01/06/2021
How are you doing? Is 2021 working for you? How are you handling going out in public? Are you wearing your masks, still distancing, still wiping every surface with practically every touch? Whoaaaaa … we are and we have extensive safety plans for the “new” way of doing Yaa Halla, Y’all’s 20th Anniversary celebration IN PERSON, and of course, with the always present ZOOM! And adding Gala Shows, Competitions, and shopping in our NEW additional venue. Can’t wait for you to see it and to dance on the beautiful stage and watch shows in the plush seats.
Our Cover this issue is Yaa Halla, Y’all’s 20th year, showcasing the famous and outstanding talent we (Del and Isis) are, and have been, honored to present over TWENTY years. And this twentieth one isn’t at all the way we planned it – thanks to a pandemic! But we’re here, we’re standing, dancing, sharing the music and love, and keeping the passion for this Art form growing and inspiring. Thank you, to everyone coming this year and being a part of these 20 years of hard work, laughs, tears, sharing, showcasing, competing, friendship, music – it was so hard to not see your beautiful faces last year - you are so much an important part of our lives. And we are eternally grateful for the “Red Shirts”, our patient, talented and hard-working Star Dance Studio team over these many years.
We hope you enjoy the photos in this May Spring issue. We’ve really missed during 2020, and the first part of 2021, the many gorgeous photos shared by our outstanding photographers of Events around the world.
Thank you Carl F. Sermon, Joe Hill, Julie Adoranti and Tammye Nash for the beautiful photos in this issue of YHY and to Cassie Quinn for the layout of the gallery of performers. And to all the photographers who have shared their amazing photos of our dancers and drummers through the years – I cannot mention a few and unforgivably miss one – just know you are loved and appreciated.
Such a variety of Articles: The Athenian Corner Restaurant - an interview by Dorothea Rourke-O'Regan – shares the history of the restaurant from its very beginning as a “dream” into the current “being a dream destination”. Core Stabilization: Strengthening Exercises for Posture and Dance, by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan with photos by Carl Sermon – gives you much-needed core information. And How to Endear Yourself to an Event Producer by Nizana El Rassan addresses the real-life work and that there truly is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that goes on behind the curtains, and how YOU can be a part of making the event overall better for everyone.
Thank you, Amaya, for the article “What’s in a Name?” – Prayers, love and hugs for quick healing for you and Pete! Performance Professionalism – Part 9 by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan offers a problem-resolution on your Gait and Its Effect on Body Posture and Dance Movement Quality. Motivation to Dance During Pandemic, an article by Nizana, addresses the challenges of dancing online. My Journey Through Belly Dance “Dorothea” – “The Irish Belly Dancer from Lowell, MA” by Dorothea L. Rourke-O’Regan, is a fascinating memoir.
Yay, more photos! A Flashback of Rakkasah West 2010 by Carl F. Sermon. And yes, Ren Faires have opened in Texas – masks while in the audience, no patrons on stage, masks can be removed while on-stage with your team. We received photos from Scallywags Raqs Bellydance at Sherwood Forest Faire (photos by Robert Self & Vance Strickland), Shunyata at Texas Renaissance Festival (photos by Richard Butts, Caleb Pickens & Vance Strickland), and numerous photos of the large troupe, Wings of Isis and the Star Dancers who shared the stage at Scarborough Faire five at a time, different each day of eight weekends (photos by Scott Fischer and Jennifer McCoy).
Book Review – Dancing with Life: A Young Woman’s Quest for Art, Love, and Freedom, A Travel Memoir by Dhyanis Carniglia – is an “oh my gosh, I didn’t know any of this” review by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan.
Don’t forget, let’s continue to help keep those sensational Vendors in business, who create, advertise, stock and offer music and so many costumes that make it possible for us to look sensational and dance to great music. We will be so grateful for them if they’re still there when we’re actually able to perform regularly again! And some of our favorites and scheduled for Yaa Halla, Y’all 2021 – traveling is still difficult so we’re truly grateful to the Vendor Team who are stepping up to the challenge.
We are also always delighted to focus on your events and photos and are crushed at the continuing unexpected closing or postponed events. Our hearts are with you. We’re so grateful for our writers who have included photos … we’ve even included a few photos from the Ren Faires that Texas has been courageous in opening recently – BUT we miss hearing about your events and publishing all the wonderful photos of your performers – even the on-line ones!!!
And a reminder: We truly look forward to receiving your articles and photos – if you have a passion for what you know and/or do – pass it on – be one of our terrific beloved writers. If you have an event, promote one of those fabulous photographers you know by sending us your favorite photos. Now’s the time to use that amazing creativity you are famous for, and give us a unique look at what you do and how you do it.
With much love,
Isis, Del, and The BDC Staff
Thank you to Carl Sermon, MaShuqa Mira Murjan, Dorothea Rourke-O'Regan, Nizana El Rassan, Amaya, Tammye Nash, Julie Adoranti, Joe Hill, Robert Self, Jennifer Saule McCoy, Vance Strickland, and Scott Fischer.
Premier Belly Dance Publication packed with news and articles from many of the world's top performers along with coming events and competition dates. We provide the insight and news you're looking for.
