Letter . . . from the Editor:
Summer in Texas – it’s here!!! Texas with all its weather varieties – not boring! Can’t wait for our Yaa Halla, Y’all event in
Texas with dazzling Stars on our new dates this year, July 27-30, and then Jillina’s new production FANTASM – Odyssey
of Dreams – actually in Texas at the Palace Theater in Grapevine (DFW area)! Come join us for 5 days of dynamic
competitions, phenomenal shows, shopping, shopping, shopping and workshops with some of the best of the best raqs
sharki and fusion dance instructors plus an outstanding opportunity to study or dance with great musicians.
Our cover this issue features the uber-talented and beautiful dancer, producer and choreographer, cover girl Sa’diyya,
from Texas. Having known her since her teenage student dancer days, it’s a delight to feature her with all of her amazing
successes and know her joy becoming a new mom. Her star continues to rise!
We honor the memory and loss of Kathryn Ferguson, a warm, giving, and talented dancer, teacher, writer, speaker, an
activist, and a naturalist, and many thanks to Amaya for her loving memories, to Kathryn’s husband, Baldemar, for sharing
her touching last letter, and to John Clow, who has since passed, for his lovely article devoted to Kathryn Ferguson.
And a fascinating look into Turkish Romani by Kristin Raeesi takes you into the heart of those who are, and those who are
passionate about, Rom.
Tammye Nash, our superb editorial guru, spotlights outstanding dancer and choreographer, Kelly Rodriguez. And Nizana
interviews the versatile Malia Delapenia, producer of Hawaii Belly Dance Convention. Love these intimate looks into
these artistic talents.
Our photographers, led by staff photographer, Carl F. Sermon, again have captured many of you in photos that build
memories – Andalee’s Hot Raqs and Rakkasah. Carl and his exceptional dancer/writer/model wife, Ma*Shuqa Mira
Murjan, present their third in a series on Performance Professionalism - 7 Elements for Great Performances.
Fahtiem, Nadirah R. Bray, and Zephirah have great input on ideas for you for dancing and choosing music. We’re
delighted to welcome Judy Reda in her first of what we hope to be many, articles on scenes from Egypt. And we always
enjoy life coach and writer, Tess Haranda’s articles – another good one – food for thought on Intention.
Events, events, events – a closer look at Virginia’s “Reflections” by Jihan Jamal, “The Tribal Massive” by Sonja Joy, and
Karen Barbee’s 20th Anniversary – “Give Belly Dance a Chance” by Jeanne Driver. If you didn’t get away from your busy
life this year, they give us a feel for having been there!
We love and support this Amazing Art Form, appreciate our writers and photographers and all of you who keep and share
the passion. Thank you for your continuing support! And thank you, Cassie for your outstanding layouts and more, and
Sabra for proofing skills – it takes a village!
Hugs and love,
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Find us online at www.TheBellyDanceChronicles.com
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The Belly Dance Chronicles
July 2017
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