it is quite difficult to get that type of grant, I finally
met their requirements and had the chance to stay in
Rajasthan for 4 months. This gave me the opportunity
to get to know many artists, among them the best
gypsy dancers, singers, and musicians… as I totally fell
in love with the true gypsy culture, as I studied with
them, and sharing time with them.”
Because my students wanted to see India as I had
come to know it, my students pushed me to organize
a tour. That’s why I got into organizing 3 weeks tours
to Rajasthan. In this very short time frame, due to
the way I organize the tour, and because I invite local
artists to share their knowledge with my students,
these tours are quite successful and I now offer them
twice each year. Every year I organize two tours
with dance workshops: one in Marrakech/Morocco
in Autumn, and one in Rajasthan/India in Spring.”
Says Leila, “Part of the reason I plan and organize
these tours is to promote and support the teaching
gypsy dancers – and foster the tradition of learning
and experiencing the culture - just as I have become
a teacher of Raqs Sharqi based on my native-born
talent and knowledge.”
We all wish Leila much success in proselytizing and
continuing to provide choreography, performances,
and instruction of Raqs Sharqi/Oriental Dance
throughout the world. With her immigrant
background as an Arab with Syrian heritage –
she is in the best possible position to extend her
knowledge by mentoring future Oriental Raqs
Sharqi dancers who may be among the new wave
of Syrian immigrants in Europe.
Photo by Carl F. Sermon
MA*SHUQA MIRA MURJAN
Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan has been performing, teaching, and coaching for over 40 years. Ma*Shuqa and Leila have
been professional colleagues for many years and their paths have crossed at many festivals and workshops. Most recently,
Ma*Shuqa sponsored and hosted Leila Haddad for workshops at her Los Gatos, CA, studio and for the Mendocino
Music and Dance Camp 2015. 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 Takasim 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 her husband 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
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The Belly Dance Chronicles
October 2015