On Your Toes! Baladi, Folk & Bellydance Class Schedules - The Jihan Jamal Method
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Tuesdays, 7:30PM to 9PM ~
B.O.D.A. (Bellyrina Oriental Dance Academy) at West Miami Middle
Community School, 7525 Coral Way, Miami, FL. Telephone: 305-261-8383, please
call after 2PM Mon-Fri, and ask for Mrs. Mirtha Fernandez for tuition
information. Mixed Level
. Teens
to Adult (Children - 11 years or pre-teen, and accompanied by adult
guardian)
Wednesdays, 6PM
to 7PM ~ Mediterranean Dance
at Miami Children's Hospital (for the hospital staff - Not open to
the public.)
Please contact Mrs. Cynthia Chico at the
Wellness Center for information.
Saturdays, 10AM to 11:30AM ~
The Joy of Bellydance
B.O.D.A. (Bellyrina
Oriental Dance Academy) at Dancer's Dream, Inc. 7909 Pines Blvd., Pembroke
Pines, FL 33024 Telephone: 954-966-3838 .
Intermediate to Advanced Levels. Teens to Adults.
Saturdays, 11:30AM to 12:30PM ~ Easy Yoga with Jihan Jamal at Dancer's Dream, Inc. 7909 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 Telephone: 954-966-3838 . Beginner Level. Adults. Hatha Yoga, Creative Process and relaxation meditation. Syllabus: Breathing (Prana Yoga), Asanas (yoga poses), Creative Process (visualize to realize; law of attraction), relaxation meditation. Please bring Yoga mats, large towel, props (optional), stretch bands (or man's tie, belt or strap; used to aid in stretches and some poses). Yoga Mats are available for purchase. Please request, prior to class, or order from Jihan at 305-352-5458, or email: JihanJamal@aol.com
Saturdays, 11:30AM to 12:30PM ~ Easy Yoga with Jihan Jamal at Dancer's Dream, Inc. 7909 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 Telephone: 954-966-3838 . Beginner Level. Adults. Hatha Yoga, Creative Process and relaxation meditation. Syllabus: Breathing (Prana Yoga), Asanas (yoga poses), Creative Process (visualize to realize; law of attraction), relaxation meditation. Please bring Yoga mats, large towel, props (optional), stretch bands (or man's tie, belt or strap; used to aid in stretches and some poses). Yoga Mats are available for purchase. Please request, prior to class, or order from Jihan at 305-352-5458, or email: JihanJamal@aol.com
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The Yoga Mat ~ Blending Art and Soul
Motion Equals Emotion
When working the body, you work your mind and stimulate your energy
system, ultimately connecting body, mind and spirit.
Yoga is not merely an athletic system, or as I like to refer to it, a dance
in slow motion; it is mainly intended to be a spiritual system. The Asanas
(poses) are designed to affect the subtle body for the purpose of spiritual
transformation, not merely physical prowess and endurance, thus releasing
issues held deep in our psyche and surprising us with moments of
uncontrollable emotions, following class sessions. Students are attracted to
the practice of Yoga as a form of physical fitness and health, or to learn
to destress and relax, but ultimately, the practice is spiritual
development, as I believe all true art forms are.
In Yoga, body, mind and spirit are a union; what happens to the mind also
happens to the body and spirit. What we experience on all levels, spirit,
emotion and mind, will eventually manifest on our body. As you work deeply
on each asana, emotional issues are likely to surface, as energy is moved
along the spine, stimulating and balancing our chakras (energy meridians).
When we focus on each individual chakra and "move" energy, so shall the
energy move us ... sometimes into sadness, and other times into
uncontrollable joy, until, with patience and practice, we also learn to tame
the dragon.
Namas te' !
(Sanskrit, basically meaning: "The highest
power within me, acknowledges the highest power within you.)
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Applause, Applause!
Kay
Campbell-Hardy in ARAMCO Magazine!
