Atlanta Belly Blog

Early on the morning of November 20^th, five cold and sleepy dancers piled into two cars and began the drive to the Atlanta airport – it was finally time to go to Baltimore! For months, GRITS Raq had been preparing to attend our first competition – the Bellydance Nationals Competition sponsored by Lotus Niraja and the NDC. A plane ride and shuttle trip later, we were at the Hilton where we checked our bags and then went searching for food. The rest of the afternoon was spent getting settled, steaming chiffon skirts, napping, calling home, checking out the stage in the ballroom and getting ready for that night’s welcome hafla!

We took a cab out to the hafla – it was a good distance away from the hotel and had we been staying longer, I would have considered renting a car since there’s nothing really near the hotel. The event was held at the Casbar, a Turkish restaurant in Baltimore’s harbor area. We got there early and were seated downstairs in the main restaurant as space upstairs was limited, but it was wonderful – we were seated in this decorated little nook near the entrance which proved to be the perfect spot to watch the restaurant dancers. The food was phenomenal – I would have eaten there every night had it been closer! We were treated to performances by four different dancers during our dinner and then we headed upstairs to the party to do some mingling and watch a few more dancers. The performances didn’t start until past 11 p.m. though and being exhausted, we just couldn’t stay longer and expect to dance the next day.

The competition day was well organized – check-in was easy, our rehearsal room was ready for us during our reserved time with a stereo and most importantly, everything ran on time! I know many of the ladies in GRITS Raq were nervous and appreciated the really relaxed atmosphere – there was no cattiness and we had a great time talking to the other ladies. Without going into naming all the contestants (too many names!), I think we all agree that the “competitors” were people we’d love to run into at future events. Once we finished our performance (in our Arub Dalal costumes), we watched one or two more and then I had to run to get ready for the National Champion category (for which I wore a creation by Atlanta’s very own Arub Dalal – and got many compliments). The GRITS Raq ladies knew I was a bit nervous and they waited with me in the dressing room/pre-performance area (which the NDC had stocked with all sorts of pre-performance needs like water, hairspray, etc – wonderful!) before the first group was herded down to the backstage area. I am totally serious when I say herded… the elevator looked like a bellydancer clown car with at least 15 women piled in with props and glitter everywhere! I enjoyed my solo performance – it was improvised because I hadn’t accomplished my goal of writing a solo choreography, but it was fun and a challenge to keep from bursting out laughing watching the antics of my troupemates standing in the back of the room.

The rest of the day was spent between shopping, socializing, watching the other competitors and getting ready for the show/awards ceremony that evening. The gala show with the workshop instructors and judges had great variety. We felt standout performances were delivered by Tanya of Las Vegas, Oreet and of course the NDC and Lotus Niraja (but did you really expect anything less?). GRITS Raq brought home honors with the troupe congeniality award (but of course, we’re GRITS from jaw-jah aka Georgia for those who don’t speak “Southern”) and 3^rd runner up in our category – not bad for a small town troupe, eh? Trophies are nice and everything, but the most valuable part of being in this competition was the judges’ feedback. They really took the time to write out comments and were very balanced pointing out both negative and positive aspects of the performance, so it was easy to make goals to improve.

Overall we enjoyed the event. Many of us had hoped to take workshops as well, but with the workshops being held the same day as the competition, we ended up not taking any so we wouldn't feel rushes. I would love to see the event spread to two day so there is more of an opportunity to take classes and compete. Personally, I would go back and attend the event again either as a competitor or spectator/workshop attendee as it was well organized and had a great vibe.

Georgia dancers, have you or your troupe competed recently? Tell us about it!

Oh, sure, sitting around a cozy campfire with friends is great, and who doesn't love a good burnt marshmallow? But first thing in the morning I want to be on my way to a hot shower in a bug-free zone. Fortunately for me, Oasis Dance Camp South doesn't require roughing it.

I arrived on Jekyll Island ready for a serious retreat--I had just received word that my master's thesis had been accepted, and this was my five-day chance to get away from it all. Including things like early alarms and baby monitors. Pulling into Villas by the Sea felt like entering an oasis. The resort sits on the north end of the island, covered with lush trees and spiky palmettos and sporting a spectacular ocean view. Oasis South has been hopping resorts for a few years, but I think they've finally found a perfect home. When I opened the door to my two-bedroom villa, my mouth literally fell open. The condo was beautifully appointed with a comfy living room (flat screen TV and DVD player included) and fully-equipped kitchen (right down to a blender for margaritas) downstairs and two comfy bedrooms upstairs. I took my first-come privilege and chose the master bedroom with deck and ocean view. Just as I was beginning to think I'd have this relaxing ocean view all to myself, the caravan arrived in a blur of beads and boxes and bags along with my first roommate, Kahleena, and Saida, Oasis Dance Camp's beloved founder. I no longer felt like the single suitcase, duffle bag and cooler I packed was "too much." I was also no longer sure what to expect. I'm used to collapsing quietly in my hotel room at the end of a tough workshop day to recover in solitude before the next early morning. It was immediately obvious that this would not be the case at Oasis. And, you know, even for this introvert, that was okay in the end!

