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SAMEDA Dancewear share your love of be[[y dance

and support a great organization

• Preshrunk and washable

• Sleek black color

• Flattering tailored style

• Quality spandex and cotton fiber content

• Sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large

• Tote: red/black polycanvas with snap closure and hard bottom (18" X 12" X 5")

• Water bottle: red/black plastic with sport top; dishwasher safe (17.5 ounces)

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Tank with shelf bra ....................... $17 Spandex hip-length tee ................ $18 Cropped tee ................................. $15 Drawstring yoga pant ................... $25 Tote bag ....................................... $15 Water bottle ................................... $3

Shipping and handling: Please add $5 for the first item and $2.50 for each additional item.

For further details and to order, contact Liz at (858) 541-2039 or merchandise@sdsameda.com.

December 2005 "<fV THE PAPYRUS ~V -3 -

I just love this month, not only because it's my birth month, but because of the weather this time of year. You can just smell the winter in the air, and see the holiday lights all around; it gives you such a warm feeling.

The year is just about over; here on the board we are preparing the final touches for the holiday party, which is just a few days away. It is going to be nice seeing our community come out and join us one more time for this special holiday event!

The Papyrus has some wonderful articles this month. On our cover is one of the finest ladies you will ever meet, Suhaila Salimpour ... read for yourself.

I want to welcome a new board member, Patrisha Gutierrez. She will be a big help this coming year with informative resources. Not only is Patrisha now a board member with Sameda, but she is also soon to be the President of the MECDA chapter here in San Diego! Congratulations.

We will be having our board meetings every month. As a member, please don't hesitate to come and sit in on meetings to keep informed. We welcome you anytime. Look in next months Papyrus for more information on times and dates.

Well, enough said for this last paragraph for the year. I am wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

We will see you next year!

rB~~~d~

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-4 - ·{tC., THE PAPYRUS ~Ir December 2005

Welcome to SAMEDA

New Members Shabnam Dadkhah Mariann Domokos

Welcome Back to SAMEDA

Renewing Members Scottie Schultz - Scherazade Jennifer Sobel - Mira

Anna Bowen-Davies - Aphrodite Carol Ti lli nghast - Yasmi na

Sahra Kent - Sahra

Paulina Beauroyre - Nahira

Susan Hess - Najma

Karima Gameel

Mary Griffi th - Mariah

December Birthdays f

2 - Karen Hunt Q 3 - Sohaila

8 -MahaHadi

9 - Joan Rattanasinh

9 - Lynn Perry

13 - Daisy Ma

19 - Suhaila Salimpour 26 - Stephanie Shirk

20 - Lisa Smith 29 - Beryl Warnes

21 - Adam Ahmed .1. 29 - Marisa Phillips

24 - Grace Alanis fiiJ 30 - Deborah Carrao

25 - Monica Rodewald 31 - Anne Stoup

26 - Robert Gworek 31 - Katherine Dambrino

~

~

December 2005 -«(., THE PAPYRUS it(., -29 -

9) Proceed with caution when dealing with any international transactions. You may be severely limited in attaining any successful financial or civil relief; prosecution may be extremely difficult

There are many other methods to protect yourself. Most important, be careful in selecting whom you work with!

aJ~ J n (619) 460 -5766 111re b7 ~c} 6787 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92115 Beginning/Intermediate .. ... ............ M ................... 6:30 - 7:30 PM Intermediate ......... ...... .... .. ..... .. .. ... . M .. ...... .... .. ..... 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Beginning/Intermediate ...... .. .... ..... T ...... .. ............ 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Beginning/Intermediate ........ .... ..... W ..... ....... .. .... . 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Beginning Series 1 ..... ................ ... Th ............... 11 :00 AM - Noon Beginning Series 1 .......... ... .... ....... Th ... ....... ........ 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Beginning Series 2 ............... ......... Th ............... ... 7:00 - 8:00 PM Saidi Stick/Cane Dance ..... ...... .... . Sat ... ....... .... 11 :00 AM - Noon Drum Class .... ...... ... .. ... ... .............. Sat .. .. ............ Noon - 1 :00 PM

Teens ...... .. ... ............ ..... .............. .. . Sat .......... ..... .. 3:00 - 4:00 PM

etao. ~etta Eap1teaao. 619-469-4507

Bring in this coupon and receiv e one free cup of House Blend

Espressos! Salads/

Sandwiches/ Homemade Italian cookies! And much much more .....

6787 El Cajon Blvd., Son Diego, CA 92115 2 Blocks W&st of 10th St., next to BIA

-28 - ,tt, THE PAPYRUS IJI>- December 2005

Protect Yourself! by Lucia

As computers become increasingly important in our lives, computer hackers, scam artists, and thieves thrive. Recently I watched one of my friends prosecute a man who had committed identify theft on at least a hundred occasions. He started by stealing victims' trash, which contained their personal information, and opened numerous bogus bank accounts and online accounts. He made drivers' licenses and identification cards to facilitate his crime. In his home, police seized a workshop of templates and other paraphernalia. His computers revealed a profitable, sophisticated network of crime. For years, he stole thousands of dollars, stole victims' identities, and destroyed their credit until he was caught.

Unfortunately, this is a common international problem that occurs daily. In many countries, there are county, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies dedicated to combat this growing sector of crime.

For many of us, this experience is difficult to appreciate until it happens to you or someone you know. The Middle Eastern dance community is no different. I have received numerous online requests for private classes, shows, workshops, and other dance-related subjects from scam artists. They have asked for my personal informa­tion to "send me a check," "hire me to perform," or "pay for my airline ticket." That old motto "If it soW1ds too good to be true, it probably is!" is ever so clear. These type of scam artists will continue until they successfully convince an unsuspecting victim to divulge personal information. They will use and trade your personal information with a criminal network within an hour. You will suffer a great loss.

There are many ways to protect yourself. Some important tips include:

1) Never disclose your social security number unless you are applying for a legitimate job.

2) Never divulge passwords to your online accounts.

3) Never toss personal information/receipts in the trash; instead, destroy via a paper shredder or rip up documents.

4) Don't disclose any personal information to any online solicitation or requests.

5) Report theft or suspected theft immediately. Contact your local police or district attorney's office if you have questions or suspect a crime has oc­curred.

6) Maintain your personal records in a safe place. Also, keep records and save emails concerning business transactions.

7) Put a mail suspension if you will be out of town (form at local post office).

8) Do not agree to refund a check unless from a trusted source.

December 2005 ,{ft, THE PAPYRUS ,tt, -5 -

• Remember, all the email addresses for SAMEDA have been updated. See the masthead on page 2.

• SAMEDA has received requests to host workshops. We love the enthusiasm! Please understand that all hosted workshops are on a volunteer basis and are fund-raisers initiated by your interest. To volunteer to host a workshop, please contact events@sdsameda.com.

• The next SAMEDA board meeting is January 29 (see meeting list below). Rather than let those feelings fester or suggestions go to waste, come express yourself! E-mail info@sdsarneda.com for more info and directions.

• Volunteer Opportunity: The Salvation Army's Silver Crest Residence for low­income seniors in Oceanside invites dancers to perform at its monthly birthday parties. Please call Velma at (760) 941-5899.

• SAMEDA dancewear and accessories are now sold at Attire By Lea, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. (619) 460-5766.

• DEADLINE is January 1! Please get your February items in NOW!

mm SAMEDA Board Meetings

New Year's Resolution: I will attend a SAMEDA meeting to voice my opinions, contribute my brilliant ideas, and make SAMEDA a great

organization for myself and my fellow dancers.

January 29 February 26

March 26 April 23 May 24

June 25 July 16

El Torito Yaarajaan Studios Escondido San Diego Del Mar TBA SAMEDA Faire

Email info@sdsameda.com for directions and further info.

• All meetings begin at 10:00 AM. However, because of unforeseen circumstances, dates or locations may change. Please email to confirm date and location.

-6 - -.(t\l THE PAPYRUS ~t>- December 2005

• Discover Egypt gives visitors an opportunity for interactive learning about ancient Egyptian civilization. Permanent exhibit. $3-$6. Daily, JO AM-4 PM.

Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. www.museumofman.org.

• Narrated by Peter O' Toole, Mystic India, the latest IMAX film, follows the true story of a young yogi who embarked on a spiritual quest. His story tells the story of India as a nati on: the colors, history, people, landscape, art and architecture, and festivals . Still playing at the IMAX is Mystery of the Nile. Call for showtimes. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. (619) 238-1233. www.rhfleet.org.

• Moroccan-born photographer Lalla Essaydi displays portraits of Muslim women and children, creating a mysterious and timeless space fraught with emotion and symbolic intention. Islamic calligraphy, written in henna by the artist, covers the clothing, background, hands, and feet of her subjects, symbol­izing the reversal of their silence and isolation. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. (619) 238-7559.

• Tuesdays- Merge Events and the Kava Lounge present Going Global. Each week features a differnt DJ spinning sounds from Indian and Arabic fusion to salsa, samba, and bossa nova. No cover. 9 PM. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner. www.kavalounge.com ..

• Wednesdays- John Bilezikjian appears bimonthly at The Greek Village. Belly dancing, Greek and international music, and open dancing the entire night. $10. 6:30-9:30 PM. 6030 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. (760) 603-9672 reservations.

• Second Tuesday of the month- Urban Tribal Dance Company and special guests perform at the Kava Lounge. DJs Gage and Sergio play eclectic world music. 9 PM. 2812 Kettner. www.urbantribaldance.com.

• Second Thursday of the month-Gypsy Night Bellydance Showcase featuring live music and plenty of dancing! 8 PM. The Other Side Coffeehouse, 4096 30th St. Genevieve, (619) 263-1476.

• Third Thursday of the month- Live Music & Belly Dance Showcase. 8 PM.

Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge, 2906 University Ave., North Park. Frank Lazzaro, (760) 942-1326 .

• Second and fourth Fridays of the month-Club Cleopatra features an exciting evening of orientale danse and live music with open dancing. $5. Luxor Cafe, llOO Fifth Ave. (619) 231 -8888 or (619) 405-2308. www.luciadance.com.

• Saturdays-Come to Shamanic Trance Dance, a sacred shamanic healing ceremony where we dance with blindfolds to discover our inner landscapes. Look for the red veil over the door. Bring a blindfold or bandana. $20. Center for Creative and Playful Activities, 8241 La Mesa Blvd. www.heartwisdom.net.

December 2005 e(t\l THE PAPYRUS.-«(., -27 -

though they may primarily use choreography, have a good foundation in group improvisation, and the primary interaction is between dancers, rather than with the audience. This is the difference between tribal choreography and nontribal choreog­raphy. By learning synchronized group improv, we fonn a strong bond with each other that allows us to dance in the music as one dancer, rather than several soloists who happen to be onstage together.

Cynthia has been dancing various styles of tribal for five years and has found her calling in tribal fusion. She spends every minute she can spare ( and many she really can 't) feeding and researching her obsession. She should have some Tribal Bibles in stock. Please email her at info@tribalfeat.com if you are interested in learning more. Stay tuned/or Part II : The Costume in an upcoming issue o/The Papyrus.

Source: Kajira Djoumahna, The Tribal Bible. (www.blacksheepbellydance.com)

-26 - ;t(., THE PAPYRUS~·>- December 2005

Tribal Tiding~ Part I: Thi ®anci by Cynthia Todd

In the last ten years, it seems like tribal belly dance has spread like wildfire! With so many different troupes that have developed such distinctive looks and such different styles of dance, many people are left asking, "What is tribal, anyway?" Much of the information I present to you is from The Tribal Bible by Kajira Djoumahna, as well as discussions found in online communities, such as http: //tribalfeat.tribe.net.

Tribal belly dance began to take form in the late 1960s in San Francisco, at the California Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The first visionaries were none other than Jamila Salimpour and her troupe, Bal Anat. At the time, Jamila just called what she did "belly dance." Masha Archer, one of Jamila's students, left Bal Anal and began teaching her own interpretation of belly dance, including group improvisational choreography. She wanted to explore different outlets for belly dance; to get it out of nightclubs and restaurants, which were the only places to perform at that time in San Francisco. She experimented with different American and European elements, including non-Middle Eastern music, costumes, and styles of movement

From Masha Archer's San Francisco Classic Dance Troupe came Carolena Nericcio, who founded FatChanceBellyDance in 1987. Carolena took ideas from Masha's classes, Jami la's approach, her own artistry, and combined them to form what we now call American Tribal Style, or ATS. ATS is based upon group improvisational dance, using a system of cues and transitions. ATS works off of a set vocabulary of movements, with a leader and follower(s) . As the leader feels the music, she will cue the follower(s). (Part of the beauty of this form of dance is the bond you form with your fellow dancers. When you've been dancing together for long enough, you don't even need cues to know what the person is going to do next! You develop a sixth sense for it.) Often, for large stage shows, ATS groups will choreograph entrances, ex.its, and sometimes transitions between songs. However, in keeping with the philosophy behind ATS, the bulk of the performance must be comprised of group improvisation and the primary interaction must be between the dancers.

So what about all these other troupes who call what they do "tribal"? As tribal has spread, it has morphed into many different forms. Many dancers (myself included) feel that out of respect for the art form, and for Carolena herself, if what we do deviates from her original vision, we should call it something else. ''Tribal fusion" is a generic term that has evolved for most troupes who mix improv with choreogra­phy, wear tribal-like costumes, and include movements from various forms of dance. There are specific styles that seem to fall under this umbrella, including Jill Parker's Innovative Dance Theater style, Heather Stants' Urban Tribal style, and Domba!'s African Fusion style, to name a few. Most of these visionary dancers, however, did begin with a basic understanding of ATS. Additionally, most tribal troupes, even

December 2005 eQV THE PAPYRUS ilV -7 -

• Second and fourth Fridays of the month-Belly dance dinner show with live music by Middle-Earth. 7-9 PM. Greek Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa. (858) 573-0155.

• Second Saturday of the month-Belly dancing with Sarasvati Modern Tribal. 9:00 & 10:00 PM. Egyptian Tea Room, 4644 College Ave. (619) 265-7287.

• Sundays-DJ Paul and Suzanna present a Belly Dance Showcase at Kolbeh Restaurant (dancers receive dinner). 7 PM. 9514 Miramar Road. To perform, call (760) 727-6454.

