Dance Romani

Romani Dance for the Stage- One Choreographer's Journey

2013-03-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

Bringing Romani dance to the stage is somewhat challenging, as it is primarily a non-choreographed and very spontaneous dance - fairly at odds with a stage production! However Dans Askina dancer Sonja Um-Siri had discovered a song, and wanted to bring it to life in a troupe choreography.

Little did Sonja realize that after listening to 'Anako/Işler Nanay' by Kardeş Türküler she would also be off on a linguistic journey!

"I'd listened to the song for months, and as choreographic visions took shape in my mind, I saw a group of Romani women doing something together. A matriarch was kvetching, and the other women dialogued
with her. Heavily influenced by a Carlos Saura's classic flamenco movie, "Amor Brujo", I saw these women doing laundry together on the outskirts of their neighborhood. I pictured vividly colorful laundry baskets stacked upon each other to create a platform for the kvetching matriarch."

This was all well and good, but did this scene make sense with the lyrics? Having no clue what they meant, Sonja turned to a Turkish friend for help with the translation - as fate would have it, the lyrics are a mix of Turkish and Romani and her linguistic journey began!

Sonja learned that the Turkish language belongs to the Altay branch of the Urak-Altaic linguistic family, same as Finnish and Hungarian languages. Romani languages have their roots in India, are classified in the IndoEuropean linguistic family, and are also influenced from all the languages the Romani have encountered along the Romani Trail.

As the roots of both languages are quite different, Romani lyrics and movie dialogues are often not easily understood by non-Romani Turks! This became very real as Sonja's friend worked to translate the lyrics of "Anako/Isler Nanay"- (Mama, things are not good/all screwed up)

Aman bir hecalim var! - (I have something to say - usually the start of a rant/heated discussion/argument)
Her kime? - (for who/to whom)
Istanbul'un pahasini, isini pisini, selini çekenlere! - (for those who bear the grind, dirt & flood of Istanbul)
Çal bana çakir gayday - (play me the instrument)
oyna oyna, çal gayday - (dance, dance play the instrument)
Habe yoksa, ye yorganlari - (if there is no food, eat the quilts/comforters)
Bugün de perhiz edelim - (today we'll fast)
Gel bize, keriz edelim - (come over and let's have fun)
Levan da nanay, koy movasta - (we don't have any money, there's nothing left)
Yetmedi, kalmedi, yetmedi - (it wasn't enough, nothing left, wasn't enough)
Yağmur ötelere yapar - (it rains elsewhere)
Bizim mahaleyi sel basar - (but it floods our neighborhood)
Hidrellezgeldi, geçer - (the holiday has come and passed)
Soske be burda çoro kaldik - (why are we left here in despair?)
Eyü'te, balat'ta, gültepe'de - (in Eyup, Balat, Gultepe [gyspy neighborhoods in Istanbul])
So tekera, işler nanay - (oh well/what to do things are not good/all screwed up)

Even though the music has a lively and upbeat feel to it, the lyrics are about very challenging realities of Romani life in Istanbul. Sonja and Dans Askina Artistic Director Amina Beres concluded her idea of a laundry scene was a suitable context for her choreography of "Anako/Isler Nanay" - including a kvetching matriarch, playful teasing from sympathetic women, and Romani dance gestures to represent the playing of musical instruments mentioned in the lyrics.

Turkish vs. Egyptian: Join Artemis Mourat and Jasmin Henkesh to Discover the Truth about Middle Eastern Dance

2013-01-16T19:24:00.001-06:00

As dancers, we’ve all been there…you know…that moment when someone discovers you’re a ‘belly’dancer and all kinds of preconceived notions come to their minds and they begin questioning you about it. If you’re a Turkish dancer, the first thing that comes to your mind is: ok, now I have to explain the difference between Turkish and Egyptian because invariably (unless you live in Turkey), Egyptian style initially comes to minds of those who don’t dance; even though they’ve never heard differentiating terms such as Egyptian or Turkish. So now you begin to define belly dance in terms of Turkish vs. Egyptian or visa versa.

Every time I start to explain the differences, I always finding myself including the similarities; it’s inevitable. There are definite differences and inherent similarities and a working knowledge of both is necessary to expand your dance vocabulary adequately.

Isn't this ancient Greek bronze statuette of a veiled and masked dancer (3rd - 2nd century BC) found in Alexandria, Egypt intriguing?!

There are two extraordinary women who are dance-masters and scholars of Turkish and Egyptian dance and music (what’s dance without music!): Artemis Mourat and Yasmin Henkesh. Both are wealths of information about technique, improv, rhythms, and histories of their dance. Your dance vocabulary is limited without the extensive knowledge these ladies impart. They dance and teach from the soul of their dance, from the cultural and musical perspectives that formed these beloved arts. They are experiencers of the entire dance/music spectrum and they will suck you in! And you’ll love being there!

