Sharifa and Troupe Tangiers
However when the world opened up , I was able to teach in person and found it much easier to build a student base again . People were eager to regain some sense of normalcy , socialization and community again . In fact the freedom to get out and try new things , or get back to former classes seemed more important than ever , with a sentimental urge to re-experience that which was once taken for granted . Students were happy with outdoor classes on my large patio for three months until we could go inside .”
“ The past summer has been busy with workshops , classes , performing at previous venues such as street festivals , and some new opportunities . At the same time some large festivals shut down for good , such as Rakassah , and restaurant venues have closed or changed owners . However , new opportunities are being created by dance organizers everywhere . As we test the waters of participation , we do not know how to predict the outcomes of any endeavor .”
“ I feel that belly dance is [ being ] accepted as a legitimate art form , a social outlet , a stress-reducing activity , a way to heal from trauma and loss , more than ever before . Just as people are turning to meditation , yoga , and therapy for the new losses since Covid , they are also revisiting belly dance . This time our dance is serving the purpose of self-healing , re-socialization and finding a new direction in one ’ s life .
Having been a therapist for many years while also teaching and performing , I can validate the therapeutic value in dance and movement .”
In addition to playing percussion at 2022 ’ s Cairo Shimmyquake , teacher and musician Amina Goodyear and her accomplished drummer daughter , Susu Pampanin , are part of a regular evening at Tannourine Lebanese Restaurant with the George Lammam ensemble , playing for six lovely dancers in an oriental / folkloric show with plenty of time for audience dancing . “ This is close space , yet a big room , with half the band wearing a mask - no judgment , no shame . When there ’ s less people there ’ s no mask , just when it ’ s full .” She misses her previous regular performance locations yet is still cautious of more compact settings . Commenting on another post-pandemic performance , she played at a winery about two hours ’ drive away , confident in this large venue with lots of air space .
“ I just came back from a music conference in Texas with Middle Eastern bands , rockabilly , and a Middle Eastern
40 The Belly Dance Chronicles � January 2023