Belly Dance Forums http://bellydanceforums.net/ Belly dance forums with a focus on dances from, and inspired by, the Near and Middle East. en Fri, 24 May 2013 11:23:49 GMT vBulletin 10 http://bellydanceforums.net/images/adestynia/misc/rss.png Belly Dance Forums http://bellydanceforums.net/ Hi all http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18567-hi-all.html Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:54 GMT Hi sorry I have not been able to post lately. Great exciting things happen in my life as I have been busy with finals in my classes and also the... Hi sorry I have not been able to post lately. Great exciting things happen in my life as I have been busy with finals in my classes and also the evening belly dance classes. What I am excited about is I get to perform at the teachers year end party and am excited. :D ]]> BlueDogDem31 http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18567-hi-all.html Oum Koulsoum Intensive with Ranya Renee, Nany, Musicians in NYC, Aug. 1-5, 2013 http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18566-oum-koulsoum-intensive-ranya-renee-nany-musicians-nyc-aug-1-5-2013-a.html Thu, 23 May 2013 19:45:24 GMT This August 1-5, Ranya Renée will be teaching an intensive on dancing to the music of Oum Koulsoum, joined by several Arabic musicians as well as... This August 1-5, Ranya Renée will be teaching an intensive on dancing to the music of Oum Koulsoum, joined by several Arabic musicians as well as Nany, who was an Egyptian dance star in the 1990s.

This is going to be a great event featuring 20 hours of workshops from Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 4, plus two shows (on Sunday as well as Wednesday, July 31) and additional optional performance coaching on Monday, August 5. At the workshops, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of several songs, focus on both strong technique and emotional expression, and have the opportunity to practice and perform with live music.

Because this is Ranya’s first long intensive in NYC, she is offering a lower rate than will be offered in the future. The basic price for the Thursday-Sunday package will be $450, BUT you can receive the early discount rate of $399 if you register by June 15. A $99 deposit paid by June 15 will hold your spot. The performance coaching session on Monday will be $100 if paid by July 15. If you're planning to attend, register early if you can -- Ranya's baladi-shaabi intensive this past February sold out well in advance. Also, priority for performing in the shows will be based on the order in which deposits received.

Registration: Ranya Renee | Shop - Workshops
More information about the event: NYC: Oum Koulsoum Intensive with Ranya & Nany | Middle Eastern Belly Dance | DVDs, Classes and Workshops | New York & International
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/147901335393651/
See a clip of Nany dancing in an Egyptian movie on YouTube: Nani (1992) - YouTube ]]> Belly Dance Events NisreenBrooklyn http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18566-oum-koulsoum-intensive-ranya-renee-nany-musicians-nyc-aug-1-5-2013-a.html Male Tribal Fusion Troupe http://bellydanceforums.net/male-dancers/18565-male-tribal-fusion-troupe.html Thu, 23 May 2013 01:04:11 GMT Thought you guys might like this: http://youtu.be/GnGY2qe8MdY Thought you guys might like this:

]]> Male Dancers Dunyah http://bellydanceforums.net/male-dancers/18565-male-tribal-fusion-troupe.html Charging people to practice with you? Hmmmm http://bellydanceforums.net/instructors-students/18564-charging-people-practice-you-hmmmm.html Wed, 22 May 2013 07:58:13 GMT Came across this strange ad in my local classifieds. :confused:

"Hi, I'm ******, I want to share what I learnt and practice so I won't forget. I offer classes only $5.00. Good quality and good for both my students and me. My teacher has a (***** background and had had classes with ******) I am an intermediate student. If you want to have fun, learn and why not be a apart of a troup for further presentations. Join me. I don't do it for the money, but for the fun and practice."

I have removed some info to protect their privacy.

I can't help feeling this is wrong. If not in it for the money then why charge at all? If you charge for a lesson then does that bring up insurance issues? I wonder if their teacher knows about it, would she care? It seems a strange thing to do, to charge someone to practice with you...

