Nile Group Opening Gala June 2011

oh what a night.................!

fabulous.

Last night i went along to the opening show at the Pyramisa with the girls who are currently staying with me in 'Hotel bellylorna'. If you are attending the workshops in the festival- and pay for at least 7 of them... then you get opening and closing night shows included in your registration fee. Otherwise you pay $50 for a ticket. When i heard who was in the line up for the opening i decided it was well worth the money and a night not to be missed!

Saying that- The night must have started pretty much on time, since when we arrived, only a little late (Cairo style) Nour had already performed her 1st number of the night. She was elegant, and fun and beautiful and gentle... a show that was worth the entrance fee on its own! We all especially liked her khaleegy which was again, soft and passionate... when she whipped her hair round, you really felt is was the enjoyment of the move which instigated the action... rather than because that is 'what you do' in khaleegy. It was a bit like watching a cat stretch in fact. Mesmorising.

After the buffet (an experience a lot less traumatic than usual due to the destressingly low numbers in attendance of the fesitval this year since the revolution) we watched a dancer i hadn't seen before, Margurite (forgive me any spelling mistakes here please!) She is russian.. but has been taking lots of lessons with Lubna Eman ( a lovely lady and obviously from these results, a very good teacher!) The style was 100% Egyptian... which as all foreign dancers knows is our holy grail... to be mistaken for Egyptian while on stage! The only thing i think that would have improved her show was maybe less choreography. Although everything she did was moves perfect... I felt she kept herself safe away from us the audience. Mind you, nerves alone could do that to a girl i guess!

Tito was next on stage... with backing dancers who were all dressed differently but all dressed in past Tito costumes- it was bizarre- like a lookalike competition. Novel idea though. In the group that went with me... 2 of the girls hadn't ever seen him perform live before, so they were, of course, enraptured. He does dance in the most manly way out of all the male oriental dancers i have seen, although the headscarf he was wearing didn't get lifted up like hair and flicked an inordinate number of times.... A fun show with him standing dancing on top of a tabla too.

Camelia was beautiful.

 Her dance was the most contained i have ever seen her dance... and i think that added to it. Her main piece in her show was a reproduction on a moulid (holy festival) and there were stilt walkers, 'punch and judy' puppets, tannnoura, fanoon, a fortune teller, jugglers, even a wee old man 'selling' erk soos (a licorice drink). She came and went during this carnival in about 5 differnt costumes... and it was a entertainment on a massive scale. unfortunalty though... becuase her dancing to me was so lovely in her 1st set, i was frustrated because i wanted to watch her dance again... rather than the circus show (as lively and entertaining as it was!)

Last but not least, Asmahan. Her entire band were wearing shirts made from the egyptian flag, she was carried onto stage in a box made from egyptian flag and her 1st costume was a 'brides' dress with a full net black skirt, white and gold eagle on her stomach and a red shawl.


.......these she stripped away to finallly be wearing a very tight very revelling costume of red whie and black. My 'flag' costume looks like a galabeya in comparison!



Her dance was lovely, and very soft.. which is always what i though i would like to see more in Asmahans dancing... but it felt more like the passion or power had disolved a bit, which was sad. It's not a surprise though... She is not based in Cairo anymore, so no longer getting her daily high energy exercise fix in her show each night. and she is not the only one to have less daily practise! All of us dancers in Cairo are performing much less since the revolution since the numbers of tourists in town will take time to increase and people are employing dancers less and less at weddings....



What i will say about Asmahan however is that she has always been one of the most welcoming and interested and caring of all the dancers here in Cairo. When i first arrived here to work she gave me a lot of very good advice about work here. A very generous lady- and this comes accross in her dance too. A nice shot of Asmahan and Khaled Mahmoud-

I have to give credit to the Nile Group organisers who cannot possibly be making any kind of profit with such low attendance levels... but who, despite the cost to themselves,  put on an amazing show for us all the same. This surely is a fantastic festival to attend.. since there won't be any issues of having difficulties seeing the teachers at the front of the classes! I recommend you support it and Egypt and come to the next festival if you can!

I also have to give photo credit for al these shots to the lovely Delia Lewis who is currently staying in Hotel Bellylorna with me. Thanks for letting me use them here D !!!

The entire night ended after dawn.

 Hehe- thats stating the obvious isn't it... I mean.. the entire show finished at dawn when we jumped a taxi back to Hotel Bellylorna to dream of shimmys and hair flicks!

Bellydancing Blogging LIVE

well it doesn't get any more live than this........ I am writing this from my changing room onboard the Golden Pharoah boat in Cairo. I have performed 2 shows, and have one more to go before the 'work' part of the night is over.So here we are, you and me.... Bobbing about on the Nile!

I decided there was way too much time wasted in my life sitting about at work in between sails... so i bought an internet USB and plan to start trying to clear my outstanding emails and keep my lovely readers as up to date as you can possibly be, without actually being here in my changing room with me... !!!

I love going to see dancers perform and i don't do it enough! However, having a couple of London bellydancers staying with me this week has been a good excuse to go to the Nile Maxim to see Randa Kamel and also the the Marriot hotel to see Suraya. Fabulous.

Randas wore a stunning gold bedla which was edged in tons and tons of feathers- about 3 feather boa's worth! The photos don't seem to have come out very well- but if my friends got better ones I'd add them later! My complaint about the whole show was that it was too short. This is the problem with shows on boats (as I well know after doing the same job for over 3 years). There were only 2 costumes... the gold feather and then a green trouser saaidi. The crowd were a thursday night party crowd who wanted to get up and dance on the stage with her and have their photos taken... which she did with grace... but frustrating for us when we want to just watch her dance. I love the way that randa put fantastic timing into her dance... creating space by holding a pose- and then... only then.... hitting the beat with a move. Very powerful. I just wish i could see a whole hour long show again... I miss the days when she performed at the Marriot. Thats stage was big enough for her... the Nile Maxim just isn't.

It was interesting conversation too- chatting with the London dancers I was there with and another pro dancer who is currently working in Dubai. I know nothing about work in the gulf and it was interesting to ask her how it all works. Seems much easier in lots of ways than here... but you don't usually get your own band- just work with the hotel band wherever you go... which i guess has benefits and downsides too, like little rehearsal time!

