The Hysteria of Cultural Appropriation

on Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

Do you remember the sensationalism of the Virgin Mary made of Elephant Dung?

In case you don’t, I will remind you. I was in high school. The world was in an uproar over how disrespectful it was that a New York artist had an exhibit showing a piece depicting the Virgin Mary made of elephant dung. Even my former Catholic parents, an atheist father and a mother who had been excommunicated thought it was disrespectful. As a rebellious teenage artist I thought it was gutsy, but I didn’t actually care enough to look into it.

When I was in college, I was an art student—and I had the power of the Internet. Chris Ofili, the artist painted a black Madonna, used elephant dung because this is symbolically sacred in many cultures in Africa. The critics who lambasted him were too ignorant to learn about other cultures or be openminded think about racial and cultural implications

I am using this as an analogy to talk about belly dance. A lot of the criticism of the arts comes out of ignorance of the cultures where it comes from. It is the same with belly dance.

As someone who comes from the art world, I understand there has long been an argument about what art is intended to be by those creating it verses how it is perceived by the audience long before I started performing belly dance. My training as an art major has informed my execution of belly dance in style, costuming, and history, criticism, aesthetics, and choreography even though I didn’t go to school for dance—though I actually have studied belly dance longer than I have formally studied art.

I have been dancing over twenty-five years, most of that devoted to belly dance. I have heard a lot of this in my life: “Belly dance is a bunch of overweight, middle-aged white women shaking their T and A, and that is gross!” Added onto that criticism is now the additional comment, “And it is cultural appropriation!”

Let me deconstruct this into four false assumptions and beliefs that people have that cause them to look down on belly dance:

1. Belly dance is exotic dancing.
2. Only young, attractive, or beautiful women should be allowed to perform.
3. Belly dance is Middle Eastern.
4. It is cultural appropriation if it is performed by Caucasian Americans or by women who don’t look Middle Eastern.

1. Belly dance is exotic dancing.

When I first started belly dance, the argument against it used to be that it was too sexy and risqué, therefore it was looked down upon because it was too close to close to burlesque. That originated in Victorian culture, and as a result, Americans and Europeans did exotify Middle Eastern cultural dances. Over 150 years ago, Americans transformed belly dance into the ‘exotic” dancing, the hoochie coochie, stripping, and combined it with burlesque. Some belly dancers still perform belly burlesque in nightclubs.

Please see this article to understand the history of modern belly dance. Belly dance both is and isn’t “exotic” dancing.

Belly dance doesn’t just have roots as a cabaret or stage dance in America, but the Middle East as well. Colonialization and the male gaze created the idea that belly dance has to be sexy. One of the best articles on how patriarchy has stereotyped and sexualized this artform:

https://www.sharqidance.com/blog/bellydance-history-baggage

Because of this, many dancers starting in the 1960s wanted to focus on folkloric inspired moves and costuming to take the connotation out of belly dance being associated with stripping and seen as multicultural and classy. Carolena Nericcio is famous for this with Fat Chance Belly Dance and coined the term “Tribal” and American Tribal Belly Dances or ATS, which she now just calls Fat Chance Belly Dance Style. (I’m not going to get into the politics of the reasons for her name change here because it would take too long and that is a separate article.)

Separating folkloric-inspired belly dance from the nightclub style definitely seems like a great idea. But for those uneducated in the history of the dance form from the beginning, it caused teachers to make claims that ATS was “authentic” and “real” folkloric when it was really a mishmash of belly dance, folkloric dances, and American modern dance. In an attempt to make belly dance less about sex and more about culture, there has been some cultural appropriation and some belly dancers and studios need to work to rectify that.

That is another article.

2. Only young, attractive, or beautiful women should be allowed to practice, dance, and perform.

What? Really? Are only women who are height/weight proportionate allowed to go to the gym? And if that is the case, are overweight men going to be held to the same standards? Will old men and ugly men be allowed to dance in other cultural dances? Will we say overweight, old men won’t be allowed to tango? (This would be a problem in the Eugene tango community since I have frequented milongas and know the majority of the men who attend are elderly! That would be a horrible thing to tell skilled dancers who are getting a great form of exercise!) Are ugly men not allowed to perform Flamenco, Hula, or any dance? It is such a horrible double standard in our culture.

And unfortunately it is perpetuated by women as well.

Who gets to decide who is attractive and beautiful enough to be an artist? Limiting any woman, is limiting all women. Are we going to allow misogynists to tell women they can’t express themselves?

Unfortunately for many women, we have been told that our entire lives.

When I hear negative comments about women’s beauty, age, or bodies in belly dance or other art forms, I know it is coming from a double standard in a patriarchal dominant culture. Although I find the belly dance community very open to male dancers and people who identify as non-binary, the sentiment against “unattractive” dancers is targeted at women, and thus, primarily a women’s issue. Our value as dancers should be identified by skill: musicality, artistic expression, technique, and stage presence. Many women feel sexy and beautiful when they belly dance, but that shouldn’t be the standard or only quality people see. The prerequisite for sexiness goes back to the colonialism of men stereotyping women as sex objects.

This is an art form meant for dancers who want to express themselves and bring joy to themselves and others. Some men will objectify dancers with their misogynist fantasies. That doesn’t mean we need to buy into these patriarchal views of body shaming women. If this is the reason we do not allow belly dancers not to have shows, we are allowing misogynists to win.

3. Belly dance is NOT Middle Eastern. (Except when it is. This is complicated! Bear with me.)

Try to understand that belly dance is a generic term invented by Americans to describe a dance where the belly and hip movements are emphasized. We often think of belly dance as “Middle Eastern” for the same reasons we have used the term “exotic dancing” in the past.

I am going to use a generic example that I hope will make sense for people who are learning belly dance. We don’t make the assumption that all ballroom is South American even though tango comes from Argentina, Samba comes from Brazil, and Rumba originated from African slaves in Cuba. Ballroom dance also includes Viennese waltz of German and Austrian origin and waltz with a French origin. Ballroom is a general term that encompasses many styles and cultures.

Many moves that are staples of belly dance can be seen in other cultures: hip circles are used in African dance, hip hop, Hawaiian and Polynesian dance, and dances from India; wrist circles are used in in Flamenco, Andalusian, Romany, and Polynesian dances. I have seen the equivalent of shimmies in Indian and Hawaiian dances. Undulations are seen in Middle Eastern, African dance, hip hop, jazz, street jazz, and so many forms of modern dance. Shiva lines are not from Middle Eastern culture. They are common in Chinese dances and a staple of the Chinese circus. You will also see it in dances from India, which is why it is called a “Shiva” line. If anything, modern troupes of Middle Eastern dancers and Americans performing Middle Eastern-inspired belly dance are using this formation from other Eastern cultures.

There is no patent on dance moves. Dance has traveled and migrated across continents in the same way language, art, and mythology has. The foundations of these moves are ancient and no culture OWNs belly dance. Please be mindful, many of the moves originated in the Middle East and migrated from there because the Ottoman empire’s expanse was so widespread they occupied many European, Northern African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. But there are also moves dancers in the Middle East have adopted from Americans and Europeans. Americans who haven’t studied the evolution of dance and belly dance just don’t know this.

When modern Egyptians are performing the Egyptian night club style off belly dance, Raqs Sharqi, it is a Middle Eastern style influenced by the music and folkloric traditions of that culture. If a dancer is performing the actual folkloric form of dance belly dance is derived from, that doesn’t automatically make it belly dance—but it can be. When dancers in Greece combine their culture’s folkloric dance moves with belly dance and perform to Greek music, that is Greek belly dance. If a dancer is influenced by Turkish Romany style it will be Turkish Romany belly dance. Belly dance from Lebanon is Lebanese belly dance. (I actually have cousins who are Lebanese who love to have a belly dancer at a wedding!)

That means belly dance combined with American culture is called . . . American belly dance. It could be American Oriental style, American Cabaret, Fusion Style, or we might call it something else. If a belly is exposed and we see some hips shaking, most likely people are going to call it belly dance and people will assume it is Middle Eastern. Even if someone performs all folkloric dance moves from Eastern Europe, without any moves from the Middle East, but their midriff and hips are exposed, Americans will assume it is belly dancing, and they will probably assume it is Middle Eastern. It is difficult for us to separate.

Many Americans have felt a kinship and connection with folkloric dances from Europe and dance to music that they have affectionately called “Gypsy” in the past. I use this term educationally for those uninformed, but largely the belly dance community has moved away from using this term because it is considered culturally insensitive and a racial slur. Those who embrace this romanticized term mean say it with the utmost love and respect, though it hasn’t been received that way.

It also has been used inaccurately to lump many cultures together rather than using the actual cultures’ names, which is considered a form of cultural appropriation. Roma, Rom, Romany, or Tzigani-style dance when combined with belly dance is a specific style. Many American belly dancers who were calling themselves “Gypsy style belly dancers” back in the 1990s were drawing inspiration from Balkan, Spanish Andalusian, Flamenco, and Eastern European folkloric dances. Many dancers still draw from their European roots, but have a hard time pinpointing origins of moves that have evolved so much over time. I understand it is far less romantic and flowery to call this Indo-European Belly Dance, but that would be much more accurate than “Gypsy” or Roma.

When I first met Diana Smith, I noticed her olive complexion and accent and falsely assumed she was probably Hispanic, but I didn’t insure. It was quite some time before I found out she was Bulgarian. When I interviewed Diana Smith for my article in the Chronicle related to belly dance, it was interesting to hear Diana’s experiences with dance in her own country of Bulgaria. Most Americans do not realize how widespread the reach of the Ottoman Empire was in Europe. They left many cultural traditions in their wake after their occupation of the countries they left.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to convince people there is such a thing as Ottoman influenced Eastern European belly dance without educating someone on five hundred years of history. Some people really care about cultural appropriation and educating themselves—and actually proved it by finishing this article—but most people are just giving lip service to it by being woke.

When I used to perform solos, I was primarily dancing fusion to Electro-swing, tango, or Eastern European music—depending on the costume and style I wanted to evoke as a theme. I studied many forms of breakdance in Japan for two years to become a better fusion dancer and incorporated this into my solos.

Fusion Fascination performs a style in between fusion (an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary dance) and sometimes a folkloric inspired style termed ATS. This abbreviation, ATS used to be called American Tribal Style or tribal, used to be called “tribal,” but that term is both confusing and inaccurate. I have coined the term American Transcontinental Style in the hope people might use it to separate it from fusion, which is a distinctly modern style developed by Rachel Brice that incorporates the popping and locking of breakdance with contemporary dance and an alternative, punk aesthetic.

Fusion Fascination and Bellissimo currently has members who have immigrated from Ukraine/Russia and Bulgaria/Hungary, and members who have Turkish ancestry, who bring their cultures and experiences to their dance. Members dance in a style that evokes Indo-European roots.

So to clarify, we are not performing Middle Eastern dance, except in the concept that all belly dance has some influence and origin in Mesopotamia. The moves and costumes tend to match the music we are dancing to, which might be European folkloric, contemporary American, or it might be from other cultures not part of the Middle East.

4. It is cultural appropriation if it is performed by Caucasian Americans or women who don’t look Middle Eastern.

For all the reasons stated above, belly dance isn’t strictly Middle Eastern. But even if is an Egyptian style, there is more to this argument. That means we need to understand what cultural appropriation is, which requires a blog post in itself.

How to Hold a Veil

on Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Let’s Talk About the Dreaded Word “Tribal”

on Mon, 17 Jul, 2023

Fusion Fascination performs a style in between fusion (an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary dances as well as other dances I have studied and can teach) and a folkloric-inspired style termed ATS. This abbreviation, ATS used to be called American Tribal Style or tribal. The problem with the term “tribal,” is that word is both confusing and inaccurate. Some people have outright stopped saying it because they feel the mere word is cultural appropriation of people in Africa. Since I have never been attempting to evoke the feel of African tribes in my dance style, and I have felt the term tribal is more about the aspect of social dance and community connection, I am unsatisfied not having this term, but I recognize the need for showing respect to other cultures.

I am even more dissatisfied with my belly dance community is replacing ATS with the term fusion. That term is already being used. It was created by Rachel Brice. I perform both styles and I need two separate terms to separate them.

I have coined the term American Transcontinental Style in the hope people might use it to separate it from fusion, which is a distinctly modern style developed by Rachel Brice that incorporates the popping and locking of contemporary dance and an alternative, punk aesthetic. Ironically, I discovered when I was watching Rachel Brice’s instructional video series that when she first created fusion, she was going for a combination of cabaret and Fat Chance Belly Dance’s “tribal” in moves and aesthetics. She might not have intended it, but she created a following of goth punk alternative dancers. When I was taking classes as a student twenty years ago in Portland from Severina, I was told the combination of cabaret and tribal styles wasn’t fusion but was “tribaret,” and it is style very separate in my mind.

In any case, Rachel Brice created a distinct aesthetic with fusion. Remember that. It is a name and brand with popping, locking, tattoos, and an alternative look. She might not have intended it, but that is what the audience expects from that style.

Those original days when I was studying belly dance, I was taking classes 7 hours a week, 6 days a week because I was determined to learn as much as I could as quickly as I could before I moved to Japan. I also was taking a Middle Eastern drumming class to be a better belly dancer. I leaned a lot and was taking as many styles as I could in Portland. Then I took different styles in Japan—including break dance and salsa. And when I returned to America, I took flamenco and tango in addition to belly dance. But everything I did was for belly dance.

This is the article Rachel Brice cites as all the reasons why we shouldn’t use the term “tribal” and why it is cultural appropriation.

https://projects.kora.matrix.msu.edu/files/210-808-1340/Background_Paper_010_opt.pdf

If you want to read a little bit about Fat Chance Belly Dance’s word choice of what they call their style, you can read it here: https://fcbd.com/what-is-fcbdstyle/

ATS or American Tribal Style dancers are now like lost planetoids like Pluto who have lost their identities and don’t have a better name for themselves. Unfortunately the FCBD dancers in my local community are using the name “fusion” because they don’t know what to call themselves because they claim their moves are a fusion of cultures. Although I sympathize with their situation, and it is technically true their moves are a fusion of cultures, it is also just confusing to call FCBD fusion. Why not just replace the name “ATS” or “tribal” with the term “folkloric-inspired” instead of “fusion?”

This is why I am suggesting the dancers formerly known as tribal keep the same acronym but substitute a different word. What ATS is at its essence is a social dance and improvisational dance instead of the showy nightclub dance with glittery costumes of cabaret or Raqs sharqi, which is usually choreographed (except for when it isn’t like drum solos and live musicians! but I am trying not to over complicate things here.)

Although I think it would be great to rename ATS American Improvisational Style or American Social Style, I have a feeling ASS is just not going to stick. I am going to give an example of an organization that recently changed their name that I am a member of. SFWA. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, decided the “A” should be Association because they wanted to extend their membership outside of America, and really they already had, so they felt it was time to expand to a bigger and better A.

I understand these are confusing times as people try to navigate political correctness. Everyone wants to be respectful and doesn’t want to use the wrong word. But it is just as important to find accurate terminology to differentiate each style that will last.

What are your thoughts? Is there a better “T” for ATS?

Debunking the Article “Why I can't stand white belly dancers”

on Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

There is an article every woke person is reading these days to suppress belly dance. If you are going to read these articles, please read the other two articles first--even if you want to read the spicy, angry, subversive one first!-- because they set up a much better understanding of the cultural history. The fact is, the angry one has been around for years and is nothing new. In fact, it is such old news, it is really out of date, but it still gets everyone’s harem pants in a twist.

A Great Article on the Patriarchy and Colonialism of Belly Dance—and why it is harmful to use a generic term like belly dance but why we don’t have a better term:

https://www.sharqidance.com/blog/bellydance-history-baggage

In Egypt, Foreigners Dominate Belly Dancing

Yielding to religious conservatism and other trends, the native stars have ceded the stage to immigrants

https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/in-egypt-foreigners-dominate-belly-dancing/

Why I can't stand white belly dancers

Whether they know it or not, white women who practice belly dance are engaging in appropriation

https://www.salon.com/2014/03/04/why_i_cant_stand_white_belly_dancers/

I am going to critique this point by point, so even if you don’t read the article, you will still understand are arguments.

Be aware, this is a negative article by a woman putting down other women. Randa Jarrar is as much a product of patriarchal suppression as the colonialism she detests. She has some good points about dancers adopting Middle Eastern names and fake tans being cultural appropriation, which is something belly dancers have moved away from in the last ten years. However, her article is outdated. I can’t tell how much of her article is intended to get a rise out of people because versus how much she is trying to slander the belly dance community because she has a chip on her shoulder.

The most important point that the author is in denial that the conservative “Islamic Brotherhood,” as she calls them, created a culture that made belly dancing impossible for women who are Middle Eastern. In my article for the Chronicle below, the Arabic studies professor, an Arabic woman from Egypt explained that woman from Egypt can’t dance in public due to their religion. This does exclude the secular population but because of the religion, women are still looked down upon in that culture for those reasons. Please see that article here: https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/article-in-the-chronicle-examining-appreciation-versus-appropriation-in-bel

Randa Jarrar blames the colonialization and the west on sexualizing Arab women in bellydance, but she doesn’t report the history that Arabic culture also created their own cabaret style with Raqs Sharqi in Egypt to sexualize belly dance and stereotypes this as something only white women have done.

The article is full of biases and inaccuracies. “The Arab Face” that she claims to be a modern style of white women appropriating Arabian women is a style of makeup and equating it to stealing her culture. Although I do think there were some extreme examples of this in the past with women darkening their skin or wearing extreme Cleopatra style makeup, for the most part, what people wear is stage make up. I see influences from Indo-European cultures like India, but suspect this culture has a greater influence than the makeup of the current Middle East. Other extremes of makeup can be seen in the 1920s and stage makeup in general. I think I have seen heavier eye make up on grunge teenagers in the 90s than belly dancers.

However, in the article, Jarrar equates this “Arab face” by asking:

“Would you wear a dashiki and rock waspafarian dreads and take up African dance publicly? Wait,” we’d probably say, “don’t answer that.”

First, for a moment, let’s ignore the fact that this hyper woke extremist has put down people of African descent by calling their hair “dreads” or “dreadlocks” when that is a culturally insensitive term. And let’s dismiss the notion that there are cultures in Europe as well as other places in the world where this style of locs have been worn and have been depicted in ancient art. She probably has not educated herself on either topic.

The costumes of modern day belly dancers in Egypt are an American and European invention and influence created by colonialism. It is unfortunate folkloric dance was sexualized for the entertainment of men, and used to objectify women, but that is one of the ways the artform survived. I hate that the demand for sex created this supply and demand, but that past can’t be changed. And as long as belly dance is used as male entertainment, it will continue to be perpetuated that way in the cabaret style. Jarrar sees this as a racial problem. I don’t disagree. But I think it is a bigger feminist problem. Since I do not dance cabaret, there isn’t a lot I can do to influence cabaret costumes. I dance fusion, which draws from a combination of Eastern European folkloric roots as well as modern roots with other world roots.

This author makes a lot of assumptions without examining the gray areas. The world is black and white for this author, and there is no exploration of racial identity or how that might influence a dancer. There are dancers with African heritage who might perform in traditional garb who won’t look African enough to fit her definition to be acceptable, that she would exclude from African dance.

There are also belly dancers like students in my classes and in my troupe who are representing the cultures they grew up in, that they have heritage in. And some who get to learn about other cultures look beautiful while learning a new skill. I am so glad they have found this beautiful art form to do so.

Often when we perform, venues just want us to dance and watch. But when we are given the opportunity to read our bios and talk about the music we select, the cultures we are representing, and the cultures we come from, we love to get to share that with the audience as well.

What Cultures Make Up the Dances We Perform?

on Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

Right now I have two dance troupes I “manage.” And by manage, I mostly mean I teach and cheerlead as much as I can and say, “You’ve got this.” Before Bellissimo Fusion had their first show, one of the students asked, “Wait a minute, you aren’t going to perform with us?”

I was glad I didn’t. It set them up not to depend on me. With migraines, I can’t always perform.

Let me tell you about these beautiful belly dancers and the styles we are performing.

