This is a simple newsletter to serve the dancers and musicians of the Middle-Eastern persuasion in the SCA, as well as those who's interest includes Middle-Eastern Culture. At this time, this letter is to provide a forum for information related to what we mutually enjoy, and a means for communicating plans and ideas for future efforts. What it becomes is up to each of us. V&D is published on a quarterly schedule.
If you wish to contribute material to this venture, I'm producing this newsletter on a Macintosh, and can accept materials generated on the same type of computer, or text and TIFF graphics from PC-type computers. If you send me other materials, I will do my best to get them into the newsletter at the earliest point.
Subscriptions are issued on the whim of the publisher, usually in response to participation in the form of articles and other contributions. Failure to participate terminates subscription.
Tantum agendum, parvulus tempus
Typesetting using Microsoft Word by Dur T. Nasty Publications. Reproduction by Express-Tech (1-800-359-2097)
Send all materials to:
Durr ish Jabal
165 Fishburn Hill Road
Bellefonte PA 16823.
Tentative Scheduled afternoon classes at the Orluk Oasis are 2 vocal, 2 finger cymbals (zills), and 1 instrumental. More details in the Pennsic Program. I strongly urge all dancers to take the zill class (it is excellent); Come early to get a good spot (all available slots were filled at Rakasaah this year.) I can tell you what a difference good zilling can make to the musicians. Mimika danced with my band at the Grapeleaf restaurant on Mother's Day and it felt like we had a fifth member of the band. The sound was so good we put the whole dance set on our demo tape. Other classes she might teach are music history, line dancing, and some advanced Belly Dance techniques. This depends on the weather (she doesn't do well in hot/humid conditions) and what the populace requests.
Mimika had two ouds available for sale now (cash or travelers cheques only.) One is for $175, the other for $350. I've seen them and they are sturdy enough to take camping. If someone wants these, please have them write or email to Durr or write Mimika at 60 Pastori Ave. suite 37, Fairfax CA 94930. You can also phone 415-456-9097 or fax 415-457-2795. Mimika will either bring the ouds to Pennsic or ship them if requested.
Mimika has two music books available, the Near Eastern Primer and Sadika's Tunes ($15 each, shipping $2 for 1-2, $3 for 3-5.) The tape with songs is only available through me for $2 shipping or free at Pennsic. I do not sell this tape, you have to buy a book to get one. Mimika also has a finger cymbal book with tape that is excellent for learning rhythm ($12 for book, $8 for tape, shipping $2 for 1-3, $3 for 4-7 books) Mimi's band, Jazayer, has several tapes and CD's out. I have Eternal Rhythms Vol. 1 and 2 ($8). Each tape has 4 rhythms of 14 minutes each, so they are great for building stamina and good for dance practice. The Jazayer Plus album (tape $10, CD $15) has some period music (most music dates form the late 19th century on.) I bought the CD for this one so I could practice my intonation on the oud. The tape I really recommend is Hijaz City (tape $10, CD $15) Wow! This is fabulously inspirational listening music. The first side is a little too fast for dancing. Lastly, Vince Delgado has just put out a CD of improvisation on the duumbak, Dangerous Rhythms ($15 only on CD). The longest cut is 4/4, with sections of 7/8, 9/8. 5/8, and 6/8. This guy is an internationally known drummer who has taught Mary Ellen and Susu (of Susu and the Cairo Cats fame.) Shipping for cassettes 1-3 add $2, 4-14 add $3 each. Add $2 for 1-3 CDs, and $4 for 4-8. Make checks payable to Vince Delgado, PO Box 625 Forest Knolls CA 94933 Phone: 415-457-8427; Fax 415-457-2795
Any or all of these are great additions to anyone's library. I want to ask people to Please Don't Xerox or tape this stuff for your friends. If you want them to have a copy, buy them one as a gift. All of these artists are trying to make a living (Mary Ellen is the only one totally making ends meet on teaching, performing and selling books/tapes) and copying is stealing from them. (Without the income form sales, no new material can be produced!)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to Pennsic, and will be bringing copies of my FREE tape and handouts for drummers to learn to play specific music pieces.
Subscription is $12/six issues
Desert Dancer c/o Rachelle IbrahimHow can I fully express my elation of finding a forum like this publication? First of all, my thanks for Durr for his wonderful policy of "subscription rates" -- I simply inquired how to order the newsletter and found the most recent issue (orange) in my mail the next week. I almost regret living on the West Coast and missing out on the Durr Tour (grin), but there certainly are some benefits to the weather out here.
