New Website

photo: Liza Heider

The new year is approaching and I am so very happy to announce that OaklandBellydance will soon have a new look. In the meantime you can see my new website at Shabnam Dance Company.Com. An Internet Explorer and Ipad friendly version is being built as we speak, so pardon our dust if you navigate cyber space with those

The studio photos were taken by renowned photographer RJ Muna and the outdoor pictures were taken by the incomparable Liza Heider. It is always a pleasure working with these amazing artists and I am quite honored for the opportunity to work with them.

Along with the new photographs, the new website now has faster booking form processing for clients, testimonials from students, clients and critics and easy access online registration for my school’s classes and workshops.

With exception of private lessons and Dance Company rehearsals, the studio will be closed until January 4, 2012 for some studio additions and renovations including a double  barre for the ballet and acrobatic stretch classes.

I want to thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to dance perfection and progression. I am looking forward to making 2012 an incredible one for the Shabnam Dance Company and ShabnamInc.

Happy Holidays!

Xo

Flexibility in Dance

Shabnam's Serpentina Dancer Ria

A lack of flexibility can make things very difficult for dancers who are otherwise very talented. The good news is if you implement the correct stretching routine and follow it every day, you can improve your flexibility. Stretch progress may not be quick, and it will not be easy, but if you are serious about improving your dancing, then it will be worth it.

It is standard in most elite and competitive dance forms to require flexibility. From salsa, latin dance, ballroom, ballet, jazz and  bellydance. With exception of my company members,  bellydancers are not required to hit a center or front split in their dancing. But  for those interested in mastering floorwork, or gaining a larger range of motion in torso, hip undulations or more fluidity for slow dancing,  flexibility is necessary.

I added a Flexibility Training class about a year ago because I figured it was one of the things many of my dancers were lacking and felt that it would benefit their training. Within a year many of my dedicated students have shown great progress which include clean leg extension, splits and standing backbends. Some of these dancers came to me with serious hip and leg injuries and the wonderful side effect of the continuous training was the reduction or eradication of scar tissue. I am immensely grateful for their dedication and happy to witness their  progress. It’s truly amazing what the body can do with consistent training. Dancers of all ages, sizes and levels are welcomed in these classes with open and (flexible) arms!

Below are some pictures of my students and their progress. All of the dancers pictured have had no training in the flexibility arts prior to class. Flexibility Training class focuses on acrobatic and dance style stretching focusing on front and center splits, leg extension, foot form and opening up the hips. Introduction to Contortion focuses on backward bending, standing backbends and tricks for advanced students.

Flexibility Training Class:

             

Introduction to Contortion Class:

            

heaven backbend

Bellydance Day – Fire & Ice Workshop Weekend and Show

Hip Hip Hooray for Bellydance Day!

http://www.bellydanceday.com

My annual Bellydance Day extravaganza is right around the corner and my dancers and I are hard at work hoping to make it a memorable event for all workshop participants and show attendees. This years event will have a weekend of  Master Workshops designed to elevate a dancer’s training in addition to a Fire & Ice themed show.

Workshop Schedule:

Saturday Stretch Intensive 8/27 10am

My signature dance and acrobatic based flexibility training. The second part of the workshop taught by Ballet Instructor Alicia will focus on assisted duo training where dancers will learn to stretch each other to take their flexibility further plus pressure point work.

Smooth as Ice Ballet Technique for Orientale 8/28 10am with Alicia Gonzales

Persian Bandari That pops! 8/28 11am  with Miriam Peretz

Freeze Shimmies, Vibrations & Flutters 8/28 12:15 pm with Shabnam

Fiery Fierce A Capella Finger Cymbal Choreo 8/28 1:15pm with Shabnam

I’m Thrilled about the show line up with fabulous performances.

The funnest part for me is designing the fabulous ‘Fire & Ice’ themed Bellydance Costumes…hoping to make it the most Glamorous Bellydance Show in the Bay Area…okay I’m shooting for world, but let’s see

Shabnam Dance Company

I’ve always loved the camaraderie and community feeling of dancing with a group. As a child I participated in team sports, from track to gymnastics. I loved the training, consistency and dedication to competing and going to meets. When I retired from team gymnastics,  my focus turned to dance. My first Bellydance troupe performance was many, many years ago at Cafe Bellie’s showcase at Ashkenaz. I had 4 brave ladies perform a short choreography and I remember how important it was to all of us. It was my troupes second performance at this event where my current Petite jolie duet dancer and main apprentice Mandanah saw us and quickly joined my group. She was the first student I had that believed in my vision and her participation in my troupe elevated us to another level. In 2004 with 2 beginning level students in tow, my Troupe  won 1st runner up at Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, in 2005 we won 1st place Troupe at Bellydancer of the Year and won 1st place  at 2005 Bellydancer of Universe Troupe Competition, 2006 1st place People’s Choice Competition in addition to Petite Jolie winning countless 1st place awards from Wiggles of the West Competition to North Valley Competition.

