Peace on Earth

To all that people is going through a difficult moment in Rio de Janeiro...the innocent people living in the slums that are in the middle of this "war"... we need PEACE! We need LOVE! 

PEACE ON EARTH by U2

Heaven on Earth 
We need it now 
I'm sick of all of this 
Hanging around 


Sick of sorrow 
I'm sick of the pain 
I'm sick of hearing 
Again and again 
That there's gonna be 
Peace on Earth 

Bellysamba by Brazilian dancers Danielle Lopes & Cristina Ramon

Another Bellysamba performance by myself and the Australia's Samba Queen Cristina Ramon.
Noche de Fuego September 2010 in Sydney Australia.
I hope you enjoy it!!

“It’s only in darkness that you can see the true brightness of the light."

– Amir Zoghi – 

Belly Dance Stars Parody

Very very funny video!! Watch it and you will understand!! 
For those who know Russian belly dancers (because "russian" part of the parody is the best). Alexey Riaboshapka immitates 
1. Elena Ramazanova
2. Aida Hassan
3. Maria Shashkova
4. Dina
5. Orit Maftsir

Mind Body Spirit Festival

I totally forgot about this Festival!! I went last year and I though very interesting! If you have nothing planned for this weekend, definitely it is a great program! See you there!!


Belly dance Performance on the Festival:
Saturday
1 pm  and 4 pm Jrisi Jusakos


Sunday
11.30 am Jrisi Jusakos
5.30 pm Studio Dance Orientale

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I loveeeeeeeeed this movie!! I don't know how come many people told me that it was boring and they almost slept watching it! I could not take my eyes from the screen. Maybe because I read the book and I knew already what to expect. Julia Roberts was fantastic! A beautiful journey of a woman that travelled to three different destinations - Italy, India and Bali - to experience the pleasure of eating, the spiritual growth and the possibility of love.

These are two of my favourite soundtracks. Of course Brazilian songs!! ;-)

Bebel Gilberto - Samba da Benção

Joao Gilberto  - Wave

Tito Seif

My video of the week by the Egyptian Belly dancer Tito Seif. I love his interpretation and also great choice of song.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by  Paulo Coelho

I read this book a long time ago...but I read it for several times...It is a great one...highly recommended. I am a big fan of Paulo Coelho, not only because he is Brazilian (as myself), but he also inspires me. Besides his great books, you also can follow his blog...a blog not to be missed! 

This is a story that I took from his blog...check it out for more http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

A merchant sent his son to learn the Secret of Happiness from the wisest of men. The young man wandered through the desert for forty days until he reached a beautiful castle at the top of a mountain. There lived the sage that the young man was looking for.

However, instead of finding a holy man, our hero entered a room and saw a great deal of activity; merchants coming and going, people chatting in the corners, a small orchestra playing sweet melodies, and there was a table laden with the most delectable dishes of that part of the world.

The wise man talked to everybody, and the young man had to wait for two hours until it was time for his audience.

With considerable patience, the Sage listened attentively to the reason for the boy’s visit, but told him that at that moment he did not have the time to explain to him the Secret of Happiness.

He suggested that the young man take a stroll around his palace and come back in two hours’ time.

“However, I want to ask you a favor,” he added, handling the boy a teaspoon, in which he poured two drops of oil. “While you walk, carry this spoon and don’t let the oil spill.”

The young man began to climb up and down the palace staircases, always keeping his eyes fixed on the spoon. At the end of two hours he returned to the presence of the wise man.

“So,” asked the sage, “did you see the Persian tapestries hanging in my dining room? Did you see the garden that the Master of Gardeners took ten years to create? Did you notice the beautiful parchments in my library?”

Embarrassed, the young man confessed that he had seen nothing. His only concern was not to spill the drops of oil that the wise man had entrusted to him.

“So, go back and see the wonders of my world,” said the wise man. “You can’t trust a man if you don’t know his house.”

Now more at ease, the young man took the spoon and strolled again through the palace, this time paying attention to all the works of art that hung from the ceiling and walls. He saw the gardens, the mountains all around the palace, the delicacy of the flowers, the taste with which each work of art was placed in its niche. Returning to the sage, he reported in detail all that he had seen.

“But where are the two drops of oil that I entrusted to you?” asked the sage.

Looking down at the spoon, the young man realized that he had spilled the oil.