Fusion Fascination and Bellissimo Fusion currently has members with eclectic backgrounds who have danced all kinds of styles of dance in the past. One of my dancers uses to perform African dance, another used to perform Bhangra. One dancer immigrated from Ukraine/Russia and another Bulgaria/Hungary, both who bring their own cultures and musical talents and aesthetics into our group, a members who has Turkish ancestry, who brings her cultures and experiences to their dance. Members dance in a style that evokes Indo-European roots.

Americans have the misconception that belly dance is only Middle Eastern, but as I have written about in other articles, I will mention here in case you haven’t read them, the Ottoman Empire’s reach across Europe, Asia, and Africa for hundred of years influenced the cultures they invaded. These influences can still be seen in those cultures today. Troupe member, Diana Smith shared information about this with me in her own culture when I wrote this article.

When I used to perform solos, I was primarily dancing fusion to Electro-swing, tango, or Eastern European music—depending on the costume and style I wanted to evoke as a theme. I studied many forms of breakdance in Japan for the two years I lived there to become a better fusion dancer and incorporated this into my solos.

When I first met Diana Yochkova Smith, I noticed her olive complexion and accent and assumed she was probably Hispanic, but I didn’t inquire. It was quite some time before I found out she was Bulgarian. When I interviewed Diana for my article in The Chronicle related to belly dance, it was interesting to hear Diana’s experiences with dance in her own country of Bulgaria. Most Americans do not realize how widespread the reach of the Ottoman Empire was in Europe. They left many cultural traditions in in their wake after their occupation of the countries they left.

I also have students like Lydia who is Turkish. She has a tan complexion, but her hair is so light, most would have no idea she was Turkish. We are so excited she is going to Turkey this summer to bring back fabric from her country to share with us for our costumes. People might not realize I am Italian from my fair complexion, though they would have never miss my mother or grandmother with their dark features. My only give away is how much I talk with my hands. It’s natural I have to channel some of that kinesthetic energy into dance. I have been implementing elements of the tarantella, an Italian folk dance into one of our bellydance lessons because of my Italian ancestry. I am hoping we can all bring elements of our cultures to the dances we are sharing and educate the audience about our cultures in ways that are both fun and memorable.

Dance is like a tapestry with threads that connect us in many different directions.

If you would like to read more about the article I wrote for the Chronicle on cultural appropriation, Diana's heritage, and Middle Eastern women's views on American's performing belly dance please click here: https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/article-in-the-chronicle-examining-appreciation-versus-appropriation-in-bel

Bellissimo Fusion Costume

on Fri, 16 Jun, 2023

Bellissimo means beautiful in Italian. It is also a play on words and for those of you who know me, I do love my puns! Since I am a bellydance teacher "belly-si-mo" seemed fitting for the title of the group.

So far, I have tried to keep Bellissimo costumes simple, uniform, and professional. In order to do this, we need to use color to create unity and wear some of the same items, whether it is the same style or variations so that we look cohesive. The moves I teach are primarily ATS with some fusion mixed in. (In case you are wondering, ATS is what many call American Tribal Style, which I am calling American Transcultural Style). Cabaret style favors gold and gold coins. ATS and fusion favors silver or tarnished metal. But it is fine if this is your first show and you are collecting items. Some people only have gold.

In case you are interested in performing, here is your basic costume we have been using as well as the most inexpensive deals I could find. Prices are always changing, and old sellers go away and new ones pop up. If a link doesn't work, let me know and I will correct it when I have a chance.

Below is a list of items we typically have used for our costumes for belly dance that we will be reusing:

*tiered black skirt
*Black rhinestone mesh mask (that way there is less pressure to smile during your first shows!)
*flowers attached to headdress or headband for ATS look (This needs a blog post/tutorial in itself!)
*something to wear underneath the skirts, whether leggings, harem pants,bloomers, etc.
*coin belt (violet, red, most of us have fringe and coins on this belt)
*coin bra, or ATS tassel bra, or other ATS style bra (it needs to be worn over a black bra)

*Black short sleeve choli

***a layer of fabric, another fringe belt, bustle skirt with pockets, etc. underneath coin belt (I do this so I have pockets for my cell phone and keys but other people just might want another decorative layer of fringe to fill in the gap where the coin belt is tied)

Our color themes are violet and red but if people wear other color accents that is fine. The jewelry tends to be a folkloric inspired jewelry but sometimes people wear upcycled jewelry or their own creations.

Links to the items below if you need ideas or a place to purchase (feel free to provide me with links if you have a better deal you want me to post!):

Mesh mask from Amazon $6
https://amzn.to/3Ln9iCu

Black skirt Tiered 25 yards--really full skirt $47

https://amzn.to/3xz1Ka8

Black 5-teired skirt $30
https://amzn.to/3BQaew9

*Just a reminder, burgundy is the color I am telling people to eventually have for future shows. This show you can choose a different color, ranging from burgundy, red, orange, or yellow. If you just want to buy one belt, buy the burgundy one or a plain metal belt to reuse.

Burgandy coin belt (like mine) $16--Best price I could find!

Large-X L

https://amzn.to/3Bswr1I

Black Choli Morningstar purchased from Amazon (It would be a little long for me and it would be better to just cut a black t-shirt)

https://amzn.to/3X9Zdyy

Burgandy $15 is the least expensive style-$24
(least expensive, but also closer to cabaret style due to sequins)

https://amzn.to/3UnLjr5

Inexpensive coin belt (many colors) $12

https://amzn.to/3xB4UKC

If you can't find a burgundy belt that fits, buy a metal belt like the one below and wear it over a piece of burgundy fabric cut into a triangle to make a hip scarf or any color fabric.

ATS coin belt $36

https://amzn.to/3Ltn4nd

ATS coin belt (no fabric) $20

https://amzn.to/3f3DiHi

ATS coin belt (no fabric) $26

https://amzn.to/3RWuoKz

Burgundy hip scarf $13
https://amzn.to/3R8L1l7

ATS/fusion Coin bra and belt set ($56 for belt and bra--multiple sizes--best price)

https://amzn.to/3RWXZ6o

If you want to make your own burgundy fringe belt or bra

Burgundy 8 inch tassel fringe for curtains--or making a belly dance belt $22

https://amzn.to/3SaNrQU

Premade tassel fringe for making your own belt (or look up fringe tassel -insert color you are looking for) $14

https://amzn.to/3RXWeGc

The Red Camel--My favorite place to shop sales to find bellydance items to sew onto belts and bras when I make my costumes. I only shop their clearance section.

https://redcamel.net/

Article in the Chronicle: Examining appreciation versus appropriation in belly dance community

on Sat, 10 Jun, 2023

Videos Now Available for Belly Dance Eugene Instruction and Drills

on Thu, 01 Jun, 2023

The best instruction is always in person so that a student can get the feedback they need from a teacher to know if they are doing moves correctly. When a student is in a class, they get reminders to stretch, to take water breaks, and there is human interaction between dancers. When we are in a class with others, we can transition into formations, practice following and leading, and benefit from positive social interactions with human beings.

That said, sometimes people want to take a class, but they are unable to travel to the class location, women have childcare issues that interfere with their desire to attend a class, or we get sick and need to quarantine ourselves. I sometimes have students who already take classes but have asked for videos to practice these moves at home. Videos are a tool that can enhance our learning.

Belly Dance Eugene has the following videos available for download for $15 per video. For those who want unlimited access to all videos I post, this will be a $60 yearly subscription. I will make the links available on YouTube and grant access to my Google Drive storage so that you can watch or download these videos. Be aware, some of these are giant files, so computers might not like to download them. That is why I am also going to grant access to the private links via YouTube.

Maya and Toxim--(15 minutes) Try this one for free!

This video breaks down maya and toxim with voice over instructions. This is a great trial video to show what other videos in the subscription are like.

https://youtu.be/CsrGwO69Cg0

Arms of Mass Seduction (20 minutes)

This arm workout included an explanation of pretty hand posture, practices gracefully sweeping our hands and arms with clockwork arms, kitty paws, snake arms, one sided snake arms, wrist circles, skin the cat and ways to layer this with other movements.

Shimmies with Instructions (18 minutes)

We break down and drill basic shimmies in this workout: gwazi, shimmies, vibration, one-sided vibration, shoulder shimmies, and flutter.

Chest Circle and Chest Square Combo with Instructions(25 minutes)

We will cover the components of chest square combo and chest circle combo, including chest squares and chest circles, hip squares and hip circles, undulations, Arabic, camel and belly rolls. Then we will put all these moves together to create chest square combo and chest circle combo.

Drilling Slow Moves (35 minutes)

This is a review of Level 2, Intermediate, and some Advanced slow moves. Drill these moves for exercise and to increase competency in maya, toxim, Arabic, and variations of these moves such as one-sided traveling and turns. Practice transitions between skin the cat, kitty paws, clockwork arms, toxim palm tree arms to waves, toxim with a level change, double maya, and a variation of double maya. Combos include shoulder roll combo, the Arabic combo RLRR/LRLL, Arabic with a level change, Arabic with a body wave, Arabic twist, Tunisian combo, The X turn and circle turn are included. At the end there are some advanced moves like sidewinder.

Slow Moves that Look Great with Veils (10 minutes)

This is a review of Level 2 and Intermediate slow moves, first without a veil and then with a veil. Drill these moves for exercise and to increase competency. Included are maya, 1-sided maya, traveling and turns with maya, toxim, and Arabic, traveling side to side. There are also three combos specific for veils: a lunge with a sweeping arm and a turn, a variation of Arabic with a clockwork arm and a turn, and a chest lift with L arms.

Level 2, Intermediate, and Advanced Fast Moves (20 minutes)

This is a drill of our medium and fast moves. Follow along and drill these moves to increase skill and exercise. Included are gwazi with a level change and turns, ¾ shimmy with L arms and turns, Egyptian turns, double Egyptian, and hip lifts front and back. Combos include ¾ shimmy combo, chest square combo, hip drop combo, hip lift combo, African chest circle combo, Egyptian combo, hip lift front and back (and turns), Sarina’s combo, and traveling with Turkish and turning with Turkish.

How to Use Veils (21 minutes)

We will start with the basics like fabric selection and how to hold the veil. From there we will cover a combination of new moves from cabaret veil work and ATS style veils that are layered on top of moves you already know. You can bring a veil, piece of lightweight fabric, or fabric coverup.

How to Dance with Swords (32 minutes)

Learn a combination of new moves and moves from ATS style that are layered on top of moves you already know. Although your teacher will give you a chance to feel the weight of swords, discuss styles, and practice moving with them, we are going to be dancing with wood and long handled umbrellas to reduce the risk of accidental stabbings and damaging the studio floor.

Breakdance for Bellydancers (13 minutes)

Learn popping, locking, tutting, and if time, animation. street jazz, and voguing. You will learn at least 3 new combos and learn ways to layer popping onto belly dance moves you already know. FYI--this is not the kind of breakdance where we spin on our heads on the floor! These techniques use isolations to create sharp contractions as often seen in fusion dances performed by Rachel Brice and Zoe Jakes.

Stretches and Core Strengthening for Belly for Belly Dancers (45 minutes)

This video includes all the stretches that help belly dancers prevent injury. Also covered are exercises that help dancers engage the core and practice protecting the back. Learn alternative techniques to help with belly rolls and undulations on the floor and against the wall.

To purchase a video or subscription, fill out the contact form and you will be directed to pay via Paypal. (Or if need be, Venmo.)

Include the video you wish to purchase, so I can send the correct link to you.

*If you are interested in a free sample, subscribe to the Belly Dance Eugene channel on YouTube to check out older videos. These do not always have the best sound quality or the instructions that the videos for purchase do, but they do provide an example of some of the moves being covered in the videos.

Favorite Belly Dance Instructional Videos

on Tue, 30 May, 2023

I am listing some videos that are offered for free on YouTube of the same belly dance moves we do. Some are mine, but a lot of the moves I do have a cross over with Fat Chance Belly Dance because I studied at studios that taught American Tribal Style. I also studied Fusion, which stems from Rachel Brice, who now teaches Datura in Portland. I have included Rachel Brice’s free videos and mine. If I find a good maya and toxim video out there that is the same as our version, I will some day add it to the list.

Maya with Rachel Brice

This is a Maya combined with another move, but for students trying to find a basic maya, this works well. Some styles use a horizontal maya and toxim/taqim and I like this one because it is the style we are doing.

https://youtu.be/_Ne4v9xW-So

Bicycle shimmy with Rachel Brice

She calls it a hagallah and has a different way of breaking it down that reminds me of a ¾ shimmy—but the effect in the end is the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHEsKGDA5o

Choo choo Shimmy

This is different that choo choo, but it has the same effect for a seamless transition that looks magical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7C1QdmMNP8

Gwazi Shimmy

This is a structural way to do gwazi shimmy as opposed to the loose way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Whm7S8hsg

Undulations, Chest Circle Combo, and Chest Square Combo

This is from Belly Dance Eugene Studio. This breaks down some basics that are used across all styles of belly dance like circles and undulations, as well as a couple combos from fusion style. Eventually this will be a video with a voice over, but that will be a paid subscription. So for now, enjoy this free video.

https://youtu.be/cEujcTdLyqo

17-minute shimmy workout

Sarina of Belly Dance Eugene teaches tribal fusion style. In this seventeen-minute video, she will start with the foundation of gwazi and break down a number of shimmies, vibrations, 1-sided vibrations, shoulder shimmies, and the Suhaila Technique. (This latter shimmy uses muscles contractions like the glutes and quads to move the hips rather than consciously moving the knees.) Eventually this will be a video with a voice over, but that will be a paid subscription. So for now, enjoy this free video.

https://youtu.be/zxryGsLdHH4

Maya and Toxim/Taqsim/Taqeem

I couldn't find a video of ATS with flat heels for the maya and toxim that we do in my classes, so I decided to make one of my own. This is a fairly good representation of the Belly Dance Eugene Videos for sale with voice over and music. I am making it a free sample for students to practice moves and for students to see what kind of material they are getting with the video series.

https://youtu.be/CsrGwO69Cg0

For Sale

Belly Dance Eugene has the following videos available for download for $15 per video or for those who pay for a $60 yearly subscription for unlimited access to all videos I post. I will make the links available on YouTube and grant access to my Google Drive storage so that you can watch or download. Be aware, some of these are giant files, so computers might not like to download them. That is why I am also going to grant access to the links via YouTube.

Arms of Mass Seduction (20 minutes)

Shimmies with Instructions (18 minutes)

We break down and drill basic shimmies in this workout: gwazi, shimmies, vibration, one-sided vibration, shoulder shimmies, and flutter.

Chest Circle and Chest Square Combo with Instructions(25 minutes)

Drilling Slow Moves (35 minutes)

Slow Moves that Look Great with Veils (10 minutes)

Level 2, Intermediate, and Advanced Fast Moves (20 minutes)

Coming soon! (estimated 30 minutes)

Stretches, Core Strengthening, and Belly Work for Belly Dancers

To purchase a video or subscription, send Payment via Paypal to: [email protected]

Include the video you wish to purchase so I can send the correct link to you.

Favorite Fusion Belly Dance Videos

on Tue, 23 May, 2023

Enjoy these fusion videos that really capture the essence of fusion belly dance.

Rachel Brice's Datura at Tribal Fest 13 - Full Set

Rachel Brice is one of the founders of fusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIi9cSldNKY

Belly Dancer Zoe Jakes Tribal Fusion Bellydance at The Massive Spectacular!

My jaw literally dropped at one point--and that is really saying something since I have watched a lot of belly dance. This was truly mesmerizing choreography. They have incredible transitions.

https://youtu.be/wBoy3KxgTbA

"Goddess of the Lotus Temple" Lena Gukina Tribal Fusion

This performance feels like a spiritual ritual. I might have posted it in a different blog post, but it is worth watching again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-k1Ev8fVc

Roksana, Milana & Lidia - temple tribal fusion trio @ Tribal Blossom Show

I like the framing of this triplet. Another strength of this piece is how many dynamic transitions they have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFN_mtaEsbI

Rachael Redfern - Infusion Emporium 8 - October 2018

I love the mirroring this duet does. There also is some great locking, voguing, and tutting from breakdance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa5lBoB_tOk

Habibi Lal, КИРА ЛЕБЕДЕВА, Украина | TRIBAL BEAT FEST 2016

This costume is outrageously interesting. Her style is interesting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZApMxLmpIhQ

Belly Dance with an Ancient Air

I love the framing and use of poses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5BwgCeZ--w

Rustiqua Tribal Prague 2012

Halfway through I love the framing and transitions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLQXYzrpjfU

Shemakhinskaya Bayaderka Festival / Yana Kremneva / 2016

Fusion style mixed with Indian dance. Some people would say all fusion is mixed styles and that description is redundant, but really fusion is a specific contemporary style popularized by Rachel Brice and Zoe Jakes, which can be mixed with other styles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLmepH3L7r8

Rachael Redfern performing at Infusion Emporium 10

This is considered fusion, but to me it just looks cabaret. The costume is glittering with sequins and fringe. The moves look cabaret with only a few exceptions as she rolls her body waves into shoulders (mostly near the end). This style used to be what I learned as “tribaret.” However, I am listing it here both to show off some great belly rolls layered with other moves. Also, it is useful to see how versatile fusion is and how people interpret that term so differently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0-zmN51mLo

Fusion Fascination

This is a really short clip of fairy belly dancers performing a shiva line!

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZRqjU0UcQT8

Women's Only Hafla

on Mon, 01 May, 2023

Dancing, live music if we have musicians, enjoying each other's company (potluck and costume swap welcome)

Join us playing music and dancing

Event Timing: 12 noon-2:30 pm on the First Saturday of the Month (starting Saturday, June 3)

Event Address: McNail-Riley House (pretty, old fashioned house across from the fairgrounds)
601 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Use the contact form on the website to ask questions.

Details:
This will be a women's only event. There already is a hafla open to everyone that is run by Jeanie on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at the same location. (You can join their FB page if it is a better fit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/146514105441962)
*There are two reasons a women's only hafla: many women become involved in belly dance because they enjoy something that is related to a community of women or they need a safe space away from men. After speaking with Middle Eastern women at U of O, I realized that we are excluding a community of women who would like to be involved with belly dance, but most of them will not dance in front of men. Americans try to be exclusive by saying anyone can dance and join a class or event, but by doing so, we are excluding the actual cultures that belly dance come from.

I would like to create an event separate from the regular haflas being held and try to encourage people of Middle Eastern descent to feel comfortable joining, as well as other women who want to dance with others, but away from the male gaze. Since it is technically summer vacation, this might not draw in Middle Eastern women who are students at U of O, but I figured it would be great to get the ball rolling.

If you want to receive emails about the event, sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdV3PQJxLHdrLmIOAEii1qasWYs1lKGKPafqY1hu91bHRpKhw/viewform

Walk Like an Egyptian, Dance Like a Real Egyptian

on Sat, 29 Apr, 2023

A while back I had the pleasure of interviewing Hanan Elsherif, Arabic coordinator at U of O who is Egyptian. She was kind enough to allow me to interview her for an article I was writing for the Chronicle about cultural appropriation, particularly with emphasis in belly dance. (I will provide a link when available.)

Hanan Elsherif shared a few videos of belly dance in her culture.

I am guessing this is from the 1950s. It is clear we can see how this is a nightclub style. It is entertainment for men.

Belly dance by Naema Akef Egyptian films - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thG6_uahSrQ&list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui-eKcdGtrH_utGDyWcFJKtg&index=9

Not much has changed in the Egyptian cabaret style. (Also called Raqs Sharqi.)

Samia Gamal Belly Dance from the movie " Zenobia" (1956) - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IFncIT1jE8&list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui-eKcdGtrH_utGDyWcFJKtg&index=14

A famous Egyptian belly dancer. (Sorry about the quality.)

(522) Soheir Zaki سهير زكي - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lErpoQwpQUk&list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui-eKcdGtrH_utGDyWcFJKtg&index=15

A famous Egyptian belly dancer considered to be a pioneer of her time in her country.

Nagwa Fouad Amar 14 - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyeCQy2X_WQ&list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui-eKcdGtrH_utGDyWcFJKtg&index=26

Sometimes I think cabaret looks hammed up and cheesy, but what I have seen on stage in America is nothing to this. It is theatrical to the point I wouldn’t ever suggest doing this here. I was also surprised this is a famous belly dancer despite her posture, but maybe she had an injury and that changed things.

