Letter . . . from the Editor:
COVID-19 … Here we are months later with the still on-going PANDEMIC affecting EVERYONE, and proud to be part of a
community coming together in tough times! Kudos from us to those amazing events producers who are using Zoom and other avenues
to stream performers locally and around the world, and to those who have had to postpone this year’s eagerly and beautifully planned
events and are already looking ahead by strongly promoting their new dates with their postponed events.
And congratulations to all the Professionals who’ve put in amazing amounts of time and money learning how to continue their
classes or offer skills on-line; and many, many thanks to those, already so knowledgeable, who are sharing what they’ve learned with
those of us to whom technology is not yet a friend. ON THE FRONT LINE – We thank you for your courage and your caring … All
of you! Especially during these times that are a-changing! YOU/US – How are you doing? Personally, professionally, emotionally, and
dealing with that word – positivity – with which we greeted 2020? Is there an upside for you? What have you learned about yourself,
your family and friends, your career?
Our July Cover is (surprise) the PANDEMIC, but featuring our Belly Dance Community Coming Together, with a timely photo on
the cover of the reluctant Cassie Quinn (thank you, love), our current look so often most of the time now – at work, at play, at life. The
articles in this issue are so impressive. The Great Escape by Amaya is a wondrously photo intensive diary of a trip to Morocco during which
became the beginning of a shutdown due to the virus – great read!
Vince Delgado, part two, continues an interview by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan and Coralie Russo, a fascinating story of how Vince
Delgado became the multi-talented percussionist who has worked with many famous musicians and dancers. Pangia – Pat Olson &
Denise Mannion by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan brings us smiles and appreciation for an amazingly skilled duo of musicians (and dancer also,
Denise), who have performed for thousands and make it possible for dancers to look beautiful while dancing with passion to outstanding
music – love their meeting and their story. We were so delighted to honor Dalia Carella with a well-earned Lifetime Achievement Award
at Yaa Halla, Y’all 2019 to induct her into the Isis Foundation Dance and Music Hall of Fame - So warm, charming and talented!
Lisa Allred inspires us with a marvelous way to motivate and attain your goals by using “emotional intelligence” in When Willpower
Fails Me. Two Bodies, One Solo by Michelle Rene about finding love and acceptance of yourself and body changes – is poignant and
touches the heart. Performance Professionalism, Part 6: How to Improve Performance by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan – this beautiful icon shares
her training and education and experience … what she knows and observes into what you can achieve! My Experience at Tribal Massive
by Darlina Marie brings us into her heart with “why” this event is so popular, with stunning photos by Yaniv.
And more suggestions for Pandemic support! Fahtiem shares her uplifting positive self-support in Just Thinking; Online Dance
Explosion by Nizana encourages embracement of classes and events to stay positive and connected; excitement at the rise of the Online
Hafla Quarantine Clarity is by Anastasia Fotia Kakias, and Community in a Time of COVID is all about camaraderie and acceptance in
the belly dance community with hope for the future by Theresa Sherman. Our staff also reached out to friends in the dance community
to share their thoughts and life during what became this pandemic in Approaching Life during a Pandemic.
An extensive CD review by Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan “Cairo Nights, Volume 9” by Dr. Samy Farag, includes not only expanded musical
reviewing and dance suggestions, but also provides visual examples of dancers with unique signature dance styling. Heather Wayman has
a delightful review on historical gem, American Belly Dance Icons, compiled by the amazing Amaya.
And a little reminder – please help support our sensational Vendors (if you can) who create, advertise, stock and offer music, and so
many costumes, to make it possible for us to look sensational and dance to great music – this has been a very difficult and costly time for
them as well as the event producers who sponsor their beautiful wares.
YOU – 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.
With much love and hugs,
and Del
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6 The Belly Dance Chronicles � July 2020