12 Days of Bellydance (Insert Holiday Here) Gifts

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Have a festive Saturnalia! Happy Holidays! As we well know, bellydancers come from all walks of life, variety of religions, etc. One thing we have in common - we love sparkly things! Well, maybe not quite as much sparkle for tribal dancers, but my list includes gift ideas for those ladies and gents, too.

1. Bellydance.com. The name says it all! I recommend the square sequin hip scarves, ruffle lace hip wrap, Saroyan Arabesque finger cymbals, Aziza's veil & hands/arms/poses DVDs, Masters of Egyptian Choreography DVDs, and Fan Veils DVDs (Mahsati or Sedona). Steer clear of the tops/bras and anything else fitted; it is really challenging to pick the correct sizes of such items for someone else. Feel free to contact me if you want a specific recommendation.

2. "I Bellydance. What's Your Superpower?" shirts. These are my own design. Dancers love the fitted style for wearing to class! 

3. Barefoot Sandals. Many of these are marketed towards beach weddings, so may be a bit overpriced, but if your dancer performs barefoot, some may be just her style.

4. Embroidered Kiss-Lock Coin Purse. Perfect for holding a pair of finger cymbals, some jewelry, or, of course, cash. And really pretty, too!

5. Colorful, High-quality Yoga Mat. Chances are, if she's any kind of serious dancer, she's stretching regularly and a beautiful yoga mat will enhance her experience. (Just make sure she doesn't think you're telling her she needs to exercise!!!)

6. Belly Dance Journal. Does your dancer like to take notes? Perhaps reflect on the happenings of the day? This journal is perfect, offering "practice pages" and "guided practices."

7. Portable Speaker. This one is waterproof and wireless, ideal for bluetooth capability and practicing in a big studio space.

8. Makeup Brushes. Your dancer likely has a whole set of brushed, blushes, eyeliners, shadows, lipsticks, etc. This sweet little travel set can go along to a gig for last-minute touch-ups. Or, give a gift certificate to a local cosmetics store, such as Ulta, Sephora, or MAC.

9. Jewelry. Hmmm. This can be tricky, depending on the dance style. My money's on these earrings for versatility; oriental and tribal dancers could make these work. You may want to opt for a Charming Charlie gift card if you have a store in your area. For sparkly dangle earrings, these are great and you can pick her favorite color. 

10. Gift Certificates for Classes or Private Lessons. If your dancer takes weekly classes or regular private lessons, contact the studio or instructor to find out about gift certificates. Or, if s/he has been talking about wanting to go to a workshop, make your own certificate that says you're paying for the workshop and hotel costs. I am forever grateful for the Christmas cash that helped me further my dance education!

11. Yoga Sandals. Okay, these look kind of strange, but I love them for two reasons. Number one, they really work for keeping my toes apart for pedicures. Two, when I've been dancing quite a bit or even just on my feet, the toe-separation and cushy footbed feel really great. If you aren't too sure about the sandals, go for the YogaToes Gems.

12. Relaxation. Dancers' bodies work hard! Encourage relaxation and recovery with a gift certificate to a local massage therapist or spa.

Bellydance Life Ups and Downs

I've been so lucky as a working dancer and dance teacher! And very fortunate as a dance student, too. For the past seven years, I have been able to gig consistently at Middle Eastern restaurants and for over six years, teach weekly classes in Fredericksburg, and attend classes and workshops with internationally known instructors. In that time, four restaurants have had to close (or relocate, fingers crossed), a usual November workshop weekend no longer exists (thanks for the memories, Women of Selket!), and I had to temporarily cancel my beginner class due to low enrollment (we're back on for Nov/Dec, yay!) But, it's all good. The optimistic restaurant owners have moved on to other locations or opportunities, new workshops and shows have popped up this November (Shem's presents KIN Nov 21 and Katayoun is hosting a Belly Dance Convention and Festival on Nov 22), and my classes continue to grow or at least hold steady.

Sometimes I have to pause to reassess and evaluate what's next for me in my dance life. Starting classes with Faten at Saffron two years ago continues to be one of the best decisions I've made. This past summer, I took classes with Yasmina Ramzy in Toronto and am about to return for her Advanced Artistry session. I am seeking out richer learning and performance opportunities than in the past, tapping into a deeper connection with the music and movement. As I continue to learn and evolve, what I want to share with my students grows, too, which I find exciting as an instructor.

So, what's next? I'm excited to find out. I'm keeping my mind and heart open to the possibilities.



  

Monday vs. Tuesday Classes

I was recently asked, "What are the differences between your Dance Fxbg and Bodyworks classes?" Good question! If you've been wondering the same, this was my reply: 

Here's how they are the same: basic technique and combinations appropriate for beginners, I bring hipscarves for students to borrow, and students wear basic workout clothing (yoga pants, close-fitting top, dance slippers or barefoot).

How are they different? 
My classes at Dance Fxbg also include basic performance tips, as well as cultural & historical information. The 8 pm class has beginners and advanced beginners. When we are drilling movements, I will often go student-to-student to observe posture and make corrections, where needed. I have structured these classes to focus for two months (Sept/Oct) on a specific topic or skill, then two months (Nov/Dec) on a simple choreography, then back to a skill (Jan/Feb), etc. In the course of a year, I cover what I (and most other bellydance teachers) think students should know at the Beginner/Adv. Beginner level. Almost every week, I send an email message to the class with reminders about what to practice, links to music to use, links to video clips I make for students, and info about bellydance related topics and events. I also provide occasional performance opportunities for students in these classes.
 