My First Troupe:

with 1st troupe in 2004

With One of my Company Members Heaven 2010:

In 2010 I formed the Shabnam Dance Company with the goal to elevate Bellydance for theatrical presentation. All company members are my dedicated students who train in Bellydance and Flexibility Training.  My training method includes dance conditioning, ballet technique in addition to instruction in musicality, finger cymbals and various props. My point of view as an instructor is to create dancers that are extremely well rounded. My most consistent students do well in the competition circuit and are award winning dancers.

With Senior Company Member Mandanah:

Winning 1st place in 2006

Post EDF Audition 2010

Being a professional dancer is not for everyone, we have to earn our right to perform on a respected theatre stage. This includes a dedication to perfecting movement, to never settle for good and continue pushing our bodies to new limits. My dancers meet  several days a week in troupe rehearsals generally Monday & Wednesday nights in addition to continuous studies in flexibility. A dancer without flexibility or strength is not a dancer, they are a hobbyist.

My Dancers Training:

my dancers training

Not all glamour - bruises from Turkish Drops

Last weekend my Dance Company performed at the very prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. We auditioned against 130 groups for a coveted spot at this event. I was deeply honored to have my company chosen to dance at the renowned Zellerbach Hall. This theatre  that has hosted famous Dance Companies from all over the world houses 2,000+ people and seats for both shows were completely filled. The level of artistry and professionalism of all the acts were breathtaking. It was an honor to perform in this amazing show that garnered a standing ovation Saturday night.

Zellerbach Hall:

Zellerbach

Whats next? My dancers and I are are preparing for our Bellydance Day event that will take place August 27th and 28th in Alameda. Feeling deeply inspired, I am hard at work creating new visionary works of Middle Eastern Dance.  I want to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support.

• Maurice Wright
• All the wonderful staff at World Arts West
• Patricia Arellano
• Mandy, Heaven, Alicia, Gloria(G-Unit),Jules,Diana,Emi,Emily,Karimah,Sumaia

More Photos from Last weekend

With Theatre Flamenco

San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival 2011

It is that time again. We are 2 months shy from the big show at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. From an audition of 130+ groups, my Dance Company were chosen to perform at this revered event. In it’s 33rd year, this festival is the creme de la creme  of all Ethnic Dance Shows. It is an event that takes ethnic dances from Tahitian, African to Middle East and elevates them to high art by placing it on a state of the art stage  that is generally reserved for Ballet or Modern Dance.

I am doubly honored to have trained a group of hardworking students ranging from 2 years to 6 years experience to perform at an elite level on the famed Zellerbach Hall Stage. This 2,000+ audience capacity celebrated stage has hosted premiere dance companies from Alvin Ailey to Nederlands Dance Company.

I remember sitting in the audience at Zellerbach years back, watching the Mark Morris Dance Company perform – dreaming of one day, some day (yeah right!) performing a set on that stage. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could achieve that. I am thankful for the opportunity and especially grateful to have the dancers I have right now to make this dream a reality. Thank You:

• Alicia
• Emi
• Etana
• Heaven
• Jules
• Karimah
• Mandy
• Sumaia

To be the first Bellydance  or Oriental dance company to perform on this stage is history in the making and an honor. I hope to inspire others that with hardwork , consistency and dedication, amazing things can be accomplished.

Our World Premiere Dance celebrating the past and future of bellydance ‘The Flirtation of Girls’ will debut

June 11 and 12 2011

Bellydance Day Photo Spread

The second annual Bellydance Day Show featuring students from Shabnam Studio took place in Alameda CA on August 21, 2010. All photos are by Bei Bei. See you all August 28, 2011 for our next event!