Dina Talaat New Year's Eve 2020 - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPOG_cRDI5s&list=PLYUtFJWB2Ui-eKcdGtrH_utGDyWcFJKtg&index=48

I can see why this is so scandalous in Egypt. This dancer is showing A LOT of leg. But her belt also covers her very securely.

(522) Nadia Fouad at the Sahara City Club - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsy0lA5LMHI

This is Shaabi (folkloric dance). This is what Egyptian cabaret is based on. Notice women are much more covered in this.

(522) Traditional Belly Dance of Egypt – عرض رائع لفرقة سوهاج للرقص الشعبى - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcwOGVkC5e4

This is the most famous Russian bellydancer now in Egypt; Safinaz. Hanan explained that most Egyptian women will not dance in public if they are religious, so most belly dance is performed and taught by Russian women. She assured me they are, in fact, performing real Egyptian moves and dance, so it is accurate. But the dancers in Egypt are rarely Egyptian these days.

(522) رقص صافيناز بالاسود نااار - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ljLVztnEU

Guidelines for Belly Dance Coin Bras and Bustiers and the Differences in Styles

on Mon, 26 Dec, 2022

Back when the MEDGE (the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene) was still around, one of their guidelines for performers was that they couldn’t wear a “bra” on stage. If a dancer created a coin bra or bustier as part of their costume, it had to be embellished enough that it no longer would be considered an undergarment. It is a good guideline to go by.

I also recognize that for someone new to belly dancing they might not realize what that actually means—which is why I have some examples made by students and myself below.

Another guideline that I can fully appreciate is that the bra should provide enough coverage for modesty and does not fall off. Years ago one of my teachers told us that the way to ensure there are no embarrassing accidents (and to give us a little more cleavage) is to wear a bra that creates a nice shape under our coin bra. I tell all my students to do this to ensure we don’t accidentally pop out of our coin bras. MEDGE used to ban a dancer for a year if she exposed herself during a family friendly show. As if the humiliation of popping out of a costume wasn’t embarrassing enough!

I was careful not to let this happen to me.

Here are some guidelines and suggestions for making a pretty and professional bra in an ATS or fusion style:

Full coverage

Supportive

Decorate enough that it no longer could pass for an undergarment

Reinforce with safety pins or sew the straps that fasten behind the neck so the clasps don’t pop open.

Use bra bases that are sturdy and fasten in the back (Don’t make the mistake I made and use a bra that opens in the front. That one pops open easily and has to be safety pinned!)

Wear a matching color bra or choli (half shirt underneath). This is for extra support and coverage. Some dancers like using a flesh color pasty but that is still more revealing than I am comfortable with.

Embellish with silver, tarnished silver, or dull brass (shiny gold will look like cabaret)

For ATS style, use shisha mirrors, cowrie shells, folk style embroidery, and tassels or tassel fringe. (No, I do not mean you should place them in the center like pasties.)

For ATS, add fabric. But look at countries that are represented in the style of dance moves for inspiration: Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Africa, India, Eastern Europe.

If the intention is to be cabaret, find embellishments that sparkle: glitter, rhinestones, sequins, sparkling beads, and shiny metal. Gold coins? Yes.

Below are four examples of bras that show a full range of styles. See if you can spot the differences between cabaret, ATS, fusion, and an ATS style that might be considered more Eastern European folkloric than Middle Eastern inspired.

ATS (what some people call tribal or American Tribal Style but what I am going to call American Transcultural Style)

Another ATS, American Tribal Style, or American Transcultural Style (I have worn this for fusion as well.)

Fusion

Fusion (This one could work for a range of styles and I have worn it as part of an ATS costume as well as steampunk belly dance performances.)

Cabaret ( have also worn this for Victorian/steampunk/Eastern European influenced costumes, so it is possible this is a little bit of cabaret fusion or Tribaret)

Cabaret (Sometimes I wear it with the belt above)

Cabaret (This was a bra I purchased that had only a couple rows of sequins and rhinestones that I sewed a lot of embellishments in the negative space.)

Tribaret/ Cabaret fusion

I created this to match a cabaret costume, but the folkloric embroidery that is probably from India gives it a little bit of an ATS look.

Eastern European Folkloric-Inspired

There are also many folkloric styles that I am not representing here. I am just posting examples I have owned and made. For an article that focuses more on examples for fusion and ATS, go to this article: Examples of ATS Belly Dance Coin Bras and Bustiers

Traditional World Music for Beginning Belly Dancers

on Mon, 12 Dec, 2022

Traditional World Music for Beginning Belly Dancers

Some of the music I play is so old, it isn't available on CD anymore. And when it is, it is a "vintage" CD from over twenty years ago, so it is more expensive.

In the past I have gotten music from the library system. I often looked for world music. Some of my favorite finds were Balkan and Eastern European music more than the selection of Middle Eastern music. Even though it is not considered culturally sensitive, many of the CD titles and bands will have the world "gypsy," whether it is Amazon or another music store.

Belong are songs, CDs, and artists you might recognize from class. Even if you don't shop on Amazon, you can get the information about the CDs so you can shop for them elsewhere.

Music I often Play in Class

Bellylicious

https://amzn.to/3MgG3BJ

Cheb i Sabbah

This is a DJ who remixes a lot of world music. I play his music often in class.

La Ghriba: La Kahena Remixed

https://amzn.to/3Enjrxu

La Kahena

https://amzn.to/3ElTgqW

Omar Faruk Tekbilek

If you want authentic Middle Eastern music by someone Middle Eastern, I would recommend this musician. I especially like his version of "Shaskin."

Longing

https://amzn.to/3RH1KMv

Fire Dance

My favorite song on this CD is "Song of the Pharaohs." That song is on another one of his CDs as well.

https://amzn.to/3Ek27JX

Gypsy Caravan (Now called Caravan Studios and Mizna)

I play music from the band that used to be called Gypsy Caravan. They belly dance studio they came out of with the same name had rebranded themselves as Caravan Studios. At one point, members of the band renamed themselves Mizna, but that was 20 years ago and it is quite possible the band has renamed themselves again by this point.

I would recommend any of their CDs. I probably have four of them. Caravan Rhythems is great for a simple song that really focuses on Middle Eastern rythms. This is great for dancers who need something simple to practice drumming or zilling (finger cymbals).

Migration

https://amzn.to/3EoJWmj

Quest

https://amzn.to/3yo3EdY

Caravan Rhythms

https://amzn.to/3eaGD7t

Awakening

https://amzn.to/3fLy1Vm

Moroccan Spirit

https://amzn.to/3MjSpcw

These two CDs fit int he Eastern European category.

Ruupert Dances In Fins

Toids

https://amzn.to/3RDTUDf

Hawk and Hack Saw

https://amzn.to/3Chshdu

I also play music from many other genres that are not typical belly dance music like Michael Jackson and soundtracks, but this list is more traditional than all of my alternative belly dance songs.

A List of ATS/Fusion Moves in Each Class from Belly Dance Eugene Studio

on Mon, 28 Nov, 2022

Every session is slightly different and our focus is different. We cannot get to every single move in a 6 week session. Some of these moves are not going to make sense if you haven't done them yet.

I bet I am missing some moves. Feel free to let me know which ones I have forgotten.

Syllabus

Beginning Level 1 Belly Dance

Improve fitness and core strength while working out to great world music and learning the basics of tribal and fusion belly dancing. Classes emphasizes posture and stretching to avoid injury, muscle isolation for improving strength, and repetition for a balanced workout.

Fast moves:

gwazi

shimmies

vibration

1-sided shimmies

1-sided vibration

shoulder shimmies

Suhaila technique

gwazi shimmy

¾ shimmy

¾ shoulder shimmy

¾ shimmy combo

¾ shimmy L arms

Medium tempo moves (8 counts)

Egyptian basic

Hip lift and chest lift (L-arm)

Hip lift traveling

Hip drop and chest drop (1 hand dropped down)

Medium Combos

Chest square combo (3/1 pattern)

¾ shimmy combo

Slow

skin the cat with stretch

clockwork arm with stretch

clockwork arm with wrist circle

kitty paws

snake arms

Arabic/undulation in place and walking forward (reverse undulation is called camel)

Belly roll (and reverse)

Maya (usually 4 sets)

Toxim/taqsim (4 sets)

Shoulder roll combo (usually 4 sets)

Chest Circle Combo

Beginning Level 2

Improve fitness and core strength while working out to great world music and expanding tribal and fusion belly dancing. Classes continue to emphasize posture and stretching to avoid injury, muscle isolation for improving strength, and repetition for a balanced workout. Students learn combinations of moves, transitions, formations, and musical theory. Prior belly dance experience required.

Medium/Fast moves:

Bicycle

¾ shimmy L arm and quarter turns

Gwazi 2/gwazi with a level change

Gwazi 2 with quarter turns

Slow

Arabic side to side (8 counts L, then R)

Camel

Kitty paws with level change

Faux back bend (3 wrist circles and faux backbend) on L, then right

Maya with wrist circles

Toxim with waves and palm trees

Toxim snake arms

1-sided toxim (and quarter turns)

1-sided maya (and quarter turns)

Maya with spider arms

Hand mirror move

Modified hand mirror with “Walk Like an Egyptian” hands

Intermediate Belly Dance

Fast

Up shimmy

Bicycle shimmy

Shimmies level change

Shimmies with chest lifts, drops and circles

Medium fast

Hip lift front and back (8 count each side)

Double lip lifts front and back (4 sets)

Double Egyptian

Hip drop combo

Tea cup

Hip lift combo

African chest circle combo

Egyptian half turns

Slow

Arabic quarter turn

Arabic side to side (R,L,R,R/L,R,L,L)

Arabic twist

Undulation and body wave (3,1 pattern) L then R

Sidewinder (infinity symbol toxim with pushing snake arm)

Double maya smooth

Double maya percussive

X turn

Circle turn (facing forward and inward)

Undulation with level change combo (up, level, dip, scoop up) Right/Left

Tunisian

Advanced Belly Dance

Fast

Shimmies with hip circles and undulations

Turkish shimmy

Turkish shimmy turn

More layering shimmies

Gwazi quarter turn and half turn

Gwazi 3 (gwazi with lift level change and double hip drop)

Kicking the wine glasses (R,L,R, L kick; L,R,L, R kick)

Stretch up left, out right, toxim

Arabic side to side with 1-sided snake arm

Arabic with level change and snake arms

Horizontal toxim combo/Toxim forward and back combo (R,L,R,L—L,R,LR)

Dangerous Arabic (often with swords)

Flamenco Arabic turn (opposite hand from usual)

Arabic with flick wrist and turn (often with viel)

Clockwise hand dragging turn (often with fans)

Barrel turn

Formations

Duet, triplet, diamond, pentagon, group circle, shiva line, elephant chorus, zigzag, diagonal

Advanced Props

Basket dance

Fans

Veil

Swords

Zills

How does ATS and fusion belly dance troupes look the same all while looking different

on Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

In the 26 years I have been dancing, I have studied many styles and performed with troupes in different styles. When you are performing with a troupe, your costume is like a uniform. It shows you are professional and are dancing a certain style with others in the group. But each style has subdivisions within that style. I will go over three basics here: cabaret, ATS (American transcultural style--what used to be called tribal), and fusion.

I have been told that gold is the standard first color a cabaret dancer should own, followed by silver. Typically when a cabaret troupe performs, everyone is wearing matching, glittery costumes. Often these are bright, covered in rhinestones and sequins, and it is the nightclub style. There are exceptions to this, and some dancers performing a more folkloric version of Raks Sharqi will be wearing a long tunic from neck to ankle with a coin belt over it.

The most extravagent costumes might be $300-1000. If a troupe is wearing a costume that don't include a beaded belt and bra, it might be less expensive. I have purchased used costumes that I have embellished and adjusted for under a hundred dollars. But that is an option for me because I sew.

Purchasing everything new for a troupe is expensive. One of my former students told me her high school dance troupe had a different costume for every show, and it was quite expensive!

I don't want students to be driven away by not being able to afford a costume. In ATS and fusion, we collect pieces slowly and make many costume pieces. Or shop sales.

Fusion dancers often wear a lot of metal jewelry. It might be tarnished brass or silver. There might be flowers, decorative headbands, or metal jewelry in the hair. ATS style often has our hair gardens, bright scarves in the hair, or a turban. Although many of the all-metal coinbelts or coin bras that are seen in ATS might be used interchangebly with fusion, not all elements are interchangeble. ATS favors cowrie shells, shisha mirrors, and elements from Africa, India, the Middle East, and sometimes Eastern European countries, fusion sometimes has a more modern look. The fusion color palette tends to be limited. I see some troupes focus on earth tones, or only cream or only black.

Cholis (half shirts) that might be worn with or without a coin bra are more commonly seen in ATS. Some of these cholis have sort sleeves, while others are longer and flare out. I have seen some with a peasant style top and a Turkish vest over it. When a troupe decides that everyone is going to wear cholis, headscarves and a fringe belt, they also limit the color palette and suggest everyone stick to colors X and Y.

Some fusion dancers don't wear skirts, they stick to pants. Or they wear short skirts. But in order to look cohesive, dancers have to communicate in a troupe so they look like they are the same style.

Fusion and ATS often use black as a standard base color for their bras or cholis because it is easy to match, it is a simple way to create unity, AND the audience will not see sweat soaking the fabric and armpit stains on black as easily as they could on a light or bright color. Of course, there are many troupes that choose bright cholis or skirts under their black fabric based coin bra and a metal belt that doesn't have any fabric attached. But these are things that take time and money to collect.

Just like gold is the gold standard of cabaret for soloists and troupes starting out, black is fairly traditional in ATS and fusion because we can match it with other costumes and colors easily. ATS usually starts with a teired 25 yard skirt. Most troupes wear coin bras or cholis, so they aren't wearing tank tops--except when a troupe might be starting out and need to built toward the comfort level of wearing a coin bra or choli. But those coin bras are expensive or time consuming to make. Not everyone has them or feels comfortable wearing them yet. The easiest, simplest, and least expensive option is to wear a tank top in the beginning.

In the beginning, Fusion Fascination wore black tank tops because it is professional, inexpensive, and we looked cohesive. We all wore black skirts and a matching color of coin belt, though everyone's belt was different. We all had our hair gardens and headbands but they were all different. ATS and fusion really is about self expression while still looking like we are part of the community of dancers we are dancing with.

Examples of ATS and Fusion Belly Dance Coin Bras and Bustiers

on Thu, 27 Oct, 2022

I love costuming. It is one of my favorite parts of belly dance. But for someone just getting started making their first coin bra, they might have no idea where to start. I wanted to create this post to show examples that I have made and my students have made to help inspire ideas, show a range from simple to complex, and give examples that look professional. I am specifically showing off pieces that look fusion and ATS (which I will call American transcontinental style) because ATS and fusion are the styles I am teaching in my classes. If you want to see a full range of styles that include cabaret, that is a separate post with suggestions of what to include in the creation of a coin bra or bustier.

Although I might be calling these pieces “coin” bras in this post, not all of them have coins. They might use metal in other ways. And even though I like websites like the Red Camel website (see the posts on sources to purchase items for belly dance) where belly dancers can find pieces to embellish their ATS costumes, some of my bras use upcycled projects like broken necklaces and thrift store items. You don’t have to break the bank purchasing pieces to add—but you can if you want to.

As you peruse these artistic masterpieces, look for the embellishments that give these a fusion or ATS style: silver, dull or tarnished metal, chains, coins, metal bobbles, tassels, embroidered folk fabric, shisha mirrors, sea shells, folkloric beadwork, or other things I might have forgotten.

CJ Ravenwood

This first piece above by CJ Ravenwood shows two of their bras. The top is complex and uses more materials and creative skills. It could work for a range of styles.

A belly dance bra does not have to break your budget. The bottom one is tasteful, simple, and could be made with old jewelry someone doesn’t wear anymore or pieces from a thrift store. What really makes this piece stand out as a fusion bra is the contrast between the metal and the black fabric and the arrangement of the chains used to create an attractive pattern.

One detail that might not be visible from this photo are how much silver is on these pieces to give it the ATS/fusion look. Keep in mind, the yellow background is reflecting on the coins, so the colors are not 100% accurate.

Phoenix Bright

I love how this piece by Phoenix Bright captures her love of bright colors and still shows off an ATS, tribal, or trans-continental style. As one is putting a coin bra together, think about the fabric being selected and how it will be arranged on the bra as well as the placement of the other pieces.

Rayha

This piece captures fusion and the traditional ATS look so well, and is made so well, I thought this bra had been made by a professional. One of the details I want to point out about this is how the color of the metal ranges from tarnished silver to an antique brass. The tarnished metal color gives the bra the look of ATS and fusion.

Alysse

I saw some of the jewelry and belt before Alysse transformed it into her bra. This is another one of those pieces that I would have thought had been purchased on Etsy because of the quality of the metal items and arrangement. Alysse said she made it from a belt from India, new trim, old trim, and earings.

Sara

This shows off two color schemes, a black base and a white base. Both are versitale for different styles and ocassions.

Shelly

Examine this bra above. Notice the tassels, placement and colors. This is going to look familiar in a minute when you scroll down and see one of Michele's bras and mine.

Michele

I am going to put her name at the top instead of the bottom because she has so many! She probably has more creations than I do. I told her to pick her favorites. As you will see below, she has more than one favorite--and so do I. It is so fun seeing her creativity. Michele purchased many pieces of trim from Mindy's in the 5th Street Market in Eugene (assuming they still exist) and pieces of metal from the Red Camel.

The styles really do range from tribal, to fusion, to a tribaret style in between ATS and fusion.

Pay attention to the fabric of this one below. These tassels are going to be familiar when you get to my section of bras!

I remember this purple one from performances back in the day.

I remember this red, black, and white bra from multiple steampunk performances and No Shame shows.

I often think of gold as a cabaret style, but this is more of a dull gold and bras and so it still has that ATS look.

I love how this piece shimmers like an oilslick. It really bridges ATS with the shisha mirrors and cabaret with those iridescent beads. I drool over this one. Black oil slick is my color scheme.

I remember when Michele showed me that silver paisley fabric when she upcycled it from something from the thrift store. Notice those pink and blue accents in the colors shimmering on the strap and the pink and blue trim. I swear, Michele is so good at matching colors that she could be a quilter.

Here are a few of mine:

ATS/fusion coin bra

This is my actual coin bra that has coins on it. I didn’t make it. I purchased it 20 years ago. I probably paid $50 for it used. It is heavy and I don’t like how it tied behind my neck and made my neck pain and cervical arthritis worse, so I made modifications for how it ties. In general, I recommend sewing bras that tie or fasten behind the neck so they don’t pop open later. Also, this is one of those nonsupportive bras that are so heavy they squash everything. It looks so much better over a choli (half shirt) or another bra, which also makes it easy to stay in place. Even if I didn’t need to wear a bra under this, I would so that I never have to worry about popping out of it, but I know a lot of women who do not.

Tassel bra

Are these tassels familiar? Years ago, I got together with some dancers in Fusion Fascination and we all made coin belts and bras made from the same fabric. My belt is still unfinished but the bra has been made and has gotten several uses out of it. Even with the cowrie shells, shisha mirrors, tassels, and metal embellishments, this is lighter than the coin bra that is all coins. Even though I call this a coin bra, it really has no coins on it. But all the elements on it really fit that ATS look.

I believe the tassel fringe came from curtains. You might recognize some similar fabric in the bra Michele made above if you scroll back up. The bras are different but have similarities that make them feel like they belong in a duet together. Or a triplet if our other friend finishes hers.

Fusion bra

When I moved to Japan, I didn’t want to bring my belly dance coin bra. The bra was too heavy for my suitcase, which was already full and heavy. I didn’t want to lose it to TSA theft. As much as it broke my heart, I left it in storage at home. That meant I needed to make a bra while I was in Japan so that I could wear something for performances. I purchased an inexpensive bra and covered it with belts from the 100 Yen shop, the equivalent of the dollar store. It was a lot of hand sewing through leather and I bled a lot.

