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We are moving on to #10 from the “Must Know Songs for Bellydancers” list with “Taht Il Shibbak” – a real favorite of mine! Who, What and When? This song first appeared in the Egyptian movie “Laabet el Sitt” (The Lady’s Puppet) in 1946.  The music was composed by Asis Osman and they lyrics were written by Badeh Khairy.  Taheya Karioca dances to “Taht Il Shibbak” in the movie, accompanied by an ensemble that includes

Bellydance is great exercise, but if you are a serious dancer cross-training is essential to your progress and longevity in dance. Even if  you put in several hours of practice and performing each week, you may not hit up all the muscle groups you depend on for a solid performance with enough intensity to keep them at their peak. Also, cross-training – designed properly – will work a wider variety of muscles than your dance so

Are you ready for a trip in the bellydance time machine? We’re turning back the clock about 40 years to a time when glamorous bellydancers graced the stages of big clubs almost every night of the week. I chatted with Roxxanne Shelaby, a California-based bellydancer and daughter of Lou Shelaby, owner of some of the most well-known Arabic clubs of the west coast. Mahin: Tell us about yourself… Roxxanne: My name is Roxxanne Shelaby and I

One of the most fun, creative and inspiring things I did in 2014 was to participate in an Improv Roulette event. It really was unlike any other dance experience I’d ever had. You can read all about it here, including my combat veil to “Living Dead Girl”!  Yes, I know you’re shocked!! Naturally, I wanted to find out more about the person who brought this concept to the bellydance community – so I tracked her down

So it’s almost February. The shiny enthusiasm you had for lofty New Year’s resolutions has probably settled down. Hopefully it’s settled into some lingering creative ideas for what you’d like to do with your dance this year. Maybe you need a little nudge to get it rolling. This year, I’ve decided to launch the DBQ Bellydance Challenge. Inspired by a similar project by Studio 360, I’m inviting you to let the bellydance community-at-large support you (and