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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 |
We look back at these past 10 years (actually much longer..) of our lives...mostly dancing. Would we have had it any other way? Dance brings us such joy, whether it's for an audience of one or one million. If life could take us to every country, and master all their dances, we would live many lifetimes as the Indian culture believes, just to get a glimpse of the people's lives. Dance is a reflection of society, and an extension of life. This issue, we peak into the dances and music of Greece - another country rich in culture and history in movement and sound.
Here's to another decade of dancing!
Happy decade!
Neena & Veena
www.Bellytwins.com
888-41-BELLY
We would love to hear from you! Share your product ideas, suggestions for our newsletter or anything else that you think would make your Bellytwins experience more fun! Visit here to send us your suggestions.
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CLASSES / WORKSHOPS
Open to ALL levels!
Bellydance
Bollywood
BollyYoga
Gypsy Dance of India
...and more!
For more info, email us:bellytwins@bellytwins.com
Online classes: Coming soon!
APPEARANCES
UPCOMING
LIVE:
NORTHERN CALIF: June 18-20, others TBD
OREGON: TBD
MIAMI, FLA: May 28, 29
MEXICO: July 24, 25
PENNSYLVANIA: Nov 4, 5
MEDIA:
U.S. NATIONAL: Watch us for some upcoming tv appearances/commercials: Metro PC, Anthem, GE, PBS, US Census, and more!
NY, INDIA: BELLYTWINS Dance Company dancers, Sapna Rohra and Shivani Thakkar, can be seen in the newly released Bollywood film Chance Pe Dance. Featured dancers in two songs, "One More Dance" and "Pump It Up," they are seen dancing alongside India's leading heartthrob Shahid Kapoor. Yes-the same dreamy actor Neena and I danced along with in Kaminey! Sapna and Shivani just returned from NYC where they were guests of honor at the Verizon Fios/Saavn Bollypop "Celebrate Bollywood" party; there they were recognized for winning the 2008 Bollypop National Dance Competition and their outstanding work in Chance Pe Dance. They are now back in LA and will be once again resuming their work as part of BELLYTWINS Dance Company! Chance Pe Dance released worldwide in theatres on January 15, 2010. Visit http://bollypop.212media.com for trailer and interviews.
Sapna & Shivani with Shahid Kapoor
 Book Us View our Demo ReelDance Company
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BELLY GREEK DANCE
Greek dance is a very old tradition, being referred to by ancient authors such as Plato, Aristotle, and Plutarch and Lucian. There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. For example, island dances have more of a "watery" flow to them, while Pontic dancing closer to Black Sea, is very sharp. There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. There are also Pan Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world. These include the tsamiko, syrtos, and kalamatianos. Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings. For this reason, tradition frequently dictates a strict order in the arrangement of the dancers, for example, by age. Visitors tempted to join in a celebration should be careful not to violate these arrangements, in which the prestige of the individual villagers may be embodied.
Greek dances are performed often in diaspora Greek communities, and among international folk dance groups.
| DID YOU KNOW...
The word "music" is derived from the Greek word, "mousikC," meaning "of the muses," named after the 9 daughters of Zeus - linking music to divinity.
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BELLY MUSIC
Greek music is just as diverse and as old as the dance. Traditional Greek music have similarities to Middle Eastern music, especially music of Cyprus. Folk music is said to have derived from Ancient Greece.
The bouziki (b-ZOO-kee) is the mainstay of modern Greek music, and a member of the lute family. It became popular in the 1920's with Rebetiko music as urban Greek music of Greek social outcasts (drug-users, refugees, and criminals).
Tsifeteli is a type of music that was brought by the refugees from Asia Minor in the 1920's. It's described as belly dance music of Greece, with Arabic and Turkish influence. Tsifeteteli is a very popular style of Modern Greek music.
BELLY SONG
Misirlou is one of the most requested songs by bellydancers, especially at Greek clubs and restaurants. A great veil song, most musicians, even the American ones know how to play it. The story: Misirlou is an Egyptian woman, a woman from the "magic East," who enchants a man of different religion and culture. This cross religious love is the subject of the song which belongs to several different genres: "Rebetika" songs, the songs from Asia Minor, the tsifteteli music, and aptaliko music. It's a combination of Greek and Eastern melody and it's very appealing to the Greeks and Middle Eastern people. The song. Misirlou became worldwide known not due to the amazing performances of the Greek singers who have sung it throughout the years, but because it was the main theme in one of the most successful Hollywood movies, Pulp Fiction, although it was a remixed version. Misirlou is popular in different languages, such as Arabic, Turkish, Yiddish and even English. Here's the translation:
My Miserlou, your sweet eyes
have lit a flame in my heart
Ah ya habibi, ah ya leilili,
Honey drips from your lips
Oh Miserlou,
Your magical exotic beauty will drive me crazy
I can't stand it anymore
Ah I will steal you from Arabia
My black-eyed crazy Miserlou
My life changes with a kiss
Ah, ya habibi with a little kiss
Ah, from the little mouth of yours, oh!