I finished reading Vol. 4 #4 cover to cover today on my morning commute to work (love that 45 min. all to myself on a bus!!) I took the issue to our Shire meeting last night and shared it with a few interested folks. One lady is trying to organize bringing a dance instructor down from Santa Barbara to Ventura/Thousand Oaks for a more easily accessible class for the Shire. She's very familiar with Lark In The Morning, and was glad to see articles from there. Another gentleman is a beginning recorder player currently with an interest in Shawms -- I'll be loaning him my issue specifically for the fantastic oboe & shawm articles. My lord & finance has not had much luck learning doumbek yet but is an old guitar student and now has a Russian Cossack persona. I'm positive he'll want me to find him an oud or two soon!
The dancers and drummers in our area are mostly beginners, but enthusiastic! I look forward to ordering the back issues of MwT, and I've become the unofficial Middle Eastern contact in the local shires, even with my Scottish persona! We like to joke that it is all part of the "Celtistani" movement, but I recognize that there is legitimately a group of dancers in Caid known by that name (which I am not a part of... yet?).
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has any insights into starting dance and/or drum groups, fellowships, or households. Also, can anyone recommend other dancers and drummers I should be in contact with in the Southern California area? I got started in an evening belly dancing class taught at the Univ. of CA, Santa Barbara, and I still have contacts involved in the dance classes there.
I am also pleased to share with everyone that the Middle Eastern Ensemble, part of the UCSB Music Department, has become remarkably renown over the past few years. Concerts sell out months in advance and have reportedly gained the respect of the Iranian community in LA. There have been rumors that some Middle Eastern LA businessmen plan to take the UCSB ME Ensemble on a tour of the Middle East some time soon. If anyone plans to be in the Santa Barbara or Ventura area, please feel free to call, write, or email me for more information. This is a group that should not be missed.
You mentioned a Web page[**] , possibly replacing V&D. ACK! I hope not! For one, a computer does not travel well on the bus, or in my purse, and is *very* hard to loan out to interested readers. And most importantly -- I *only* have e-mail access through work. No web hookup. And I know potential readers (contributors too, hopefully) who do not even have e-mail access. I certainly hope the publication can continue for some time to come! As we are seeing a new blossoming of M.Eastern interest in our areas, we are only now stumbling on the gems that are out there. I suppose an actual "subscription" would be most appropriate if deferring costs is ever an issue.
Also, I'm curious about religion & dance/drum personas. I fit into your footnote to Rashida's reading list "...not all of the readership are in fact practicing Muslims."[*] I'm one of your "infidels", those Christians. I am curious (and a little concerned) with the propriety of being sensitive to others' beliefs, as well as my own. Were there any Christian tribes in the Middle East in our period?[+] I seem to remember something from history class in high school about one of the Middle Eastern countries being "Christian". I think there's a small Orthodox group "in there" somewhere. What can you share with us? Also, would this offend others if I were participating in dance/drum, but not participating in Islam? What about Jewish dance in period? I might be very interested in pursuing a Jewish alternate persona.
Finally, on a more personal note, I have recently become engaged. In planning my wedding celebration/event, I am hoping to include many forms of SCA music and dance, and a close friend has already agreed to belly-dance for me. Anyone interested in dancing or drumming at my wedding is more than welcome to contact me for information (the wedding will be the Saturday one week before Estrella, February 10, 1996). (This of course means we will probably end our honeymoon at Estrella! We may have to have an additional wedding party there, too.) What I am looking for are any suggestions for wedding outfits. I haven't determined which period or place my garb will be from. My "day" persona is Scottish and my "evening" persona is often an indeterminate Middle Eastern, and my fiancée's persona is Russian. We both have beginning interests in Turkish costume and history -- any sources or other suggestions would be appreciated.
My thanks to the readership of MwT, and may we drum and dance together soon! -- Sincerely, Eilidh
I have just received a new shipment of Israeli oriental music and found this killer rhythm...
Tk-tk tk-tk D D/tk-tk tk-tk D D
(no pause between sets/pause between tk/s) The music is on an album called Black beats by a group named Natural Gathering or Habreira Hativ'it.
