Current Events
Announcements Perform 6/8 (listed 6/3)
Ongoing Events

July 4th - Redwood City
Be in a parade!
(I have done this many times before and it is always a lot of fun. Just show up in belly dance attire, wear shoes/sandals, put on your brightest smile and bust out your best Miss America wave. Live drummers, too, who could ask for more??? ---Khajulah)

You are all invited to join the fun at the 2008 Redwood City 4th of July parade. Please invite your friends, family, students, significant others, ex-lovers, main squeezes, etc., to join us. All we ask is that everyone be in costume, make noise and have fun. Bring your veils, swords, zills, etc. Be sure to put on sunscreen and hydrate beforehand.

Our group is called “Red Desert Dancers and Friends” and we are in Division 4. We need to be lined up on Samson Street by 10:00 am. so please plan on being at the line-up spot around 9:30ish. If you miss us, find a spot on the street and when we come by jump in. Samson Street is located between Hopkins and Alden.

Update:
As promised, this is a reminder regarding Friday’s Redwood City 4th of July parade. We need to be lined up at 10 am, so I’m asking everyone to gather on Samson Street between 9:30 am - 10:00 am.

Below is a link that shows the parade route and also shows where Samson is:
http://www.parade.org/images/Parade%20Route%202008.pdf

If you want to find other info about the parade, go to www.parade.org

contact: SHorn@cta.org

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July 5-6, 2008
Workshop and Show with DELILAH

Workshops with Delilah - Delalah is one of the foremost teachers and innovators in the field of bellydance today. She is widely known for her breathtaking and deeply inspiring performances. She will be here in Santa Cruz to teach a two day workshop at the Vets Hall on Front Street and she will be performing with Sirocco at the July 6th Benefit for Sulyman.

Both Workshops will be from 1-3 p.m. and are $40.00 each.

Sacred Belly Dance Priestess: Saturday July 5th, 1-3 p.m.
We will dedicate this workshop to connecting arms, hands, heart and the Earth. Also choreography with belly rolls in it. Great for troupes.

Power Belly Style Workout : Sunday July 6th, 1-3 p.m.
Fast hip moves and combinations, transitions and drum solo challenge.

To register and for more info please call Natasha at (831)334-8492 or emailnfeldthouse@gmail.com

http://www.fingercymbals.com/

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June 29 and July 6, 2008 - San Francisco
Egyptian Dance Code Workshops

EDC Overview: Two opportunities!
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Workshop includes:

* Physical definition of the Egyptian Dance Code * Upper and lower torso dance movement within the Egyptian Dance Code * Arm movements within the Egyptian Dance Code * Handouts * Video study and identification of the Egyptian Dance Code in past and present Egyptian Dancers

All registrants will have actual physical body-on experience performing the Egyptian Dance Code in this workshop. Workshops taught by Sausan.

Location: Al-Masri Restaurant, 4031 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM   Price: $50 prepaid; $55 at the door.
Contact or More Info: Sausan - 415-867-6754 or sausanacademy@gmail.com

Price may be applied to a future 2008 registration of Primary Class at the Sausan Academy of Egyptian Dance. Make checks payable to Al-Masri and mail to Al-Masri, 4031 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94121-2516.

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July 11 - Sunnyvale
Paloma and the staff of Lunatic Fringe Belly Dance Essentials
are pleased to present Sizzling Summer Shimmies at the Bean Scene
A showcase of Middle Eastern dance

Friday July 11, dancers for novice to professional will perform at the Bean Scene coffee house in Sunnyvale (next to Lunatic Fringe) beginning at 7PM

There is no cover charge for this event and indoor seating is limited, please come early for best seating, don’t forget the Sizzling Summer Sale at the Lunatic Fringe boutique. Enjoy a 20% discount throughout the entire store on all regularly priced in-stock merchandise all day Friday July 11.