BELLY LANGUAGE
There are several Greek words for LOVE, as in many languages, the words will depend on how the word is used.
Agape: Divine, unconditional, holding high regard, self-sacrificing, affection (Modern: S'Agapo means "I Love you.")
Eros: Passionate love, sensual desire, longing. In Greek mythology, Eros primordial God of sexual love and beauty. Erotas: modern Greek for romantic.
Philia: Friendship; loyalty to friends, family, community. dispassionate virtuous love - concept by Aristotle.
Storge: Affection (modern and Ancient Greek); as in parents' affection towards offspring.
Thelema: Desire or will; desire to do something, to be occupied or to be in prominence.
BELLY HEARTS
For the past 16 years, BELLYTWINS has donated time, money, and/or products to numerous local, national and international charities, funraisers, and non-profit organizations. Some of the organizations that are currently helping the people of Haiti are Actions Against Hunger, American Red Cross, Direct Relief International, Doctors without Borders, International Medical Corps, Habitat for Humanity, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, MAP International, Operation USA, and Yele Haiti. Our assistant and friend, Lani Kelly, is organizing a fund-raiser for the organization, Partners in Health in the Hollywood area. The event will feature belly dancers and other performers on Sunday, February 28. It's so nice to know in these hard economic times, there are always people out there with a big hearts.
BELLY LETTERS
Dear Twins,
I am a Greek-American living in Canada now. Last year, I went to visit my cousins, aunts and uncles in Athens and had a really great time. I saw a bellydancer there - not as good as you 2 beautiful girls! Well, when I returned back home, I decided to take up belly dance. I couldn't really find any good teachers, so I decided to go online and buy your tapes. I bought the box set and later even bought your book. Next to visiting my family in Greece, it was the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. My life has completely changed. I'm so hooked on belly dance. I bought some other dvds from other artists including the superstars. I was so disappointed I returned them. I love your energy. I feel like I know you! I know that sounds so weird. I hope someday I could take a class from you or meet you someday. God bless you two always!!
Forever fan, Maria
Dear Neena and Veena,
Last year, I wrote about my sensual veil dance for my husband's surprise Valentine's Day gift. He's actually brought it up to me a few times since then saying how he really appreciated that dance I did for him, and always reminded me how much he loves me. I just wanted to say thank you for your help!
Thanks! CB
Send us your letters... We would love to hear from you!
STAR PERFORMANCES
Neena & Veena with Jennifer Aniston (She's half Greek!)
BELLY SALE!
FREE BELLYTWINS T-SHIRTS!
Available in tanks and t-shirts - Women: Sm, Med, Lg Men: Lg, X-Lg
FREE The Way of the Belly CD! Value $10.95! With each book order
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HIP SCARVES ONLY $9.95! + s/h. MANY colors available!
Shop now Or Call 888-41-BELLY or 818-83-BELLY
to place your orders now!
BELLYTWINS Int'l Talent - providing the best in entertainment worldwide! Specializing in "Arabian Nights" and "Bollywood" Party themes! Dancers, singers, musicians, henna artists, fortune tellers, sword swallowers, palm readers, fire artists, exotic animals... and much more.
Give us a call 1-888-41-BELLY or email us: Bellytwins@bellytwins.com
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Visit the Bellytwins!
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SPANAKOPITA my toddler loves this "Greek pie"! (Neena)
Ingredients:
1 pack of very thin filo pastry (from a specialist deli)
2 lbs of organic spinach, preferably fresh, but can be frozen
2 lbs of feta cheese
½ lb of organic butter
2-3 cloves of fresh garlic
Directions:
Slice spinach thinly and cook lightly on low heat. (If frozen, defrost). Mix feta cheese with the spinach to make a mixture, adding the chopped garlic. Spread some butter on an oven tray. Open the filo package and place each thin pastry (it is as thin as paper) on the tray, buttering each one using a brush. After you have done 8 filo slices, place the spinach/feta mixture and spread over the entire oven tray, covering the 8 pastry slices. On top of this, place the remaining pastry slices, buttering each one of them as well. Notch the last one creating 2 inch on a side, squares. Place in a medium heat oven and cook till brown. For fun, serve in the shape of one large heart for Valentine's Day!