These ladies are offering an extraordinary opportunity to learn extensively about the differences and similarities of Turkish and Egyptian dance in a four day ‘intensive’ workshop this February (see details below) in Bethesda MD. Please go! You’ll love me for turning you on to these ladies and you’ll be like the rest of us who’ve ever attended a workshop of either of theirs: hooked for life! It’s worth the trip just to see them play zills (Artemis – Turkish) and segat (Yasmn – Egyptian). Don’t miss this opportunity to explore both worlds of dance at the same time!

One last thing; they’re fun as hell!

Artemis Mourat (top) Turkish Dance

Yasmin Henkesh Egyptian Dance

Vive la Difference Turkey/Egypt 4 Day Intensive!

February 7 starting at 7:00 pm til February 10 at 4:00 pm EST

Serpentine Studio, Bethesda MD.

3rd Annual Vive la Difference Turkey/Egypt Intensive
4 Days: Thursday, February 7 - Sunday, February 10, 2013
Serpentine Studio: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Over 20 hours of instruction
Cost: $490 Payments: http://ow.ly/gKtoX
--
Discover the differences and similarities between these two branches of the Middle Eastern Dance tree. Learn from two well-known master teachers and historians, Artemis Mourat and Yasmin Henkesh, teaching together in one exciting weekend.

The intensive will focus on:

* History lecture & movie night (unavailable footage from private collections)
* Ghawazee vs. Turkish Romany
* Finger cymbals: zills vs. sagat
* Rhythms: Shared and separate
* Veil: Egyptian entrance vs. veil dancing
* Hipwork: Turkish hip & pelvic articulations vs. Egyptian styling
* Shimmies
* The Basics

Tentative times for classes are:

* Thursday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Movie night (of unavailable footage from both our collections)

* Friday 4:00 - 6:00 + 8:00 - 10:00 History lecture + Basics & their differences + [possibility of privates during the day]

* Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm + 2:00 - 5:00 pm classes
7:30 - 10:30 pm performances in the studio - informal hafla

* Sunday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm + 2:00 - 4:00 pm classes

--
ABOUT ARTEMIS MOURAT: http://www.serpentine.org/artemis/artemis.htm

ABOUT YASMIN HENKESH:
http://www.serpentine.org/yasmin/yasmin.htm

The 4-day intensive will be held at Serpentine Studio in Bethesda, Maryland. (address provided upon payment).

**TO PURCHASE your spot please visit: http://ow.ly/gKtoX

We Are Family! Worldwide Gathering of Roma 2013: Myrtle Beach, SC USA!

2011-07-08T07:30:00.001-05:00

April 5-10, 2013 sounds like a long way off...but not if you're planning to attend the Worldwide Gathering of the Roma in Myrtle Beach, SC. The city of Myrtle Beach is in full cooperation with the Gathering and has graciously consented to many of the Gathering's needs. We should probably start planning our 'stay' now. It may get crowded :-) There are many points of contact for this event:

Facebook - The World Wide Gathering of the Roma 2013
Brandy Riddle on Facebook
Romany Women's Union Website

Taken from the Romany Union's Website:

For those who like to camp, camping sites are available. Most of the fun and activities are being held at Myrtle Beach State Park which has camping sites as well as cabins that can be rented. If you are coming from far away and camping is not an option, there are many hotels and motels, with a full range of prices, that are in the vacinity of the park.

The organizers are also looking for male and female musicians and dancers who play and dance in the traditional Romani style. Contact Brandy Riddle if you are interested in performing or playing.

I'd like to embrace the spirit of The Gathering by incorporating some of my own thoughts with those of the Romany Women's Union: "We seek to generate ties between Romany families, communities and tribes. We are one family. And as a large worldwide family, we also embrace Travelers, and others who live and/or support a "Gypsy" lifestyle.

We are one family...family ties can only be broken by non-acceptance. I recently attended a spiritual dance workshop led by Artemis Mourat (Turkish Romany dance instructor...and then some); I didn't know what to expect but I trust Artie implicitly. At one point in the ceremony we formed a circle and stuck our hands out in front of us - our hands formed the hub of a wheel and our arms were the spokes. Artie playfully began to remove her hands from the hub and placing them randomly on each of our hands...we all followed suit until we were all placing our hands on top of each others at random...forming a moving, connected, joyful entity. It sounds simple, but it was downright powerful ... interacting with strangers and friends on the same level...the human level...this is as it should be - we are family and I am welcoming the opportunity to know more of my brothers and sisters!

Music Recommendations from Artemis Workshop + Lo ' Jo

2011-06-15T06:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends - Jen here with an update about MUSIC! This past weekend I attended (along with several other Turkish Rom and Oriental enthusiasts) Artemis Mourat's Houston workshop for Turkish Oriental and Romani dance (focusing on our fave rhythm: 9/8), historical lecture, and sacred dance workshop. BTW: if you've never attended a sacred dance workshop - please do - it's a life enhancing, positive experience.