I had brought a couple years of coins with me from Joann Fabric and sewed them on to the piece to embellish it. Since that time I have seen much thinner imitation leather with rivets in the ribbon at Joann Fabric. It is much easier to sew than real leather and I would recommend it even if it is going to be five times more expensive.

I got a lot of use out of this coin bra and the matching belt before I became too busty for it. I hope I will some day fit in it again.

Close up of detail

Eastern European-Inspired Bra

This was the very first bra I made for one of my first performances. The embroidered trim with the beads attached came from a thrift store dress given to me by my mother who knew I was collecting pieces to make a costume.

The trim was a great find. I removed that trim from the dress with a seam ripper and sewed it onto a black bra, and though I wore it for my performance, it just looked too plain and bare. Eventually I added a couple lines of pearls to break up the negative space in the black center and liked it a lot more.

The pearls in this piece and the bright colors give this bra a different look from the rest I have shown. I wouldn’t call it cabaret. I would just say it is a different kind of fusion, more of an Eastern European-inspired look than the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Northern African style one would see in ATS. For that reason, I am much more likely to wear this bra when I am performing a solo than dancing with a troupe.

I have a lot more finished and unfinished costumes. A lot. But those are some of the highlights. And half the bras and belts I own are cabaret and have a very different look. They really belong in a separate post! You can view some of those pieces here:

Where to find a coin belt

on Sun, 23 Oct, 2022

Bellydancers like coin belts because they make us feel like bellydancers when we are first learning. They are percussive and you can hear the coins jingle as we shimmy. The audio and tactile feedback of feeling the coins move help us know when we are moving correctly. It can also tell us we are moving our hips when we shouldn't be. It is a great learning tool.

Bellydancers often ask where to purchase a coin belt locally. There used to be many local shops before Covid but they closed down. There used to be events where venders sold belts, but alas, events have been few and far between.

I have taken some time to compile belts on Amazon based on the belts I see students wear in class or my own. If you don't like shopping on the evil corporation of Amazon, you can try Etsy or Ebay. Be aware, sellers come and go and prices change, but hopefully these links will last a while.

Burgandy coin belt (like mine) $16
Large-X L
https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-trade-Womens-National-Tassel-Scarfs/dp/B00SWOT3HW

Burgandy coin belt (like Sara's) $28
https://www.amazon.com/Women-Tribal-Belly-Rectangle-Ruffled/dp/B08VNCL34Y

Burgandy $15 is the least expensive style-$24
(least expensive, but also closer to cabaret style due to sequins)
https://www.amazon.com/Belly-Dancing-Hip-Scarf-Tribal/dp/B07QDMXD2R

Inexpensive coin belt (many colors)
https://www.amazon.com/Belly-Dance-Dancing-Costume-Silver/dp/B008F0DSEM

Bright coin belts with glittering plastic ($13)
(many colors)
https://www.amazon.com/Belly-Performance-Sequins-Dancer-Costumes/dp/B08BJ6JHNK

Glittering fishnet fringe coin belts $16
(many colors)
https://www.amazon.com/Lauthen-S-Tassels-Triangle-Festival-Clothing/dp/B08NTCM8ML

ATS/fusion Coin bra and belt set ($56 for belt and bra--multiple sizes--best price)
https://www.amazon.com/ZLTdream-Womens-Tribal-Costume-Copper/dp/B09VKJYL61

If you can't find a burgundy belt that fits, buy a metal belt like the one below and wear it over a piece of burgundy fabric cut into a triangle to make a hip scarf. (or whatever color we decide on)
https://www.amazon.com/Oxidized-Festival-Halloween-Accessory-Medallion/dp/B0722GQDYF

ATS coin belt (no fabric) $20
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Accessory-Bohemian-Festival-Decorative/dp/B07463TCP4

ATS coin belt (no fabric)
https://www.amazon.com/IndiaStop-Festival-Novelty-Handmade-Medallions/dp/B0722GQ237

Burgundy hip scarf (only fabric, no coins)
https://amzn.to/3R8L1l7

Or you can make your own! Get started with fringe, tassels

Burgundy 8 inch tassel fringe for curtains--or making a belly dance belt
https://amzn.to/3SaNrQU

Premade tassel fringe for making your own belt (or look up fringe tassel -insert color you are looking for)
https://amzn.to/3RXWeGc

Coins on a string (I like Joann Fabric, but this is just an example)

https://amzn.to/3f28jvt

Makeup for Bellydancers

on Fri, 07 Oct, 2022

Belly dance make up varies depending on whether dancers want a Middle Eastern, Indian, Eastern European, cabaret, fusion, or an ATS look. Some fusion styles are very experimental with blue streaks on the face that look like Celtic warriors or color themes that are alien. I see many fusion troupes wear lip gloss and no lipstick while I was taught in ATS that red lipstick is a must.

One thing is certain, this is STAGE makeup. It doesn't need to be realistic. The point of stage makeup is to be seen under bright lights. No matter how much makeup a dancer puts on in the beginning, it probably won't be enough. You'll find out when you see photos of yourself later.

Cat eyes are very common in belly dance make up. I was told recently by a group of folk dancers that even the boys use eyeliner to make cat eyes because it defines their eyes from far away and the little tail makes it look like they are smiling. So it isn't just belly dancers!

Enjoy these photos to inspire your makeup below:

This look could work for ATS or cabaret:

Zoe Jakes is a fusion dancers.

ATS style

Rachel Brice, fusion dancer

Various ethnicities do their makeup differently, so there will be a variety of looks among dancers of different styles.

I hope this gives you some ideas!

Hair Gardens and head Pieces for Fusion and ATS Belly Dance

on Sun, 02 Oct, 2022

A "hair garden" is the term some belly dancers call all the flowers and pretty accessories in their hair. ATS (American transcultural style--formerly called American Tribal Style) and fusion styles of belly dance often adorn our hair with flowers, headbands, feathers, and other accessories. One quick and easy way to accessorize to give a fusion/ATS look is to start with a pretty headband/headpiece/headress and clip flowers to the sides.

Enjoy some inspiration below for ideas on how to create your own.

Here is a fusion style.

ATS style

ATS style but I think her overall look might be fusion or ATS

ATS style but this headband could work for fusion as well

ATS or fusion style--look at those found objects she added to give it her own personal flair!

Fusion style

Rachel Brice is a fusion dancer--look at all the flowers in her hair

ATS style headbands--you could easily make some of your own out of a fun scrap of fabric or headband. I think this is a seller from Etsy. I wish I had saved the address for belly dancers.

Here is an image from Pinterest. If you need ideas on how to make a headdress, you will get lots of ideas form Pinterest.

Some of my favorite places to find pieces to add to my headband and costume are:

The Red Camel

http://www.redcamel.net/20-under-c84/

You can also buy coins, fringe, and decorative elements at Joanne Fabric, Michaels, or second hand stores.

Halloween inspiration costumes

on Mon, 19 Sep, 2022

Fusion Fascination will be performing at a show in October. We will be dancing to a Halloween-inspired set. I have attached my princess crown that I have been working on. It cost less than $5 to create with parts from Dollar Tree. Below is a list of items we will need for this show as well as optional items. If you find any fun Halloween items you want to share with the group, you are welcome to do so.

The most important thing I should mention is NO BLOOD. Back in the days of Medge shows, we were told we could not show blood or gore due to Cozmic Pizza policies. Now that it is under new management and rebranded as Whirled Pies, it is probably going to be the same rule. We can be funny-scary or creepy scary, but not gross scary.

Cheese cloth (white or orange--I found white at the Dollar Tree)

Mask (You will get this from me next week. It is $2.)

Black lace to cover the eyes and drape to hide the mask. (Your choice what you want this to look like, spider webs or just a yard of black lace you have in your fabric box)

Optional: Distressed zombie fabric

If you don't find these items locally, or just want to see examples, compare prices, etc, click on the links below:

White cheese cloth--4 pack $13
https://amzn.to/3DwtWyh

Multicolor pack of 4, includes orange and white and other colors
https://amzn.to/3Uio3dZ

Just orange $6

https://amzn.to/3DCvCWV

Multi pack-5 pieces, black and white least expensive (or just white, but more expensive) $12-14
https://amzn.to/3RWuXUH

***Optional items

Distressed Zombie fabric

https://www.joann.com/fabric/apparel-fabric/costume-fabric/?lazyLoad=true&start=0&sz=30

Same fabric, different store

https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/multi-tone-shredded-fabric/224599.uts?Extid=sf_froogle&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=freelisting&utm_inex=e

Bridget found these spider necklaces that I think she will be wearing:

Big spider necklace

https://amzn.to/3dskph3

Victorian style choker with spider

https://amzn.to/3doz3Gd

I am certain you will be finding all sorts of fun things this time of year--or you might have fun items leftover from Hallowen costumes in the past. As long as there is no blood and gore, bring it and we can see if it works! I don't want to be the only one to wear my spooky crown!

Costume Must-Have List for Fusion Fascination

on Sun, 18 Sep, 2022

So far, I have tried to keep Fusion Fascinations costumes simple, uniform, and professional. In order to do this, we need to use color to create unity and wear some of the same items, whether it is the same style or variations so that we look cohesive. The moves I teach are primarily ATS with some fusion mixed in. (In case you are wondering, ATS is what many call American Tribal Style, which I am calling American Transcultural Style). Cabaret style favors gold and gold coins. ATS and fusion favors silver or tarnished metal. But it is fine if this is your first show and you are collecting items. Some people only have gold.

Below is a list of items we typically have used for our costumes for belly dance that we will be reusing:

*tiered black skirt
*Black rhinestone mesh mask
*flowers attached to headdress or headband for ATS look (This needs a blog post/tutorial in itself!)
*something to wear underneath the skirts, whether leggings, harem pants, etc.
*coin belt (burgundy/maroon, most of us have fringe and coins on this belt)
*coin bra/ATS style bra (it needs to be worn over a black bra)

*Black lace choli with long sleeves or black lace shrug

For the March Fairy Festival, wear green accents and layer, lots of flowers, glitter

***For all items specific for the Halloween show, please visit this post:

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/halloween-inspiration-costumes

Links to the items below if you need ideas or a place to purchase (feel free to provide me with links if you have a better deal you want me to post!):

Long sleeve lace bolero like Sara--$25
https://amzn.to/3srzgfD

Lace bolero like Bridget's--$26
https://amzn.to/3f3UbSI

Lace bolero long sleeve--$24
https://amzn.to/3gLzqfj

Lace top stretchy choli for under coin bra--$13
https://amzn.to/3fdLwgu

Old items we are using

Mesh mask from Amazon $6
https://amzn.to/3Ln9iCu

Black skirt Tiered 25 yards--really full skirt $47

https://amzn.to/3xz1Ka8

Black 5-teired skirt $30
https://amzn.to/3BQaew9

Burgandy coin belt (like mine) $16--Best price I could find!

Large-X L

https://amzn.to/3Bswr1I

Burgandy coin belt (like Sara's) $28

https://amzn.to/3Uka0Ve

Burgandy $15 is the least expensive style-$24
(least expensive, but also closer to cabaret style due to sequins)

https://amzn.to/3UnLjr5

Inexpensive coin belt (many colors) $12

https://amzn.to/3xB4UKC

If you can't find a burgundy belt that fits, buy a metal belt like the one below and wear it over a piece of burgundy fabric cut into a triangle to make a hip scarf or any color fabric.

ATS coin belt $36

https://amzn.to/3Ltn4nd

ATS coin belt (no fabric) $20

https://amzn.to/3f3DiHi

ATS coin belt (no fabric) $26

https://amzn.to/3RWuoKz

Burgundy hip scarf $13
https://amzn.to/3R8L1l7

ATS/fusion Coin bra and belt set ($56 for belt and bra--multiple sizes--best price)

https://amzn.to/3RWXZ6o

If you want to make your own burgundy fringe belt or bra

Burgundy 8 inch tassel fringe for curtains--or making a belly dance belt $22

https://amzn.to/3SaNrQU

Premade tassel fringe for making your own belt (or look up fringe tassel -insert color you are looking for) $14

https://amzn.to/3RXWeGc

***For all items specific for the Halloween show, please visit this post:

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/halloween-inspiration-costumes

Gauntlets like what we used in old shows

Solid Black fingerless sleeves $9
(or you can cut them from nylons from Dollar Tree like I did!)
https://amzn.to/3qMdlyD

Sheer black arm sleeves $9
https://amzn.to/3f0TQzI

But who wants plain black when you can have black lace for almost the same price? $12
https://amzn.to/3eXGQej

Belly Dance Shiva Lines, Fun Formations, and Beautiful Fusion Videos

on Mon, 04 Jul, 2022

How You Can Improve Your Health, Connectedness, and Spiritual Wellness

on Mon, 03 Dec, 2018

Self care, which is a way of ensuring one’s overall mental and physical health, has gotten an increasing amount of coverage in the media over the past few years. However, what basic self-care and self-help guides frequently forget to indicate is how our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are tightly linked and dependent on one another. This is why people who only pursue a diet without adjusting their exercise habits or exercise while subsisting solely on packaged foods often remain unfulfilled at heart.

The good thing is that some small adjustments in each part of your life can have great effects, particularly when you are focused on bringing your entire body in sync with itself. With that in mind, here are some ways you can improve your overall spiritual wellness by making adjustments to your physical and mental health habits.

Reduce Stress in All Areas

Stress, in particular, can heavily impact your well-being and even your daily routines. If you are feeling weighed down by stress at work or in your family, it is likely that you do not feel energetic enough to work out or cook a healthy meal. You may feel like just going straight to sleep, even if you are too stressed to fall asleep. This is why it is important to work on reducing your stress.

One of the best ways to do that is by going a step further and eliminating several unexpected sources of stress. A messy bedroom or a cluttered home is a major indicator of overall stress. Your home should be a sanctuary where you can rest from the trials of the day. If it is messy, your mind will remain active and your stress levels will remain high. You can make your home less cluttered by taking a day or two to put up all of your belongings in the places where they belong. Get a basket for your shoes, a rack for your keys and hats, and go through all of your unsorted mail. Then, make your home feel like a spa by lighting candles, diffusing essential oils, and replacing bright or blue-tinted bulbs with soft, warm light.

Know How Your Body Is Connected

In order for you to properly take care of yourself, you need to know how everything is connected. Physical exercise, for instance, is heavily tied to mental health. Working out helps minimize the amount of cortisol in your body, which is a stress hormone linked to high blood pressure and overall tension. It also releases endorphins and other chemicals that help soothe your emotions and provide a sense of well-being. In this way, by working out regularly, you can help yourself feel better on another level.

The opposite is also true, however. Living a sedentary lifestyle causes stress hormones to stack up without any real form of release, compounding their effects. Whether you work at a job that requires heavy lifting or one that requires you to sit at a desk all day, not taking the time to exercise your whole body can cause pressure points, stiff joints, and achy muscles to develop, which negatively affect your mood and general well-being.

The good thing is that your body doesn’t require hours of exercise each day. Studies indicate that even just half an hour of uptempo working out (in other words, enough cardio to get your heart rate up for a particular amount of time) can have extremely positive effects that last for several days. Doing this every day increases the health of your heart while improving things as widely varied as your ability to think critically, digest food while absorbing the most nutrients, and feel more content with your current life as a whole.

Taking care of yourself requires attention on all fronts, not just exercise or food. By focusing on how each action affects another part of your body and reducing stress all around, you can start to be much more healthy and content with your life.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Article by Sheila Olson

Developing Belly Dance Muscles Helps Prevent Female Incontinence

on Tue, 26 Jun, 2018

Thirty percent of middle-aged women in the U.S. are considered incontinent. In Canada, Korea and Taiwan, the number of women with incontinence ranges from 50%-55%.

Back in 2016, a study was published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science Journal showing the results of a study done one women with incontinence. Due to age, decrease in strength in urethral muscles from pregnancy and delivery, many women are affected by incontinence. According to the study, the traditional ways to treat incontinence can be surgery, medication and behavior therapy. Some of the muscle training and strengthening involving dumbbells or weight machines hinder older women with decreased physical ability and mobility. Also, these methods of physical therapy often are not interesting enough to keep continued participation.

Then something interesting happened. They studied the effects of belly dance on pelvic and urinary tract muscles and found it mitigated and prevented urinary incontinence. How is this possible?

You are welcome to read the abstract below, but the nitty gritty is this: belly dance targets the belly, hips, pelvis and muscles in the core. When these muscles have been weakened from lack of exercise, injured, a woman has carried and/or delivered a baby, these muscles can be weakened and damaged. Throw age in and there another can of worms. Belly dancing is strengthening those muscles. For years I have been reading and hearing stories how belly dance comes from folkloric dance meant as tribal Lamaze to help women through delivery. This is just one more confirmation that belly dance is more than glittery costumes and night club dancing or a method of exercise. It is also a health benefit for women.

In conclusion, the logical thing to do would be to take a dance class or get a video to practice on your own!

For class information, go here:

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/classes

Dance of the Snowflakes

on Sat, 10 Feb, 2018

I came across this SNL video that explains exactly how one feels when getting up on a stage and wondering if maybe it was all a big mistake. I figured anyone who has gotten up on a stage and performed would get a kick out of this because they would be able to relate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv7YB4Bs1mU

Updates can be found at: www.bellydanceeugene.com

Four Fun Music Videos with Dance

on Sun, 10 Sep, 2017

What does Bollywood, ballet, breakdance and acroyoga have in common? In this case it is some pretty awesome music videos that incorporate incredible dancing. As a belly dancer, I love belly dance. But I also enjoy all forms of dance done artistically and skillfully. I want to see incredible dancing with beautiful choreography. I want to be wowed by color and costuming so that I feel like I am looking at a moving painting. All these videos touch these aspects that bring me to say wow. I wanted to share my awe with you in these recent fun finds.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Woodkid—I will Fall for You

At first I was distracted by the nude suits because it kept making me think the dancers were naked. After my dirty mind got over that I was able to see the skill and strength of the dancers. Although the ballet like moves were beautiful, it was really when the two dancers were performing acroyoga that combined the beauty of dance with acrobatics that it really became interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NZ4n-s-6xI

Cider Cider by Tempura Kids

Right away I recognized some of these dance moves from my popping, locking and animation breakdance classes that I used to take in Sapporo Japan. The costumes in this are fun and flamboyant. The choreography is interesting and perky, though I realize for some the music itself might be a little too intensely Japanese pop. I found the dance interesting because it was telling a story. The story actually makes sense when you watch with the video with subtitles in English. You can enable the subtitles with translation by clicking on the icon in the lower right hand corner of the Youtube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oFI7khOhtg&feature=youtu.be

Malhari Full Video Song | Bajirao Mastani

The costuming and the scale of the choreography in this music video from a Bollywood movie is incredible. As far as a Middle Eastern dance perspective on this, the head shimmies and shoulder shimmies are pretty impressive. I actually like the song and would be willing to dance to this. Ranveer Singh is an incredible dancer and singer—and he can act? That’s a triple threat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_MyUGq7pgs

Tattad Tattad (Ramji Ki Chal) - Full Song - Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela

I had to show another Ranveer Singh video to demonstrate how versatile the actor is. It is interesting to see what a man’s man the actor/dancer is in the previous video. If you want to see him as the lady’s man, you should check out the next video. It is incredible to see how different the actor looks. The colors in this second video are incredible and his shoulder shimmies are just as impressive as in the first video. The thing that totally throws me off, though, is handsome he is with the scruffy look in the second video and how good he also looked in the previous video, even though he is almost unrecognizable as the same man. If you do a Google image search he is inhumanly handsome in any hair style, any level of facial hair and any costume.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIooFGRBZJY

If you enjoyed these music videos, check out more here:

Five Videos Dancers Can Appreciate

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/five-videos-dancers-can-appreciate

Three Fun Dance Videos

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/three-fun-dance-videos

Five Videos Dancers Can Appreciate

on Wed, 17 May, 2017

As a fusion belly dancer, I love to combine multicultural dance moves into my dances when appropriate to fit the music. Below are a few fun videos any dancer can appreciate for the skill, choreography and stage presence. Some of these videos incorporate techniques similar to what belly dancers use. Some are so different, it is the contrast from what I do that makes me appreciate it.

