and the larger piece measuring 27″. They probably must overlap at least one inch. In the action shots below i did not wear the waist strap. It was always too long and I didn’t want to move the hooks!

SOLD!!!!

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Philadelphia Cleans Up Storm Water With Innovative Program

Philadelphia Cleans Up Storm Water With Innovative Program.

 

I usually reserve this blog to post about dance classes, events, ad upcoming workshops, but today, I’d like to pay a little tribute to the “other” Pennsylvania city, Philly!

Now Pittsburgh, it is time to catch up!

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Dance Alloy Summer Session!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Friday and what looks to be a wonderful summer-ish weekend!

I am posting today to let you know about the special one day only Dance Alloy discount! Prior to the close of registration, Kelly Strayhorn & Dance Alloy are currently offering a 20% discount to all friends of the theater and you (yes, you!) all from now till 11:59pm today!!!!

It’s easy – just go to www.kelly-strayhorn.org/ classes choose the class, begin registration and enter the code “unblurred” when Brown Paper Tickets asks. Join me Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Beautiful Dance Alloy Studio for our summer session of mixed level bellydance!

It is a great honor to teach at the prestigious Dance Alloy school. I began my own training there 10 years ago and have a special place in my heart for the theater and the studio!

My classes are well organized into warm-ups (toning and stretching exercises to prepare the body for dance), technique (posture and alignment, shimmies, and head to toe technique), and dynamic bellydance combinations and choreography (learning actual performance quality dance numbers and combinations that may be interspersed when improvising). Students will gain an understanding of basic bellydance rhythms throughout the course while learning the corresponding dance style. Students will also learn to work with finger cymbals, veils, and other bellydance props.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best wishes,

Janim

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Sufi Dancing in Pittsburgh?

What is Sufi Dancing or Sufi Whirling?

According to Wikipedia, Sufi Whirling “is a form of physically active meditation which originated among Sufis, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. It is a customary dance performed within the Sema, or worship ceremony, through which dervishes (also called semazens) aim to reach the source of all perfection, or kemal. This is sought through abandoning one’s nafs, egos or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles, which has been seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun.”

Mohamed El Sayed of Egypt
Mohamed El Sayed of Egypt | Stylized Sufi Spinning

And if you need a little bit more, check out this short informational video! 

Why do I ask what Sufi Dancing is?

In August, we are fortunate to be hosting Mohamed El Sayed of Egypt for his first tour through the United States. Mohamed is an up and coming, one might say, already arrived,  dancer and drummer currently living in Europe. He will be leading us through a SUFI Dancing Workshop on Saturday, August 4th at the Pittsburgh Dance Center.

After watching a few of his youtube clips, I can only say that I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS WORKSHOP!!!

Mohamed El Sayed, Sufi Dance

If you feel the same ways as I do, sign up now or join us at the Gala Show! Questions? Email me!

Want even more information?

A little more about the origins of Rumi Dervish!

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Dancing in SPACE

Last night, I performed at SPACE Art Gallery in downtown Pittsburgh for a fundraiser for Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

I was fortunate to be accompanied by my dance partner Kate and her ever vibrant daughter Olympia.

I also have to thank Kate for her candid snapshots throughout the evening. Including the familiar, bellydancer gets ready in the bathroom moment. Sorry to those unsuspecting guests!

There was an installation at the Gallery that included film (with sound) in two separate rooms and these imaginative dancing 3D paper dolls.

I was hired for a short set, something upbeat and fun for the crowd! I chose to do two songs, a lively entrance with zills (honestly, I think I surprised the woman behind me in this picture!)

followed by a snappy veil number….

At some point, while spinning with the veil, I realized that my shadow was interacting with the film projected behind me…needless to say, I started dancing with my shadow!

The film, only seen in snippets was intriguing. Perhaps I will visit the gallery again during this exhibit!

I truly enjoyed performing last night! The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a wonderful organization that I wholeheartedly support and lovely people were very complimentary. Many thanks to all!

The end of the night saw Olympia, Kate, and I trying to replicate the letters outside of SPACE’s gallery.

The letter A and the Letter C