Letter . . . from the Editor :
2021
is finally here and I feel your pain and share your hopes – we ’ ve done Pandemic and we so want to be done with it ! Vaccines are finally here and more on their way . And to counteract all the media , and our reliefs and sorrows attached to this life we ’ re living with coronavirus , masks , social distancing , and disinfectants , we want you to know we are impressed with the efforts you are making to connect , to perform , to include all the entertainers of our genre both at home and around the world . Accepting the fact that this wasn ’ t going away soon , you have brought up all your creativity to make it happen !!! So happy to be involved in opening classes , holding 12 haflas , teaching on Zoom , Facebook and in person safely , even with all the stress making it happen every day . Thanks to Cairo Shimmy Quake , Belly Dancer of the Universe , ABDC , Best in World , Aziza , Jillina , Kaeshi Chai , Sadie , Faisal Zedan , Nizana , and so many more – the beat goes on and we love you !!
Our Cover Girl this issue is beautiful , wonderfully talented and in-demand dancer and entertainer , community-supporting , and Dreamcamp Star , AZIZA from Canada . We are so blessed to have this special Star in our lives . This meaningful interview by staff writer Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan brings us an inside personal look at Aziza ’ s real-life journey – who she is as a person , how she became who she is , who she is now – and what she truly feels are the reasons she continues to share the love and skills she brings to Oriental Dance workshops and performances .
Featured Musicians are Georges Lammam , Arabic Violinist of the Georges Lammam Ensemble , shared by Jeanette Cool , with a fascinating family and musical life story , and Faisal Zedan - Percussion Musician & Recording Artist , his life story as told to Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan with photos by Carl F . Sermon . We are so blessed to have had both Georges Lammam Ensemble and Faisal Zedan as instructors and stage musicians at Yaa Halla , Y ’ all in Texas .
Do You Zoom ? by Amaya gives you an inside look at that new way of setups and communicating that we ’ ve all had to learn . A Friend in Need by Tammye Nash chronicles the selfless donation of an all-important kidney for a friend . Let ’ s Dance On-line with Gypsy Flair – the Fiery Combo that Could by Stasha Vlasuk follows the experiences of creating an event with musicians and dancers working separately and on Zoom . Preventing Dance Injuries by Dr . Yamila Cruz gives you useful suggestions and which techniques to keep an eye on – great info .
The Averof Restaurant by Dorothea Rourke O ’ Regan – wonderful timeline and tale of a time and life of a restaurant from the very beginning . Performance Professionalism Part 8 – How to Move On From Mistakes by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan , with photos by Carl Sermon – and you know we always need those ideas and that information .
Reviews : Unveiled CD – Ed Melikian Ensemble featuring Mal Barsamian on Alto Sax , with an extensive review by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan . Night in the Global Village On-Line Haflas about Hafla events created and shared in an article by Nizana , that included USA and International dancers in numerous offered haflas .
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 !
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 from the Haflas we ’ ve been able to present – 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 fabulous creativity you are famous for , and give us a unique look at what you do and how you do it .
With much love and hugs ,
and Del
6 The Belly Dance Chronicles � January 2021