Russian Folk Dance "Berezka" "Березка". Ruso Danza Populare "Beriozka" .Russische Volk Tanz

This video features ballerinas dancing with long skirts. I often tell students that when you wear a long skirt and use your hands to misdirect, we are like magicians hiding our sleight of hand. In this video, the ballerinas use the equivalent of choo choo feet to scoot across the floor seamlessly. It looks like magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQkmqK5U5Uo

Ballerina Wears Knife Shoes to Perform En Pointe En a Piano

While we are looking at videos of ballet dancers we might as well examine this dangerous dance in which a ballet dancer dances on point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nB7CQRni50

Duck Walk! • TVO Advanced Team practice • Tahitian Dance

I saw this video on Facebook months ago. As a bellydancer, it is pretty inspiring to see dancers shimmying this fast. Not only that, but they are doing it crouched. I never knew what duckwalking was until I saw this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJXEnmsSlo

Diana Vishneva: Beauty in motion - F.L.O.W part III

This is a strange and beautiful prop, part hula dance and part, I don’t know what it is! She reminds me of a jelly fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h2fdZ6XpR8

Thiên Thủ Quan Âm (Thousand Hand Guan Yin)

In belly dance we have what is called the shiva line, which uses this technique of layering arms that move at different counts in the music. The colors and choreography of this are really stunning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vs-H7xLnrs

If you enjoyed these videos, you might enjoy other videos on this blog. Or check out this the listing for classes:

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/classes

Three Fun Dance Videos

on Thu, 13 Apr, 2017

I enjoy humor and dance and so it would be natural I would enjoy a combination of the two. Every once in a while, a funny dance video pops up in someone’s Facebook feed and I save it for later. I got a kick out of these. I hope you also will get a kick out of these videos as much as I did.

Most Creative Dance Performance

This blends my love of dance and comedy. The theatrical nature gives it a vaudeville feel and the element of risqué makes it feel like it should be at a burlesque show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsnnb3pT7LE

Wapurgis Witch Dance

The women in this video are using actual belly dance moves you might recognize from belly dance class and performances. There are even a few moves in there that resemble twerking. It order to celebrate a German holiday, the women are dancing as witches. It is a lot of fun to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjUV-byB8ls

Vienna State Opera, Funny Ballet

This is ballet but funny and theatrical in a vaudeville like way but like the first video in this post. Aside from the humor, it is also beautiful to watch the formations and choreography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M5ghF14DLo

Ten Tribal and Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Bras and Belts for Performances

on Sun, 26 Mar, 2017

People sometimes ask me what the difference is between Tribal and Tribal Fusion. There are different dance moves, styling and music that might differentiate the two divisions of belly dance. The easiest and quickest difference to spot is visually in the costumes. Tribal will have more tassels, cowrie shells, little mirrors, ethnic jewelry and ethnic fabric patterns. Tribal fusion will probably have more grommets, studs, spikes, and chains. Both will probably have coins and metal and there is some overlap in the materials used. One of the things that I really like about tribal and tribal fusion costumes is the upcycled materials and the relative thriftiness of cost in making a tribal fusion costume as opposed to a cabaret costume.

Over the years I have made many belly dance costumes. In this post I am featuring the bras and belts I have made for tribal and tribal fusion performances. Some of these I wore in Portland when I was a student at Gypsy Caravan Studio and Euphoria Studio, some when I lived in Hokkaido, Japan and some I still wear in Eugene when I have performed at Medge (the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene), Fusion Friendly Events, No Shame Eugene or other belly dance performances.

Tribaret costume

1. First Bra—Eastern European/Roma

My mother knew I was experimenting with belly dance fashion and sewing costumes. She found a dress at the thrift store with pretty trim and bought it for me. I removed all the trim and sewed it onto a black bra. It looked unfinished for a long time. Then I added the pearls and it looked done. I like to wear this bra with the pearl belt I made to match.

tribaret costume

2. Belt to Match the Eastern European/Roma Bra

I made this to match the bra with the same trim. What I didn’t realize was that the metallic thread in the trim would be so itchy. When I wear the bra these days, I know only wear the pearl belt that goes with it. However, I hope to someday sew this trim onto something else so I can wear it as a belt. I also made matching accessories like a Roma princess crown and an arm band.

3. Tribal Fusion Bra

While I was living in Japan I needed a belly dance costume for a performance. Everything was twice as expensive in Japan, though sometimes it was closer to ten times as expensive. I didn’t want my mother to send me my heavy coin belt and bra by mail because that also would be very expensive. For that reason, I decided to make my own tribal fusion bra. I bought an inexpensive bra at the Hyakuen Shop (in Japanese that translates to 100 Yen Shop so it equivalent to the dollar store here), and I bought some belts with grommets also at the Hyakuen Shop. Because I was sewing leather, I needed a thick, stiff needle. I was pretty lucky I was able to find a bra in Japan that fit because most foreigners can’t find clothes that fit in Japan. Because I am only 5 foot, that probably made it a little easier for me. I have gotten a lot of use out of this bra, though it is small for me now and the leather that I sewed across the back of the bra doesn’t have a lot of give so it doesn’t stretch well.

tribal fusion costume

4. Tribal Fusion Belt

To make this piece I added dog chains that I tied in strategic places to a punk belt I bought at the equivalent of the dollar store while I lived in Japan.

fairy and flower belly dance bra

5. Fairy Bra and belt

I had imagined I would someday dance as a fairy at Faerieworlds or some other event. I know I did dance at a fairy event but I don’t think I finished this bra until afterward. I started by sewing a green and silver scarf onto a bra. I had been collecting small flower centers that were left over from my hair fascinators that I made and sold. I sewed this on, using beads for the centers and in some places sewing on bracelets that had that were falling apart.

green fairy skirt

6. Fairy skirt and belt

The under skirt had overlapping petals. I based the design on a skirt I had seen and liked years before. The overskirt belt is a wraparound skirt made out of other leftover scarves I had bought at The Dollar Scholar in Portland.

7. Steampunk bra

This is one of my favorite bras. I did buy some things from the fabric store specifically for this, however, most of the pieces were from my jewelry box that I didn’t wear anymore. There is a butterfly from a pretty hair clip, a piece from a metal bookmark, an old watch, necklaces and bracelets people gave me, an old belt I liked but didn’t fit and lace scraps that were probably my grandma’s.

steampunk belt

8. Matching Steampunk Belt

I started off with a Hyakuen Shop belt and used elastic cord to tie a metal chain belt to the leather belt. I then tied metal disks that I decorated with gears, clocks, old keys, rhinestones, pennies and anything else metal I could find.

vintage inspired Star Trek belly dance bra

9. Orion Slave Dancer Bra

I made this with fabric that my friend, Nina Kiriki Hoffman gave me. I think she said she intended to make this into a belly dance costume in the sixties or seventies when she used to dance. Because the costume is for a performance as the Orion Slave Dancer for Trek Theatre’s Eugene productions and she is from the original series, it seemed perfect to use vintage fabric. I made some mistakes in the making of this bra which I talk about here:

Orion Slave Dancer at Trek Theatre

10. Orion Slave Dancer Matching Skirt

I purchased the necklace and belt for this costume, however, I made the skirts that go underneath. The first layer is a green slip and the second layer is a ruffled skirt.

For examples of merchandise I currently sell, whether it is bloomers, hair fascinators or steampunk jewelry, visit my other website:

http://sarinadorie.com/art/gallery/other-forms-of-art

10 Simple Tricks to Help You Keep Your Belly Dance Sword From Sliding Off Your Sweaty Head

on Mon, 27 Feb, 2017

Part of dancing with a sword that makes it impressive is balancing it well enough that it doesn’t drop off your head. It also is far more impressive if that sword doesn’t fall on your foot while you are performing. I’ve balanced my sword on the top of my head, on my chin, chest and hip depending on what moves I am doing. Below are some basic tips before you even start dancing to keep the sword from sliding around.

1.Use a balanced sword.

If you are purchasing in person it is something you can check but if you are ordering from the internet it is important you read the details carefully and you know what you are getting. I’ve written about my belly dance woes in a previous post: 5 Important Details You Need to Know for Selecting a Belly Dance Sword.

2.Find the center and notch it. (Or don’t notch it!)

Some people find the center of the sword and notch it. There are two reasons for this: the dancer is marking the balance point so it is easier to find and balance and the notch keeps it from sliding around. I really don’t like the idea of marring my beautiful sword.

3.Find the center and mark it.

I used a Sharpie to make a dot on the edge of the sword that I would balance on my head. Every so often I have to remark it. Since the balanced has changed over the years, that works for me. Marking the sword solves the problem with finding the balance but it will still slide around on a sweaty head or chin.

4.Use beeswax.

Beeswax is a little tacky and it will keep the sword from sliding around on slick hair. I have a beeswax candle I use for waxing my sword. That sounds like some kind of euphemism, but it isn’t. The disadvantage I have noticed about wax, though, is that if I use it, I don’t want to put it on my face during a performance because the beeswax always picks up some dirt, grime, tarnish and makes my chin black.

5.Wear a turban.

If you are a tribal or tribal fusion belly dancer, a headband, head wrap or turban comes with the territory. This creates a barrier between a sweaty head and smooth metal. If the fabric is rough, studded, beaded or has a valley of fabric for it to be nestled in, it is less likely to shift or slide. I also like that it cushions my head and keep my scalp from hurting.

6.Use dry shampoo.

Hair products like dry shampoo can serve in the same way as beeswax to make your hair sticky so it isn’t as slick. Just remember to wipe down the sword later so the chemicals don’t damage or corrode the metal.

7.To sheath or not to sheath?

This is a last resort. I don’t do this except in practice because I don’t want to clean the oils from my hands that have gotten on the sword every single time. The nice thing about both my sheaths is the rough fabric that keeps the sword on place on my head. On the other hand, if you rely on the sheath while practicing and don’t practice with the sword on your head, you haven’t really practiced balancing a sword.

8.Balance earlier in the set before you are sweaty.

I really like to come out, dance with the sword, and then put it on my head when my arms are tired. However, I am sweatier by that point, especially if my first song is an upbeat entrance song which is the traditional trend in music.

9.Avoid sudden changes.

If you aren’t very good at balancing yet, avoid turns, jumps, level changes, quick shifts, and moves that make balancing difficult. It is usually easy to balance at home when all the conditions are right but during a performance there are so many variables that might throw one off.

10.Stay isolated.

Keeping that balance requires keeping the upper body separated and isolated from the lower half which is doing much of the movement. The better you are at isolating, the easier these moves will be.

If you enjoyed these step by step guides, you might also enjoy my posts on swords, veils and belly dance fashion.

3 Simple Tricks to Keep Your Belly Dance Sword Looking Dangerous

on Mon, 13 Feb, 2017

First, I want to clarify, we don’t actually want to dance with sharp objects. It’s like running with scissors—an accident waiting to happen. We want our props as dull as possible which is why belly dancer don’t dance with battle ready swords. But we also want the illusion they are lethal and sharp to create a sense of power and danger as we dance. Dancing with a sword is so beautiful because of the contrast of grace and lithe beauty with a dangerous object.

Below are three very simple tricks you can do that will make your sword look lethal. None of these are actual techniques or belly dance moves; they are little steps to do before you even start dancing!

1.Handle the sword with care. This isn’t because it is really sharp. (Although, it does have a pointy end.) It is because you want it to look sharp to other people. When dancing, never touch the edge that would be sharp or it blows the illusion that the blade could be lethal. Touch the flat of the blade, the non-sharp side, and the pummel. I have seen dancers create tension and danger during a performance because they might hold the point of the blade somewhere vulnerable like an inch from the other hand as they move it. If they don’t touch the hand, there is this sense of danger that they might touch it. It is very effective.

2.Keep your sword in its case or sheath as much as possible. This isn’t just for your safety. It is so the sword doesn’t get scratches or fingerprints. If the sword looks dull in luster, has knicks or fingerprints everywhere, it doesn’t look as impressive.

3.Keep your sword clean. Every time you use your sword, your fingers leave oils on the metal that result in marks. It is important to wipe it down right away. I think I usually just use a dab of water on a towel or paper towel. I have used Windex, though I don’t know if that is bad for the metal or not. I have heard other people using WD-40. For heavy duty cleaning, use a metal cleaner like Brasso or Tarn-X depending on what it is made out of.

For other tips on sword use, see previous posts.

Belly Dance Sword Safety

on Mon, 23 Jan, 2017

As convenient as an excuse as it might sound to say, “It was an accident, officer, I swear. I was performing and I tripped and my hands were sweaty. My sword slipped right out of my hands and cleaved my ex’s head right off,” that probably isn’t going to work. Here are some tips on sword safety to prevent yourself from stabbing yourself in the leg while practicing (Been there, done that.), accidentally impaling furniture (Really, it was only the couch. And the television.), and people in restaurants and performances (Fortunately for that one guy at Mississippi Pizza in Portland, it was my dull sword.).

1. Dull is better.

Don’t use a battle ready sword when dancing. You can still get pretty, shiny, sharp enough swords online.

2. Put a Cork in it.

Literally. Take a cord and stab your sword into it while practicing at home. Cords are light, but it is still going to change the balance so take note of that while practicing.

3. Sheath thy sword, young knight.

If your sword came with a sheath, use it. It will help protect the sword from nicks, the oils from your fingers and create a barrier between you and the pointy end. Don't have a sheath? Make one. you can use an umbrella bag, wrap it up in scarves or make one of your own if you sew.

4. Heavy Duty

Pick a sword that is balanced and is an appropriate weight for you. A two-pound sword might not feel heavy until you have been dancing with it above your head for five minutes. If you buy a sword is heavy and it is too heavy, consider working out with your sword or doing the same positions you use with your sword with weights. We lose our graceful form when tired and get sloppy under muscle fatigue, making accidents more likely to happen. For additional tips on picking out a sword, visit the post on 5 Important Details You Need to Know for Selecting a Belly Dance Sword.

5. Reduce variables

I am never amazed when I hear about people practicing with their sword and then hurting themselves when they trip over the cat or have to divert their sword arch because a dog gets out of the way and then the dancer trips and falls over. One would think the logical thing to do would be to dance in a room without moving creatures. Of course, I’ve also been known to stab inanimate objects, so even those aren’t safe from me.

If you are interested in learning tribal sword work, go to my contact form and send me an email for a private lesson.

How to make a belly dance bra

on Mon, 19 Dec, 2016

I am a tribal fusion dancer, however, I sometimes dance “Tribaret” a combination of tribal and cabaret that I learned from my former teacher, Severina from when I took lessons at Gypsy Caravan studio. Cabaret costumes are expensive but very glamourous. I have bought second hand belly dance costumes from other dancers. When I do this, I end up modifying them to fit my body. These costumes are beautiful, but they are still expensive even second hand and a lot of work to modify. It is almost as much work starting from scratch. I also have found that it is possible to make a cabaret bra by starting with a bra that is already pretty, using strings of pearls, rhinestones and sequins and adding appliques. Below are some of the bras that I made. I would stay that I probably spent less than $20 on most of these and sometimes another $20 on the belts. However, if I was getting paid for the amount of labor that went into creating them, they would be worth a million dollars! Or maybe a thousand anyway.

1. Burlesque/Victorian Bra and Belt

I made this bra when I first came to Eugene. It is a pretty bra I got on sale, probably at Kohls or Target. I added some beads, lace and velvet trim. It gives it a Victorian or maybe even a burlesque look to it. All that turquoise needed to be balanced with a belt that was equally bright and impressive. I purchased a strip of stretchy sequins from the Mill End Store in Eugene. Then I sewed similar matching lace and beads onto the belt and matching necklace. It was pretty but still not fancy enough for me. Over the course of three years I sewed black beads to the belt. Every time I performed with this belt I had sewed a few more on. Because the thread was white, I covered the ends that showed against the black beads by coloring it with a Sharpie. That mean I was always getting Sharpie on my fingers. One day when my sister, who is an avid crafter and beader, saw me doing this, she told me they sell black beading thread!

black fringe bra

2. Black Fringe Bra

This is my emergency belly dance costume. It might sound silly but there have been times I’ve went to shows to relax and enjoy the show and someone will come up to me and tell me there is a belly dance emergency and will ask me to perform. Two of these occasions I was wearing clothes that I could tuck in here or there and make it work for belly dance. On one occasion I was wearing in a dress that would in no way allow dancing. I couldn’t help out with the belly dance emergency. All because I didn’t have an emergency belly dance costume. Now I have one in my car. I have not needed to use it. As long as I continue to have it with me, I suspect there will be no more belly dance emergencies. It’s like an amulet that repels disaster.

As far as the bra goes, it also matches the belt I sometimes wear with the blue costume. One thing I learned when sewing this bra is that you should never make a bra that opens in the front. If you do, you have to safety pin it closed just in case every time. Then you have to think of a way to cover the safety pin. Also, I sewed pretty beaded lace to this bra but it ends where the hooks are at the front. That means beads fall off when I open and close it. Every time I wear it, it is destroyed a little more. It is a shame after all that work!

black beaded fringe bra

Rhinestone cabaret costume at fusion event in Eugene.

3. Diamond Bra and Belt

My second emergency belly dance costume. I bought the strip of rhinestones from a vendor at a Middle Eastern Belly Dance Event for a very good price. I cut it into fringe for the belt and for the bra. I feel very glamourous when I wear this costume like I am covered in diamonds. I have seen sheets of similar material at Ben Franklin in Springfield.

4. Blue Tribally Tribaret Costume

I started this bra ten years ago using fabric from a tribal looking shirt that didn’t fit me. I love the fabric and it does have an ethnic feel perfect for tribal. Instead of using just any old bra, I hunted the sale racks for a bra that was the same color as the fabric, making my job covering it way easier. I didn’t have to cover the straps and I could let some of the bra show. It sounds so simple and obvious to match the bra with the fabric, but I never have done that with the other bras that I planned to cover completely with fabric. I always used old bras I didn’t want to wear anymore. Or thift store bras. In order to make the fabric fit the bra, I had to fold over places on the bottom. When I got done I decided it was too plain so I added sequins I purchased at the Mill End Store in Eugene. I also added fancy buttons. I can see the influence of my current love of cabaret sparkle mixed with my old love of ethnic fabric. I think I could easily add coins to the bottom and take off the rhinestone buttons and it would be tribal again, but for now, I will keep on sparkling.

cabaret costume

5. Sky blue bra

I bought this bra second hand. It had some decorations but it looked empty and incomplete. I added some stretchy silver sequined ribbon to the sides and top because I didn’t like showing that much skin. I was considering buying a pack of rhinestones at the craft store, but forgot my coupon at home so I didn’t. As it happened I found a sweater or sweatshirt later that day at Kohls on Clearance for about $5 that had a whole bunch of rhinestones on it. It was hideous—and cheaper than buying the same amount of sew-on rhinestones from the craft store. I thought I was done with the bra, but recently some of the rhinestones came off. Then I found a string of rhinestones and had to add more. It isn’t quite ready, but it is almost there. I am still working on the belt/skirt and trying to figure out how to attach the silver beads in a place that is sturdy, while also hiding the white line of thread it is attached to. Arg! I’m stumped and I have too many easier projects I will probably finish first. I don’t know when I will work on this again.

For examples of merchandise I currently sell, whether it is bloomers, hair fascinators or steampunk jewelry, visit my other website:

http://sarinadorie.com/art/gallery/other-forms-of-art

How to Select a Belly Dance Veil

on Mon, 05 Dec, 2016

The most important thing about selecting a veil is to try out different veils to see what you like. If you take class with other dancers, you can ask friends will let you try their veils. Sometimes in a class setting you can switch veils to feel the weight and flow of others. I was lucky I had a teacher that allowed students to select from her box of veils to try them out in class. Severina insisted you had to switch them around. I found what worked for me that way. Below are some things I have learned about dancing with a veil.

1. Fabric Texture

My favorite fabric to dance with is silk. I have danced with rayon and other thin fabrics but they don’t catch the air the same way. If you are going to the fabric store and making your own veil, thin and light fabric is important.

2. Weight

I love the aesthetics of embroidered veils. I have a white veil with silver sequins that I used in my Frozen themed belly dance performance. But these veils aren’t for dancing. They are better for covering a costume. A veil for dancing needs to be light so it will flow like wind. If you are making your own veil, you will probably need to hem the fabric so it won’t fray, but the more fabric you gather in one place, the heavier it becomes. A rolled hem is probably ideal. My silk veil has a teeny, tiny hem.

