Bellydance Oasis - Stars of the Future

COVER

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Issue 23 Jan to March 2006 $7.50

Middle Eastern Dance ISSN 14418282

Stars of the Future

Carolena Nericcio

Choreography

Flexibility

Tribal Corner

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stars of the

future

by Alma Sarhan

Who will be the legends of tomorrow?

Who is the next Rose, a budding Belyssa, or a future Amera? I have been inspired to write this article after seeing some amazing local talent just knock my socks off at performances. You can see their talent from the start, they shine on stage and you can see they have a future in this dance. I have chosen a few here in Perth that have caught my eye and have asked those in the know around the country to recommend some hot new talent. Of course there will by many I have missed so I'm sure this is an article we will have to repeat at a future time.

So look out for these girls - coming to a stage near you soon.

KARIMAH, WA Karimah has been one of my husband Ali's (and my) favourite dancers for a long time. She has often been compared to a young Fifi Abdou. I first noticed Karimah when I arrived here 10 years ago, she used to dance with her sister, and while the cute factor was high they really had amazing talent for such young girls. They could really dance like 'Egyptains'. So I wasn't surprised to hear that her father was Egyptian but it was her English mother Alannah who introduced her to the dance after she fell

Karimah, WA

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having us, we loved it!

Our end of year hafla was great fun.

We danced the evening away giving our friends and family the opportunity to see what we have been up to throughout the year. It was a fantastic night with tasty food and a casual and relaxing atmosphere.

What a great end to the year!

With Leanne in Darwin, Jodie is now leading the group. Thanks Leanne for all your support, fabulous energy and inspiring ideas. All the best! We look forward to a continuing relationship as our new contact in Darwin.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

by Leanne Vergeer There was rumbling and shaking in Darwin recently, literally! Never mind the mild earthquake tremors we have been experiencing, Darwin's bellydance sorority joined forces for the 3rd annual Combined Schools Student Concert. This is an event in which all the different bellydance groups in Darwin get together, have a dance or two and put on a concert for friends, family and more importantly - for each other!

This year saw over 85 performers in a plethora of colours, costumes, sounds and visions to delight the senses of all who attended. Over 300 tickets were sold and the Sanderson High school gymnasium was abuzz with mass clapping, cheering, and wild impulsive zaghareeting.

The program consisted of 3-4 dances separated by two minutes of Abba's 'Dancing Queen' - this was the signal for the next groups to go backstage and be ready! The new format was wonderful, it made for a really seamless show and prevented the chaos of having too many dancers backstage at one time and also allowed dancers a chance to actually watch some of the show, rather than spend it all backstage. Renowned percussionist, Anne Harkin hit the nail on the head when she said, "It was a very smoothly organised event with lots of variety and a chance for the various schools to come together as a community."

Midnight Oasis gave us a fantastically diverse range of dances, including an engaging American Tribal Style number,

Alma's gorgeous 'Ya Amarti' (classic Souhair Zaki), some new fashioned A-Z styled choreographies, Spanish fusion, high energy hip-hop/turkish fusion, and the teenage students performed a fabulous Khaleegy to accompany the Arabic drummers. Principal dancer Michelle Scott, says the annual concert "provides a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with other bellydancers and drummers, to experience the diversity of belly dance and to share with others in celebrating being a woman".

Ann Harkin's drummers gave us the Khaleegy, a Saaidi piece from 'upper' Egypt, rhythms from Pakistan and Guinea-Conakry, African rhythm from Sierra Leone and a funky afro-arabic piece composed of Arabic and African drummers which whipped the audience into a frenzy with its transendic, earthy beats and hypnotic tones.

Windswept dancers, a vision of grace and fluidity, performed to modern classics like Genie in a Bottle and A Friend like Me (from Disney's Aladdin), a romantic orchestral piece, and a fabulous sword number demonstrating technique and skill at an advanced level.

Guest dance group, Phoenician Fire, were represented by dancers who travelled over 900kms from Kununurra to attend the concert. They said the chance to mingle with other like-minded, self confessed oriental dance addicts was not to be missed (especially when you live halfway between outback and nowhere!).

They were given a warm welcome by all, performed two numbers, one a playful ghawazee style and the other a high energy, Cairo cabaret piece (choreographed by Shaheena of Mystique). The Darwin dancers said it was so nice to see 'something different' and the Phoenician Fire girls really did themselves proud.

Jamealah dancers were a swathe of velvet and smiles, various levels of experience performing different numbers, some choreographed by the students themselves. The intermediate Saiidi cane dance was a sight to behold with the entire stage, plus some space down in front filled with the whirling and twirling of over 20 dancers! Advanced students gave us 'Fever', a 'smoking' hot number

by Michael Buble, and an innovative combo of veil, sword and cane in Raks Africa. The Palmerston class did a funky rendition using a techno 'Pink Panther theme' which got the crowd stirring!