Every morning began at 7 a.m. with a stretch and tone class led by Cassandra Shore. Of course, of 40 women attending camp that week, the record number at morning stretch was 8. I was not one of them. For those of us who couldn't be torn from our warm beds at that hour, the day began with technique class at the leisurely hour of 10. What a treat to drill to live drumming by Nicole LeCorgne every day! Cassandra and Sahra Saeeda broke down everything from moves across the floor to different types of shimmies. The highlight for me was Sahra teaching Reda technique with insights not just into the how but the why. In fact, that's what I loved about Sahra's instruction, period--as a dance ethnologist, Sahra has a wealth of information that gives context to what we do, and she peppers her classes generously with those essential nuggets of information. (Note to Atlanta-area event organizers: Sahra's Journey Through Egypt series would be a great addition to the local workshop lineup!) Instead of scrambling to the nearest and fastest fast-food joint to catch a bite before afternoon classes, we all sat together for a nice meal at the on-site restaurant, providing a great opportunity to get to know each other better. Saida knew what she was doing with the scheduling--lunch was followed by a presentation of Nicole's musical adventures in Egypt on the first day and drumming classes every other day, so everyone had a chance to rest and digest before choreography classes. Since I'm not a drummer myself, I took that hour each day to walk along the beach (chilly ocean waves plus massaging action provided by the wet sand made for some very happy feet after dancing on cement under carpet), go over my choreography notes or just take a cat nap. 

Cassandra and Sahra each taught one choreography over the course of five days. That's a much slower pace than I'm used to from workshops, where you're often learning that many or more in a single weekend. The result, though, was that I feel like I retained much more of the material thanks both to repetition over several days (just like in class) and the fact that I didn't have to find the brain space to cram so much info into in such a short time. Cassandra taught her Saidi choreography sans cane, which was a really refreshing move that gave us the option of adapting it for the prop or using it as is. Much giggling ensued over the "zombie hands" typical of the Saidi style, eventually resulting in the best Thriller zombie Saidi fusion performance I have ever seen. It's quite possible that you had to be there, though! Sahara taught a fun and funky drum solo that included Nubian accents and Samba styling. Try pulling that off! But Sahara managed it with with style. 

Just as in good dance, what makes camp really special are the bits in between. Atlanta is not a very hafla-rich environment, so it was really thrilling to have the chance to just let loose and dance with a room full of other women who get it. This was homestyle, this is where our dance comes from--kicking off your shoes and letting the music move you together. Firday night's show with performances by the campers was one of the single best workshop shows I've seen, both in terms of the performances--not a single bad one in the lot, and it's not often I can say that truthfully--and the supportive and loving vibes from the audience. And as for Saturday night's instructor show, all I can say is you must see these ladies yourself. Zulaika (who taught the beginner classes), Nicole, Cassandra and Sahra were uniquely beautiful and stunningly powerful in their performances. I loved the fact that after giving to us all day through their instruction, these singular ladies were still willing to cheer everyone on as they performed then break it down on the dance floor with us as we grew sillier into the night. They even made us brownies!

It's tough to suggest improvements on a venture that's been successful for 25 years! There were really only two minor things I'd like to suggest, and both have to do with pre-departure information. I had no idea there was an entrance fee to Jekyll Island and was a bit caught off my guard with that. I don't usually carry cash, so it was lucky for me that I had $5 in my purse. A head's up would be great for the out-of-towners and first-time visitors. I also would have loved to have received a detailed schedule before arrival--although I admit that's more my own picky type A personality coming out than anything else.

Saying goodbye to everyone at the farewell brunch really felt like leaving camp as a kid. We had become family. No one back home would understand the inside jokes, and no one would understand what it felt like to have to come back to the real world without your dance friends. But there's always the promise of next year!

Have you been to an Oasis Dance Camp? Were you at Camp South this year? Tell us what you thought about the experience!

You don't have to book a flight "over there" to get your custom-made, perfectly-fitted, fantastically sparkly costume. You can get that right here in your back yard.

Arub Dalal is a petite ball of energy, a fellow dancer and a fantastic seamstress. And she's based right here in Roswell. 

"I've been sewing for 40-plus years," she said. "I made my first dress at the age of nine and my first costume within four months of starting to learn belly dance."

Arub fell into costuming professionally quickly after that first foray. Her dance sisters in Julena Hall's troupe Dancers of the Harem loved her work...and the rest is history! It's not only local dancers who recognize her quality work, either. Arub created the six custom veils for Petite Jamila in the latest Bellydance Super Stars show, Amberetta's flutter pants and skirts for Mahsati Janan. 

"Oh, man," she said. "There is just no way to describe what it feels like to see something that started as a simple piece of fabric and to see these incredible dancers using and wearing my products! I get teary just thinking about it."

Every costume she creates is totally unique--Arub takes the dancer's ideas and runs with them to create a one-of-a-kind design that reflects the client's personality and strengths. She doesn't take "one-of-a-kind" lightly. No matter how much you may love a costume she created for another dancer, Arub requires written permission from the original client in order to reproduce a design. That way you know for sure you'll never have to show up to a hafla wearing the same costume as someone else.

