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Jareeda Magazine’s 2007 Costuming issue is hitting the press this week. If you already subscribe, thank-you and here is what you have to look forward to, such a diversity of articles.  If you don’t subscribe, there is still time to jump on board. Feb 5th is the deadline for new subscribers.

Here’s the list of a some the articles in this issue.
“Collecting Cowries” by Sabine
Costuming for Fire Dance By Leslie Rosen
Ancient Costume on the Cutting Edge By Shahravar
How To Make Your Own Belly Dance Costume by Janie
Those Little Extras by Dr. Maya
Crowning Glory by Princess Farhana
So, You’re Ready To Dye Your Own Veil? by Jennifer Dawson
Gothic Belly Dance Costume by Tanna Valentine
Tassel Making  by Samara
Delilah and Erik Back From the DMZ
Roxanne’s Travels-Cairo, Egypt

And MUCH MORE!

Just go to http://jareeda.com/subscriptioninfo.htm
and get started now. Only $28 in the U.S. for EIGHT great issues per year! Plus two bonus back issues for new subscribers!
Also, if you need to renew, you can do it on-line through paypal! Convenient and quick. Thanks and enjoy!

Mezdulene
Editor of Jareeda Magazine
www.jareeda.com

YES!  Belly Dance Ball is ON for FEBRUARY 1st!  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see one of Seattle’s most legendary performers and instructors:

New classes with Najla are forming at the Ballard Health Center, located at 1138 NW Market Street.  For more information about the studio please visit www.ballardhealthcenter.com. 

An Elegant, passionate and talented soloist, Najla is also the director of Fleurs D’Egypte, Seattle’s tour de force all professional cabaret troupe which performs to sold out audiences. Najla has performed all over the world including Egypt and Greece. She was selected at the Paris auditions to become part of the world famous Bellydance Superstars Company. But lucky for us she came home to Seattle to begin her own company instead.

Najla teaches classical Egyptian and modern belly dance technique.  Beginner classes focus on basic hip movements, shimmies, isolations, arms, and posture.  Continuing classes learn shimmy layering, advanced combinations, choreography, and techniques for improvisation.  Private lessons are also available.  Students should wear comfortable clothing which is tight around the knees and allows the instructor to see the movements of the hips and stomach.  Some classes may also learn how to dance with a veil.  Hip scarves are not provided.

Class schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays 7:30-8:30:  Beginner  (starting on 2/13)
Thursdays 7:30-8:30:  Intermediate/advanced  (ongoing)

$13/class, $60/5 classes, $110/10 classes.

To register please call the Ballard Health Center at (206) 783-0404.  For more information about Najla please visit www.raqsnajla.com

January 26th
6:30pm to 9:30pm

STUDENT JAM at Abyssinian Dance Center !

Put on your favorite hip scarf or costume and come boogy! Bring your favorite wine or a snack if you wish. This is a great opportunity to put those moves into motion and meet new friends.  Bring a friend or two or your family, this event is for all ages.  Want to try out your new solo in a friendly enviroment?  This is a great place to do it!  Just let Mia or Mira know and we will set aside a special time for you to perform.

February 3rd
12:30pm to 3:30pm
SAQRA’s Career Workshop

Trust me, this woman is incredible!  Join Saqra as she talks about how to enrich whatever Belly Dance Career path you choose to take!  She will provide handouts and have time for specific Q & A.
Cost $30.00 pre paid or $35.00 at the door.

For more information, contact Kellie (Mia)  (206) 988-4897 or go to AbyDance.com (our website isn’t complete but the info is there!)

February 17th
4:00pm to 7:00pm

Love wine?  Sample Greek wines and tasty appetizers and watch performances by Zorina, Mira and others at Vino Bello Wine Shop in Burien.  More information to follow.
Check out their web page at www.VinoBello.com

February 24th
Workshops 12:30pm to 5:00pm
Door opens at 7:30pm for the Show!

Middle East Arts International is sponsoring an Afternoon of Belly Dance Workshops and Evening Belly Dance Extravaganza with Tina Sargent, Elisa Gamal and Amira!

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW , Seattle
Please check out their web site for details!  www.MiddleEastArts.org or email them Info@Middle EastArts.org or call Amira at (206) 351-4740.
Lets support this organization dedicated to the art we all love!

Till next time…
Abyssinian Dance Center

Middle East Arts International presents…
An Afternoon of Belly Dance Workshops
***and***
Evening Belly Dance Extravaganza
February 24, 2007
Workshop Instructors: Tina Sargent, Elisa Gamal and Amira

Included in this post:
*Workshop Information
*Registration Instructions
*Extravaganza Details
*About the Instructors
*About Middle East Arts International
Workshop Location
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center  (West Seattle)
4408 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA  98106

Workshop Schedule
12:30 - 1:00 pm  Registration and shopping
1:00 - 1:15 pm  Warm Up with Amira
1:15 - 2:45 pm  Class with Tina Sargent
2:45 - 3:30 pm  Break and Shopping
3:30 - 4:45 pm  Class with Elisa
4:45 - 5:00 pm  Cool Down with Amira

Tina Sargent: Veil with Panache
Known for her graceful, theatrical, and sometimes humorous veil work, Tina Sargent will share the secrets of fascinating veil performances.  Tina draws inspiration from a wide range of sources: from the work of the late choreographer Ibrahim (Bobby) Farrah to Hollywood musicals.  Transform your veil from an accessory to a tool for musical expression and an extension of your emotions.  Some experience with veil will make this class more enjoyable.
Please bring a rectangular veil, silk recommended.