There are still dance slots, available for this event.
Please contact Paloma if you would like to dance at:
lunaticfrng@mindspring.com

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July 12 - Santa Cruz
The Georges Lammam Ensemble featuring Elias Lammam

Saturday July 12, 2008 from 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
The Cayuga Vault: 1100 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-227-9514

Mediterraneo Productions presents a concert of exquisite Arabic music by The Georges Lammam Ensemble, featuring internationally acclaimed microtonal accordionist, vocalist and composer, Elias Lammam of Beirut, Lebanon. The Ensemble will present classical and popular Arabic music and their own original compositions, and popular dance tunes for open floor dancing. Opening by the Elias Lammam Student Ensemble.

www.eliaslammam.com
www.georgeslammam.com

TICKETS: $18 Adv/$22 at the door. Seating is limited so get your tickets early!
Advance tickets available from Gateways Books & Gifts (no added charges)
1126 Soquel Ave. or www.gatewaysbooks.com or purchase from Gateways by phone: 831-429-9600

For more information regarding this event please see:
http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

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July 13 - Santa Cruz
Arabic Music Workshop with Elias Lammam

Sunday July 13, 2008 from 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The Cayuga Vault, 1100 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062   831-227-9514
Two classes in Arabic music with master composer & musician Elias Lammam of Lebanon:
www.eliaslammam.com

1pm: Vocals - Co-taught by Georges Lammam. Learn the unique singing styles, vocal techniques, and song structure of Arabic songs. Translations provided for reference. No prior Arabic language experience needed. Open to vocalists of any genre and others interested in Arabic music.

3:15 pm: Ensemble class: for musicians, percussionists, and vocalists participating in any of the prior 3 classes of this weekend workshop. Using the techniques and material learned in the prior classes, learn to play several classical and popular Arabic songs in ensemble arrangements.

Registration per class:
$40 Advance (by July 6)
$50 After or at the door (space permitting)
Class sizes limited so register early to ensure your spot!

Details/registration form at:http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

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July 19 - San Rafael
FABULOUS CLUB OASIS IS BACK AGAIN

An Ever-changing Program of Your Favorite High Caliber Dancers Bay area belly dance troupes, solos and duets present an exotic tapestry of cabaret and folkloric styles.

Join Sherry, Troupe Ala Nar and the Rising Stars, Along with Exciting Guest Dancers at the Belly dance Extravaganza. Special Guests: BlackSheepBellyDance, Terry, Alnisa, Doretta, Teresa, Diana

Saturday, July 19, 2008
7:30pm
Tickets-$15 (Past events sold out early. Get your tickets now.)
Call Inner Rhythm: (415) 388-6683

AT NEW LOCATION:
Open Secret Bookstore
923 C Street
San Rafael, CA 94901

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July 23-26 - SF
Summer Heat 2008

African America Art and Culture Complex: 762 Fulton St. SF, CA 94102
Kristi 415-922-0623
Ravenmoon: 562-627-5697

Feiruz Aram, Helena Vlahos, Lotus Niraja, Harry Saroyan, Nakish

http://tribes.tribe.net/nakish

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July 25-27, 2008 - Santa Clara
Hala is very happy to share her extensive experience in teaching her native art of Middle Eastern belly dance in a weekend seminar

Details below and on http://www.HalaDance.com (select "Hala Dance Teachers Training..." from the home page)

Whether you've been teaching dance for years or just considering it, this intensive seminar will train you in the Hala Dance method of teaching dance which has proven to be the fastest, most efficient way to bring about a broad cultural, musical and aesthetic understanding of the art of Middle Eastern Dance! The seminar consist of 15 hours of instructions, lectures, exercises, demos and dance routines. Upon completion of the basic training, and if recommended, you will have the opportunity to do another 10 hours
of practical training.

The seminar is open to all levels of teachers who want to teach authentic Middle Eastern dance.
Topics Covered: * Historical, cultural and social backgrounds of Middle Eastern Dance (aka belly dance)
* Creating a fun, inviting and comfortable learning space for your students * Safe, effective and comprehensive warm up routine that exercises all parts of the body from the neck to the ankles
* Detailed break down of basic moves, transitions and combinations * Dancers arms, upper body and fluid movement * Engaging your students (the use of humor, imagery, group games,..etc) * Dance routines to use for different levels of dancers * Safe and healthy physical habits to establish in yourself and your students (posture and alignment) * Getting and using feedback to fine tune your style * Middle Eastern rhythms and musicality for dancers * Cool down routine plus a lot more...

Date : Friday 25th July - Sunday 27th July, 2008
Location : Hala Dance Studio in Santa Clara, CA 95051

Schedule : Friday 25th July:
* 6.30 - 7.00pm : Registration and Introductions
* 7.00 - 10.00pm : class with Hala

Saturday 26th July & Sunday 27th July:
* 9.30am - 10.00am : Check in
* 10.00am - 1.00pm : class with Hala
* 1.00pm - 2.00pm : lunch break
* 2.00pm - 5.00pm : class with Hala

Tuition: We take small groups of serious dancers who are passionate about sharing their talents.