Photography by
Nicole LeCogne
SAUDI FOLK MUSIC IS ALIVE AND WELL!
(click on the link below, or cut and paste to your browser ... and enjoy!)
NOW --- open up the web version and
click on the red stripe to get
the music recordings....
Here is the link (they didn't make it
obvious enough on the site) You can groove while reading.
 |
Kay Hardy Campbell (www.kayhardycampbell.com), a former resident of Saudi Arabia and writer for the Arab News and Saudi Gazette, now lives near Boston, where she plays the ‘ud and helps direct the annual Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. |
 |
Nicole LeCorgne, free-lance photographer and percussionist, has been teaching and performing Arab percussion for more than 15 years. She has a master’s degree in ethnomusicology and has traveled widely throughout the Middle East. She can be reached at photography@nicolelecorgne.com. |
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HANG TEN! SURFING THE WEB!
I've come across some new web links that may interest you .... Go ahead and
ride the wave of educational information!
This issue is dedicated to the 'Ud (Arabic Lute) Enjoy!
My 'Ud sits in its case, in my office,
patiently awaiting for the day when I will, once again, practice on it.
Since the departure of my teacher, Rashid Juma,
several years ago, I have not made the time to try and practice.
He used to get annoyed with me
if my fingernails were too long (in his opinion)!
I take it out of its case,once in a while, and
hold it in position, pretending to play beautiful and enchanting music on a
concert hall, somewhere, in the corners of my mind. I remember when I bought
it, that I picked it out because it is the same color as my hair
(auburn) ...
My Mom once told me how much her father loved
playing his "la'ud", as it is called
in Spanish,
(and used in traditional, improvisational Cuban
country music).
I plan to keep it, even as just a kind of
"family crest";
A familial symbol of sorts, as it is the
only link that makes me feel connected to a man I never really got to know.
"There are two precious
gifts passed on to us by our ancestors and visionary parents: Roots and
Wings" ~ Jihan
| King of the Oud | From an Interview with FARID EL-ATRACHE |
 |
"What speaks for the artist is nothing, but the works that he presents to the public. It is when my music and compositions win the appreciation of the public that I consider myself fully fulfilled. This is what is worth remembering of an artist and what is worth writing about him; that I am a man who lived for my art, for my songs, and for my public. This also will be recognized and appreciated by people. However, what speaks for the artist, the journalist, the writer, or the historian are his works. So, if I want to talk about Farid el-Atrache, I would present his songs, his compositions, and his music. That will speak for Farid el-Atrache." |
 |
http://www.oud.eclipse.co.uk/bashir-m.html About Munir Bashir, one of
my favorite 'Udists (see discography)
http://www.myspace.com/liufang The art of the Pipa & Guzheng (Chinese
Lute & Zither- very similar to the Arabic Qanun) - Liu Fang is an
incredible artist. I just bought three of her CD's: Le
Son De Soie, Mei Hua (Plum
Blossoms), and my favorite, Chinese
and Arabic Music, classical arrangements
and improvisations, in collaboration with Farhan Sabagh on
'Ud and percussion. - Absolute harmony!
Listen to sample clips at: http://www.liufangmusic.net/cds/duo_and_ensembles.html#duo2
http://www.hussein-elmasry.net/ In French and English
http://www.cafearabica.com/culture/culture14/culoud14x2.html The art of
construction of the 'Ud (or Oud)
http://oudman.com/pages/main.html
Official web site of Najib Shaheen, "The Oudman"
From: Al - Wafaa News: Iraqi women Oudist (article from 1999): http://www.ineas.org/al-wafaanews/specialreports.htm
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Kulshure Kafe'
This column is dedicated to the memory of a dear friend, who once, a long
time ago, wanted to share my Bohemian dream of opening my own Kulshure
Kafe'.
I hope you will
enjoy the column and will want to contribute to it. Please send your poems,
travel annecdotes and short stories and/or comments for review and
consideration, to:
jihansgrapevine@aol.com Wherever you are,
lift up your creative cup and writing quill, and toast to the creative
writing world, which connects all of us!