One thing I love about Artie's workshops: she has the best music!! I bought the following 5 CD's (roughly in order of prefernce).

1. Djoumbash, Featuring Warhol Dervish - Five Stars - LOVE IT - it's my current fave - Please someone do a juicey choreo to #3: Tedirdag Karsilamsi (traditional Thrace), video and send it so we can all enjoy different interpretations. The slower piece of the song is screaming for floorwork (in my opinion) and I love floorwork!
Description from CD Baby:

This is the first album by Montreal's favorite Turkish gypsy music party band. It features a unique collaboration with the Warhol Dervish Chamber Music collective, as well as vocal songs performed by the fabulous Suleyman Ozatilan.

Please don't buy the MP 3 even though it's cheaper - you do NOT want to hear this spectacular music in a compressed format!

2. Jitano and the Desert Prophets - Spanish Gypsy music featuring famed classical and flamenco guitarist Adam Schydlower. This one gets under your skin right away! You'll be stomping and shimmying before you can say "Wow"! I only wish it were longer.

3-4.Elegant Music for Belly Dance Volume I and II by The Fred Elias Ensemble. Both CD's could be used as music for entire shows. This ensemble consists of a group of seasoned, 'don't get any better than these guys' musicians and this set (not sold together) is simply lovely. The title says it all: elegant.

5. Dancer's Odyssey: An exotic Bellydance Journey by Amaya. This collection consists of 'must haves' for ever belly dancer, especially beginners. There were only a few songs on here that I didn't have in other collections, but this is a nice place to have them all. Have to say: the version of Ya Moustafa on here is not my fave. The songs are grouped together for maximum performance/practice benefit: showtime suite, spicey techno suite, gitano-Arabe suite and Studio Studies.

6. SURPRISE: Lo'Jo: Au Cabaret Sauvage A friend gave me this CD a few years ago and I adore it. It's not like anything I've ever heard so I've taken the description from Amazon:

Lo'Jo are a band with a penchant for the music of wanderers, be they Gypsies, circus performers, or the Tuareg, the nomads that roam the deserts of northern Niger. On their third CD, Au Cabaret Sauvage, Lo'Jo take these peripatetic styles and skillfully blend them with French chanson, West African harmonies, and the occasional electronic rhythm track. Denis Péan, who sings in a dusty, road-weary growl, shares the vocals with Nadia and Yamina Nid El Mourid, a pair of French Algerian sisters who have a way bending notes in harmony that's absolutely thrilling. The instrumentation includes French café favorites, like the accordion and the violin, which is played with a Gypsy's élan by Richard Bourreau; West African instruments, like the kora and balafon; and Indian instruments, like the sarangi and harmonium. From the title track, with its haunting, slightly sinister circus ambience, to the moaning melodies of "Memoire d'Homme," Lo Jo have created a perfect soundtrack for those who wander the world's less-traveled byways. --Michael Simmons

There are so many dance possibilites on this CD! It could lead in various directions. I'd love your feedback on this one - listen to the samples (link provided above) - you can't help but be intrigued!

Happy Listening and Dancing- tell us what worked for you - share your fave music with us!

World Wide Gathering of Roma: 2013 in Myrtle Beach South Carolina

2011-06-06T08:00:00.004-05:00

Greetings!

Recenly I was directed (via Dance Romani Twitter) to Brandy Riddle, president of the Romany Women's Union in the U.S. She has a fascinating blog that made me reconsider the heritage of Americans known as Hillbillies, Backwoods and Country. After reading, I was extremely eager to contact her - found her on Facebook and she responded immediately.

I discovered that she is president of the Romany Womens' Union - the Americas (originally founded in the U.K.). The Union is organizing the first World Wide Romani Gypsy Gathering in history and it will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2013.

The Union has extended the invitation to Rom and non-Rom alike. As you can imagine, a gathering of this sort calls for much preperation, lots of teamwork and volunteers. Taken from the World Wide Romany Gathering Website:

If you are interested in attending or being a part the festivities please contact us and we will gladly get any info to you that you may need or want .

We are currently looking for :1) Musicans to play preferably Roma Gypsy as we want as much as possible to be done by Roma Gypsies or supporters of Roma Gypsies.2) Artists of all types that are Roma Gypsy or their supporters on all scales from Jewelery makers to wooden rose makers .
3) People willing to show/display Gypsy Cob Horses and Vardos

If you feel you have a skill or talent not mentioned and would love to take part and display it please let us know .

I plan to attend and sincerely wish everyone reading can join Brandy in her heroic effort. We have a few years to work out all the travel arrangements. We have so many resources amongst us - let's discuss ways we can contribute to Brandy's mission.

