Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Amara!

Woodland Willow Photography

Amara  began bellydancing in 2002 as a way to get back in shape after having her son. She is a busy mom of 3, and finds that bellydancing gives her freedom of expression and enjoys dancing while her husband plays for her.
 

She is known for her expressive style and using the music to tell a story through her dance. She enjoys dancing to all types of music but prefers dancing improvised to live music. You can often see her performing with her husband Andrew, who is a member of the Lost Nomads, a local Middle Eastern band.  

Her style is American Orientale and she often dances with Wings of Isis, sword, and veil, and more recently- fire.

She is a professional portrait and wedding photographer and visual artist and finds that creativity helps inspire her dancing. 

 Here's what Amara had to say about NCBellydance.org:

 'I am so glad to have NCbellydance.org in our community. It is my go-to when I am looking for fun events or workshops around NC and find it is such a valuable resource to all dancers.'

We are glad to have you in the community too, Amara!

For information on bellydance or photography, check out her websites at: www.electricshimmy.com and www.woodlandwillow.com.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Mena!

Mena has been dancing since 2005 and started teaching in the fall of 2009. 

Although she doesn't like labels, she does consider herself a fusion dancer, being exposed to many different types of dance and fusing them all together into her own belly dance style. 

Teaching has been a huge, but rewarding challenge.  Her group of students, the Gypsy Belles, includes ladies from all over NW North Carolina and SW Virginia.  They are such an inpsiration.  Her classes are Wednesdays in Elkin, NC and Thursdays in Galax, VA. 

Although she teaches a great group, Mena will always consider herself a student.  She has been fortunate to study with some true masters; Professor Hassan & Kyrria Mazzin from Egypt; Leyla Amir from Las Vegas, Caroline Afifi and our own Luci Jennings from Winston-Salem. 

Her greatest mentor and friend has been Samra from Winston-Salem, whose influence is without description. 

Along with teaching, Mena manages to perform as often as possible.  She has performed everywhere from huge stages with a jumbotron to small retirement homes.  

Here's what she had to say about NCBellydance.org;

NCBellydance.org has a great resourse in finding various workshops throughout NC and beyond.  Last year, when my family and I went to Atlanta for baseball, I checked the website for workshops and viola, there was a workshop listing for Mahmoud Reda, another master, the same weekend I was in Atlanta.  It worked out perfectly.  I'm also able to get lots of info about Shimmy for a Cause this June where myself and the Gypsy Belles will be performing. 

For more information about Mena, visit http://www.menadancer.com

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Three Graces Entertainment!

Three Graces Entertainment brings the beauty of authentic island dances to luaus, festivals, and more.

Under the direction of Teresa Dickerson (Saphira) and Beverly Whitt (Kharma), Three Graces Entertainment strives to promote diversity, cultural dance, and positive body image. Both are troupe directors, troupe students and teachers within the company that holds classes ranging from Bollywood and Raks Sharki to Polynesian and Tribal Fusion.

From a new student's first hip drop to the seasoned dancer's undulation, all dancers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and realize their full potential. Three Graces Entertainment performs in North Carolina and beyond and currently holds classes in Winston-Salem and Boone with plans to expand in the future.

Saphira performed at the NC Bellydance fundraiser this past November to thank Haala for all that she does for the NC dance community. NCBellydance.org is certainly a valuable resource for students and performers alike!

Three Graces Entertainment and Twisted Dance will be co-hosting "Our Big Fat Spring Hafla", a benefit hafla for NCBellydance.org, on April 28 in Winston-Salem NC.

For more information on Three Graces Entertainment, visit http://www.threegracesentertainment.com

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Deirdre!

"Deirdre was first enthralled by a belly dancer at Disney's Epcot Center when she was a mere thirteen and although it took her fifteen years to get around to lessons, she's been a passionate student of the dance ever since. She's an American Cabaret dancer who takes a little from the best of Turkish, Egyptian and Tribal Fusion, her elegant style alternates with a playfulness that's appealing to many audiences.

With Deirdre, there's a natural fluidity to her movements that makes you wonder how much is planned and how much is improvisation. After a while you don't care and just get lost in her evocative dance." --Jamie Anderson

Deirdre was our instructor for the 2010 Annual Fundraiser, and she had this to say about NCBellydance.org:

"Haala's hard work has created a go-to source for events, performers and instructors - I love that even events in other states list on NCBDs calendar, and it's my first resource for local belly dance!

It was a privilege to contribute to keeping NC BellyDance funded by teaching at the 2010 NC Bellydance Fundraiser, and a pleasure to work with such wonderful ladies!"

Thank you, Deirdre - it has been a pleasure to work with you too!

For more information about Deirdre, visit http://www.veilandcoin.com.

Our Featured Sponsor of the Month: Nayna of Charlotte!

Nayna is a multifaceted dancer who brings warmth, excitement, power and playfulness to every performance. She fell in love with bellydance in 2002 while learning from Yasmine (Charlotte, NC), and quickly progressed to the professional level of performance and teaching. Dedicated to continuously improving and evolving in her art, Nayna draws upon the influence of a diverse array of master dancers such as Rachel Brice, Saida, Bozenka, and the guidance of her mentor, Suhaila Salimpour. As a result, she is comfortable and proficient in the Egyptian, American Cabaret, and Tribal Fusion styles of bellydance. In addition to dancing, she has acquired a love for fire arts and enjoys fire spinning (poi) and incorporating other fire props (such as fire fans) into her performances.

While mesmerizing to watch on stage, Nayna's first love is teaching. New students find her classes to be productive and challenging while also fun and more importantly, non-intimidating. Her friendly but firm teaching style keeps classes engaging and students find themselves striving enthusiastically to nurture the power and beauty that bellydance brings out in every person.