Any opinions? ]]> Instructors and Students Bast http://bellydanceforums.net/instructors-students/18564-charging-people-practice-you-hmmmm.html Hello all http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18563-hello-all.html Wed, 22 May 2013 06:11:10 GMT Hi all,
I'm new member here and I thought I'd have a go at forum posting.I've been in the gaming loop for some time and now I fancy a change.It feels like a nice place to put my feet up and relax. ]]> Binjmen http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18563-hello-all.html Cleaning out the dance closet http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18562-cleaning-out-dance-closet.html Tue, 21 May 2013 17:18:10 GMT Hi ladies, I'm cleaning out my dance closet. Link is to my public album on facebook. You can reply here, message on fb or email me at shatrar at comcast dot net. Thanks for looking! :)

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/se...8144368&type=3 ]]> Forum Market Place Michelle A http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18562-cleaning-out-dance-closet.html FARASHA HANEM! Are you okay?? http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18561-farasha-hanem-you-okay.html Tue, 21 May 2013 01:07:25 GMT Terrible tornados are coming too close to people I care about. An OK City friend dodged one by less than half a mile. Monroe is devasted. Praying... Terrible tornados are coming too close to people I care about. An OK City friend dodged one by less than half a mile. Monroe is devasted. Praying for you all. ]]> Off Topic Shanazel http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18561-farasha-hanem-you-okay.html Our substation explodes http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18559-our-substation-explodes.html Sun, 19 May 2013 21:38:34 GMT We live near a substation that periodically experiences technical difficulties. In the predawn of this morning the difficulties included... We live near a substation that periodically
experiences technical difficulties. In the predawn of this morning the
difficulties included explosions and two-story high flames that went on for a couple of minutes before subsiding. Usually these
things last only seconds. It poured rain all night so we weren't worried about a
range fire and Roy had moved the horses out of the adjoining pasture so they
were safe, but it was still plenty of excitement. Heavy equipment has been up
and down our dirt road all day; it will probably be barely passable by the time
the rain ends.

The two videos below were taken from a distance. The explosions were pretty impressive from our
upstairs window only about 75 yards away.


http://trib.com/news/local/casper/su...a4bcf887a.html

__________________ ]]> Off Topic Shanazel http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18559-our-substation-explodes.html Achilles Tendon problems ? http://bellydanceforums.net/beauty-fitness/18557-achilles-tendon-problems.html Sun, 19 May 2013 11:51:57 GMT It just came on me, a result of walking not dancing and it's been a over a year now and I still have the problem which is a heel area that aches a lot and causes tiredness.

I exercise the area and do strengthening exercises, belly dance training does that where I do slow controlled resistance training and the surrounding musculature is sound, but the ankles still ache no matter what I do where I have found the condition is worse with less exercise but with more they begin to ache so there is a level where comfort mostly is.

Anyone get this and any ideas ? ]]> Beauty and Fitness khanjar http://bellydanceforums.net/beauty-fitness/18557-achilles-tendon-problems.html Selling two beautiful costumes! Purple and Blue. http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18554-selling-two-beautiful-costumes-purple-blue.html Thu, 16 May 2013 21:53:03 GMT Hi Ladies,

Here's 2 costumes that I made and finally decided to sell them.

1. Purple with coins.

Coins are very good quality, you have to try hard to bend them. It gives costume quite of weight. A lot of beading work. Only worn 5 times and absolutely no beading or coins missing. Best quality Swarovski AB crystals.
I will change lining before shipping so you get fresh and clean costume.
It's small size.

Bra size: A - with padding, B - no padding. V-6 1/2", H-6 1/2", D - 7 1/2". Straps around the neck - 16" to 17". Around chest - 27" to 29".
Belt size: Upper hip - 32 1/2"-34". Lower hip - 36"-38".
Skirt 36" long. Has 2 layers, chiffon like fabric. Reversible. I like to wear it light purple out but you can also do with dark purple outside. 2 slits on the front.

Costume comes with wrist bands - 6" around wrist. And necklace - 17" long.

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]]> Forum Market Place http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18554-selling-two-beautiful-costumes-purple-blue.html <![CDATA[Handmade Bindi's]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18549-handmade-bindis.html Wed, 15 May 2013 11:21:53 GMT Good Morning Everyone! Recently I started to make my own bindi's since I wasn't impressed with the prices and quality of many of the ones I could get online. Everything is made with real Swarovski Crystals, glass or high quality plastic beads, and quality metals. They are all backed with acetate film, so if you have a metal allergy no metal will actually touch your skin. However please let me know if you have an allergy to anything when you contact me.