Aazura

AAZURA

GITA

GITA

Student Troupe SHALABIYA

EMI REEM

EMI REEM

SHABNAM

EMI REEM

Petite Jolie (Shabnam & Mandanah)

SHABNAM

HEAVEN MOUSALEM

HEAVEN MOUSALEM

MANDANAH

TROUPE OOH LA LA

JULES

TROUPE OOH LA LA

Shabnam & Ooh La La

JULES WITH PHOTOGRAPHER BEI

MAHOGANY

Ethnic Dance Festival 4.0

I am proud and so happy to announce that the newly formed Shabnam Dance Company will be performing at the SF Ethnic Dance Festival this June. It will be my fourth time and troupes first time performing at this event. We are dancing on a prominent night on a very celebrated theater stage where the likes of Alvin Ailey and Mark Morris dance company have performed. I can’t be happier about premiering a new work and elevating the art of Bellydance with our new four part dance ‘The Flirtation of Girls‘ – It’s an homage to the glamorous era of the past and dynamism of the future of Bellydance. Get your tickets early, my weekend always gets sold out. Peace, love and shimmies!

My Approach to Finger Cymbals

I’ve been receiving many emails and requests from enthusiastic students lately in regard to learning and exploring finger cymbals. I cannot express how pleased I am with the new found excitement in learning these wonderful instruments, which, in my opinion are indispensible to Middle Eastern Dance.

I’ve always been fascinated with finger cymbals. Perhaps it was my quest to be a drummer as a child. I saw Sheila E as the goddess of all goddesses, and begged for a drum set for my tenth birthday, hoping one day I could play ( and work  a fabulous pair of lace pants) like her. My parents refused, and I never got the opportunity to drive them nuts pounding on a drum set , but my desire to learn a percussive instrument came to fruition when I discovered these brilliant brass instruments.

When I first began to explore this dance form I knew from the get go that I wanted to be a master at two things – Sword Dancing and finger cymbals. Although many dancers at the time (especially) in the Bellydance competition arena, were not including finger cymbals into their performances, I knew I wanted to dance with them and included sagat playing in all my routines. Seven years after I entered the competition circuit,  still only a handful of dancers play finger cymbals, and if they play at all, it’s generally triplets (RLR) for a brief part, and then removed. I’m hoping more dancers will continue to find inspiration in finger cymbals and learn to embrace them.

I have all my aspiring competitive dancers and beginning students begin with finger cymbals from the get go (Whether they want to or not!). In my opinion a complete dancer should be able to play them effortlessly within their routines, choreographed or improvised in addition to have a  repertoire of rhythms. In my Basics class we begin dance  movement with finger cymbals and work to perfect three rhythms that work in the 4/4 music pattern – Triplets (RLR), Beledi and what I call a full roll (1eaa2eaa). With these three rhythms we build on moving and if practiced with consistency dancers will be dancing  and playing music effortlessly in a very short amount of time. The earlier you start moving with finger cymbals, the better, which is why I have them start early and stress the importance of loving, appreciating these wonderful instruments.

We continue with finger cymbals in intermediate and advanced classes, exploring more complex movement and rhythms  including straight ahead and filled varieties of 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 9/8. My method is somewhat unconventional than most teachers and dancers in that, I teach my students to play by ear. We do not learn the 3 3 4 etc method, because in my opinion that style does not address the rhythm you are playing and can make combining movement with musicianship more difficult. Afterall, we are dancers, our intention is  to play an instrument and move at the same time. My style consists of  identifying the rhythm, the downbeat and then building from there. Even before laying my eyes on any Middle Eastern rhythm notations/ books, I approached my choreographies and performances in this way. I would just listen to the music and play accordingly.  I feel this approach has helped my students dance and move with finger cymbals more freely and in a shorter period of time.  I tell them that it does not matter if your rhythm is textbook or not…just play on beat!

I hope this has given you a peek into my method  and I look forward to dancing with you. Happy Zilling!

Petite Jolie in Las Vegas

As most of you know getting me to travel anywhere outside the cozy confines of my home is rare. I am afraid to fly and rarely take bookings outside of the Bay Area – that is, unless you pay me huge wads of cash and promise to spoil me

Well, long time apprentice Mandanah, in all her enthusiastic glory persuaded me to come out to Vegas and perform a duet at the LVBDI show. She is well known for her finger cymbal playing, so I knew I had to choreograph something fantastic  featuring finger cymbals for a performance in her hometown. I put something saucy together and felt great about it, (but Mandanah being Mandanah insisted on throwing in a 6/8 &  9/8) so 6/8 9/8 it was…and we practiced every day for about 2 weeks. From taking many trips with Mandanah for shows, I must say – if the world is ever coming to an end or an emergency of great proportions  happens…be sure to take her with you. Traveling with her is a dream. She is organized, prepared for anything and has EVERYTHING …scissors, yes, medical kit, yes!