(PS, I got it reversed...should be:
Dum Dum tecka-tek tecka-tek)
The album notes say: Shlomo Bar used very extraordinary and non-symmetric beats like 5,7, and 9. ...recent CD is most influenced by Balkan rhythms, Turkish musical motives, and a very rare African beat".
Check this out...don't play it too fast, more like a slow Chiffte. And let me know what you think it is,... Did you get your rhythm sampler yet???[*] old stuff, but I thought you'd find it interesting. I'm about to write up my explorations in Israeli music and will be sending out a bunch of promo info. I don't get any money out of this, but Simon at Hatikva has been a huge help and I'd like to help him out. Also I'm amazed dancers are still using 20 yr. old Israeli music...I always said there was newer better stuff out there. Just that no one knew what it was.
May the drums never stop!
I promised to send you some stuff, and thank to that powerful Jinn by the name of "Internet" here it is, enjoy.
A list of reading materials and publications that may be of interest to other dancers:
Books on Culture (I find it very helpful to know what it would have been like to be a woman in Mid-eastern Medieval history.): Arabian Society in the Middle Ages by Edward William Lane; Women in Islam by Naila Minai (very interesting historic stuff); Flute of Sand by Lawrence Morgan (about the Ouled Nail who are very much like Ghawazee)
Books on Costume (bear in mind that most garb styles have not changed in centuries in the Mid-east): Historic Costume in Pictures by Braun & Schneider; Palestinian Costume by Jehan Rajab; The Art of Arabian Costume by Heather Colyer Ross; Africa Adorned by Angela Fisher.
Books of the Dance: Serpent of the Nile by Wendy Buonaventura (still in print); "The Oldest Dance" by Zarifa Aradoon (old but can be found in most library systems); A Pictorial History of Turkish Dance by Metin, And (found by Sahar (Leah Murphy) by going to a university library for interlibrary loans. They seem more inclined to do it for the sake of research. There is something called an OCLC number (library jargon) which could also help the library find the book. It is #2769037. Here is a list of libraries that claim to own the book:
CA: Univ. of California: Berkeley, LA and San Diego campuses (sp?)
CO: Univ.of Denver
CT: Wesleyan Univ.
DC area: Middle East Inst. Library
IN: Indiana Univ., Bloomington
IL: Univ. of Chicago ; Univ. of Illinois, Urbana
KS: Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence
MA: Univ. of MA at Amherst ; Harvard Univ.
MI: Univ of MI, Ann Arbor
MN: MaCalester College Library
NC: Duke Univ. Library
NJ: Princeton Univ.
NM: Univ, of N.M., Albuquerque
NY: New York Public Res. Library ; Buffalo Museum of Science ; Columbia Univ.
OR: Portland State Univ. Library
PA: Franklin & Marxhall College ; Univ. of PA, Philadelphia
RI: Univ. of Rhode Island
UT: Univ. of Utah
VT: Bennington College
WA : Eastern Washington Univ., Cheney"
... Thank you Sahar!
Available Publications of Interest: ARABESQUE (write to: One Sherman Square, Suite 22-F, New York, New York 10023 or call (212) 595-1677 a publication popular among professional dancers) $25 year; UNVEILED THOUGHTS[*] (a Mid-eastern dancers' Newsletter) write to Teresa Seitz (Thais in SCA) 2126 W. Sherman, West Peoria, Illinois 61604, $8 year;
I have a few pattern sources for you if you do your own sewing: Atira's Fashions, (Modern and Ethnic Costume Patterns, Beaded Motifs and Imported Accessories) 3935 South 113th St., Seattle, WA 98168 (206) 767-3357. Call for Catalog info. Raiments for the Costumer, (Books, Supplies and Patterns for over 1100 Historical, Ethnic and Dance Patterns spanning the Middle Ages to the 1950's) 180-page catalog is $5. P.O. Box 93095, Pasadena, CA 91109 (818) 797-2723. Folkwear patterns (Available at many Fabric Stores, they usually will have a catalog of all patterns available) or write for information to: The Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506.
Regional styles of dance that predate the middle-ages include: Ghawazee, Pharonic and Zar (Egypt), Shikaat and Guedra (Morocco), Saudi (Arab) and Anatolian Turkish. Please take into account that many of these different regions have been dancing for thousands of years before Islam. After Islamic armies started invading counties all over the Middle-east and North Africa many of these style started mixing. At the peak of the Ottoman Empire (1450-1550), Rulers had hundreds of women from every known land in their harems, with nothing better to do than share their music and dance with each other. These dance styles are an oral tradition, passed from mother to daughter, and not much has changed over the years. Islam forbade the writing of dance or music, so the only records are by descendants of the art or writings by European travelers. What they describe, matches what we know of Raks Sharqi today, so we take a leap of faith that our dance is as similar as we can make it to the dance of the middle-ages.