Christhol completed the evening with a gorgeous solo to 'Sawah', a fantastic piece to end a fantastic event.

One of the highlights of the night for me was the pre-intermission performance by Anne Harkin on the tabla and Myf Powell (Jamealah) dancing 'Las Vegas', a piece they originally developed for a local talent quest final. The incorporation of zills, cane, veil, precision hipwork, and rich tones and beats from the tabla, made for a captivating performance, the style of which some dancers in Darwin may not have been exposed to before It really showed us what is possible within the realms of oriental dance, working together, collaborating for the sheer joy of dance and performance.

All in all, it was an exhausting yet exhilarating night, a definite must on the calendar of events. I think Leah Rutter summed it best when she said, "So much effort goes into standing on the stage for 3.5 minutes. Oh my, what a wonderful feeling it is during that short time. The cheer of the crowd makes every single second of stuffing up during practice so worth while. Would you get up and dance again you may ask? ..... HELL YEAH in a heartbeat!!!"

Anne Harkin and Myf

Midnight Oasis performing ATS

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Bint el Balad

Country Girls complied by Michelle Pearce in Bunbury WA

Jewels of the Sea

Albany Girls

Margaret River group

Jewels of the Sea

Youth Fest

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Down South ‘Jewel’s of the Sea’ in Bunbury have been very busy over the last few months with concerts, parties, festivals and race days just to name a few events.

The ‘Jewel’s’ performed at the Bunbury Multicultural Concert to help raise funds for the multicultural centre at the start of September which was a very colourful event.

Next was our Annual School show titled ‘The Bellydancers Masquerade Ball’. It was an amazing night with some dancers performing for the first time. We had special guest performers from Margaret River, Albany and the beautiful Amanda from Perth.

The Harvey Spring Festival was held in what looked like a lush green forest, so it was the perfect back drop for our colourful group of bellydancers.

The Bunbury Melbourne Cup Race Day had a very Arabian feel this year with camel races held throughout the day and sparkling bellydancers to wow the crowds. The year came to a spectacular end with the traditional Christmas and New Years Eve party performances at many different functions around the South West. What an amazing and fun pack year it has been, we are looking forward to it all again next year. Hope you had a happy and safe Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

Margaret River The end of 2005 has been a really busy time for us at Saahirah Bellydance Margaret River. We had several performances over the Margaret River Wine Festival weekend, which were all a huge success. At the Wine Fest ‘Fusion’ we danced for a wonderfully receptive crowd and shared some ‘interesting’ change-room moments with Richard Clapton and band! Another great festival performance was at the

‘Mess Fest’ Youth Festival, organised by the local Youth Advisory Council. It was a day of great music, dance, fun, and a showcase of all the great activities available to the youth in our town. Our two beautiful young dancers, Grace and Rosie stole the day.

We are looking forward to dancing at several more upcoming events including a psychic festival in January and the Augusta River Fest in March on the beautiful Augusta foreshore. We also have Michelle from Bunbury coming down to keep us busy with some workshops in mid January. It looks like 2006 will be another great year for Saahirah Bellydance. Happy New Year to all!

Kununnura Phoenician Fire has had an eventful year enjoying a wide range of performances including restaurants, the agricultural show, small haflas and not to mention a special performance in Darwin.

However, it has been a bitter-sweet end to the year with Leanne Vergeer’s departure to Darwin. On one side we lose our beloved teacher but the other side lights up a whole new opportunity with Leanne as a contact in Darwin.

Jodie Hawley and Kiri Shewan made their way to Darwin to perform as invited guests at the 3rd Annual Bellydance Student Concert. They were reunited on the stage with Leanne. With plenty of zaghareeting, cheers and clapping from the enthusiastic audience, our Kununurra dancers impressed the crowd with a lively urban gypsy dance and a high energy drum dance. The girls enjoyed a complete Middle Eastern dance fix while watching the different styles from three Darwin troupes, Jamealah, Midnight Oasis and Windswept. And let’s not forget the amazing Arabic and African drumming led by Anne Harkin! Thanks Darwin for

in love with it on her many visits to Cairo in the 70's-80's watching Sohair Zaki perform.

Karimah started dancing with her sister Laila when she was just seven and they danced as a duo for many years until Karimah started solo's a few years ago.

Over the years she learnt from some of Perth's best teachers - Ayesha, Keti, Eva and Alia. She loves performing and she is popular with both Western and Middle Eastern audiences. Karimah has no set choreography so each performance is different but she knows her music intimately down to each beat.

She describes it “as the body and music become one working together”. Karimah also likes to teach but one on one, that way she can give her undivided attention to her student. Her dream is to one day have her own school of dance and to return to Egypt and perform live in Cairo.

CARA, WA At our last Harissa concert Cara just simply stole the show and while she hasn't been dancing very long she has a quality about her that is hard to ignore and she is a 'natural' performer.

