Issue 3 - High Desert Bellydance Guild

Vol. 7 No. 3 Summer 2012
HiP Circles
1
Annual Gala
Review
6
Spring Showcase
Review
9
Reigning Down on
Oregon Review,
The Art of Henna
10
Open Dance Night,
New Board
Members
11
Summer
Showcase Flyer,
Summer Festival
12
Camping Hafla
Flyer
13
Save the Date
The Official
Newsletter of the
High Desert
Bellydance Guild
P.O. Box 6644
Bend, OR 97708
Annual Gala!
Review
by Yalda
Innovation Theater
May 12, 2012
Capping a wonderful day of
workshops with Sabine, Queen
of Swords, and Eugene’s amazing
Americanistan, the evening
Gala was diverse, colorful, and
completely enjoyable. Held at
the Innovation Theater, there
was comfortable seating, great
cont’d on next page
Sabine
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www.highdesertbellydance.org

HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Gala 2 of 5
lighting (once we got it sorted out), and lots of space for dancing
solo or in troupe. To top it off, we were well fed by
friendly The Pizza Cart providing us with handmade pies and
homemade cookies.
The most exciting part of the Gala was the exceptional
live music provided by Americanistan — with local drummer
and HDBG board member Dave Goodman sitting in!
Rasha
Photos: Nils Eddy
2
Americanistan
Sword Workshop
Live Music Workshop
Our first performer was Rasha, a local instructor and
dancer. In spite of a bit of a lighting glitch, Rasha came on as
a pro, beautifully interpreting her music and owning the large
stage. Her music choices were crowd favorites, “Ah Ya Zein”
and “Miserlou,” beautifully played by Americanistan. The
combination of the lyrical harmonium and Rasha’s veil work
was particularly moving.
After Rasha, a newer local student troupe, the Shape-
Shifters, entertained us with a colorful tribal fusion piece.
This troupe is led by Leia Napoli, a local instructor and performer.
The choreography was playful and interactive, really
showcasing the students’ skills.
Changing pace completely, Layla performed a Tunisian
dance. This dance is very bright, with lots of snapping hips
and swinging tassels. Layla told the story of a North African
woman going to the well to fill her water jugs and who can’t
resist showing off her balancing skills. Americanistan rose to
the occasion with some great Tunisian-inspired beats.
Back by popular demand, Circus Ursa (a duo consisting
of Leia and Nalia, also local instructors and performers)
brought us a brilliant performance. Alternately competing
and cooperating, playful and alluring, the two dancers expressed
a complete love of the dance, and even managed to
exchange veils seamlessly!
Marina brought us some fabulous silk fan work. The
black and red fans flew, soared, and spun, mesmerizing the
audience by beautifully complementing her dancing style.
The last performance of the first half was Tribalation,
Sabine’s troupe. On this occasion, Tribalation was a duo. The
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Gala 3 of 5
ShapeShifter Tribal Fusion
Layla
Circus Ursa
3
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Gala 4 of 5
two women showed us a thing or two about improvisational
dancing to live music, zilling, and sword work.
Following intermission, Leia showed off her new yellow
shoes. She and the harmonium danced together, Leia impressing
the audience with some astounding backbends. A
sparkling drum solo showed off the communication between
drummer and dancer that is so much fun in a live performance!
Dunyah, who plays with Americanistan, is also an accomplished
dancer. She danced with a candle tray, a prop
that accentuates a dancer’s control and balance. This is a
traditional skill that is not common anymore, so it was a thrill
to watch Dunyah, who is obviously a master.
Tribalation
Marina
Leia
Dunyah
4
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Gala 5 of 5
Gypsy Fire and Sister Fire gave us a dazzling demonstration
of American Tribal Style improvisational dancing, with
lots of movement and invisible cues. We’ve come to expect
both precision and passion from Gypsy Fire and Sister Fire,
and they did not disappoint.
Finally, Sabine took the stage for her overwhelming double
scimitar performance. There is nothing more impressive
than a tall, dramatically costumed woman owning the stage,
the music, and those giant swords. For the duration of her
dance, we were her slaves!
It was a great evening of music and dancing! Thanks to
all who made it happen by volunteering, vending, dancing,
and attending. ↂ
If you didn’t get to make this year’s Gala
Showcase, you didn’t completely miss
out. You can watch the performances
on YouTube and view more
photographs on the Guild’s Gallery.