I am making these on my spare time as a hobby so I might not have new bindi's available all the time. However what is showing on my facebook page or posted here are available for purchase. If you like something you see but are interested in getting it in a different color or would like something custom made I am available to do that as well. The prices you see are in Canadian dollars and do not include shipping. As of right now I am willing to ship to any location.

Please see my facebook page for everything https://www.facebook.com/dianasbindis ]]> Forum Market Place ~Diana~ http://bellydanceforums.net/forum-market-place/18549-handmade-bindis.html Laura Mvula http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18548-laura-mvula.html Tue, 14 May 2013 18:13:48 GMT Completely off topic but I've just discovered this singer. I was blown away. I love her style of music and she's gorgeous to boot!

]]> Off Topic Ariadne http://bellydanceforums.net/off-topic/18548-laura-mvula.html <![CDATA[Using other's choreography]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/performance/18546-using-others-choreography.html Tue, 14 May 2013 02:10:58 GMT A couple of years ago, I did a few performances at old folks' homes. They were arranged by my teacher, so I had no qualms about using her choreography.

I had to move on from that teacher because she cut back on teaching, and didn't have a suitable class for me. Now I have the chance to do another old folks' performance and am wondering what the etiquette is about using choreography?

I have a sword routine, a veil dance and a short baladi number which are my own, but that only comes to about 10 minutes. My experience with previous performances was that none of the old folks are mobile, so audience participation doesn't work. So I have another 10 minutes to fill.

Since leaving my original teacher, I've learned several more advanced routines (with a troupe) which have more interest and variety. What's the etiquette for using those routines? I could ask the MC to credit the choreographer in the announcement but frankly, I don't think the old folks would care! ]]> Performance Bellydance Oz http://bellydanceforums.net/performance/18546-using-others-choreography.html Dance and music camp http://bellydanceforums.net/bellydanceforums-net-website/18545-dance-music-camp.html Mon, 13 May 2013 17:21:38 GMT Portland has an amazing event coming up, Portland Music and Dance Camp! If you are in the area, or able to travel, consider it! I know the organizer... Portland has an amazing event coming up, Portland Music and Dance Camp! If you are in the area, or able to travel, consider it! I know the organizer personally and she has a great line up of teachers. Thanks to Belinda for her support of the forum. Check out her camp by clicking the Portland Music and Dance Camp banner at the bottom of any forum page. ]]> BellyDanceForums.net Website Salome http://bellydanceforums.net/bellydanceforums-net-website/18545-dance-music-camp.html Working with students in wheelchairs- need advice! http://bellydanceforums.net/instructional-resources/18544-working-students-wheelchairs-need-advice.html Sun, 12 May 2013 22:13:12 GMT After resigning myself to understanding that I'd be a keen intermediate forever and deciding not to spend so much time working towards trying to work towards dancing in a troupe or something, and shifting my focus to fitness instruction (which I am sincerely good at and RIDIC enjoying!), I find myself- get this- teaching belly dance! A former instructor of mine recently took a new job that involves a lot of travel; she wasn't able to commit to the spring session and after consultation with another instructor (whom we have both studied with, and also used to teach this specific class), she thought of me and asked me to take the class.

I am *very* flattered and grateful for the opportunity. Teaching has made me bring up my game for my at-home practice, and flex other dance-muscles, like choreography brain. Generally speaking, I'm having a blast.

BUT.

In my beginner class, I have a participant in a wheelchair. She tried to take the previous instructor's winter class, but didn't finish the whole session because even though she lives nextdoor to the recreation centre, poor snow removal prevented her from attending the whole session; she expressed to me that the few classes she'd done previously until the snow fell, she left in *tears*, frustrated with trying to figure out how to be a wheelchair-using bellydance student.

My first class, I made it perfectly clear that to me, all bodies are good bodies; my class is body-positive, and it takes heart and soul to be a dancer. We all have different ability levels, our level of mobility may or may not be apparent to each other, and that I am committed to facilitating the very best "learn to bellydance" class that I can. (all bodies are good bodies and my class is body-positive is what I express to any and all new participants in *anything* I teach, from my aerobics classes, my bellyfit classes, my interval class for competitive figure skaters- I mean *everybody*. It's important to me, working in women's fitness, to talk the talk and walk the walk on that one- I would have said it no matter who was standing in front of me for the first class.)