Suraya last night was inspiring as always. Wasn't very impressed by the costumes though. A samba suit to start- for the enterance dance and some Egyptian classic songs... it just looked wrong! Then a turkish trouser outfit, in flesh colour with lots and lots of tassles... which was different... but unfortunatly her black knee support bandage was very obvious through it and somewhat distracting! The a black dress, that i liked but the others didn't. She finished her show on an Om kalthoum... which was my favourite dance of the night- I LOVE her violin player! i would have liked to see her drum solo though. Lots of intricate tight moves that I have already found dancing tonight influencing me a bit! My drummer Magdy is doing a good job keeping up! I even put in a new ending instead of my usual kiss to the hips... which was Suraya inspired... but nothing i actually saw her doing- if that makes sense!!!

ok... i can hear the zeffa outside.... i guess we have a bride onboard tonight. i better go touch up my make-up and get myself stretched out to get onstage!!! Happy to be onboard blogging!

Nile group festival Opening show last night!

It was PACKED!
I've never seen that many people before at any of the Gala Dinners at the Nile Group festival (Pyramisa hotel, Dokki).

The sound system was the best yet... but unfortunately the lighting wasn't so great- so i will apologise in advance of writing about these dancers and costumes, that there are no photos. Anyone reading this who has pics of the event- please feel free to forward them to me to include!

Nancy (Egyptian was 1st up). She has put on a little weight since last time, and it suited her. She was relaxed, bubbly, cute. She had a lot of lovely moves in there... and some facial expressions and arm movements which reminded me of Suraya. But I guess both of them were taught by Raqia Hassan in the beginning. The first costume was very glittery, disco ball inspired bra belt with black chiffon skirt. The chiffon is unusual to see in 'modern' Egyptian dance, and nice. The last costume though was not so flattering. I guess it was 'Egypt' inspired since it was red white and black and she danced to a song all about 'Egypt' in it! Unfortunately it didn't flatter her figure the way previous costumes had. Last night was the nicest I have seen Nancy dance.

Tito's show was next, starting with a pharonic dance with everyone (all his 'backing' dancers) dressed in gold and blue. Was visually eye catching.... and I guess works well for tourists in sharm.... but didn't really inspire most of the dancers I talked to about it last night! However, Tito on his own, in both his stick dance and his tabla solo, was on FIRE ! VERY VERY good. Best i have seen him. Slightly more technique than usual... but mainly what was impressive was a phenomenal stage presence that had even me weak at the knees at times. Well done that man! Sometimes when male dancers perform it is spoiled for me because they look like they are trying to be women.... when Tito danced these 2 dances he was 100% masculine.

Camelia blew everyone away! She started in a relaxed way... but that lasted all of maybe one minute before she was up to full speed and high high energy. Even taking her hair and spinning it round helicopter style half way through the 1st dance! LOTS and LOTS and crazy hair flinging in all of her show. Especially of course in the Khleegy which had lots of new things in it- and a lot of jumpy steps from Iraq too! My favourite dance as usual from her was the Shamadan (the candleabra on the head!) maybe because she does, by neccesity have to, calm down slightly in it! Her gold/balck costume she wore for the shamadan dance was my favourite costume of the night too. LOVELY ! The thing about Camelia for me , is that her crazy energy is the thing that is equally the best and worst thing about it! You cannot help but smile the entire time she is dancing....... but I would love to see how she would tackle an omm khalsoum or baladi takisim or something!

Liza was last on the bill and incredibly relaxed after both Tito and Camelia. Her final show was the most different thing with a stunning assuit dress and tribal style headdress and belt with metal and pom poms! The dance had sections of haggala, saaidi, baladi, nubian you name it- it was all there. Her drum solo at the end was using a duff to hit various parts of her body with. I spoke to people who thought she was their favourite show of the night. I felt she got better as the show proceeded and I enjoyed the last song, and costume, very much!

Of course, when i got home at 3.30am... i thought- great - an early night... but then sat up for 2 hours discussing the entire show with the 2 dancers ( Norwegian and American) who are staying with me just now!

Great day today- Teaching a private, receiving a private and then going to see a show. How bellydance a day can you get?!!!!! Life is good.

Preparation...................

HMMMMMMMM


I really should practise what I preach!

I always say that improvisation wins hands down over choreography... but ONLY if you know your music inside out.

I messed up tonight, in my eyes at least. The thing was- I just couldn't face dancing to song I use in Cairo but dancing them with CD instead of my band... so I chose 2 songs i didn't know... one I heard for 1st time on thursday night and the other (a tabla solo) I heard for 1st time this morning!!!!!!!!

I do not recommend it.!!! KNOW your music!

I was lucky- it was a fabulous crowd and in my home town.. but my nerves got the better of me.... i was a shaky leaf for most of my show (mind you- seemingly, I managed to hide it well, so people tell me- so tonight at least, I was a better actress than a dancer!) In fact- I felt I only relaxed when i got the audience to clap out rhythms for me at the end and danced to that- see how addicted to live music I am now- even if its only handclapping it's way better than CD !!!!

You should never do THIS either- hanging your dirty washing out in public as it were....... Again ; Do as I say , not as I do!

i always tell students- that even if they hated their own show that if someone compliments them just smile and say thank you... even if you don't agree with their verdict!

however- its always good to learn........ even if from other's mistakes!

KNOW your music inside out before you perform to it!!!

That being said......... The halfa was a huge success. We were full to bursting- not enough seats for everyone (Thanks guys to being so understanding those of you who ended up sitting on the floor!).

The venue is STUNNING! a lovely stage ( unfortunatly with carpet- but also with full lighting rig and proper sounds system). I strongly recoemmend Voodoo Rooms as a venue for anyone holding any sort of party/show in Edinburgh!

Lots of money was raised for the 'Just Because' charity (although how much exactly i am not sure until all the ticket sales, raffle money and souk sales have been counted!!!)

If any one took photos tonight- let me see!!!! If anyone filmed my dance if THINK i want to see that too! In fact I came up with a good idea. there is always a quandry about whether to allow people to video or not. My conclusion tonight was to say- feel free to film a dancer perform- but only if you are prepared to give her a copy of it too!

Awaiting videos............!!!!

Thanks to EVERYONE who made tonight one of the best hafla people had been to in ages (at least thats what was being said within my earshot!!!!)

Tomorrow- Workshops and the surprise for those who have booked already- there's a live drummer ( as opposed to a dead one?!? ) coming to help us out in the workshops!!!

How do I feel? Happy to have seen so many old friends. Sad i felt I didn't give them my best, although they got everything I had to give at that time... relieved some of them still really enjoyed my dance..... and severely told off (by myself). Lesson learned.

ok- now I have just re-read all that and need to find the positive before I can sleep.

