The mystery of Little Egypt, the first oriental dancer to perform in the United States, is still unsolved. When in 1893 a dancer called Little Egypt is said to have performed at the Chicago World’s Fair, America was introduced to raqs sharqi, a dance that was perceived, at that time, to be very scandalous. To [...]

American Tribal Style, or ATS, is a style of tribal belly dance that’s becoming increasingly popular. But what is it, and how is it different from traditional belly dance? ATS was started in the 1980s by Carolina Nerricio. It’s characterized by its improvisational method, its lead-follow style, its group dynamic, and its costuming. ATS is [...]

A useful tool to any dancer is networking. No matter where you live or where you dance, it’s always good to know other dancers, and make sure they know you. Your relationship with other dancers can lead to workshops, new classes, performances, teaching opportunities, or even just another friendly face in the crowd. Here’s how [...]

I have had the special honor of e-meeting with Marisa Wright of BellyDanceOz.com, a directory of belly dance videos.   It’s a great resource for those of us wanting to be inspired and entertained.  In my recent communication with Marisa, we spoke about the recent talent at “So You Think You Can Dance”. “It has always [...]

The first known etiquette book was written in 2400 B.C. by Ptah-hotep. Much of today’s formal etiquette originated in the French royal court of King Louis XIV during the 1600-1700′s, where elaborate social customs were called an etiquette, an old French word meaning ticket/card/placard, upon which the rules were posted. This code of behavior spread [...]

The last piece I wrote on this subject asked many questions and offered few answers, but sparked a good deal of conversation. Because of this, I am continuing on with this topic, but from the personal point of view. As a bellydancer who has grappled with the more challenging aspects inherent in an ever-evolving and [...]

You are in the belly dance business from your first paying gig—ready or not. How can you make it your dream come true rather than a nightmare? Preparing a belly dance show involves much more than 20 minutes of actual performance. There are costuming preparation, makeup, music, rehearsal and travel time to be considered. Remember [...]

They are not long, the weeping and the laughter, love and desire and hate: I think they have no portion in us after we pass the gate. They are not long, the days of wine and roses; out of a misty dream our path emerges for a while, then closes within a dream. Edward Dowson [...]

In the 60’s the movies of Federico Fellini (1/20/20-10/31/93), the Italian Oscar-winning filmmaker, made a big impression on me. Inspired by circus people, caricatures, art films, dreams, Jungian unconscious, and Yaqui Indian knowledge, his images were extravagant, fanciful, baroque. Actors in his films were Italian street people–garish faces, characters, bodies. This Fellinian element to our [...]

A Sun (Capricorn)/Moon (Cancer) Super Moon Lunar Eclipse on New Year’s Eve hip-drop-kick-starts us into the next decade. Lunar Eclipses help us release and reform at a higher level. Super Moons intensify tidal movements, on earth and in our bodies. We can act or react, move on or have change forced upon us. “The Sabian [...]