A WAR CARE WARNING Unto the Dancers of the Known World - Greetings,
With the approach of war, we think ahead to the opportunities for dance and learning, and the good time we shall have with other dancers from near and far. Therefore, I think we should be mindful of a few things that should be avoided lest they spoil our fun:
HURT FEET: Always wear comfortable/protective footwear to and from dance locations. Some dancers think it looks more period to be wearing fancy mid-eastern shoes. I have found first hand that this can lead to blisters and/or excessive wear and tear on delicate shoes. (what looks best is not always most comfortable) (War terrain can be pretty rough) I have also seen many dancers running around the grounds barefoot. This would be period in much sand, but War is anything but. If you wish to dance barefoot, check the dance area thoroughly for anything that could hurt your feet and clear it away. Then, feel free to remove your shoes or sandals. If the area is just plain bad, bring a small rug to dance on. Also, carry some Band-Aids with you. The combination of heat, heavy dust and dirt, and sweat will cause chafing in even the best broken-in footwear. Remember to bring a pair of backup shoes to wear while your primary shoes or sandals are drying out from rain or evening dew. Don't think I'm harping on the foot subject too much. If you injure or blister your feet, the dance fun is over, so make sure your feet can last the entire War.
WEATHER PROTECTION: Cotton, cotton and maybe some silk. Soft, gauzy cotton or silk is your best choice for daytime wear. Save the Rayon,, Nylon, Brocades and Wool for the cooler evenings (if there are any). Have a cotton veil with you for walking the dusty roads. It will protect you from sun, and can be pulled over your mouth and nose to filter the dust (and looks ultra-period at the same time). Remember to put sun-screen on all parts that are not covered. For total coverage, this still leaves: tops of feet, fore-arms and hands, forehead and nose, and some parts of the neck. Special hint - put sunscreen on before jewelry and bracelets (I've had some really weird and funny looking burns where the jewelry covered me). If wet weather threatens, take along a folded up rain poncho. It may not look period, but it beats getting wet.
HEAT OR COLD PROOFING: Drink lots of water and the occasional Gatorade. You will sweat a great deal, and that's without even doing anything. Be especially careful if you find yourself needing to take a lot of allergy or other medication. Those can combine with heat to put a heavy strain on your system. If you feel yourself getting sick from the heat, get out of the sun, run cool water over your wrists and eat something salty. If that doesn't help after ten minutes or so, send for a chirurgeon (better safe than sorry). For the cold, bring some socks and warm clothes. You can always wear them under your garb, and you will be glad you have them if the need arises.
SCHEDULE Find out immediately upon arrival, everything you want to do, so you can schedule your activities well. Knowing the Schedule helps keep you from missing out on fun things, and gives you a base to build your social calendar around. This also means you may have to leave in the morning prepared to activity-hop through-out the day if you would spend too much time (and physical wear and tear) going back and forth to your camp. I always have a tote-bag for these occasions so I can carry zills, purse, veil, medical needs, food, and anything I happen to purchase while I'm out and about.
Final Note: Drink and Dance responsibly. Don't stumble and break an ankle because you danced drunk. Don't let anyone talk you into doing anything you don't want to do. Alcohol and some people's notions of a dancer's morals can lead to trouble if you are not in control. Take an escort into any situation that makes you nervous (for me, this also means anything after dark). That's the basics, now go forth and have fun. In your Service, Taj-al-Hadiya
Here are the descriptions and addresses I mentioned previously. Edit as you see fit. The tapes really are excellent, and I feel that many people would appreciate them, if they don't have them already...but I've met a disturbing number of dancers and percussionists who haven't heard of these tapes, and I feel they are great staples to anyone interested in ME dance and music. I just had a workshop with Armando, and left in awe. BTW, the "article" is in its final stages, I just need to proof and fact-check it before I send it off to you.
salaam alayyek, Kulthum Atenveldt
SIROCCO Sirocco's tapes are available directly through the mail! This duo has been performing together since 1971 and has long been a favorite of SCA performers, due to their use of traditional instruments and songs.