“Well, that is the only advice I have to give you,” said the sage of sages. “The Secret of Happiness lies in looking at all the wonders of the world and never forgetting the two drops of oil in the spoon.”

from the book “The Alchemist”

Attar Troupe at Dina Concert

ATTAR Professional Belly dance Troupe Live at Dina Belly dancer Concert. 

A special thank you to Amera and Rita for permission to upload. 

 
For more information about ATTAR Troupe visit http://www.attartroupe.com

Featuring:

Jamil

Danielle Lopes

Lisi Hannan

Sophie Alize

Magda Boz

Event: Bellydance and Arabic Music Extravaganza 2010, Ft DINA from Cairo.
DVD available at: http://www.ameraspalace.com.au

Belly Samba workshop at Amera's Palace

Be ready for summer!! Amazing workshops coming up in January 2011.

Tuesday 18 January Bellysamba workshop with myself and Lisi Hannan! 

You can't miss out...very challenging choreo! 

With so many options available there is no way you can go wrong!! 

More information at www.ameraspalace.com.au

Happiness

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it." 
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

Performance at Fiesta Festival Darling Harbour

My new video!! Performance at Fiesta Festival in Darling Harbour October/2010

The Russian Belly dancer Evgeniya Kopteva

I can't stop watching the gorgeous Russian belly dancer Evgeniya Kopteva...what a song! What an interpretation! What a dancer!!!

The Road less travelled...

A quote taken from the book Im reading now "The Roald less travelled" by M. Scott Peck.




"Life is complex. Each one of us must make his own path through life. There are no self-help manuals, no formulas, no easy answers. The right road for one is the wrong road for another...The journey of life is not paved in blacktop; it is not brightly lit, and it has no road signs. It is a rocky path through the wilderness. "

— M. Scott Peck

Bellydancer for Breast Cancer

Great initiative Rachel!!! Let's spread the word girls!!!

By Rachel Bond

Dear Bellydance teachers,

Did you know that 1 in 9 Australian women will suffer breast cancer? And exercise has been shown to both reduce that chance, and improve therapeutic outcomes. So it's good to know that as dance teachers, we're already helping make a difference. But funds are also needed. No doubt you've heard of the "Girls' Night In" events that, like Pink RIbbon Breakfasts, are held to raise money for Breast Cancer work.


In just under 2 weeks' time, on 30 September, I'm hosting a Bellydance-themed "Girls Night In" in Rozelle. As well as food and drink, gossip and giggles, we'll be screening Yasmina's film "Journey of Desire: A Foreign Dancer in Egypt". The whole aim of the event is to bring bellydancers - both professionals and students of all levels - together in a relaxed social environment, and together, to raise funds for this important cause.

It would be fabulous if you could spread the word to your students. For many of you, this will be in the middle of their term break, so a good way to maintain students' enthusiasm for bellydance!

You can share this link with them:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144557105586035

I will be waiting you there!!!

Bellysamba

Bellysamba is fusion of Bellydance and Samba. This is a great combination of rhythyms as they are both very dynamic and focused on hip moves (but Samba a lot of foot work as well). The Brazilian bellydancer Soraia Zaied was one of the first bellydancers to show the world this fusion and proudly presented it on her performances in Cairo.

The gorgeous Soraia Zaied

This is two videos I performed myself with Cristina Ramon and Lisi Hannan. I hope you enjoy it!!

Ansuya - Bellydance Superstar

Bellydance Superstar Ansuya is one of the most talented and accomplished performers, choreographers and instructors in the bellydance world today. Her style is unique, blending the best aspects of belly dance with Indian, Spanish and African moves. Energetic, sensual and innovative, Ansuya is a master of improvisation, musical interpretation, emotional expression, finger cymbals, original moves and costume design. Ansuya is a multi-award winner and has been seen in movies, on television shows, music videos and commercials as both a belly dancer and an actress. She has performed for countless celebrities, and her top selling instructional videos are some of the best reviewed on the market. Ansuya is a second generation bellydancer with secrets handed from mother to daughter, adding mystique and legend to her soulful performances and dedicated instruction. From India, Egypt, Japan, Canada, Spain, Hawaii, Indonesia, to across the US and Europe, she has enjoyed international recognition and press. (From http://www.bellydance.org/articles/ansuya.html)

Interview by Jamil

You are the daughter of  'Jenaeni' a renowned belly dancer. Was she your initial  inspiration to take up the art? Or was there any other profound experience that contributed to your decision?

