Kiyaana's Blog

Gifts for Bellydancers, Part 2

The holidays are here and many of you are wondering, "What can I get for my bellydancing spouse/friend/family member?" I put together my first list of suggestions a few years ago, now let's add to it:

For beginners (keep it simple, she's just getting started!):

  • Search for these items at Bellydance.com: square sequins scarf, turquoise finger cymbals (small or medium), chiffon veil.
  • Gift certificate to continue classes.


Advanced beginners (dancing at least 6 months) likely already have a few hipscarves and such, so try:



For intermediate/advanced dancers:

  • Cash for that workshop she's been talking about for weeks. (Wrap it up in a special little cymbal pouch from Bellydance.com.  Search for "zill bag.")
  • Gift certificate for your local cosmetics store (Ulta, Sephora, MAC).
  • "Egyptian Music Appreciation" set from Bellydance.com.
  • Ranya Renee's instructional DVDs, such as "Bellydance Taqasim."
  • "Rhythms of Oriental Dance" by Nesma of Spain.

 

Bellydance Events in Virginia

Even though I'm based in Fredericksburg, where I teach weekly bellydance classes and perform a couple times a month, I spend just as much time, some weeks more, dancing in the Northern and Central Virginia areas. If you are interested in finding classes and events within a 60 mile radius of Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, visit these sites. Several of them have the option to sign up for a newsletter and/or connect on Facebook.

TyphrodisiaBellydanceAndBeyond.com - Severna Park, MD
Serpentine.org - Maryland
SaharaDance.com - Washington, D.C.
SaffronDance.com - Arlington, VA
QueensOfThe Universe - Richmond, VA
MosaiqueCenter.org - Sterling, VA
MarizaDance.com - Baltimore, MD
Kawakib.com - Fredericksburg, VA
IlluminationDanceStudio.com - Richmond, VA
HipnoticBellyDancing.com - Chesapeake, VA
HardestWorkingWomanInShowBusiness.com - Richmond, VA
Born2DanceStudio.com - West Vienna, VA
BintBeled.com - Severna Park, MD
BellyDanceWithMiramar.com - Winchester, VA

And so many more! A quick Google search will surely give you more results. Hope to see you at a workshop, restaurant show, theater event, or dance class soon.

What is Bellydance?

Mention that you "bellydance" and you'll get all sorts of interesting reactions. There will be a few that hear "ballet dance", so make sure you enunciate! Next, you may see a look of shock, nostalgia, fun, or puzzlement. To the shocked and puzzled, I sometimes try to explain how its origins are as a social dance, women dancing for women at parties, and so on. But I can't control what they've previously experienced, I can only present my own "definition" through my actions.

How do bellydancers themselves define it? Check out this discussion on Bhuz.com from a few years ago. Around page five, Nadira Jamal contributed this wonderful diagram:

Student Night at Aladin

Join us Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 for a fun night at Aladin! Arrive no later than 7 pm, dancing starts by 7:30. Enjoy bellydance performances by Kiyaana and her students, as well as guest dancers. (Rte. 17 location in Fredericksburg, exit 133B off of I-95). Print a flyer from this PDF.

Bellydancing at it's Best! Kiyaana's Student Hafla at Aladin in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Bellydance Social for Empower House

I'm getting so excited for the upcoming Bellydance Social to benefit Empower House!  All the events are free, but we will gladly accept donations in any amount for Empower House.  For every dollar you donate, you will receive a raffle ticket.  

1:30 Performances by Yaalini, Arla & Katrina, Zaida (Richmond), Ameena (Richmond), Suzana Nour, Prism, and a special demo by Dance Trance Fredericksburg.

2:30 Kiyaana is teaching a group bellydance choreography, suitable for all levels

3:30 Shimmy Showdown!  Who will be crowned Shimmy Queen or King?  Also, RAFFLE time!

Fabulous raffle items have been donated and will be given away during the Shimmy Showdown. Get a ticket for every $1 donated to Empower House.  As of April 25th, our raffle prizes include: one $50 gift certificate for Dancer's Wardrobe, Rachel Brice DVD, Sharon Kihara DVD, shades-of-purple silk half-circle veil, By Dancers for Dancers Vol. 5 DVD, and a Latifa tank top.

Jennifer Blecha will be there with her Wild Tree products - yum!  (Jennifer is donating a percentage of sales to Empower House.)

Get a glitter or henna tattoo from Arachne's Muse between 2-3:30.  (Part of her proceeds will go to Empower House.)

Bellydance for Empower House in Fredericksburg, VA

More Articles...