Sirocco Vol.I: a five-part country dance, plus other selections featuring Dariush Sami on santur. $12.00 Sirocco Vol. II: some hot and spicy dance music, with a cabaret flavor; also some mizmar and drums in the country style, and a Flamenco-Arab rumba. $12.00 Sirocco Vol. III: Sirocco travels to Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Egypt, Spain, and Venezuela, with guest artists A. Ishmael and Isabel Tercero. $12.00 Arabian Night's Dream: a dreamy Arab tango, a Spanish-Moorish Zambra, Egyptian selections and a five-part cabaret sequence. $12.00
Make checks payable to Sirocco, PO Box 24, Capitola, CA, 95010. (408) 475-3591 phone or fax. Shipping included. In CA add 8.25%. Visa, MC, Money Order also accepted.
ARMANDO EL MAFUFO[*] Armando is the percussion of Sirocco; his energy and enthusiasm make him an excellent performer and teacher. Uncle Mafufo's Basic Rhythms Vol.I: Maksoom, Wahed Tawila, Malfouf, Ayoob, Chifti, Masmoudi Kabiir, Karsilama, and Shabia 6/8. $12.00 ... Basic Rhythms Vol. II: rhythm patterns from Egypt, Tukey, Iran, Armenia, Greece, and Pakistan. $12.00 Mafufo's Drumsongs For Dancers: 14 excellent drum solos played by the Mafufo drum ensemble. $12.00 VIDEO: Basic Rhythms For Arabic Drum: 12 traditional rhythmic modes in easy-to-grasp language. Close-up detail. Illustrative solos. 65 minutes. $45.00
Make checks payable to Armando, 2250 Paul Minnie Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062. Phone or fax (408) 475-3591. Shipping included. In CA, add 8.25%. Visa, MC, Money Order also accepted.
SUSAN WILSON Two great tapes from the percussionist featured on Kathryn Ferguson's "Introduction to Belly Dance" and "Dances from the Casbah"! Susan has been performing within and without the SCA for many years, and is a talented percussionist and dancer. Her instructional tapes start each rhythm very slowly, then build gradually to dance tempo. Great for dance, drum, or saghat practice. Darbuka Rhythms For Oriental Dance Practice: Vol. I: beledi, masmoudi, taxim, alternating beledi and masmoudi, and a five-part rhythm for choreography. Vol. II: beledi, masmoudi, 2/4, saidi, taxim, saudi, wahed tawiila, ayoub, bolero, 9/8, and a wedding rhythm with tambourine.
For information, contact Llamavision, PO Box 50859, Tucson, AZ, 85703. Or, for more information, feel free to e-mail me at KeightP@aol.com, or snail me at: Kulthum, 224 Placita Aldaco, Tucson, AZ, 85710.
I am looking forward to Baron Dur's Hafla on July 16th, hoping the date doesn't change again so I can keep it penciled in on my calendar.
I am known in the SCA as Lady Brigit MacLeod, AKA Serena, Jewel of the Desert, professionally, and Debbie Rutherford mundanely.
Middle Eastern Dance is alive and well in Charleston WV. My friend, Susan West (AKA Lady Gliadrachen AKA Amara) and I have formed a corporation, Tribes of the Desert. We are currently teaching a 2 hour class on Saturday mornings at a metaphysical book store, Wildflowers, in Kanawha City. There is a huge room for us with 8 students and a lot of interest. So much so that Wildflowers wants us to teach classes on Monday evenings and Thursday mornings. We offered a 6 week course as an Introduction to Belly Dance and the current students as well as the new ones wants it to be an on-going class every week, twice a week!
Susan and I worked very hard to come up with a system that will exercise and teach movements at the same time. All our new students are learning very quickly and doing very well. We keep telling the class how very well they are coming along. Anna, the 50-year old Yoga instructor said it was because we were such good teachers and the rest of the class wholeheartedly agreed. Susan and I beamed! We're so happy to be doing something we love, spreading the popularity of the most beautiful performing art AND getting paid for it. This must be Utopia! Also, the YWCA had expressed an interest in a Fall schedule.