Ansuya - My mother has been my inspiration in life and in dance. She taught me from when I was a baby. I gave my first performance when I was four years old under her teaching. Another strong influence on me and my dance style has been Alexandra King, one of my mothers students. She became my teacher as well and has influenced me in my life also.

Ansuya, you are a member of the  esteemed troupe 'belly dance superstars'. In your opinion could you explain what the positives and negatives are of working with a  troupe?

Ansuya - I feel the beauty of working in a dance company that has a strong leader can be a magical experience of comraderie, self discovery, and inspiration. Dancing in my mothers company and having a company of my own has taught me the immense value of team work, friendship, and genorousity. When the intention of the leader is to build that esteem into the company, I think a troupe can be a completely positive experience. If the intentions are mixed with competitive values, unhealthy physical conditions, and dishonesty, then a dance company can be a negative experience. With the Bellydance Superstars, I am proud that our show seemed to represent to our audiences the values that I hold most dear on the outside. However, behind the scenes was a different story. I felt it was my duty to progress the Bellydance industry by continuing to participate in BDSS for as long as I could, but I am also proud of my decision to work on my own so that I can better progress the spirit of the dance without compromise.

Your dance style is a beautiful and  technical amalgamation of soft controlled movements and harsh joyous shimmies. Could you please let your viewers in on what main  expression you feel that you are able to convey in your particular  dancing style?

Ansuya - Thank you for the compliments! I feel every emotion when I am dancing according to the music I am using. I just finished a show that began with an Indian fusion piece that put me in my highest level of joy, immediately followed by a song that put me deep into passionate meloncholy. For me, dance, as in life, knows no bounds when it comes to emotion. If I were to describe an overall message with my dance, it would be to convey the art of sensual and spiritual discovery. I hope to inspire others to find their power within to unlock the keys of the universe by becoming in touch with their body, mind, and soul through dance.

What hints could you offer to  professional dancers that want to make it as internationally renowned  as yourself?

Ansuya - My best advice for ambitious performers is to trust their own talents for art and for business. As a Bellydance entrepenur I have discovered that I am a very savvy business women. Many artists doubt their abilities in this area. But, having seen managers and business leaders at work has only increased my self confidence and helped me to discover that I have had all I have needed from the beginning to create my own enterprise. The best way to find your own direction is to connect to your inner intuition, focus on your vision, and trust in the universe. I like to follow the Law of Attraction in life, business, and art. I recommend trusting yourself and the Law of Attraction above all other advise.

I have never been introduced to the concept of an 'online class'. What was your initial aim of beginning such a project and what should students who enroll to participate in  it expect?

Ansuya - My online class project is constantly developing. My goal is to provide my worldwide student base access to classes with me on a weekly basis so that they don’t have to wait years for me to come to their city. Students can expect to have great breakdown of combinations in every style of Bellydance by me in my studio. We are upgrading the payment system now based on the feedback we have received from students so that the classes can be more easily accesses and enjoyed by a wider audience.

 With already so much recognition nationally and internationally as a soloist and a troupe member, what plans do you have for the upcoming future? Any projects that your Australian followers should  be aware of?

Ansuya - Along with my online classes, I plan to offer my international student base the opportunity to come in small groups to my studio to study with me. My studio is located in the beautiful, tropical, vacation destination of Naples, Florida. I am excited to suggest to students that they combine a beach vacation with a Bellydance intensive at Ansuya’s Bellydance Studio. Interested students can contact me at ansuya@ansuya.com. I have attached a photo of my studio. I hope to see the Bellydancers of Australia at my studio soon!

Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival

Congratulations Leonie for putting together The Middle Eastern Dance Festival! Unfortunately I could not stay the entire concert on Saturday night but the Bellydance Showcase on Sunday was great! Beautiful performances...and it was good to meet bellydancers from other States!

This is the second year Attar Troupe performed at the Festival and it was an amazing experience. This year we had  the supporting dancers: Amy, Emelly, Salpi, Angie and Kristie. Thanks girls for the wonderful job! Without you the choreo wouldnt be the same!!

Girls, stay tuned for the next events (Go to Events Section)!! There are soo many ones coming up!

If you are interstate, please send me your Event info...it will be a pleasure to post it here!

Dansensation: Bellydance Beyond Imagination

Danielle lopes & Jamil Halaby presents....

Step into the unforseen dimension of DANSENSATION... it is Bellydance Beyond Imagination!!!

on Sunday the 23rd of May you are exclusively invited to witness the brilliance that is DANSENSATION! An amalgamation of bellydance and the dance vocabulary of other international genres is presented to you by Sydney's top performers. The night will be explosive and dynamic, mysterious and unique!

