classes would be exclusive for studios / teachers .
I was honored to be able to help over 400 participants worldwide ; this was huge motivation for me professionally and personally .
Is there a central theme to your life story ?
Resilience means staying relevant and evolving . To me , it seems the central theme is resilience - through ups and downs and rounds and rounds and all the twists and turns of the dance community and the changes and different influences , I seem to always find my way . One of the reasons I think I am resilient is that I am a good observer . I try to stay in tune with what is relevant , and I know what is out there . I do my best to stay in touch with the audience ’ s reactions and responses not only to my productions but also when I am an audience member as well .
In honor of the name of my company , it ’ s a part of my journey to embrace the evolution of dance around the globe . Recognizing the stars and trends and embracing the changes . It doesn ’ t mean that I am always in agreement with the changes , but I try to keep an open mind and heart to this ever-changing evolution of this art form .
What shape embodies your life ? - Ladder , circle , star …
Figure 8 ! It reminds me to go with the flow , that things come and go , and many times things come full circle in life .
“ Very apropos that Jillina selected a Figure 8 as a figure that embodies her life as this movement is so central to Raqs
Sharqi Oriental dance ”, says Ma * Shuqa . “ Jillina is truly an exemplary dance professional , producer , instructor , and survivor whose life story is inspirational . Her Bellydance Evolution productions have enriched our beloved dance genre and shared it with the world beyond our dance community .” Enjoy learning more about Jillina and Bellydance Evolution :
MA * SHUQA MIRA MURJAN
Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan has been performing , teaching , and coaching for over 45 years . Her Ma * Shuqa Method gives dancers a structure for developing improvised choreography while performing with individualized styling . Her workshop is perfect for teachers and dancers who want to enhance performance dynamics and styling . She has authored many articles on aspects of professionalism and performance in Middle Eastern dance – including a key work entitled “ Raqs Sharqi Improvisational Taqasim Dance Part 2 : The Performance Intersection of Music , Raqs Sharqi , and Tarab ” found at www . MaShuqa . com . Ma * Shuqa offers dancers extended study opportunity through her Diva Dancer Professional Development Workshops which offer dancers topics on cultural aspects of music , rhythm , and dance theory to enhance their weekly studies and performances . As a dance photographer – what she sees through the camera lens reflects a dancer ’ s professionalism . Her husband , Carl Sermon , is well-known for his festival and performance photography of Oriental dancers . Ma * Shuqa and Carl work together to provide artistic direction and performance photography for photo sessions with Oriental dancers . See their work in The Belly Dance Chronicles magazine , The GildedSerpent . com E-zine , and www . CarlSermonPhotography . Zenfolio . com
October 2020 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 21