She has been a ballroom dancer from a very young age and only began bellydancing over a year ago. She quickly became absorbed by the beauty of bellydance and the way it makes a woman move and feel. She trained with Ayesha at Sheik to Sheik and nervously danced at her first hafla with the class and it was there she caught the eye of Egyptian tabla player Elias Nachef.

She started training at the Elias Entertainment studio learning how to play the tabla with Elias and Katie teaching her to dance to each rhythm without choreography. Within two months of training she danced solo at the Harem night at Elie's Tent Restaurant and got a taste for perfoming. Cara adds "I now perform at Elie's Tent regularly and I incorporate bellydance into my children's entertainment business. I also perform at 'A Little Moorish Cafe' in East Perth and teach beginners bellydance workshops in the country as part of the 'Keep Women Active Association.'

Janna NSW

Johara © Celebrity Vogue Photogaphy, Avi Ohana

Cara, WA

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RACHEL, WA Rachel's introductory bellydance 'hobby' class was instructed

by Sejhatra, (Sim) whom she studied under for two years and experienced her first ever public performance. From there it grew. Later Rachel went on to study with Belyssa and continues to do so. She has had workshops with Mayodi, Liza El Laziza, Josie (Melbourne), Rose, Jasmine, and Eva. She is a dynamic performer and entertainer both as a troupe member and soloist and has the ability to captivate crowds with her stunning use of oriental lines, purity of the dance and knowledge of music. As a true student she has devoted all her spare time to extending her learning about the dance, the music and the culture. This is clear when watching her dance.

Rachel has been part of a few of Perth's largest productions; including Bellies for Breasts, Perth Oz Concerts, Bellydance Oscars, Perth Middle Eastern Dance Festival and Orientica 2.

Specialising in classical cabaret including experience in folkloric, polished zill playing, and sword dancing, she performs regularly at AIDA Egyptian Restaurant, doing private functions and parties. As one of Perth's up and coming dancers, Rachel promises to have an impact on the Bellydancing scene not only in Perth, but Australia and hopefully one day overseas!

Rachel WA

Gulten SA

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JANNA, NSW I saw Janna perform in Sydney a few years ago and she was so mesmerizing for someone so young. Her movements and subtlety were that of a truly mature dancer. So I was thrilled when she was recommend for this article.

Renowed as one of Sydney's most popular performers. At the young age of 21, Janna has already been dancing for 10 years, performing professionally since the age of 16. Young in age, but definitely not young in knowledge, or experience, her determination and passion for Arabic dance is evident in her dancing.

At 19, she moved to Sydney from the Sunshine State to further her dance

career. Under the direction and mentor of Amera Eid, she emerged into the Sydney dance scene.

"When I first started performing in Brisbane, my mother had to come everywhere with me, as I was still a minor in places that served alcohol!"

Now Janna can be found performing at Sydney's most prestigious reception houses and Arabic nightspots, also as a resident dancer at the famous "Golden Nights".

In 2005 Janna travelled to Egypt, a dream come true! There she saw the stars of Egyptian dance - Dina, Camelia, Soraiya, Lucy and Asmahan.

2005 saw Janna's emergence into teaching, proving to be a fun and vibrant instructor, attracting young and young at heart alike with her passion for the dance.

Janna recently completed a Diploma of Event Management, and as part of her assessment assisted in organizing the 2005 Annual Bellydancer's Ball and BellyRobics Fitness Symposium and Workshop Weekend, sponsored by Amera's Palace.

JOHARA, NSW Disenchantment with gyms was the impetus for Johara to try bellydancing in August 2000 and she has never looked back. What was at first just a hobby quickly developed into near obsession - falling in love with the rhythm, sounds and movement of Middle Eastern music and dance and also the spirit and culture of the Middle East.

She began belly dancing with Despina Rosales from the Dreaming of Jeannie Belly Dance Academy and quickly became an assistant teacher and a soloist for the academy's student troupe.

Johara has since continued her dance training with Jrisi Jusakos (Hathor Dance Studio), and Dounia in Sydney, as well as attending private lessons and workshops with Caroline, Yasmina, Magdy El-Leissy, and Amera. Johara has also travelled to Egypt to learn from Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour and Nagwa Sultan.

Johara's principle inspiration within Middle Eastern Dance has been (and continues to be) Paivi Mielikäinen - one

Starwise

January to March 2006

by Diana Flame, Member Fed Aust Astrologers.

ARIES 21st March to 19th April The New Year brings emphasis on financial and career changes. Loving and friendly connections bring positive rewards. Take time out in February for pampering and beauty regimes. Travel or study are in focus. By March show your friends the new you. Have a hafla to celebrate your special day.

TAURUS 20th April to 20th May Enjoy your well earned break in January and let off steam. Try to keep a rein on your budget and don't over spend. Go with the flow in February and start a new dance class with a healing element.