• Fourth Sunday of the month-Tribal and cabaret belly dancers perform to live music by Middle-Earth. 7: 30 PM. The Turquoise Cafe Bar Europa, 873 Tur­quoise St , Pacific Beach. (858) 488-4200.

• December 4-SAMEDA Holiday Party, an event sure to jingle your bells. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 6 PM. Crystal Ballroom, 414 N. Magnolia Ave. events@sdsameda.com. (See page 8 for more details.)

• December 18-Belly Dance and Tribal Dance Holiday Party, includes Sabrina, Atash Maya, Lucia, Violeta, and more. 6:30-9 PM. Med Grill , 1263 University, North Park. (619) 683-2233 or (619) 405-2308. www.luciadance.com.

1=: \,V"~k~r~ :=1 Because we have experienced an increased number of entries and we try to include

all of them, please submit events in the following format:

Date-Description. Cost. Time. Address, City (State, if not CA). Phone number. Email address. Website.

• First Sundays-Kava Gallery Workshop Series. Each month a different local teacher presents their style in a special two-hour workshop. Kava Gallery Studio adjacent to Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner. (619) 261-8676.hastants@earthlink.net

• Second Sundays-Artist's Support Group for all creative people. Noon-2 PM.

Kypris , (760) 522-2554.

Priority for California-based events. If space permits, we will place your out-of-state events.

• Wednesdays-Tonya and Atlantis present their Original Belly Dance Show­case. 8:45-11 :30PM Los Angeles Harbor Sheraton Hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro. (310) 434-3987 for show info; (310) 519-8200 for reservations.

continued on next page ...

-8 - -.u{., THE PAPYRUS ~t)" December 2005

... continued from previous page

• December 18 -Marguerite and others participate in the Tribal Fusion Fair. 10 AM-8 PM. San Luis Obispo. wendybalisle@yahoo.com.

Beach Resort Wear Featuring Belly Dance Outfits & Jewelry

Large selection of hip scarves, sarongs, & coin tribalwear

Henna Tattoos e!r Pre-M'ixed Henna 20% discount for SAMEDA members!

Abdule & Perveen (owners) at (858) 488-4150 3126 Mission Blvd., Suite A (at Belmont Park)