Elisa Gamal: Dancing on the Fly
Elisa Gamal shares two simple techniques for adding structure, variety and professional polish to your improvised performances by choreographing ‘on the fly.’ Learn to effortlessly and instantly incorporate a wider variety of dance movements and make more effective use of your stage. Best of all, have more fun dancing when you free up your brain from having to think about what step to do next!

Appropriate for all levels and all styles. These techniques can also be used to add interest and balance to your traditional choreographies.

Workshop Fee:
$40 Advance (must be received by 2/17) / $50 at the Door

************ ********

Workshop registration:
By phone: call Amira at (206) 351-4740 to request a registration form
Online: Register and pay online at www.MiddleEastArts. org
In person: Centerstage Dance in the U-District (5012 University Way NE)
By mail: Please make checks payable to Middle East Arts International and mail to 703 30th Ave Apt K, Seattle, WA 98122
For more info: Info@MiddleEastArts .org

Vending
$30 for a table, $10 for rack space, discount for additional tables and/or rack space.  Call Mirabai at (206) 883-7123 for more information.

************ ********* *

MEAI presents an
EVENING
BELLY DANCE
*EXTRAVAGANZA*
Back-to-back performances of the Northwest’s emerging and professional dancers and troupes.  Enjoy a fabulous show in a gorgeous theater setting!

Saturday, February 24
8 pm (Doors open at 7:30 pm)

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle

$10 Suggested Donation
($5 minimum, please)

Refreshments available for purchase.

Would you like to dance?  A limited number of guest performance opportunities are available in the show.  If you are interested in performing, please email elisagamal@gmail. com before January 30.  Preference will be given to workshop participants.

************ ********* *

About the Instructors…
Warm elegance, exquisite grace, and playful precision are the hallmarks of Tina Sargent’s dancing. She is one of the top performers of Oriental Dance in the Pacific Northwest and has gained recognition nationally. While this style of dancing has traditionally been performed in the more intimate settings, Tina has also been successful in taking the dance to a more expansive, theatrical expression suitable for the concert stage.

Elisa Gamal is entering the 20th year of her love affair with belly dance! A sought-after instructor and choreographer, and an intuitive, supportive and effective coach, Elisa has watched several of her current and past students gain national recognition and win trophies and titles in nearly every major US belly dance competition. “Belly Dance is my passion and my inspiration, my solace and my release, my source of renewal and profound joy.”

Known for her flirtatiousness, jubilance, sweetness and sass, Amira is in high demand for performances throughout the Seattle area.  Recently, Amira was filmed in Los Angeles for an upcoming DVD presented by the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (IAMED). She currently teaches at Abyssinian Dance Center in Burien and the Community Center at Mercer View in Mercer Island.

************ ********* *

About Middle East Arts International…
Founded in 1997, Middle East Arts International is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting excellence in Middle Eastern performing arts.  The organization is now being revitalized under new leadership. Watch for exciting events in 2007 and beyond! Donations are tax-deductible and support high quality workshops, shows and concerts in the Pacific Northwest.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  Middle East Arts International Presents “Midnight Heat” October 6, 2007 featuring Midnight Mirage of Utah and more.  Workshop and show details forthcoming.

Raqs Serpentine presents:
The Pyramid Lounge
- Seattle ’s monthly bellydance gathering celebrating music and dance -
Featuring Najla
Feb 5th
 The holidays are over but we’ve still got presents for all of you! Come receives the gifts dance from Nashita Tribal, Damara, Mary Ioli, Haleh and Mellilah.

An Elegant, passionate and talented soloist our feature dancer Najla is also the director of Seattle ’s tour de force all professional cabaret troupe, Fleurs D’Egypte. Which has been performing to sold out audiences all of 2006. Najla has performed all over the world including Egypt and Greece . She was selected at the Paris auditions to become part of the world famous Bellydance Superstars Company. But lucky for us she came home to Seattle to begin her own company instead.  www.arabicbeat.com

When: Monday, Feb 5th 2007
Live Music @ 8:00   - Erik Brown www.houseoftarab.com
Dance Show @ 8:30 pm

No cover
21+ w/ID
Come early if you’d like a seat!

Where: High Dive (look for the neon sign of the lady in a 50’s swimsuit)
513 N 36th Seattle , WA 98103
206.632.0212

More info: www.RaqsSerpentine.com // www.PyramidLounge.com

Mar 5th // 3 year Anniversary Show - Tamalyn Dallal, Raqs Serpentine and Delilah - Live Music by Ahmad and Ashraf and House of Tarab Buy your tickets now! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/8890 or call 800.838.3006

Hello Belly Dancers,
I am accepting auditions for my belly dance troupe,
Shamandura and Troupe Levant.