Please contact Danielle or Jamil to be a part of this spectacular event.

Danielle: 0404 737 701

Jamil: 0415 737 818

Tickets -

$100 VIP (50 places available)

$55 p.p. (70 places available)

(includes huge Arabic banquet and unlimited softdrink)

Strict seating limit applies of 120, book early.

Dancer list:

Danielle Lopes

Jamil

Sophie Alize

Magda Boz

Lisi Hannan

Emily

Angie

Amy

Laura

Rachel

Johara

Nancy

More details available at: http://www.attartroupe.com

Dina in Australia!!

Here are some general informations about Dina in Australia. This is an event you can't miss out!!!

Amera’s Palace Proudly Presents:

BellyDance and Arabic Music Extravaganza 2010

20th - 22nd August 2010

For the First Time in Australia - For One weekend only with

Superstar Dina, Egyptian Super Star Belly Dancer of Screen and Stage LIVE !!

Supported by Australian BellyDance and Music Stars

BellyDance Workshops presented by Dina

Straight from the Famous Khan El Khalili Market Place in Cairo, Egypt - Mahmoud Abdel Ghaffar

20th August 2010 - Evening - ""Belly Dance Star Awards"" with Special Guest Star Judge DINA !.

21st August 2010 - AM - Workshop with Dina

21st August 2010 - DINA Live in Concert

22nd August 2010 - AM & PM- Workshops with Dina

"Khan El Khalili " Market Place Open from 6PM 20th August till 6PM 22nd August

And don't forget about the Bellydance Star Awards!

Informations about this event on http://www.ameraspalace.com.au/

Thanks Aisha from Greece!

If you didnt go to any of Aisha's performance certainly you missed a great show! Aisha was
in Australia for a special Tour and she performed in the main restaurants in Sydney...myself and Cristina Ramon (Samba dancer) also participated of the shows with a fusion of Bellydance and Samba.

I would like to thank Aisha for her suberb professionalism and also for providing a fantastic performance to Australian audience...

Thanks for Sydneyrestaurants.com and Eurobis for supporting this art and bringing over a top bellydancer artist!

And finally thanks for all friends that came over to watch us and support our bellydance community! If everyone helped each other certainly we would have more events like this happening in Sydney!

My favourite videos

I'm addicted to Youtube. Are you? I suppose all bellydancers spend hours and hours seeking for new videos, new inspirations, new moves...definately youtube is a great source for research! Well, I have seen
so many good dancers around the world...and I would love to share with you what I have been looking at recently! If you have any good video to share here, please send it to me and I would be happy to post it! This is my favourite from this week...I visited Aida's website but it is all in other language...unfortunately I dont know much from here but I think she is a great dancer...what do you think??

Teacher Training Certification Intensive

How important is to be prepared to teach belly dance? Do I feel enough prepared to teach?

These are some questions you must ask yourself before entering the teaching world. It is not an easy task and definetely it is not only shaking your hips that will guarantee that you are a good teacher. There are many other elements involved such as: choosing the right methodology, how you communicate with your students, how you assist them and how you perceive their process of learning and so on.
I had teachers that simply asked us to copy what she was doing without teaching the process of the move...is this teaching?? Noooooooooooooo

Well, I am only talking about this topic because we have a excellent coourse coming up in May:

Teacher Training Certification Intensive

Mon 3rd & Tue 4th May 2010

Leonie Sükan's Newtown Middle Eastern Dance Centre, Sydney

 

Bookings:

To book: http://www.shemiranibrahim.com/teacher-training/

STRICTLY limited spaces

Costume Exchange at Amera's Palace

Come along and buy, sell or swap previously loved costumes seeking new homes.

Sunday the 7th of March 2:30-5:30pm @

Amera’s Palace

85 Enmore Road NEWTOWN

Free Entry

Palace stock will also be available

Silk Bazaar

Designer Costumes from Egypt

Complementary Lebanese sweets

Fashion Parade

Stall holders $25

Seamstress on site for immediate alterations

INFO: Contact Magda 0401255617

devicdance@hotmail.com

Dancers for Animals

Im fowarding Jrisi's email...please read it!! It is very important if everyone helps!!

Dear Bellydance/Tribal teachers,


Some of you might remember from last year I wrote about ESMA in one of my newsletter.