I have worked for Best Wishez Singing Telegrams for 3 years going Belly Grams and I am currently dancing on Friday nights from 6-10 PM at Sinbad's, a Middle Eastern restaurant in South Charleston. Sinbad's is owned and operated by 2 Jordanian brothers and is a family restaurant and wow, do we have fun! Al, a friend of the owner, comes in a lot and brings his dumbek to play along with my music. The customer's children often get up and dance and they love my "jingle-ly" coin belts.
One Friday there was a family visiting here from Saudi. The little 6 year-old girl stole my heart. Her dad went to the car and got a cassette and she got up and danced! She stole the show. She did these wonderful staccato hip movements and sorta "fanned" her hips with her hands. the little 4 year-old boy played the dumbek and later the parents got up and danced. How very rich their culture! I envy the child growing up in a culture that celebrates the body instead of suppress it. And I applaud Sinbad's for promoting Middle Eastern Dance in the Bible Belt we live in.
So, if you're in Charleston on a Friday night, come to Sinbad's to have the BEST Middle Eastern food around and Serena's live entertainment. Not only is food great, it's very inexpensive. A sampler platter (served in 5 removes) feeds 2 people very well and is only $19.95. No alcohol is served, but you can BYO.
Our SCA dance class is still being held on Tuesday nights at Susan's house and our Baronial drummers come almost every week. The dancers are also learning to drum as well as play zills and tambourine. One of our drummers, Tark, has shown an interest in learning dance, but we are at a loss as to what men learn. (Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.)
We all put a quarter in a jar at the end of every class for new music, videos, or whatever we decide to spend it on. We almost have enough to buy a video we want of performances. We recently purchased (upon Durr's recommendation) the instructional Zills, The Art of Playing Finger Cymbals.
We plan on making a caravan to Durr's Hafla on July 16th and hope lots of drummers and dancers come so we can celebrate life through rhythm.
I have been holding weekly ME dance class in my home for nearly a year now. Before that we held a dance class at Lady Brigit's home until she moved to a smaller place. Since August 1992 we have met weekly except during bad weather or illness. We have performed at various local events.
I changed the structure of our class last May and it has worked very well, but we're not rigid about keeping to it. I have studied several instructional videos and a couple of books and have combined all of this and used those parts best suited to our needs.
We start the class by sitting around and visiting for 20 to 30 minutes. At this time we discuss garb, different moves, zills, drumming, wishes and goals, and how we want to practice on that particular night.
We usually start by doing stretches, then we do what we call steps, instead of exercises, warm-up steps, beginner steps, etc. At this time we take a break then continue with the dancing, zills, drumming.
When it is someone's birthday, we celebrate it in some way, with cake, gifts, drinks and the best of wishes.
We had a hairdresser to our class one night and he styled everyone's hair. There was about ten ladies in attendance that night. Usually we have 4 to 5 ladies, sometimes as few as 2 or as many as 10.
Some evenings all we do is dance and talk. I try to be flexible and in tune to the girl's moods. I don't want any one of them to become bored. Each lady's' feelings are important to me and everyone's voice and opinion are heard equally.
About a year ago we discussed doing a money collection each class. We only put in what we can afford, a dollar, a quarter or nothing[*] . We use the money for learning aids. We just made our first purchase, which happens to be the zill book you showed and suggested to us, and it's companion audio tape. We're very excited about receiving them and getting to work.
All the girls are very dedicated. They usually show up early for classes, so we can spend more time practicing. Two of the girls are away at school, but when they're in town on break, they show up for class. Lady Brigit showed up for class despite a bad car wreck and two surgeries in the past year. We had to ride herd on her so she wouldn't overdo it a couple of times. One of the girls told her boss at work that she wouldn't work no matter what on dance class night. Fortunately, she had an understanding boss. So you can see "the Dance" has become a very integral part of all our lives.
When I started having class at my home, I started keeping a journal. I write in it after each class, of who attends, of what we did, of how much money we have and some personal comments. My journal is available each class for all who attend to read.
I do have a problem that I believe that either you or any one of your readers may be able to help me with. I have a friend who wants to learn ME Dance, and it just so happens that this friend is male. My problem is that I have no knowledge in this area of dance. I have heard there are differences between male and female ME Dance. The area I live in is very limited in research material and I have been unable to find anything on this particular subject. So if you or your readers can help me in this endeavor, I will be eternally grateful.