VALENTINES MACROONS
Ingredients:
4 lg egg whites
1 ½ tsp vanilla
2/3 cup raw organic sugar
1/4 cup organic unbleached all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups unsweetened flaked coconut
8 oz organic chocolate chips
3 ½ tbsp of organic butter
Directions:
In a large bowl beat egg whites with a mixer or whisk until frothy. Add vanilla, sugar, and flour; mix until smooth. Stir in coconut until evenly moistened. On 2 well greased 12- x 15-inch baking sheets, evenly space 1/4 cup portions of dough. Pat each into a flat-topped heart shape about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long. Bake in a 325° F. oven until macaroons are golden, about 25 minutes. Switch positions of baking sheets halfway through baking. Transfer macaroons to rack and let cool. Place chocolate and butter in a 1 1/2 to 2-quart pan; set pan over slightly larger pan filled with about 1/2 inch water. Bring water to simmering over medium heat and warm just until chocolate and butter melt; stir occasionally. Remove pans from heat; keep chocolate mixture over hot water. One at a time, dip half of each macaroon in chocolate, tipping top pan and scraping sides to collect chocolate. (Save leftover chocolate for other uses.) Set macaroons slightly apart on waxed paper placed on a 12- x 15-inch baking sheet. Chill, uncovered, until chocolate hardens, about 45 minutes. Serve. If wrapped airtight in plastic wrap, then chill up to one week.
Got a favorite recipe you'd like to share with us?
For more Middle Eastern recipes, check out "The Way of the Belly."
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START THE DECADE WITH A NEW YOU!
Hard cover: $24.95 $19.95
Paperback: $19.95 $14.95
DVD included inside! Free CD with each order!
THE WAY OF THE BELLY published by Hay House
Rating:
"...revealing and delightful. Wise, eye-opening ...exotically charming.."- Publisher's Weekly
Rating:
"Visually pleasing, packed with helpful information and fun to read...a breath of fresh air in the industry of dance and fitness...I strongly recommend this to brides looking for fun fitness to slim out before their weddings, wives looking to spice up their romantic side, anyone interested in fitness and mostly to those who seek creative ways to health and happiness. These fitness leaders are heading for almost guaranteed global stardom." - Diane Rohini La Vigne
Rating:
"...It has truly changed my life and my outlook on the world around me. I highly recommend it and I encourage you to check it out.." N. Dixon
Rating:
"...I can honestly say they have changed my life..." Snowbird, Chicago, IL
Rating:
"...this book would make a great gift for any beginning bellydancer. Thanks, Neena and Veena!".. Farah
Rating:
"... Very enjoyable to read!"... CK
Rating:
"...Amazing!...It is well written... you will feel so sensual and beautiful after just reading the book." Teresa Wolf
Rating:
"I really loved this book...It has a lot of info, and I suggest you try it if you like to bellydance." Amira Rayne
Shop now!
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PERFECT GIFT for MOMMIES-TO-BE
"A safe and sexy workout for all trimesters!" - Teri Hanson, Fitness Editor FIT Pregnancy magazine
Recommended by FIT Pregnancy Magazine
"This is a gentle, low-impact, yet thorough workout..." N blessing
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"This dvd is beautiful.. A brilliant companion for us pregnant mums, made me feel very calm and sensual.." Amanda
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"..a good level of activity and toning exercises, but fun and sensual. .." Pisatelnaya
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"Important for pregnant moms. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a prenatal belly dance video.." Raven
Buy Now!
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PERFORMERS
WANT MORE WORK AS AN ARTIST?
HERE ARE TWO WAYS:
BELLYTWINS ENTERTAINMENT
is always looking for fresh new talent such as dancers, singers, musicians, henna artists, fortune tellers, and specialty acts world wide for local, national, and international shows, tours, and media bookings.
- OR if you live in the Los Angeles area,
BELLYTWINS
Bolly-Belly Dance Co is currently seeking male and female dancers. Serious inquiries only!
Send or email us your headshot, resume, and demo reel (if you have one) to:
BELLYTWINS Int'l
PO BOX 2402
Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Send us an Email
Or call 888-41-BELLY
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SENSUAL VEIL a workout for the arms...and a sensual dance for your spouse!
In Greek nightclubs and restaurants, many bellydancers do an actual veil routine, whereas in Egypt, veil dancing is minimal. Dancing with a veil is an extension of a bellydancers' sensuality and grace. But did you know dancing with a veil is actually a good workout for the arms and the upper chest and back? The movement we're going to teach we call the Shaharazad.
VEIL: Before we begin, get some fabric for your veil. It should be around 2 ½ - 3 yards (rectangle shape) of sheer, silk, or light material. If you're able to sew on some pretty trim around the edges,that will give a slight weight to your veil - an extra bonus workout for your upper body, and it will make your veil alittle more handleable. If you don't have a veil or fabric, no worries. You can still get the exercise benefit with just your arms and without the fabric.
Note: Veils can be full, ¾, or semi-circle or even other shapes. The most common is rectangle.