If you enjoy traditional American belly dance, performing with
other dancers, exploring fusion belly dance as well as accurate
ethnic Middle Eastern dances, attending regular rehearsals,
costuming AND having fun with some exceptionally nice women,
AND you have at least intermediate belly dance skills, please
contact me if you are interested in an audition.

Troupe members must be in my ongoing Advanced Belly Dance
class which runs from 7-8 PM Tuesday evenings. Troupe class
immediately follows, 8:10-9:10 PM. Classes are in my Edmonds/
Lynnwood area studio; registration is through the Edmonds Park
Dept. (Registration in my Advanced class does not mean you are
automatically in the troupe — you must audition to be accepted.)

If you’d like to see us perform, Shamandura and Troupe Levant will
perform a cane dance choreography at Hasani’s Hafla at 8:30 PM
on Saturday, Feb. 10.

For more information about Shamandura and Troupe Levant,
our performance venues and/or goals, please contact me at:
shamandura1@aol.com

Shamandura / Linda Martinson
Belly Dance Instructor, Performer
Director, Troupe Levant
shamandura1@aol.com
Great Dancers are not great because of their
technique; they are great because of their
passion! — Martha Graham

For the third straight year, the World Sacred Music Festival brings a
diversity of global sacred music to the South Puget Sound.

Olympia’s World Sacred Music Festival is a showcase for musicians
from across the region, all part of the Pacific Northwest’s rich
spiritual tapestry. Created by Interfaith Works, this family-friendly
global celebration is a rare opportunity to hear the music of
different sacred traditions in one location. The 2007 festival
features takes place Feb. 4 from 5-9 p.m. at the Kenneth J. Minnaert
Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, and
features music from three distinct spiritual traditions:

Shabâvâ is a Persian music ensemble whose members include Nat
Hulskamp (oud, flamenco guitar), Bobak Salehi (kamancheh, setar,
violin), and a rotating roster of other musicians. Hulskamp has
studied with flamenco masters in the US and Morocco, and studied
ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, where he played in
styles ranging from Hungarian csardas and Gypsy swing to flamenco.
Salehi was born in Tehran, Iran, and began playing music at eight
years old, under the direction of his father, maestero Hossein
Salehi. He also studied violin with other Iranian master artists as
well as Western classical violinists.

The Gansango Mandinka Trio performs music from West Africa,
specifically traditional rhythms from the Mandinka people. The trio’s
musicians are Etienne Cakpo, drums; Naby Camara, balafon (a West
African wooden zylophone); and Kane Mathis, kora (a 21-stringed
calabash harp). Mathis performed at the 2005 and 2006 World Sacred
Music Festivals to wide acclaim.

The Unsanctified Gospel Revival is a collection of phenomenal
musicians from varied backgrounds, who have joined to bring rockin’
gospel music to sacred and secular audiences alike. Led by dobro/
steel guitar player Dan Tyack and featuring regional favorite Orville
Johnson, the group’s only requirement for enjoyment is the
willingness to get funky with the Holy Ghost.

The full schedule, directions, music samples, and up-to-date details
can be found at the festival website: www.olysacredmusic.org.
For more information, contact:
Scott Stevens, WSMF Music Director
Phone: 360-259-1682     email: scott@earball.net
Kathy Erlandson, Interfaith Works Executive Director
Phone: 360-357-7224   (office hours M-F 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Imbolc or Candlemas is coming Feb 2nd.  Come to learn a beautiful candle dance to use to celebrate it’s arrival!
Bringing in the Light~
The Candle Dance Workshop taught by Aleili Friday Jan. 12th 2007 from  7:00 to 9:00 pm
Location: The Yoga Barn in Issaquah
660 NW Gilman Blvd. C6
Issaquah , WA . 98027
Phone: 425-427-0038
Fee: $25

The candle itself is always a dance.  Dramatic and and fascinating, it’s flickering light plays on surfaces and dips into shadows.  It’s light glows warm against the dancer’s face and skin.  Aleili will teach Pharonic poses and mesmerizing movements which enhance the drama of the dance of light.  Floorwork will be included so please bring knee pads to make it more accessible!  Bring white candles in small hand-held holders with flat bottoms to balance in your hands.

Yoga and belly dancing are a perfect compliment to each other~
Aleili’s “Yoga for Belly Dancer’s Workshop” Friday Feb. 9th, 2007 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Location: The Yoga Barn in Issquah
660 NW Gilman Blvd. C6
Phone: 425-427-0038
Fee: $25

Beautiful posture, the quintessential starting point for any dancer, is developed and strengthened from a well-balanced yoga practice.  Stamina, flexibility and the execution of proper technique are all increased from the practice of yoga.  The yoga breathing techniques (pranayama) alone can assist the dancer by bringing awareness, strength and purpose to her dance experience.  Challenging transitions flow seamlessly and are transformed into the intuitive and spontaneous expressive levels that every dancer desires to attain.  To keep a dancer’s body in prime from and free from injury, a good yoga warm-up before and after dancing is essential to a long and active, healthy dancing career.  Aleili has been teaching yoga and belly dancing for over 30 years.