Contact Brandy on Facebook: Brandy Riddle from Myrtle Beach (she is also a friend of mine: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferfieldshawkins).

Twitter handle is BrandyRiddleUSA.

Find Romany Women's Union on Twitter by clicking here. Their virtual home is here.

Can't wait to see you all in 2013 - under the stars!

Turkish Orientele/Romani Dancer Tanyeli Unveils New Website - Turkophile: A Turkish Studies Portfolio!

2011-06-05T21:01:00.004-05:00

Jen and Tanyeli chat about Taneyeli's new website and their love for Turkish Dance and Culture.

Jen: Hi! So good to talk again. First and most importantly, let me say: I LOVE your new website Turkophile! it's gorgeous, and rich in content: Oriental dance, Romani dance, Ottoman women’s studies, and a blog that covers everything from Turkish dance workshops to food. Quite an ambitious undertaking. Congrats on a job very well done and for providing Turkish dance and culture lovers with a new space. How did you arrive at the look and feel of it? it’s luscious!

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Tanyeli: Thanks! Well to be honest... I am a very lazy graphic designer. It's funny... when you do it for a living, you no longer want to do it for yourself. Anyway, it's a Wordpress template with a banner that I came up with. So I can't take credit for anything but the banner & even those images are ones that I got from stock photos. Like I said, lazy lazy.

Jen: Ha! More like modest, modest, modest! Tell us about your Turkish 'studies' in language, history, and especially Ottoman Women's Studies.

Tanyeli: I am self-studying Turkish, and I am enrolled in an Arabic class for the fall. They have a lot of similar words, plus if I get ambitious enough to try to learn Ottoman Turkish, the Arabic will give me a headstart! I am a bit of a language nerd so I am really looking forward to it. I’m currently trying to narrow down the focus of my historical research. There is so little written and studied about Ottoman women and I am such a feminist at heart, I know that's the direction I want to go in. Got any suggestions? :) The last short paper I wrote was about the perception of the Ottoman harem through the early 20th century American media (mostly newspaper articles).

Jen: And you're going to straighten us out, right?

Tanyeli: LOL! Well let's just say clear up misconceptions.

Jen: Definitely! Will you be posting that work on your site? I'd love to read it.

Tanyeli: I promise to either put it on my site or email it to you. I am hoping to help fill in any blanks in Artie's already substantial research. My approach is from court dancing (which would ultimately include Romani).

Jen: I'm already intrigued. What happened initially that turned you on to Turkish dance?

Tanyeli

Tanyeli: It was a combination of things: my first dance teacher was Vintage Orientale & very involved with the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). So I got very interested in the history as well as the technique. I looked into lots of Eastern dance cultures, but as soon as I started reading up on Turkish/Ottoman, I knew that I had found my place.

Jen: Aha! What was it about the Turkish Ottoman that drew you in?

Tanyeli: Well that's harder to explain. It just felt familiar to me somehow. Sounds kinda woo woo, but it's true.

Jen: There's a lot of woo woo in this world, especially when you talk about connections, etc. My first dance teacher was also a dance historian. Her students learned as much about the history and culture of the dance as we did about the steps themselves. The two were inseparable. I was soooo disappointed to discover that she was the exception and not the norm. Could you elaborate on the importance of scholarly/cultural knowledge about the dances we perform?

Tanyeli: Absolutely! What's that saying? History is written by the victors? In this case, it is Western Orientalism and it persists to this day. It persists in Oriental performers and instructors who don't bother to learn the history and culture behind this beautiful, rich art form. To be fair, the information is not always easy to find, but if you truly love and respect something, you can put a little effort into finding out more.

I try to rely on primary sources as much as possible which means going to dancers like Artie, Eva, Sema, etc. Spending a lot of time on library databases looking up previous studies to see who/what they used as a primary source. More and more video is becoming available on YouTube (although you are limited to how far back you can travel in time). The problem is that it is time-consuming so you really have to want it.

Ian Hanock ... what an incredible source you have right there! There are some good books out there too. Belly Dance: Orientalism, Transnationalism & Harem Fantasy is a great collections of essays. It is by Anthony Shay and Barbara Sellers-Young and available on Amazon If we are talking specifically Turkish, look for Metin And. His are not always as easy to find.

Jen: Thanks so much for the references...we're always in search of new info...there's still so much to be discovered. All of this underscores the importance of oranizations like Folk Tours...

Tanyeli: Absolutely... Tayyar & all the Folk Tours staff do an excellent job of exposing musicians and dancers to a much wider world! Sema, of course, was an excellent source of information. Lee Ali was also a woman after my own heart with both history and technique to teach us.

Jen: Folk Tours is invaluable. They allow you to experience the culture, completely immerse yourself in it. What you just said about exposing us to a wider world....that is so true...we see men's dances, group dancing, costuming. All of the teachers at Folk Tours aren't simply passers on of steps...you know. Tell us about Sema!

