became the very famous “Judy Reda Egyptian Music CD”,
later produced by Hollywood Music, still available on the
market today–and a popular classic decades later! 3) The first
American to dance a scene in an Egyptian movie. When I
asked Judy to share a few words about her experience, this
is what she said:
Dancing in Egypt was my most life-changing
experience........everyone told me I could not do it......but I
was naive and “gutsy” enough to just “blindly” go for it.....I
WAS THE MOST “TOTALLY UNPREPARED”
OF ALL THE OTHER DANCERS.....In NYC
(1978).....we were not learning “Egyptian style”....
it was still a mix of 1970’s styles......I knew nothing of
the music, techniques, culture......I JUST LEARNED
ON THE JOB!..... the experience gave me a lot of
self-confidence......and showed me things I never knew
about myself.....like “SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES”...
BEING ALL ALONE IN A TOTALLY STRANGE
CULTURE......WITH NO FRIENDS, MANAGERS,
MENTORS, etc., TO SUPPORT ME......or to
even know if I was safe...it was as if I WAS FLYING
“WITHOUT A PARACHUTE!”
The next dancer is Leyla Amir, who danced in Egypt from
1981-1990. Here are few words about her experience which
she shared with me:
Every adverb one could think of would never describe
what an experience it was to be a professional performer
in Egypt from 1981-1990. At the time I received my 5
star Mustanafat, I had been in the biz already for 10
years in the USA. One cannot imagine the ability to be
around the greats of the time and being part of one of
the most star-filled dance eras of the 80’s in Egypt…
absorbing their artistry and also being able to friend
them personally. Performing in “The Motherland” with
your own 15 musicians definitely shapes your ability to
convey tarab and touch with your audience so they can
see it and feel it. I am still an avid teacher/performer/
promoter as “the dance” is not what I do… but who I
am. For those foreign dancers who wish to follow in my
footsteps…it is not an easy task! I recommend a strong
support system at your country of origin AND in your
new adoptive country. It is a must to absorb the culture
and history. Maintain your artistry with dedication of
learning and… above all… Have lots of patience and
perseverance for “en sha allah”!
And lastly, I must mention Sahra Saeeda, whom I had the
pleasure of meeting in Cairo during her most recent “Journey
Through Egypt” tour. Sahra danced in Egypt from 19891995. She was contracted at the Meridian Heliopolis 5 Star
Hotel. Sahra has done extensive research, and holds academic
degrees in both Dance & Cultural Anthropology, along with
an MA in Dance Ethnology from UCLA. She continues to
investigate the culture, and visits Egypt twice per year, as she
educates others who participate in her JtE Program–which
is offered in Egypt and all over the globe. She is making this
knowledge accessible to everyone who is interested, and this
is a huge contribution and advantage for all of us!
These three ladies: Judy Reda, Leyla Amir, and Sahra Saeeda–
although their experiences were all very different, were the
ones who not only did something unlikely or unusual, but
who helped open the door for other dancers to dream big–
and realize that those dreams could become a reality!
I want to thank these ladies for what they have contributed to
our dance and cultural understanding. I would like to applaud
them especially for their bravery in going to a foreign country,
and against many odds, having a successful career! It is my
dream that one day, when others look back, I might be included
in the list of dancers and educators who have contributed to
our art, and made a difference...shewaya, shewaya....Inshallah
bokra...(little by little, tomorrow–God willing)
...bokra Inshallah...
Read more about Vanessa at www.vanessaraqs.com
LISA PRICE
Lisa Price, aka Nara al’Misr, is a family nurse practitioner who spends her after duty
hours in the clutches of belly dance. A devoted student (and friend) of Isis since 1994,
she also studies, whenever possible, with Vashti (Dallas), Sharon Kihara, and Aziza
(Montreal). Special shout-out to fellow Aziza Dreamcampers!
30
The Belly Dance Chronicles
October 2016