Letter . . . from the Editor :
Our
Cover this issue spotlights A NEW BEGINNING for the Producers of Yaa Halla , Y ’ all and the Isis Foundation … Yalla Raqs the Palace … NEW locations … 3 days of workshops at the NEW Vine Arts Center with some of your favorites , and exciting Shows at the beautiful Palace Theater as well as NEW additional Competitions . We , like everyone else , are moving forward , creating a new life , a new way of doing things , while keeping our passion for dance and music alive and shared with the people we love . More new beginnings are coming for all of us .
Our feature article is an intensive look at Princess Rajah , striving for authenticity in a sensationalist environment by Stasha Vlasuk , with numerous historical photos . Welcome to It ’ s a No Brainer ! by Amaya , supporting dance movement , a life skill , for organic sake ; and Mask Wearing Made Beautiful from Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan , looking glamourous while keeping you and others safe in the continuing Covid-19 climate . Ode to a Shimmy , a book review by Youssef Rakha of Sherifa Zuhur ’ s Popular Dance and Music in Modern Egypt , is a much-appreciated reprint with permission .
8 Belly Dance Performance Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills by Kelli Nottingham , is an enjoyable read with terrific tips about your audience getting the message you ’ re trying to share with them ; What Makes You Happy ?, by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan with photo by Carl F . Sermon Photography gives you a short clinical perspective for deep thought ; and then she brings you a touchingly personal Part 2 Fifteen Years Later , Healing and Recovery , and Dealing with Self-doubt , updating her resilience , mantras and advice for healing and recovery with dance .
Showcasing some of those stepping up to perform with support of their studio and community during these “ challenging ” times : AUSTIN : The Story of one studio and a collective community by Bahaia , a wonderful story of survival of studio and community ; and Blue Lotus World Dance Company ’ s Sweetheart Hafla , a coming back from the Pandemic article by Nizana with photos by Tony , Sarah , and Alex Sanchez . We do love photos !!! Which brings us to Beaucoup de Bellies March 2022 with photos by Carl F . Sermon – thank you , thank you .
Don ’ t forget , let ’ s continue to help keep those sensational Vendors in business , who create , advertise , stock and offer music , instruments , and so many costumes that make it possible for us to look and sound sensational . The Belly Dance Chronicles is grateful for the opportunity to support those who are advertisers and encourage you to check them out and support them also .
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 , and you ’ re back in person performing or vending or you have a special zoom article of zoom photos and performances and want to promote one of those fabulous photographers you know by sending us your favorite photos , we ’ d love to see them . Now is the time to use that amazing creativity for which you are famous and give us a unique look at what you do and how you do it ( dance AND music ideas ) … on-line , in person , outdoors , and at event locations … live music , recorded music – we want it all !!!
With much love and hugs , and Del
8 The Belly Dance Chronicles � May 2022