We had a not so great tech rehearsal but a great performance – it went without a hitch. Unknown to me at the time, we received a standing ovation from the full to capacity crowd. We are so honored and grateful that our performance was so well received and we look forward to performing more high kicks and saucy zill licks at upcoming shows. Enclosed are a few pics of our trip. Enjoy!

With Ron Mc D at our stop in Barstow

 

Road Trip Food - Tortilla Salad

New Costumes by eshta - saucy!

Pre Performance food -Choc Crepe & Iced Coffee Breakfast of Champions

Enjoying the scenery at Bellagio

 

Post show posing...take note of the cash in M's costume!

Super cheesiness by me on the wall - Lotus and Mandanah looking fabulous

Mandanah post show - note her faboosh lashes!

Bellydance Day 2 Show & Recital

photo: Bei

Bellydance Day 2 took place on Saturday August 21, 2010 to a full house at Rhythmix Theatre in Alameda. The evening show featured Award Winning & top notch performances from students and dancers from my studio in addition to special guests. The overwhelming response from last year’s  attendees was that this years show and student level was even better then last year, which means next year will be super, super, super fantastic..is it possible?  (Yes!)  I encourage striving for perfection and putting our best foot forward when it comes to performing, and I am so tickled that everyone did just that on show night. I am already planning for next year – so get ready for Glitter Galore!

Dancer’s who are interested in being a part of next year’s extravaganza, just let me know. I select dancers from classes who are dedicated, hardworking and ready to take their dancing to the next level. That means those interested in performing a solo, troupe or several numbers. It is my studio’s end of the year recital plus showcase of my new work. We generally begin working toward the big show in March with most soloists training starting in winter. My philosophy is…  why spend all the time training and becoming a great dancer, just to perform in a restaurant?  With the chance of  dirtying your feet and customers getting couscous all over your costume…that’s just silly! Below are some rehearsal and post show photos by Paula R. Above pic is from Bei.

julie, paula, jules

Goblet dance

Troupe Ooh La La’s trademark pinwheel

Paula being coy

Mandanah shakin’ and a zillin’

Group pic

Post Show Fun @ Tiki Bar

Jules

Clint brought meat

she partied her ponytail off

Tease o licious and surviving October

Hi Blog, I am up late tonight because I have forced myself to stay in bed the last few days. After a few days of turning off my alarm clock, sleeping in and watching Cosby show reruns until 1pm, I finally feel replenished and back to normal. I have been performing overtime since September and after the umpteenth weekend in a row of coaching all day than dancing at night, my body was starting to rebel.

Last weekend my troupe and I performed at Tease O Rama, and what a great time we had. FINALLY a place where Ooh La La felt at home! This is definitely where we belong. Not some stuffy competition where people turn up their noses at our fabulous feathers! Originality is coveted not looked down upon and I loooove that. Everyone was warm and welcoming, the audience went nuts and my girls caught the Cirque Du Soleil performers checking out our costumes (I love peacocks, what can I say?) All the gorgeous gals (and guys) backstage were wonderful to be around. Rhinestone power! Thank you Cystal, Sarah, Mandanah for shakin’ it good.

Farewell Happy

Farewell to my kitty Mr Happy. After a year and 7 month battle with kidney failure, it was time for him to purrr high in the sky.  I adopted him 8 years ago from SF SPCA.  I didn’t have a car then and I remember my arms hurting so much from carrying him home via 3 busses and Bart from SF to Oakland. I took him out of the box and he jumped on my bed and just chilled out and purred all night. I almost named him cool breeze, cause he was just that cool, but Happy grew on me and he was such a gentleman, so I named him Mr Happy.

