Letter . . . from the Editor :
Oh , yes , that PANDEMIC – it ’ s still here ( and we ’ re so ready to be back to hugs and seeing ALL of our REAL LIFE loveable families and students and everyone surviving ). This has been such a challenging change in our lives . And fall brought Schools opening for children and adults – for adults , continuing online and / or in person with your jobs and your hobbies-your creative passions … for children , a whole new way of school with all the pluses and minuses that go with . Parents and teachers – I so feel your pain with YOUR changes ( almost daily ) in how your jobs are to be done while what is happening in schools ( or schooling at home ) becomes your responsibility too . God bless you all – sending prayers that we will all survive and grow through these changes .
Our Cover Girl this issue is the community-supporting , superb choreographer , outstandingly talented dancer and entertainer , beautiful and charismatic JILLINA from California . We are so blessed to have this giving Star in our lives . This meaningful interview by staff writer Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan – brings us an inside personal look at Jillina ’ s reallife journey – who she is as a person , how she became who she is , who she is now – and what she has and continues to contribute to oriental dance around the world .
Aziza ! A Magical Lady , an homage to well-loved Aziza Parker by Michael Stroud , with contributions by Donna Rose , Sandra Leathley , Nancy Dyer , Theresea Jade , Stasha Vlasuk and Markie Parker , gives real insight to the loss of a talented dancer and costume designer . And addressing our new life of massive media sharing and choices , is a timely article by the beautiful Fahtiem , How SOCIAL are you on Social Media ? Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan shares her fascinating Dancing in Germany – Living the Dream : My life as a professional dancer and dance teacher .
“ Nope , never doing THAT again .” An inside view of making a dance documentary by Amaya takes us on her journey into documentary insanity and learning “ never to say never ” again . Performance Professionalism Part 7 – 10 Practices of Great Leaders by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan , with photos by Carl Sermon , addresses leadership practices , strategies and methods .
Nizana has some great tips with On ( and Off ) Line Belly Dance Etiquette and Nadirah R . Bray writes with passion that there is strength , joy and peace that takes place inside of you when you Focus on your Passions . New writer with our magazine , Athena , contributes her positive view on the assets of shows online in From the Stage to your Living Room .
Reviews : Dr . Samy Farag ’ s latest CD is reviewed by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan “ Cairo Nights , Volume 10 ” to give you detailed input into the exquisite Modern Egyptian Dance Music & Shaabi Songs à la Dr . Samy . 1001 Oriental Dance Moves : A practical guide for learning and teaching the basics of Oriental dance by Nataša Kočar is charmingly reviewed and recommended by Cennet Seher .
Time to search those all-important ads ( we are so ready for all to happen ) of upcoming Events and Journeys to spark your imagination and increase your skills and be ready to get back to our preferred normal ! Let ’ s 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 when we ’ re actually able to perform regularly again !
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 from the Haflas we ’ ve been able to present – BUT we miss hearing about your events and publishing all the wonderful photos of your performers .
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 fabulous creativity you are famous for , and give us a unique look at what you do and how you do it .
With much love and hugs ,
us on Facebook at The Belly Dance Chronicles
and Del
6 The Belly Dance Chronicles � October 2020