3. Size

If you are only five foot like I am, you don’t need as large of a veil as someone who is six foot, however, my veils are standard sized so I do end up using veils that are a little bigger than what I need. On the other hand, if you are very tall, you might feel a standard size veil isn’t long enough. When I first was learning veil work I was told that your veil needs to be your arm span plus some more. It’s going to be pretty rare you need that much more veil because a dancer holds the fabric at angle that is more like a v than the cross bar of a T. (For ways to hold a veil, see the upcoming blogpost “Five Tips You Need to Know for Holding a Veil.”

4. Shape

The two standard shapes are a rectangle or a half circle. It is far easier to buy a rectangle of fabric from the fabric store and less fraying if you aren’t going to hem it because two sides aren’t cut. My teacher, Severina, in Portland used to use a half-circle and I remember using it several times in class and really liking it. It made a pretty shape when you held it behind you and it was lighter because there was less fabric in two corners. If someone asked me what veil I wanted for my birthday, I would tell them a silk half circle. It would be the next detail that would be difficult for me.

5. Color

I am always trying to get the most for my money’s worth. If I can use a veil that will match three costumes instead of one, I am pretty happy. On the other hand, sometimes I need a certain prop for a certain performance and I instead have to ask myself if the color of the veil matches the costume I intend to dance in. My favorite veil used to be my tie-dyed rainbow veil a friend hand dyed for me in Portland, Oregon while I was dancing as a student performer at Gypsy Caravan Studio. That veil matched everything including my rainbow hair extensions. Then I moved to Eugene. There was so much tie-dye everywhere. I did not want my identify to be a rainbow hippie belly dancer. Now I have several other veils and I use other props as well.

For “Five Tips You Need to Know for Holding a Veil,” see the next post.

If you are interested in learning tribal veil work, go to my contact form and send me an email for a private lesson.

5 Important Details You Need to Know for Selecting a Belly Dance Sword

on Mon, 14 Nov, 2016

I own two swords. My first sword was free; I noticed it in a lost and found bin and coveted it for months. When I asked the manager of the dance studio if I could have it, she said if no one claimed it within a certain amount of time I could. I probably waited for another month. No one claimed it, so I got it. I loved this sword, I reupholstered the sheath. I used my mom’s Brasso to make it shiny. But then there were problems with it and I didn’t know what to do to make “my precious” better.

Below are some things I learned in the process of fixing up one sword and purchasing another.

1. Don’t use a battle ready sword.

This is the most important detail, so I am listing it first. Basically this means you shouldn’t buy a sword that is sharp. Even the “dull” swords you buy online are going to have a point. Don’t I know it from stabbing my couch accidentally while practicing! And my leg. And that time I dropped it on my foot. Accidents happen. Don’t buy something meant to cut watermelon because you might end up cutting others or your dog while practicing, or someone’s child when performing in a crowded restaurant.

2. Balance is key.

If you intend to do any balancing with your sword, on your head, chin, hip, chest, etc. it needs to be balanced. That means it has a place you can find somewhere in the center where you can rest it on a surface and it won’t fall over.

3. Can you handle this?

My first sword was balanced for a short time. However, I noticed the handle was on backward so it was awkward to hold. I looked at pictures of swords and realized the part that shields your hand on the pommel needs to be on the far side of you so that if your opponent was going to cut you down, you would have that metal guard as protection. It seems like a pretty simple concept. So I turned the handle around. That’s when things went downhill. The sword then became unbalanced. I changed it back, but the balance was gone. Some swords are not built as well as others, so be aware of the position of the handle when selecting a sword.

4. Aesthetics and Style

If you are dancing Middle Eastern style belly dance it makes sense that you would want a scimitar or middle Eastern style sword. If you are dancing at a Renaissance fair or are doing a cosplay of a Japanese character, it might make more sense to dance use a sword from one of those cultures. There are a variety of swords out there on websites and it would be a shame to order something that is pretty, but not functional for dance, so I would weigh the other details like balance and the handle first, but that’s just me.

5. Size and Weight

I am one of the wee folk. Seriously, I’m five foot. I do not need a five-pound sword. It doesn’t sound like a lot of weight, but when you have been dancing for five minutes already and are swinging that thing around, your muscles fatigue, and it is hard to hold up. Accidents can happen when someone is swinging a semi-sharp sword around in their sweaty, tired hands. Heh, I know this so well. Fortunately, my muscle fatigue disasters have happened more at home with my couch, leg or floor as the victim than onstage.

I used my first sword for five years before I purchases a balanced scimitar. I selected the lightest weight and I was really happy with it. After I was in a car accident and suffered a neck injury I had to put the sword away for a while. I started using the veil and fans more because they were lighter. I now specialize in fans and fan veil. When I use sword it is typically in for solos since they are expensive and not all of my students have them. I have taught sword workshops in the past and teach private lessons.

sword and sheath

For more info about classes visit the page below. For inquiries about private lessons using a sword, please use my contact form.

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/classes

Belly Dance Cosplay costumes

on Mon, 17 Oct, 2016

Recently I performed a Harry Potter Themed Belly Dance Performance. You can learn more about the performance and see more details in my post: How You Can make a Lord Voldemort Mask that Looks Better than A Store Bought Mask here.

In this post I would like to show the death eater masks I made for the same performance.

First I started with a photo reference. It was good that I did because I couldn’t tell in the movies that there were designs on the masks. It was always too dark in the scenes with death eaters. I didn’t realize much of the time their mouths were partially covered in a very creepy way and it looked like there were eyelids and face underneath the mask but it was actually part of the mask. They are strange and beautiful and scary at the same time. In my performance at Medge’s Summer Alternative show, my two death eaters touched their wands to their dark marks and summoned me to the stage. I needed the to make the masks so the audience would know who they were. Below are some examples of references.

death eaters

These are the steps I did to make the masks.

I started with a mask form. In hindsight I wish I had used an oval shaped mask but I had these on hand so I used them.

mask form

Because I didn’t want them to dry the wrong shape I stuffed newspaper underneath.

newspaper under mask

I used hot glue and a little bit of air drying clay to make the eyelids.

hot glue and paper clay

I painted the mask with gesso to seal it and then painted them metallic. I think the color I had was bronze or brass.

metallic paint

Next I sketched the designs with a Sharpie. I used the death eater photo as a reference. The Sharpies dried out being used on latex so I had to switch out pens back and forth. I must have deleted the photos of the sketches.

I filled in the designs. I considered painting over the thicker places but ultimately I decided that was too much work.

death eaters masks

If you enjoyed these step by step guides, you might also enjoy my Orion Slave Dancer Make Up Tutorial or my previous post on How You Can make a Lord Voldemort Mask that Looks Better than A Store Bought Mask.

Cosplay Dark Lord mask

on Mon, 03 Oct, 2016

Two things you should know about me as you read this post: I am crafty and I like Harry Potter. Okay, I don’t like Harry Potter, I love Harry Potter. Recently I had two Harry Potter Themed Belly Dance Performance. The first one was at No Shame Eugene. I danced to some fun music, including “Dark Lord Funk” which you can find a post and link to a video the artist made here:

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/performances

During my second performance, I had more time to work on my costume and make it more Harry Potter themed. I remembered to put the scar on my forehead, wore big black glasses, had death eaters on stage, dark marks and the whole shebang. I also revealed “my little friend” in a Professor Quirrell-like moment.

One of the things that made me decide to make my own Lord Voldemort mask was that the ones sold online didn’t look like him and it was for the whole head and upper body. I just wanted a head growing out of the back of my head. In hindsight I wish I had used a full mask instead of one that was flat. Though it was time consuming, it also was less expensive. Most of these store bought masks cost around $50. In any case, I think my mask looked way better than the ones I looked at online.

Dark Lord mask

Below are the steps I used to make my a Dark Lord’s mask.

Lord Voldemort

I started with references before I did anything. To be a good artist, accurate photographs are important. Notice how red his eyes and mouth are and the blue-gray veins at his temples.

voldemort reference

I started with a mask form left over from previous performances.

mask

If the mask hadn't been so wobbly, I probably wouldn't have needed to stuff the form with newspaper. But I knew I would be making a mess no matter what, so I did cover the table with paper.

In the first stage I used air drying clay to mold the face and build up the area that weren’t the nose so that the nose would disappear. This took three days to dry.

air dry clay

I kept sculpting until I got an angry look from him and the nose looked flat enough. I wished I'd bought two packs of clay because I could have built up his forehead even more.

lord voldemort

I primed the mask with gesso. This helped seal up cracks that had occurred in the air drying clay and glued the mask better to the form. At this stage you also see the start of color around the eyes.

primed the mask

I built up the colors slowly. In many of the photos and movies his face looks blue-green because of the lighting. He is always shown at night. I didn't want to do it too dark so I started lighter than I actually needed.

I built up more layers. I wanted his mouth to look like a bloody smear but was afraid if I used the wrong color it would look like lipstick. I liked the mask at this stage but I knew it would be too washed out on stage.

voldemort

Here you can see the sides with the veins.

voldemort

For my last step, I bought green LED lights so his eyes would light up. Because I didn’t want the lights to fall out, I used a plastic package to make a barrier or screen behind the eyes. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the lights to light up until AFTER I was done performing. For that reason, I will have to get some more use out of this costume.

Belly dance costumes

on Mon, 19 Sep, 2016

During the year I work as a school teacher, which means that my pile of sewing grows from a mole hill to the size of a mountain. A lot of what I sew becomes belly dance costumes or clothes that doubles for both my normal life and my belly dance life. Below are ten projects I worked on this summer.

bloomers

1. Polka Dot Bloomers

Do I really need another pair of bloomers? The answer is “Yes!” In order to save myself some time, I combined a pair of pajama pants and curtains from Value Villages’ Memorial Day sale. Their clothes and household items are half off on holidays. I have gotten a lot of use out of these pants this summer—for belly dance and elegantly bumming around the house.

belly dance choli

2. Belly Dance Choli

This was a tank top that I cut the bottom off a couple years ago. This one had been sitting on the pile of to-dos for two years because the lace that I sewed on it didn’t fit the way I thought it would and it flared out. To fix this, I tucked it under in strategic places and had to keep trying it on and tucking in more and more places until it fit the way I wanted. The other problem with this choli that delayed my finishing it was that I had accidentally cut it too short and it didn’t stay in place when I lifted my arms while dancing. I couldn’t tuck it under and put elastic in it because it already was too short, so I looked in my scrap box. I still had the elastic waist band from a pair of pajama pants and used that to make an empire waist under the bust. Ironically it wasn’t the same polka dot pajamas from the last photo. I have a lot of polka dots and stripes.

choli

3. Second Choli

I liked the Asian print on a thrifts store shirt, but it was too tight in the stomach so I cut off the waist. I used the waist part of the fabric for something at some point. I still had the top half and found it recently. I folded over the edge and put elastic at the bottom so the waist would stay in place.

4. Dark Blue Bra

I started this project over ten years ago. My incentive to finish it was the blue skirt I was given for Christmas as a gift. I knew that if I finished this bra I could wear it and it would match the skirt perfectly. The ornaments on the bra were cut from a pretty shirt I once wore but didn’t like the fit of. I finished it just in time for the June No Shame Anniversary show.

5. Orion Slave Dancer Costume

Every summer (and sometimes winter) I have danced as the Orion Slave Dancer for Trek Theatre’s Eugene productions. This character I perform as was the green dancing woman you always see in the original Star Trek credits. Ever since I made this costume, the bra fit more snuggly than I intended. In fact, it fit like a corset, which is not practical if you want to do this thing called BREATHING. The mistakes I made in the creation of this was a huge learning curve. My main lesson was that bras are elastic so they stretch. The material you cover one with has to be equally stretchy material OR you can choose not to cover the back that hooks together OR you have to stretch the back of the bra as you sew it to a longer and larger piece of non-stretchy material. This is the third year I have worn this bra and it didn’t fit any more this year, even as a corset. My remedy was to go through my scrap bag and attach more fabric. I moved the hook and eyes, added the fabric, reattached the hook and eyes and voila—I fixed it. I am so glad I don’t throw away fabric scraps at times like this because I still had enough little pieces of the same fabric! See, being a packrat pays!

6.Steampunk Skirt

I have had this beautiful cream and red lace skirt in my upcycled sewing projects for several years. I inherited it from another belly dancer who was very petite. I wore this skirt once about five years ago. I should have worn it more while it fit. I have been looking at skirt ideas on Pinterest. This is a combination of a petticoat idea used to fill in the gap and a medieval skirt that laced up the side.

For examples of merchandise I currently sell, whether it is bloomers, hair fascinators or steampunk jewelry, visit my other website:

http://sarinadorie.com/art/gallery/other-forms-of-art

funny star trek memes

on Mon, 05 Sep, 2016

I’m a Star Trek fan. How about you? In honor Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, Trek Theatre of Eugene is putting on Star Trek Episodes in the park. I will be joining them again as the Orion Slave Dancer as entertainment during intermission. To celebrate fifty Trek-tastic years, I have included 10 funny Star Trek memes. Some of these I have shared previously on my author website: www.sarinadorie.com.

Funny Star Trek meme

I have always loved science fiction and it started with Star Trek. Would have to love it if I’m willing to take about two hours to dress as a green alien, dehydrate myself in the heat because I can’t take the costume until I am completely done with the performance—or if I do, I have to remove the entire bodysuit and layers that go over it—take two hours to undress and clean the green make up off myself and perform multiple times. Yes, I love science fiction. I eat it, sleep it, dance it and write it. If you are interested in seeing how my love of science fiction manifests itself in other aspects of my life, feel free to visit my author website: www.sarinadorie.com/writing.

If you also are a Star Trek fan, you may enjoy Trek Theatre productions in Eugene. You can find out more information about their shows on my performance page or by going to their Facebook page.

https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/performances

belly dance stage make up Star Trek style

on Tue, 23 Aug, 2016

For the last couple of years I have performed belly dance as the Orion Slave Dancer for Trek Theatre’s productions here in Eugene, Oregon. This year is Star Trek’s 50th anniversary. I am going to be dancing again during the intermission of their show. In honor of the anniversary, I thought I would do an alien make up tutorial. Stage makeup is different to put on compared to regular make up, whether it is green or flesh tone. During a normal belly dance performance, you need make up so you aren’t washed out in the bright lights. Of course, I need the green makeup because I’m an alien.

Below is my step by step transformation using stage makeup to turn myself into an alien.

In this photo I start with black liquid eyeliner. My face has already been prepped with moisturizer and lotion in the hope that it will keep the green from staining my skin. I have a little bit of RBF in this photo. Oh well.

make up tutorial

In this photo I am starting to apply eye makeup. So far it is just black powdery eyeliner for a smoky eye look. I have to make it thick because there will be gaps later on when I put on the fake eyelashes.

smoky eyes

I have added light green eyeshadow and white just below my eyebrows to make it look like highlights. I have used black liquid eyeliner to emphasize my eyebrows which are pretty light.

eyeliner

Here is a little more for drama. It is theatre after all. Actually, the reason I am adding green around my eyes with eyeshadow is so I don't have to do so with the make up that is harder to remove. also, I have pushed my hair back and applied gel to keep it in place. I want it to dry before I put the wig on.

more green

When I look down you can see some purple and darker green in the crevasses of my eyes to give them deeper shadows.

In this snapshot I have applied one layer of green. I let it dry between layers and usually add two or three.

green alien makeup

The bathroom was getting dark so I turned on the light or maybe used the flash, which is why the photos got brighter. I think this is a couple layers. I can't tell if I have applied the shimmer powder yet. That is supposed to prevent it from looking uneven or melting. This year I have purchases a special spray to keep make up in place.

green alien makeup

Here is the part where I feel very glamourous. I have added face eyelashes. They are a pain in the butt to put on, wear and then take off. They make my eyes feel fatigued and heavy, but they are so pretty.

fake eyeleashes

I have skipped a couple steps here. I have put on a wig, hair fascinator, body suit and the rest of the costume.

Orion slave dancer

Here is one with my eyes open. Out of all my belly dance costumes, I feel the most beautiful in this one. For other blog posts on being an Orion slave dancer, go here:

Trek theatre Eugene

For other blog posts on being an Orion slave dancer, go here: https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/blog/entry/why-do-you-paint-yourself-green-and-say-you-are-a-slave-dancer

Also, if you are a Trekkie, you might enjoy going to the Trek Theatre performances. I always keep that information on my performance page here: https://www.bellydanceeugene.com/performances

Sarina dances as the Dark Lord

on Mon, 22 Aug, 2016

Balanat No Shame Eugene June 2016

on Sun, 10 Jul, 2016

Harry Potter Solo at No Shame Eugene June 2016

on Sun, 10 Jul, 2016

Fusion Fascination No Shame Eugene June 2016

on Sun, 10 Jul, 2016

Three Music Videos That Will Make You Laugh

on Thu, 02 Jun, 2016

As a tribal fusion belly dancer, I have a lot more freedom in of music, movement and costume because I have a broader selection to choose from. As a result, I sometimes select unusual music.

Often times when I perform, I choose music that has a good beat, that inspires me and often times, themes that makes me laugh. Sometimes I match my music and the nuances of my belly dance style to the costume, sometimes I do the reverse and match the costume and style to the music. In this post, I share three songs that have recently inspired me. I have practiced these in my classes at Willamalane Community Center in Springfield and my students have performed to these in Eugene at performances.

I share these videos in the hope that you, too, will be inspired and will laugh.

Dark Lord Funk

I enjoy a well done parody. I enjoy soundtracks. Watching this video is like an inside joke for anyone who is familiar with Uptown Funk and Harry Potter. I especially love the places the musical artists combined both songs. I performed to this piece on 6/2/16 at No Shame Eugene for a magical belly dance performance. My sister asked if I would wear a skull cap. You’ll have to watch the video on Youtube to find out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbdvogFyZZM

Papa Americano

This is a fun song my boyfriend heard playing in H & M and knew I would like it because even the elderly in the store were dancing! The music video is fun. I love the blend of old and new. I have been playing this song a lot in my belly dance classes and we used this in our recent balanats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXyEiGnkYms

Handsome Dancer—Coincidance

Recently at No Shame Eugene my student troupe danced to this song with Zahia Izzah as part of our finale. It is a fun song to listen to but the video is even more fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBHkIWAJitg

If you enjoyed these videos and this article, you would probably enjoy reading Sarina’s newsletter for Bellydanceeugene.com. Consider signing up for her mailing list to find out about her next performance and read her newest blog posts.

What is Steampunk?

on Tue, 29 Sep, 2015

People often ask me what steampunk is. I have steampunk belly dance performances. I create steampunk jewelry and costumes. I write steampunk stories and novels. It is something that transcends my hobbies and carries itself into my day to day clothes as well.

The idea of steampunk harkens back to the era of Victorian science fiction like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. In these stories, an older, steam-powered technology is created for amazing uses. There are many interpretations and slightly different time periods using steam technology that might be inclusive of this term, but I always reference the original science fiction authors who created this concept before it was called steampunk. Some people call it alternative history since we are writing about technology in a time when it didn’t actually exist.

Steampunk is the combination of something old with something new. Something industrial and gritty combined with corsets and ruffles. Often times technology plays a big part in this. One might see aviator goggles and top hats. A few months ago when I was presenting at Gearcon, I mentioned that I wasn’t sure why so many costumes have the goggles. I was trying to figure out the practical use for them. The answer was for flying in a dirigible to keep the smoke or bugs out of one’s eyes.

I have heard some cynics describe steampunk on Etsy as, “Just glue a gear on it.” Many stories with steampunk elements have no reason for people to be wearing corsets or be wearing goggles since it doesn’t further serve the plot of the story. It is the equivalent of the science fiction idea that a science fiction story has to have science that furthers the plot of the story and be a necessity in order to be considered true science fiction. This gets a little stickier when it comes to costuming or fashion design. It is hard to justify the goggles without the airship. I have plenty of pins, hair fascinators and necklaces that are made of upcycled parts. Often times my last touch is to glue a gear on it. I can only hope that with the overall aesthetic and the parts I use (something old-fashioned and potentially Victorian with something newer and more industrial) it will be more than the mere, “Just glue a gear on it” idea.