El Fishawi Cafe', Khan El Khalili,
Cairo...
I often
reminisce of the delightful experiences I've enjoyed, sitting in a cafe',
passing the time away, as if time is non-existent, sipping on an aromatic
demitasse of freshly brewed espresso - the artful, liquid rendition of the
soulful Barista, whose creation blesses my taste buds and kick starts my
olfactory senses into ecstasy, anticipating the dance of black,
fluid satin flooding my mouth with joy. The first sip is often the most
gratifying...
This time, I'm in Cairo, at a popular spot
frequented by the locals as well as the tourists, in Khan El Khalili - El
Fishawi cafe'. There are no Baristas here, or espresso machines. The Kahwa
(coffee) is boiled in a brass pot, creating a creamy froth as its contents
attempts to overflow the heated vessel. It is winter, and the weather is
quite cold. The labyrinth of buildings, which snuggly encompass the Khan,
offer little protection from the chilly Cairene breeze, which manages to
seep through my layered garments. Ignoring the weather, as best I can, I
embrace the the enchantments of my surroundings, and romanticize in the
moment.
I put my cup down, gently, as I drift into my
own fantasy land, wondering who sat here, before me, and who will take my
place when I leave my seat? Poetic images dance in my head, as I keenly
observe each passer-by, wondering what it would be like to be in their
shoes; To hear their thoughts, to compare their experience with mine, to
connect with their "otherness"? I watch the animated theatre at play, at the
nearby table. I am entertained and amused, and ever so often, I am diverted
to conversations not meant for my engaging, but nevertheless tantalizing to
my curiosity and imagination. I settle back into my own space, when I
realize my perpetration has been detected, and I take another sip, as if I
were innocent of any further interest in the cacophony that has been played
out at audible distance. To distract, I avidly puff on the sheesha, and look
about the artifacts which adorn every inch of wall space in the cafe'. I
blow wisps of apple scented smoke into dancing patterns in the air, and once
again, resume into my fantasy and allow my thoughts to spin into daydreams -
How many vows of love have been promised, right in the spot I am now
inhabiting ... How many dreams have been dreamt ... How many will be pursued
until attained ... How many will be forgotten, as the last drop of the dark
elixir glides from the cup on to the tongue, past the throat into oblivion?
My beloved returns to our table, to share the
sheesha, sip on his mango juice, and engage in conversation of our own. I
sit back into reality, and amusingly observe that we are now the diversion
for the curious touring group of Spaniards sitting across our table.
Smiles are exchanged, and before long, my Ahmed has volunteered to take
their group picture, and in a like gesture, the head of the group takes our
photo as well. Thanks and smiles are exchanged again, and everyone settles
back into their own groove. We are often interrupted by the many street
vendors, who are relentless in invading our private moment to sell us their
wares - from souvenirs to illustrated pop-up Islamic books. The henna artist
insists that I should have my hands tattooed, but I smile and gracefully
decline. She smiles and walks away, but will certainly return, over and over
again, in the hopes that I will succumb. I look at my beloved, and I can
hardly belief all this is real. I feel gratitude, and an overwhelming desire
to dance to the earthy rhythms resonating all around us, in contrast to the
mesmerizing drone of the call to prayer. I control my urges to sway to the
music, and sit still, as a proper lady. No one has to know that I am dancing
wildly and with abandon inside my hegab (scarf) covered head! I feel
deliriously happy! Cairo, coffee and love are such intoxicating delights of
life! I dream on, as my beloved refills my cup ...
Jihan
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ON A SAD NOTE ....
This column is dedicated to the memory of very special people, whom I had
the great privilege and pleasure to know, either in person, through their
loved ones, or through their work, which in some way inspired me to create
my own.
