and teachers to help them understand and appreciate the music and opportunities for dance .
Lessons Learned and Confirmations Received
Another facet of being a thought leader is sharing genuine , authentic reflections of personal experiences . Rather than being a “ know-it-all ,” – I tend to share in my writing my “ lessons learned ” from the school of hard knocks and mistakes made . And share why I can understand and relate to music across cultures from my professional experience as a performing dancer . For example , as I continue to learn from my work writing music reviews of Middle Eastern music , I value the confirmation of my understanding of the music by the feedback I receive from the recording musicians . In addition , my approach to making sense of the musicality and ability to relate to the culturally significant aspects of Middle Eastern music was confirmed by live bands , who always asked me : “ How long are you here to perform with us ? Your dancing and zil playing works with our music .” And yes , there was a time when I performed one night at a Moroccan restaurant , then later at a Greek restaurant . The musicians at the Greek restaurant wondered why I was so subdued in my dancing . Yes , I was still in the mode of dancing to Arabic music and hadn ’ t switched to performing with a lively Greek band .
Future Writing Focus
My current project is research on the topic of Music Mapping – an area of academic research that links music composition and performance with computerized capture of music quality . I plan to use this information to support my Ma * Shuqa Method teaching as a system for capturing rhythmic patterns and the melodic mode in music . My Ma * Shuqa Method instruction with the topic “ Magical Cymbals and Music ” will be taught at the California Legends workshop in Los Angeles in 2023 . In addition , look for a future article on Music Mapping as a structure for understanding and creating improvised choreography .
I ’ m always happy to support the understanding and learning among professionals in our dance community . I encourage dance instructors and dancers to contact me if they have any questions about my articles . In addition ,
Sharing Information and Promoting Dance
Now , 50 + years into my dance career , I continue to do the work to research , understand , and write . When dancers attend my Diva Intensive Retreats , they are surprised to receive the many handouts , workshop information , instructional notes , and articles on dance topics , from makeup to tarab . These articles , workshop notes , music reviews , and teaching notes result from my passion for reading , learning , observing , and developing written pieces that can provide dancers with an informational platform to support dance instruction and performance . Yes , it ’ s true . I give the dancers who attend our annual Diva Intensive Retreats a three-ring binder filled with articles , music reviews , choreography , and teaching notes . Many have said I should put the information into a book ; however , how can I do so when I continue to study , research , and think about topics relevant to professionalism in dance ? How can I publish a book if I constantly add to the information ? Perhaps a first book , then later volumes . Or , an online book with updates might work .
MA * SHUQA MIRA MURJAN
Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan ( translates sweetheart of treasure ) – is an internationally recognized entertainer , belly dance school studio owner and dance coach for award-winning performers . She is famous for spectacular Isis Wings performances , elegant choreographies , energetic shows , and musicality in performance with finger cymbals and her “ Elegance of Style ”.
Ma * Shuqa authors articles on Middle Eastern music and rhythms , and Raqs Sharqi Oriental dance professional performance , music , books , instructional and performance media , topics in health education , dance movement styling , and performance photography sessions .
The Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan School of Belly Dance in Los Gatos , California , USA , opened in 1976 . Her Ma * Shuqa Method promotes unique , personalized , improvised performance through technique , core body alignment and strength , and performance movement that matches the musicality of Middle Eastern music and creating performances with Taraab – emotionally connected dance .
www . MaShuqa . com
January 2023 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 55