Nayna is Level 1 certified in the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance, danced 6 years as part of the the award-nominated Magic Hips Dancers, and is a founding member of award-nominated Spirit of the Lotus dance troupe.

When I asked her for her thoughts about NCBellydance.org, this is what she had to say:

I couldnt be more thankful for Haala and all she does for the bellydance community! The NCBellydance.org website is such a wonderful resource for those already involved in the dance or looking to get involved.

And as for Haala herself...I heart her!!!

A very nice sentiment from our Valentine's month sponsor!

For more information about Nayna, visit her website.

To see a listing of all our current sponsors, visit the NCBellydance.org sponsors page.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas For The Bellydancer In Your Life

Never fear - there are many gorgeous, thoughtful gifts you can still purchase at the last minute!

1. Bellydance accessories. Hip scarves, finger cymbals, veils, CDs, DVDs, and jewelry make great stocking stuffers, or go for the BIG Gift and get your bellydancer a brand new costume! The Belly Dance Shop in Pineville (a suburb of Charlotte) is our state’s best resource for accessories and costumes! You don’t even have to live in the Charlotte area to shop there – just visit http://www.thebellydanceshop.com. Shipping is very quick. There are other NC vendors listed in the Links page as well.

2. Workshops. Give your bellydancer the opportunity to study with an internationally famous dancer for a whole weekend! This experience of a lifetime will enrich their technique, self-confidence, and provide inspiration for years to come! Check http://www.ncbellydance.org/workshop.html for all the scheduled workshops in North Carolina this coming year. Some workshop sponsors may even be able to make you a gift certificate for the workshop that you can put under the tree. For example, Asyia is offering holiday gift certificates for the upcoming workshop with international superstar Bozenka in Raleigh in March. Visit http://www.asyia.com/bozenka.htm for more information.

3. Classes. Support their “bellydance addiction” by purchasing their next session of classes! This thoughtful gift will allow them to enjoy several weeks of instruction with their favorite local teacher. After you get the name of their teacher (be devious!), visit http://www.ncbellydance.org/instructors.html to look them up and find links to their website, list of class schedules, and more information. Many teachers offer gift certificates too! For example, if you live in the Asheville area, you can buy gift certificates from award-winning instructor Lisa Zahiya online at http://www.lisazahiya.com/giftcertificates.html

4. Bodywork. All that dancing and exercise can create a strain on your dancer’s body, and it is necessary to get regular bodywork to prevent injury and strain, promote flexibility and overall health and wellness. Some favorite methodologies include massage therapy, Pilates, Rolfing, chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, and Feldenkrais. Heather Murphy teaches Pilates in Morrisville at World in Motion dance studio, and they offer holiday gift certificates for all their classes: http://www.worldinmotiondance.com. Or if you are in Salisbury, email Kalima at kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com about Reiki!

5. Pampering. Bellydancers love to be pampered with manicures, pedicures and other spa treatments; bath and body lotions, hair salon visits, makeup and hair accessories. Besides providing relaxation and pampering, these gifts are also essential to keep the bellydancer looking their best! Mention “NC Bellydance” to Sterling Bollinger in Winston-Salem and you’ll get 20% off of your Mary Kay order! Email her at SDBollinger@gmail.com for more info (and ask her about her special Belly Dance Beautiful Eyes package while you’re at it!)

While these are all good gift suggestions, your own bellydancer might have some ideas too!

So...

Bellydancers: post your Bellydance “wish list” in the comments section below and then send a link to this article to all your family and friends. Maybe you’ll get what you really want this year!

Of course, I've already received a special gift this year - your support in keeping the site going and up-to-date. As I prepare to celebrate Christmas with my family, I want to thank you for being a part of the NCBellydance.org family this year, and wish you love, joy, health, and lots of shimmies!

Discounted BD Superstars Tickets for Durham 10/29/10 Show!!!

NCBellydance.org is proud to once again partner with the Carolina Theatre of Durham to offer discounted tickets to the Bellydance Superstars show on Friday, October 29!!!

From the Bellydance Superstars' official website:

With 6 years of touring performing over 700 shows in 22 countries the Bellydance Superstars have earned the accolade given them by the Sunday Times of England “ the most important dance troupe in the world.” They have taken an ancient art form previously seen in clubs and restaurants and turned it into a mega show to compete head on with the likes of Riverdance and Stomp. They have also added to the interpretation of Bellydance much as Cirque de Soleil has added to the interpretation of the Circus. They have given bellydancers worldwide the confidence that their dance art can now present them with the opportunity to dance in the world’s most prestigious venues just like any primo ballerina. The BDSS has in fact opened doors and invigorated the art of Bellydance beyond recognition. And they are just beginning!

This year's tour theme is Bombay Bellywood, featuring Indian dance styles in an evening of great music, fabulous costumes and a few surprises.

Discounted ticket prices are only $17/$27. You may sit anywhere in the theater that you wish -- all seats in the theater are eligible for this discount! We won't sell out of this special offer until all seats in the theatre are sold out.

Order from the convenience of your home, and choose whether to pick up your tickets at Will Call or to have them mailed directly to you.

The landing page is: http://www.carolinatheatre.org/ncbellydance
password = bellywood

If we get at least 50 tickets sold through NCBellydance.org, then everyone can enjoy a fun post-show reception in one of the theatre's lovely ballrooms! Everyone is still talking about how much fun they had last year!

This awesome offer expires on Monday, October 25, so order now!

Enjoy an inspiring evening watching the Bellydance Superstars, then dance, network and socialize at the post-show reception, all while supporting NCBellydance.org!

See you there!