Strained resources in March call for a new approach. Look at new ways to manage your income.

GEMINI 21st May to 21st June New and exciting destinations beckon you in the New Year. Matters at home may keep you champing at the bit through February. By March you will be dancing up, up and away.

CANCER 22nd June to 22nd July Extra responsibilities from work or family could make you feel hemmed in January.

Spread your wings in February with your circle of friends enjoying lucky connections in relationship. Behind the scene, delays may block that new project you are hoping to expand in March.

LEO 23rd July to 22nd August The area of career and children are

prominent in January. Expect delays and hold ups till March. Your sunny disposition may turn into the "lions roar" when matters are not free flowing. Great time to launch your new health kick.

VIRGO 23rd August 22nd September Travel and funding take prominence in the New Year. A need to fly away to exotic ports of call. Get back to basics

by February as domestic priorities demand. You could feel the pinch by March if you don't preserve your energies and avoid over extending your self at work.

LIBRA 23rd September to 23rd October January suggests a new relationship in your work place. Juggling creativity, children and finances along with this new love may be a challenge. Intimate moments in February make it all worthwhile.

Communication of your true feelings will bring loving results by March.

SCORPIO 24th October to 22nd November Start the New Year with a bang! Take a big risk with that long awaited business venture. Rome wasn't built in a day so hold resources in reserve to tide you through till the end of March. An intimate evening could delight!

SAGITTARIUS 23rd Nov 21st Dec An unexpected flow of money could make you throw caution to the wind in January and follow your star. Exploring uncharted territory with new relationships will transform your way of seeing the

CD winners Kevena Unwin NSW Midge Freilich NSW Faith McBain WA Sarah Francis WA Renate Van Dordrecht WA

Sandra Rather from NSW Kelly Garland-Gobbi SA Mrs L Christof-DelbaoNSW Sonia Castro from WA Helga Blackledge from WA

world. March suggests more practical matters that bring you back to Earth.

CAPRICORN 22nd December to 20th January A free flow between your self-expression and your creativity in January bring rewards with authority figures. There may be a promotion creating more job satisfaction. February there's extra responsibility on the home front. So sticking to your healthy life style will stand you in good stead throughout March.

AQUARIUS 21st January to 18th February An unexpected stroke of good luck in January provides extra finance to carry out your creative self-expression. This lasts until February and comes to a culmination by March. Set your sails for long distance travel by the end of March.

PISCES 19th February to 20th March Use discernment with your friends around finances and trust issues. There could be confusing circumstances that cause tension in group activities. Clarity comes in February through your women friends. Honesty and integrity save the day bringing magical release into March.

Diana is available for private readings and consultations $60.

Special offer: Printed Astrological Profile/Yearly Forecast $20.

Creative workshops. For further information phone (08) 9331 4426 or email: dianaflame@optusnet.com.au

Hossam gets Life Hossam Ramzy has just completed the arranging and recording of the strings for three songs on Ricky Martin’s latest album ‘LIFE’. The recordings took place in Cairo.

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Bellydance Central

Suite 3b, 43 Edward St, Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9342 9460 M: 0409 5111 25 F: (08) 9342 3917 shaheena@iinet.net.au

The Mystique Bellydance Academy is the teaching arm of Bellydance Central

Dedicated to providing students opportunities to develope as true dancers in the dance area of their choice. In 2006 the Academy has expanded their programmes to provide a wide diversity of teaching/learning experiences.

Experience the grace and emotive nature of this mesmerizing form of belly dance. Based on group improvisation each performance becomes a living work of art. While we specialize in dance for the mature woman - our classes are open to dancers of all ages and all levels of experience. Safe yoga based stretches are used in each class to help you gradually increase flexibility and fitness.

Teachers Jeanette, Leanne and Carol have all performed locally and overseas, and have trained in the USA with many of the founding teachers of ATS. Between them they have over fourteen years of belly dance and tribal belly dance experience. Jeanette is also an experienced yoga practioner currently undertaking a 3 year apprenticeship as a yoga instructor. Our goal is to ensure every student will share the joy of this dance, while growing in confidence within a supportive community of fellow dancers.

Under the direction of Shaheena, a fully qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience and study of dances of the Near Far & Mid East, the Mystique Academy offers a holistic approach to dance with Social, Professional and Lifestyle streams which ensure that you, as a dance student expand your repertoire and technique in the direction of your choice. In response to students changing lifestyle roles some classes offer multiple time slots. Our comprehensive 8 week terms allow for a rich understanding of the current topic. Ask about our private classes or form your own small group for tuition in a time slot and with a topic of your choice.