Sabine
Gypsy Fire & Sister Fire
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Spring
Showcase
Review
Photos: Leaetta Mitchell
by Yavanna
Innovation Theater
April 29, 2012
Michelle bint Sahara
6
Our Spring Showcase came to Innovation Theatre Works
on April 29. This is a new Showcase venue, though known
to those who came to our 2011 May Gala, “High Desert
Bollywood.” In a recent change, the “stage” is now the
floor itself, and extends the length of the theater, surrounded
on three sides by raised tiers of seats. This arrangement
offers plenty of space for dancers and seats for
watchers. This evening brought a particularly fine sampling
of the many dance styles — cabaret, tribal, ethnic, fusion
— practiced by Guild members. Yet throughout the varied
styles was also an unwitting show of unity: as it happened,
the evening’s “dress code” for performers stayed within the
elemental spectrum of red, black and white, with a touch
of purple.
Raqsafara
Before an audience of about fifty, Rasha was our
friendly announcer. Lily, a new HDBG Board member,
assisted with sound. Thanks also to Nalia, of Raqsafara, as
the organizer (Queen Bee) for this event, and to Leia, cochair
of our Board, for help in securing this venue.
First up was the troupe Raqsafara from Sisters. Their
routine, apt and in keeping with the Raqsafara spirit, was
to “Esqueletos” (Skeletons), a song in Spanish from Tarantella:
“Words have been written in the sand — the poetry
of our encounter. That bleeds and comes from the bones.”
The music built up slowly, sassy and languid at the same
time. The skeleton theme was cleverly suggested by the full
ivory lace costumes worn by Tasmeen and Nalia, and emphasized
even more when the duet became a trio, joined by
new troupe member Robine, all in red and black.
Michelle Bint Sahara danced in a classic cabaret style,
based on choreography by Rachel George. In black skirt
and purple bedlah, Michelle channeled Rachel’s strong
and supple form with snappy isolations, smooth floor work
and shows of strength, including Turkish layback and tight
hip circles (‘ami) while in a deep knee bend. This young
dancer continues to advance very quickly, demonstrating
incredible control and skill.
For the next performance, I was delighted to hear the
announcement: “Imagine you are in a small Tunisian village
in North Africa,” while Layla appeared in full ethnic
costume: a long red tunic and scarf headdress, with large
gold chains for decoration. As best I can recall, this was the
first Bend performance to show so directly the authentic
“roots” of bellydance. Layla’s instruction comes from the
recordings of Aisha Ali. “The dance is performed on the
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Spring Showcase 2 of 3
More photos of the
Showcase are on-line at the
Guild’s Photo Gallery.
Layla
Tribal Moon
balls of the feet, with movements consisting primarily of
hip twists that that cause the yarn belt tassels to fly back
and forth.” Her belt had just two long tassels, one on each
side. Finishing out the effect was the primitive music of
reeds and drum, plus a Tunisian water jug which Layla
used for gestures of water-gathering.
The favorite “Marco Polo,” by Loreena McKennitt,
provided just the right atmosphere for Kadeesha’s fusion
routine as she appeared in full black skirt with white scarf.
Her performance was reminiscent of an Asian style: moderately
paced, calm and stately, emphasizing graceful arms
and hand gestures.
Bend’s premiere cabaret-style troupe, Sahara’s Dream,
had performed this very weekend at Saqra’s Showcase in
Portland, returning just in time for our Showcase! First up
was Phoenix in a solo routine, a snappy change of pace
using Arabian-techno music and complete with rapid-fire
zills and precise drum solo moves.
The Tribal Moon trio, Kathy, Heather and Paula, began
their improvisation in a sultry, tango-flavored style,
accompanied by slow accordion and guitar, then transitioned
to lively retro sounds of gypsy swing. Completing
and enhancing their mood were costumes of black, red and
white, with long sleeves of black lace.
cont’d on next page
Kadeesha
Phoenix
Hadassah & Sahirrnee
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Spring Showcase 3 of 3
ShapeShifter Tribal Fusion
More photos of the
Gala are on-line at the
Guild’s Photo Gallery.
Sahara
Then we were back to cabaret style with Sahara in solo
performance! This local instructor took full command of
the stage, combining a relaxed and friendly approach with a
subtle passion and expert control of her moves, all while
looking out to make lots of contact with the audience.
ShapeShifter Tribal Fusion, a new and exciting troupe
led by Leia Napoli, brought their recent Spring Fest routine
indoors — but with fans in place of fire. In contrast to their
very fast-paced performance at the previous Winter Showcase,
the moves this time were slow and fascinating, carefully
drawing the audience in, showing another dimension
for this troupe. Costumes were red-print halter tops and
black pants.
Our hostess, Rasha, took her turn in dramatic fashion,
with a red, ruffled skirt and gold veil. Her music, “Denise’s
Bolero” by Pangia (oud backed by strings), was slow, sensual
and rich, so fitting for Rasha’s way with veil work.
Now two dancers appeared in duet for the first time:
long-time member Sahirrnee, now joined by her granddaughter,
Hadassah, in a fun-and-friendly cabaret style.
How fascinating to watch these two in moves that mix and
match! Costumes sparkled with black and fuchsia.
To make our program complete the troupe, Sahara’s
Dream, appeared as Sahara and Phoenix in duet. Costumes
were full red skirts and matching sleeves, topped by
shiny silver on bras and belts. Their routine had all of Sahara’s
trademark choreography: fast, accurate combinations,
closely-intertwining floor patterns, complete with zills,
veil work and a drum solo!
Thanks to all who danced and helped to prepare for
the April Showcase, it was a full and fun evening of dance,
with a great variety of styles and moods. Innovation Theatre
proved to be a comfortable, roomy space for both dancers
and audience, open to all ages. ↂ
Rasha
Sahara’s Dream
8

HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
9
Reigning
Down on
Oregon
by Marina
Bikers have Sturgis and belly dancers have Reigning!
This event takes place annually in February in West Salem
at the 4-H camp. Nestled in the trees, surrounded by
beautiful landscapes and tranquil pools, this is the perfect
setting for days full of dance and nights of fire.
Reigning Down is organized by the prestigious troupe
known as Zephyr. The Zephyr dancers consist of Miss Jennifer,
Miss Shelly, Miss Trish, and Miss Dee. Zephyr realized
that Salem has a rich belly dance community, but few retreats
or even big events. By extending a previous event, Reigning
Down came to be one of my favorites! Three days of classes
with some of the most sought after instructors followed by
haflas, fire dancing, and shopping! Classes were taught by
Leslie, Unmata, Cira, Katy, Dahlia, and Zephyr.
The Art of Henna
Saturday, August 25
10:00am-4:00
For ages 14 and Older
With origins in Egypt, henna is
a plant-based dye that is used
to create temporary body art.
Practice simple designs,
mixing henna, applying the
paste, and techniques for
caring for your designs.
Instructor: Allison Dickerson
of Allura Henna
($10 materials fee to instructor)
Non-members: $48
Qualifying Arts Central Members $41
To Register:
visit artscentraloregon.org
Or call 541.617.1317
On the first night, after classes were completed, an open
hafla was held. Hosted by DJ Leyla, the night was filled with
performances from students and teachers alike. The festivities
didn’t end there! After the dancing on stage ended, the dancing
with fire began. There is nothing like being able to watch
fire dancing outside in the dark. Fire dancers performed with
poi, fire fans, hula hoops, whips, ropes, swords, and staffs.
The next day, after classes, we were treated to a hafla
consisting of only the instructors. The show was amazing! If
all this wasn’t enough, there was shopping to be done! Participants
could shop with Wildflower Creations, Just for the
Frill of It, Gaylene’s Boutique, Silk Tribal Road, and more.
Good times and good friends, that is what you will find at
Reigning Down on Oregon. For more information about this
event, visit Zephyr’s website: zephyrbellydance.com. ↂ

HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Sahirrnee
What's Open Dance Night and
Why Do We Need It? by Sahara
It has long discouraged me that while Central Oregon has a rich
bellydance community, opportunities for all levels of dancers are limited.
When traveling to other areas in the Pacific Northwest, I noticed
many cities had numerous dance opportunities, from student nights
to open dance nights — sometimes even on a weekly basis!
In training myself, my troupe, and my students in performance
skills, that lack of opportunity equaled a big disadvantage for those of
us who bellydance competitively. I wanted to bring a regular opportunity
for any level of dancer to perform in front of a live audience!
This isn't about bringing bellydance to the public for me, it's about
fostering a regular event where dancers can "cut their teeth" with
performing or practicing new routines — where they can develop
those nerves of steel that help polish their performances and skills.
Open Dance Night will do just that! It will allow dancers a regular
opportunity in conjunction with Guild events, COCC haflas and
other events, to be performing at least once a month if they desire.
All levels are welcome and audience members are always appreciated.
Please do come even if you don't plan on dancing that night!
Next Open Dance Night: Saturday, July 28 at 6:00 PM at the Art
Station, 313 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr., across from the Les Schwab
Amphitheater in the Old Mill. Contact Sahara if you would like to
dance: saharasdream@gmail.com ↂ
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The High Desert Bellydance Guild is pleased to
welcome two board members: Lily Vann as Librarian,
and Judy Rowe as Publicity. Thanks Lily and
Judy for your time and energy!
Lily is a spunky 16 year old. She has been dancing
since February and is loving every second of
it! She is currently taking lessons from Leia and is
part of the ShapeShifter student troupe, Collide-a-
Scope. When not dancing she takes many walks with
her dogs, reads too many books and runs around
Bend with her friends.
Judy has only recently begun belly dancing,
since 2010. Although new to belly dance, she has
been performing in the world of fire arts since 1998
and has wanted to learn belly dance as long as she
can remember. Currently she integrates belly dance
with fire arts as well other dance genres when she
performs with ShapeShifter. ↂ
Lily
Judy
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Bellydance Summer Showcase
sponsored by the High Desert Bellydance Guild
Sunday July 22nd
Mirror Pond Plaza in
Downtown Bend
4:30 pm Free Drum Workshop
6 pm Performances by Local
Bellydancers
Family Friendly
highdesertbellydance.org
Bend Summer Festival returns
July 13–15 in downtown Bend!
Little Hipsters of Sunriver
This year’s Bank of The
Cascades Bend Summer
Festival includes Middle
Eastern dance and drum
demonstrations by the
guild’s youngest members
(ages 7–13). Children in the
audience will be invited
onstage for an Egyptian style
bellydance lesson.
Saturday, June 14th at
3:00 PM in the Fun Family
Area at the south end of
Wall Street.
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
2 nd Annual HDBG Family Camping Hafla
Don’t miss out
on the campout!
Come join the fun! Thousand Trails has generously
offered their facility for this exciting event in trade for
a fabulous evening show. All members and family
members (no limit of campers, kids welcome) are
invited to tent camp for FREE with our own covered
BBQ area, use of the lodge, and full access to all
amenities including: Adult Pool, Family Pool, Spa,
Tennis Courts, Ball Field, Basketball Courts, Café,
Canoes, Country Store, Family Center, Frisbee Golf,
Horseshoe Pits, Kayaks, Mini-Golf, Pickleball Courts,
Playgrounds, Wi-Fi access, and Volleyball Courts. The
Little Deschutes is on site. Bring your rafts and fishing
gear!
August 17-19th, 2012
Thousand Trails
17480 S. Century Dr,
Sunriver
Rain or Shine
8/17 10:00 a.m. Campsite
open to guild members.
Arrive anytime, set up camp,
and hang out!
4:30 p.m. BBQ Potluck Hafla
8/18 7:00 p.m. Showtime
8/1911:00 a.m. Clean-up
Everyone is welcome to stay
and enjoy the amenities all
day! All meals other than
potluck are on your own
schedule.
VENDORS WELCOME TO COME
PLEASE EMAIL LAUREN
LRIX@ME.COM
• If you do not want to tent camp,
you can rent cottages, yurts,
cabins, or bring your own RV.
Please call to reserve a spot now.
They fill up quickly. Let them
know you are with the High Desert
Bellydance Guild. 541.593.8494
• Pets welcome. Please keep them
on a leash.
• EVERYONE MUST EMAIL
LAUREN TO CAMP OR IF JUST
COMING FOR THE DAY
LRIX@ME.COM
The evening show will be in the lodge
and open to Thousand Trails campers
& HDBG camping members only (not
the public). To sign-up to dance,
email stage manager Zweena at
zweena@zweena.com by 8/6.
To sign up to attend or to volunteer to help out with this exciting event, email Lauren
at lrix@me.com or call Lauren 619-988-2373 by 8/12. Be sure to include how many
will be camping and whether you’ll be tent camping (free) with the guild or renting
from Thousand Trails.
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HIP CIRCLES Summer 2012
Save the D ate
See latest info, events and
teachers at
www.highdesertbellydance.org
Upcoming Events
July 14: 3:00 PM Bank of The Cascades Bend
Summer Festival: HDBG leads a Middle Eastern
dance and drum demonstration, featuring the
HDBG’s youngest members (see p. 11).
July 22: 4:30 PM HDBG Summer Showcase at the
Mirror Pond Plaza in Downtown Bend (see p. 11).
August 3: 6:45 PM Gypsy Fire Bellydance performs
at Taj Palace for First Friday.
August 11: 10:00 AM HDBG Monthly Board
meeting at La Magie bakery.
August 17–19: Second Annual HDBG Campout at
Thousand Trails Campground in Sunriver. Show on
August 18 at 7 PM at the Thousand Trails Lodge
(see p. 12).
September 7–10: Mezdulene’s Annual Bellydance
Retreat in Bridge, OR. Visit jareeda.com for details.
Gypsy Fire
July 4, 2012
Drake Park, Bend
www.highdesertbellydance.org
Join our Facebook group
High Desert Bellydance Guild
P.O. Box 6644
Bend, OR 97708
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