For the first few weeks when we've focused more on technique, it's been easy to make sure everybody had some stuff to work on where they were challenged, and stuff where they feel awesome at what we're doing; for technique, I try to teach similar kind of movements for upper body, then lower body (for example, I taught chest circles, then we practiced them to music; I taught hip circles, and most students worked on those, except said participant in a wheelchair, who still had our chest circles that she could keep working on). Now, we are moving on to our beginner choreography, which I have inherited from the previous instructor. I feel that my participant in a wheelchair is a little frustrated with the choreography.

What I want to know is if anybody here on the forum has worked with participants in wheelchairs, and if you can recommend any resources on how to adapt choreography for dancers with limited mobility/wheelchair users to make sure that NOBODY leaves dance class in tears. I absolutely, sincerely believe that all my ladies can continue to enjoy dance, even my participant in a wheelchair; but my brain is struggling with how to adapt this pre-existing choreography and I haven't been teaching dance long, so I don't have much experience to draw upon. Basically, I am looking for any and all advice regarding working with dance students of literally all levels of mobility. ]]> Instructional Resources onela http://bellydanceforums.net/instructional-resources/18544-working-students-wheelchairs-need-advice.html <![CDATA[Bellydance & Ballet - new blog post]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/middle-eastern-dance-history-culture/18542-bellydance-ballet-new-blog-post.html Sun, 12 May 2013 17:34:26 GMT Since this is a topic that keeps coming up, and a comparison that gets made over and over again in discussions on all aspects of bellydance, I... Since this is a topic that keeps coming up, and a comparison that gets made over and over again in discussions on all aspects of bellydance, I decided to write a series of blog posts on the relationship between bellydance and ballet, exploring whether this comparison is ever valid or useful.

Here's the first installment: Bellydance vs. Ballet: Comparing Apples to Anteaters | Bellydance by Rasha Nour

The second part will be on training and technique, and on the respect given to different art forms.

I hope you find it interesting! ]]> Middle Eastern Dance History and Culture Roshanna http://bellydanceforums.net/middle-eastern-dance-history-culture/18542-bellydance-ballet-new-blog-post.html I made my bellydance FB! http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18541-i-made-my-bellydance-fb.html Sun, 12 May 2013 14:50:46 GMT I'm not sure if this is thread-worthy or not, but since I've been meeting a lot more dancers as of late, I've decided to make my official belly dance Facebook page. Please add me, everyone! :dance:

https://www.facebook.com/aya.bellydancer

Mods, feel free to move or delete this thread if it's inappropriate or unnecessary. :)

Thank you everyone! ]]> Other Dance Stuff AyaKara http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18541-i-made-my-bellydance-fb.html Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance - Belly Dance Boat Ride - June 9 http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18540-egyptian-academy-oriental-dance-belly-dance-boat-ride-june-9-a.html Sun, 12 May 2013 14:39:41 GMT Nourhan Sharif invites you to set sail for three hours up the East River for a belly dance boat ride featuring Soraia Zaied from Egypt. Other... Nourhan Sharif invites you to set sail for three hours up the East River for a belly dance boat ride featuring Soraia Zaied from Egypt.

Other guests belly dance performers include Valerick Molinari and Shahrzad.

DJ Derajja will spin a diverse selection of Middle Eastern music.

Lunch is included with admission. Cash bar for drinks.

Early bird price is $25 from now to May 18

General admission price increases to $35 from May 19 to May 31

General admission price increase to $45 from June 1 to June 9

Tickets for Egyptian Academy Belly Dance Boat Ride | New York Skyport Marina at TicketWeb ]]> Belly Dance Events Jsallen http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18540-egyptian-academy-oriental-dance-belly-dance-boat-ride-june-9-a.html May 22 Belly Dance Show @ Tagine Dining Gallery http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18539-may-22-belly-dance-show-tagine-dining-gallery.html Sun, 12 May 2013 14:37:46 GMT When performed with passion and proper technique, belly dancing (raqs sharqi) is one of the most captivating forms of dance. Too often parodied or... When performed with passion and proper technique, belly dancing (raqs sharqi) is one of the most captivating forms of dance. Too often parodied or reduced to burlesque, belly dancing is actually one of the world's oldest dance styles, incorporating elements not only from the Middle East, but also from Romani ("Gypsy"), Spanish and North African dance traditions.

