Letter . . . from the Editor:
As we go to print, sad, sad news … the iconic Mr. Harry Saroyan is no longer with us … but will always
be with us in spirit with the memory of his beautiful voice, his dynamic personality, his devotion to his
wife, Betty, and his devotion to our industry with continuous support and graciousness. And we will
continue to carry on in his memory, utilizing the products of his dedication to providing the highest
quality of musical finger cymbals, coins and scimitars. You reside with us in our hearts, Harry, and your
contributions will be honored and remembered. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Betty Saroyan, their
children and families. We will be honoring Harry in our January 2017 issue.
With happier news, our Gorgeous Cover Girl Ruby Beh, an excitingly vivacious performer, in her interview with
Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan, shares with us not only her roots, but also her style, her dance passion, and her outstanding and
unique mentorship program.
Vanessa, our October issue cover girl, in her continuing interview with Lisa Price, gives us her advice for those of you
pursuing work in Egypt, her typical night in Cairo, and more.
Amaya’s photos as our recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and her article, Amaya’s Star Talk,
Fahtiem’s Have You Decided Yet? (about goals), Tess Haranda’s Change, Challenges and Opportunities, and The School of Hard
Raks article (Top 10 ways to be happier and healthier)by Jasmin Jahal, all again have terrific insights for you and your
dance – love these articles.
Kristen Raeesi’s (Romani-American scholar) Ingrained Racism in “Gypsy” Dance (first in a series of articles), with a
conference paper presented by Morocco (Aunt Rocky) on the topic of Romani representation, and mis-representation,
in Middle Eastern Dance, has so much excellent information. And don’t miss Belly Dance Can Replace Your Gym
Workout by Ma*Shuqa.
This issue also includes a number of dazzling photos provided by outstanding photographers Carl F. Sermon, Yaniv
Halfon and Tammye Nash. Ma*Shuqa’s review of a new CD by Dr. Samy, and of the Fez Documentary DVD by
Roxxanne Shelaby, plus my review of Morocco’s fabulous book, rounds out this October-December issue.
We care about you and what is happening in your life, your passions for this career – dancers, musicians, vendors,
instructors, photographers, sponsors … there is no end to our love and fascination with what is happening in your life
connections to Belly Dance … Raqs Sharqi … Tribal … Fusion … Alternative.
Help us share all of those choices with those hungry for those tales of your experiences, your knowledge, your studies,
photos of your events! Be sure to advertise your on-line classes, jewelry, costumes, make-up, up-coming events – those
special important items and seminars you want everyone to know about!
Hugs and love,
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Find us online at www.TheBellyDanceChronicles.com
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The Belly Dance Chronicles
October 2016
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