San Diego, CA 921 09

~~~~~"\ \..; "\ll'-'~

~~"\~~ veg & non-veg dinner ample free parking

nice attire

Crystal Ballroom, 414 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon

5 :30 Doors Open 6:00 Dinner & Show 9:00 Open Dancing

Join SAMEDA-membership forms will be available

$15 in advance; $20 at the door tickets avai lable online and through events@sdsameda.com

Checks payable to: SAMEDA, P.O. Box 16821 , San Diego, CA 92176

Perfonners: Ana Goebel (619) 660-6965 Volunteers: Vicki (858) 755-1432

www.sdsameda.com

December 2005 <tt, THE PAPYRUS"''" -25 -

I did it. My body started to coordinate itself. We learned figure eights with all kinds of footwork and layered them with hip and ribcage circles. It was mentally exhaust­ing but fun . By noon, we were just about overloaded, and Suhaila knew it So she put on some great funky music and we worked on dance movement We were like animals being let out of our cages. We strutted, jumped, and turned across the floor, arms flying and laughter bursting out It was so free and fun.

Lunch was a delicious meza platter with videos from Jamila. We watched Suhaila dance at 12, 14, and 18 years old. After lunch we finished the choreography. It was the perfect level, just challenging enough but not too hard. I actually remember it and will teach parts of it.

We all agreed the intensive should be two more days. The body just gets going on day five. I was happy to be headed home but still wanted more dance. Those traveling together talked and practiced all the way home - on the Bart (the Bay area's subway) and the plane. And we held a practice session a few days after coming home. We just couldn't stop.

For those of you possessed by this dance, you understand the feeling. If you want to

see how much your body can take and move to another level of dance, Suhaila's intensive is for you. You will come away with a new respect and confidence in your ability. The next intensive will be January 23-27, 2006. See you there!

Meleah is a professional make up artist, perfonner and instructor, with over 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics formulated for the dancer and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

c!J1'h Tu (619) 460 -5766 111re bv eo 6787 El Cajon Blvd.

J San Diego, CA 92115 Custom Costuming and on-site alterations!

Dance Studio! Espressos!

Salads! Sandwiches! Homemade

Italian cookies!

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Harem Pants! Dance Pants! Skirts! Tops!

Veils! Sashes! Finger Cymbals!

.. . and much, much more!

-24 - ·-<t\i THE PAPYRUS 1t>- December 2005

... continued from previous page

- Day4-

Today was more technical, less physical. I think Suhaila could see we were burned out and took pity on us. Although we did the same killer warm-up, the drills were not as bad.

We worked on isolating our hips at the barre, on one leg and into grand plie. We learned one of my favorite moves - the hip pyramid, in which the hips move in a triangle shape. One way contracts the lower abs and each side of the lower back; the reverse uses lower back contractions and hip flexors right and left. It was very challenging learning to contract the lower back and then contract the right and left sides.

The choreography continued with some amazing combinations, which will appear soon in my classes. It was just challenging enough for inspiration. My muscles were worn out again by 2:00 PM, so I took it easy to make it through the day. Also there was a dance movement class at 6:00 PM, so I needed to save my strength.

Dance movement is a class we need in San Diego. It applies the basics of ballet and jazz to bell y dance. The class focuses on different ballet and jazz techniques each week, as dancers work across the floor with chasses, turns, walks, pas de berets, etc. It helps give the basic training that any dancer would need. I loved it.

- Day 5 -

Our final day! After losing all strength in my thighs Wednesday and Thursday, I was tentative about moving on to the fifth day. The warm-up was just as hard, but my body seemed to like it. My legs were stronger, my balance was better, and I was moving quicker and easier through the various positions. This was both unex­pected and wonderful. I looked around to see everyone feeling the same - strangely invigorated.

The drills were hard and the layering was more complicated, but

December 2005 o(t\i THE PAPYRUS -<f\J -9 -

SAMEDA Solicits Articles Book Reviews Costume Tips Recipes

CD Reviews

Breakdown of Moves Fusion

Sewing Tips Restaurant Reviews History of Dance Hieroglyphs Men in Belly Dance

Video Reviews Travel Articles Website Reviews Public Relations Tips Aromatherapy American Tribal

Henna Instruments Image/Make Up Tips

Props (Swords, Canes, Veil) Workshop/Retreat/Event

Reviews

In exchange for an article on one of the above topics, SAMEDA will include your byline. In this byline, please include infonnation about yourself and/or your services (serves as a mini-advertisement). Example:

Me Leah is a professional make up artist, performer. and instructor, with more than 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics, formulated for the dancer, and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

Papyrus Advertising Rates

Classified Ads: $5 Members $8 Nonmembers Members receive two free classified ads per year.

Send ads to advertising@sdsameda.com.

Business Card Ads: $10 Members $20 Nonmembers 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 in.

Ha~ Page Ads: $15 Members $25 Nonmembers 31/2 X 5 in.

Full Page Ads: $25 Members $35 Nonmembers 5 X 71/2 in.

Flyers: $30 Members $40 Nonmembers 375 copies* 81/2x 11 in.

i~ Please Send Your Submissions for The Papyrus to: PAPYRUs@sDSAMl!DA.COM

iC.- Please Send Ads for The Papyrus to: ADVl!RTISING@sDSAMl!DA.COM

-10 - --<fV THE PAPYRUS ~I>- December 2005

J:]gly b~nc~ ~;iJ TEACHERS: please notify the editor of all class types, dates, and times

North County & Beyond

Aleia (760) 724-2002 • \!Jsta • Multi-leveled class Sa ........ 10:00-11:00AM • Beginning M ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Private lessons by appointment CSU San Marcos (760) 750-4000 (ask/or AS! office, then/or "Leisure Time Classes ") • Beginning ........... ... .. .. .................... ... ..... ................... .. ............... Tu Th ....... 3:00-4:00PM Alexandra (909) 715-7225 • a/exan0910@aol.com • www.alexandradances.com University of California, Riverside

• Beginning ..... .............................. ............................................... Sa ......... 11:00AM-Noon • Intennediate ...... .... .................... ........ ...... .. ................................. Sa .... ....... Noon-1 :()()pM Amalya (760) 432-6574 • Ama/yaGoddess@aol.com • www.sacred-feminine.org The "Goddess Studio " in Escondido • Beginning • Intennediate/Advanced • Private lessons by appointment Aminari (714) 229-4868

MW ......... 7:~:00PM M W ..... .. .. 8: 15-9: 15PM

• In Hollywood .. ..... ...................................................................... Sa mornings afternoons • In Orange County ...... ........ .. ...................... ................................ Sa

Angelika Nemeth (949) 786-3111 • Tustin Community Services • Beginning ........... .. ... ......................................... .................. ....... M ............. 6:3~:()()pM • Intennediate/Advanced .................. .. .................................. .... .... M ............. 8: 15-9:45PM Golden West College, Huntington Beach (714) 895-8306 • Beginning Orange Coast College (714) 432-5072 • Three-week evening workshops Academy of International Dance (714) 550-9285

Tu Th ............. I O:OOAM

TuWTh

• Beginning ... .... .. .............. ............ .. .... .. ....... .. .............................. Sa ......... 11:00AM-Noon • Intennediate/Advanced .. ..................................... ....................... Sa ........... Noon-l :30FM Catharae Smith (909) 982-6475 • catharae@juno.com • weekday evenings inRed/ands,

San Bernardino, Rialto, Corona, Montclair, La Verne, Walnut Effie Horning (760) 630-7063 • Private coaching by appointment Fahtiem (626) 810-9470 • wwwjahtiem.com • Rowland Heights Wardlow Park, 3457 Stanbridge, Long Beach • Beginning • Intennediate • Advanced The Dancers Studio, 5772 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles • Mixed levels ....... ... ......... .. ........ ................................. ... . Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd. & 215th St., Lakewood • Mixed levels Kimberly's Dance Studio, 815 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello • Mixed levels La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. • Beginning • Intennediate

M ............. 6:15-7:15PM M ....... .... .. 7:2~:20PM M ............. 8:30-9:30PM

T ....... ...... 9: 15-10: 15PM

W ............. 6:30-7:30PM

W ............. 8:30-9:30PM

Th ............. 7:3~:45PM Th ........... 9:00-10:00PM

December 2005 ·-«V THE PAPYRUS ,(1"1 -23 -

Nevertheless, six months later, I was back for more abuse ...

-Day 1-

After day one of the August 2005 intensive, I was tired but could manage to lift a pen to write about it. The warm-up didn't kill me, and I could do about half of the layering drills. I felt progress and couldn' t wait to continue with the practice.

For those of you who want to take your dance to the next level, this is it. There's nothing like it and no way to realistically explain it. You have to experience it. You will use muscles in different ways and push your body to new limits. You will either get fit or die.

-Day 2-

Level-two warm-up was faster and required more strength. We did full push-ups and endless sit-ups. Of course, the famous glute squeezes were done as well, but to a faster tempo and layered over torso moves. We also learned interior hip squares, layering them over walking forward, backwards, sideways, and turning.

Layering was the theme of the day, and I finally started to get it Letting go of one moving part while moving another part is very frustrating. We also began choreogra­phy, which was really fun and exciting because we didn' t have to drill. The only problem: I was so tired I could hardly think, so remembering was an issue. That night I was in bed by 9:00 PM, feeling tired and sore all over.

- Day 3-

This day was a level-three warm-up, and I was hoping it didn' t get any worse. Level three pushes the limits of endurance and coordination. The squats were harder and longer, as were the many varieties of stomach work. We layered over glute squeezes and learned the principles behind the glute vibration, which is lifting and squeezing the glutes high until they vibrate with tension. No matter how hard I squeezed, my glutesjust sat there. With daily practice, this one takes about a year.

In the afternoon we had class with the Grand Mistress of belly dance, Jamila Salimpour. Jamila is responsible for belly dance as we know it on the West Coast She paved the way, fought the battles, endured the insults and demonstrations, and formatted and named most of the steps and combinations we learn today. I felt so honored to be standing in front of the woman who started it all. Yet she is humble, sweet, helpful, and so motherly. She emanates humility and kindness ... and rips on the zills. She showed rhythm after rhythm, syncopations, doubles, triples, and quadruples. She played effortlessly and at super-speed. It was a special day to watch Suhaila assist her mom. And every now and then, Isabella, seven years old and the third generation of Salimpours, would run into the room and jump on one of them for a big hug.

continued on next page ...

-22 - "''\I THE PAPYRUS 1•)· December 2005

Silly <vanci d3oot Camp: 11n lntin~ivi with &>uhaila &>alimpour

by Meleah

After twenty years of dancing, one hopes to achieve a certain level of proficiency. I train six days a week, perfonn three to four nights a week, teach aerobics, and train with weights two to three times a week. I feel reasonably fit and somewhat confident wi th my level of experti se. But one workshop with Suhaila Salimpour and, man, was I humbled!

When I took a workshop from Suhaila years ago, I was impressed by a unique technique and approach to muscle control. So I decided to try a five-day intensive to investigate a little further. We were all warned to be in good condition aerobically and muscularly. So I trained a little harder a few weeks before and streamlined my eating habits.

I anived at the intensive confident and excited to learn more. But nothing I had done prepared me for what I was about to experience. Belly dance boot camp had begun. The level-one wann-up was forty minutes of strength and endurance training that left me shaking and dizzy. And that was just the warm-up?! Oh my god, how will I survive the rest?

I prayed the rest would not be this hard. But then the drills began. Two more hours of isolations, learning how to find and control our muscles. The first day was glutes. (I now know more about my glutes than I ever wanted to.) By noon I had numb butt -nothing worked and walking straight was a challenge. I also sweated off about five pounds. (Those who attended Suhaila's workshop in San Diego can relate to my experiences.) And so the week continued- torturous warm-ups that got harder each day, drills I could never quite get through without stopping, and choreography that was brilliantly difficult

I felt like the worst dancer in the room as the layering continued - chest circles over glute squeezes, hip circles over pas de berets, undulations over something else I couldn't do. I was hopeless, exhausted, and totally humbled. But then an amazing thing happened. After total immersion for four days, something began to click. On the last day, I was stronger. I could actually do a few drills and some layering. Maybe there was hope.

. I took this knowledge home with me, practiced it, and added it into my classes. My students thought I was insane, but slowly we started getting stronger and more coordinated. The drills started to make sense, and muscles started developing. I could see a change in myself and my students.

December 2005 "''" THE PAPYRUS {I~ -11 -

Puente Hills YMCA, 16()(5 S. Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights • Mixed Levels East L.A. College Women '.S' Gym • Mixed Levels • Private coaching by appointment

Sa .... ....... Noon-1 :()()pM

Sa ............. 2:00-3:30PM

Frank LllZ7Bro (760) 942-1326 • www.frankdrums.com • Encinitas • Drumming classes ................................. .............. ....... ............... M ............. 6:00-7:()()pM • Private coaching by appointment Imari • Shake It Up Dance Fitness, 1275 S. Santa Fe # /03, Vista, (760) 724-4348 • Beginning/Intermediate ......... .. ... ......... .................. .. ... ..... .......... M .......... ... 7:@-8:00PM •Beginning ......... ................ ................ .. ... ..... ... ........... .. ... .. .......... Tu ...... .... ... 8:15- 9:15PM Kathy Stradley (909) 699-5606 • Temecula Community Rec. Center • Beginning ... ...... ..................................... ....... ............................. W ... .. ........ 6:00-7:()()pM • Intennediate/Advanced .............................. ................................ W ...... ....... 7: 10-8:20PM Loreena (858) 45 l -WRLD(9753) • worldancenarts@aol.com • I 2540 Oaks North Drive

# 83, Rancho Bernar(i() • Beginning ...... ..................... .. ... ... .............. .. ... .. ... .... .. ......... ........ F ................ 5:00-6:00PM • Intennediate/Advanced ....... .. ..... ...... ..... ..................................... F ... ............. 6:00-7:00PM Marguerite (310) 370-5155 • www.gypsymagic.com • Lauridsen Ballet Centre,

Torrance, CA • Beginning/Intermediate Tu .... .. .... . 7:00-10:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Mesmera (323) 669-0333 • Los Angeles Area• www.mesmera.com • Studw A, 2306

Hyperion, Silverlake • Between Scotland And Tracy • (Park on street, enter gate, first studw on left)

December classes end on the 17th; January classes begin on the 9th. • Basic/Intermediate Technique ............... .. .. ................ .. .............. MW ......... 6:30-7:30PM • In t/Adv Technique and Creative Resources .............................. MW .... .. ... 7:45-9: I 5PM LACC Community Services• (323) 669-1031 • Basic Technique Sa ........ 10:00-11 :OOAM • Basic Technique Sa .......... 11 :OOAM-NOON • Basic Technique Sa ... ... .... .. NOON-1 :OOPM By Appointment Only - call for reservations and directions • Int/Adv Technique and Creative Resources .. ... ................. ........ F .......... I 0:00-11 :30AM • Int/Adv Technique and Creative Resources ................. ...... ....... Sa ............. 2:00-3:30PM No classes November 3-15, due to travel. No classes December 17-January 9 due to

holidays. Nicki Vaccar (760) 634-3680 • Nikistal@aol.com Carlsbad Parks & Recreatwn, 2997 Glasgow Dr., Calavera Hills (760) 602-4680 •Beginning .. .. .. ............ .. .. .. ...... .. .. ................ ........... .. .. .... .. .... ....... M ............. 7:15-8:15 PM • Beginning/Intermediate .. ........... .. .. .. .......... .. ............ .... .... .......... M ............. 8: 15-9:30PM Encinitas Parks and Recreation Community Center, 1140 Oak.crest Park Dr. (760) 943-

2260 • Beginning .. .................... .. ...... ...... .. ..... .. .. .. .. .............. ....... .......... Th ........ I 0:00-11 :OOAM • Intermediate .. ... ..... ....................... .. ................ ............................ Th ... .. .. .... .. 7:30-8:30PM • Int/Adv ... ........... ............ ......... .. .................. .. .............. ................ Th ... .... ...... 8:30-9:45PM • Beginning .... ... ....................... .. .................. .... ...................... ...... Sa .......... 11:00AM-noon San Dieguito Adult Education, Earl Warren Jr. High, Solana Beach (760) 753-7073 • Beginning .. .. ........ .. ... ........................ .......... .......................... .. ... Tu ......... .... 6:30-7:30PM Sheerah (858) 755-1432 • East Del Mar/Carmel Valley Recreation Center • Beginning/Intermediate .... .. .......... ......... .. ........... .. ............... ...... M ............. 7:@-8:00PM • Basic ......................... .. ....................... ............... .... .... ...... .. ......... W ....... ... ... 6:30-7:30PM

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Mira Costa College, Cardiff • Basic .......................................................................................... Tu ............. 5:30-6:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Sohaila (760) 743-1235 • Sohaila s Studio, Escondido • 6-week classes start December 5-

19 and January 2-16 • Intermediate/Choreography ....................................................... M ........... Noon-1:00PM • Intermediate/Choreography ....................................................... M ............. 7:00-8:00PM Learning Annex • www.learningannex.com • Monthly Learning Annex classes; call (619) 544-9700 for info • Private coaching by appointment Talia (760) 586-6626 • www.taliamedance.com • Camp Pendleton • Beginning .................................................................................. M ............. 7:00-S:OOPM • Level 2 .............................. ..... ........................ ................... ......... M ............. 8:00--9:00PM • Beginning .................................................................................. Tu ........ 10:00--11:00AM Oceanside, Melba Bishop Recreation Center • Beginning .................................................................................. W ............. 5:30-{;:30PM • Level 2 & 3 ................................................................................ W ............. 6:30-8:30PM F allbrook, The Slender Lady • Beginning ... ........... ............. .......... ........................ ............. ..... ... F ............... 7:00-S:OOPM Escondido, Sohaila s Dance Studio • Advanced/Professional ...................... , ....... .... ..... ...................... . Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM Yasmina (760) 631-1114 • Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd. , Suite I 00 •

www.pinkgypsy.com/yasmina • Beginning/Intermediate ......................................................... .... Th ............. 6:30-7:00PM Zahra Zuhair (323) 630-3586 • Burbank Parks and Recreation Center. 1111 W Olive

Ave., (818) 238-5397 • zahra@aol.com • www.zahrazuhair.com • Beginning ... .. .... ... .. ... ............ ............ .. .. ..................................... Th ... ........ .. 7:00-S:OOPM • Beginning/Intermediate .......... .... ..... ........... ... .... ..................... ... M ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................................................. M ............. 7:45-9: 15PM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................. ...... ...................... .... Th ............. 8:00--9:00PM

Metro

Abbi (760) 855-2335 • www.koshergoddess.com • Private coaching by appointment Alexa (858) 336-8886 • Mira Mesa Rec. Center • Beginning .... ..... .. ........ .... .... .... .......... ......................................... M ............ . 7:00-S:OOPM • Advanced ................................................................................... M ........ ... .. 8:00--9:00PM Standley Park Rec Center • Beginning ..... .... ....... ....................... ........................................... Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate ......... .... .... ......... .... ... .............................................. Th ..... .. .. .... 7:30-8:30PM Ana (619) 660-6965 • www.anabellydancer.com • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon

Blvd. • Beginning/Intermediate ............................................................. W ... ... ....... 7:00-S:OOPM • Private coaching by appointment Azam Farsoudi (858) 484-4751 • Frogs Club, Carmel Mt. Road • Beginning/Intermediate ..... .... ..... ................................... ......... ... F ................ 4:30-5:30PM Charlotte Zinn (619) 522-8911 • Coronado Adult Education • Begi nning ..... ......................................................................... .... M ............. 7:30-8:45PM Denean (619) 460-5766 • Attire by lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Beginning ..... .... ............................................................. ... .. ....... Th ........... 6:30-7:300PM • Beginning/Intermediate ............................................................. Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM

