Letter . . . from the Editor :
How are you doing ? Is 2021 working for you ? How are you handling going out in public ? Are you wearing your masks , still distancing , still wiping every surface with practically every touch ? Whoaaaaa … we are and we have extensive safety plans for the “ new ” way of doing Yaa Halla , Y ’ all ’ s 20 th Anniversary celebration IN PERSON , and of course , with the always present ZOOM ! And adding Gala Shows , Competitions , and shopping in our NEW additional venue . Can ’ t wait for you to see it and to dance on the beautiful stage and watch shows in the plush seats .
Our Cover this issue is Yaa Halla , Y ’ all ’ s 20 th year , showcasing the famous and outstanding talent we ( Del and Isis ) are , and have been , honored to present over TWENTY years . And this twentieth one isn ’ t at all the way we planned it – thanks to a pandemic ! But we ’ re here , we ’ re standing , dancing , sharing the music and love , and keeping the passion for this Art form growing and inspiring . Thank you , to everyone coming this year and being a part of these 20 years of hard work , laughs , tears , sharing , showcasing , competing , friendship , music – it was so hard to not see your beautiful faces last year - you are so much an important part of our lives . And we are eternally grateful for the “ Red Shirts ”, our patient , talented and hard-working Star Dance Studio team over these many years .
We hope you enjoy the photos in this May Spring issue . We ’ ve really missed during 2020 , and the first part of 2021 , the many gorgeous photos shared by our outstanding photographers of Events around the world .
Thank you Carl F . Sermon , Joe Hill , Julie Adoranti and Tammye Nash for the beautiful photos in this issue of YHY and to Cassie Quinn for the layout of the gallery of performers . And to all the photographers who have shared their amazing photos of our dancers and drummers through the years – I cannot mention a few and unforgivably miss one – just know you are loved and appreciated .
Such a variety of Articles : The Athenian Corner Restaurant - an interview by Dorothea L . Rourke-O ’ Regan – shares the history of the restaurant from its very beginning as a “ dream ” into the current “ being a dream destination ”. Core Stabilization : Strengthening Exercises for Posture and Dance , by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan with photos by Carl Sermon – gives you much-needed core information . And How to Endear Yourself to an Event Producer by Nizana addresses the real-life work and that there truly is a lot of blood , sweat , and tears that goes on behind the curtains , and how YOU can be a part of making the event overall better for everyone .
Thank you , Amaya , for the article “ What ’ s in a Name ?” – Prayers , love and hugs for quick healing for you and Pete ! Performance Professionalism – Part 9 by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan offers a problem-resolution on your Gait and Its Effect on Body Posture and Dance Movement Quality . Motivation to Dance During Pandemic , an article by Nizana , addresses the challenges of dancing online . My Journey Through Belly Dance “ Dorothea ” – “ The Irish Belly Dancer from Lowell , MA ” by Dorothea L . Rourke-O ’ Regan , is a fascinating memoir .
Yay , more photos ! A Flashback of Rakkasah West 2010 by Carl F . Sermon . And yes , Ren Faires have opened in Texas – masks while in the audience , no patrons on stage , masks can be removed while on-stage with your team . We received photos from Scallywags Raqs Bellydance at Sherwood Forest Faire ( photos by Robert Self & Vance Strickland ), Shunyata at Texas Renaissance Festival ( photos by Richard Butts , Caleb Pickens & Vance Strickland ), and numerous photos of the large troupe , Wings of Isis and the Star Dancers who shared the stage at Scarborough Faire five at a time , different each day of eight weekends ( photos by Scott Fischer and Jennifer McCoy ).
Book Review – Dancing with Life : A Young Woman ’ s Quest for Art , Love , and Freedom , A Travel Memoir by Dhyanis Carniglia – is an “ oh my gosh , I didn ’ t know any of this ” review by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan .
Don ’ t forget , let ’ s continue to help keep those sensational Vendors in business , who create , advertise , stock and offer music and so many costumes that make it possible for us to look sensational and dance to great music . We will be so grateful for them if they ’ re still there when we ’ re actually able to perform regularly again ! And some of our favorites and scheduled for Yaa Halla , Y ’ all 2021 – traveling is still difficult so we ’ re truly grateful to the Vendor Team who are stepping up to the challenge .
We are also always delighted to focus on your events and photos and are crushed at the continuing unexpected closing or postponed events . Our hearts are with you . We ’ re so grateful for our writers who have included photos … we ’ ve even included a few photos from the Ren Faires that Texas has been courageous in opening recently – BUT we miss hearing about your events and publishing all the wonderful photos of your performers – even the on-line ones !!!
And a reminder : 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 . Now ’ s the time to use that amazing creativity you are famous for , and give us a unique look at what you do and how you do it .
us on Facebook at The Belly Dance Chronicles
With much love and hugs , and Del