Letter . . . from the Editor :
2023 – A New Year – new endeavors , new goals , new and beloved friends , time with families , appreciation and gratefulness for life and the art form we share , and additionally for us , a NEW DIRECTION .
Features : Our Cover Girls this issue are some of the Icons featured on the GREAT AMERICAN DANCE ICONS – The Who ’ s Who in the Belly Dance Cabaret World – DVD produced by the amazing Amaya . Inside is the article Are you an ICON ? What makes an ICON ? by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan with photos by Carl Sermon , featuring those who had the joy of gathering at Carl and Ma * Shuqa ’ s beautiful home in California in September 2022 to celebrate together in performance with the warmth of delightful guests and to enjoy Amaya ’ s wonderful workshop . Sahlala – Past , Present and Future of one of America ’ s premier International Dance Companies ( originally created by Jillina and now led by Jill Collins ) by Tori King , and the SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD presented to Jillina Carlano by The Isis Foundation , complete our three features .
We ’ re always excited about the stunning photos of events ! Terrific Yalla Raqs the Palace 2022 – Yellow Rose of Texas Competition Winners with photos by Tammye Nash , Beaucoup de Bellies and BABDAMA Fall Festival photos by Carl F . Sermon Photography . These photographers are the backbone of every dancer and drummer ’ s history of performance – we can never thank you enough !
Wonderful articles : Spotlight on Invaders of the Heart 2023 : The Radiant Tarot by Tori King ; Refresh , Reclaim , Rebuild by Stasha Vlasuk ; Meeting at a Distance by Columbia Strawberry Cunha ; Why do I write ? Can anyone be a Thought Leader ? by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan .
Two of our favorite continuing writers : Nizana brings us two events – both the Dinner Showcase at the Sheridan Market ( Seattle WA ) and Night in the Global Village – Live from Spokane ( WA ), and Ma * Shuqa gives us a fascinating article with a Music Review of the CD - “ Safar Band ”. And , of course , we are so proud to have the continuing support of our marvelous advertisers – thank you so much for your support !
NEW DIRECTION : We are excited to deliver the BELLY DANCE CHRONICLES new NEWS ! Beginning after this first issue of 2023 ( and after publishing the most-read Middle Eastern Dance Magazine for nearly two decades ), beginning in print , then digital ( and read in up to 30 countries ), we will now be transitioning to a new ( soon to be announced ) platform . Please go onto
Joomag by February 15 , 2023 , to download and save any issues published on
Joomag . We will advertise and notify everyone when decisions are confirmed . We love and appreciate you all !
With much love and hugs , and Del
January 2023 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 7