December 2005 -<t ~ THE PAPYRUS -.(f V -21 -

~~ i.;=::'.;.Tc d a nce studlCI TIJ~IUIB t Hl'J>II.IIW t llB4Nti~.t t llUl.l'll'OOl) t RIil.it FIJ§l()III

"MIUC4N c•mit~IT. iDITCH&.fllillllllR. l)""IClflTNIH

www.yaarajaa.n.com ' info@yaara.jaan.com ' (858) 531 6834 5433 Linda Vi!!ta Rd Ste. C, Sa.n Diego, CA 02110

Classes Mondays through Thursdays - see our website for our schedule and more information, or contact us by phone or E-mail

Workshops. ongoing drop-in & session classes

private instruction technique, combinations

choreography DaVid

Patrisha

Kami

-20 - ,<tV THE PAPYRUS 1t)· December 2005

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themselves. I just kept dancing and tried to avoid their table. Then it began. "What color are your underwear?" "Hey! What color are your underwear?" Yep, they were doing this to me now too. How could they?! I was getting madder and madder. I felt fire start at my toes and work up my legs to the top of my head. They were all laughing, smoking, and drinking; I was the subject of their boredom in life. I guess I was fun for them because they had nothing better to do. I was fuming. I looked over to the band for guidance, and I could tell they felt sorry for me. That made me even more mad.

I couldn't take it anymore. I felt my body react before I even knew what was going on. I stopped dancing, walked over to the table of men, smiled, and slammed my hand on the table. The club was silent and the band kept playing in hopes I'd keep moving. With my big smile I looked each man in the eye and yelled, "I'm not wearing any underwear!" I then scooped up all the money, let it fall on the stage floor, and went back to dancing.

The women roared with laughter. A huge victory. The men looked shocked, and the band was laughing so hard they were crying. I danced my ass off and felt it was a night that would define my entire career. The table of men sat very well behaved the entire show. And when I was done, they gave me a standing ovation. I had put them in their place and they liked it.

I left the stage exhausted. Not from the dancing, but from the mind and spirit game that had just tested my strength. From that night on, these customers became huge fans. And for my entire stay at Byblos, they not only supported my performances, but we became friends. I got to know the women well and even started teaching them in their homes once a week for exercise.

Last year, twenty years later, Nabila came backstage after our opening night of "Sheherezade" in Los Angeles. I even wore a costume she had made for me back in the day. I was told she might come, but didn't want to get my hopes up. I couldn't wait to see her. She now had beautiful gray hair, in a bun with a chopstick, and still looked like the same elegant woman I remembered her to be. She held my hands, and we just looked into each others' eyes for a long time. "You are a better dancer now than when you were 18," she said, as tears streamed down my face. "Well I would hope so," I laughed. We hugged, and I held her tight. She had been a huge inspiration to me growing up, and I felt she was proud of me, which made me feel good. "Thank you," I whispered in her ear before she walked away with her family.

I 'II never forget my first night working in a nightclub. It was not the music, the dance, or the art that defined my experience. It was the ability to take charge of my art and not let anyone take my power.

Oh ... and of course I was wearing underwear. They were blue.

December 2005 ~IV THE PAPYRUS e(ty -1 J -

Devorah (619) 990-2817 • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd . • Basic Tribal and core strengthening ............ .. ... .. ............. .......... Tu ............. 7:00-8:00PM Frank La:aaro (760) 942-1326 • (619) 279-7539 • World Beat Cent.er, Balboa Park • Egyptian drumming ................................................................... M ...... ....... 6:00-7:00PM • Mixed level dance to live drumming, w/Rachel George ........... M ............. 7:00-8:00PM Heather Stants (619) 261-8676 • www.urbantribaldance.com • Stage Seven School of

Dance, 3980 30th St. • Beginning Tu ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Intennediate Tu ....... ...... 8:00-9:00PM Ballet Basics Studio, 2323 Broadway, Studio 105 • Beginning .................................................................................. Sa ........... Noon-I :OOPM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................................................. Sa ...... ...... . 1:00-2:00PM • Advanced ...... ............... ... .. ............ ............................................. W ........ ..... 7:00-8:00PM • Mixed level drills ......... ... .......... ..................... ................. ........... Th ............. 8:30-9:30PM Juliet Oberding 6 I 9-519-1879 • Coronado Yoga • Tribal Fusion Beginning and Mixed Level ................................ Sa ......... 10:30-11 :30AM Leilainia (619) 884-7707 • www.leilainia.com • Being Fit, 8292 Mira Mesa Blvd. • Beginning .................................................................................. W ............. 7:00-8:00PM Pure Fitness, 501 W Broadway, Downtown • Intermediate Chai and Chat, 5919 Balboa Ave.

F ................ 5:45-6:45PM

•Beginning/Intermediate .... ....... ... ................................. ... ........... Sa ..... 11:00AM-12:00PM Loreena (858) 451-WRLD(9753) • worldancenarts@aol.com • Attire by Lea Studio,

6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Beginning Sa ..... ll :OOAM-12:()()pM • Intermediate/Advanced Sa . .. ..... 10:00-11 :OOAM Mira Mesa, I 0225 Barnes Canyon Rd., Suite CI 00 • Beginning ... ........ ... ............. ...... .......... ... ... ... .. ..... .................. ..... Su .......... ... 5:00-6:00PM • Intennediate/Advanced .............................................................. Su ............. 6:00-7:00PM Lucia (619) 405-2308 • www.luciadance.com • Dancing Unlimited Studio, 4569 J(Jh St.,

North Park • Beginning Sa ....... ... 9:00-10:15AM • Intennediate Sa ... ... .. 10:20-11 :45AM Attire By Lea, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. , El Cajon • Beginning .................................................................................. M ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate ..... .. .......... .... ...... ... ............ .............. ...... .... ... .. .. .. .. .. M ............. 7:3~:30PM Mind Body & Soul Dance Studio, 2971 lndia St. , (619) 298-9040, www.mindbodysoul.us • Beginning ........................................................ ....... ............ ....... W ............. 7:3~:30PM Luisa (619) 299-1129 • Dancing Unlimited, 4569 J(Ji' St., North Park •Beginning .. ..... .. .... .............. ...... .. .. ................. ..... ... ... .......... ... .... Th ............. 5:15-6:15PM • Intennediate .. ..... .... .... ......... ... .................................................... Th ........... 6:20 - 7:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Marula (619) 295-0637 • Mission Valley YMCA, 5055 Friars Rd. • 4 week sessions • Beginning ... ................................. .. ... ...... .. .... .. ..... ............... ....... Sa ..... ..... ... 1:00-2:00PM • Intennediate .. ......... ....... .. ... ... ..... .. ..................... ... .. ........ ........... . Sa ............. 2:00-3:00PM • Beginning Tribal Fusion (taught by Melanie of Urban Tribal) . W ............. 7:3~:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Marzue (619) 460-5766 • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Egyptian Saidi stick/cane ......... ........ .. ........................ .. ... ...... .. .. Sa ... ...... 11:00AM-Noon • Drumming ... ...... ....... .......... .............. ... .................. ............ .. ....... Sa ........... Noon-1:00PM Meleah (619) 280-8424 • San Diego School of Ballet, 5304 Metro St. Linda Vista • Beginning foundations .............................................................. W ......... .... 7:45--8:45PM •Intermediate/Adv.technique, combinations, zills, double veil . W .... ... ...... 6:40-7:40PM

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Stage 7 Studio, 3980 J(Jh St., North Park • Beginning/Intermediate ...... .... ................................. ........... .. ..... Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM Tooist Sanctuary, 4229 Park Blvd., North Park (alternating Fridays) • Mixed level, choreographic methods, perfonnance technique .. Fr ... .......... 6:30-7:30PM Richard Steiger (619) 283-6325 • Drumming & Lecture/Demos • Private coaching by appointment Sahar Sarni (858) 717-5839 • Sorrento Valley/Mira Mesa• www.sahardance.com • Beginner Technique/Workout ... ........................ ... ............. ......... M ... .......... 7:00-8:00PM • lntennediate/Advanced Technique and Choreography ......... .... M ......... .... 8:00-9:00PM Carlsbad/La Costa, Sahar's Studio (space Limited) • Beginner Technique/Workout ... ...... ......................... ... ............... Sa ........ I 0:00-11 :OOAM • Intermediate/Advanced Technique and Choreography ....... ...... Sa .... ..... 11:00AM-Noon West Clairemont • Level I/Basic Egyptian .............................................................. Tu .................. .. .. 7:00PM • Level II/Beginner ............ .... ....................................................... Th ......... .. ........... 7:00PM • Level ill/lntennediate/Advanced ........ .. ........... ................. ........ Th ... ................... 8:00PM Schera:zade (858) 581-0135 • 3234 ldlewild Way, Clairemont • Multi-level M ............. 7:00-8:30PM • Sword, cane, Isis wings Th ............. 8:00-9:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Sheerah (858) 755-1432 • Culture Shock Dance Center, 2110 Hancock St. , San Diego • Beginning/Intermediate ... .... ......... ......................... .. ...... ............ Th ........... .. 7:30-8:30PM Talia (760) 586-6626 • UCSD, Rimac Center, La Jolla • Beginning .................... ....... ........... ........ ... ................................ . M ........ 10:00-11:30AM Theresa (619) 521-0849 • Stage 7 Studio, 3980 30th St., North Park (back room; enter

from alley) • Beginning/Intermediate .. ... ...... ... .. ........... ..................... ............. M ... ........ .. 7:00-8:30PM Yaarajaan Studios (858) 531-6832 • www.davidentertainment.no • go.to/

yaarajaanstudios • 5433 Linda Vista Rd., Ste. C

Da Yid teaches: • Raqs Sharki (Egyptian Style) • Hollywood (Indian film dance) • Bhangra (Indian folk dance) • Hollywood (Indian film dance), classes start June I • Bhangra (Indian folk dance), classes start June 1 Patrisha teaches: • Danz Orientate (Turkish Style) • American Cabaret

East County

Tu ....... ...... 6:00-7:30PM W ............. 6:00-7:30PM W ............. 7:30-9:00PM W ... ... ..... .. 6:00-7:30PM W ... ....... ... 7:30-9:00PM

Tu ............. 7:30-9:00PM W ............. 7:30-9:00PM

Ana (619) 660-6%5 • www.anabellydancer.com • Spring Valley Com. Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., (619) 479-1832

• Beginning/Intermediate ...................... ........................... .. .......... Tu ............ . 7:00-8:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Amy Hale-Janeke (Shirin) • La Mesa Rec Center (6 19) 667-1335 • Beginning (8-week session) ........ ....... .. : ..... ............................... Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Advanced - Tribal Style (8-week session) .... ... ....... ......... .......... Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM

December 2005 -<fV THE PAPYRUS ..UV -19 -

move. I heard the audience chanting throughout her show and I had no idea what they were saying, but they sounded determined. When her show was finished she came back to the dressing room, and I could tell she was very unhappy. I felt bad and had to ask. She was so defeated as she told me that through her entire show the men in the audience chanted, "What color are your underwear?"

I was in shock. I couldn't believe it. Byblos was known for being the hotspot for the rich and famous of the Middle Eastern community. And this night in particular included some of the wealthiest Arabs in the Los Angeles area. Regulars to Byblos, they were frequently seen on the show "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous." How could they be so vulgar?

It was a typical night. The husbands and wives all came into the club together; by the end of the night the men were at one table and the women at another. The women looked bored. The men were drunk and by this time had their jackets off and their ties loose. They had a pile of money in the middle of the long table and were taking bets as to who would get a look at the dancer's underwear and then make a bet. When they all got a good look - hopefully during a spin - the winner would take the pile.

So this is what the beautiful Nabila went through her entire show. They kept screaming to her "What color are your underwear?" and she kept her head high as she danced her set. I was so angry when I heard this. I was scared and angry and worried that I too would get this treatment. All this on my mind my first night perfonning in a nightclub. Nabila packed her costume and told me to ignore them and have fun. I smiled and thanked her for everything. I was ready and just prayed they would chant for me the way they did for Nabila. How could they do that to me my first night!? I was hoping they would go easy on me.

I heard the band announce me, and my heart began to race. Now I really had to throw up. Too late, I was on. I was shaking so hard my veil looked like I was trying to make it flutter as I walked onto the stage. I had danced my whole life and been on stage since I was two years old with my mother's troupe, Bal Anat. But this was different. This was a whole new ballgame. I felt like a sacrificial lamb going to the slaughterhouse.

The band was happy and gave me a great vibe. I could tell they liked me and wanted me to do well. I did my choreography, but kept thinking, Oh, please don ' t let them take bets on my underwear. I thought maybe if I danced really hard they would go easy on me and give me a break my first night. Wouldn't that have been nice?

I was half way into my first song when I saw the money come out of wallets and thrown into the middle of the table. They were talking amongst each other, and I knew what was next. I looked over to the table of women, who were all rolling their eyes. I could tell they felt sorry for me, but then again, they also felt sorry for

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-18 - ~\I THE PAPYRUS ~t>- December 2005

l,lui Undirwiar by Suhaila Salimpour

As I put on my make-up, I had a hard time making a straight line with my eyeliner. I was shaking so hard. I was trying to be cool and look relaxed, but I'm sure it was obvious I was scared out of my mind. The music was pounding in the background and Nabila's words just seemed to echo. I tried to listen to her, because she was just having a casual conversation. But 1 was really just trying to stop myself from throwing up. I had just turned 18, and r had looked up to Nabila 's dancing since I was a kid. And having my first night working in a nightclub with her was comfort­ing. I wanted so badly to be calm and indifferent, like Nabila, so I too could have a casual conversation and not even notice that I was "ON" soon.

Byblos nightclub in Beverly Hills was the hottest Arabic nightclub in the United States. It was packed five nights a week, and my first night was a Saturday night They had two dancers a night, and I was the fresh meat in town. They had a seven­piece band (keyboard, guitar, kanoon, violin, def, mazhar, and tabla). The music was so inspiring, and the fact I looked forward to this night my whole life made it all the more satisfying. Arabic music wasn't just something I danced to; it drove my decision to become a dancer. All the stars and famous singers from the Middle East would come through this nightclub and looked forward to this night for a long time.

Nabila went on first. She was so graceful and danced to the music with such emotion. It was hard to believe she wasn't Middle Eastern. You could tell she was dancing for her love of the art. She also made all her own costumes. They were so delicate and flattering to a woman's body. She had long blond hair and came out with it up in a bun with a chopstick. After her entrance, she' d slowly take out her chopstick and get a huge round of applause for her beautiful hair. She was lovely. During her drum solo, she used her hair as a part of her body, using each wave as an accent Truly gorgeous.

r couldn ' t watch her show this night because the dressing room wasn ' t close to the stage. But I could hear the music and imagined her every

December 2005 "<fV THE PAPYRUS "'<fV -15 -

Cyrena (619) 698-9421 • Patrick Henry High Sclwol, 6702 Wandermere Dr. • Beginning ................. ........... .. ... ..... ........ ................... ............. .... W .......... ... 6:00-7: 15PM •Multi-level .. ............. ... .. .. ................................. .......................... W ............. 7:15-8:30PM Jamila (619) 466-8233 • Jamila '.s Studio • Advanced W .................... .. 6:00PM • Beginning W ...... ................ 7:30PM • Advanced Th ...... ........... ..... 7:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Jasmina (619) 660-4350 • Cuyamaca College, Room R205 • Beginning ... .. .... .. ... ... .. .. .. .. ..... ....... .. .. .......... ... ................ .. .......... Tu ......... .... 4:00-5:00PM • Intennediate ... ............ .................. ...... .. ... .. ..................... .. .......... Th .. .... ....... 4:00-5:00PM Linda (619) 517-6312 • Womens Fitness World, 733 Broadway, El Cajon •Beginning ..... ....... .. ................... ..... ... ............. ..... ....................... Sa .. .. ll :30AM-12:30PM Rocky Mountain Belly Dance Co. (619) 871 -9586 • Center f or Creative and Playful

Activities, 8241 La Mesa Blvd. • Beginning Tu ............. 6:3~7:30PM Rhessa Eddings (619) 339-9799 • La Mesa Rec Center • Beginning W ......... .... 6:3~7:30PM • Advanced W ......... .... 7:30-8:30PM Sabah (619) 448-6501 • Santee Elementary School, Rm CSD2 • Beginning Sa ........ I0:15-l l :15AM • Intennediate Sa ......... 11 :3~12:30PM

South County

Cecilia Martinez (619) 216-3033 • Loma Verde Dance Room, Chula Vista • Youth Belly Dancing, ages 6+ ......... ..... ......... ...... .... .. .. ........ .. .... M ............. 6:~ :50PM Parkway Community Center Dance Room, 373 Parkway, Chula Vista• 8 week sessions • Beginning/Intermediate/ Advanced ........... ....... ............... .. ......... Tu ....... ...... 7:00-7:50PM • Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced ....... .. ......... ........ .... .............. W ............. 6:3~7:20PM Linda (619) 517-6312 • Women '.s Fitness World, 310 Third Ave., Chula Vista • Beginning ............................... ............. .......... ... .. .. .. .. ................. Su .... ..... 11 :OOAM-Noon

South of the Border

Yazmina Zarod (01152664)6809739 • Yavnina ?.arod Sclwol of Middle Eastern Dance & Culture. Ave. Paseo Ensenada #2248, Secc. El Dorado, Fracc. Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana Baja California, MEXICO. CP 22205 www.yavninazarod.com Mailing Address: PO.Box: 482 W. San Ysidro Blvd. #1063, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

• Beginning I .............................................................. .. .. .............. M .. .... .... ... 6:00-7:00PM • Intermediate II ..... .. ........ ...... .. ...... ........ ... .. ... ................ ... .. .. ....... M .... .. ... .... 7:00-8:00PM • Beginning II .. ............... ..... ... .................. ......... .. ................ ....... .. W ...... ... .... 8:00-9:00PM • Fitness Belly Dance ............... .................... ....... .. ....................... Tu ........... 9:00-10:00AM • Girls (5 yr old to 12yr) ............. ... .... ........... ........ ......... .. ............ Tu ............. 4:00-5:30PM • Beginning II .. ..... .. ... ................... .. ... ............................. .. ............ W ............. 6:00-7:00PM • Intermediate I ...... ... .............................. .. ......... ......... .. .. .. ............ W ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Fitness Belly Dance ..... ............. .. ....................... .. ..... .. ......... .. .. .. Th .. ...... ... 9:00-1 O:OOAM • AU Levels (Choreographic Works) Class 1 .......................... .. .... F ... ..... .. .... .. 6:00-7:00PM • AU Levels (Choreographic Works) Class ll .............................. F ................ 7:00-8:00PM • Specialties Seminars (6 week long) .. ................. .. ...................... Sa .. ........... 1:00-3:00PM • Private coaching by appointment

-16 - "'V THE PAPYRUS ~ •>- December 2005

Dance Recital at the YMCA At the Mission Valley YMCA 5 505 Friars Road

All proceeds go to the YMCA Annual Support Campaign

Date: January 29th from I :00PM to 3 :00PM

Complimentary Refreshments

Performers: $5.00

Audience: $6.00

Contact Marula for more information (619) 666-2104 or fitwomen@gmail.com

* Please call early to reserve a time; dance opportunities will be limited

* Group performances encouraged

December 2005 -{f 4J THE PAPYRUS -« y - 17 -

by Meleah

Naturally noticeable-this eye look can be used for a casual dance venue, where you want to look friendly and approachable. lt does not use color, only deep tones to match the eyelashes. It is best for daytime events with an audience closer than 15 feet. lt works well for family style audiences with kids. lt uses a small pointed or slanted brush to thicken the lash line, enhancing the natural shape of the eyes.

Use a small Oat or angled brush and a matte shadow in dark brown, charcoal , or black. The flat brush gives better control.