Term One

commences on Monday 6 Feb , 2006 Contact Shaheena for a detailed schedule and class breakdown

Classes

at 115 Kalgoorlie Street, Mount Hawthorn

THURSDAY: Beginners 6.30 to 7.30 pm Int/Advanced 7.45 to 9.00 pm SATURDAY: Beginners 9.30 to 10.30 am Int/Advanced 10.45 am to 12.30 pm *new students should please ring beforehand to confirm class times

Email : j.bosci@bigpond.net.au Website: www.mayakara.com.au

Open Day with free mini workshops Sunday 5 February 2006, 12.00-3.00pm ALL WELCOME...bring a friend • Consult with Shaheena regarding your choice of class and timetable • Register for classes • Investigate the studio • Enjoy light refreshments • Join in or watch the free mini workshops

Tel: Jeanette 0409 688 869 or Leanne 0412 449 336 Shaheena

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of Australia's premier dancer/teachers.

Having stumbled by accident into Paivi's classes in 2002 Johara has been under her tutelage ever since, enjoying the benefits of Paivi's unique dancing style, her knowledge of Middle Eastern dance history and teaching technique. Under her guidance, Johara has developed into a beautiful dancer with the ability to colour her performances by drawing on a wide range of styles including Classical and Modern Egyptian, Baladi, Taksim, Saiidi and Khaleegy.

Paivi and Johara, along with several of Paivi's students, formed Sydney's first and only Egyptian folkloric troupe, Farrah - Fananat Al Raks Al Masri (The Egyptian Dance Artists) in 2003. Johara is the President of the Farrah Association, rehearsal mistress, a soloist and troupe member, allowing her to expand her passion for the history and culture of the dance and to explore the many Egyptian Folkloric styles rarely seen in Australia.

SAHARA, NSW Sahara, from a Lebanese background, has been a Professional Middle Eastern Dancer for 3 years. She is part owner of Ameras Palace Belly Dance Boutique in Australia and has gained a reputation as one of Sydney's top performers dancing for high profile celebrities, exclusive events, and nightclubs and restaurants. She is currently the only Lebanese dancer working in Arabic venues in Sydney.

Her Father was amongst some of the finest Arabic musicians to work in Sydney's nightclubs in the late seventies and eighties, working with top entertainers in the industry.

Her childhood was filled with music and dance and she was a born performer from earlier on in her life. Professional training with Amera Eid, gave her the footing to launch her career.

Since then her life has been a whirlwind of performances and teaching that has taken her as far abroad as Mexico and the USA. After returning to Sydney in 2004 Sahara also performs regularly with Shiva, Sydney's premier male belly dancer

"My goal for the future of Bellydance is active awareness of the dance and respect for the culture in which it represents."

LISA, SA Lisa has been dancing since she was four, and up until the age of fourteen did ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary.

But then she quit dancing because the pressure of high school didn't allow such a hectic dance schedule. Once she finished high school she took up belly dancing at the Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan, and despite having a strongly British heritage was surprised at how natural it felt.

Since then she has been fortunate enough not only to perform but also to teach both adults and children.

"I love to perform, and have a passion for choreographing dances for myself and the children that I teach." says Lisa.

Aside from performing in the academy shows she also dances professionally at private functions and on Friday nights at a Morrocan Restaurant called the Morrocan Casbah.

At just 21 years, she finds the bellydancing career compliments her other roles in her life: fulltime student and wife to her husband Farid.

GULTEN, SA Gulten Bulca although born here is from a Turkish background. She recalls her first 'family performance' at the age of 6 and has been brought up listening to Turkish music. She attended her first formal classes in mid 2004 with Nayima after seeing her perform and quickly became a dedicated student of her Academy.

With Nayima's encouragment she blossomed not only as a dancer but also as a teacher. Gulten brings a strong element of the Turkish spirit and music to her classes.

She began performing in March 2005 with the Academy dance ensemble. She then progressed to solo performances in June 2005 to include various restaurants throughout Adelaide, function centres and private parties for mixed communities.

She has performed for Turkish, Lebanese, Iranian, German, Bosnian, Indian, Italian, Greek and of course Australian audiences.

Being quite new to the concept of professional performances she is slightly apprehensive prior to each performance especially in front of her own community.

"I am very proud to promote the dance culture of my Turkish heritage and with that solid belief, I put my right foot forward, stand up tall and all of my novice insecurities become insignificant the moment I make the initial connection with my audience."

MARIANTHI, SA Marianthi’s fascination with Oriental Dance began early in her childhood. Her family were dining at a Greek restaurant in Adelaide when a beautiful dancer came bursting out with passion and grace, she was instantly captivated.

That dancers name was Nayima Hassan.

After a trip to Greece where she witnessed wonderful Tsifteteli dancing by her relatives, she was inspired to join The Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan. After two years Nayima invited her to join the Performance Ensemble.

Soon after she was trained under Nayima to become a teacher at the Academy.