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MUSIC:
Now, put on some of your favorite music, preferably with an eight count rhythm. If you really want to get into the belly groove, we would recommend the song "Athens by Night" a Greek music featured on the audio cd' "Essential Bellydance." You can of course choose any of our CDs, or pick one of your own. For this particular movement, pick something about medium tempo.
STARTING POSITION:
Let's first practice this movement without the veil, and just the arms. We start this move with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, and the right arm extends in front of your body, and the left arm to the left side of your body.
MOVEMENT:
Create figure 8' with just your arms - first with your right hand, sweeping diagonally down in front of you, circle it up and around, then leading the back of your hand as you sweep diagonally on the opposite side. Right hand sweeps down towards the left side of the body, and then the right. Now try the left hand. Diagonally towards the right side of the body. Down, up, around. Think of doing figure 8s horizontally. Now try both hands. Draw figure 8s at the same time in the same direction. Palms basically facing each other. Sweep diagonally, circle it up and around, then sweep opposite side circle it up and around, creating the infinity sign.
EXERCISE:
Basic: Start slowly at first. Four counts per circle, doing a total of 32 counts, moving steadily. Keep your knees soft, bellies in, chest lifted. Do another 32 counts...Now increase the speed - 2 cts per circle, with 32 more counts. Keep moving as you do another 32 counts. Great! Remember, you can always increase or decrease the amount of repetitions, depending on your own level.
Intermediate: Adding the feet, simply shift your weight from side to side as you continue the infinity movements with the arms. If your arms are going left, shift your weight to the left foot, and point the right toe. And the opposite, going to the right, shift your weight to the right, pointing the left toe. Continue this, except open your arms wide so that when your arms are moving to the left, you will find your left arm is now towards the back. And when you're moving to the right, your right arm is in the back. Thirty two more counts. Depending on your level, 4 cts or 2 cts per circle. Another 32 counts.... And rest.
Advance: Bring the veil behind you and hold the veil between your thumb and either the index or middle fingers a few inches from the corners. Do the same movements as the intermediate level. This time, bend your body away from the moving arms, lifting your chest. You'll notice your veil will also loop into figure 8s. Now practice this one with your honey!
Consult your physician before beginning this or any exercise program. Be sure to cool down with a light stretch, and drink plenty of filtered water afterwards.
Exercise excerpt from The Way of the Belly (book/dvd) and Mystic Dance (dvd). For this move and other movements, visit our website for our products.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The use of a veil in bellydance may have originated from: In the 1940s, King Farouk of Egypt employed Russian ballet instructor Ivanova to teach his daughters, and it was she who first taught the great dancer Samia Gamal to use the veil to improve her arm carriage.
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"Veils" or coverings:
India: odhani, dupatta, chooni, chunari, laharia (Rajastani style), adhivasa (Vedic Indian) Muslims/Arabic-speaking countries: hijab (head scarf), chador (Iran), Burka, Niqab (Afghanistan), bushiyaa, khimar
 For this move and other movements, visit here for our products.
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CAPRICORN:
December 21- January 19
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Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: Goat
Animal: Elephant
Flower: Rue
Lucky Day: Saturday
Lucky Number: 3 (series)
Positive: stable, patient, dependable; hard-working, aim for accomplishments, good with business, self-control, self-reliance, noble, great friends.
Negative: can be secretive, reserved, tactical, jealous, suspicious, slow to forgive.
Color: Brown
Gemstone: Garnet
Zodiacal mate: Cancer
Metal: Lead
Celebs: Richard Nixon, Ricky Martin, Nicolas Cage, Katie Couric, Jim Carrey, Humphrey Boghart, Elvis Presley, Joan of Arc, Janis Joplin, Edgar Allen Poe, Benjamin Franklin, Denzel Washington, Paul Revere, Mary Tyler Moore
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AQUARIUS
January 20 - February 18
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Symbol: Water bearer
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Lucky Number: 2 (series)
Lucky day: Saturday
Color: Pink, Violet, Green
Flower: Snowdrop
Animal: Dog
Metal: Platinum
Zodical Mate: Leo
Positive: Honest, tolerant, respectful of others beliefs,cheerful, idealistic, generous, humane, religious but respectful of other faiths, intuitive, talented, bright.
Gemstone: Amethyst
Celebs: Jennifer Aniston, Paul Newman, Rihanna, John Travolta, Axl Rose, Garth Brooks, James Dean, Bridget Fonda, Oprah, Shakira, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Bob Marley, Clark Gable, Alice Cooper, Michael Jordan, Arsenio Hall, Burt Reynolds, Ashton Kutcher, Sheryl Crow, Farrah Fawcett, Janice Dickenson
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: Hello Deebah, 