Princess of Cairo

In my Intermediate classes this term we have been studying the dance style of the Egyptian belly dance legend Nagwa Fouad (her name is also spelled Najwa Fouad in English sometimes). This lovely vintage performance below is not to the same music that we have been using in class, but it is a similarly orchestrated, high-energy piece. It also gives a feel for the spectacle of her shows, for which she is well-known.

I hope you enjoy this one and I’ll be back tomorrow with another video illustrating what we have been working on this term!

Nagwa Fouad - The Princess of Cairo

Casbah Night at El Morocco Tonight!

If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday weekend, consider joining us for a night of beautiful music and dancing! at El Morocco in Pleasant Hill tonight!

Belly Dance Classes in 2019

Hi Dancers,

I just wanted to let everyone know that my Belly Dance Classes in South San Francisco resume this Wednesday, January 9th! We have a fun 9-week session with no breaks this time - this will allow us to dance our way into a joyful, healthy 2019 :)

Classes meet at the Magnolia Center, 601 Grand Avenue in South San Francisco.

Beginning Belly Dance: 7 - 8 PM

Intermediate Belly Dance: 8 - 9 PM

You can register online here. I will also have a few registration forms in class on the first night but the office really prefers for you to register online.

I wish everyone a wonderful 2019.

Shu Shu Amin (شوشو امين)

Here is a really cute performance by Egyptian belly dancer Shu Shu Amin (شوشو امين).  I wish there were more clips of her online!  I love how her performance here manages to be both high energy and yet subtle.  And I love her beautiful musicality too!

This is bellydancer ShuShu Amin performing in a scene from the 1979 Egyptian film ‘Sa’aktob ismak ala al ramal’ (I’ll Write Your Name in the Sand’ سأكتب اسمك على الرمال ). ShuShu Amin only danced in three movies and if you’re a dancer, you’ll wish they’d spent more time filming ShuShu and less time focusing on the actor Ezzat El Alaili looking shifty and/or murderous. The film also starred Nahed Sherif and Samira Said.

The informative caption is from The CaroVan, where you can always lose yourself and hours of time in amazing belly dance videos!

There is more information about Shu Shu Amin here on the Serpentine website.

A couple reminders: my summer classes started last week but you can still join by calling the SSF Parks and Rec office: 650.829.3800.  There is plenty of time to join the fun.

My next performance will be at Tannourine Restaurant on Friday, July 6th.  Details on my Shows page.

Have a great week!

Summer Belly Dance Classes

Hello Dancers!

Just a quick update this week to let everyone know that the Summer Session of belly dance classes at the South San Francisco Parks and Rec starts next Wednesday, June 20th.

Beginning Bellydance is from 7 - 8 and Intermediate is from 8 - 9.  Classes go through Wednesday, July 25th and there is no class July 4th.  You can register online through the SSF Parks and Rec in plenty of time to join us for a fun summer session.  Let me know if you have any questions.

And then for something completely different :).  I got to perform at Al Masri last Sunday with Nazir Latouf and the Al Masri Passion Band and my lovely friend Joumana took a video so I thought I would share it here.  The musicians are Musa Sababa on keyboard, Nazir Latouf on the oud, Reda Darwish on tabla and Linda Grondahl on backup percussion.  The music is incredibly beautiful - we are so lucky to have these musicians in the Bay Area and I encourage everyone who loves belly dance and Arabic music to come out and enjoy one of these nights!

Al Masri Passion Band and Alisa Greer

I hope you all enjoy the music and I wish you a great week!