Wiggle the brush into the lash line focusing on the spaces between the lashes. This trick gives the illusion of more lashes and makes eyes look bigger without a visible line. Simply add more layers for more drama.

Work from the outside in, start on the outer lashes of the top lid. Use a downward stroke from the lid to lash roots and work your way to the inner lashes.

Graduate the thickness of the line. It should get wider near the outer edge and narrow at the inner comers. The very outside comer should sweep up a bit.

Me Leah is a professional make up artist, perfonner and instructor, with over 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics formulated for the dancer and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

by Tonya Chianis

Bring Joy to the World when you dance. Smile, and let true feelings of love, happiness, and respect shine through your dance. End the year knowing that you have provided a great service to all, and your dance is the perfect catalyst to do so.

Affirm: I am smiling with gratitude for the great good this dance brings to me and to all. I bless everyone with peace and joy as I dance the dance of life.

-16 - "'V THE PAPYRUS ~ •>- December 2005

Dance Recital at the YMCA At the Mission Valley YMCA 5 505 Friars Road

All proceeds go to the YMCA Annual Support Campaign

Date: January 29th from I :00PM to 3 :00PM

Complimentary Refreshments

Performers: $5.00

Audience: $6.00

Contact Marula for more information (619) 666-2104 or fitwomen@gmail.com

* Please call early to reserve a time; dance opportunities will be limited

* Group performances encouraged

December 2005 -{f 4J THE PAPYRUS -« y - 17 -

by Meleah

Naturally noticeable-this eye look can be used for a casual dance venue, where you want to look friendly and approachable. lt does not use color, only deep tones to match the eyelashes. It is best for daytime events with an audience closer than 15 feet. lt works well for family style audiences with kids. lt uses a small pointed or slanted brush to thicken the lash line, enhancing the natural shape of the eyes.

Use a small Oat or angled brush and a matte shadow in dark brown, charcoal , or black. The flat brush gives better control.

Wiggle the brush into the lash line focusing on the spaces between the lashes. This trick gives the illusion of more lashes and makes eyes look bigger without a visible line. Simply add more layers for more drama.

Work from the outside in, start on the outer lashes of the top lid. Use a downward stroke from the lid to lash roots and work your way to the inner lashes.

Graduate the thickness of the line. It should get wider near the outer edge and narrow at the inner comers. The very outside comer should sweep up a bit.

Me Leah is a professional make up artist, perfonner and instructor, with over 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics formulated for the dancer and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

by Tonya Chianis

Bring Joy to the World when you dance. Smile, and let true feelings of love, happiness, and respect shine through your dance. End the year knowing that you have provided a great service to all, and your dance is the perfect catalyst to do so.

Affirm: I am smiling with gratitude for the great good this dance brings to me and to all. I bless everyone with peace and joy as I dance the dance of life.

-18 - ~\I THE PAPYRUS ~t>- December 2005

l,lui Undirwiar by Suhaila Salimpour

As I put on my make-up, I had a hard time making a straight line with my eyeliner. I was shaking so hard. I was trying to be cool and look relaxed, but I'm sure it was obvious I was scared out of my mind. The music was pounding in the background and Nabila's words just seemed to echo. I tried to listen to her, because she was just having a casual conversation. But 1 was really just trying to stop myself from throwing up. I had just turned 18, and r had looked up to Nabila 's dancing since I was a kid. And having my first night working in a nightclub with her was comfort­ing. I wanted so badly to be calm and indifferent, like Nabila, so I too could have a casual conversation and not even notice that I was "ON" soon.

Byblos nightclub in Beverly Hills was the hottest Arabic nightclub in the United States. It was packed five nights a week, and my first night was a Saturday night They had two dancers a night, and I was the fresh meat in town. They had a seven­piece band (keyboard, guitar, kanoon, violin, def, mazhar, and tabla). The music was so inspiring, and the fact I looked forward to this night my whole life made it all the more satisfying. Arabic music wasn't just something I danced to; it drove my decision to become a dancer. All the stars and famous singers from the Middle East would come through this nightclub and looked forward to this night for a long time.

Nabila went on first. She was so graceful and danced to the music with such emotion. It was hard to believe she wasn't Middle Eastern. You could tell she was dancing for her love of the art. She also made all her own costumes. They were so delicate and flattering to a woman's body. She had long blond hair and came out with it up in a bun with a chopstick. After her entrance, she' d slowly take out her chopstick and get a huge round of applause for her beautiful hair. She was lovely. During her drum solo, she used her hair as a part of her body, using each wave as an accent Truly gorgeous.

r couldn ' t watch her show this night because the dressing room wasn ' t close to the stage. But I could hear the music and imagined her every

December 2005 "<fV THE PAPYRUS "'<fV -15 -

Cyrena (619) 698-9421 • Patrick Henry High Sclwol, 6702 Wandermere Dr. • Beginning ................. ........... .. ... ..... ........ ................... ............. .... W .......... ... 6:00-7: 15PM •Multi-level .. ............. ... .. .. ................................. .......................... W ............. 7:15-8:30PM Jamila (619) 466-8233 • Jamila '.s Studio • Advanced W .................... .. 6:00PM • Beginning W ...... ................ 7:30PM • Advanced Th ...... ........... ..... 7:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Jasmina (619) 660-4350 • Cuyamaca College, Room R205 • Beginning ... .. .... .. ... ... .. .. .. .. ..... ....... .. .. .......... ... ................ .. .......... Tu ......... .... 4:00-5:00PM • Intennediate ... ............ .................. ...... .. ... .. ..................... .. .......... Th .. .... ....... 4:00-5:00PM Linda (619) 517-6312 • Womens Fitness World, 733 Broadway, El Cajon •Beginning ..... ....... .. ................... ..... ... ............. ..... ....................... Sa .. .. ll :30AM-12:30PM Rocky Mountain Belly Dance Co. (619) 871 -9586 • Center f or Creative and Playful

Activities, 8241 La Mesa Blvd. • Beginning Tu ............. 6:3~7:30PM Rhessa Eddings (619) 339-9799 • La Mesa Rec Center • Beginning W ......... .... 6:3~7:30PM • Advanced W ......... .... 7:30-8:30PM Sabah (619) 448-6501 • Santee Elementary School, Rm CSD2 • Beginning Sa ........ I0:15-l l :15AM • Intennediate Sa ......... 11 :3~12:30PM

South County

Cecilia Martinez (619) 216-3033 • Loma Verde Dance Room, Chula Vista • Youth Belly Dancing, ages 6+ ......... ..... ......... ...... .... .. .. ........ .. .... M ............. 6:~ :50PM Parkway Community Center Dance Room, 373 Parkway, Chula Vista• 8 week sessions • Beginning/Intermediate/ Advanced ........... ....... ............... .. ......... Tu ....... ...... 7:00-7:50PM • Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced ....... .. ......... ........ .... .............. W ............. 6:3~7:20PM Linda (619) 517-6312 • Women '.s Fitness World, 310 Third Ave., Chula Vista • Beginning ............................... ............. .......... ... .. .. .. .. ................. Su .... ..... 11 :OOAM-Noon

South of the Border

Yazmina Zarod (01152664)6809739 • Yavnina ?.arod Sclwol of Middle Eastern Dance & Culture. Ave. Paseo Ensenada #2248, Secc. El Dorado, Fracc. Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana Baja California, MEXICO. CP 22205 www.yavninazarod.com Mailing Address: PO.Box: 482 W. San Ysidro Blvd. #1063, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

• Beginning I .............................................................. .. .. .............. M .. .... .... ... 6:00-7:00PM • Intermediate II ..... .. ........ ...... .. ...... ........ ... .. ... ................ ... .. .. ....... M .... .. ... .... 7:00-8:00PM • Beginning II .. ............... ..... ... .................. ......... .. ................ ....... .. W ...... ... .... 8:00-9:00PM • Fitness Belly Dance ............... .................... ....... .. ....................... Tu ........... 9:00-10:00AM • Girls (5 yr old to 12yr) ............. ... .... ........... ........ ......... .. ............ Tu ............. 4:00-5:30PM • Beginning II .. ..... .. ... ................... .. ... ............................. .. ............ W ............. 6:00-7:00PM • Intermediate I ...... ... .............................. .. ......... ......... .. .. .. ............ W ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Fitness Belly Dance ..... ............. .. ....................... .. ..... .. ......... .. .. .. Th .. ...... ... 9:00-1 O:OOAM • AU Levels (Choreographic Works) Class 1 .......................... .. .... F ... ..... .. .... .. 6:00-7:00PM • AU Levels (Choreographic Works) Class ll .............................. F ................ 7:00-8:00PM • Specialties Seminars (6 week long) .. ................. .. ...................... Sa .. ........... 1:00-3:00PM • Private coaching by appointment

-14 - «v THE PAPYRUS ~t>- December 2005

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Stage 7 Studio, 3980 J(Jh St., North Park • Beginning/Intermediate ...... .... ................................. ........... .. ..... Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM Tooist Sanctuary, 4229 Park Blvd., North Park (alternating Fridays) • Mixed level, choreographic methods, perfonnance technique .. Fr ... .......... 6:30-7:30PM Richard Steiger (619) 283-6325 • Drumming & Lecture/Demos • Private coaching by appointment Sahar Sarni (858) 717-5839 • Sorrento Valley/Mira Mesa• www.sahardance.com • Beginner Technique/Workout ... ........................ ... ............. ......... M ... .......... 7:00-8:00PM • lntennediate/Advanced Technique and Choreography ......... .... M ......... .... 8:00-9:00PM Carlsbad/La Costa, Sahar's Studio (space Limited) • Beginner Technique/Workout ... ...... ......................... ... ............... Sa ........ I 0:00-11 :OOAM • Intermediate/Advanced Technique and Choreography ....... ...... Sa .... ..... 11:00AM-Noon West Clairemont • Level I/Basic Egyptian .............................................................. Tu .................. .. .. 7:00PM • Level II/Beginner ............ .... ....................................................... Th ......... .. ........... 7:00PM • Level ill/lntennediate/Advanced ........ .. ........... ................. ........ Th ... ................... 8:00PM Schera:zade (858) 581-0135 • 3234 ldlewild Way, Clairemont • Multi-level M ............. 7:00-8:30PM • Sword, cane, Isis wings Th ............. 8:00-9:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Sheerah (858) 755-1432 • Culture Shock Dance Center, 2110 Hancock St. , San Diego • Beginning/Intermediate ... .... ......... ......................... .. ...... ............ Th ........... .. 7:30-8:30PM Talia (760) 586-6626 • UCSD, Rimac Center, La Jolla • Beginning .................... ....... ........... ........ ... ................................ . M ........ 10:00-11:30AM Theresa (619) 521-0849 • Stage 7 Studio, 3980 30th St., North Park (back room; enter

from alley) • Beginning/Intermediate .. ... ...... ... .. ........... ..................... ............. M ... ........ .. 7:00-8:30PM Yaarajaan Studios (858) 531-6832 • www.davidentertainment.no • go.to/

yaarajaanstudios • 5433 Linda Vista Rd., Ste. C

Da Yid teaches: • Raqs Sharki (Egyptian Style) • Hollywood (Indian film dance) • Bhangra (Indian folk dance) • Hollywood (Indian film dance), classes start June I • Bhangra (Indian folk dance), classes start June 1 Patrisha teaches: • Danz Orientate (Turkish Style) • American Cabaret

East County

Tu ....... ...... 6:00-7:30PM W ............. 6:00-7:30PM W ............. 7:30-9:00PM W ... ... ..... .. 6:00-7:30PM W ... ....... ... 7:30-9:00PM

Tu ............. 7:30-9:00PM W ............. 7:30-9:00PM

Ana (619) 660-6%5 • www.anabellydancer.com • Spring Valley Com. Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., (619) 479-1832

• Beginning/Intermediate ...................... ........................... .. .......... Tu ............ . 7:00-8:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Amy Hale-Janeke (Shirin) • La Mesa Rec Center (6 19) 667-1335 • Beginning (8-week session) ........ ....... .. : ..... ............................... Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Advanced - Tribal Style (8-week session) .... ... ....... ......... .......... Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM

December 2005 -<fV THE PAPYRUS ..UV -19 -

move. I heard the audience chanting throughout her show and I had no idea what they were saying, but they sounded determined. When her show was finished she came back to the dressing room, and I could tell she was very unhappy. I felt bad and had to ask. She was so defeated as she told me that through her entire show the men in the audience chanted, "What color are your underwear?"

I was in shock. I couldn't believe it. Byblos was known for being the hotspot for the rich and famous of the Middle Eastern community. And this night in particular included some of the wealthiest Arabs in the Los Angeles area. Regulars to Byblos, they were frequently seen on the show "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous." How could they be so vulgar?

It was a typical night. The husbands and wives all came into the club together; by the end of the night the men were at one table and the women at another. The women looked bored. The men were drunk and by this time had their jackets off and their ties loose. They had a pile of money in the middle of the long table and were taking bets as to who would get a look at the dancer's underwear and then make a bet. When they all got a good look - hopefully during a spin - the winner would take the pile.

So this is what the beautiful Nabila went through her entire show. They kept screaming to her "What color are your underwear?" and she kept her head high as she danced her set. I was so angry when I heard this. I was scared and angry and worried that I too would get this treatment. All this on my mind my first night perfonning in a nightclub. Nabila packed her costume and told me to ignore them and have fun. I smiled and thanked her for everything. I was ready and just prayed they would chant for me the way they did for Nabila. How could they do that to me my first night!? I was hoping they would go easy on me.

I heard the band announce me, and my heart began to race. Now I really had to throw up. Too late, I was on. I was shaking so hard my veil looked like I was trying to make it flutter as I walked onto the stage. I had danced my whole life and been on stage since I was two years old with my mother's troupe, Bal Anat. But this was different. This was a whole new ballgame. I felt like a sacrificial lamb going to the slaughterhouse.

The band was happy and gave me a great vibe. I could tell they liked me and wanted me to do well. I did my choreography, but kept thinking, Oh, please don ' t let them take bets on my underwear. I thought maybe if I danced really hard they would go easy on me and give me a break my first night. Wouldn't that have been nice?

I was half way into my first song when I saw the money come out of wallets and thrown into the middle of the table. They were talking amongst each other, and I knew what was next. I looked over to the table of women, who were all rolling their eyes. I could tell they felt sorry for me, but then again, they also felt sorry for

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-20 - ,<tV THE PAPYRUS 1t)· December 2005

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themselves. I just kept dancing and tried to avoid their table. Then it began. "What color are your underwear?" "Hey! What color are your underwear?" Yep, they were doing this to me now too. How could they?! I was getting madder and madder. I felt fire start at my toes and work up my legs to the top of my head. They were all laughing, smoking, and drinking; I was the subject of their boredom in life. I guess I was fun for them because they had nothing better to do. I was fuming. I looked over to the band for guidance, and I could tell they felt sorry for me. That made me even more mad.

I couldn't take it anymore. I felt my body react before I even knew what was going on. I stopped dancing, walked over to the table of men, smiled, and slammed my hand on the table. The club was silent and the band kept playing in hopes I'd keep moving. With my big smile I looked each man in the eye and yelled, "I'm not wearing any underwear!" I then scooped up all the money, let it fall on the stage floor, and went back to dancing.

The women roared with laughter. A huge victory. The men looked shocked, and the band was laughing so hard they were crying. I danced my ass off and felt it was a night that would define my entire career. The table of men sat very well behaved the entire show. And when I was done, they gave me a standing ovation. I had put them in their place and they liked it.

I left the stage exhausted. Not from the dancing, but from the mind and spirit game that had just tested my strength. From that night on, these customers became huge fans. And for my entire stay at Byblos, they not only supported my performances, but we became friends. I got to know the women well and even started teaching them in their homes once a week for exercise.

Last year, twenty years later, Nabila came backstage after our opening night of "Sheherezade" in Los Angeles. I even wore a costume she had made for me back in the day. I was told she might come, but didn't want to get my hopes up. I couldn't wait to see her. She now had beautiful gray hair, in a bun with a chopstick, and still looked like the same elegant woman I remembered her to be. She held my hands, and we just looked into each others' eyes for a long time. "You are a better dancer now than when you were 18," she said, as tears streamed down my face. "Well I would hope so," I laughed. We hugged, and I held her tight. She had been a huge inspiration to me growing up, and I felt she was proud of me, which made me feel good. "Thank you," I whispered in her ear before she walked away with her family.

I 'II never forget my first night working in a nightclub. It was not the music, the dance, or the art that defined my experience. It was the ability to take charge of my art and not let anyone take my power.

Oh ... and of course I was wearing underwear. They were blue.

December 2005 ~IV THE PAPYRUS e(ty -1 J -

Devorah (619) 990-2817 • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd . • Basic Tribal and core strengthening ............ .. ... .. ............. .......... Tu ............. 7:00-8:00PM Frank La:aaro (760) 942-1326 • (619) 279-7539 • World Beat Cent.er, Balboa Park • Egyptian drumming ................................................................... M ...... ....... 6:00-7:00PM • Mixed level dance to live drumming, w/Rachel George ........... M ............. 7:00-8:00PM Heather Stants (619) 261-8676 • www.urbantribaldance.com • Stage Seven School of

Dance, 3980 30th St. • Beginning Tu ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Intennediate Tu ....... ...... 8:00-9:00PM Ballet Basics Studio, 2323 Broadway, Studio 105 • Beginning .................................................................................. Sa ........... Noon-I :OOPM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................................................. Sa ...... ...... . 1:00-2:00PM • Advanced ...... ............... ... .. ............ ............................................. W ........ ..... 7:00-8:00PM • Mixed level drills ......... ... .......... ..................... ................. ........... Th ............. 8:30-9:30PM Juliet Oberding 6 I 9-519-1879 • Coronado Yoga • Tribal Fusion Beginning and Mixed Level ................................ Sa ......... 10:30-11 :30AM Leilainia (619) 884-7707 • www.leilainia.com • Being Fit, 8292 Mira Mesa Blvd. • Beginning .................................................................................. W ............. 7:00-8:00PM Pure Fitness, 501 W Broadway, Downtown • Intermediate Chai and Chat, 5919 Balboa Ave.

F ................ 5:45-6:45PM

•Beginning/Intermediate .... ....... ... ................................. ... ........... Sa ..... 11:00AM-12:00PM Loreena (858) 451-WRLD(9753) • worldancenarts@aol.com • Attire by Lea Studio,

6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Beginning Sa ..... ll :OOAM-12:()()pM • Intermediate/Advanced Sa . .. ..... 10:00-11 :OOAM Mira Mesa, I 0225 Barnes Canyon Rd., Suite CI 00 • Beginning ... ........ ... ............. ...... .......... ... ... ... .. ..... .................. ..... Su .......... ... 5:00-6:00PM • Intennediate/Advanced .............................................................. Su ............. 6:00-7:00PM Lucia (619) 405-2308 • www.luciadance.com • Dancing Unlimited Studio, 4569 J(Jh St.,