Date: Wed, May 22
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 plus a $15 food and beverage requirement.
Tickets for Belly Dance Show | Tagine Dining Gallery at TicketWeb

Tagine Dining Gallery provides an intimate setting for an after work belly dance show. ]]> Belly Dance Events Jsallen http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18539-may-22-belly-dance-show-tagine-dining-gallery.html I Met Morocco at a Hafla! http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18538-i-met-morocco-hafla.html Sun, 12 May 2013 04:45:01 GMT Among many others :D I went to Tamalyn Dallal's intensive hafla(h?) & helped out with set-up, vending, & I also recorded the show for Kaeshi (whom I also met). There was also one point where I had to run to get a plug for the projector, a feat that I am very proud of :lol:

The dancers were wonderful! We had both Oriental & Tribal. At intermission, we watched clips from Tamalyn's Ethiopian dance DVD -- you can find it & other dance-related DVDs on her website if interested :)

After the show, I spoke to Morocco & told her how it was an honor to meet her & took a picture with her afterward. It was so cool! I plan on buying her book soon & plan on taking a class or a workshop with her when I can. :D

Overall I had a great time & just wanted to share it here. Hope everyone's doing well! :dance: ]]> Other Dance Stuff AyaKara http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18538-i-met-morocco-hafla.html <![CDATA[Hello <3]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18537-hello-3-a.html Sat, 11 May 2013 22:44:21 GMT Hello everyone. I am Keket, and I am new to belly dancing as well as the forums. I am always happy to learn new things. I am so excited to be here! :D Hello everyone. I am Keket, and I am new to belly dancing as well as the forums. I am always happy to learn new things. I am so excited to be here! :D ]]> Keket http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18537-hello-3-a.html midlife crisis and bellydance http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18536-midlife-crisis-bellydance.html Sat, 11 May 2013 22:09:59 GMT Hi ladies, I am just curious of what new things you have tried as part of your midlife crisis? For me I am 46 years old and a divorced mother of 2... Hi ladies, I am just curious of what new things you have tried as part of your midlife crisis? For me I am 46 years old and a divorced mother of 2 daughters who are 12 and 15 who are both active in athletics and girl scouts. I work as a high school social studies teacher. One day last year I noticed an advertisement while working at a daycare at the local YMCA that advertised belly dance lessons. I thought "wow this sounds interesting" and so I went. I thought that this class would be full of ladies in their 20s and 30s and discovered that it was a mix of women ages 16 to 60 with most in their forties. I struggled the first day to keep up but the instructor was great and helped troubleshoot where I was going wrong. I learned and eventually became confident enough to be in recital. My daughters were wondering what I was doing when I was practicing bellydance in a costume. They said, "Mom, what are you doing?" I explained and they think it is a really cool thing which my oldest has since taken up. I currently still dance and have graduated to the advanced class. I have found that bellydancing has brought out my sensual self that is more self confident at 46 than 26. When I was 26 I would be too afraid to show bra straps but now can run outside in a sports bra and wear a bikini to the pool. It seems like wearing a bellydancing costume has allowed me to gain confidence. Due to that I was able to gain the confidence about my appearance and self to meet a dashing younger man who is now my fiance. :D He is 28 by the way and has gained the thumbs up from my daughters. He is a first year school teacher and we met at the beginning of the school year when he needed help operating the copier and I showed him how it works. I knew something was good when we both smiled at each other. The next time we saw each other was later that week and we talked about books we like. We both like Dan Brown and so he asked me if we wanted to talk some more. So I we exchanged phone numbers and emails. Eventually we went out to dinner on a Friday night and then watched a movie. I then talked of how I did bellydancing and he LOVED that and asked me to be his love. He proposed to me over a candlelight on New Years Eve and we will be married in July of 2014. He is wonderful for he has also helped my daughters with their homework and also plays boardgames with us and watches movies. My daughters were a little weirded out by my fiance being so younger but have come to really enjoy him as we play boardgames and like to go to sports games. They love the happiness that has come over my face since bellydancing and meeting him. It seems to me that I found the fountain of youth with my man as he has made me feel younger. What I love about a younger man is that in addition to his GREAT! appearance and features :D he is positive and sees the glass as half full. To celebrate the engagement I got my first tattoo on my back of a phoenix for reinvention and have gotten my belly button pierced after my daughters dared me too :D. How else to stay current with the times but to embrace change and not fear it! Before I met him and before bellydancing, I was solving the stress from my divorce in many ways as I had taken up smoking and eating junk food. I have since quit both of those things and have forgotten about the jerk that my first husband was. Does anyone else have a similar experiences with trying a new activity like bellydance during your midlife crisis and allowing that hobby to meet a younger man ]]> BlueDogDem31 http://bellydanceforums.net/meet-greet/18536-midlife-crisis-bellydance.html <![CDATA[Ad's on this forum - UPDATE]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/bellydanceforums-net-website/18535-ads-forum-update.html Sat, 11 May 2013 21:55:09 GMT Dear forum community,