Sema Yildiz

Tanyeli: She taught us a simple Romani choreography that was a lot of fun and really drilled it over and over again to get it into our bodies. It was still a lot of fun & she taught us some gestures that I had not seen before. I loved the fact that she got up each night and danced with all of us during open dancing. You can see that she really just loves to dance.

Jen: Dancing with Sema – it hardly gets better than that. How many classes did you take from her?

Tanyeli: The class descriptions were a bit fluid. What she ended up teaching was Roman, veil and a drum solo. I am kicking myself because I missed the drum solo class. I was taking a zills class with Aszmara though.

Jen: That's a pretty good excuse and a tough choice to make!

Jen: Lee Ali - tell us about her

Tanyeli: Lee Ali... she was a gem! I took her workshop on Rebetika & Greek tsifteteli. I knew next to nothing about it beforehand. She sat us down & talked to us, showing pics, before she got us up to dance. There's that history lesson! She really inspired me to learn more about the Greek blues.

Jen: That's what I love about Folk Tours - total immersion.

Tayyar Akdeniz

Tanyeli: It was a lot of fun. She also specializes in Moroccan, trance, etc. I highly recommend her.

Jen: Great - we've gotten a lot of good recommendations from you! Anything else you'd like to say about your Folk Tours experience this year?

Tanyeli: Tayyar & company really need the support of those who love Folk Tours. I'm sure that it is a labor of love for him, but labor has got to be the operative word. Unfortunately I don't think there is much on the new DVD front. We were hoping that Sema would have something, but she didn't. I hope we can get enough people interested in Turkish so Tayyar will be inspired to continue Folk Tours.

Reyhan Tuzsuz

Jen: Me too! Thank you Tanyeli – looking forward to visiting your site again soon!

Artemis Mourat: Turkish Oriental/Romani and Sacred Dance Workshops - June 11-12, Houston, TX

2011-05-31T19:39:00.004-05:00

Master Classes with Artemis Mourat - Houston, TX Sat and Sun June 11-12

It's been said that Turkish dancers strut and Egyptian dancers glide. Artemis compares and contrasts Turkish Romani, Turkish Orientele and Egyptian Orientele styles in upcoming Houston Workshop.

For a brief look at Artemis' Turkish Rom Style: Artemis on YouTube

Other Famous Turkish Dancers On YouTube: Turkish Romani Dance: Eva Cernik, Turkish Orientele: Tulay Karaca, and various dancers from Orient House in Istanbul. The dancer in pink labeled as: Queen of Belly Dance is Birgul, Beray. Unfortunately videos of Birgul are rare. She mixes Orientele and Romani. If you're new to Romani dance and/or music, the exotic rhythm demonstrated by the drummer while Birgul does floorwork is a slow 9/8. Enoy! Orient House, Instabul, Turkey.

Artemis will also be giving us an invaluable, scholarly, enlightening, lecture about the roots of belly dance: From Temples to Cabaret. She winds up her master class series with a sacred dance workshop (please read below for details and begin your lists).

If you've never seen or heard Artemis...this is a rare Houston opportunity to experience the authenticity of Turkish dance through working and scholarly knowledge. I highly encourage you to participate. Artemis is held in the highest esteem by her peers and students. If you've seen Artemis before....I know you'll be there! To know Artie is to love Artie...and you will!

Turkophiles - Please comment and let our sisters in Houston know what a fantastic opportunity this is - thanks in advance.

We'll see you June 11-12 in Houston!

Turkish/History/Sacred Dance

Master Classes with Artemis Mourat!

Saturday & Sunday June 11-12, 2011

OFFICIAL MASTER CLASSES/ INFO SIGNUP FOR ARTEMIS MOURAT

Saturday June 11, 2011 !:00pm-4:00pm Turkish Oriental Dance: We will compare and contrast Turkish Oriental, Egyptian Oriental and Turkish Romany dance, description of the features of a Turkish Oriental show, trends in dance and costuming, steps, turns, hip articulation, abdominal work, knee lifts, arm postures, backbends and full body undulations to karsilama and the Romany 9/8, ciftetelli, finger cymbals, floor work, veil, combinations, DVD footage and we can dance through a complete Turkish show together in class. This class held at Ballam School of Dance

1245 Heights Blvd

(Grace United Methodist Church) Houston, TX 77008 Class cost $65 pre-registration before May 1^st/$75 after May 1^st.