• Within only a couple of weeks we sold enough tickets to fill a fun halfa to overflowing
• We raised a lot of money for charity
• Everyone seemed to have fun
• i saw lots of fabulous dancers- some of whom I haven't ever seen perform before and some I haven't seen for a while! Scotland has talent!
• Live drumming during the evening kept my soul awake.
• I saw lots and lots of friends

Hmmmm- ok- it was a good night- but I need to find more positives about me, where is the Cairo Diva- I need to find her................

• My new costumes looked and felt great and stayed on (Thanks Eman Zaki!)
• I got enough applause at the end to be able to get them to clap out rhythms!
• A drummer in the audience said he was kicking himself because he didn't get his tabla out at that point in the show and take the opportunity to play for me
• I did shimmys on the raised stage that people, who were sitting on the floor in front of the stage could feel through the floorboards!!!
• Some people actually thought my new hair piece was real.... credit is due here to my hairdresser today- and to me for still having the bravery to flip my hair back during my 1st show (pussycat dolls style- aka Asmahan style!!!)
• I did my make-up well, considering I left my false lashes in Cairo
• I LOOKED confident, in control and in time with the music- despite how I felt
• I LOOKED like I was having fun and totally relaxed. ( and in the very end I did!)
• I combated my nerves and won ( although it took time) . One friend said I really did look like a 'star'- it's great to have good friends!!!

OK- so maybe I wasn't so bad....... most of these things take some degree of skill..... OK- I forgive myself- but I will PREPARE next time ( even if its just to KNOW my music better!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Night night all. You'll be relieved to know I have finished my blog therapy now! Thank you for sticking with me by reading all the way through to this point!

Lovely work.........

I am really happy at work just now.

1st of all its tough- cos I want to spend time with my house guests... so thats what makes it all the sweeter that work is actually going well. I'd be gutted if it was a drag!!!!

Tonight I only had 2 shows (2 sails with a deck only each). The 1st sail they changed the normal running order to put me on second and the cover band on 1st (ie when people are eating) and it was WONDERFUL. It meant that the people who didn't want to watch bellydance could go sit outside... and weren't trapped there while they ate having to watch me. However then vast majority stayed and of course , they had chosen to stay for the show and I had their full attention. It was amazing. Really lovely audience, lovely vibe- and my musicians really pulled out all the stops and did me a good show!!!

The the 2nd sail , i was on during the food unfortunatly ( although- to be honest- I prefer to dance before the stand up comedian fill heads with ideas which I'd rather my audience didn't think while they watch my show!!!) so all good. The best was that as soon as I got onto the stage and could look around my audience I realised that a couple who used to come regularly last summer ( and I mean like 5 times in a week!!!) were there in the front table! I couldn't help the smile... was so chuffed they had come back again! I danced my heart out- just for them (wish it had been filmed- would love to see some of the new stuff I felt I came out with, not sure where these moves get stored- not in my conscious brain thats for sure!!!)- but the rest of the audience got carried away with it all too and were just a pure delight.

Old women hugging me... young women making sure they had their photo taken with meto show their friends, Children were sent to me at the end to show off the photograph of them with me. Eyes on me the whole time, despite them having to eat at the same time I was performing! Just LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY. wish every night was like that.

Then my band actually WANTED a rehearsal!!! Yes- you read that right......!!! We went up to the top deck and went through a new song. I'm inspired. To have my band actually keen to work well and do new stuff is just so empowering... I feel I just want to sit for hours with my itunes and choose lots of new music for them to work on while they have the bug!!!!!!!!!!!

It was such a quick night...... but fun. These nights really make up for the difficult ones!!!

The London girls leave for the airport in an hour- I'm going to miss them. I love having a full house of bellydancers! Thankfully a school friend is here to stay for 2 weeks... so its not like I'm going to be at a loose end!

My spare room is available though most of july and august if anyone is mad enough to want to come and sample the heat of the cairene summer?????!!!! .........

.........Sweat is running down my back and off my chin as I type this ( current temp 27 deg) - at 5am- don't ask why I am not sleep at this time- I have no idea... just still on a high from tonights shows I think!!!!

oh- and the girls went to the closing party of Nile group festival yesterday and said that Asmahan did her best show ever and had EVERYONE there with their mouths wide open watching! looked fun- esp with the African dancing boys in grass skirts!!!!!

Suraya does samba

I was so good yersterday. 5/6 hours of stretching, toning and watching dance dvd's - ie studying. Was very proud of my self. It's stuff i really should do daily, and get round to maybe monthly!!!

We went to see Suraya last night.

Stunning!

She danced 'Alf leila we leila' to the violin. Breathtaking.

We wondered at her managing to keep a green dress on- since it seemed only to be held together at the sides with a couple of thin straps of diamante. Not sure how that passes the 'mostanafats' eye and yet my Eman galabeya doesn't ? ??? Anyway- beautiful.

My favourite outfit was her melaya (in school uniform- not quite but almost- short sports skirt and bunches and knee length black socks) she was fantastically cute and flirty and just perfect!

The drum solo was massively samba influenced.. to the extent that the band actually stopped playing so a samba CD could be played for a while- it was fantastic. She really pulled it all together well. Lets face it- only Suraya could actually carry that off here in Cairo!

The last time I saw Suraya I liked it but wasn't blown away. This time she seemed much more alive and enjoying herself up there. Wonderful show.

London Bellydancers- part 2 !!!

This week i have Eleanor (Eshta) and Nafiseh (of http://www.saqarah.co.uk/ fame) London staying with me.

They are here to participate in the Nile group festival who had their opening show last night.

WOW what a show! LOVED it!

We arrived a little late and had missed Nancy's 1st dance. So when we arrived she was wearing a green catsuit with cut out panels which left NOTHING to the imagination. I have to say the each of the 3 costumes I did see her perform in had me wondering HOW she could dance in that... ie VERY short skirts, without showing Everything. I was kept wondering so much that I have to admit I can't even comment on her dance. at all. Surely the costumes should ADD to the dance- not totally distract you from it??? Anyway- she looked beautiful and sexy.