Since then she has been performing and teaching with the Academy including young children and adults. She has developed her own creative style and choreographies. Meanwhile she has also completed an Honours degree in

Lisa SA

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Sarah, Victoria - photo from www.zarafa.info

Anthropology with a focus on Dance.

At the young age of 22 she is looking forward to continued growth as a dancer, teacher and performer. “I take great pleasure in teaching the art of bellydance and seeing the joy and life it brings to those who are learning it. I am honoured and excited each time I perform because for me, learning bellydance was like acquiring a new language of expression, one that allows me to give warmth, strength and personality through dance.”

NERISSA, Queensland Nerissa has been working as a professional dancer for the past three years and during that time she has fast become one of Brisbane's most requested and sought after performers. Her authentic and light hearted style has made her the number one choice for many of Brisbane's Greek and Middle Eastern special events such as multicultural festivals, weddings, national days and parties. Currently Nerissa is the resident dancer at - Al Sama Lebanese Restaurant, the Persian Restaurant, the Greek Club and Convention Centre and Harem Turkish Restaurant and performs with Brisbane's popular Greek band "The Palikaria".

Of Greek heritage, Nerissa grew up listening to Greek and Middle Eastern music. As a child, she fell in love with the Greek Bellydance at family parties and was always first on the floor to 8

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Tamara, Queensland

dance. It was at these events that her natural talent was noticed.

She started classes with the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance in ‘97. In 2002 she joined The Oasis Dancers, Brisbane's professional Middle Eastern dance troupe.

In 2004 Nerissa traveled to Cairo and the Emirates to seek dance tuition with some of the world's best dancers and teachers. She spent 4 weeks in Egypt and the emirates and had the opportunity to have daily classes with - Madam Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, Soraya and Nour.

This trip was an inspiring experience.

TAMARA, Queensland Tamara began belly dancing in 1990 at age 18 and felt an instant affinity with the dance style and also with the music.

Her first classes were with Susan Buntine in Brisbane and after moving to Northern N.S.W. in late 1990 Tamara continued to learn through attending workshops with many inspirational teachers from Australia and abroad. Her love of the dance encouraged her to practice diligently and aspire to truly grasp the techniques and make them her own. Her authentic style of belly dancing has grown out of a desire to learn about the many styles of Middle Eastern dance and to interpret the music that is a constant source of inspiration.

In ‘97 and ‘99 she travelled to the U.S. to study with teachers there and to pursue her interest in Middle Eastern music.

It is her passion for the music that

Rachel, Victoria

has been her greatest inspiration and teacher, and she has been fortunate enough to work with many talented musicians. Tamara has studied Middle Eastern percussion and plays the tabla, riq and tappan, as well as learning the Ney (bamboo flute).

Tamara's performance and teaching experience is extensive and varied.

AMBYR, Queensland Ambyr has been an avid student of many different styles since her grandmother first taught her ballet at the age of four. As a teenager, her mother was learning Middle Eastern dance and encouraged her to join, but didn't until later while living in Boston. While there she went to a belly dance show and instantly knew that it was for her. "In that moment I recognised that Middle Eastern dance would allow me to express my individual experience as a woman, rather than having to represent a choreographer's vision." That was 14 years ago.

She began class with a Greek/Egyptian woman named Helen in Byron Bay and has completed a certificate III, Diploma in Dance and has studied with many different bellydance teachers, both masters and colleagues in the U.S.A., Europe, and Australia. She worked as a dancer overseas, primarily in London, and is now performs and teaches as part of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance in Brisbane. "I feel privileged to be a part of a team of dancers and teachers who

stage was cabaret. A friend, Stephanie introduced her to ATS and together, they founded ‘Read My Hips’. ‘Read My Hips’ is still going strong in Chicago and is known for its contemporary tribal fusion style of movements, costuming and underground club music.

In 1999 Heather relocated to San Diego, started teaching and Urban Tribal was born. The Urban Tribal Dance Company has been performing their unique fusion of traditional and modern movements in San Diego, California and beyond since 1999. Their style is a blend of Middle Eastern and other world dance forms, kicked up with the addition of modern American dance influences, creating powerful dance performances which reflect and inspire current culture.

As a teacher, Heather uses her extensive training and knowledge of Pilates to increase the student’s flexibility and stamina. She is very body aware and has the amazing ability to get your body moving in ways you never thought possible.

In this she is on a par with our next subject: Rachel Brice. Rachel started both bellydance (cabaret) and yoga at about the age of 16. Her first inspiration was Hahbi Ru a group established by John Compton (prev. with Jamila Salimpour’s Bal Anat). Rachel cites Suhaila Salimpour as one of her most inspirational teachers.

A member of Jill Parker’s Ultra Gypsy for a short while, until the pressures of work and Uni got too much, Rachel then returned to solo dancing and teaching and added classes with Carolena Nericcio to her intensive Uni class schedule.

