"You have a way of teaching us how to rejoice and respect ourselves, our bodies, and to celebrate each other. Belly dance will now always be a part of me."

MUSIC

A good belly dance starter kit might include (in no particular order):

1. Any CD by George Abdo or Eddie Kochak – classic 70’s, east meets west, pop belly dance music, very clear and easy to understand
2. Hossam Ramzy’s Rhythms of the Nile – an introduction to Arabic rhythms
3. A classical belly dance collection such as Belly Dance Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab or Belly Dance Music of Farid al-Atrache
4. One of Omar Faruk Tekbilek’s CD’s such as Whirling, Fire Dance or Mystical Garden – each contains both traditional pieces and original compositions, the original compositions have a lovely ethereal quality that makes them well-suited for more meditative dance

Other current class favorites (ever-changing and in no particular order):

Armenian & Anatolian Folk Music, Okbari - classic folk belly dance favorites peformed in the most authentic way by our own local favorites

From Kef to Classical, Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian – beautiful Armenian classics and originals by the late, great Al Gardner

A Prayer for the Soul of Layla, Jamshied Sharifi – an expansion on Middle Eastern musical tradition, voluptuous and spiritual

Allem Alby, Amr Diab – very danceable contemporary Egyptian

Drummers of the Nile, Mahmoud Fadl featuring Khamis Henkish – driving rhythms, intoxicating sound

Dabkat, Fairuz – a favorite for Lebanese dabke music

Layali Zaman, Ashraf Zakaria – Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and folk, great drum solo

Bellydance Overdrive, Turbo Tabla – hot techno

www.rashid.com is a favorite music source, if you can’t find what you are looking for or have questions, just call them, they are extremely helpful

www.maqam.com is also a good music resource

 

BOOKS

Grandmother’s Secrets, The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dance
Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi
Interlink Publishing Group
- an inspiration, a beautiful book for every dancer and woman

Serpent of the Nile
Wendy Buonaventura
Interlink Publishing Group
– glorious images

 

BELLY DANCE ACCESSORIES

Jamileh stocks the highest quality hip scarves, finger cymbals, jewelry and other dance accessories.

For additional recommendations or information email Jamileh or call 207-773-2966.

 

 

Jamileh ~ 189 St. John St. ~ Portland, ME 04102 ~ (207) 773-2966 ~ E-mail