Nour was next. She is just beautiful... body and soul. Smiling, elegant, cultured, skilled, fun and totally in love with what she is doing. I was insanly jealous of whoever helps her put together her musical sets- she had a fabulous orchestra who moved seemlessly from one song into another and into the 1st again... beautiful. Her costumes are somewhat 'old fashioned' but I have to say- it was a relief after Nancy- since you weren't studying her body - you actually were looking at her moves, her face- that whole package. I had a romantic smile on my face the entire time she danced. Oh and she did one of the best drum solos I have ever seen in Cairo. Such a shame she normally only performs at weddings and there is nowhere other than the festivals where we can go and watch her do her thing!

and next.........................

Corpse bride ( http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/photos_3.html )

That was the next act........... ok... so actually it was Camelia... and I wish to god I had a photo of her so you know what I am talking about.............

If Nour had me smiling romantically at her all night- Camelia had me alternating between laughing out loud and shocked. She certainly knew how to keep her audence Locked onto her! Magnoona !! ( Crazy!!!) She looked a little space cadet around the eyes it has to be said. She has extreme energy, humour and passion in her dance. I loved it. Her noteable moves were lifting her skirts up to show off her lycra shorts (at every opportunity) and swinging her hair around (including washing her face with said hair?!!!). Her sharp moves, hits, drops etc were to DIE for. strong bold sharp on beat- wonderful. Her lyrical interpretating needed some translation at times though... overall... an AMAZING performer. loved it. wanted to see more.. and more.... totally original... and inspiring.

Most people headed off to sleep then unfortuanatly and missed the best saaidi band ever... Hegazy had us up dancing on stage and in front of stage for nearly an hour.. which is pretty good going on a bad cold- but somehwo I held out- well- how could I not really.... with all those Rabab players and mizmar... not to mention the drums- it would be rude not to!!!


Amazing night. And that was the girl's 1st night in Cairo................... what else does Cairo hold in store for London Bellydancers... this week will tell all ( but not sure how much of it i can write on the blog!!!!!!!!!!! )

Tonight - just to drift off the subject slightly... i performed well. I felt. my second set i usually do saaid- Baladi- Tabla solo.... tonight I did ( twice and to great effect both times) Saaidi- Baladi- Lissa Fakir. I was nearly in tears (honest it wasnt just the sweat running into my eyes!!!). My band really can hold it together if the mood takes them- was proud of them, and I suspect them of me too...

This schedule is fairly full on... I am performing on the Nile Pharoah tomorrow (17th) and then 20th- 27th inclusive. Hope more dancers come to see me.......... so much more fun when dancing for people I know and who love dance!

London bellydancer - part 1

I've not written for w while since I have been slightly busy with visitors!!!



Emily ( aka the amazing Shahla from London) was staying with me last night and it was a whirlwind week of me working everynight, but also going round costume shops with her all day everyday and then partying all night everynight- usually til 6am ( or even all night!!!) Fabulous. I love my life... but I can't keep up with it!!!

Tuesday night we went to the best R&B club in Cairo which is called Latex and is in Nile hotel ( was nile hilton) every tuesday. It's fabulous. it's a 100le minimum spend- but worth it. fabulous music and people who can dance!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a lot of FUN! This is the music that should me the one true path of enlightenment- that music and dance is what I live for and is the only thing that truely makes me happy. It all started in R&B clubs..... what can I say???

We went to see Suraya dance at the Marriot nightclub. She performs at 12.30am- but we were told 1am on the phone which meant we missed over half her show- was gutted and furious- as you can imagine!!!! Anyway- what we saw was great and we saw my 2 favourite things se does in her show- her violin takasim and her drum solo. Both stunning. i love her belly!



We also went up to Agamy on the north coast for the opening night of the nightclub on the beach there called la piste. It was a fabulous place and amazing night- til 6am... but horrible ending since somehow I ended up on dancefloor alone, surrounded by guys who had their hands everywhere... i was hysterical... felt totally violated and abused. Was one of the most horrific experiences of my life. I do recommend the club- but not after about 4am.. and not unless you are with guys who you know will stick by you and look after you. You need looking after in a place full of dogs like those. Yuck.



anyway...... that was last week................

Best of both worlds! Nile group opening Gala

Yesterdays blog I mentioned that I was sad to be missing the opening of the Nile group festival... well... fortunatly for me- work finished by 12pm... so i was able to make it along to the opening from then til 3am!!!

I arrived too late to catch Nancy. Seemingly she did some lovely tableaux of saaidi and melaya etc and had fantastic backing dancers with her and stunning costumes. I missed it all.

I also unfortunalty missed the majority of Asmahan's show... caught the end though... a saaidi number with lilac galabeya then an entrance with wings wearing a red and silver galabeya with the wings attached to the back of the outfit which ripped open at the front to show a tiny mini skirt bedla in bright blue for the drum solo. I dont know how her neck can take all that hair flinging... it makes my neck ache to watch!!!

Next up there was the Hassan Hassan folklorique show, who normally perform in the Ramsis Hilton, and are great fun. The show has lots of humour and skill in it and is well worth a visit to the ramsis hilton to see it if you are in Cairo! Saaidi to die for... and performance skills that outrun all others.

Then there was the famous saaidi singer, Hegazy Metkal. He had a huge entourage with him and they got everyone up dancing. Fabulous. The way music should be... so powerful you can feel it not just hear it! I managed to get a wee dance with Asmahan- she is so generous with her energy and praise... A star who makes others feel good- the way it should be!

Leila brought the evening to a close with her show. In costumes by Aida Nour she danced 3 sets. Although I love the backing dancers, it was a nice change to see an entire show that didn't have any. My favourite piece she did was a cheeky number were she took the mic and sang bits of it! The 'teachers table' loved her even more for that and were jumping about and cheering. Fun entertainment watching her and them!!!

so............ not bad eh- when i thought I was going to miss the night altogether. So performing on the golden pharoah... 2 shows... with my band.... and then watching all this fantastic entertainment, surrounded by friends and fellow dancers. My life here really does have the best of both worlds!!!

JoY was a joy!

I have just come back from the Jewel of Yorkshire Bellydance festival in a lovely wee place called Saltaire near Leeds.

It was Fabulous. What a lovely , friendly, relaxed but still ultra-professional weekender.

I taught 4 workshops ( all of which had been sold out for ages.... very flattering!) and they went very well. My favourite was my 'Performance Punch' one- where we basically explored the physicology of performance and how to get your head round it. Bringing out the best in what people already had!
I loved teaching again, I learn so much from it- especially my 'golden oldies revisited and revived' where I was looking at the dance styes of the old greats such as samia and soheir and fifi etc etc and compared the technique and style with todays modern style. Modern versus vintage we called it. It was an interesting experience for me to really study the technique from these old greats- usually when I look at their films I just soak in the feeling... but I feel I have learned a lot just comparing now to then technically too.