North Park • Beginning Sa ....... ... 9:00-10:15AM • Intennediate Sa ... ... .. 10:20-11 :45AM Attire By Lea, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. , El Cajon • Beginning .................................................................................. M ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate ..... .. .......... .... ...... ... ............ .............. ...... .... ... .. .. .. .. .. M ............. 7:3~:30PM Mind Body & Soul Dance Studio, 2971 lndia St. , (619) 298-9040, www.mindbodysoul.us • Beginning ........................................................ ....... ............ ....... W ............. 7:3~:30PM Luisa (619) 299-1129 • Dancing Unlimited, 4569 J(Ji' St., North Park •Beginning .. ..... .. .... .............. ...... .. .. ................. ..... ... ... .......... ... .... Th ............. 5:15-6:15PM • Intennediate .. ..... .... .... ......... ... .................................................... Th ........... 6:20 - 7:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Marula (619) 295-0637 • Mission Valley YMCA, 5055 Friars Rd. • 4 week sessions • Beginning ... ................................. .. ... ...... .. .... .. ..... ............... ....... Sa ..... ..... ... 1:00-2:00PM • Intennediate .. ......... ....... .. ... ... ..... .. ..................... ... .. ........ ........... . Sa ............. 2:00-3:00PM • Beginning Tribal Fusion (taught by Melanie of Urban Tribal) . W ............. 7:3~:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Marzue (619) 460-5766 • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Egyptian Saidi stick/cane ......... ........ .. ........................ .. ... ...... .. .. Sa ... ...... 11:00AM-Noon • Drumming ... ...... ....... .......... .............. ... .................. ............ .. ....... Sa ........... Noon-1:00PM Meleah (619) 280-8424 • San Diego School of Ballet, 5304 Metro St. Linda Vista • Beginning foundations .............................................................. W ......... .... 7:45--8:45PM •Intermediate/Adv.technique, combinations, zills, double veil . W .... ... ...... 6:40-7:40PM

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Mira Costa College, Cardiff • Basic .......................................................................................... Tu ............. 5:30-6:30PM • Private coaching by appointment Sohaila (760) 743-1235 • Sohaila s Studio, Escondido • 6-week classes start December 5-

19 and January 2-16 • Intermediate/Choreography ....................................................... M ........... Noon-1:00PM • Intermediate/Choreography ....................................................... M ............. 7:00-8:00PM Learning Annex • www.learningannex.com • Monthly Learning Annex classes; call (619) 544-9700 for info • Private coaching by appointment Talia (760) 586-6626 • www.taliamedance.com • Camp Pendleton • Beginning .................................................................................. M ............. 7:00-S:OOPM • Level 2 .............................. ..... ........................ ................... ......... M ............. 8:00--9:00PM • Beginning .................................................................................. Tu ........ 10:00--11:00AM Oceanside, Melba Bishop Recreation Center • Beginning .................................................................................. W ............. 5:30-{;:30PM • Level 2 & 3 ................................................................................ W ............. 6:30-8:30PM F allbrook, The Slender Lady • Beginning ... ........... ............. .......... ........................ ............. ..... ... F ............... 7:00-S:OOPM Escondido, Sohaila s Dance Studio • Advanced/Professional ...................... , ....... .... ..... ...................... . Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM Yasmina (760) 631-1114 • Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd. , Suite I 00 •

www.pinkgypsy.com/yasmina • Beginning/Intermediate ......................................................... .... Th ............. 6:30-7:00PM Zahra Zuhair (323) 630-3586 • Burbank Parks and Recreation Center. 1111 W Olive

Ave., (818) 238-5397 • zahra@aol.com • www.zahrazuhair.com • Beginning ... .. .... ... .. ... ............ ............ .. .. ..................................... Th ... ........ .. 7:00-S:OOPM • Beginning/Intermediate .......... .... ..... ........... ... .... ..................... ... M ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................................................. M ............. 7:45-9: 15PM • Intermediate/Advanced .............................. ...... ...................... .... Th ............. 8:00--9:00PM

Metro

Abbi (760) 855-2335 • www.koshergoddess.com • Private coaching by appointment Alexa (858) 336-8886 • Mira Mesa Rec. Center • Beginning .... ..... .. ........ .... .... .... .......... ......................................... M ............ . 7:00-S:OOPM • Advanced ................................................................................... M ........ ... .. 8:00--9:00PM Standley Park Rec Center • Beginning ..... .... ....... ....................... ........................................... Th ............. 6:30-7:30PM • Intermediate ......... .... .... ......... .... ... .............................................. Th ..... .. .. .... 7:30-8:30PM Ana (619) 660-6965 • www.anabellydancer.com • Attire by Lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon

Blvd. • Beginning/Intermediate ............................................................. W ... ... ....... 7:00-S:OOPM • Private coaching by appointment Azam Farsoudi (858) 484-4751 • Frogs Club, Carmel Mt. Road • Beginning/Intermediate ..... .... ..... ................................... ......... ... F ................ 4:30-5:30PM Charlotte Zinn (619) 522-8911 • Coronado Adult Education • Begi nning ..... ......................................................................... .... M ............. 7:30-8:45PM Denean (619) 460-5766 • Attire by lea Studio, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. • Beginning ..... .... ............................................................. ... .. ....... Th ........... 6:30-7:300PM • Beginning/Intermediate ............................................................. Th ............. 7:30-8:30PM

December 2005 -<t ~ THE PAPYRUS -.(f V -21 -

~~ i.;=::'.;.Tc d a nce studlCI TIJ~IUIB t Hl'J>II.IIW t llB4Nti~.t t llUl.l'll'OOl) t RIil.it FIJ§l()III

"MIUC4N c•mit~IT. iDITCH&.fllillllllR. l)""IClflTNIH

www.yaarajaa.n.com ' info@yaara.jaan.com ' (858) 531 6834 5433 Linda Vi!!ta Rd Ste. C, Sa.n Diego, CA 02110

Classes Mondays through Thursdays - see our website for our schedule and more information, or contact us by phone or E-mail

Workshops. ongoing drop-in & session classes

private instruction technique, combinations

choreography DaVid

Patrisha

Kami

-22 - "''\I THE PAPYRUS 1•)· December 2005

Silly <vanci d3oot Camp: 11n lntin~ivi with &>uhaila &>alimpour

by Meleah

After twenty years of dancing, one hopes to achieve a certain level of proficiency. I train six days a week, perfonn three to four nights a week, teach aerobics, and train with weights two to three times a week. I feel reasonably fit and somewhat confident wi th my level of experti se. But one workshop with Suhaila Salimpour and, man, was I humbled!

When I took a workshop from Suhaila years ago, I was impressed by a unique technique and approach to muscle control. So I decided to try a five-day intensive to investigate a little further. We were all warned to be in good condition aerobically and muscularly. So I trained a little harder a few weeks before and streamlined my eating habits.

I anived at the intensive confident and excited to learn more. But nothing I had done prepared me for what I was about to experience. Belly dance boot camp had begun. The level-one wann-up was forty minutes of strength and endurance training that left me shaking and dizzy. And that was just the warm-up?! Oh my god, how will I survive the rest?

I prayed the rest would not be this hard. But then the drills began. Two more hours of isolations, learning how to find and control our muscles. The first day was glutes. (I now know more about my glutes than I ever wanted to.) By noon I had numb butt -nothing worked and walking straight was a challenge. I also sweated off about five pounds. (Those who attended Suhaila's workshop in San Diego can relate to my experiences.) And so the week continued- torturous warm-ups that got harder each day, drills I could never quite get through without stopping, and choreography that was brilliantly difficult

I felt like the worst dancer in the room as the layering continued - chest circles over glute squeezes, hip circles over pas de berets, undulations over something else I couldn't do. I was hopeless, exhausted, and totally humbled. But then an amazing thing happened. After total immersion for four days, something began to click. On the last day, I was stronger. I could actually do a few drills and some layering. Maybe there was hope.

. I took this knowledge home with me, practiced it, and added it into my classes. My students thought I was insane, but slowly we started getting stronger and more coordinated. The drills started to make sense, and muscles started developing. I could see a change in myself and my students.

December 2005 "''" THE PAPYRUS {I~ -11 -

Puente Hills YMCA, 16()(5 S. Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights • Mixed Levels East L.A. College Women '.S' Gym • Mixed Levels • Private coaching by appointment

Sa .... ....... Noon-1 :()()pM

Sa ............. 2:00-3:30PM

Frank LllZ7Bro (760) 942-1326 • www.frankdrums.com • Encinitas • Drumming classes ................................. .............. ....... ............... M ............. 6:00-7:()()pM • Private coaching by appointment Imari • Shake It Up Dance Fitness, 1275 S. Santa Fe # /03, Vista, (760) 724-4348 • Beginning/Intermediate ......... .. ... ......... .................. .. ... ..... .......... M .......... ... 7:@-8:00PM •Beginning ......... ................ ................ .. ... ..... ... ........... .. ... .. .......... Tu ...... .... ... 8:15- 9:15PM Kathy Stradley (909) 699-5606 • Temecula Community Rec. Center • Beginning ... ...... ..................................... ....... ............................. W ... .. ........ 6:00-7:()()pM • Intennediate/Advanced .............................. ................................ W ...... ....... 7: 10-8:20PM Loreena (858) 45 l -WRLD(9753) • worldancenarts@aol.com • I 2540 Oaks North Drive

# 83, Rancho Bernar(i() • Beginning ...... ..................... .. ...... .............. .. ... .. ... .... .. ......... ........ F ................ 5:00-6:00PM • Intennediate/Advanced ....... .. ..... ...... ..... ..................................... F ... ............. 6:00-7:00PM Marguerite (310) 370-5155 • www.gypsymagic.com • Lauridsen Ballet Centre,

Torrance, CA • Beginning/Intermediate Tu .... .. .... . 7:00-10:00PM • Private coaching by appointment Mesmera (323) 669-0333 • Los Angeles Area• www.mesmera.com • Studw A, 2306

Hyperion, Silverlake • Between Scotland And Tracy • (Park on street, enter gate, first studw on left)

December classes end on the 17th; January classes begin on the 9th. • Basic/Intermediate Technique ............... .. .. ................ .. .............. MW ......... 6:30-7:30PM • In t/Adv Technique and Creative Resources .............................. MW .... .. ... 7:45-9: I 5PM LACC Community Services• (323) 669-1031 • Basic Technique Sa ........ 10:00-11 :OOAM • Basic Technique Sa .......... 11 :OOAM-NOON • Basic Technique Sa ... ... .... .. NOON-1 :OOPM By Appointment Only - call for reservations and directions • Int/Adv Technique and Creative Resources .. ... ................. ........ F .......... I 0:00-11 :30AM • Int/Adv Technique and Creative Resources ................. ...... ....... Sa ............. 2:00-3:30PM No classes November 3-15, due to travel. No classes December 17-January 9 due to

holidays. Nicki Vaccar (760) 634-3680 • Nikistal@aol.com Carlsbad Parks & Recreatwn, 2997 Glasgow Dr., Calavera Hills (760) 602-4680 •Beginning .. .. .. ............ .. .. .. ...... .. .. ................ ........... .. .. .... .. .... ....... M ............. 7:15-8:15 PM • Beginning/Intermediate .. ........... .. .. .. .......... .. ............ .... .... .......... M ............. 8: 15-9:30PM Encinitas Parks and Recreation Community Center, 1140 Oak.crest Park Dr. (760) 943-

2260 • Beginning .. .................... .. ...... ...... .. ..... .. .. .. .. .............. ....... .......... Th ........ I 0:00-11 :OOAM • Intermediate .. ... ..... ....................... .. ................ ............................ Th ... .. .. .... .. 7:30-8:30PM • Int/Adv ... ........... ............ ......... .. .................. .. .............. ................ Th ... .... ...... 8:30-9:45PM • Beginning .... ... ....................... .. .................. .... ...................... ...... Sa .......... 11:00AM-noon San Dieguito Adult Education, Earl Warren Jr. High, Solana Beach (760) 753-7073 • Beginning .. .. ........ .. ... ........................ .......... .......................... .. ... Tu ......... .... 6:30-7:30PM Sheerah (858) 755-1432 • East Del Mar/Carmel Valley Recreation Center • Beginning/Intermediate .... .. .......... ......... .. ........... .. ............... ...... M ............. 7:@-8:00PM • Basic ......................... .. ....................... ............... .... .... ...... .. ......... W ....... ... ... 6:30-7:30PM

continued on next page ...

-10 - --<fV THE PAPYRUS ~I>- December 2005

J:]gly b~nc~ ~;iJ TEACHERS: please notify the editor of all class types, dates, and times

North County & Beyond

Aleia (760) 724-2002 • \!Jsta • Multi-leveled class Sa ........ 10:00-11:00AM • Beginning M ............. 7:00-8:00PM • Private lessons by appointment CSU San Marcos (760) 750-4000 (ask/or AS! office, then/or "Leisure Time Classes ") • Beginning ........... ... .. .. .................... ... ..... ................... .. ............... Tu Th ....... 3:00-4:00PM Alexandra (909) 715-7225 • a/exan0910@aol.com • www.alexandradances.com University of California, Riverside

• Beginning ..... .............................. ............................................... Sa ......... 11:00AM-Noon • Intennediate ...... .... .................... ........ ...... .. ................................. Sa .... ....... Noon-1 :()()pM Amalya (760) 432-6574 • Ama/yaGoddess@aol.com • www.sacred-feminine.org The "Goddess Studio " in Escondido • Beginning • Intennediate/Advanced • Private lessons by appointment Aminari (714) 229-4868

MW ......... 7:~:00PM M W ..... .. .. 8: 15-9: 15PM

• In Hollywood .. ..... ...................................................................... Sa mornings afternoons • In Orange County ...... ........ .. ...................... ................................ Sa

Angelika Nemeth (949) 786-3111 • Tustin Community Services • Beginning ........... .. ... ......................................... .................. ....... M ............. 6:3~:()()pM • Intennediate/Advanced .................. .. .................................. .... .... M ............. 8: 15-9:45PM Golden West College, Huntington Beach (714) 895-8306 • Beginning Orange Coast College (714) 432-5072 • Three-week evening workshops Academy of International Dance (714) 550-9285

Tu Th ............. I O:OOAM

TuWTh

• Beginning ... .... .. .............. ............ .. .... .. ....... .. .............................. Sa ......... 11:00AM-Noon • Intennediate/Advanced .. ..................................... ....................... Sa ........... Noon-l :30FM Catharae Smith (909) 982-6475 • catharae@juno.com • weekday evenings inRed/ands,

San Bernardino, Rialto, Corona, Montclair, La Verne, Walnut Effie Horning (760) 630-7063 • Private coaching by appointment Fahtiem (626) 810-9470 • wwwjahtiem.com • Rowland Heights Wardlow Park, 3457 Stanbridge, Long Beach • Beginning • Intennediate • Advanced The Dancers Studio, 5772 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles • Mixed levels ....... ... ......... .. ........ ................................. ... . Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd. & 215th St., Lakewood • Mixed levels Kimberly's Dance Studio, 815 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello • Mixed levels La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. • Beginning • Intennediate

M ............. 6:15-7:15PM M ....... .... .. 7:2~:20PM M ............. 8:30-9:30PM

T ....... ...... 9: 15-10: 15PM

W ............. 6:30-7:30PM

W ............. 8:30-9:30PM

Th ............. 7:3~:45PM Th ........... 9:00-10:00PM

December 2005 ·-«V THE PAPYRUS ,(1"1 -23 -

Nevertheless, six months later, I was back for more abuse ...

-Day 1-

After day one of the August 2005 intensive, I was tired but could manage to lift a pen to write about it. The warm-up didn't kill me, and I could do about half of the layering drills. I felt progress and couldn' t wait to continue with the practice.

For those of you who want to take your dance to the next level, this is it. There's nothing like it and no way to realistically explain it. You have to experience it. You will use muscles in different ways and push your body to new limits. You will either get fit or die.

-Day 2-

Level-two warm-up was faster and required more strength. We did full push-ups and endless sit-ups. Of course, the famous glute squeezes were done as well, but to a faster tempo and layered over torso moves. We also learned interior hip squares, layering them over walking forward, backwards, sideways, and turning.

Layering was the theme of the day, and I finally started to get it Letting go of one moving part while moving another part is very frustrating. We also began choreogra­phy, which was really fun and exciting because we didn' t have to drill. The only problem: I was so tired I could hardly think, so remembering was an issue. That night I was in bed by 9:00 PM, feeling tired and sore all over.

- Day 3-

This day was a level-three warm-up, and I was hoping it didn' t get any worse. Level three pushes the limits of endurance and coordination. The squats were harder and longer, as were the many varieties of stomach work. We layered over glute squeezes and learned the principles behind the glute vibration, which is lifting and squeezing the glutes high until they vibrate with tension. No matter how hard I squeezed, my glutesjust sat there. With daily practice, this one takes about a year.

In the afternoon we had class with the Grand Mistress of belly dance, Jamila Salimpour. Jamila is responsible for belly dance as we know it on the West Coast She paved the way, fought the battles, endured the insults and demonstrations, and formatted and named most of the steps and combinations we learn today. I felt so honored to be standing in front of the woman who started it all. Yet she is humble, sweet, helpful, and so motherly. She emanates humility and kindness ... and rips on the zills. She showed rhythm after rhythm, syncopations, doubles, triples, and quadruples. She played effortlessly and at super-speed. It was a special day to watch Suhaila assist her mom. And every now and then, Isabella, seven years old and the third generation of Salimpours, would run into the room and jump on one of them for a big hug.

continued on next page ...

-24 - ·-<t\i THE PAPYRUS 1t>- December 2005

... continued from previous page

- Day4-

Today was more technical, less physical. I think Suhaila could see we were burned out and took pity on us. Although we did the same killer warm-up, the drills were not as bad.

We worked on isolating our hips at the barre, on one leg and into grand plie. We learned one of my favorite moves - the hip pyramid, in which the hips move in a triangle shape. One way contracts the lower abs and each side of the lower back; the reverse uses lower back contractions and hip flexors right and left. It was very challenging learning to contract the lower back and then contract the right and left sides.

The choreography continued with some amazing combinations, which will appear soon in my classes. It was just challenging enough for inspiration. My muscles were worn out again by 2:00 PM, so I took it easy to make it through the day. Also there was a dance movement class at 6:00 PM, so I needed to save my strength.

Dance movement is a class we need in San Diego. It applies the basics of ballet and jazz to bell y dance. The class focuses on different ballet and jazz techniques each week, as dancers work across the floor with chasses, turns, walks, pas de berets, etc. It helps give the basic training that any dancer would need. I loved it.

- Day 5 -

Our final day! After losing all strength in my thighs Wednesday and Thursday, I was tentative about moving on to the fifth day. The warm-up was just as hard, but my body seemed to like it. My legs were stronger, my balance was better, and I was moving quicker and easier through the various positions. This was both unex­pected and wonderful. I looked around to see everyone feeling the same - strangely invigorated.

The drills were hard and the layering was more complicated, but

December 2005 o(t\i THE PAPYRUS -<f\J -9 -

SAMEDA Solicits Articles Book Reviews Costume Tips Recipes

CD Reviews

Breakdown of Moves Fusion

Sewing Tips Restaurant Reviews History of Dance Hieroglyphs Men in Belly Dance

Video Reviews Travel Articles Website Reviews Public Relations Tips Aromatherapy American Tribal

Henna Instruments Image/Make Up Tips

Props (Swords, Canes, Veil) Workshop/Retreat/Event

Reviews

In exchange for an article on one of the above topics, SAMEDA will include your byline. In this byline, please include infonnation about yourself and/or your services (serves as a mini-advertisement). Example:

Me Leah is a professional make up artist, performer. and instructor, with more than 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics, formulated for the dancer, and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

Papyrus Advertising Rates

Classified Ads: $5 Members $8 Nonmembers Members receive two free classified ads per year.

Send ads to advertising@sdsameda.com.

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Flyers: $30 Members $40 Nonmembers 375 copies* 81/2x 11 in.

i~ Please Send Your Submissions for The Papyrus to: PAPYRUs@sDSAMl!DA.COM

iC.- Please Send Ads for The Papyrus to: ADVl!RTISING@sDSAMl!DA.COM

-8 - -.u{., THE PAPYRUS ~t)" December 2005

... continued from previous page

• December 18 -Marguerite and others participate in the Tribal Fusion Fair. 10 AM-8 PM. San Luis Obispo. wendybalisle@yahoo.com.

Beach Resort Wear Featuring Belly Dance Outfits & Jewelry

Large selection of hip scarves, sarongs, & coin tribalwear

Henna Tattoos e!r Pre-M'ixed Henna 20% discount for SAMEDA members!

Abdule & Perveen (owners) at (858) 488-4150 3126 Mission Blvd., Suite A (at Belmont Park)

San Diego, CA 921 09