Saturday June 11, 2011 Lecture 5:00-7:00pm: Knowing your Roots - Belly Dancing from the Temples to the Cabarets
As with all things in life, you have to know where you came from so that you will understand where you are now and where to go from here. Its origins came from prehistoric worship, then to the Temples of Hathor and it has flourished for thousands of years in its various permutations, finally makings its way into cabarets worldwide. We will explore the many roots of the dance - sacred and secular. Dance was used to invite, entice and communicate with divinities and mortals alike. Dance was carried along the Romany (Gypsy) trail from India to the world. The Almees, also known as "the wise women...the learned females" entertained and educated the people of North Africa. Public performers made their ways to the cabarets of the Middle East and eventually to Europe.

America

and beyond. Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese and American styles of Oriental belly dance flourished. A new art form was born - American Tribal style and in its turn, that gave birth to many other wonderful newer art forms. Regardless of your style or level of dance, you are bound to enjoy many "Ah Ha! Moments" of this workshop. This class held at Ballam School of Dance,

1245 Heights Blvd

(Grace United Methodist Church) Houston, TX 77008. Class cost $25 pre-registration before May 1^st/$30 after May 1^st.

Sunday June 12, 2011 9am_12:00pm Sacred dance - Prayer in motion....Join our sacred dance history lecture and dance ritual There will be a lecture and slide presentation and some video footage followed by a spiritual movement based ritual. Subjects will include the ancient sacred dances of Greece, Rome, Crete, Egypt, the whirling Dervishes and Christian Liturgical dance. We ask that you make two separate lists on two pieces of paper...one is a wish list of what you want to bring into your lives and one of what you want to get rid of. You will then copy over the things you want to get rid of onto flash paper which you will burn during the ritual. We believe that this is a powerful and purposeful act and the more time you put into this, the better. Location of this class is at Sirrom Studio, 5570 Wesleyan Houston, TX 77005. Class cost $65 pre-registration before May 1^st/$75 after May 1^st.

Artemis has been dancing, teaching and researching dance history in the United States and abroad for her entire adult life. Artemis is of Greek and Turkish descent. Artemis has her M.A. in Psychology and an M.S.W. in social work and has done post graduate work in dance movement therapy. She fuses her love of these cultures with strong academic knowledge and excellent dance technique. She brings her spirited and articulate technique to workshops which include information on the history and cultures that generate the dances she teaches. She believes that we can all use art to build bridges across cultures. For more information on her please visit her website at http://www.serpentine.org/.

Saturday & Sunday June 11-12, 2011

Location: Ballam Studio on Saturday/Sirrom Studio on Sunday

Pre-registration special prices listed above postmarked by May 1^st.

Participant Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City, ST, Zip: _______________________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone: ______________________________ Email: __________________________________

I hereby release Patsy Bucki, Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, Ballam Studio, Sirrom Studio and Its owners for any and all possible injury as a result of my participation in this workshop. I understand injuries can occur during any physical activity and I hereby assume all risk for participation in this workshop.

Print Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Signature

Mail registration/release and make checks payable to: For more information, contact Patsy at:

Patsy Bucki Phone: 281-851-2060

12701 33^rd ½ Street E-mail: plbucki@yahoo.com

Santa Fe, TX 77510

Romany Gather for Horse Fair in England

2011-05-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

Gypsy fairs

All the fun of the fair

England’s gypsies try to forget their troubles

May 19th 2011 | STOW-ON-THE-WOLD | from the print edition of The Economist

From Jen (Blog Host): Greetings All! A bit of equine eye candy today - ran across this article and thought it'd be fun to share with the many horse-lovers in our crowd! There's a beautiful video from the 2006 event at the end + link containing historical info about the Fair.

Enjoy!

CANDY SHERIDAN, vice-chairwoman of the Gypsy Council, a representative body, smiles as she surveys the familiar, teeming scene at the gypsy horse fair at Stow-on-the-Wold. England’s gypsies (of Romany extraction) and travellers (mainly from Irish Catholic backgrounds) come to Stow in their thousands twice a year, in May and October, as they have done for over 500 years. The fairs, Ms Sheridan says, are crucial for “putting ourselves on show, trading with each other and having a sense of pride”.

It seems a contented scene. Gypsies and travellers come to deal their trademark horses, piebald or skewbald cobs—highly prized beasts said to have calm temperaments. Ted Chaney, a horse-dealer, says buyers are looking for a glossy mane, a nice size and (the main attraction) finely feathered feet. Loretta Rawlings, another dealer, says that around ten gypsy families, including her husband’s, now sell cobs to Australia, Brazil, American and eastern Europe: “They have become luxury items.”

Gypsy women do a brisk trade in trinkets, elaborately embroidered clothing, bedding, pots and pans. Younger folk have another reason to come: much wooing takes place in and around the fair. Most gypsy visitors are decked out in their best outfits. Men wear natty suits and Panama hats. Long-haired girls clad in bright Lycra outfits eye up likely lads riding cobs bareback across the fields, or scattering the crowds as they canter their horses and carts among them.