The performance night at the fesitval was awesome....

what can I say... Lulu from Brazil blew everyone away- it was hard to even breath while she was dancing! Khaled was fun and technically fantastic as always. Fereshteh really impressed me with a very relaxed fun stick dance. I saw my teacher Sara Farouk perform for the 1st time ever... emotions ouzing out of her. Bollywood/ Bhangra ( not sure of the defination of each) by a dancer from switzerland was totally engaging and entertaining. A fun reggaton/belly fusion by the leeds girls had me desperate to join in. Oh- just too much good stuff to mention really............ inspirational.

Joy is held every April and October... a weekend WELL worth the trip in you can be in the UK at those times ( wish I could every year!)

Only a few more days now before I head back to Cairo. It's going to be hard to leave here. As always.

Rhanda at the sheraton

When I had my friends over from Scotland to stay last week we were desperate to see Rhanda Kamel......... but unfortuantly she wasn't working any of the nights we were able to go to the Maxim where she is currently performing- so when we heard that the Aladin restaurant in the Cairo Sheraton had Rhanda performing at 10pm we guessed it would be too good to be true- and it was!

The dancers name there is Rhanda - but she was certainly not THE Rhanda!

It was the usual chewing gum routine ( literally!- her jaws moved more than her hips) until she decided to get me up to dance.......i did............ ( and yes- i did- even in those shoes!!!)

after that she thankfully upped the anti somewhat and we got some nice dancing from her.



Funny how knowing you have dancers in the audience can help you raise your bar ( works for me too- I LOVE having dancers come see me!!!!)

It was really funny when we left at the end that they had closed the sign announcing her dancing that night- it was like they had put her to bed- all tucked up! so sweet!

all about me !

Normally this blog is me writing about my experiences and my thoughts on dance and life in general, but for a change, and because I was so overwhelmed by these responses,I thought I would include all the lovely feedback i got from the dancers in Leeds. To let you all know how wonderful people think I am!!!!

At a time when i am really having a crisis of confidence and questioning what I am doing with my life... these comments brought home to me that i am doing exactly what i should be doing!!!! Thank you girls for your glowing words- i am overwhelmed!!! Oh- and I have added in a few photos taken that weekend by the lovely Sabrina!


“I thought Lorna was a beautiful performer who knew how to get very close to the audience without being threatening. She looked like she was really enjoying herself as we all were. I loved the tartan and homage to Scotland - very funny!
I felt like I learnt a lot in just an hour with her - wish it had been longer! She explained stuff in a really useful way I could get my head around. Can't wait to see her perform again!”
Nicola Brown, Leeds


“I was so nervous when I finally said yes to a private session with Lorna. It was such a good introduction seeing her dance the night before - my fears were calmed - her performance was enchanting, I loved her skill of less quantity but huge quality in each move - such strength and impact - less is more as they say. She also bewitched us with her humour, her lovely sense of fun, beautiful smile and her ability to reach us all through her dance. And those shimmies layered over camels, hits, circles - wow!
I was surprisingly calm for my session - we seemed to be on the same wave length completely which was a great start and I understood exactly what she was getting at - and I hope vice versa. She was uncannily astute in her perception of me as a person and said some very spookily true things about my character which in turn helped me to interpret into my dance! I didn't feel embarrassed or self conscious - she danced very little but talked a lot - I was all over the studio like a woman possessed- I felt liberated and empowered at last with my dancing! No more retiring mouse for me - watch out on that dance floor! Lorna - you are a star!!! Can’t wait to see you at JoY 2009. Thank you”
Jane Coello, Leeds


“Lorna was just WOW had me drooling over those undulations!!”
Nicky Davis, Leeds


“I was given a private lesson with Lorna for my birthday (cool present huh!) after watching her perform the night before I was so excited about my lesson. I was sort of nervous too. Like most people who dance only for fun, I can be a bit self conscious - so I wasn't sure if it would be intimidating, with only two of us in the 'class' there would be no where to hide! I needn't have worried. Lorna is so warm and giving it all seemed totally natural. I wanted help with shimmies and what to do with my arms, as well as tips for feeling less shy dancing in front of others. After one (too short!) hour I felt Lorna had successfully covered all of this and more. I had some top tips and techniques to take away with me, and I honestly feel that my dancing is already the better for it.”
Nicola Wild, Leeds


“Lorna’s performance had me completely transfixed to the point that I found myself open-mouthed on more than one occasion! She was absolutely terrific and mesmerising to watch. I loved every minute of the show and I cannot wait to see her again – what a woman!

With regards to the private lesson I shared with my good friend Ellie, I was delighted that Lorna was able to give us an hour of her time for some very valuable, personal feedback. Everything that Lorna said I have taken on board and will aim to improve upon. I know that I’m not just speaking on behalf of myself when I say this, but Lorna was an inspiration and I hope to one day be half as good as she is.”
Beth Hallam, Leeds


“I really enjoyed watching Lorna perform on Saturday, she's such a great dancer and her personality and feeling for the music shone through her dancing. She is also a supportive and generous teacher and I found my lesson with her very inspirational.”
Helen Rix, Leeds

.............. and there was me worried about how a UK audience,who didn't know me,would respond! aaawwww shuks.

Ahlan wa sahlan opening festival

I was very nervous about tonight.... it was the opening night and I was to be dancing in Amera el Kattan's ( aka pharonics) fashion show. The plan was- a few models in each costume and each time with a dancer up front showing how the costume moves as well as looks. There were 4 'primas' ( Amera's word for us dancers- not mine!!! ) Leila ( Russian- works here in Cairo) 2 girls from Norway ( Mai and Nina) and me. The theory of the event was great- the reality- well- I dont know what it looked like from out front, but I felt everything was so manically rushed, and dancing to music we hadn't heard before, that if someone was to judge my dance from that performance they would seriously underestimate my abilities! It was nice dancing on stage and recognising people in the audience. It was also an experience working with all these Russian models. They were very sweet and welcoming which for some reason I hadn't expected!

overall- my 'modelling on stage in Cairo debut'- The costumes were lovely... just not so sure about my dance!!!!

At the end- getting back into 'normal' clothes- I discovered I'd lost a shoe! someone had packed up my shoe in a bag with a costume and packed it in one of the 5 massive boxes !!!!!!!!!! I had to hobble one shoe'd upstairs and empty each box and look through every single costume until I found it!!! a crazy end to a mad experience!