When I began teaching bellydance 6 years ago in a tiny studio apartment, I was a bit worried how all the students would take having a cat in that teeny space while they were trying to learn to dance. It actually turned out well for he brought good energy to the room. When we would get on the floor to stretch he would jump down and say hello to everybody one at a time. And in the middle of demonstrating sometimes he would showboat and expose his belly for us to rub. He hated zills but loooved veil. When I would practice my dancing he would attack my feet, because how dare I do something for myself and not play with him, and he liked to sit on top of the fabric I was about to cut into a costume. When I eventually moved to a professional and much larger space, my students actually missed having him around and some preferred the old tiny space for it had the benefit of Mr Happy.

He was a great cat and went very peacefully. Caring for him towards the end was tough and very time consuming, but it was worth it and I’d do it again in a hearbeat. For anyone out there that has taken care of a sick pet I’m sure you can identify with the highs and lows, especially with CRF. He taught me patience, unconditional love and joy. He was my friend, child and jester. May he purr in peace and chase other people’s feet when they dance in the sky.

Congrats Mandanah & North Valley Competition

I’m about a month late in posting this, but better late than never I guess. I want to give a shout out to my longtime student Mandanah. Her hard work and dedication to her craft finally paid off and I’m glad she finally got her due winning 1st place soloist and 1st place in our duet. She has blossomed into a confident, dynamic performer which is a far cry from the girl who was so nervous she broke out in hives when we first performed together at a tiny restaurant hafla event 4 years ago. What’s even more rewarding is that she may be the first full figured dancer to win 1st place at a long running competition. If I’m wrong about this, please correct me,  in this type of field full figured dancers are generally few and far between to win awards as a pro soloist..which I find a bit unusual and strange. A good performance is a good performance regardless of size.

EDF this Weekend

My troupe  Rashika Ensemble will be auditioning for the very prestigious Ethnic Dance Festival this Saturday at 4:20pm and showcasing a world premiere piece. The girls have been working tirelessly since August and I am so proud of everyone for stepping up to the plate and dedicating themselves to being the best they can be for the last 5 months.  I’ve tweaked the choreography so many times that I can’t even remember how it looked months ago. It is THE hardest choreography I’ve ever had any of my dancers or troupe do, and I’m actually quite surprised that they were able to execute my ideas. I danced with them one time in the choreography during practice and I could barely keep up- which is a good sign! I am proud of Mandanah for blooming into such a great performer and sacrificing so much and my new additions Jackie and Gloria for becoming  such a great dancers in such a short amount of time. I am tickled to pieces to have veterans Etana, Sarah and Kareema join us and for new dancers Bei and Jules for kicking butt since day one..plus they are ALWAYS on time which I love!

I am excited to premiere the newest member of  our troupe, but you will have to come see us Saturday to see who it is!

Ballet & Dance Technique Classes!

Teacher for Ballet & Dance Technique

I am so happy to announce that I have added a Ballet and dance technique curriculum to my studio schedule that will begin in April. All classes are taught by Miss Gonzales who had studied almost 2 decades with a core member of SF Ballet  and NY Ballet.  She is revered for her clear, precise movement breakdown and attention to proper technique, which I LOVE! Early on I studied with many Ballet teachers that were not clear on technique or proper body mechanics , so I feel blessed to have such a great teacher at my studio. I also love that I can take as many classes with her as I want since it’s my space -yay!  The Dance Technique class is an essential class for Bellydancers and all dancers to gain a foundation in proper dance technique.

SATURDAYS

Basic Ballet 10am

Dance Technique 11:10am

$95 for both

Shabnam’s Studio Summer Show

The studio is buzzing and I’m busy as a bee making preparations for our big Summer Show. Our last one was a huge success  and we are excited about delving in once again and presenting our newest and bestest works.  With my schedule packed as a full time instructor, coach and performer it is extremely hard to find time to produce shows.

I am so grateful to have wonderful assistant teachers, students and staff to lend a hand, so hopefully I will be able to have productions more often. The main thing that keeps me going are my great students. They always work hard, give their all and have grown tremendously that they are my inspiration to get this show going.

There will be performances by many fabulous dancers, students, studio instructors in addition to myself, Troupe Ooh La La, Rashika, Mandanah and special invited guests.

The photo above doesn’t really have too much to do with anything, except I liked the big cheesy smile…

Stay tuned for more info!

Shake Dont break!