Tuesdays at Bodyworks are bellydance fitness. Since it's at a gym, I am aiming for a work-out format with a constant pace for the whole hour. The class has beginners as well as experienced dancers. I generally don't make individual corrections unless someone is doing something that will hurt her, then I would go over & help fix it. Every month there is a new routine, so every class that month uses the same combinations. We switch up the last 10 minutes of the class with a prop (which I provide if students don't have their own) such as veil, cane, finger cymbals, or sometimes fan veil. 

In summary, if performing appeals to you and you like to move at a slower pace when learning, then start with the Monday night class. Otherwise, either night will get you started with learning to bellydance.
 
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Shamadan: Essential Equipment

University of Mary Washington Arab FestivalI love Raks El Shamadan! The drama of a dancer with fire balanced on her head is fun for everyone. It's a traditional dance in Egypt for leading the bride and groom from the ceremony to the reception (even if that's just through a hotel lobby), but can also be performed on stage. 

Learn more about the dance itself from Sahra Saeeda (sign up & receive her Zeffat al 'Arusah primer). UK dancer Candi has excellent information on her website, too.

Whether for a wedding or a stage performance, one thing is certain, you need your equipment to be in excellent working order. Here are some tips and tricks, learned from Candi, troupemates, and my own trial-and-error.


1. The shamadan. Buy it in person, if at all possible. Ask around in your bellydance community if anyone has one for sale, but try it on, first. I recommend this because there's only so much adjusting and padding you can do to make it fit properly. The head frame on my first shamadan was way too big; I tried to find a local metalworker to adjust it, but with no luck. I ended up selling it and starting over. Lucky for me, Scheherezade Imports is only an hour away, so I was able to try on my current shamadan. If this is not an option, ask for measurements before you order. Measure the circumference of your head (above your eyebrows) and from between your eyebrows to the corresponding location on the back of your head. You DO want the shamadan frame to be larger than these measurements to allow for padding (for comfort and stability), but anything more than 2" larger may be challenging to fit correctly. 

USA vendors who sell shamadans:
Dahlal.com - My current shamadan, purchased from Scheherezade Imports, is this style and works well for me, but test the arms to make sure they will stay put.
TurquoiseIntl.com - I love the look of these, but don't have personal experience with them.

Almanar Shamadan (Germany) - Again, I don't have personal experience with these, but have heard good reviews and like how adjustable the headbands are.


molefoam for shamadan2. Make it fit. I removed the built-in foam padding that came with my shamadan. I cut strips of molefoam padding and applied them inside the frame to fill the gaps between the frame and my head. In some areas, I applied 2-3 layers. Don't forget the space at the top of your head. Depending on the shamadan style, there may be a bolt and nut here and you don't want that pressing into your scalp. 

Turquoise International shows how to wrap the band with fabric to adjust the fit.
If your shamadan arrives in pieces, this video shows how to assemble and stabilize it.

3. The candles. Real or fake? Real is obviously more dramatic, but some situations/venues won't allow live flames. Be prepared with both. 

REAL candles - Go for tapers that are 6 inches or shorter. You can break off taller candles, if necessary. Do NOT use real tealights. I have been really happy with these 6 inch candles. From the movement of the shamadan, the wax does fall down the sides, but seems to catch itself and stay with the candle. Trader Joe's sells boxes of 10" "dripless, self-extinguishing" candles in white or cream. There are 8 per box. (Break/cut these to make them shorter; 10 inches is too tall for most shamadan styles.)

FAKE candles - Battery type will dramatically affect the overall weight of the shamadan and your ability to balance it. If possible, use candles that have "button" batteries (or watch batteries). I have tried three different fake candles.

6.25" wax-dipped, using AA batteries
 (not included) - I like the look of these, but they are heavy at 2.5 oz. each. Nine candles = 22.5 oz., which is close to 1.5 pounds.

5.5", using button batteries
(included) - The flame part is not as large, but flickers like the 6.25" version. I really like that they turn on/off by pushing in the flame. Also, they weigh only .9 oz. each, so your total for nine candles is barely over 7 oz., almost a whole pound less than the AA battery style. This style has a stake at the bottom, so plan to cut off at least the tip to make it fit into the shamadan candle holder. These are currently not available. If you find them somewhere else, please let me know.

Virginia Belly Dancers Saffron Dance 2014 Fellahi CompanyFlameless tea light candles, button batteries included
- These will not give you the impact of the taper candles, however, they will work well for performing with a group. They are much more economical when you need at least nine for each dancer and they still provide a nice flicker effect. Because we used these on a stage, we opted for the brighter, whiter light.

4. Fix the candles to the shamadan. Nobody wants to see your candles topple over, and you certainly don't want wax raining down on you! Troupemate Sama bought a block of Eletrical Conduit or Duct Sealant for the whole troupe to use and it worked really well. It's SUPER sticky, have some baby wipes ready for your fingers, but that's a good thing. At my local Home Depot, I bought a block for less than $4. You can also try Candle Fitter, Blu-Tack, art clay, or even melting wax into the holder, then sticking the candle in. Whatever you use, practice with it extensively before taking it public.


Now, do your homework regarding music, movements, costuming, etc. If you're going to invest money and time into dancing with a shamadan, do it right! Once you are confident with it, it can be so much fun, plus an asset for marketing yourself for wedding gigs.

Suggested music: The Wedding, The Arabian Wedding, Zaffa, Raks El Shamadan

Start with this excellent article by Lucy "Scheherezade" and Gamila El Masri.

Princess Farhana's shamadan article

More Candelabra advice