I then watched the rest of the show. Suraya, Rhanda and Dina all performed.

It was interesting to see so many similarities between the 3 of them. Rhanda is still my favouite. Suraya did a fabulous om kalthoum with the best violin player in the world (in my opinion!) and her drum solo is always good- but she seemed really on form with that tonight. She did a strange dance , with a pink hat on her head with a full sized blue veil coming down from it which she swished about with gusto. Bizarre. Samba shimmys to die for though.

If Suraya can be described as a fun, pretty, sexy girl, then Rhanda in comparison is 100% woman. Power, poise, confidence. Her entrance dance in particular blew me away. the number of things she can do whilst standing on one leg is really quite impressive! I felt inspired and depressed watching her- always a good sign! When Rhanda does her slow , controlled, theatrical stuff - nothing can beat it!

Tonight was the 1st time I have seen Dina dance in maybe 3 years.... and I was surprised to see how similar to Rhanda she is ( although I suspect its maybe the other way around!!!!) I guess Dina is softer and prettier on stage than Rhanda.... but to be honest they were both very good. I feel they maybe should have been performing on different nights though... I never used to like Dina too much- but my opinion changed tonight...she looked like she was having fun up there.

Dina danced to Enta Omri and I cried.

It was also interesting that both Suraya and later Dina both danced to 'Msafer'- another favourite song of mine. Dina's composition though was unlike any I have heard- and the piece she finished her show with. It was pretty striking!

All and all it was a very good ( and very busy!) night! Well done Ahlan wa Sahlan! Now since its nearly 4am I guess I'll hit the sack- although I'm still buzzing!

Partying at the Pyramisa

Last night was the closing party for the Nile group festival.

There was a singer on 1st (seemingly good- but again I turned up late cos i had to go straight from work so missed her!).

The 1st dancer that was on was Ashmahan. a 2hour show again!!!! She entered in a huge silver aladins lamp and the theme of all the colours for her and her boys was red and white. pretty striking. Her 'genie' outfit was haram pants in shiny gold material- with a waist strap that made it look like a thong coming over the top of them (in fact her final costume of the night had the same theme) It suited her body shape really well- but I can't get past my british reserve and think its cool to show (even intentially like that) your underwear (even though it wasn't - it was part of the costume) anyway, does that make sense? Sexy , but not so classy. Her show included a zar dance, a tannoura, the westling man ( one man in a costume that looks like 2 short men westling) and her dancers so did their 'funky' dance numbers (sarcasm) and of course in her words- 'the crazy boys' who are indeed crazy and jumped about the stage like carzy doing the newest of shabbi street dancing which is a bit of a mix of the and jive and hip hop and bellydance all rolled into one. A fun filled show but to be really honest there was only one bit (other than her drum solo which is always good) where I really got into her dance . She did an om kalthoum number to the rababa- it was lovely. the only time the audience actually settled down to really watch her too. More of that next time please Amahan!!!!!

Liza dance next. Beautiful in Lilac she floated about- styles directly opposite from asmahan who is very fiesty. her khaleegi was lovely as always and she worn that bedla made from assuit that she worn in april again. I WANT that costume!!! Her dance has less power and punch than it normally does for me- but I have a feeling I was a bit danced out by the time last night came around! so maybe it was me!

Fatima was the final act of the night. she looked lovely- as usual. and did an oriental set, a saaid number and alexandrian too- but to be honest there wasn't much difference in the styles of any of them. she looked likehe wanted to be somewhere else rather than on the stage. I have seen her dance with more conviction before. Disappointing performance from the only Egyptian on stage.

Khalid Mahmood danced on friday night. I had gone along to catch some of the competition (which was seemingly won by an american girl but I unfortunatly missed her) and as usual it was a very varied show of skills and style and natioanlities. I really felt for the girl who's costume forced her to do a builders impression fhroughout most of her dance (a lot of bum cleavage on show!) she however handled it very well and got the loudest aplause out of anyone I saw. There was a girl in red who impressed me- very pretty , cute and punchy and sweet at the same time on stage... not sure if she got a place in results - but she deserved to in my opinion! wish I could remember names- or at least countries for you!!! There were 5 korean girls doing a routine that was fun- very bellydance superstars. very precise- as you would expect. different.

Khalid danced about midnight- which was very unfortunate since I had to leave after only the 1st dance to take my friends to the airport.... but his entrance dance wil not be forgotten. 4 beautfiul boy in shiny blue strech outfits doing maybe the best pre-dancer scene setting dance of the week, and then khalid coming in in a matching white and silver outfit (reminding me of Elvis somehow). As each dancer left the stage he stretched out his arms longingly after them.... seemed a bit strange. They had a nice bit with the 4 boys holding a large blue chiffon sheet between them woth khalid in the middle and them they would bring the sheet really low down and khalid would be down on his knees- hard to describe- but very effective. I wish I could have stayed to see how the rest of his show developed but it just wasn;t possible. A very Las Vegas start , minus the scantily clad dancing girls!

Fun.

Nile Group Festival- opening night June 2008.

I was working last night- but headed along to the Pyramisa afterwards to catch the end of the gala dinner night.

I had missed Nour (unfortunatly because I think she is one of the most elegant and graceful dancers around) and Tito (always a fun show) and m ost unfortunatly (since I have never seen him preform) Saad el Sugyher (the shabbi singer of the popular 'el Enab'- the grape song!). He seemingly sang all his well known hits and had EVERYONE in the audience up dancing - really wish I had seen that!

However I did see Leyla perform. Technically- she has really outdone herself (in my opinion) A opening dance very reminisant of Rhanda Kamel style in a beautiful pink Eman Zaki costume (In fact- I think all her costumes were Eman's). Rather than the usual Saaidi or Alexandrian set that most dancers do- she came out in a STUNNING trouser costume doing the Lebanese Debka. It was a great idea- and the costume breathtakingly simple and effective. Her final costume was a short skirt with lots of gold 'coins' hanging from it. Very original- a bit strange. I enjoyed her show, the only thing that annoyed me is that she was forever fixing her face........... wish she could find a way of keeping it off her face without it interupting the ance all the time. But its a small critisim!