After leaving Ultra Gypsy Rachel was joined by Janice (Solimeno), Ariellah (Aflalo) and Michelle (Campbell) and from this, The Indigo was born. Along with urban Tribal, The Indigo would have to be one of the most popular and cutting edge tribal fusion troupes in the tribal community.

I first saw Rachel perform solo as a relative unknown at TribalFest 2002. She was an unmistakably exquisite dancer.

By 2003 her profile was increasing and she was touring the US, UK, Europe and Japan with Miles Copeland’s Lollapalooza and the Belly Dance Superstars.

Through her association with BDS Rachel is now probably one of the most high profile tribal fusion dancers worldwide.

A student of Dance Ethnology at San Francisco State University and a Yoga teacher, Rachel brings to her dance and to her classes an incredible wealth of professional expertise and experience.

Whilst I have enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with and learn from Rachel over the years, Tribal Quest North West provided the opportunity to sit down over a coffee and catch up properly.

Rachel advised that she is taking a break from BDS to regain her creative energy and to continue her studies. Even better, that she was open to coming to Australia to conduct workshops in her unique style of tribal fusion. I am delighted to report that Rachel will be conducting workshops in WA, Vic and NSW in November 2006! Contact me for more details at info@gypsytrail.com Jill Parker. Have you noticed how often Jill Parker’s name has arisen in this article? Since leaving Fat Chance Belly Dance and establishing Ultra Gypsy in San Francisco, Jill has devoted herself to developing her unique innovative theatrical dance style. This style has inspired many tribal and belly dancers to push the dance and performance ‘envelope’!

So, this year there is no excuse not to access direct teaching from some very skilled tribal teachers. The more you support your sponsors in attending these workshops the more they will remain motivated to take the risks involved in bringing out international master teachers. For more information on all of these events feel free to contact me on 0411 261224.

I’ll be happy to refer you to the various sponsors in your state.

All the best wishes for a happy tribal filled new year. Tribal sisters - you RAWK!!

Rachel brice

Frederique David of Belly Groove, Berkeley, California

Heather Stants (left) Director, Urban Tribal Dan Diego, California. Photo by Josh Bodinet, Sterodynamic Imaging

clandestinebellydance.tribe.net www.urbantribaldance.com www.readmyhips.com www.rachelbrice.com www.ultragypsy.com Alaine: info@gypsytrail.com

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tribal corner with Alaine Haddon Casey

This has been an awesome year for tribal dance in Australia as Devi and I have found through our teaching tours. New tribes are springing Alaine up like mushrooms across Australia and we are happy to help out in their establishment where we can.

We have also had some amazing workshops from Master teachers Paulette Rees-Denis in February 2005 and Carolena Nericcio in October 2005.

Thanks to all my fellow sponsors, Devi (Ghawazee Caravan, Blue Mountains), Delight (Gypsy Monsoon, Nimbi) and Kylea (TribeVibe, Adelaide) for making these workshop tours happen. Thanks must also go to the amazing group of volunteers in each state who assist sponsors with workshop planning, billeting and the hundred and one tasks that go into making these events happen. And of course, thanks also to you, the participants.

This makes it all worthwhile!

2006 MASTER TEACHERS 2006 is going to be even bigger. The year starts off with Sue Erokan of Clandestine (prev. Ultra Gypsy and Romani) in January 2006 in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, then the great Paulette Rees-Denis in Christchurch NZ, Perth, Innisfail Qld and Melbourne.

Paulette will also be delivering her highly respected tribal teacher certification program in Melbourne; the first time a USA based program has been made available in Australia. There’s a very good possibility that Carolena Nericcio will be making a return trip in time for our Tribal Festival to be held in NSW later this year and then, for all you tribal and bellydance enthusiasts. I am pleased to announce that Devi is currently

co-coordinating Jill Parker’s tour for May 2006 and I am currently co-coordinating Rachel Brice’s Australia tour for November 2006.

Rachel is known worldwide for her performances with the Belly Dance Superstars and her tribal group, the Indigo. Please contact me for details on any of these events (info@gypsytrail.com).

Last edition we looked at the two main types of tribal costuming, the ‘traditional’ designed by Carolena Nericcio and adopted by tribal groups worldwide and the ‘contemporary tribal costume’ which is gaining popularity as tribal dancers start to push the envelope of the dance into more modern form and structure.

This modern form of tribal has been made popular by dancers such as Heather Stants (Urban Tribal, San Diego), Frederique David (Belly Groove, San Francisco), Sue Erokan (Clandestine, San Francisco) and of course, Rachel Brice (the Indigo).

CONTEMPORARY TRIBAL FUSION While there are many groups experimenting with and performing and teaching tribal fusion, there are some notable pioneers in this area. Let me introduce you the dancers that are pushing the tribal envelope: Frederique David began studying tribal belly dance 1997 with Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy. After performing as a core member of Ultra Gypsy for almost 3 years, in 2000 she founded the first Bay Area troupe cooperative, Romani Urban Tribal Belly Dance. Romani was a professional belly dance troupe best known for pioneering and popularising the underground electronic MiddleEastern/Asian/Indian flavored music used

by most tribal/fusion belly dancers today.

Their urban style and artistic sensibility resulted in a unique blend of the dances of the Middle East, North Africa, India and Spain. Romani was known for its cutting-edge choreography, music, and costuming.

I first saw Romani at TribalFest California in 2002 where they performed the most incredible Indian inspired tribal dance with a precision and emotion that truly impressed the audience of their peers. By 2003 they presented an edgier more urban style incorporating elements of the modern day urban tribes.

In 2004 Romani disbanded and Frederique and Tina Martinez (prev. Fat Chance Belly Dance performer and teacher) went on to found Belly Groove based in Oakland, California.

Fellow Romani member Sue Erokan, a teacher at Jill Parker’s Ultra Gypsy for 5 years, along with fellow Romani member Beth Masse, also a teacher at Ultra Gypsy for many years, went on to found Clandestine. San Francisco based Sue is featured in a previous edition of this column.

With her extensive experience and knowledge of teaching and performing and her unique approach to tribal movement and choreography her Australia workshops will be a MUST for tribal dancers and belly dancers alike!

Heather Stants is the Director of Urban Tribal, San Diego. The first time I saw this tribe was in 2002 and I was completely blown away. They were and still are awesome! I didn’t think it possible to improve on awesome, but this year’s performance at Tribal Quest North West, Portland, Oregon totally inspired the audience.

Heather began belly dancing in Chicago about 1995. Her focus at that

strive for excellence and work together as a group to support and encourage each other" says Ambyr. She has just completed a degree in Anthropology, with a focus in dance, at the University of Queensland and this has deepened her understanding of the relationship between bodies, dance, and culture.

SARAH, Victoria Sarah is a captivating and dramatic dancer who has refined her bellydance technique over years of passionate study and performance. After spending most of her life pursuing many forms of dance, she fell in love with Middle Eastern dance for its strength and grace of movement, evocative music and its compelling history. Sarah teaches occasional classes at Underbelly Dance Studio in Melbourne; her style is influenced

by Turkish oriental and folkloric dance as well as Egyptian and American Tribal Style - often incorporating sword work for dramatic effect. Sarah has recently spent time in Turkey and Rajasthan, researching local dance traditions, and has also studied and performed a wide variety of dance styles at Rakkasah - San Francisco's world-renowned Middle Eastern dance festival.

She will soon be touring with Zarafa, Melbourne's premier Balkans and Near Eastern ensemble and you can also find her performing at a range of venues with her partner, darabukka player Alistair.

PRUE, Victoria Prue started dancing at age 5 and studied classical ballet, contemporary, character and jazz for the next 9 years. At 19, she saw a performance by Underbelly and was instantly mesmerized by the graceful movements of the dancers. A few weeks later she went to her first bellydance class with Trisnasari and found she had a natural flare for the dance.

Her first performance was about a month later and soon after that she performed in the Melbourne Fringe Festival. She soon moved up to the advanced class at Underbelly and had to work hard to

achieve those layering shimmies! She began performing paid gigs mid 2002 including corporate and private functions and began teaching in 2003.

In 2002 she took up 1940s Lindy Hop dancing with Melbourne based Swing Patrol. Once the director discovered she was into belly dancing, the joke of Belly Patrol began. The joke soon turned into a workshop followed by a series of classes filled to capacity. The class continues to be a success with several performances per year at Swing Patrol events and Club Rakassah.

She continues to perform at private gigs, with the Neo-Burlesque scene and the Raqs Gothiquea troupe. She’ll also be teaching at Underbelly, Belly Patrol and working towards a diploma in dance teaching and management.

RACHEL, Victoria Rachel began bellydancing with Carol Larke back in 2000 purely as a creative way of keeping fit. A year later she discovered Underbelly and started taking classes with both Trisna Fraser and Mel Rogers. It was here that her interest in this art form grew to the point of obsession and she began to perform on a more regular basis. This exposure helped her to broaden her technical skills and develop her own unique style.

In 2005 Rachel performed at the Australia Day Voyages concert at Federation Square and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s Spice Bazaar.

Currently she is both a solo artist and an active member of bellydance troupe Raqs Gothique, who most recently collaborated with singer Wendy Rule at her Summer Solstice show in December.

In addition to this, Rachel teaches bellydance, and is also exploring a lifelong interest in theatrical costume design. She continues to expand her knowledge of this art form through attending workshops, artistic collaborations with other dancers, and personal research.

Marianthi, SA

Prue, Victoria

Thanks to all my secret sources for advice on these dancers.

Ambyr, Queenslanda

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