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Phyllis Patterson (1932-2014)
We are saddened to learn that Phyllis Patterson passed away on May 18, 2014. She was a passionate and artistic woman who conceived and created the modern Renaissance fair; and without her vision,…
May 29, 2014 -
Special Online Class Offers for Program Members
This has been a creative year for me, and I can barely believe it’s halfway over. I always find inspiration in the classroom both from doing the work of being a dancer…
July 2, 2013 -
From Tap Dancing to Responsible Fusion
Last year, I wrote about my pop and locking work with Walter Freeman who went on to perform on Broadway for 10 years as an American tap dancer in Riverdance. Walter and…
May 17, 2013 -
The Sanford Meisner Method and Belly Dance
After graduating high school, I moved from Northern California to Los Angeles. In addition to being a regular “house” dancer at Byblos Night Club (6 nights a week), I also did some…
November 12, 2012 -
Suhaila’s Joumana Choreography: The Back Story
When I was thirteen, I wanted to take private dance lessons with Yuki, a well known jazz teacher in Castro Valley. I begged Yuki to let me take classes. Probably thinking I…
November 5, 2012 -
Suhaila’s Certification and Teaching Programs
In August 2012, Christy of Eighth Wonder Studios in Calgary interviewed me about my certification program, mentorship, stylization and more. Many of her questions are ones that I’m asked regularly. For those…
October 28, 2012 -
Remembering John Compton
I was greatly saddened to hear the news that John Compton passed away this week. He had a long and prosperous belly dance career, and I want to share my story of…
October 16, 2012 -
Tribal Fest Interview with Kajira and Chuck
Kajira and Chuck are the co-producers of the extremely successful Tribal Fest that is held annually every May in Sebastopol, CA. Tribal and tribal fusion comprise a very popular and growing segment…
October 1, 2012 -
Tribal Fest Interview with Kajira and Chuck
Kajira and Chuck are the co-producers of the extremely successful Tribal Fest that is held annually every May in Sebastopol, CA. Tribal and tribal fusion comprise a very popular and growing segment…
October 1, 2012 -
Batwanes Beek & Break Dancing
Many of you have already seen this video of dancers performing to a recorded version of “Batwanes Beek” sung by Warda al-Jazairia. The young men are break dancing (a dance form which…
July 23, 2012