Total tuition is due by July 20th, 2008: * Total Tuition: $299 - includes all media handouts and practical
training if approved (25 hours total!!) * Non refundable deposit to secure your spot: $100 (the balance of
$199 is due by July 20th, 2008).

I look forward to creating dance, joy and self expression with you!
--
Hala
hala@haladance.com
http://www.HalaDance.com

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August 1 and August 2 – San Leandro
Belly Dance Fantasy Festival

$15
San Leandro Marina Community Center
15301 Wicks Blvd.
San Leandro, CA

A two-day dance event with workshops, shopping and non-stop performances.

www.tatseena.com

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August 9th, 2008,
SF Mecca Review

DCDT with Mira Betz, Liz Strong, Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love, FatChanceBellydance , and More!
12 Galaxies, San Francisco, CA
8pm, 21+
http://www.SFMeccaImmersion.com

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August 12th, 2008,
SF Mecca Immersion - Workshop!

Modern Fusion & Movement Invention workshop with Cera! This intensive workshop features an additional "Choreographers Module", for those of you who choreograph for troupes.
City Dance Studios, 12 Colton St., San Francisco, CA
11am-2:30pm
http://www.sfmeccaimmersion.com

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August 17 - San Jose
Haflas at the Hoover - Mediterranean Moves"
Presented by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of MECDA

http://www.sfbamecda.org

Come and learn from some of the Bay Area's top instructors!

Mediterranean Moves
Summer Hafla at the Hoover 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Hoover Theater
1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126
Located directly across the street from the world famous
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and blocks away from the beautiful
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.
Ample Free Parking

Admission
$7 members - $10 non-member
$5 - Festival Dancer Special Price
Children under 7 Free
Vendors • Festival Dancing • Instructor Showcase

3 Specialty workshops for a Day of Dance!
Workshop Member Non-Member
1 $25 $35
2 $35 $45
3 $45 $55

~ Workshop fee includes festival & showcase admissions! ~Pick and choose your favorites to enhance your dance:

Amanda Baer - 11:00 am
Amanda presents high-energy of folkloric Turkish techniques. She melds traditional movement with mega-watt style.

Amina Goodyear - 1:00 pm
Get all wrapped up in this workshop when Amina shares the fun, the drama and allure of dancing with the Egyptian Melaya. (bring a big veil!)

Alexandria - 3:00 pm
Learn the language of the Gahwazee as Alexandria presents her signature technique learned in Egypt and honed in the Bay Area.

All workshops are an hour and a half long. Our three workshop leaders will be featured in our evening showcase!

Festival Dancing - 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
We're currently taking sign-ups for our festival dancing at this summer's Mediterranean Moves – Hafla at the Hoover. Festival dancing begins at 11:00 am and our last act takes the stage at 5:10 pm. All acts are 7 minutes, and performers should bring their music on a CD (along with a backup CD) and be at the event half-hour prior to your performance. To sign up for your 7 minute dance slot, please e-mail your request to info@sfbamecda. org and place "Hafla at the Hoover – Dance Slot Request" in the Subject line. All requests are first-come first-served. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Vendors - 11:00 - 8:00pm
Due to our limited space, we are pleased to offer a select group of vendors including Zelina, Paloma of Lunatic Fringe, Sarah of Wicked Smiley's, Oojala and more. Although our space is filled for this event, if you are interested in vending at future SF/BA MECDA events, send us an e-mail to info@sfbamecda. org with "Vendor Inquiry" in the subject line and we'll add you to our vendor list.

Photography by Barry Brown - Need new promotional photos? Barry Brown will be setting up his portable studio and taking professional shots for your next business card, flyer or website. His work has appeared in numerous magazines, on websites around the world and in the best-selling "Embellished Bras" book available on Amazon.com. Plan ahead and bring your best costumes and add some fresh shots to
your portfolio! Noon - 7:00 pm - Hafla at the Hoover - Room A/B

Video Fundraiser
Dancing in the festival? Help contribute to SF/BA MECDA's ongoing fundraising activities for Next Door, solutions to domestic violence. We have pledged to donate a portion of each video made towards ending domestic violence. DVD's are only $30 and will be shipped within 6-8 weeks of the event. Video by Digital Wuff – Wanna see a sample? http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=yNlDE2RRsi8

Want to Help?
The planning committee for this event is now forming. This committee is instrumental in selecting workshop leaders, choosing vendors and planning the details of this event. If you would like to help
support the greater dance community, please send an email to info@sfbamecda. org for more information. We will be happy to let you know when and where our next meeting will be held.

