The Belly Dance Chronicles Oct/Nov/Dec 2017 Volume 15, Issue 4 | Page 4

Letter . . . from the Editor: Fabulous Fall … the tree leaves are turning and the days are cooler (at least somewhere). Hope that’s true in your area – Texas is still warmer but under 100° – yay! However, the weather has been vicious in too many areas – our hearts hurt for all those in the path of hurricanes – Houston and areas surrounding, Florida and Puerto Rico, and the earthquake in Mexico. Facebook friends and the news have brought us all together to know the devastating damage to land and lives and what is needed to help and support those in such great need. And that help and support is happening! And now on the front page are the atrocities in Las Vegas. With all the heart-breaking crises, this is an opportunity to be on the front line and help those who really, really need us. Many thanks to Diana Soto and others for letting us know what’s absolutely needed in Puerto Rico. Prayers and real help from all of us to all of you. And many thanks to Tammye Nash and Denise Cannizzo for stating the words that come from all our hearts. This issue we are excited to feature our October Cover Star, Victoria Teel. Beautiful and talented, she traveled the world with the Belly Dance SuperStars and has a fascinating tale to tell to interviewer Ma’Shuqa Mira Murjan. And, Ma’Shuqa adds even more to July Cover Star Sa’diyya’s joyous current life story. Jamie Lynn Shelton is our spotlight feature by Tammye Nash. We love Jamie Lynn and her beautiful silks. We also share with you so many reviews of special events, plus reviews of Morocco’s current book, The Fundamental Movement Vocabulary of Raqs Sharqi by Stasha Vlasuk, and Omar Faruk Tekbileck’s music CD, Love is My Religion review by Ma*Shuqa. Welcome to BDC’s new writers, Bob Chabot, Round Here on music and movement, and Camellia Sinensis, Settling into the Music, plus Stella Marroquin’s Introduction to Henna and Mahin’s Backstage Etiquette. We continue happily to share writers Nadirah Bray, with an article on Dancing in Nursing Homes, and Judy Reda’s experiences in Cairo with Saving Ali’s Wedding. Love Amaya’s sharing of icon Bert Balladine’s Reality Check. AND photos by our staff photographers, Carl F. Sermon, Cassie Quinn, and Tammye Nash, with the photo spreads, plus the many events’ and articles’ much appreciated photographers – check them out. And something new about The Belly Dance Chronicles - The BEST news ever … Great News for our writers, readers and advertisers! The Belly Dance Chronicles is going FREE in January 2018! Please pass this on … Tell your friends, your customers, your students in classes and on-line and send those amazing articles and photos our way! We will be promoting you EVERYWHERE. That means continuing to be seen stateside and all over Europe with our friends there. Don’t forget to share with everyone you know and they’ll be able to see fabulous photos of each other and you and articles about YOU! See page 17 for all the exciting updated info. Thank you from our hearts to those who were so kind and supportive during our recent devastating loss of our son, Bart deLackner. His family – with wife, daughters, son and grandson, are so grateful to those who shared so generously. Del and I can never thank you enough for your words of sympathy – you are our chosen family and we do love you. Hugs and love, and Like us on Facebook at The Belly Dance Chronicles Find us online at www.TheBellyDanceChronicles.com and on Joomag! 4 The Belly Dance Chronicles  October 2017 Del