But not everybody in Stow, a prosperous market town in the Cotswolds, welcomes the fair. Edward IV granted it a royal charter in 1476, giving the event legal protection from closure that is still in force—which, for the fair-goers, is just as well. In 1995 the district council took out an injunction that restricts the number of nights that gypsies and travellers can stay before and after the gathering. Many local shopkeepers close their doors during it. Robin Jones, Stow’s mayor, is distinctly chilly about the fair, claiming that petty crime is commonplace—though the police say the event is usually peaceful. Vera Norwood, a former mayor, is far more sympathetic, blaming wealthy newcomers to Stow for “nastiness” towards the gypsies.

In any case, many of the gypsies and travellers at the fair have bigger worries than such sniffiness. Government funding for new, permanent campsites has been cut. Some who have bought their own land, but failed to get planning permission for their dwellings, now face eviction. The biggest encampment, at Dale Farm in Essex, is expected to be ordered to leave within a month. Many complain that a recent television series, “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding”, fed anti-gypsy feeling by confirming negative stereotypes. “It’s so nice to switch off, dress up and have a chat, rather than be fighting for our rights,” Ms Sheridan says. But, she adds, “most people don’t really understand us at all.”

from the print edition | Britain – The Economist

Related Sites (History) – Photos and Links below taken directly from this site:

Cotswolds Info

YouTube Video of 2006 Horse Fair

"Who Are the Roma"? Ian Hancock, David Eagleman, Via Romen at Rice University as Part of Divas World Salon Series, Tues. May, 17th 8pm

2011-05-13T15:48:00.002-05:00

I have exciting news! As you all know, myths, legends and untruths are a dominant force in the lives of the Roma throughout the world. Houston has a fantastic new non-profit organization in town called: Divas World. As part of their salon series, they are presenting a special event (free to public, as all events in their 'salon' series are) at Rice University in Houston, TX, Tuesday, May 17th at 8 pm. The event: "Who are the Roma" features world renown Romany scholar Dr. Ian Hancock UT), and is moderated by Dr. David Eaglman. The event is designed to

"blend music and discussion while considering the facts and dispelling the myths about the Romani people."

Professor Ian Hancock and the Dali Lama

Musical guests will include notables such as Nuevo Russian-Romany musical ensemble Via Romen, along with Marcus DeLoach (baritone), Zachary Carrettin (violin), Susan Archibald (piano), and Divas World’s Rodney Waters (piano). Traditional Roma music and Dvorak Gypsy Songs will be included in addition to a performance by Carrettin of Sarasate’s Romanza Andaluza, Op. 22, No. 1.

Via Romen!

The Divas Salon Series is a uniquely modern expression of the 19th century European tradition of classical music programming. Music and intellectual thought are integrated by combining musical performance, a short lecture, and an interactive conversation with the audience and artists.

I'm delighted that Houston is gaining awareness of the Romany people. I will post thoughts and insights about this event next week!

Also - coming up! Thanks to Artemis (and aren't we always thanking Artemis for something?!) I will be participating in a project that involves awareness of the Romany who were killed in the Holocaust. I'm gathering details this weekend - may need a few volunteers (hint....hint) and I'll be back soon to give details.

Discovery of the Week: Romani Blog: Lolo Diklo: Rromani Against Racism

2011-04-19T23:08:00.000-05:00

Patsy's news is great indeed and she is right on - her new artistic venture is a tale as relevant today as it was when it first begun to spin. Thanks to new follower: Adria (welcome!) I ran across this incredible blog today:

Lolo Diklo: Romani Against Racism

Please check it out - it's stunning. The information and vast collection of Rromani photos tell the compelling Rromani story and asks that an extremely worthy cause be supported.

Just a reminder: Artemis Mourat will be in HOUSTON, TX the weekend of June 11th - get your Sacred - Turkish ON! Contact Patsy Bucki for more info.

"Domari" 2011 from a corps performer perspective

2011-04-19T22:08:00.002-05:00

I am over-the-top excited about being included in this production. Anne has so graciously allowed me to be included mid-year so I have a fast-choreography row to hoe. As a dancer in the corps, I have 3 big dances to learn so far. Standing in te Dominic Walsh Theater Studio, I was having flashbacks. Coming from a Ballet/Modern Dance Fine Arts back ground, how quickly your mind (not body!) reverts. It will come together. At least that's what I tell myself! Better yet...I am told there is a 9/8 in my future. (YAY!) Turkophile Sisters will totally appreciate.

Please mark your calendars to be in Houston, if at all possible, September 10-11 to attend this show. Put on by Dance From The Heart (www.dancefromtheheart.org), this dance drama is compelling and the choreography beautifully complex but will be enjoyed by all. Artistic license is employed but the message is ancient and contemporary at the same time. Those of you familiar with the Romani struggles will appreciate this.

Join us for this very special event. I will keep you posted as I take this journey!