Brought to you by SF/BA MECDA - SF/BA MECDA is a not-for-profit dance-arts organization run by dancers for dancers. Our twin missions are to support our local dance community by hosting dance events that feature the best in Bay Area talent while offering dancers of all skill levels the opportunity to dance and learn. For more information about this event and other events hosted by SF/BA MECDA and throughout the Bay Area visit our website.

SF/BA MECDA
www.sfbamecda.org
email: info@sfbamecda.org
P.O. Box 5055, Redwood City, CA 94063
Message Line: 916-300-2142

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Save the date: Sunday, August 31
ASTRYD - LATEST AND GREATEST FROM EGYPT -
Location: Dance Mission - 24th and Mission, S.F.

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September 5, 6 and 7 - San Jose, Redwood City
Tito's back!!!!!!!!

Hala Dance Company is thrilled to announce the following: Tito, Egypt's most famous male dancer will teach 3-day workshops in San Jose & Redwood City, CA on September 5th, 6th & 7th, 2008. Following the September 6th workshop, he will headline the star-studded 7:30pm evening show in Redwood City, CA. Details on http://www.HalaDance.com

Many of his video clips are very popular on YouTube.com and other websites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CCu-1JzV6U& feature=related

The evening show on September 6th will feature Tito's signature cane & baladi performances as well as other surprises.

Show Details:
Veterans Memorial Center Theatre. 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, CA 94061
7:30 – 9:30pm on Saturday September 6th, 2008. Doors open at 7:00pm
$20 advance, $30 @ door.
Advance registration deadline is August 28th, 2008.

Dance Workshops:
7:00 – 9:30pm Friday September 5th, 2008 at Halanda Studio, 1062
Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
11:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday, September 6th & 7th, 2008 at Odd
Fellows Hall, 839 Main St, Redwood City, CA 94063.

For more information about this exciting event, please visit
http://www.HalaDance.com or email hala@haladance.com

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October 25-26, 2008
AIDA NOUR in San Francisco teaching four fantastic choreographies!

1-5:30 p.m.
Early registration pricing: $80 per day or $160 for two days. *by October 15
Register online here.

Saturday, October 25: Andalusian and Oriental choreographies
Sunday, October 26: Shaabi and Alexandrian (Melaya Leff) choreographies

Workshop Location: SF Dance Center, 26-7th St., SF
Event Hotel: Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market Street, SF *mention "Aida Nour" for special discount rate.

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Jan 31 & Feb 1, 2009 - Redwood city
2-day Intensive Dance Seminar with dance legend Yousry Sharif of Egypt

Odd Fellows Hall, Redwood City
For updates & more details:
http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii

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February 7-8, 2009 - Santa Cruz
Jim Boz in the house!

I am so very excited to announce that Jim Boz will be coming to our little hamlet for a Valentine's workshop next year. Be sure to reserve the dates: Saturday, Feb. 7th for the show and Sunday, Feb. 8th for the workshop.

Since this show and workshop will sell out, please do not hesitate too long before securing your spot. The venue is still TBA. There will be room for a few vendors, also.

I am looking forward to sharing this talented artist with all of you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email me.

Goddess bless,

SIWA
www.dcm-siwa.com
siwadcm13@yahoo.com

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Announcements

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Ongoing Events
Please double check these, as some my not be current

Thursdays - San Jose
Practice/Open Floor/Live Drumming

Caroline Slack (known in the SCA as Siobhan of Cloverdale), hosts a weekly open floor practice/hafla in her home in San Jose on Thursdays. She is now having live drummers joining in on the last Thursday of each month. This is a very welcoming group - just show up, ready to dance (or drum)!

7:30-10 PM every Thursday (live drumming on the last Thursday of the month)

2942 Bewcastle Court
San Jose, CA
Contact Caroline to confirm
408-259-6841

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Sundays - Pleasant Hill
Dancer’s Nights at El Morocco, the FIRST SUNDAY of every month!

El Morocco
2203 Morello Avenue at Taylor Boulevard
Pleasant Hill, California
Advance Table Reservations (925) 671-0132

Contact Yosifah Rose for more information about signing up to dance
yosifah@yosifah.com
(925) 372-8520

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Belly Dance Nights - Albany
A Night of Performance with Dancers for the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance

1st Sunday of Every Month, 6:00pm

Montero's Cafe
1106 Solano Avenue
Albany, CA
510-524-1270
Full Bar, Dining, Dancing

www.suhaila.com