Rashika at Sacramento World Fest

Congrats to my troupe Rashika for making it into the big show at the Sacramento World Festival this year.  They have been dancing their booties off since July/August 08 and it’s nice to finally have all their hard work  finally pay off. The ‘Cycle of the Sun’ piece is the hardest choreography I’ve ever had any of my dancers do. My girls had to learn to be extremely versatile  due to the 3 part nature of the dance and become proficient in zills, veils, sword, floorwork and spinning.  They shook their heads in the beginning when I asked them to bourre top speed in a circle with a sword on their head while playing zills and do turbo spining with veils. But after all the bruised knees, torn feet, and dizziness,  in an amazingly short period of time they executed all my crazy ideas. A big thanks to Alicia for nit picking their feet and teaching them dance technique.

There were many great groups auditioning this year  so we are extra honored to be chosen for the event. It is a big deal in Sac town, so we can’t wait. Whats next? Rashika will be busy the rest of the summer with bookings, performances, rehearsals and some new choreo’s for future shows.

Moon over Morocco & Alexandra King

I am tickled to pieces to have the chance to perform alongside Cabaret Queen Alexandra King (ha, ha that rhymes) at her Moon over Morocco Event in August. As most of you know, I hate traveling, flying, going outside my comfy home, and refuse to sleep anywhere except my Calvin Klein draped big fluffy bed, and due to my super picky, fussy nature, turned down many great opportunities to teach and perform abroad.  But I just could not resist the opportunity to work with Alexandra. She is such a sweetie and has been putting on this festival for eons. So many of my favorite events have folded due to the economy, so I am extra ecstatic this Santa Barbara staple is continuing. Putting on a show of this magnitude takes so much time, energy and work, that my hat goes off to Alexandra for keeping it going and much respect for her bringing Middle Eastern Culture to the area. I will be there August 28-29

Above is my favorite pic of her. More info about Alexandra and her event at:

http://www.alexandraking.com/moonovermorocco.html

Santa Barbara Drum Solo Workshop

I’ll be in Santa Barbara next month to perform and teach a Drum Solo Workshop. Enclosed is a mini montage of some of my drum solo choreographies. I’m thrilled that the DC footage was able to be  trasferred over and  included.  To this day it is still one of my favorite dances and  a breakthrough performance for me.  I look forward to meeting everyone in SB town! xo Shake Don’t Break

Bellydance Day & Orientalia Art

Whew! What a summer. So far it has been a whirlwind of dance projects and my newest baby is the Bellydance Day event.

The day will feature a fabulous assortment of workshops at my studio followed by a great evening show. I will be showcasing some new choreographies and perhaps a few new tricks . Troupe Ooh La La will be debuting a spanking new dance, ultra glam look and sparkly costumes…sparklies!..that’s what it’s all about isn’t it? In addition I have  added a stage make up workshop that will teach you how to do create glamorous smoky ‘Orientale Eye’ and blending techniques taught by make up mistress Aurora. My goal is to have everybody dancing great and looking divalicious by the end of the day

In alliance with the  Bellydance Day event  I will be exhibiting my artwork series ‘Orientalia- Friends & Inspirations’ in the K Gallery at the Rhythmix space where the dance show will take place.  This project has been very fulfilling, and a wonderful journey.

All of it can be experienced on Saturday August 22nd.

All dance  workshops & make up 101 class held at Shabnam’s Studio -454 Santa Clara Ave Oakland near Grand Ave 10am-3pm. Non metered parking around the corner.

The dance show & art exhibit are held at Rhythmix 2513 Blanding Ave Alameda CA . $15 advanced tickets end 8/18 and the show begins at 7pm.

Shimmy on lovelies!

Bellydance Day is August 22

From Orientalia Art Series

The first annual Bellydance Day is almost here! Schedule is below and I’ll see you there!

Saturday August 22, 2009

All Levels Workshops – 454 Santa Clara Ave Oakland off of Grand Ave

10am – Sexy Steps & Pretty Feet

11am – Irresistable Undulations & Slow Combos

12:15 – Abdominal Isolations

1:15   - Hipwork & Finger Cymbal Combos

3:00pm – Stage Make -Up 101 Instruction – (bring your brushes!)

Bellydance Show – Rhythmix Cultural Center 2513 Blanding Ave Alameda CA

7pm

Links:

http://www.rhythmix.org/content/09events/090822.html

http://www.rhythmix.org/content/09gallery/090814.html

Bellydance Day thanks -Santa Barbara is next

me and Alicia backstage

Thank you everyone for supporting the first annual Bellydance Day! It was a great day full of Bellydance fabulousness followed by a standing room only evening show. Big hugs and kisses to all the great dancers from Shabnam Studio  for shaking it good and making me proud. I had to include the pic of myself with Dance technique teacher Alicia because I am in love with her costume! She is teaching turns and spinning starting September 5th so get ready! Registration in center ‘workshops’ column on http://www.oaklandbellydance.com

Whats next? Rest…nooooo…of course not, not me! :p

I am flying out to Santa Barbara tomorrow to perform in the evening show for Moon Over Morocco than teach the fiercest Drum Solo ever Saturday morning 8/29 at 10am. After that..a day of rest than…cheesecake factory…yes I am having cheesecake for the first time in months..a big chocolate slice too! C ya.

I performed and taught in Santa Barbara the weekend of August 29th, courtesy of Alexandria King. It was the hottest weekend of the year(of course) and I had a great time. I very rarely venture out of the Bay Area to teach, but the trip to Santa Barbara was a treat. I look forward to returning and making everyone sweat and work hard again. My technique and dance style is not for the faint of heart. (As my students know) takes discipline and strength to master, so much kudos to all the women in my workshop for doing such an outstanding job. The evening dinner show was sold out with a wonderful crowd and Alexandra was a great host. I am fascinated by the early years of Bellydance in America, so her insight and personal stories were wonderful to hear.

Whats next on my agenda – Pre production on my video based on my training method, Sacramento World Dance Festival, more dance, more performances, good times

Troupe Rashika

I just wanted to give a quick congratulations to my troupe Rashika for rocking the house at SWDF. We were the only troupe chosen to represent Middle Eastern dance at the high profile event in addition, one of only 3 troupes to get in to the big evening show. All dancers in Rashika are students and come from various levels. I am honored to work with such dedicated, hard working dancers who make the trek to Oakland every week to sweat it out and pursue perfection. Having a troupe is and has always been a labor of love. I want my long time students to have the same opportunities as I have and it is all worth it in the end when they put on great shows like at the SWDF. It was their best performance to date and I am so proud.

The headliners were Miriam Larici from Argentina. If you are not familiar with her work or who she is Google her. She was the star of ‘Forever Tango’, won the gold medal on Superstars of Dance Tv series, is an internationally recognized artist and a stunning dancer. To perform alongside dancers of  such high caliber was inspiring  and I am working toward more…time to sweat it out in Oakland and pursue perfection. Some more pics below:

Thank you: Bei,Etana, Jules,Karimah,Mandanah, Sarai

Master Class Weekend in December

I have been getting so many requests from dancers wanting to learn some of my specialty bellydance techniques that I finally decided to dedicate a weekend to them. Yes you will learn veil, turns, super flirty combinations, sword and more, all next month. Class size is very limited so first come first served. The Saturday Workshop is geared for all levels and the Sunday one is geared for Int/Advanced levels. Because I like games and fun stuff, I’ve decided to use twitter http://www.twitter.com/shabnamdancer to offer special deals and prizes on this workshop weekend and other upcoming events. (The fab pics are by Liza Heider btw)..See you there

Saturday December 12 11am-3:30pm

Ultra Femme, Flirty Sexy Combinations and Techniques -All Levels 11am

Turns and Veil Techniques Plus Combinations 1:30

Sunday December 13 11am-3:30pm

Sword Techniques and Unique Combinations -Int/Adv Levels 11am

Super Bold Drum Solo Choreography -1:30

Tuition:

$145 in Advance for Full weekend (expires December 10)

$80 for 1 full day

$45 each

Location:

Shabnam Studio

580 Grand Ave Suite 304 Oakland CA

Flexibilty Training & Intro To Contortion

Happy 2010 everyone!  New Year, New studio and now a new workshop intensive to be added to my teaching repertoire. I’ve been getting many requests from dancers wanting to learn signature movements and bendy stuff, so decided to delve in and share my techniques and knowledge with everyone.

My teaching philosophy is very old school when it comes to dance training. I believe that if a student wants to become good at something they have to train, live in class. If they want to be great then they must train on a consistent basis in class with a great teacher. I’m not anti video, but I don’t understand the mindset of many, that you can become proficient or a professional Bellydancer with videos.  I have many students that walk into my studio wanting to move up to my advanced classes for they have been ‘studying’ with videos. When I get a look at them in my basics (I make everyone take basics first) I cringe at their lack of technique or knowledge of body mechanics that is necessary in mastering isolations,(don’t get me started on feet and hands) Ok that’s my lecture, you can’t learn this stuff and get good with videos especially when it comes to flexibility, you can really hurt yourself….upward and onward…

The first workshop  series starts in February and is a flexibility training regime that will meet every Mon and Wed @5pm. The second part of the series, in March will be an Introduction to Contortion course for students that have completed a month of the Flexibility Workshop.

As a long time Bendy Girl, I have extensive training and experience in this field and very excited to share this with you all.  Class size is limited for personalized instruction- essential in avoiding injury and registration is available now on my website Mid Column under ‘Workshops’.

2010 Rakkasah

Yep its that time again, and my dancers are happy as pie to be performing at Rakkasah this year. For those that are not familiar, it’s the biggest Bellydance Festival in the U.S if not the world. They are dancing a new piece and, as usual wearing something elegant and fierce..no taffeta, hologram, glitter dot harem pants here…

And after Shalabiya’s show come back the next night at the Metro in Oakland on Saturday March 13th. My adv troupe Ooh La La will be wearing something new and dancing something saucy. I will be performing a brand spanking new dance…and fingers crossed noone gets injured

2010 Rak Weekend Pics

With Gina , Mandy and Clint in background lurking

With Gothic Bellydance Goddess Arielleh

surrounded by shalabiyas!

From my goblet dance, pic by the fab RVT..See,  Flexibility Training works!!

Flowers!!! They smelled great…too bad they only last a week.

with troupe backstage

2010 Ethnic Dance Festival – EDF 3.0

I am so very proud to represent  Middle Eastern/Bellydance for the 32nd annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. It is the 3rd time I have been chosen and to perform at the event is truly an honor.

For those of you that are not from the Bay Area, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival is the premeire albeit ‘creme de la creme’ of Cultural/World Dance shows, quite possibly in the United States…dare I say world? It is like no other stage show in terms of showcasing Ethnic Dance. There are very rare opportunities to see cultural/Ethnic dance forms presented similarly as highly regarded dance forms such as ballet. Top notch sound, lighting, production quality at the Palace of Fine Arts in addition to the best of the best Ethnic dance groups. To get in the show you must audition, in my case, this year I had to compete against 150 groups to get a much coveted spot.

I will be training hard the next 2 months to give a great performance which takes place on the weekend of June 26 and 27th. I am performing something that most have never seen. It is called ‘Way of the  Sea’ -Progression..it is my innovational approach to a Baladi Progression and it has been a physical challenge in addition to a wonderful journey. The last 2 times I have danced tickets Sold Out, so please get them early. The show line up is incredible! http://www.worldartswest.org

Bellydance Day 2.0

I am still feeling the high from performing at the (thankfully) sold out, full houses, 1000+ at the Palace of Fine Arts last weekend. Yet again it was an artistic milestone and a deeply spiritual experience. I cried every night for three days following the performance – not from sadness. It was the beauty of the people and the meaning behind the last 3 pieces in the program, it just all hit home for me. Finding joy, strength, unity, empowerment in dance. Through the sweat, pain, tears, sleepless nights, pushing our bodies to the brink – it is why we do it.

I was contemplating a month long vacation from dance, but feeling too inspired to rest. I have some new acts up my sleeve and I am ready to conquer! Some artistic, some (hopefully) physically possible, stretching my choreographies and so on.

I will be using the 2nd annual Bellydance Day to showcase my new works, and I couldn’t be more ready to do this! This years event will once again be comprised of a full day of Bellydance Workshops concluding with a stellar show in the evening featuring high quality, top notch solo and troupe performances – I would not have it any other way!

Bellydance Day Workshops – 10am to 1:30pm -  580 Grand Ave Oakland

• Silk Veil Tricks & Wraps -all levels & beginners welcome!
• Flexibility for Bellydancers – all levels & beginners welcome!
• 1 minute Saucy Drum Solo Choreography – int/adv level
• Egyptian Zillin! – Karachi, Saiidi,Samaii, Unique Rhythms -int/adv level

Bellydance Day Show with Shabnam & Special Guests – Rhythmix Theatre 2513 Blanding Alameda

Full Day Pass – All Workshops and Show Ticket – $88

• 1 Workshop $22
• 2 workshops $40
• Show Ticket $15 in advance $18 cash only at door

WWW.BELLYDANCEDAY.COM