Video: Jen’s Performance to Meen Gallo
Hi there, here's another recorded performance - where I didn't have a chance to take a complete 'live' video at a recent performance. My first solo saidi-style performance!
Belly Dance Training: Review of the ‘Understanding Music’ Course
I'm writing another instalment of my review series. This time I focus on the 'Understanding Music' course. I hope that by sharing my experience, you will be inspired to learn more about the fascinating world of belly dance music!
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Who Is Umm Kulthum and Why Is She Important for Belly Dance?
Have you heard of Umm Kulthum (Oum Kalthoum) before? She was a very famous Egyptian singer active between the 1920s to 1970s. She is remembered for her extraordinary voice and unique musical style. But what does she have to do with belly dance? You'll find out in this article. Spoiler: lots of the most well known belly dance tunes were originally sung by Umm Kulthum!
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Video: Jen’s Performance to Habibi Ya Eyni (‘Darling, Oh My Eyes’)
I first performed to this classic belly dance song at a local hafla last February. I've been polishing it on and off at home since then. I put on a dance costume for the first time in months today to film it. I hope this will inspire you to put on some of your favourite music and dance. Enjoy!
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A Guide to Musical Instruments in Middle Eastern Belly Dance Music
What instruments are commonly used in belly dance music? There are lots of them! In this post, I give common Middle Eastern examples of each of the three types of instruments (winds, strings, and percussion). Plus a sample video clip so you can hear what it sounds like and see how it's played. I hope this will help you better hear the instruments as you dance. And that you can use this to deepen your belly dance music interpretation.
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Belly Dance Teacher Training: Review of the ‘Safe Delivery of Belly Dance Classes’ Course
Have you ever thought about belly dance teacher training? In this review, I share my experience of the 'Safe Delivery of Belly Dance Classes course which helped me take my first steps towards teaching belly dance. I hope that by sharing my experience, it might inspire you to consider your first steps into dance teaching!
Understanding Rhythms in Belly Dance Music
In this post, you will learn seven iqaat (rhythmic modes) commonly found in Middle Eastern belly dance music: maqsoum, saiidi, masmoudi saghir (baladi), fellahi, masmoudi kabir, malfuf, and chiftetelli. This should help you recognise the rhythms as dance to belly dance music.
How to Interpret Belly Dance Music as a Dancer: Start by Listening to the Musical Layers
Being able to pick apart and understand belly dance music makes it easier to interpret as a dancer. In this post, you will learn how to listen to the rich texture of belly dance music formed by musical layers.
Video: Jen’s Performance to Lela (‘Tonight’)
I wanted to share one of my favourite recent-ish performances. Who doesn't love Hakim and the one and only godfather of soul, James Brown?
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My Belly Dance Journey So Far: From Student to Teacher
How does one go from being a complete beginner to belly dance to being a full-blown belly dance enthusiast and teacher? Here's my story.
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