Letter . . . from the Editor:
Happy, happy New Year to all of you!!!
We’re starting this new year off featuring our January Cover Star, the world famous ANSUYA. Her history in dance and
connection with mentors and peers is fascinating, along with her insight into some life changes.
Do love the article My Trip to Egypt by Rivkah Sultana, one of our new excellent writers. And … so many articles with a
theme this issue to help your inner self be a positive influence on your outer dancer/musician. The Power Within by Fahtiem,
The Importance of Relaxation in Dance and Life by Margo Abdo O’Dell (welcome back!), Are You Reaping What You Sow?, Do
You Know Where to Look? by Tess Haranda, and Mindfulness for Belly Dancing by Nizana – suggestions and ways to go internal
mentally, spiritually, and physically, to help focus on what might work for you in your dance and life “life”.
A fun article by the charismatic and amazing Amaya – The Cattle Car Blues, Essential Elements of Competitive Performances:
Perspectives of Judges and Coaches by well-known judge and coach, Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan for those looking for more tips
to be their best, and Nadirah R. Bray’s article on the great news in This is Your Brain on Belly Dance.
And we continue to be blessed with photos, photos, photos of Rakkasah East 2018 in California, Sirens Fest 2018, Yaa
Halla, Y’all 2018 in Texas, and Cairo Nights 7 in Tokyo, by photographer, Carl F. Sermon. Chris Lehmen Thompson’s
review of The Amayamazing Fall Wise Woman Retreat 2018 includes many photos, Fahtiem’s Oasis Dance Magic 2018
includes photos by Ruben Portillo, Mikel Mitchell, and Barry Cowles plus a sponsor’s mini-input on Event Production,
and The Wings of Isis and Isis Foundation’s Halloween Hafla 2018 pictorial with photos by Tammye Nash.
NOW, please help us feature YOU – we’d love to receive your articles and photos. This magazine IS all about YOU!
And don’t forget those sensational Advertisers of much-needed products and upcoming Events – we really appreciate
you! Oh, did we mention the GREAT NEWS that The Belly Dance Chronicles is now FREE? Again, may we ask that
you please pass this on … Tell your friends, your customers, your students in classes and on-line and send those amazing
articles and photos our way! We will be promoting you EVERYWHERE. That means continuing to be seen stateside and
all over Europe with our friends there. Don’t forget to share with everyone you know and they’ll be able to see fabulous
photos of each other and you and articles about YOU!
SAD NEWS: The Belly Dance community has received the heartbreaking news of the passing of loved, respected and
creative musical icon EDDIE “The Sheik” KOCHAK – a captivating charmer. The Isis Foundation was honored to
present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Eddie in 2008. Rest in Peace Mr. Kochak.
With much love and hugs,
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The Belly Dance Chronicles
January 2019
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