About Belly Dance
Belly Dance is the American name for a dance form that originated in the Middle East. In Arabic, it is Raqs Sharqi or “Dance of the East”. This is a classical form of the dance, as Ballet is to western classical music. But belly dance is also the folk and everyday dances of the men, women, children and elders—done at parties and celebrations. Dancers are traditional at weddings and festivals in the Arab world. I use the term Belly Dance because it is the most commonly known term in America for these dances.
When the dance form was first brought to America, it began to be called “belly dance”, perhaps because it featured movements with the abdomen which are uncommon in European dances. The dance was considered sensual in that post-Victorian era, and still today, Americans often believe that belly dance is just a sexy dance. True, belly dance can be sexy, but it can also be joyful, uplifting, exciting, playful, sorrowful, and mysterious. The dancer becomes yet another instrument and expresses the music with her body. The belly dancer can express many aspects of life, sensuality being only one.
In America, belly dancing is most commonly seen at restaurants, festivals, and renaissance faires. People also enjoy hiring belly dancers to liven up birthday, retirement and wedding parties. Belly dancing is fun to watch and do! Many American women and some men have taken up belly dance as a hobby.
About Me
First, a bit about my name, one of those frequently asked questions! Nepenthe is a Greek word, meaning something that is capable of eradicating suffering. That is indeed the goal of my dancing – I hope I can not only help you forget your sorrow, but lose yourself in joy! Nepenthe was mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey; the Egyptian queen gives Helen a potion of Nepenthe. Although Nepenthe is not traditionally a name, it appealed to me as unique and beautiful. You can pronounce it “Nih-pehn-thee”. Unfortunately for me, Arabic does not have a letter P.
I began studying belly dance in 2002, after a visit to Istanbul where I fell in love with the music. I have also taken dance classes in Flamenco, Salsa, and Hip-hop. I began performing in early 2006.
From a glamorous entrance, to a drum solos brimming with shimmies, to a smolderingly slow chiftitelli, I enjoy all that Middle Eastern dance has to offer. I can perform with veils, swords, cane, and finger cymbals. Most people would say that my specialty is drum solos. My first love is Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, and Baladi, but I also enjoy folkloric styles like Saidi and Khaleegi.
History & Studies
I have been performing my whole life. From a very early age, it seemed that I was destined to be on some kind of stage. As a child, my sister and I would hold dance contests in our basement. I studied theater and was involved in a number of theater/film classes and community productions. In high school, I joined the colorguard, that flag-waving, baton-tossing segment of the marching band. It is not surprising that I am a bellydancer today, as our colorguard did a routine to the theme from Disney’s Aladdin! We even used veils and sabers to add a Middle Eastern feel. And nothing teaches rhythm like marching to the beat of the drummers. It has been a great joy to rediscover theatrics and stagecraft through belly dancing as an adult. In 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to Egypt. While I was not able to arrange any private classes there, I was able to see some fabulous dancing in Cairo, and performed myself on a Nile cruise ship somewhere in Upper Egypt.
I performed at the Middle East restaurant from 2007 through the present. I was a member of Johara’s Snake Dance Theater in 2008 and 2009. I also performed with my duet partner Lilya.
My Training/Teachers
I have studied with many teachers in the New England area, including Susi, Phaedra , Melina , Sabrina , and Seyyide . For many years, I studied with Amira Jamal , for American Cabaret and Performance Skills. I currently study with Najmat, for Arabic style dance, and Shadia for folkloric Arabic dances.
I completed a teacher training course with Amira Jamal in 2007.
I also take many workshops from a variety of instructors, to try different styles, learn new techniques, or build on my skills. Some of the workshop instructors that have influenced me most include Amar Gamal, Virginia of Miami, Dr. Mo Gaddawi, Bozenka, and Yasmina Ramzy. In November 2007, I got to spend a weekend studying with the amazing Dina of Cairo. It was an unforgettable experience!
My inspirations include, of course, Dina and also Souhair Zaki. Locally, Najmat is my favorite dancer.
Awards
In 2007, I won 2nd runner up in Za-Beth’s International Bazaar and Contest.