When I dance steampunk belly dance, I select music that has an old-fashioned feel. My costume is usually something I sew myself, made from upcycled parts. There is lace, ruffles, bustle skirts, and anything else that is fitting with the feel of an old era. My dance moves are basically belly dance though I sometimes include props appropriate to the Victorian era like an umbrella or fans. When I am writing steampunk, I am often incorporating elements from that actual era into the culture I have created. Since I have been a living history reenactor of the early Victorian era, this has given me a lot of knowledge to draw apon.

In any realm of steampunk, the idea is to make it fun.

Frozen Theme Dance at No Shame

on Wed, 12 Aug, 2015

Italian Tango in Red Costume

on Wed, 12 Aug, 2015

Why Do You Paint Yourself Green and Say You Are a “Slave” Dancer?

on Mon, 29 Jun, 2015

You have heard of Shakespeare in the Park, but what about Star Trek in the park? There is a local theatre group in Eugene who puts on Star Trek episodes in the park and sometimes small theatres to share the joy of science fiction. After these productions or between shows, Sarina can be found enjoying local cuisine at nearby establishments such as Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen and Barbeque where they serve human and aliens alike. Sometimes she gets some strange looks from people, is asked if she is playing the witch from Wicked and hears no end to the jokes about how it isn’t easy being green. One might wonder WHY she would want to take hours to put on that green make up—and nearly as long to take it off—for a belly dance performance. Here is why:

For as long as she can remember, Sarina has always loved Star Trek. When she was a child, she was fascinated by the Orion Slave Dancer in the original Star Trek series. Later when she was a teenager and learning to belly dance, she realized the green alien woman on the television show was belly dancing. Since those early years, Sarina has dreamed of combining her love of science fiction and belly dance.

When she heard about Trek Theatre, a Eugene based theatre troupe who put on plays of Star Trek episodes, she thought she would have to beg them to let her “go where no belly dancer has gone before. They soon learned “resistance is futile” and “beamed her aboard.” Sometimes Sarina feels like she lives in an episode of Portlandia.

Set those phasers to stunning and attend a Trek Theatre performance to see what Sarina, the Orion “indentured servant” dancer has in store for us.

Orion Slave Dancer

on Fri, 19 Jun, 2015

Improvisational tribal fusion belly dance cues and examples from Eugene, Oregon

on Mon, 27 Apr, 2015

Whether you go to see a belly dance performance in Eugene, Oregon or a performance in New York City or somewhere in the Middle East, there are certain sounds and cues you will commonly see. When belly dancers interact with each other during a performance, they use non-verbal cues to encourage each other, signal they are about to transition to a different move and get each other’s attention. To someone who has practiced Middle Eastern dance and belly dance, this is nothing new. But for a novice or outsider, it looks like this is a secret language. Below are some of the signals used by dancers.

Hand and Arm Gestures and Cues

No, not those kind of hand gestures! But there are gestures that dancers use to signal a different move or combo. It might be as simple as a wrist circle or a change of arm position. For example, if a leader is doing the move gwazi with her arms above her head, she will move her arm into an L arm to show she is transitioning into a hip lift. This change of arm movement cues her followers that they are all changing. If the follower is counting or listening to the phrasing to the music it will make it a lot easier to know when to change as well because the leader’s changes are typically done to match the phrasing. If a lead dancer wants to change moves and she doesn’t think her followers will catch it, she might use a vocal cue.

Yips

This is a little yip sound used to get someone’s attention. If anyone ever sends me a good example of this in a video or music clip, I will post it here.

Zaghareet

A zaghareet is a sound people in the Middle East use to encourage each other. Americans might know it as the sound that Xena, Warrior Princess makes as her war cry. It is a high noise typically made by saying “la la la la la” or “ya ya ya ya ya.” In some countries they use their vocal cords, not their tongues to make the noise, it some countries it sounds like “yow yow yow” and sometimes there is a flourish at the end like “la la la la la aaaaya!”

If you still don’t know what a belly dancer sounds like making a zaghareet, or you just want to see a funny video of No Shame Eugene’s Mad Viking and belly dance warrior princess in a battle to the fun, check out the No Shame Eugene “Ask a Viking” by Sarina Dorie and Jesse Wells. The zaghareet comes at the 2 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fed051hQR7Q

Tribal Fusion as improvisational dance

on Mon, 06 Apr, 2015

How is it possible that a tribal belly dancer in Eugene, Oregon can join in a performance with a dancer up in Portland and down in San Fransisco and dance so well together that it looks choreographed? There are secrets in the belly dance community that someone from outside the belly dance world might not know. Some of those secrets aren’t really that secret once involved in the world of belly dance and the biggest method of secret commuincation between performers include the non-verbal language of belly dance.

There are many forms of dance that use choreography including belly dance. There are also styles of dance that use freestyle or improvisational dance. In tribal and tribal fusion belly dance troupes, there might be some use of choreography but much of it is improv. That means the same performers can dance to the same song multiple times and it will always be different. However, in order for this to be possible, we have to start with the same foundation of moves, and know what cues are used as cues.

People who see a tribal or tribal fusion belly dance may wonder how dancers can dance in such harmony and synchronicity that it looks choreographed when it isn’t. The key is that dancers all know the same dance style. If all dancers are trained in ATS (American Tribal Style) belly dance or are familiar with a particular studio like Gypsy Caravan in Portland versus Sabine’s Celebration Studio in Eugene, Oregon, they will all know the same moves. If dancers know the same moves and combinations, know the cues that it is time to switch moves and are listening for musical changes, they will be able to follow along and join in with other dancers without too much difficulty. The more familiar a troupe is with eachother and have in common with each other the more smooth their transitions will look.

To learn the non-verbal cues used in belly dance see next month’s post on “The Secret Non-Verbal Language of the Belly Dancer.”

Fusion Friendly Events

on Mon, 16 Mar, 2015

Fusion Friendly Events started as a response to the need for a fusion community and support of creating venues for fusion dancers in Eugene. The first event was started in 2009 by Sarina Dorie who has continued to serve creative director, constultant and as a board member since that time.

Fusion Friendly Events is a collective of experimental and avant-garde performers who fuse belly dance with other styles such as flamenco, breakdance, modern dance, jazz, burlesque, theatrical and poi. They currently host four themed events a year, usually at Cozmic Pizza. Examples of their events have included: Cirque du Eugene (their annual spring circus); Gipsy Nouveau; Tango Infusion; Myth, Magic and Music and others. To understand why F.F. was created, one had to understand the history and politics of the belly dance community in Eugene, Oregon.

Eugene is a culturally rich and creative community with advocates of the arts, theatre and dance. When people think about Eugene, they might think of Country Fair, FaerieWorlds, rainbows, sustainable living, shabby sheik upcycled fashion, bicycle riders, handcrafted items at the Saturday Market and other symbols of the community’s creativity. It is hard to imagine such a free-spirited city as not being supportive of art and expression. Yet the need for a fusion community is actually because of that need for expression.

MEDGE (the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene) is a group in Eugene, Oregon that runs the majority of the belly dance community in the Eugene area. Medge hosts monthly events as well as special shows, advertises classes and products of members and has a newsletter for members. Their focus is on “Middle Eastern” dance, costuming, music and culture. A dance can be Middle Eastern and not be a form of belly dance; for example, it could be a Turkish folkloric dance. They allow one “alternative” performance per show, meaning one dancer can dance to non-Middle Eastern music. They provide one show per year allowing all alternative music in February. This is the most popular monthly event during the year, sometimes having better attendance than shows with big name performers from out of town.

Although Medge offers many advantageous features to members (being allowed to perform in shows, a quarterly newsletter, being listed on the website), it doesn’t serve the needs of all members or belly dancers in the Eugene community. Medge has rules which limit the creativity and expression of belly dancers who consider themselves fusion, alternative, or who simply wish to dance to music which may not be Middle Eastern.

Some cities have divisions between belly dancers based on studio rivalries, turning dancers into snobbish divas. In some areas, the schism is based on cabaret versus tribal rivalries, turning belly dance performers and teachers into belly dance Nazis. In Eugene, the division in the communities is based on long standing disputes over the inclusive/exclusive terminology and rules of the dance guild based on which dances are deemed to be “Middle Eastern.” Although there are dancers who perform and practice multiple styles and belong to both communities, it is sad to see such exclusiveness over creative difference in the tree-hugging, rainbow-loving, bicycle-riding, creative hipster community of Eugene, Oregon.

Guidelines for professionalism in Eugene belly dance

on Mon, 09 Mar, 2015

Groups like Fusion Friendly Events or the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene have guidelines for performers who are auditioning to participate in their shows. These are great guidelines for belly dance try-outs, but also for performances in general. If someone is new to performing, these are some great things to take into consideration. The list below is what Fusion Friendly sends to performers interested in participating in our events. Although a lot of it is catered to the fusion venue, many suggestions are relevant to any performance or audition.

Letter for new dancers:

Fusion Friendly is a collective of experimental, avant-garde performers who fuse belly dance with other styles such as flamenco, breakdance, modern dance, jazz, burlesque, theatrical, poi and other styles. We currently host 4 events a year. The majority of these are at Cozmic Pizza. Various members also run other events and invite performers from the fusion community to participate.

The performances at the shows don’t need to adhere to Middle Eastern costuming, music or style. Our events are “variety shows” and often encourage other styles of performances appropriate for the venue and theme such as live music, poetry or comedy.

We consider our events to be of a professional level, not student quality, which is why we have created performance guidelines and ask for auditions.

Audition Guidelines:

-If you wish to audition, you may do so once a year until you become a member.

-You must be approved by at least two board members in order to perform at Fusion Friendly sponsored events.

-Our preferred method of audition is a link to a Youtube video with a large enough file size to see your movements, costuming and stage make up. You may also invite F.F. board members to watch you perform at an event, though there is a possibility we might not be able to attend, especially if we aren’t given enough notice.

-You may be accepted as a performer conditionally, meaning that we may ask you if you are willing to make a costuming change or thematic change for the show.

-If you aren’t accepted to perform at our shows, we may suggest other events in the meantime where you can gain experience practicing in front of an audience.

List of requirements for auditions and performances:

Technique

-Clean, precise technique

-Has practiced enough for it to look smooth and effortless

-Body awareness, posture, coordination

Stage Presence

-Is comfortable enough performing to show personality or stage persona

-Eye contact with audience

-Facial expression when appropriate

Costuming

-Professionally attired (Many of us make our costumes, but we hope that they look like they are Etsy quality, and no one thinks we bought it for $5 at a thriftstore)

-No bikini tops/bras (a.k.a. not hanging out of a too small/tight/unsupportive of a costume)

-Has practiced in this costume and doesn’t look uncomfortable or is tripping over it

Stage Makeup

-Must wear enough makeup so that one’s face is visible in the bright lights

-Even if this is just a video in your living room for an audition, you should still wear full makeup and costuming just as you would in an actual performance on a stage.

Appropriate type of music, costume, and level of suggestiveness for the venue

-No stripper fusion at a family friendly place (like Cozmic Pizza)

-Appropriate style for theme of event (a.k.a no mimes/clowns at Gipsy Nouveau, though theatrical or comedy of Turkish/Eastern European would be fine)

Volunteering

-We want a chance to get to know you before performing

-This is also an opportunity for you to see a few shows for free and see what happens behind the scenes

Friendliness required

-We are all just volunteers and spend a lot of time putting these shows together to the best of our abilities. In order to have continued positive relations within this community, we encourage our members to be polite, honest, and friendly. We all have a little inner diva. But we ask that you save it for the stage, not the board meetings.

http://www.fusionfriendly.com/about/

Cirque du Eugene

on Fri, 06 Mar, 2015

Is Middle Eastern Dance and Belly Dance the Same Thing as Exotic Dancing?

on Mon, 02 Mar, 2015

Why do people confuse Belly Dance, Burlesque, Stripping and Exotic Dances and what do they have in common? If you are a belly dancer and someone calls you a Hoochie Coochie dancer, is it an insult? See a list of explanations and descriptions of each dance below. Some of the answers might surprise you!

Middle Eastern Dance

This is any form of dance originating in the Middle East. It involves a huge spectrum of styles that do not range even close to belly dance. This might include a folkloric dance where a woman is completely covered, a dance performed by men or belly dance or could involve belly dance. In Eugene, Oregon, any dance that use Middle Eastern costuming, moves and music is considered appropriate for MEDGE (Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene) shows.

Belly dance

Belly dance is a form of dance that emphasises the belly and hips. It comes from exotic lands like the Middle East and is based on folkloric dances from that region, but may combine steps and moves from other countries such as Turkey, India and Africa depending on the style of belly dance. If a dance uses modern, American music or creative costuming that doesn’t fit the ethnic look, it is often considered fusion belly dance. It is sensual and sometimes sexy, but it is based on an ethnic dance in origin and is NOT stripping. Sometimes people confuse the origin of exotic lands part with an exotic dance part. There is further confusion because people see the dancers wearing viels and they may remove them and use them as part of the dance. Cabaret style dancers in restaurants encourage tipping and people do body tipping, tucking dollar bills into the dancers costume which can look similar to strippers who have dollar bills tucked into their underwear.There are people out there who see the viel that belly dancers use and observe the body tipping and confuse belly dance as exotic dancing for that reason.

Hoochie Coochie

The hoochie coochie was an early form of dancing often performed by women of Gypsy or Eastern European descent that was deemed exotic and innapropriate because women showed their midriff. This is actually the name of early “belly” dance in America in the eighteen hundreds. It was called belly dance because the moves didn’t use the hands or feet. It was first shown in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition and became popularized and notoriously scandelous in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair. It is thought that the term hoochie coochie originated from the term “goochie” which was a term in the American South for vagina. Hoochie now means a promisculous woman.

So in essence, hoochie coochie was belly dance but most mondern day belly dancers would be insulted to be called that because the hoochie coochie connotation implies stripping, burlesque, sex or just plain sluttiness. You can go to Wikipedia for more hoochie coochie information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoochie_coochie

Burlesque

This form of art has been around for hundreds of years. Although there often is a strip tease in burlesque, the purpose of this style of dance is to entertain. There often is humor in the act and the dancer may tell a story or make fun of a story. The dancer may strip down to pasties—or not. If there is a strip tease element, a dancer may cover herself with feathered fans, viels, aprons, feather boas, fruit or any number of other items. Other opinions one may hear about burlesque is that it is classier and the performers have more glamorous and expensive costumes, others feel it is more of a vintage striptease than modern day stripping.

http://magazine.foxnews.com/style-beauty/dita-von-teese-burlesque-vs-stripping

Stripping

Stripping is a dance that removes all clothes except underwear. The purpose of it is to arouse. This form of dance has been around for thousands of years. In the biblical story of Salome dancing for King Herod it is thought that was be the equivalent to stripping. Oscar Wilde popularized stripping in contemporary culture in his play “Salome” with the infamous “7 Viels Dance.” Sometimes belly dancers remove viels, sometimes multiple viels. When they do so, but then later say they are insulted that people think they were stripping, they probably were not familiar with the origin of the 7 viel dance and the connotation.

Exotic dancing is another name for stripping.

http://www.reportersvintage.com/vintage-fashion/what-can-we-learn/176-burlesque-vs-stripper-what-is-the-difference.html

For a longer explanation of the origins of belly dance, read the blog post “Where Does Belly Dance Come From?” or “What is the Difference Between Middle Eastern Dance, Belly Dance and Folkloric Dance?”

Pirate Performance in Eugene

on Fri, 27 Feb, 2015

Fusion Fascination at MEDGE

on Wed, 25 Feb, 2015

Suhaila Technique and Twerking: Belly Dance versus Hip Hop

on Mon, 23 Feb, 2015

Many belly dance moves have roots in the Middle East and Africa, but breakdance and hip hop do as well. Many moves look very similar. What one culture calls twerking, another calls the Suhaila technique. The biggest difference is the posture which gives the muscle isolation technique used in both a completely different look.

What is the Suhaila Technique?

The Suhaila technique is a kind of shimmy that is done using the muscles of the legs, thighs and gluts instead of bending the knees or twisting the hips to make the hips move. This muscle isolation technique was created by the bellydancer Suhaila Salimpour. Word on the belly dance street is that she started doing this as an alternative to traditional bent knee shimmies after an injury in a car accident limited her mobility. Although shimmies are not high impact, some people with knees problems have difficulty doing them without pain. Alternately, some people have difficulty with the Suhaila technique if they have sacrum, IT band or other hip muscle problems. Some dancers say this is done with the obliques, others the gluts. Either is good for toning the leg and hip muscles. The reason belly dancers may be interested in this technique is that it gives dancers a kind of shimmy they can do independent of what their skeleton is doing, giving them more options for layering moves.

Although I once had a great example video of Suhaila in a performance using this technique, I can no longer find it. An example one of my students once shared with me that I found easy to see and that also happened to be hilarious is below titled, “Woman Plays Beethoven on her Buttocks.”

http://tv.liberoquotidiano.it/video/105797/Donna-suona-Beethoven-con-le-chiappe.html

In the below video titled “Classy Victorian Twerking” by Sarina, Seraphina and Margarita at No Shame Eugene, the belly dancers make a parody of twerking using belly dance, hip hop and burlesque moves. Some might consider the performance burlesque because it is comedic and there is some removal of clothes, however, when the question was put to an actual burleque dancer, she said that the dance was definitely not burlesque because not enough clothes were taken off. So I am probably safe to still be considered a belly dancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnK2K3hRhz4

What is Twerking?

Twerking is a style of dance that is considered sexually provocative and involves a lot of hip movements, gyrations, pelvic thrusts and glut contractions while in a squatting stance. Although this can be viewed in accurate demonstrations in music videos done by African American dancers, Miley Cyrus made twerking a household name in 2013 with her performance with Robin Thicke. Although Miley Cyrus is being credited with twerking, yet most of what she does is bump and grind and dirty dancing, not true twerking. If you want to see how it is really done, check out some videos on YouTube.

A really good example of skilled twerking might be from Twerk Team on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SmLr3C-2QU&list=UUDI56-XbFf1LviSGBNhkx6A

“Grandma TWERK Team” is a pretty funny parody of Twerk Team. I also suspect I like this because the middle lady in the video’s comments remind me of my grandmother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHitWbFIfaY

For a laugh, consider viewing “Twerking Grandma Does It All.” I suspect it is a parody of the parody of Twerk Team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_lF2p72qmg

So what’s the difference between twerking and the Suhaila technique?

Tribal or American Tribal Style

This is a specific form of belly dance invented in America based on folkloric moves, costuming and music from the Middle East, Africa, India and other countries. Some sources say it began in the 1960’s with Jamila Salimpour’s teaching and performing of folk dance in her belly dance, other sources credit Jamila Salimpour’s student, Masha Archer, while others credit Masha Archer’s student Carolena Nerriccio. The later created the name and common language of dance in that style, enabling troupes to perform improvisation dance. The moves are a “fusion” of ethnic dances, music and costuming but it is an American invention in origin to combine them in that way.

Tribal Fusion

Tribal Fusion is the most modern American invention in the belly dance community.Although credited to Jill Parker and Ultra Gypsy, the style has been popularized by Rachel Brice and her distinct style. The idea is to not only combine American Tribal Style with Cabaret, but also with other styles the artist chooses. These may include other folkloric dances, hip hop, breakdance, jazz, burlesque, fire dancing or hooping. The costumes can range from a mixture of any of these styles. Some consider themselves Gothic (imagine lots of black) or tribaret (a combination of tribal and cabaret), however these are sub genres within the tribal fusion community.

Although Fusion is often used to refer to modern belly dance that combines belly dance with non-ethnic dance, if one understand the history of bellydance in America, one is more likely to accept that all belly dance is fusion. However, for those who aren’t belly dance philosophers, it is easier to call the most modern style something since everything needs a name.

Personally, I consider myself to be a steamfunk fusion belly dancer, but that’s only when I’m not an alien slave dancer for Trek Theatre.

Is Middle Eastern Dance and Belly Dance the Same Thing?

on Mon, 02 Feb, 2015

People often use the terms Middle Eastern dance, folk dance and belly dance interchangebly but there actually are differences between them. Learn a quick and easy to understand explanation here.