I want to share with you a bit about what is going on behind the scenes in the land of ad's.

In the old forum design there was a long ad sense banner that ran on the vertical left hand side. The money earned from this unit is what, significantly, paid for the website.

With the upgrade and new forum design, there is no place for that ad unit anymore. I tried ad placement within the first post and it performed perfectly! There was virtually no interruption in earnings. That was a load off my mind.

Then a percentage of users reported that it was interfering with their ability to read the first post. After trying to remedy what was within our power and getting nowhere, I removed that ad.

In its stead we tried placement of a unit after the first post. To give you an idea - the ad within the first post would generate an average of 169 clicks in 10 days. The ad unit after the first post generated 10 clicks in 10 days.

There are other ad units on the forum, these contribute to the overall picture, but they do not support this website. In fact, I have permanently removed two new ad unit placements from the forum entirely because of poor performance.

We set up a subscription option and I’m deeply grateful to those of you who donated and subscribed. But there was not enough of a response to make up the difference.

I am sharing all of this to explain that I feel I have to put the ad within the first post back. We are going to try a smaller ad dimension in the hopes that it will not cause the problem it did for some.

If it does create the same issue for some: download the latest browser, that seemed to fix it from some people. Try an ad blocker, that fixed it for other people. If neither works, there is an option to subscribe for an ad free version of the forum. Which we didn’t have before.

I don't know if I can block the ad inside the video forum (those experiencing this issue said it obscured the video clips). If I can I will.
The ad that displays after the first post is still there, but just temporarily. It will be removed.

I am genuinely and sincerely sorry if this affects you negatively. But I have to have one ad that makes a goodly dent in my monthly website bills.

I appreciate your understanding and as always feel free to share your thoughts. ]]> BellyDanceForums.net Website Salome http://bellydanceforums.net/bellydanceforums-net-website/18535-ads-forum-update.html Origins of a Dance Poem http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18532-origins-dance-poem.html Sat, 11 May 2013 18:59:36 GMT Sometime ago I found this poem on-line, the sentiments of which I really like; I praise the dance, for it frees people from the heaviness of... Sometime ago I found this poem on-line, the sentiments of which I really like;


I praise the dance,
for it frees people from the heaviness of matter
and binds the isolated to community.

I praise the dance, which demands everything:
health and a clear spirit and a buoyant soul.

Dance is a transformation of space, of time, of people, who are in constant danger of becoming all brain, will, or feeling.

Dancing demands a whole person,
one who is firmly anchored in the centre of his life,
who is not obsessed by lust for people and things
and the demon of isolation in his own ego.

Dancing demands a freed person,
one who vibrates with the equipoise of all his powers.

I praise the dance.

O man, learn to dance,
or else the angels in heaven will not know
what to do with you.


The poem crops up on dance focused websites in all sorts of disciplines. It is always attributed (if it gets attributed at all) to St. Augustine of Hippo, but I’ve come to doubt that.