Then Shams ( the Egyptian element of the night) performed. She came out in a white bedla with red roses on it- which was lovely, but very high waisted, which I felt hid some of her moves. Her entrance with red metallic Isis wings could have been spectacular- but she forgot that we couldn't see through them- so we missed her opening moves!!! Her next costume was a black wet look trouser costume- but no one had warned her that we would be able to see her black G string through the material under the lights. Very unfortunate! Shams did some impressive head flicks with a mass of black curly locks- and chose some lovely music to dance on... but I felt (personal opinion!) that she danced over a lot of the music rather than representing it. Very pretty though- and maintained a huge smile throughout.

A fun night and still really gutted I missed Saad !!!

travelling...

in half an hour the taxi will pick me up to take me to Cairo airport to travel, once more to Edinburgh.

BUT this time I am going for a holiday - not work!

I'll be going from 39 degrees here in Cairo to what.... 11/12 degrees in Edinburgh..... Hmmmmm.

Its been a frantic few weeks with Sooooooooooooooo much work that i ended up injurying myself (twisted ankle on stage- all better now!) and despite some friends coming over for 2 whole weeks- i hardly saw them! (Just as well they were busy attending the Nile Group festival!)

Tito was the highlight of the closing festival seemingly...................Lucy seems to have wowed some people (including her drummer- who is also my drummer) but also disappointed others- interested in your views.......... i was working so didn't make it along.

Oh and I went to see Suraya on monday night at the Marriot. I am so so so very envious of her orchestra. Her violin player is just to die for. They played Enta Omri and I thought I would cry. I didn't even want to watch her on that one- I just wanted to listen to the music! ( not that her dancing wasn't wonderful- she kills me with those shimmys- and she's getting more and more snaky too!)

oh- and talking Om Kaltsoum- after she had finished and the after band came on... a lots of the girls in the audience danced- some on stage- some beside their tables... our table (with 5 dancers!) did no less... although I was determined, having just finished work and trying still to rest that I wouldn't dance..... but as they played O.K. (Om Kaltsoum) I just couldn't resist. As a professional dancer- sometimes it is eay to forget that complete loss of self when you dance totally inside the music- I got it back that night- I shut my eyes, and just danced........... unfortunatly I had just been sitting twisted, in stong AC for 3 hours- so my back was very unapreciative of my efforts- but although my body complained- my soul felt revived. I really thought I was a bit stupid to feel this way- and I mentioned to a singer and she instantly understood why I just couldn't help myslef- 'ah - yes.... you were 'in' om kaltoum- i understand!) so - its not just me!

apologies for my lack of blog entries recently.... just way too busy to even get through a fraction of my outstanding emails never mind type up interesting quirky cairo happenings.......

However, I was in a car tonight with someone who had a baseball bat at the side of him- SCARY!!!! Dont think I'll be doing that again!

off to airport now.....

It couldn't last!!!!!!

of course.... my body objected to being worked every single night- so on wed night, at the end of my show, I went over my ankle on stage. It went a very impressive blue balloon shape but thankfully, ibuprofen, ice,arnica cream, support and REST have done it wonders and it looks fairly normal now.... apologies to anyone who went along to the Golden Pharoah last night or tonight to see me dance- I was licking my wounds (ok- not literally- yuck!) Fingers crossed- all back to normal by tomorrow. The look of disgust on the chemist's face when I didnt' know what size my ankle was when I went in to buy a support bandage was very amusing- tell me honestly- does ANYONE reading this KNOW what width their ankle measures??????????

However I have decided to take a complete rest from dance when home this trip to Scotland- so not even having the one night i had planned at Morocco anymore- so you'll have to either wait til Sept to see me in action- or come to Cairo! Sorry for anyone who had booked because of me........

I did manage to hobble along to the Nile Maxim last night to watch Rhanda perform. It was my friend Hannah's birthday and we had a lovely evening, birthday song and cake by Rhanda and her band! Rhanda has so much energy- considering that was her 3rd show of the night- very impressive!!!!!!!

Also limping to the cafe next door afterwards, instead of the usual sexual remarks from guys passing by i heard the 'alf selema' ( a thousand get wells....) a very nice change! Once the ankle heals, I might have to fake a limp in future anytime I have to walk anywhere!!!

Have also decided that this time of year in Cairo is sent as a curse to the Sinuses! There is so much dirt in the air that you can't help getting an infection of some sort. My supply of menthal chrystals from uk have now run out- more shopping to do next week!

ok- thats my moans over for today..................

Nile Group festival 2008- opening night

Last night was the opening night at the Pyramisa hotel of the dance festival here in Cairo run by a group of dnacers and teachers who go by the collective name Nile group. Oh- and I'll apologise now- no photos- unless I can steal some from the girls who were there with cameras !!!

I missed the 1st dancer's performance (Dalia) since I was still at work. I had to perform for a birthday party for a new born baby- very bizarre experience- dancing in front of a pram with the baby google eyes at all the sparkles form the sequins- and from the noise of the music too probably!!!) Full video camera in the face too! There is a special name for the party they have for a new born- sebo3 ( the 3 is written for a letter we don't have in english- 'ain' and the word itself derives from the word for 7- since the party is held 7 days after the baby is born....)

anyway- The 1st dancer I saw at the opening ceremony last night was Liza. She worn this most fabulous costume made by Hallah.... all from assuit material- but a bedla, with some turquoise threaded into it. really really nice! She does a step touch move around the stage which is very impressive and I especially liked her baladi number. My students who are here for the festival and saw her for the 1st time were really captured by her energy and enthusiasm.

Leila danced next. Stunning. Simply stunning. Her, her costumes and her dancing. WOW. She really impressed me- it's nice to see that having a little time out, and having a baby can only help to improve your skill on stage! I saw more influence from dancers like Dina and Rhanda in her style than I have seen before- which worked well. very well done.

Hayem danced too- she is the other dancer currently working on the same boat at me, the Nile Pharoah. Her 1st costume was very pretty elegant yellow swishy number... and she has a lovely cute smile the whole time she dances... although, forgive me Hayem for writing it- but the lime green jumpsuit at the end, which showed everything, was a little too much for my taste.

