with the spring recital season coming to a close, and the oppressive heat of the mid-atlantic summer seemingly upon us, i’m looking for interesting locations to go play with dancers in a more “natural” (sun-light) environment.

if you already know of a really great location to go spend some time… or if you have a request for a particular kind of location… or if you’d just like to come along on a scouting trip or two with me… let me know here. let the summer of adventure begin….Continue reading →

“In every form of dancing they’re telling you to do things that aren’t natural for the body — to suck everything in, to hold your arms straight. Belly dancing is the one type of dance where instead of holding everything in, you can let it all out.”

“It’s an unfair time — an unconstitutional, very racist, very homophobic time. We’ve lost our way as a country, and it’s very frustrating. But I’m an entertainer, and I know a lot of times that anger doesn’t translate well into good performance or good writing. You have to have a measure of humanity. I want to have a good show. And I want to do something with it.”

The reason for this, Akon says, “There are a lot of negative things going on today and so we need to party and just have fun. Bananza… is a party record. You just go in the club, party and enjoy those beautiful women.”

However, life does not solely revolve around beautiful women and leisure time and Akon is well aware of this.

On the somber, soulful “Ghetto” and the meditative, impressive “Journey,” Akon gives listeners an in depth look into a harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling. But rather than sensationalize his own drama, Akon transmits, to his audience, the feeling of being a part of his inner circle.

To give a glimpse into this mystifying and costumed world, a variety of documentary projects are acting as that portal of insight and information: “American Bellydancer”, “Tribal Style” and “Aiwa!: Bellydancers of Color”.

“We’re trying to connect with people, cross over and build up the bridge and defuse the negative feelings between cultures. But most important, we want people to have a good time because we live in a world and in times that are difficult. We need to go out and help put a smile on people’s faces.”