Colorful Happenings

Mosaïque News

February 2012

Greetings!

Happy New Year!.....Again. It's the Chinese New Year...the year of the Water Dragon. What kind of luck can you expect this year? Find your sign on the Chinese Zodiac on this fun educational site, Chinese Horoscope.

Last month I mentioned some of my goals for Mosaique in 2012. I'm having a blast developing ideas for our shows, special programs, and teaching my students.
In the process, I'm also reflecting on 2011. Last year in many ways, was a year of 'firsts' for Mosaique.

2011 in review:

• We had our first NoRooz event to celebrate the Persian New Year
• We created our first theatrical show Myths, Legends and Mysteries
• We organized our first hafla and dance showcase for the community
• Several Mosaique members shared their first Middle Eastern dance solos, including Dara, Melanie and Amira Shagara. And "Noura" debuted in a group veil performance.

2012 has just begun, but we are already working on the year's events, starting with our NoRooz celebration and show, which will be on Sunday April 1, at Bamian Afghan Cuisine in Falls Church. Mark your calendar now for this very special event!

Our NoRooz show features traditional and contemporary Persian dances and other folkloric dances from around the Middle East, including dance styles rarely seen by the general public. Learn more on our Events page.

This year I am also looking forward to challenging my students and myself in our study and practice of dance and music. No doubt you will see this manifest in our performances throughout the year.

Next month, Colorful Happenings will be all about the Persian New Year, called NoRooz, which begins on the vernal equinox, the first day of spring. When spring arrives, the earth is renewed, and according to NoRooz traditions, we too have an opportunity to start fresh....again.

It has been a mild winter so far. Let's hope for an early spring.

Sincerely,

January 2012

Greetings!

Happy New Year! I'm going to jump on that wave of optimism and tell you about the exciting things I'm looking forward to this year!

First, I want to thank you all for your support and encouragement of Mosaique. It means so much, and often comes at times I need it the most. And especially to my students and Mosaique members, Thank YOU! I so admire and appreciate your dedication to your art and to your own excellence.

Like many of you, I'm sure, I have BIG dreams and ideas! They often manifest in new programs, or spill into my current classes. And sometimes there just isn't any more room in the programs (or anywhere else) to bring them to fruition. Maybe that's a good thing. After all, the universe knows.

All that said, I'm excited for 2012! Not because it is supposed to be a mystical year (though that does make it fun). I'm excited because it is a new year and I have lots of new things to share!

Here are a few of my goals for Mosaique in 2012:

1. Launch the pilot for ShimmyFit Instructor Training - Email me if you're interested, I have a great deal for you!

2. Further develop the curriculum program, Certificate of Specialization in Middle Eastern Dance, Music & Cultural Studies - Accepting applications now!

3. Produce even more amazing events than last year, and inspire more Mosaique members to participate - Yes, this possibly means YOU!

4. Find a fabulous space to serve as our dedicated studio in a great location that welcomes what we offer the community!

Number 4 is a tall order, but I'm putting it out there for you and the universe to ponder and respond appropriately.

I have been thinking about my friends, students, and associates, and realized 2011 was not a great year for many. And while I managed to accomplish some great things professionally, personally I struggled more than I have in many years. That's the bad news and it's behind us, but still within reach to teach us.

Here's the good news: 2012 is here and we can start fresh with a whole new outlook, or just a new outfit. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either; it's your choice.

One of my mantras since I started Mosaique has been, "Think BIG! Act small." These small acts include continuing my education and training, making personal connections, and having fun!

This year, I'm ready for something BIG! I hope the universe agrees with me.

So, I guess that was my declaration of my professional New Year Resolutions. On the personal side, I am keeping it simple: eat better, exercise more, worry less.

2012.....Enjoy!

Sincerely,

January 8, 2012: New workshop added

Intro to Shimmies!

~A whole hour of hip-shaking fun~

"Surrender to the jiggle!"

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September 2011

We are gearing up for fall classes, featuring folkloric dance and music! I am busy creating choreography and compiling music for the new sessions that start later this month. Join me for a joyous experience and learn the modern art of belly dance through its authentic roots!

 

Aside from the pure joyful nature of folkloric dance, what I love most is that they are derived from the dances of real people in real places, where women, men, and children all participate! Everyone, any age, of any skill level can dance! I know because I teach and share these dances with people of all ages and abilities, from preschoolers to senior adults, and they all immensely enjoy the experience of dance, music and culture. These dances are for anyone who enjoys moving to music!

 

In the fall season of classes we will explore a few of my favorite folkloric styles, such as Bandari (Iranian), Baba Karam (Persian), and Saidi (Egyptian). Maybe they will become your favorites too.

 

I hope you enjoy the article I wrote about folkloric dances, and be sure to check out the video links to some past performances. 

 

Check out the complete schedule and register online!  Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Katayoun

What is folkloric dance?

By Katayoun Hutson

Students often ask, "What is folkloric dance and what does it have to do with belly dance?" Or they may wonder, "Why should I learn folkloric dance?" The answer is simple. Folkloric Middle Eastern dances are the various regional and ethnic traditions which are actually the roots of contemporary belly dance. And they are tons of fun!

The study of folklore dances is a must for any serious student of Middle Eastern and belly dance styles; however, anyone interested in taking up dance for exercise and recreation will find the folkloric flavors of Middle Eastern dance are not only a fun workout, but the musical and cultural elements make it even more enjoyable!

If you have never taken dance classes or have never tried belly dance, it is great to start with folkloric styles. Beginners enjoy the more relaxed and forgiving nature of folkloric dance technique compared to other performance styles. Experienced dancers will enhance their repertoire, add depth to their dance, and garner more respect from their audiences. Plus, Middle Eastern folkloric dances are among the most interesting to study because they offer a more diverse experience of the cultures, history and geography of the region.

While we recognize some of the same movements in belly dance, folkloric dances are not actually styles of belly dance. Each country and region has its own distinct style of movement and musical traditions. However, they all seem to have some common elements. The movements, and more importantly, the flavor of the movements, can vary greatly from region to region - even regions within the same country.

There are three characteristics of folkloric dances that I have observed throughout my 20 years of studying the various styles:
Community - Folkloric dances are social by definition, and there is always an element of community or group dynamic associated with its ritual and performance.
Spirited - Folkloric dances and music are highly energetic and joyous, whether the movements are small and subtle, or big and bouncy.
Colorful costumes - Folkloric dances display the pride and riches of the people they represent, and a people's distinct clothing and textiles are as much a part of the dance as the music and movements.

Click the links below for videos of these spirited and joyous dances:

Katayoun's Persian Medley

 

Troupe Eshveh's signature Saidi (Women's Egyptian stick dance)

Katayoun's Beledi with cymbals

You have a unique opportunity to experience the variety and flavors of these dances at Mosaique. Join us for a totally joyous and enriching experience. Happy Dancing!

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June 2011

Meet Sah’ra, experienced dancer and performer specializing in Egyptian Oriental and folklore dance. Sah’ra has been active in the Middle Eastern dance community since 2000. She has also been a member of Troupe Eshveh since January 2010.

“My original career was HR and Recruiting, but I left that recently to join my husband full-time in the business we started three years ago. We do Home Improvement/Remodeling Contracting work, and I am currently pursuing an education in Interior Design.

Since joining Mosaique in 2009, I have taken multiple dance classes and music classes, and participated in the Curriculum Program in 2009, and am currently working on Teacher Training with Katayoun.

I first became interested in Middle-Eastern dance in 2000, after walking in to a bellydance fitness class in my gym (one of Wendy Youssef's first classes), entirely by accident, really. That day, I fell in love with the music, and the movements, and I've been hooked ever since.

I perform as often as possible! Most of my performances this past year have been with Troupe Eshveh, but I've also performed as a soloist at some haflas. The first time I performed was for a Holiday Party at Dance with Me Studio. I thought I would never be able to go through with it. After I got off the stage, I had such a rush, the only thing I could think is "that was awesome! When do we do it again??" I still feel that way after I get off the stage. Before I get on the stage, it's an entirely different set of feelings!

When my husband and I first started dating in 2006, I was actually taking a break from actively studying and performing. Dance had consumed my life for 6 years, and I had wanted to simplify and focus on some spiritual goals. I had not thought that I would take a 2-year break! However, in those two years, I changed careers, bought a home, and married my husband. A year after we were married I was ready to get serious again. My new husband was not thrilled with the idea of his wife being a "bellydancer", but he also didn't want to keep me from doing something that would make me happy. He has since gotten quite an education, and actually has strong opinions about what makes a "good dancer" now.

Often, when I first tell someone new about what I do, they will say something like "Hmmm...I would have pictured you doing River Dance, or something...", or, "You don't look Egyptian, how did you learn that?" I never know how to respond to that.The rest of my family and friends think it's the coolest hobby, ever! I have to agree.

One of the first things Middle Eastern dance changed for me was my body image. When I first happened upon that dance class, I had been spending 2 - 3 hours a day in a gym. Soon after, I gave up the gym completely, and focused on dance and yoga. I had never felt stronger or healthier. I learned that a body doesn't have to be "perfect", to be beautiful. When I would complain about gaining weight, Wendy would remind me that "the jiggle is beautiful", and through watching other dancers, I began to understand what she meant.
In 2000, when I first started dancing, my life was a mess, I was a mess. I won't say dance is the only thing that changed that, but it definitely helped me on my way.

Studying with Katayoun has been so amazing. She has helped me improve my confidence-level, pin-point my weaknesses and strengths, and discover my own style. My upper-body and arms have improved at least 50%!! I choreographed a drum solo this year, something I had never done before out of fear (that it would suck!), and I absolutely love it! It's probably my favorite piece in my repertoire currently.

I admire women…all women! Every woman I know does something that inspires me! I admire women that actively pursue their interest in Middle-Eastern Dance, despite being working mothers, that's such an inspiration to me. I admire women like Katayoun and my best friend Joanna, because they don't just talk about what they want to do, they set goals and then work on how they will achieve them.

I also enjoy yoga and meditation. I love music, though I'm not currently doing anything cool like making music, music has been my world since I first understood what it was. And books are my ultimate escape, I read a ton!

At the end of last year, my goals for 2011 included performing more and beginning to teach. However, I soon realized that doing both may not be entirely realistic, given that we're expecting our first child this September! I know that all the women I have known who have had children and continued to dance will be a great resource to me now, because while I'm sure I may slow down for a few months, I don't intend to take any more 2-year breaks.”

Sah’ra will be a featured performer in Mosaique’s upcoming show. Visit her website at www.sahraraqs.com.