~~~~~"\ \..; "\ll'-'~

~~"\~~ veg & non-veg dinner ample free parking

nice attire

Crystal Ballroom, 414 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon

5 :30 Doors Open 6:00 Dinner & Show 9:00 Open Dancing

Join SAMEDA-membership forms will be available

$15 in advance; $20 at the door tickets avai lable online and through events@sdsameda.com

Checks payable to: SAMEDA, P.O. Box 16821 , San Diego, CA 92176

Perfonners: Ana Goebel (619) 660-6965 Volunteers: Vicki (858) 755-1432

www.sdsameda.com

December 2005 <tt, THE PAPYRUS"''" -25 -

I did it. My body started to coordinate itself. We learned figure eights with all kinds of footwork and layered them with hip and ribcage circles. It was mentally exhaust­ing but fun . By noon, we were just about overloaded, and Suhaila knew it So she put on some great funky music and we worked on dance movement We were like animals being let out of our cages. We strutted, jumped, and turned across the floor, arms flying and laughter bursting out It was so free and fun.

Lunch was a delicious meza platter with videos from Jamila. We watched Suhaila dance at 12, 14, and 18 years old. After lunch we finished the choreography. It was the perfect level, just challenging enough but not too hard. I actually remember it and will teach parts of it.

We all agreed the intensive should be two more days. The body just gets going on day five. I was happy to be headed home but still wanted more dance. Those traveling together talked and practiced all the way home - on the Bart (the Bay area's subway) and the plane. And we held a practice session a few days after coming home. We just couldn't stop.

For those of you possessed by this dance, you understand the feeling. If you want to

see how much your body can take and move to another level of dance, Suhaila's intensive is for you. You will come away with a new respect and confidence in your ability. The next intensive will be January 23-27, 2006. See you there!

Meleah is a professional make up artist, perfonner and instructor, with over 20 years of experience. She carries her own line of cosmetics formulated for the dancer and instructional videos. www.meleah.com. (619) 280-8424.

c!J1'h Tu (619) 460 -5766 111re bv eo 6787 El Cajon Blvd.

J San Diego, CA 92115 Custom Costuming and on-site alterations!

Dance Studio! Espressos!

Salads! Sandwiches! Homemade

Italian cookies!

.. /~)1.1 -:.:~ -', ~ -<;:;,

rt'~ · . ;.,c . -r~ .,. :--'

Harem Pants! Dance Pants! Skirts! Tops!

Veils! Sashes! Finger Cymbals!

.. . and much, much more!

-26 - ;t(., THE PAPYRUS~·>- December 2005

Tribal Tiding~ Part I: Thi ®anci by Cynthia Todd

In the last ten years, it seems like tribal belly dance has spread like wildfire! With so many different troupes that have developed such distinctive looks and such different styles of dance, many people are left asking, "What is tribal, anyway?" Much of the information I present to you is from The Tribal Bible by Kajira Djoumahna, as well as discussions found in online communities, such as http: //tribalfeat.tribe.net.

Tribal belly dance began to take form in the late 1960s in San Francisco, at the California Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The first visionaries were none other than Jamila Salimpour and her troupe, Bal Anat. At the time, Jamila just called what she did "belly dance." Masha Archer, one of Jamila's students, left Bal Anal and began teaching her own interpretation of belly dance, including group improvisational choreography. She wanted to explore different outlets for belly dance; to get it out of nightclubs and restaurants, which were the only places to perform at that time in San Francisco. She experimented with different American and European elements, including non-Middle Eastern music, costumes, and styles of movement

From Masha Archer's San Francisco Classic Dance Troupe came Carolena Nericcio, who founded FatChanceBellyDance in 1987. Carolena took ideas from Masha's classes, Jami la's approach, her own artistry, and combined them to form what we now call American Tribal Style, or ATS. ATS is based upon group improvisational dance, using a system of cues and transitions. ATS works off of a set vocabulary of movements, with a leader and follower(s) . As the leader feels the music, she will cue the follower(s). (Part of the beauty of this form of dance is the bond you form with your fellow dancers. When you've been dancing together for long enough, you don't even need cues to know what the person is going to do next! You develop a sixth sense for it.) Often, for large stage shows, ATS groups will choreograph entrances, ex.its, and sometimes transitions between songs. However, in keeping with the philosophy behind ATS, the bulk of the performance must be comprised of group improvisation and the primary interaction must be between the dancers.