"I love seeing my clients get excited with each phase of their costume," she said. "It just makes my heart sing when I see how happy they are with the progress as it develops."

Unlike buying off the rack or off the Internet, you know exactly what to expect from the fit of a custom Arub Dalal--in other words, it will fit like a blinged-out glove! She takes every imaginable measurement to ensure you'll look your best on stage.

Through all the beautiful costumes she's made over the past decade, her favorite remains her first.

"I love the fact that it looks like an antique and because it taught me so much."

Next time you're in the market for a costume (and are any of us ever NOT in the market for new pretties?), it's just a short drive to Roswell. You'll come away with something gorgeous...and you'll save a fortune in international shipping! Plus, if you're on a budget, Arub offers payment plans to help you afford your dream costume.

Do you have an original Arub Dalal design in your costume closet? Tell us about it!

 

If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive way to spend this cold, wet weekend, check out the MidEast Festival at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church in Decatur. For the past 30 years, St. Elias has hosted the event to celebrate Middle Eastern culture, food, music and folk dance. And with an entrance fee of only $2, you'll have plenty of cash left over for perusing the craft booths and picking some yummy tabouleh or kibbeh. The festival wraps up Sunday evening with a DJ and open dancing, so you'll have a chance to practice some moves and check out some real cultural dance in action!

"We would be delighted in welcoming anyone interested in the Middle Eastern culture and the region," said Jocelyne Nassar, this year's festival chair.

For most belly dancers in Atlanta, our art belongs to a culture outside our own. So when we think of our "dance community," we should look beyond just the other bedleh-bedecked dancers to the members of the culture we represent when we dance. The MidEast Fest is a great opportunity to get to know the local Middle Eastern community. Take advantage of it!

The church is located at 2045 Ponce de Leon Ave. The festival will run through 9 p.m. today and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Sunday afternoon's shimmy competition saw a small but determined crowd of dancers duking it out to see who could hold a shimmy the longest. Inara took third place, Bela Zaphyre (couldn't find a link for you, dahling, so send it to me if you have one!) took second, and the longest shimmier this year was...yours truly! Everyone else definitely gave me a run for my shimmy, and I'm still working out sore muscles as we speak. First prize was a gorgeous set of double veils from Arub Dalal. Stay tuned for an upcoming profile on this great local costumer!

Attendance was definitely down this year, and it's hard to say whether that's due to other dance events held the same weekend or the rough state of the economy making fund raising more difficult. Either way, I hope to see many, many more of your beautiful faces there next year, so go ahead and save your 2010 September weekends!

Through online donations and show ticket pre-sales we raised more than $8,000 to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. The final number will be even higher than that, and that's something the Atlanta belly dance community should be commended for. Keep up the great work, dancers!

EDIT: Make that $11,000, my friends! Way to go, everyone!

Discuss!

"She's great fun to play," said Schadia, owner of Atlanta Belly Dance LLC. "The song goes along with the cute and sassy feel. It is just silly amounts of fun to do this dance to this song."

Schadia said that since many local dancers perform at Indian restaurants and parties, there's clearly an advantage to being able to incorporate some Bollywood styling into your typical set. 

"It's a dance that says a lot about India and modern Indian culture," she said.

The workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is only $29 if you pay online before Thursday, and $39 at the door. Click here to register. 

Two weeks later, Nazeem Allayl will host a beginners belly dance choreography workshop taught by Schadia. She'll be using the song Haya gat Alaya by Samira Saeed. As a bonus to help you get the most out of the workshop, Schadia will be selling a DVD that includes the choreography.

The beginners choreography workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. The $29 early-bird rate is available until Sept. 23, and walk in registration will be $39. Click here to register. 

Both workshops will take place at the Nazeel Allayl Perimeter Studio. 

Also, mark your calendars for the Nazeem Allayl Fall Studio Show coming up Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15. Each show will take place at 8 p.m. at the Perimeter Studio and will feature more than 50 dancers performing cabaret, folk and fusion pieces. Tickets go on sale Oct. 17 and are available at any Nazeem Allayl Studio location. Prices range from $15 to $35 depending on seat location. Check out their Web page for all the details.

In order to get you talking, I'm implementing the Weekend Wind Down. I'll post a question every Friday and open the floor for discussion. It'll give you something to do while you count down the hours 'til the weekend, and we can all get to know each other a bit. Maybe we'll even learn something!

Since it's a holiday weekend, let's start with something simple: Who's your favorite Georgia belly dancer, and why?

Discuss among yourselves!

 

Belly dancers of national and international renown call Atlanta home, and thanks to Jendayi you now have the opportunity to sample their teaching styles all in one weekend. The Atlanta Bellypalooza is scheduled for Oct. 17 and 18 at the Spring 4th Center in Midtown. Twelve of Atlanta's most in-demand instructors will be teaching everything from fan veils to tribal combinations. My personal picks? Cabaret Combinations with Gina on Saturday and The Meow Factor with Amani Jabril on Sunday. Check out the Bellypalooza Web site for the full roster.