Easter Show, Underbelly, Upcoming Schedule

Easter at the Middle East was a blast! All of the regulars were there, and the Egyptians were back! Usually they show up after the dancers, but this time they reserved a table and were there all night. One of the guys jumped up and did my entire drum solo with me. I bet he would like to be a belly dancer himself! Jemileh, Susi and Alicia were also on the schedule, and we got a table together after our sets. Social dancing was fun last night too. I danced to Bel Arabi with a guy who must be learning his dance moves from Saad El Soghayer himself. He really had it down! I am starting to get over my shyness. I started dancing there a little over a year ago, and I could hardly look the audience in the eye when I performed. Last night was probably the most audience participation of my life, not even counting drum solo guy. I just love the holidays there.

I caught the Boston premiere of Underbelly, a documentary about punk rocker, burlesque performer and bellydancer Princess Farhana. The movie was entertaining and touching on many levels. There is a bit of crassness though, so sadly I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids. Every belly dancer should see this movie because so many things are echoed in each of our lives.

In other news, I should announce that I will be off on a business trip until April 9th. When I get back, I have a very busy schedule if you check out my Performances page. I am performing in one of Johara's pieces for her newest show, Emergence. Then, I'm performing in Amira Jamal's student recital, both as a soloist and a duet with my friend Lilya. I'll also be at the Morocco workshop/birthday show. Then of course, I have my regular dates at the Middle East, and my newest venue - the Red Fez. It will be a very busy spring! I love dancing though so I am looking forward to it. Life is short, so we should spend it doing what we love!

Leaving for Egypt Tomorrow!

I can hardly believe I'm leaving for Egypt tomorrow! To be in the land of my dance, to breathe in that dusty air of the pyramids, to see shisha smoked in coffee shops. If I thought I learned a lot from spending a weekend with an Egyptian bellydancer (the Dina workshop), I am sure that Egypt will teach me so much more. I will be back on February 23rd, and will be sure to post pictures.

I have been practicing Egyptian Arabic in the car, using the Pimsleur method. I have to say it has been far more effective for conversational Arabic than the class I took at the CCAE. However, I'm glad I took the class at the CCAE just to learn the alphabet. Since I've started to study Arabic, I hear more and more snippets of it in songs. It is great to finally get an idea of the lyrics.

Last night's show at the Middle East was great, despite the small crowd due to the weather. I set up 4 more dates for the next two months - March 9, March 19th, March 23rd, and April 20th. March 19th is a Wednesday and I look forward to dancing with a live band again.