So what about all these other troupes who call what they do "tribal"? As tribal has spread, it has morphed into many different forms. Many dancers (myself included) feel that out of respect for the art form, and for Carolena herself, if what we do deviates from her original vision, we should call it something else. ''Tribal fusion" is a generic term that has evolved for most troupes who mix improv with choreogra­phy, wear tribal-like costumes, and include movements from various forms of dance. There are specific styles that seem to fall under this umbrella, including Jill Parker's Innovative Dance Theater style, Heather Stants' Urban Tribal style, and Domba!'s African Fusion style, to name a few. Most of these visionary dancers, however, did begin with a basic understanding of ATS. Additionally, most tribal troupes, even

December 2005 eQV THE PAPYRUS ilV -7 -

• Second and fourth Fridays of the month-Belly dance dinner show with live music by Middle-Earth. 7-9 PM. Greek Palace, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa. (858) 573-0155.

• Second Saturday of the month-Belly dancing with Sarasvati Modern Tribal. 9:00 & 10:00 PM. Egyptian Tea Room, 4644 College Ave. (619) 265-7287.

• Sundays-DJ Paul and Suzanna present a Belly Dance Showcase at Kolbeh Restaurant (dancers receive dinner). 7 PM. 9514 Miramar Road. To perform, call (760) 727-6454.

• Fourth Sunday of the month-Tribal and cabaret belly dancers perform to live music by Middle-Earth. 7: 30 PM. The Turquoise Cafe Bar Europa, 873 Tur­quoise St , Pacific Beach. (858) 488-4200.

• December 4-SAMEDA Holiday Party, an event sure to jingle your bells. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 6 PM. Crystal Ballroom, 414 N. Magnolia Ave. events@sdsameda.com. (See page 8 for more details.)

• December 18-Belly Dance and Tribal Dance Holiday Party, includes Sabrina, Atash Maya, Lucia, Violeta, and more. 6:30-9 PM. Med Grill , 1263 University, North Park. (619) 683-2233 or (619) 405-2308. www.luciadance.com.

1=: \,V"~k~r~ :=1 Because we have experienced an increased number of entries and we try to include

all of them, please submit events in the following format:

Date-Description. Cost. Time. Address, City (State, if not CA). Phone number. Email address. Website.

• First Sundays-Kava Gallery Workshop Series. Each month a different local teacher presents their style in a special two-hour workshop. Kava Gallery Studio adjacent to Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner. (619) 261-8676.hastants@earthlink.net

• Second Sundays-Artist's Support Group for all creative people. Noon-2 PM.

Kypris , (760) 522-2554.

Priority for California-based events. If space permits, we will place your out-of-state events.

• Wednesdays-Tonya and Atlantis present their Original Belly Dance Show­case. 8:45-11 :30PM Los Angeles Harbor Sheraton Hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro. (310) 434-3987 for show info; (310) 519-8200 for reservations.

continued on next page ...

-6 - -.(t\l THE PAPYRUS ~t>- December 2005

• Discover Egypt gives visitors an opportunity for interactive learning about ancient Egyptian civilization. Permanent exhibit. $3-$6. Daily, JO AM-4 PM.

Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. www.museumofman.org.

• Narrated by Peter O' Toole, Mystic India, the latest IMAX film, follows the true story of a young yogi who embarked on a spiritual quest. His story tells the story of India as a nati on: the colors, history, people, landscape, art and architecture, and festivals . Still playing at the IMAX is Mystery of the Nile. Call for showtimes. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. (619) 238-1233. www.rhfleet.org.

• Moroccan-born photographer Lalla Essaydi displays portraits of Muslim women and children, creating a mysterious and timeless space fraught with emotion and symbolic intention. Islamic calligraphy, written in henna by the artist, covers the clothing, background, hands, and feet of her subjects, symbol­izing the reversal of their silence and isolation. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. (619) 238-7559.

• Tuesdays- Merge Events and the Kava Lounge present Going Global. Each week features a differnt DJ spinning sounds from Indian and Arabic fusion to salsa, samba, and bossa nova. No cover. 9 PM. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner. www.kavalounge.com ..

• Wednesdays- John Bilezikjian appears bimonthly at The Greek Village. Belly dancing, Greek and international music, and open dancing the entire night. $10. 6:30-9:30 PM. 6030 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. (760) 603-9672 reservations.

• Second Tuesday of the month- Urban Tribal Dance Company and special guests perform at the Kava Lounge. DJs Gage and Sergio play eclectic world music. 9 PM. 2812 Kettner. www.urbantribaldance.com.

• Second Thursday of the month-Gypsy Night Bellydance Showcase featuring live music and plenty of dancing! 8 PM. The Other Side Coffeehouse, 4096 30th St. Genevieve, (619) 263-1476.

• Third Thursday of the month- Live Music & Belly Dance Showcase. 8 PM.

Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge, 2906 University Ave., North Park. Frank Lazzaro, (760) 942-1326 .

• Second and fourth Fridays of the month-Club Cleopatra features an exciting evening of orientale danse and live music with open dancing. $5. Luxor Cafe, llOO Fifth Ave. (619) 231 -8888 or (619) 405-2308. www.luciadance.com.

• Saturdays-Come to Shamanic Trance Dance, a sacred shamanic healing ceremony where we dance with blindfolds to discover our inner landscapes. Look for the red veil over the door. Bring a blindfold or bandana. $20. Center for Creative and Playful Activities, 8241 La Mesa Blvd. www.heartwisdom.net.

December 2005 e(t\l THE PAPYRUS.-«(., -27 -

though they may primarily use choreography, have a good foundation in group improvisation, and the primary interaction is between dancers, rather than with the audience. This is the difference between tribal choreography and nontribal choreog­raphy. By learning synchronized group improv, we fonn a strong bond with each other that allows us to dance in the music as one dancer, rather than several soloists who happen to be onstage together.

Cynthia has been dancing various styles of tribal for five years and has found her calling in tribal fusion. She spends every minute she can spare ( and many she really can 't) feeding and researching her obsession. She should have some Tribal Bibles in stock. Please email her at info@tribalfeat.com if you are interested in learning more. Stay tuned/or Part II : The Costume in an upcoming issue o/The Papyrus.

Source: Kajira Djoumahna, The Tribal Bible. (www.blacksheepbellydance.com)

-28 - ,tt, THE PAPYRUS IJI>- December 2005

Protect Yourself! by Lucia

As computers become increasingly important in our lives, computer hackers, scam artists, and thieves thrive. Recently I watched one of my friends prosecute a man who had committed identify theft on at least a hundred occasions. He started by stealing victims' trash, which contained their personal information, and opened numerous bogus bank accounts and online accounts. He made drivers' licenses and identification cards to facilitate his crime. In his home, police seized a workshop of templates and other paraphernalia. His computers revealed a profitable, sophisticated network of crime. For years, he stole thousands of dollars, stole victims' identities, and destroyed their credit until he was caught.

Unfortunately, this is a common international problem that occurs daily. In many countries, there are county, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies dedicated to combat this growing sector of crime.

For many of us, this experience is difficult to appreciate until it happens to you or someone you know. The Middle Eastern dance community is no different. I have received numerous online requests for private classes, shows, workshops, and other dance-related subjects from scam artists. They have asked for my personal informa­tion to "send me a check," "hire me to perform," or "pay for my airline ticket." That old motto "If it soW1ds too good to be true, it probably is!" is ever so clear. These type of scam artists will continue until they successfully convince an unsuspecting victim to divulge personal information. They will use and trade your personal information with a criminal network within an hour. You will suffer a great loss.

There are many ways to protect yourself. Some important tips include:

1) Never disclose your social security number unless you are applying for a legitimate job.

2) Never divulge passwords to your online accounts.

3) Never toss personal information/receipts in the trash; instead, destroy via a paper shredder or rip up documents.

4) Don't disclose any personal information to any online solicitation or requests.

5) Report theft or suspected theft immediately. Contact your local police or district attorney's office if you have questions or suspect a crime has oc­curred.

6) Maintain your personal records in a safe place. Also, keep records and save emails concerning business transactions.

7) Put a mail suspension if you will be out of town (form at local post office).

8) Do not agree to refund a check unless from a trusted source.

December 2005 ,{ft, THE PAPYRUS ,tt, -5 -

• Remember, all the email addresses for SAMEDA have been updated. See the masthead on page 2.

• SAMEDA has received requests to host workshops. We love the enthusiasm! Please understand that all hosted workshops are on a volunteer basis and are fund-raisers initiated by your interest. To volunteer to host a workshop, please contact events@sdsameda.com.

• The next SAMEDA board meeting is January 29 (see meeting list below). Rather than let those feelings fester or suggestions go to waste, come express yourself! E-mail info@sdsarneda.com for more info and directions.

• Volunteer Opportunity: The Salvation Army's Silver Crest Residence for low­income seniors in Oceanside invites dancers to perform at its monthly birthday parties. Please call Velma at (760) 941-5899.

• SAMEDA dancewear and accessories are now sold at Attire By Lea, 6787 El Cajon Blvd. (619) 460-5766.

• DEADLINE is January 1! Please get your February items in NOW!

mm SAMEDA Board Meetings

New Year's Resolution: I will attend a SAMEDA meeting to voice my opinions, contribute my brilliant ideas, and make SAMEDA a great

organization for myself and my fellow dancers.

January 29 February 26

March 26 April 23 May 24

June 25 July 16

El Torito Yaarajaan Studios Escondido San Diego Del Mar TBA SAMEDA Faire

Email info@sdsameda.com for directions and further info.

• All meetings begin at 10:00 AM. However, because of unforeseen circumstances, dates or locations may change. Please email to confirm date and location.

""

-4 - ·{tC., THE PAPYRUS ~Ir December 2005

Welcome to SAMEDA

New Members Shabnam Dadkhah Mariann Domokos

Welcome Back to SAMEDA

Renewing Members Scottie Schultz - Scherazade Jennifer Sobel - Mira

Anna Bowen-Davies - Aphrodite Carol Ti lli nghast - Yasmi na

Sahra Kent - Sahra

Paulina Beauroyre - Nahira

Susan Hess - Najma

Karima Gameel

Mary Griffi th - Mariah

December Birthdays f

2 - Karen Hunt Q 3 - Sohaila

8 -MahaHadi

9 - Joan Rattanasinh

9 - Lynn Perry

13 - Daisy Ma

19 - Suhaila Salimpour 26 - Stephanie Shirk

20 - Lisa Smith 29 - Beryl Warnes

21 - Adam Ahmed .1. 29 - Marisa Phillips

24 - Grace Alanis fiiJ 30 - Deborah Carrao

25 - Monica Rodewald 31 - Anne Stoup

26 - Robert Gworek 31 - Katherine Dambrino

~

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December 2005 -«(., THE PAPYRUS it(., -29 -

9) Proceed with caution when dealing with any international transactions. You may be severely limited in attaining any successful financial or civil relief; prosecution may be extremely difficult

There are many other methods to protect yourself. Most important, be careful in selecting whom you work with!

aJ~ J n (619) 460 -5766 111re b7 ~c} 6787 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92115 Beginning/Intermediate .. ... ............ M ................... 6:30 - 7:30 PM Intermediate ......... ...... .... .. ..... .. .. ... . M .. ...... .... .. ..... 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Beginning/Intermediate ...... .. .... ..... T ...... .. ............ 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Beginning/Intermediate ........ .... ..... W ..... ....... .. .... . 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Beginning Series 1 ..... ................ ... Th ............... 11 :00 AM - Noon Beginning Series 1 .......... ... .... ....... Th ... ....... ........ 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Beginning Series 2 ............... ......... Th ............... ... 7:00 - 8:00 PM Saidi Stick/Cane Dance ..... ...... .... . Sat ... ....... .... 11 :00 AM - Noon Drum Class .... ...... ... .. ... ... .............. Sat .. .. ............ Noon - 1 :00 PM

Teens ...... .. ... ............ ..... .............. .. . Sat .......... ..... .. 3:00 - 4:00 PM

etao. ~etta Eap1teaao. 619-469-4507

Bring in this coupon and receiv e one free cup of House Blend

Espressos! Salads/

Sandwiches/ Homemade Italian cookies! And much much more .....

6787 El Cajon Blvd., Son Diego, CA 92115 2 Blocks W&st of 10th St., next to BIA

SAMEDA Dancewear share your love of be[[y dance

and support a great organization

• Preshrunk and washable

• Sleek black color

• Flattering tailored style

• Quality spandex and cotton fiber content

• Sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large

• Tote: red/black polycanvas with snap closure and hard bottom (18" X 12" X 5")

• Water bottle: red/black plastic with sport top; dishwasher safe (17.5 ounces)

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Tank with shelf bra ....................... $17 Spandex hip-length tee ................ $18 Cropped tee ................................. $15 Drawstring yoga pant ................... $25 Tote bag ....................................... $15 Water bottle ................................... $3

Shipping and handling: Please add $5 for the first item and $2.50 for each additional item.

For further details and to order, contact Liz at (858) 541-2039 or merchandise@sdsameda.com.

December 2005 "<fV THE PAPYRUS ~V -3 -

I just love this month, not only because it's my birth month, but because of the weather this time of year. You can just smell the winter in the air, and see the holiday lights all around; it gives you such a warm feeling.

The year is just about over; here on the board we are preparing the final touches for the holiday party, which is just a few days away. It is going to be nice seeing our community come out and join us one more time for this special holiday event!

The Papyrus has some wonderful articles this month. On our cover is one of the finest ladies you will ever meet, Suhaila Salimpour ... read for yourself.

I want to welcome a new board member, Patrisha Gutierrez. She will be a big help this coming year with informative resources. Not only is Patrisha now a board member with Sameda, but she is also soon to be the President of the MECDA chapter here in San Diego! Congratulations.

We will be having our board meetings every month. As a member, please don't hesitate to come and sit in on meetings to keep informed. We welcome you anytime. Look in next months Papyrus for more information on times and dates.

Well, enough said for this last paragraph for the year. I am wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

We will see you next year!

rB~~~d~

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