"Raw Roman" DVD Review by Amina Beres

2011-03-25T14:57:00.004-05:00

Brand new as of January 2011, this DVD (Roman is pronounced Roh-mahn) is believed to be the first collaborative effort between a Roman (Romani) instructor, Reyhan Tuzsuz, and her student, Delpha Reihs.

As this DVD is about learning Reyhan's Roman style of dance, Egyptian and American cabaret-style dancers may not fully understand the moves and gestures and therefore misinterpret their meanings. While ATS, Tribal Group Improv, and Tribal Fusion dancers occasionally dance to slow 9/8 rhythms, the music that accompanies this DVD is predominantly fast and very fast 9/8s and may prove difficult to adapt for those dance styles.

I recommend this DVD if:
1. You are interested in learning from an excellent Turkish Romani dancer.
2. You have some music background, consider yourself a 'counter', or are able to learn by following clear visual and audio cues.
3. You are a beginning or intermediate level Turkish-style dancer ready to challenge yourself to the next level.
4. You are an advanced level Turkish-style dancer wanting to add to your dance vocabulary

What I liked:
1. The DVD contains 2 1/2 hours of material. In addition to the performance and instructional aspects, also included are video footage and photographs of Romani festivals, a cursory review of Romani history, musical instruments, and biographies of Reyhan and Delpha.

2. The dance segments are two-fold: Reyhan demonstrates first, followed by Delpha's breakdown of the movements to both the right and left sides. The progression of the movements and layering begins simply, increasing with complexity from the beginning to the end of the DVD. This is useful as a dancer can tailor viewing to one's current experience level, while also being able to see the challenges of the next level.

3. The studio used for filming was entirely in black with a simple lighted area for Reyhan and Delpha - no visual distractions for the viewer. Both dancers face a large mirror, making it easy to see the moves from behind and from the front.

4. The camerawork is from the back and side views; both dancer's attire provides clear views of the ankles and feet - this is important to be able to see proper placement.

5. Sidebars explaining some of the gestures appear during Reyhan's solos.

6. The music is an original soundtrack featuring Reyhan's husband Husnu and his ensemble. It includes fast and slow tempos of "Roman Heavy", "Roman", and "standard Roman". The terminology they chose helps distinguish between the different rhythms. They similarly chose names for the dance steps; again beneficial to make them easier to remember. Delpha reminds the viewer the terms are not standardized terminology. For me this was a very necessary piece of information often left out of other DVDs or videos.

Where modification would have been helpful:
1. I was quite surprised by the 2 1/2 hour length; there are 3 different levels of dance complexity in one DVD, and enough material is presented that 3 different DVDs could have been made. While having it all contained in a single DVD is beneficial, one does not always have 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted time to view it. However once watched a time or two, a dancer should be able to tailor viewing to their experience level.

2. All the camera work is full-body shots. Adding closer views and/or close-ups would have varied the presentation.

3. An experienced dancer may find the pace of parts of the instructional sections to be on the slow side.

4. A larger font for the sidebars would make them easier to read. Granted they are not the focus, but viewers have difficulty reading the small print.

5. The 9/8 rhythm explanation may not work well if one does not have a music background or is not a 'counter'. Not all learn by the counting method; providing both the counting and a 'quick-quick-quick-slow-and-a' or similar breakdown would be helpful to non-counters.

6. A brief mention of which rhythm is being played ("Heavy Roman", "Roman", or "Roman Standard") prior to the dancing and instruction would help reinforce the differences. This was not consistent throughout the DVD.

7. More detail on how the rhythms are different (Doums=accents and fall on what beats) would help learn what to listen for and reinforce which rhythm is being played. If one has a music background, the graphics used are easy to understand; if one does not it may take a bit longer to comprehend.

In conclusion, I found this to be an excellent DVD and I am looking forward to future collaborations from this talented team of independent artists.

Artemis Mourat in Houston in June!

2011-03-22T00:15:00.002-05:00

Welcoming Artemis Mourat back to Houston June 11-12, 2011!

Teaching Turkish Oriental dance class and "Know Your Roots" dance lecture on Saturday, Sunday's class is Sacred Dance. A journey within, this class has 9 spots left! Contact me at plbucki@yahoo.com for more information!! And visit Artemis at www.serpentine.org! Turkophiles....contact me if you wish to travel to Houston!!

Dance Romani Updates - Eva Cernik - Reyhan Tuzsuz - New Blog Contributors

2011-03-20T00:31:00.001-05:00

In January of 2011, several self-procalimed "Turkophiles" gathered at Third Coast Tribal Fest in Fort Worth Texas to study with the flame herself: Eva Cernik. She flickers across a stage...here one moment...there another...amazing audiences with her inherent passion and pleasure for dance, she creates some of the most jaw-dropping performances I've ever seen.....AND she didn't even complain when forced to share the front seat of our vehicle with 3 others! