When they clap after class; you know you have done a good job. Besides, it gives the instructor a sense of accomplish and the sound is rewarding!

When you wake up in the morning and you are sore, know you had a great workout! This is the feeling you want for your students! (At least I'm still learning too! (And still get sore) Knowing you are reaching the goal of preparing your body to be the best it can on the dance floor. I try to work as hard a possible in every class, does this always workout for me no! At least I know I've given it my best.

As students, we need to incorporate the idea of working to the max, this way you know you are doing and achieving the best for your body. Stretching is very important before your workout and after. Muscles must be warmed up and stretched as well as cooled down at the end of class.

So put your best foot forward in class, dance to the max.  Be sure to pay close attention to your instructor. Try to remember a few of the movements to practice on your own, if not in time you will.  Posture is very important and I do try to make sure students are executing the drill move properly.  If you are not getting corrected in your class then something is wrong! 
Ask the instructor for feedback.

What will help you in class if you are not remembering the moves? A notebook, I have always had a book. I still have my dance journal, it stays in my bag especially at seminars and workshops. I've referred to remember old moves and gain a new insight in how to redo them after leaving them behind.
You won't remember it all but you will become fond of revisiting them for reference.

Great class ladies, I'm looking forward to improving!

Vintage Pictures

One another of my searches on line I found these pictures. The Belly Dance Museum has tones of photos of dancers. You can also purchase the prints, they are listed as Oriental Prints. I was suprised to see the wide range of selections. Searching through the pictures, a tour of dancing through time.

Linking You to info!

I just received this link in a email from Cheeky Girl Productions. I thought it would be a good pass along to other performers & students. We all need to acquire as much information as possible on the art of bellydance. Check out the articles.  Watch Project Belly Dance, when your schedule permits.

Costume Sewing

Keep in mind when you are sewing a costume or planning out your costume have something in mind that is not too challenging or time consuming. Now, that is a joke unless you are a professional costume maker. But with a little sewing skills you can do your own DYI costuming!  Saving money is always a motivation to going back to the sewing machine. Fabric selection is the first issue or find a moderately price costume to embellish or add more bling.  I often use this method to make a costume look even more fabulous!  Search for deals.  Appliques, hand beading, jewelry making chains, bead and or other jewelry pieces will work wonders as embellishments.

Other costume pieces that are fairly easy to make, skirts, harem pants, veils.  The costume bra is the most challenging in my opinion, but it can be done! This takes time a patience on your part.

Choli's  I have used these instruction's they are great!

Search for "bellydance" costumes in sewing catalogs, Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls carry choices in the costume category's. There are other source try the Costume Goddess, she has great ideas.

There are other belly dance costume patterns out there try BDPatterns.  I've used the Ghawazee Coat Pattern 2013, Beledi Dress 1003 and Vest off of 1014. I found the directions pretty good, the Ghawazee Coat pattern was the most challenging, but after tackling a few of these it became easier with the 2nd one. It's rewarding to sew your own costume, you can be as creative as you like. And being unique you won't see it duplicated! Look at other costumes to get good ideas. Or copy one that you have seen. Always be sure to take into account your body type when selecting a motif. Find your best asset and work from there, once you find what works use it over and over again! Same way with colors wear what looks best on you. It is all about looking your absolute best on stage.

I have other links on the Yahoo Group: Belly Dance with Radhiya. 
The object is to share information, put your best look on stage.

Rak's Into Spring 2011

Raks into Spring was sponsored by Nadirah Johara, from Fort Worth, TX. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this workshop this past weekend. The instructor was  Jasmin Jahal from Chicago, Illinois. I have previously taken a mini seminar with Jasmin before, she is an excellent instructor. Classical Egyptian and very graceful.  From all of the pictures I had the pleasure to see on Facebook it was a colorful show, lot of pretty costumes and variety of performers!

The DFW belly dance community sponsors many excellent workshop/seminar instructors from all over the U.S. and beyond. I will eagerly await for the next upcoming event.

Kismet Stage 2011

Kismet Stage has found a new venue, the Quixotic Theater
it's located in Downtown Dallas on Main Street. The place is very neat, has avery nice dressing for performers. The dark purple paint and sparkling lights gives the room a nice ambiance. This room is located upstairs. You will enter the stage on either side using a few steps. The stage will accommodate 4 to 5 dancers comfortably. I was alittle nervous dancing because the lights are so low (area dark), it looked as if you could literally step off the stage. Must be a mind game that is played on dancers. I did enjoy the venue. In my opinion the lights might work better to not be so dimmed.

Parking is across the street paid and metered parking. There is a large lot just adjacent to the venue. All in all, the Quixotic Theater is a neat place with friendly staff. I did enjoy the spotlight being used to highlight the performers.

During the Kismet Stage event there was a full wall movie showing of Cleopatra. I found it enjoyable and something different. There is plenty of room for vendors also.

Kismet Stage has a new home and I will look forward to the next event at this location.

Easy Street Images

There was another photographer, too bad I'm unable to find his name at this time. Will continue to search! If anyone can answer this question:  Why does the photographer usually catch the undulation on belly roll out?! Yuck!

Updates

Over the past few days, battling with a sinus infection; I decided to take on the task of rehauling my website. The task is daunting. Especially with deciding to use another program. My desire is to obtain a more polished professional look. This is so important to attract students and visitors. It's still a work in progress. Patience is greatly appreciated. There are more educational items that I'd like to place on the website. So, if you are a follower of my blog take a look at the website. Cruise the pages and enjoy. I will continue to add more links and other items of interest. www.radhiyataj.com

Belly Dance with Radhiya Taj

Raks Sharki in St. Louis my previous Yahoo Group was recently turned over to to local belly dancer and has been renamed. So I have started up another Group for my students and friends in the DFW area and beyond. All dancers at all levels are welcome to join. No...lurking guys, please! So join in on the fun and hope you will log-in soon! Bellydancing with Radhiya Taj

Class Information

January 2011 came in with extremely cold and snowy weather for the DFW region. Several of the classes for Jan & Feb got cancelled. No fun, not safe driving on ice.
But there has been a break and classes are up and running. In Shimmy mode.

The studio(Fihankra) where I teach has a recital scheduled for May 15Th, so we have a deadline to meet for the beginner's who are signed up to participate. I'm looking forward to working with them. It will be a challenge for all of us. I will post more later on the when, where & time.

Visit my website for information on my classes and more general information on belly dance. Thanks for checking in!

ABDE Tryouts

Too much time waste not getting back on the blog sphere! Really, really I'm back now. Suffering from another sinus infection, I'm unable to attend class this evening; so I'll catch on up on the lack of postings.

Beginning with the New Year, I decided to put myself up to new challenges in my dance. I ordered a few instructional DVDs and tried out for a local group ABDE. I have not gotten into any type of tryout or competition, so I thought it was a good place to begin. Nerves really got the best of me. You never know what any particular group is looking for in a new member. Unless you take an educated guess by looking at pics or knowing other members to ask questions. I only knew ABDE from attending the Harem Nights. The sponsor a monthly belly dancer hafla that is open to local performers in the DFW area. It is an open atmosphere and everyone is welcome. It is held the first Thursday of each month at Strato's.

OK for the tryouts, I did a Beledi Dress, orange dancing with the Shamadan. I wanted to do something different from the norm. In my mind it went well, or to say I completed my performance. What a relief to be off the dance floor. Dancing in front of a table of dancer judges is not an easy task, it is a learning experience. Then you wait for the results. I was not sure of what they were looking for, so I place my feet on the dance floor and hope the steps would guide me to success. After a few days I got a scoring. I was surprised at my ranking. As they say you are your own worst critic. Now having a ranking to review I know what is expected of me by judges in a performance. You read other rankings from other contest but this was different being local. So now I feel a sigh of relief. I do attend classes to learn various group choreographies. It is challenging and fun. In dance you ALWAYS need to keep yourself busy and sharp. One can never have too much practice.

It's a good thing because I have picked up 2 beginner classes and I need to be in excellent shape for my students. The challenge for 2011 is to refine, reshape and renew myself as I grow in my dance skills. I learn to repeat this mantra to myself more, You will always be a student, always. It's fun being in the front of the class and one of the students in the class. Great experience.

Tips/Suggestions that I can give to those who are planning on signing up for a tryout and or contest:
~Practice your moves/and or choreography
~Isolations let them be defined
~Do a level change/or changes in your dance
~Smile at the audience, make eye contact
intro, solo, drum & exit
~Know your music in your while awake or sleep
~Pay close attention to your costume makeup & appearence (details make a difference!)
~Your costume needs to match your music
~Make sure your dance has an Entrance, Dance, & Exit
~Smile at the audience and be yourself. "You will Dance Like Nobody's Watching!"

Sew It Seams.......

I'm still working on the red costume, taking much longer than I thought. There is not enough time in the day or I just get distracted. The bra design has changed again. Other projects have gotten my attention or need it more. I did receive a new sewing machine for my birthday, so I did take a short break. Life does happen.

There's a new skirt for the upcoming Kismet in October!

Shh...there's a stack of costume fabric on the shelf. ;0

Kismet Stage July 2010

This past Saturday evening, Kismet Stage in Carrollton. Too bad it was the last show at this location, they are looking for a new venue. This venue has a great stage and lighting. The DJ does a superb job. But the economy has a hand in everything these days.

I volunteered at this month. My new position of dancer check in, allowed me to meet the performers up close and personal.

The line up included performers, troupe and what of treat of having to live music bands. Wind & Fingers and Tribal Element. At the intermission break "It Is What It Is" performed (Hand drumming and percussion band)

It was a packed house as well as the program. Act III was all performers dancing with live music. Nice touch to the show. Nothing compares to live drums and or other instruments.

Look for other events by Kismet. Support dance in your community!
**We do need to keep art alive.**

I personally captured too many pictures to post them all; if you were a performer and are interested in see the entire album drop me a email!

Ahlan Cario Nights

Little Egypt in Dallas does host excellent workshops and seminars! I had the pleasure of attending ACN along with the Queen of Raks competition 2010. All good as they say. The competition included dancers from all over! The Queen competition was on Thursday evening. I'm following the program and counting 16 contestants. The all put on a good show. Colorful costumes, great music and performing. A must see if you are interested in competition and or just love to watch others. I was happy I decided to go. I stayed for the "show after the contest". Asi Haskal with local dancers from TX and singer Amr Kamal. A late night but well worth it. I forgot to mention the opening procession was a sight to see, lots of dancers in various costumes, colorful and entertaining to say the least.

The Saturday night show was spectacular. Soloist and Troupes from around the TX area and beyond. Nadi El Raks had an opportunity to dance! The costumes were a hit!

Too bad for me I did not purchase a Saturday night dinner and show ticket. It was a blast from what I've been told. Singer Yasser, Performances by Nour, Osama Emam, Khaled Mahomoud, Asi Haskal, Jihan Jamal, Maja, Lotus Niraja, Azusa and Silvia.

Next year, I be sure to mark my calendar and be ready to do the entire event.

Queen of Raks:
1st Place Dalida
2nd Place Yeli
3rd Place Alia

Congratulations to all!
-

Saidi Dress

Sewing and beading the Saidi Dress was one of my latest projects. I have to thank Magdelena for the personal pattern. It fits like a glove. The fabric stretch lycra; was somewhat sheer. Beaded with gold bugle bead and 3 different or more colors of paillettes. (Paillette's will stain the skin.)

Having previous knowledge in sewing is invaluable in belly dance costuming. If you don't sew, find a friend who does and be very nice to her or learn to sew. It does help in costume repair and construction.

The beading was the most difficult of all; as well as time consuming. I'd suggest not to design an elaborate design if you don't have that kind of time. A simple design works well also. Tip: Knot your thread every so often, take your time, be sure to have a marking pen, good beading needles and thread. It's all downhill after that. You will have to take time to plan out your design. Look at other costume pictures on line to obtain ideas.

Cartwright's on line for sequins and other goodies.
Spandex World for costuming fabric

Nadi El Raks

Nadi El Raks (Dance Club) is the brain child of Magedelena, an aquiantence I met back while living in St. Louis. All members of this group or either instructors and or lovers of the art of belly dance. We are a good mix of women who are dedicated to promoting the art and of course love costumes.

Magdelena currently teaches in Frisco, TX. (Will update with link soon!)
Rickki & Sam both teach in McKinney, TX. (Ditto!)
I previously taught in St. Louis.
Jenn is soon to open Sole Groove Dance in Flower Mound!

Keep your eyes out, we love to dance!

I'm Back!!!

It's been far too long not to have posted something! So what have I been up to since the last post? Lots of stuff and activities. I have joined a group Nadi El Raks (The Dance Club), we have had several performances under our hip belts.

There is Strato's visits, Kismet and Ahlan Cario Nights.

I've completed several costume skirts, purchased a few new pieces and beginning on improvement of my beading skills. I've made a saidi dress and more costumes are on the drawing table. So let's get started and I'm back!

Hafla @ Strato's!

Opa! Once a month "Authentic Belly Dancing Academy" host a hafla, open to local area students and performers. It is another opportunity for dancers, to practice performing for a live audience, share your art and perfect your talents. I'm happy to have performed at this month's event. It a warm crowd and the restaurant is a very nice establishment. The menu is Greek, lots of selections. It located in Dallas. www.ClubStratos.com

Each month there is the opportunity to see dancer from around the area, and lots of various styles of belly dance! Keeping the art alive and thanks to those who make it possible for us to shimmy, lock and pop!

Beading, Beading and more Beading

Gaps in my posting due to setting up my new garden the beading of my new costume. It's not quite finished as yet. Progress: the bra and belt are made and covered. I need to finish more beading of the bra, and belt most of both are done. It's just the fine tuning of the pieces that are needed. This time I used a combination of appliques and hand beading. My "old" red costume does not fit anymore; therefore a new one is desperately needed. I use some of the appliques from the old one and purchased new ones. I did try to re-use as much as I could. Re-vamping the belt base was not too difficult, but after dis-mantling the bra a new one was required. I've gone thru several needle threaders, I'm pulling them too hard or they are now up to the constant usage for re threading of the needle. You will re thread lots of times using seed beads. I've found that using a very long thread needle will cause it to catch on other sequins or beads, so I've learned to shorten the length a bit.
I'm using a leather thimble also, I purchased it from "Hobby Lobby", I find it to be an invaluable tool. My last one, was damaged, I used it so much it had a hole in it!

It coming along quite well. I've realized I have a few costumes to replace! Looks like the sewing room will get a lot of use.

Since moving to Dallas, I have more opportunities to dance! The Kismet Stage Events (hafla shows every other month) and Authentic Belly Dancing Entertainment Academy (host a monthly hafla for local area students).

http://www.kismetdance.org/

www.belly-dancing.net

Kismet Stage

This past Saturday, January 30th, I shared my dance for the first time on the Kismet Stage. This was the second time, I had the opportunity to attend one of the shows. I did once upon visiting last year and what a difference several months can make. The Kismet Stage events are very community orientated. The belly dance community come out! As they say, they do everything big in Dallas; belly dance in Dallas is big and well represented. Happy to be involved.

The weather was colder than I'd like, I weathered the temperature, really brrr. My performance was to one of the tracks on the Hossam Ramsey CD, Tribal Bedouin or do I have the title reversed? Too bad I can take pictures of myself! Waiting on the other photographer to send me a copies, just can't wait. (Still tweaking my tribal bedouin attire)

The show included a variety of dancers and styles. I've posted a few of the pictures I took. There were way too many to post them all. I will post more later to the Kismet Stage page on Tribe.net!

The next Kismet event will be in Fort Worth at the Rose Theater, this venue has a great stage. Previously, where 3rd Coast Tribal held their show. It will be on the 20th of February and the theme is Valentine's! NO doubt the might be lots or Red to hit the stage.

Zahra Zuhair

 

 

This past Saturday (01/23/2010-my first workshop of 2010!)... I attended the workshop and show sponsored by DeeDee of Little Egypt Dance Academy in Garland, TX. The instructor was Zahra Zuhair! An inspiring insturctor, who used the basic movements and expands them with layers to create the most beautiful combinations. I could not take notes fast enough. Hopefully my muscle memory will kick in for me. One of the basic movements to create with was the Arabesque. So many ways to layer on to this movement. My plans are to begin many personal practice sessions for this one. (Zahra Zuhair does have a website, look her up on line)

We were taught a choreography, which is performed that evening, and other Oriental combinations. The stretching really let me know how much I need to work on become more flexible. Is this at all possible?

Later that evening the show was held at the Habibi Cafe, Richardson,TX. I was impressed with the Middle Eastern vidoes and vast selection of music played by the DJ after the show. Excellent buffet table. Yummy.