Asmahan... sorry that should read AS - MA - HAN !!!!!! A 2 HOUR SHOW. !!!!!!!!!!! Yes really- 2 hours!!! complete showmanship. Her entrance was seated on a pharoanic chair, with trumpeters announcing her arrival, dressed with the full pharoah head dress and costumes.... very sexy, very powerful, very impressive. Her next entrance was in full 1950's style puffy ball gown.. dancing a waltz on stage- to have that stripped off her to reveal a VERY shiny silver with gold buckles bedla (which she looked like she strugged to keep on!!!) some slow slinky moves to die for. Oh- must mention the muscley male dancers too!!!!!!!! Then the saaidi /shaabi number- with a purple 70's style swirl patter galabaya- very clingy very funky. She created such a hyper atmosphere with lots of people up on the stage dancing... very fun. The sheer number of stage support she had was something else too- a good 12 support dancers/actors musicians who helped create the atmosphere of a big stage production. Then the Zar- which was a little bizarre- her dancing boys dressed and devils and attacking her- then the incense man and the zar rhythms to release the evil spirits and again the white plain covering dress was stipped form her to reveal a sugar pink, short tutu style bedla!!! not long into the last dance she pulled on the skirt and low and behold it became full length! AMAZING drum solo- as always- earthquake shimmys that really did threaten to bring the house down! well worth staying awake til 3am to watch!!!!!

A VERY good night. Hope I'll be inspired when I perform tonight on the Nile pharoah!

Changes in Cairo Sheraton

On monday night I went with a fellow dancer ( Joana from portugal- works at same place as me ) to go to the Marriot Nightclub to see Suraya perform. We went looking for inspiration. Sometimes when you are performing all the time you need to take time out to watch others perform to make sure you are not getting stuck in a rut!

Suraya used to perform at the Casablanca restaurant in the Cairo Sheraton, but they have closed that down for some reason and so she can now be found 2 nights per week at the Marriot.

They have built a stage there...... It used to be that the musicians were on a stage at the back, but the dancer performed on the dancefloor area in front of them- now they have built the stage right out towards the tables- so the dancer is elevated. I like it. It gives more status to the dancer and you can see more. Prob is that if they wear a short skirt you can also see more than you bargained for!!!

They never used to have a minimum charge either there- but they forced one on us- so don't know if that will be the norm- or if it was just because of the people we were with! She started 1.30am.

Anyway- Suraya def has the best band in Cairo at the moment. I guess she was able to keep them since she used to have work everynight at the sheraton in addition to weddings etc... dont know what'll happen know that she isn't quite so regular.... anyway- her kanoun is to die for, her violin player makes you cry (in a good way) and her table is 100% by her side. Its a joy. As for the dancing- so be honest- I love her to bits- but I HATE tose damn shoes she wears!!!! I know she is little and has to- but I feel they take so much away from her art and make her look unsteady so much of the time. She was very good, although I have seen her dance better and wonder if its all the stress of a new stage, new venue etc etc... Her shimmys are to die for- and esp the earthquake one- amazing- i think my mouth fell open watching that one!!!!!!!!

As for costumes- cos I know you all love to hear about those. 1st she had a mini skirt one- its was white with red flowers and the skirt was a sarong style. Very girlie, cute. Please excuse the quality of the photos- I have a lovely wee nikon digital camera, thats supposed to be really good, but I just can't work out how to get good dancer shots on it- can anyway advise???? It has lots of scene settings etc that I just cant seem to get anything decent out of!!!

Next a more traditional style- I strongly suspect Eman Zaki design- turquoise, of the night, my favourite, and it seems I was so taken with it that I forgotten i was supposed to be photographing it too- so no record of that one.....

Last cossie of the night was a corker. Black- straight long skirt with red sparkly pattern on hip ,and it had two lengths of material which started at the skirt and came up over her chest- marilyn munroe style. Amazingly sexy, and not built for the average bust, she looked a million dollers in it, although I felt it hid some of her technique. But it showed off her other assets to a tee!!! Sorry again for the pic that makes her look bizarre, and its not very flattering (sorry suraya) but just to give you an idea of the cossie!

I recommend her any day (although that stage in my mind belongs to Rhanda- she's a hard one to beat- in my opinion!!!!!)

Audience reactions....

well- I have been working a lot the last week or so... and the audiences have been vey mixed. Lots of tourists, esp Americans and Japanese for some reason, plus some Arabs and the rest Egyptians, more or less...

a crowd is a funny thing..........

1) sometimes they are behind you before you even start- they just want a party (I love those nights, they are such fun!!!!!!!!). Weddings are often like this.

2) Sometimes they need warmed up but are with you at the end (thats when you feel you have really made a difference and those nights I feel most proud of myself and my dancing!)

3) and sometimes they are determined to pretend you don't exist (those of course are the nights that make you question the whole point of living never mind questioning your own dancing ability!!!!!). These are usually nights with lots of Arabs in the audience and business men who are out to impress collegues from abroad etc etc so dont want to be seen as frivilous!

Thankfully these nights seem to be more and more the 1 and 2 rather than 3 type of nights!

In fact- one night (a number 1 night), a had 2 tables full of Egyptians actually chanting my name 'Lorna Lorna Lorna' while I was dancing!!!!!!!!!!! their idea- not mine! I tell you- I was so suprised and chuffed I nearly tripped over my feet!

tonight I had a number 2 type of night- but I got some kids up to dance with me and won over those who were refusing to be won by my dance alone......... those kids were amazing! I love it.... really love it. I felt however my dancing wasn't what it could be or should have been- but maybe I am getting used to things too much cos my dresser peeked out for part of my opening dance and said she was blown away- that that was the best she had seen me dance! I suspect I am just my own worst critic!!!

last night was a number 3. well- I thought it was.... there was just no reaction from the crowd at all....I thought I had really flopped, but then at the end I got so many complainments from staff and customers and my band that I figured maybe I had just guaged it wrongly and that it was my mood that was low rather than their response.

oh- and the night before that was another chanting my name night (except this time i was already in the changing room and they were hoping for me to come out to dance again- THAT was very rewarding!- for me- not for them , since the boat had docked so I couldn't give them what they wanted!)

So each night i perform on the boat there are so so soooooooo many factors involved, as to whether it will be a good night or not. My mood, my health, the band (in fact each individual member of the band) whether I have my fanoon or not (the dancing boys for the Saaidi number),my dresser, my boy, the mood of the staff and mangement of the place (all those play their own part) and most importantly - the guests............... and of them all- if the audience is responsive.... then it can lift any bad mood any of the rest of us have and really make for a good night.

the moral of the story- If you are in an audience...............for anything- not just bellydance, let the performers know you are enjoying the show- they will enjoy doing it more and you in turn as a member of the audience will enjoy it more too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be honest- I only dance for 2 things......... 'me' and for 'the applause'..........
(the money isn't worth talking about- so it sure as heck isn't for THAT!!!!!!!!)