Letter . . . from the Editor :
We hope you have warm and loving Holidays to round out the end of 2022 with families and friends and in your chosen careers . In Texas , we ’ re so excited about FALL – it ’ s been a weather challenging year ! We wish you new inspirational experiences in your creative endeavors – we ’ re ready for new ideas and growth .
Our Cover Girl this issue is multi-trained , creative , funny and talented SAQRA from Washington State and now TEXAS – welcome back beautiful . This interview by writer and dancer Nizana , showcases one of our favorite and most entertaining and knowledgeable dance and music performers .
Events and all the wonderful photos are back ! Terrific Hot Raqs 2022 , Carnival of Stars 2022 , Cairo Shimmy Quake and ManiFest Unity Festival photos by Carl F . Sermon Photography . Plus , Yalla Raqs the Palace in July 2022 with photos by Carl F . Sermon Photography and Tammye Nash Photography . These photographers are much-loved , much needed , and much appreciated recorders of our dance and musical performances – thank you to all our photographers from our hearts .
Arabic Words Defining Tarab by Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan is so informational , and Ma * Shuqa also shares with us a Music Review of the just released - “ Sound of the Sultans ”: with Omar Faruk Tekbilek , Ibrahim Turmen , Amin and Raymond Khoury , Sherif Sarakby , Nick Mouganis , and Hadji Tekbilek - the Sultans band .
Amaya , in 10 Things Every Belly Dance Should Know , brings you great input for those of you who might think you are ready for the next level in the dance business . And then a step on the wild side ; Stasha Vlasuk gives us a comprehensive look at Snake Dancing – an ancient tradition in modern performance .
We hope you support those all-important ads of upcoming Events and Journeys to spark your imagination and increase your skills ! Our sensational Vendors who create , advertise , stock and offer music and so many costumes to make it possible for us to look sensational and dance to great music .
It ’ s been wonderful , especially through the Pandemic , to be a recorder of so many of you who have continued to grow in music and dance , to present your art form to family , friends and the also all-important public – in person , on Zoom , on Facebook . YOU are amazing and are why we do what we do .
A loving shout-out to Amaya , Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan and Carl Sermon for a fabulous weekend of food and love , honors and great dancing , and fascinating conversations with additional Icons Tamalyn Dallal and Karen Barbee plus wonderful evening show dancers Jamilla Al Wahid and Phaedra Darwish , and a supportive and special audience . And , oh yeah , Siberian Huskies !!!
With much love and hugs , and Del
6 The Belly Dance Chronicles � September 2022