ESMA are the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals which was formed in 2007 based in Sakkara, Egypt. A small group of Egyptian and expatriates came together to fight the notion of population control (after a horrific shooting spree of dogs by the Egyptian government).

ESMA is a charitable organization registered in Egypt that operates a shelter and adoption center. They are committed to improving animal welfare in Egypt in all areas of need, including: dogs and cats; donkeys and horses; animals in the Cairo zoo; and pet shops.

This is a totally self funded shelter with animal lovers everywhere giving what they can. Including Rozetta (from Sydney Bellydance Legends show, dance teacher to Amera and Terezka) who has donated to the shelter for years.

For those of you who have travelled to Egypt and have seen first hand the horrible situation of what some of these animals live in, your heart just breaks.

Peta Jones (from Silk Bazaar), Caroline of Cairo and myself have joined forces to bring awareness to Australian dancers who love Egypt as much as we do about the devastating situation animals live in.

Peta and a handful of Sydney bellydancers will be traveling to Egypt in a few short weeks as part of Terezka's Egypt Tour so we have decided to use this fantastic opportunity to take some much needed donations to the shelter personally.
WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP.

You can help by one of three things.

1. LIGHT WEIGHT CONTRIBUTIONS such as

- New or used collars

- combs, pet grooming kits

- flea/worming treatments

- leashes (new or used)

2. $$$$$ $5 donations Times are tight for all us I know, but $5 still goes along way.

These items/donations are going to be hand delivered to the shelter by Peta. She will also be documenting her visit to the shelter and interviewing Mona Khalil (founder of ESMA)

The interview and footage will be played during our Black Time Charity Fundraiser Event on Thursday July 29th held at Anahita Persian Restaurant. All proceeds to ESMA.

3. SPREAD THE WORD

- Ask your students to donate

- Collect goods during your classes. Peta or myself will pick these up

- If you would like to collect goods we can let people know via our website/facebook and mass email

Peta will be leaving for Egypt on March 9th so cut off date to donate is Friday March 5th.

If you would like to collect goods please let myself or Peta know by calling, texting or emailing

Jrisi Jusakos

0409 243 764

jrisi@hathordancestudio.com.au


Peta Jones

0411 049 331

info@thesilkbazaar.com.au

Goods will be taken in suitcases so we ask that no heavy things be donated. As much as we would love to collect bedding, canned foods etc these items are way too heavy.


With the money collected Peta will be buying heavier items in Egypt such as

- Dry and Wet food

- Formula

- Blankets

- Towels

- Litter

- Cleaning products

Even if we collect $100AUD this time around that would be fabulous as it goes a long long way. As you can appreciate we can only accept cash. We are in the process of looking into to setting up our own Australian foundation but as anyone out there might know this is a timely and costly venture needing financial set up complete with lawyers etc. We will get there, but not before March!!

Our Black Tie Charity Fundraiser in July will be the event to aim as high as we can, your support then will also be greatly appreciated.

Please let us know what you and your students can do to help.

Hugs

Dancers for Animals

Jrisi Jusakos, Peta Jones and Caroline Evanoff
 For more information visit http://esmaegypt.org/

Sophie Alize Presents Arabic Nights

I know it is a bit late notice but this is a event not to be missed! 

Sophie Alize is one of the best bellydancers in Sydney and she has put together

a colorful and spectecular show with participation of other local bellydancers.

So if you still haven't booked a table, run! There are only few seats available!

Bring your friends, students and whoever wants to join a great arabic night!

Thursday 18th and Friday 19th at Icebergs Bondi

For bookings call 91303120

Ballet for Bellydancers

I am sooo excited to start this course! I did ballet for long time in my life and I know the difference it makes when you have ballet as background. It helps to have a clean posture, arms/hands, and definetely it gives fluidity to the dance. I strongly recommend  all dancers to take this course!

For details http://www.hathordancestudio.com.au/

Invitation for all Bellydancers

Hello all my dear friends!

I was invited to be part of Aisha's Tour in Australia organised by Eurobis. This tour will be held in the main restaurants in Sydney.

Aisha is a Greek bellydancer that has been performing at major hotels and resorts around the Mediterranean and also taught all around the globe.  She is a fantastic dancers and her show will be supported by Bellysamba dancers: Myself and Cristina Ramon (The Australian "Queen of Samba").

This is a great opportunity to have a great dinner and experience an unique show!

Check bellow Venues and Dates!
Learn more about this tour http://www.eurobis.net/aisha

Cristina Ramon - Australian "Samba Queen"