It is in memoriam to those who have left this Earthly life, after completing
their purpose amongst us, to return Home. It is a humble expression of
sincere sympathy to pay respect to the loved ones, left behind.
May the memories of your beloved be happy and keep you strong and grateful
for their time with you in this life;
May the company of friends and family give you the freedom to grief at your
own pace and in your own way;
And may your faith in yourself, your departed, and in a higher power,
comfort you, and keep you compassionate and human,
And, in time, offer you hope and optimism for the remain of your own
journey.
~ Jihan
In Memory of Sheila Mary Sunshine, Hadia's
sister. Hadia writes:
Her name is Sheila Mary and we used to call her Sheila Mary Sunshine. She
was a wonderful, vibrant and completely loving Down's Syndrome girl who
enjoyed every minute of her life and also filled everyone she met with joy
and instant, clear love. She particularly liked the boys and would always
pick the best looking ones to flirt and to dance with. Oh and did she LOVE
to dance. We always danced together when I was home or when she came out to
visit me. When I brought her to my classes, she would join in and take her
turn with such great enthusiasm and total lack of self-consciousness that
all my students would ask if she could please come back to classes
regularly, as she inspired them and reminded them that the joy of trying was
much more important that the need for perfection.
She redefined the saying "dance as if no one is
watching!"
Your condolences may be addressed to Hadia
(Canada), to
jihansgrapevine@aol.com Or Email Hadia directly:
Hadia@Hadia.com
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My funny, feisty friend, Mr. Tahseen Al Koudsi,
of Cartouche International, passed away in the later part of 2006. I
miss him greatly and will remember him always.
He always contributed to the Grapevine, the
Arabic top 20 music Hits, but mostly, I'll miss his jokes and annecdotes,
and the kindness he always selflessly offered.
His beloved widow, Kathe runs Cartouche
International, and may be reached at
vka@sunflower.com
I am sure he's keeping a protective watch over her, still.
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Basboussa's Boutique and Unique Design
Feminine and Alluring Fashions and
International Gifts
for Every Queen, Goddess and Diva!
Items of the Month:
Direct from
Cairo: Jasmin Oil Perfume
The balmy,
summer nights in Cairo are scented by the intoxicating and HAPPY aroma of
Jasmin
blossom necklaces and tiny cut blooms wrapped in
cellophane tussie-mussies, sold by street vendors all over the city, and
specially downtown.
There, a
multitude of Egyptians, expatriates and tourists gather nightly, in the
summer, and specially after school breaks,
With family
and friends to enjoy the cooling breeze, which lures all
To the
shores of the Nile River, to nibble on roasted pistachios, sip on
fresh sugar cane or mango juice .
I dab some
Jasmin Oil on my wrists, smell its fresh energizing scent, and close my
eyes, and I'm transported!
Ask to
experience it!
It really
is a happy scent!
Visit
Basboussa's Boutique at the Next Workshop, or shop by mail, and soon
on-line!
Basboussa's Latest and Greatest New dance music CD's:
Yousry
Sharif Productions Presents:
Wash Ya Wash Vol. 7
and
El
Helwa Suzy ~ Raks Sharqi Vol. 1
Basboussa's
Hegab (head scarf) Fashions
Elegant, Beautiful and
colorful scarves and Pashima from Cairo
to Enhance and compliment your
personal fashion statement,
from traditional to trendy.
Ask for a free and fun
demonstration at Joharah's Spring Hafla, May 18 and 19, 2007!
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Visionary Steps ~ Inspirational "Spotting"
Visionary Steps ~ Inspirational "Spotting"
We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the
life that is waiting for us.
~ Joseph Campbell, Writer
... figure out what you hope for
... don't admire it from a distance,
but live right in it,
and under its roof.
~ Barbara Kingslover , Author
You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.
~ Charles Buxton, Philanthropist
Be not afraid of life.
Belief that life is worth living,
and your belief will help create the fact.
~
Henry James, Writer
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
~ Fortune Cookie Wisdom
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