My dance class this past week was especially fun. I had 5 drummers and 6 dancers show up. The weather was beautiful that particular evening, so we drummed and danced on the porch. Most of the neighbors came out on their porches to watch us. We had a grand time. On of the sweetest occurrences I have ever had the good fortune to witness happened that evening. My landlord, who lives several blocks away from us, walked over that evening. I was sure someone had called him and complained. But, as he was coming up the walk I could see a smile forming on his face. As he reached the porch all of us stopped to see what he wanted. Al he could do was smile and say, "Continue." And continue we did. You see he was born and raised in this house and his father had died 19 years ago that day and he was sad and wanted to see his old home. When he saw us, his sorrow became joy. We had lifted his spirits and this meant the world to me. I offered him refreshments[*] and he accepted and stayed for nearly an hour. So, you see, "the Dance" has once again brought happiness to a needful soul. Oh, and by the way, he wants to come back and video tape us sometime.
I also want to take this opportunity to say "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart for attending Black Stone Raid IV. I really enjoyed our little chats and all the advice, suggestions, and information you imparted to us. Words cannot express how much spending quality time with you meant to me.
Kulthum has also nailed me on the fact that the banner for V&D is incorrect (as written). Since I have been studying the language, I'd agree. So, this may be the last time you see it this way!
Where it says "students of Baron Dur," I am expecting the students of the past years to teach beginning drumming. This will help me (I am working off an injury) and it will help you. There is nothing like teaching others to improve your skill (see what you have done to me?!?)
12:00 - 1:00 Israeli Line Dancing - not belly dancing (Kamilah)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 4:00 Hip Articulation and Isolation (Ambrin the Apolitical)
4:00 - 5:00 Egyptian Cabaret that can look Ethnic - advanced (Aletha)
5:00 - 6:30 Dancing with Rhythm - part I (Su'ad)
11:00 - 12:00 Men's and Women's roles in Medieval Islam (Kathira um Rashid)
12:00 - 1:00 Advanced Belly dance Technique (Aletha)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 3:30 Hagallah - lively scarf dance (Farrashah)
3:30 - 4:30 Rhythmic Fun with Finger Cymbals (Atesh)
4:30 - 6:00 Do you have that on Videotape? Problems determining the historical accuracy of Middle Eastern Dance (Ambrin the Apolitical)
6:00 - 8:00 Guedra - Women's spiritual dance - no men please (Jadi Fatimma Sirhaan bint Morgaine)
10:00 - 11:00 Dar al Islam - introduction to history (Chengir abu Ben Said)
11:00 - 12:00 Adding Variety to those Basic Steps (Esmeralda la Andaluza)
12:00 - 1:00 Advanced Shimmies (Aletha)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 3:00 Ghawazee Fruit Vendor Dance - Choreography (Thais Banu)
3:00 - 4:30 Dancing with Rhythm - part 2 (Su'ad)
4:30 - 6:00 Floor work and stretching (Kamilah)
10:00 - 11:00 Men's and Women's Middle Eastern Clothing (Kathira um Rashid)
11:00 - 12:00 Muslim Scrolls in the SCA (Sayf-al-Qamar Tarik ibn Abdul)
12:00 - 1:00 More Advanced Belly dance Technique (Aletha)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 3:30 Body Mechanics and the Dance (Su'ad)
3:30 - 5:00 Persian Dance (Jadi Fatimma Sirhaan bint Morgaine)
5:00 - 6:00 Henna - history and application (Zimra al-Ghaziyah)
10:00 - 11:00 Sex and Society in Medieval Islam (Kathira um Rashid)
11:00 - 12:00 Middle Eastern Dance for Manly Men (Donnallain)
12:00 - 1:00 Even More Advanced Belly dance Technique (Aletha)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 3:30 Basic SCA Usable Choreography (Su'ad)
3:30 - 4:30 Trance Dancing - history and method (Jadi Fatimma Sirhaan bint Morgaine)
4:30 - 5:30 Dance Patterns, Structures and Details (Atesh)
5:30 - 6:30 Muslim Scribal Practices (Sayf-al-Qamar Tarik ibn Abdul)
11:00 - 12:00 Storytelling and the Art of Imagination - helps you tailor any story to fit your Persona (Chengir abu Ben Said)
12:00 - 1:00 Yes, Even More Advanced Technique (Aletha)
1:00 - 2:00 Beginner Drumming (Students of Baron Dur)
2:00 - 3:00 Basic Props - cane, sword - bring your own (Thais Banu)
3:00 - 4:00 Hagallah - lively scarf dance (Farrashah)