Visit:ARTIST CIRCLE BLOG!

Here are some of my favorite dancers, dance organizations, and venues in Seattle, the Northwest, and beyond!

DANCERS:
Manon creative genius, and my partner in dance
Elisa Gamal my first teacher!
Indigo wonderful teacher in Arlington
Raqs Serpentine awesome trio of wildly creative dancers
Imei yoga, fusion, and bellydance in West Seattle
Nadira fabulous teacher with incredible chops- teaches around Seattle
Hasani (and her fabulous haflas!) queen of teachers, and a host of many popular events, located in Gig Harbor
Michelle Joyce ~ Fantastic dancer in the Bay Area, and producer of belly dance DVDs
Sandraalso amazing and in the Bay Area
Nyla Crystal
Amartia
Nadirah Johara
Shira ~a great website with lots of generously sized costume information
Catherine Barros
Namira
Amara
Lana
Cinnamon Phoenix ~great explanation of chakras as they relate to belly dance
Caroline
Mirah Ammal
Sonja
Malia
Brea Morgiane
Samira Shuruk
Ammara Dance Studio
Annwyn
Ariel
Julianna
Katia ~professional dancer and instructor in San Jose
SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL DVD SOURCES:
Hadia
Suhaila Salimpour

VENUES:
Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
SHALIMAR

DANCE ORGANIZATIONS:
Middle East Arts International

DANCE WEAR
Bella!
Hasani and her Haflas! Great local source for props
Lost Treasures
Nahari Silk Veils
Centerstage Dance Shop
Dahlal Internationale

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Baxter
Jeremy Shane Photography ~terrific photographer and photoshop magician!
Rob Resing
Christopher Yetter
Charles Maclauchlan

GENERAL INFORMATION ON BELLY DANCE
Shira~wonderful lyrics translation resource!
Bhuz ~ a web board where an enormous number of belly dancers hang out
Belly Dance Stuff ~ a site with articles, info, how-tos, reviews, free clip art and postcards.

FESTIVALS

Arabic Music Retreat
Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp

MUSIC
Hollywood Music Center
Recent favorite CD purchases include albums by Amir Sofi, Jim Boz, Bassam Ayoub, and The Soul of Cairo, Shik Shak Shok by Hassan Abou El Seoud, and Judy Jihan Reda presents Egyptian Cabaret Music. Other favorties include Belly Dance: A Gift From Cairo, Bellydance Superstars volumes 1 and 2, Arabian Legends by the Cairo Orchestra, 1001 Nights by Said Mrad(remixes). For Arabian pop music, I love the Mezdeke albums, as well as Best Arabian Nights Party series. photo by Rob Resing