I’m trying to find the original source, and wandered if anyone could help? ]]> Other Dance Stuff Duvet http://bellydanceforums.net/other-dance-stuff/18532-origins-dance-poem.html Silk Veils for Belly Dancers http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18530-silk-veils-belly-dancers.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:39:18 GMT Pretty... and sold by a non-profit that helps horses Silk Veils for Belly Dancers | eBay... Pretty... and sold by a non-profit that helps horses

Silk Veils for Belly Dancers | eBay ]]> Belly Dance on Ebay Belly Dance Goodies http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18530-silk-veils-belly-dancers.html <![CDATA[Leg warmers! No they are not just for the 80's]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18529-leg-warmers-no-they-not-just-80s.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:36:53 GMT Love my leg warmers Long Ribbed Stirrup Dance Ballet Warmup Legwarmers Pink White Black 90cms | eBay... Love my leg warmers

Long Ribbed Stirrup Dance Ballet Warmup Legwarmers Pink White Black 90cms | eBay ]]> Belly Dance on Ebay Belly Dance Goodies http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18529-leg-warmers-no-they-not-just-80s.html Black mesh body stocking http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18528-black-mesh-body-stocking.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:33:29 GMT This body stocking has built in briefs, bout time. M Midriff Cover Up Belly Girdle Dance Body Stocking Black Mesh Underbust Snaps | eBay... This body stocking has built in briefs, bout time.

M Midriff Cover Up Belly Girdle Dance Body Stocking Black Mesh Underbust Snaps | eBay ]]> Belly Dance on Ebay Belly Dance Goodies http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18528-black-mesh-body-stocking.html Black Assuit Galabeya http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18527-black-assuit-galabeya.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:31:26 GMT Lovely Assuit Dress Black Assuit Belly Dance Costume Dress Galabaya Cover Up Egypt by Besheer | eBay... Lovely Assuit Dress

Black Assuit Belly Dance Costume Dress Galabaya Cover Up Egypt by Besheer | eBay ]]> Belly Dance on Ebay Belly Dance Goodies http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-ebay/18527-black-assuit-galabeya.html <![CDATA[Mother's Day Belly Dance Boat Ride - Sunday, May 12 @ 1:00 p.m.]]> http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18518-mothers-day-belly-dance-boat-ride-sunday-may-12-1-00-p-m.html Wed, 08 May 2013 18:14:30 GMT Mother's day will be ultra special with a leisurely belly dance boat ride sailing up the East River. Enjoy spectacular views from Manhattan's watery while enjoying a dynamic belly dance show.

Date: Sunday, May 12
board: 1:00 p.m.
Sail from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

New York Skyport Marina, 2430 FDR @ E. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

Admission is $39 and it includes boat ride, belly dance show and food. Cash bar for drinks.
Tickets for Mother's Day Belly Dance Boat Ride | New York Skyport Marina at TicketWeb

During this sail, the belly dancer will present an interactive belly dance lesson for twenty minutes for guests to learn the fine art of this ancient belly dance form. Then, the belly dancer will dazzle guests with a Modern Egyptian belly dance routine.

There will be a henna tatto artist and a palm reader on board and guests can take advantage of these services for an additional fee.

Lunch is included in the price. Cash bar for drinks. ]]> Belly Dance Events Jsallen http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18518-mothers-day-belly-dance-boat-ride-sunday-may-12-1-00-p-m.html May 8th Belly Dance Show @ Tagine Dining Gallery http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18517-may-8th-belly-dance-show-tagine-dining-gallery.html Wed, 08 May 2013 18:10:10 GMT When performed with passion and proper technique, belly dancing (raqs sharqi) is one of the most captivating forms of dance. Too often parodied or... When performed with passion and proper technique, belly dancing (raqs sharqi) is one of the most captivating forms of dance. Too often parodied or reduced to burlesque, belly dancing is actually one of the world's oldest dance styles, incorporating elements not only from the Middle East, but also from Romani ("Gypsy"), Spanish and North African dance traditions.

Tagine Dining Gallery provides an intimate setting for an after work belly dance show.

Date: May 8
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Admission is $10 plus a $15 food and beverage requirement.

Address: Tagine Dining Gallery, 221 West 38th Street, New York, NY

Tickets for Belly Dance Show | Tagine Dining Gallery at TicketWeb ]]> Belly Dance Events Jsallen http://bellydanceforums.net/belly-dance-events/18517-may-8th-belly-dance-show-tagine-dining-gallery.html