Folkloric Dance

This is any dance that is native to a region or ethnicity. There are folkloric dances of Gypsies, Middle Eastern Countries in Africa, Hawaaii, Spain and many other countries. Some belly dance moves have origins from these regions and many more. Many belly dance moves have roots in the Middle East and Africa, but breakdance and hip hop do as well. It’s just that what one culture calls Twerking, another calls the Suhaila technique. Of course the posture, costuming and intent also differ. If this is a topic that interests you, consider reading the upcoming post on: What is the Difference Between the Suhaila Technique and Twerking?

Middle Eastern

This is any dance that originates from a Middle Eastern country. This could be from Egypt, Lebanon, Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria or others. These include folkloric dances, modern dances, belly dance, and dances performed by men and women. The important thing to remember is that it can be belly dance but doesn’t have to be. There are also many dances Americans label as belly dance but more accurately we might say it is Middle Eastern folk dance. When Middle Eastern dance was first performed in America, it was given many names including belly dance because it was “of the belly.”

Belly Dance

The roots of early belly dance in America was based on Middle Eastern and Romani or Andalusian dance moves and music and was considered quite risque by the Victorians. Some called it the Hoochie Coochie which grew into it’s own form of dance. Belly dance was first performed in burlesque shows, nightclubs and travelling circuses. When one imagines the sequins, beads and fringe of the costumes of the 1920s and 1930s when belly dance was becoming more popularly performed in nightclubs, it isn’t hard to see how the era influenced the costuming. Cabaret was a nightclub style dance that became an art form. It grew and changed, going back to folkloric roots in the American Tribal Style and then changing again as it grew to encompass a fusion of many nontraditional and modern styles of dance in tribal fusion.

Performance in Sapporo, Japan with Students

on Fri, 30 Jan, 2015

Origins of belly dance in Middle Eastern and world culture

on Mon, 19 Jan, 2015

Belly dance is thought to have originated in the Middle East, though contemporary belly dance uses music, costuming and moves from many folkloric traditions. There are several ideas about belly dance’s origins and functions. Whether familiar with belly dance because you saw it at a show in Eugene and are about curious what it is, or you are a seasoned dancer wanting to know more, this post briefly describes the origins of the dance.

Belly Dance as Entertainment Since Ancient Times

There are dances described in texts from Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt in which women dance to entertain men or a royal court that modern scholars believe to be belly dance. In the biblical story of Salome dancing for King Herod it is thought that was be the equivalent to stripping. Oscar Wilde popularized stripping in contemporary culture in his play “Salome” with the infamous “7 Viels Dance.” Sometimes belly dancers remove viels, sometimes multiple viels. Often they do so without considering the connection between what they are doing to the Salome reference, and do not see what they do as stripping. Permitting body tipping during dancing causes audiene members to draw further parallels. Today’s cabaret style belly dance performed in a nightclub or restaurant carries on in the tradition of entertainment or sex appeal just as it once did in a pharoah or sultain’s court.

Belly Dance as Education Since Ancient Times

Another idea behind the origins and purpose of belly dance is that many moves originated by women for women—and in some Middle Eastern cultures they are still practiced that way. In these tribal dances, belly dance is the equivalent of sex education and tribal Lamaze for birthing. Dancer and belly dance scholar, Morocco, explained in a number of articles in the 1970s her experiences observing belly dance in modern Middle Eastern tribal culture as a way to celebrate, connect and educate a woman as she is birthing. In Grandmother’s Secrets, Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi talks about the connection between belly dance moves and birthing practices in modern Arab cultures. These are moves done for women’s eyes only.

One interesting account is an American woman who used belly dance for birthing.Since I have never had a baby, let alone one I belly danced with, I don't know how helpful this actually is, however, I will say Elisa looks really beautiful and calm while she is having her contractions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9K4bYlvzv8

Some belly dance philosophers and scholars claim that belly dance is a symbol of the goddess and fertility. Certainly many modern dancers feel a spirituality in performing the dance. In some cultures it is considered good luck to have a belly dancer dance at a wedding and to som symbolizes fertility. Much of the information we have is incomplete, anecdotal or fragmented. Because we didn’t have YouTube a thousand years ago, it is hard to say exactly how old it is and when and how it was used, but the leading theories are that belly dance was used as entertainment, storytelling and it was used as a way to pass on knowledge—whether that was spiritual or practical.

To understand where the term belly dance came from in modern American culture see upcoming posts titled:

What is the Difference Between Middle Eastern Dance, Belly Dance and Folkloric Dance?

What is the Difference Between ATS (American Tribal Style), Cabaret, and Tribal Fusion Belly Dance?

What is the Difference Between Belly Dance, Burlesque, Stripping and Exotic Dance?

Electric Spec Publishes Belly Dance story

on Fri, 09 Jan, 2015

Most of you know me as a belly dance teacher and performer. In addition to my day job teaching, my evening job teaching dance and my in between job as a local fashion designer, I am also a published author. Recently my two worlds of belly dance and writing collided when I sold a story about a male belly dancer to an online magazine. Although I have written another story with a belly dancer in it, this is the first one that sold.

Below is an excerpt from the beginning of the story. To read the story in its entirety, please visit the link below.

Aladdin's Neti Pot
Sarina Dorie

"Doctor, my allergies are killing me," I said. My usual deep voice came out nasal and stuffy. The paper sheet crinkled underneath me as I sat down on the table. I could only hope it was clean paper.

Exotic elevator music from the reception area played over the speakers in the exam room. All I could think as I sat there on the table was, "What if that horrible pain in my nose is because it's growing like Pinocchio's because of all those lies I told my wife about eating celery and carrot sticks while I was really sneaking candy bars and hamburgers on my low cholesterol diet." I touched it to make sure it hadn't grown a foot like my cousin's friend when she lied about her age. I groaned over the agony of that gentle touch.

"Mr. Burns, did you use the allergy medicine and the nasal spray I proscribed?" Dr. Bravo's weathered brow crinkled up even more as she glanced over her clipboard.

To read the story in its full entirety, click on the link to go to Electric Spec:

http://www.electricspec.com/issues/volume-9-issue-4-november-30-2014/aladdins-neti-pot-by-sarina-dorie.asp

Other stories can be found at:
www.sarinadorie.com/writing/news

Alternative Belly Dance Show with Jazzy Fans

on Fri, 09 Jan, 2015

What is Fusion Belly Dance?

on Mon, 05 Jan, 2015

Belly dance is as diverse an art form in Eugene as it is in the rest of the world. There are cabaret styles, tribal styles and fusion belly dance.

Fusion belly dance is characterized as Middle Eastern Dance combined with another forms of dance, such as salsa, bhangra, hip hop or burlesque. Although there are cabaret dancers who combine two styles such as Egyptian and Indian bhangra styling, and it would be accurate to call this form of dance fusion, often fusion refers to tribal fusion.

When the belly dance style “tribal fusion” is said, Rachel Brice and the Indigo often come to mind. The Indigo’s style of dance consists of several dance styles including tribal (Fat Chance Belly Dance style), cabaret (Suhaila Salimpour technique), popping, locking and ticking (break dance) and even burlesque. The Serpent Rouge Tour has vaudeville, burlesque, 1920’s costuming fused music combined with Middle Eastern dance.

Although, Rachel Brice is often considered the poster child of tribal fusion, she wasn’t the creator. When Jill Parker left Fat Chance Belly Dance and created Ultra Gypsy Dance Theatre, she incorporated elements of cabaret, burlesque and 1920’s dance and changed the costuming away from traditional American Tribal Style (ATS). Another group that blossomed away from traditional tribal costuming and influences was Urban Tribal, influenced by hip hop, street dance and modern dance.

Fusion belly dancers combine their style of belly dance with various other dance styles and costuming. A local example includes, Elena Villa who now teaches in Portland. She takes the Andalusian influence in Spain and combines it with elements of flamenco costuming and dance styles in her belly dance, giving it a gypsy flair. Sabine of the Troupe, Tribalation, sometimes combines tribal with bhangra and Bollywood moves and music. Although neither of these dancers consider themselves “fusion” they are fusing dance styles together that were not traditionally meant to be performed together. Some would even argue that ATS is a fusion of cabaret nightclub style dance with folkloric dance in effort to get back to the roots of the dance.

Local troupe, Luminessah, who are now disbanded, blended Middle Eastern dance moves with popping set to a variety of musical styles such as local band, Mood Area 52’s tango/jazz flavored music. Although all fusion belly dance stems from Middle Eastern dances, it may have other dance influences as well. It is important to note that performers do not always perform to Middle Eastern music, nor do they have to wear traditional costuming.

MEDGE, or the Middle Eastern Dance Guild, hosts one alternative show a year to showcase “alternative” belly dance and Middle Eastern dance that is performed to non-Middle Eastern Music. For individuals with an itch to perform fusion styles or to alternative music, or who wish to support fusion dance, other non Medge events sometimes are available in the area. One such event is Fusion Friendly Events.

Folkloric belly dance moves for masculine styling

on Sun, 04 Jan, 2015

In the last post I gave examples of cabaret and fusion dancers who are men. Though male belly dancers are rarer in this country than female belly dancers, belly dance is an art form practiced more commonly in other countries. One detail about belly dance is that it isn’t called belly dance in other countries. It is called Middle Eastern Dance or folkloric dance or African dance. The moves from many cultures make up belly dance. Back in the 1800’s when Middle Eastern dance came to America, it was labeled as a “dance of the belly” and became a sexy form of entertainment by women for men.

Check out some of these folkloric dances from around the world and see which moves you recognize as being “belly dance.” Some of them aren't belly dance but can definately be combined into fusion belly dance.

Folkloric Dance: Yamil Annum Mashael

Although the quality of this video is not the best, I like how it shows the movements of classical and traditional Middle Eastern dance on a man’s body. Because the costume emphasizes different places on his body with fringe than it would on a woman’s costume, it is still impressive but not as feminine. There is such a fine line between “belly dance” and “Middle Eastern dance” it is sometimes hard to define which a dancer is doing and this dancer falls in that gray area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYria0B0KYA&list=PL8ABD68F71D2D85D8

Middle Eastern Dance: Tito and Little Mimo

This video is poor quality but a great example of Middle Eastern dance as a folkloric dance as opposed to only a female belly dance. Also, the little kids makes this adorable! When watching traditional Middle Eastern dance, it becomes clearer how much American belly dance is actually a fusion of many dances put together, but often in a way that sexualizes the female body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhN3bWlhQKc&list=PL8ABD68F71D2D85D8&index=2

Greek Dancing

Greek arm posture and even Greek folkloric dance moves are often implemented into belly dance. If a male dancer is looking for something more masculine to combine with belly dance this would be a great example. There is lots of slapping of boots, stomping and moving the hands and arms in a less sensual, fluid manner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUCK1kmACWg

African Dance

Notice how percussive the arm movements are in this. I have seen both male and female dancers use these movements in African tribal fusion. Sometimes dancers slow it down, sometimes they do it this fast to similar or the same dance moves combined with more traditional Middle Eastern moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyUgfnGlElg

Flamenco with Joaquin Cortez

Really, I selected this video because of the examples of wrist circles and arm movements—not because the performer is eye candy. I have taken flamenco and have found the arm movements and wrist circles to be fluid and feminine. We also use wrist circles and similar arm movements in belly dance. When a man uses the same movements in flamenco they change into a more masculine style and one might do the same when using wrist circles in belly dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXBctPuGIfU

Gypsy Style

There are some similarities in this style of dance and the Greek dance in the arms movements. There are slaps and snaps and the arms move more freely. The arm posture is higher and arms open. Like flamenco, the feet are used as percussion to stomp in time to the percussive music. The body is used like an instrument.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muUCTEQB7Ow

American Break Dance

Here is one of the interesting things about breakdance: it is pretty gender neutral but certain styles might emphasize the body in different ways. Both dancers in this video are performing breakdance but the woman is using street jazz in a way that emphasizes her hair, breasts, hips and waist. She dances in a way that expresses sensuality and sexuality. The male dancer uses gender neutral moves that emphasize his skill in percussive movements. Even combined with slow, fluid movements, he doesn’t do it in a way that emphasizes the body in the same way the woman’s dance does. Break dance is often fused with belly dance in tribal fusion by both men and women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPT8coTBRG0

Spandy Andy

If we are going to talk about moves that emphasize the masculine, we have to include Spandy Andy and his pelvic thrusts and arm movements into the mix. His moves are anything but gender neutral. His theatrical style is humorous and masculine, and in some cases a parody of the masculine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G96luYC5Z2M

If you enjoyed these videos, like this page on Facebook or Pinterest.

Male Belly Dancers

on Sat, 03 Jan, 2015

Contrary to popular belief, there are male belly dancers. Ten years ago when I was studying in Portland, I met a man named Skylar who danced tribal fusion. Here in Eugene we have Alfredo who dances what might be considered cabaret. A few years ago Jim Boz came to town and performed cabaret at a MEDGE show.

There is something incredibly attractive about a man who can dance. Perhaps that is why having a male belly dancer in a crowd of women outweighs the response to any female performer I have seen. Sometimes it is embarrassing how women scream as though these men are Chip’n Dale dancers. Then again, sometimes the general public treat female belly dancers as though they are strippers, too, so maybe we are equal on that account.

Male Accessories

When you are looking for examples of a male belly dancer, you will probably find something like this on the internet. It is a man who either looks like a sultan or pirate dancing with a sword. This is really amusing but take note, he isn’t doing belly dance. He is just a fun accessory.

http://vimeo.com/40908471

Alfredo Gormezano

Alfredo is a local dancer. He specializes in Middle Eastern folkloric dance. Some of the movements he does are ethnic but not necessarily belly dance, though that is what we generally call this dance in America. I can’t find any videos of him on the internet but there are photos of him at the links below. If anyone ever finds a video of him, please send me a link and I will post it.

http://www.gofundme.com/44hgso

https://www.facebook.com/events/494878923899309/?ref=22

Jim Boz

One of the things I enjoy about Jim Boz is his stage presence. He also is very good at keeping the authenticity of moment that is appropriate to the music, style and his body. He manages to be expressive and masculine in many of the moves that I often think of as being feminine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mrAfRJZJxQ

Illan Berlin

What a great use of fusing breakdance arm, ballet and folkloric tribal movements with belly dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS0xL7jAlP4

The second video has a great mix of theatrics, vaudeville and breakdance to create tribal fusion. Also it is really interesting listening to the announcer describe his story and how he came to be at Tribal Fest at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZy3rljaWF8

Eliran Amar

My breakdance teacher in Japan used to say that key to making dance interesting was breaking up sharp movements with fluid Movements. Popping becomes more interesting when mixed with the smooth flow of body waves. This dancer chooses a soft song that could be interpreted differently, but his choice of movement and interpretation makes it engaging to watch and give it a true fusion feel.

I will admit, though, it was hard to watch since I was afraid male body parts were going to become exposed during, but women’s costumes can be like that too. Fortunately, the costume remained safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx23z-ytjO0

Ilhan Karabacak

The intro and scene breaks in this are done beautifully and I could just want that alone. This dancers arm movements are what really define his moves and creates something that feels African, folkloric and at times tribal. There are even some sections I am seeing breakdance and contemporary dance influence. I think the key to masculine arms is including more percussive gestures and movements instead of just fluid movements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJq9lOHjxrs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRpl7HDNlIY

Luxor Male Belly Dancer

This guy has more glitter than a sparkly vampire from a Twilight novel, but his many of his moves are very masculine. Even some of the movements he does which I have always considered to be ultra feminine, like the Egyptian cabaret headache gesture, are given a new twist with his style. He has excellent isolations and it is really interesting to see him do chest drops, belly pops and shoulder shimmies in such a masculine way. Also, he can really lip sink.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8DpL-bM9Q0

Rachid

One of the reasons I included this was to show how some movements depending on their origin and the style being depicted will influence the look. Many of the more cabaret movements use fluid arms that look sensual and feminine while some of the more percussive, African and break dance influenced moves in the other videos feel more masculine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZksDUViBFFo

One of the things I enjoy about tribal fusion belly dance is the diversity and range of styles it offers dancers. Personally I think cabaret dance is harder to be inclusive of movements that both feel true to the dance form and fit a man’s body. Fusion is a style that can be inclusive to both men and women, and a large range of ages and body types. I often think of cabaret dance as being for the sake of entertainment and being sexy, where tribal feels like is a link to folkloric roots, spirituality and connection. Tribal fusion can be that bridge between art those forms—or the creation of something else whether it is meant to be expressive, earthy, spiritual, gothic or something else entirely.

Have a fun video of a male bellydancer to share? Feel free to email me and I will share it.

Gipsy Nouveau

on Fri, 02 Jan, 2015

Frozen Themed Belly Dance Performance at No Shame Eugene

on Thu, 01 Jan, 2015

Common Belly Dance Questions

on Sat, 27 Dec, 2014

Improve fitness and core strength while working out to great world music and learning the basics of belly dancing. Class emphasizes posture and stretching to avoid injury, muscle isolation for improving strength and repetition for a balanced workout. Sarina teaches classes at Willamalane in Springfield and the Reach Center in Eugene.

Performances

Sarina performs her alternative tribal fusion belly dance style at many venues in Eugene and sometimes Portland, Oregon. Whether she is steampunk belly dancing to neo-Victorian music, using her flamenco/burseque fusion fans with a 1920's flair, Andalusian skirt twirling, clowning it up at Cirque du Eugene, or fusing break dance and belly dance to a Star Trek remixed music, she brings creativity and fun to the dance.

When she performs with Fusion Fascination, it is a fusion style influenced by world music.

The Hysteria of Cultural Appropriation

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How to Hold a Veil

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Let’s Talk About the Dreaded Word “Tribal”

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Debunking the Article “Why I can't stand white belly dancers”

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What Cultures Make Up the Dances We Perform?

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Bellissimo Fusion Costume

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Article in the Chronicle: Examining appreciation versus appropriation in belly dance community

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Videos Now Available for Belly Dance Eugene Instruction and Drills

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Include the video you wish to purchase, so I can send the correct link to you.

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Favorite Belly Dance Instructional Videos

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Favorite Fusion Belly Dance Videos

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Women's Only Hafla

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Walk Like an Egyptian, Dance Like a Real Egyptian

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Guidelines for Belly Dance Coin Bras and Bustiers and the Differences in Styles

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Traditional World Music for Beginning Belly Dancers

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A List of ATS/Fusion Moves in Each Class from Belly Dance Eugene Studio

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How does ATS and fusion belly dance troupes look the same all while looking different

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Examples of ATS and Fusion Belly Dance Coin Bras and Bustiers

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Where to find a coin belt

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Makeup for Bellydancers

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Hair Gardens and head Pieces for Fusion and ATS Belly Dance

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Halloween inspiration costumes

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Costume Must-Have List for Fusion Fascination

Below is a list of items we typically have used for our costumes for belly dance that we will be reusing:

If you want to make your own burgundy fringe belt or bra

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Belly Dance Shiva Lines, Fun Formations, and Beautiful Fusion Videos

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How You Can Improve Your Health, Connectedness, and Spiritual Wellness

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Developing Belly Dance Muscles Helps Prevent Female Incontinence

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Dance of the Snowflakes

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Four Fun Music Videos with Dance

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Woodkid—I will Fall for You

Cider Cider by Tempura Kids

Malhari Full Video Song | Bajirao Mastani

Tattad Tattad (Ramji Ki Chal) - Full Song - Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela

If you enjoyed these music videos, check out more here:

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Five Videos Dancers Can Appreciate

Russian Folk Dance "Berezka" "Березка". Ruso Danza Populare "Beriozka" .Russische Volk Tanz

Ballerina Wears Knife Shoes to Perform En Pointe En a Piano

Duck Walk! • TVO Advanced Team practice • Tahitian Dance

Diana Vishneva: Beauty in motion - F.L.O.W part III

Thiên Thủ Quan Âm (Thousand Hand Guan Yin)

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Three Fun Dance Videos

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Ten Tribal and Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Bras and Belts for Performances

1. First Bra—Eastern European/Roma

2. Belt to Match the Eastern European/Roma Bra

3. Tribal Fusion Bra

4. Tribal Fusion Belt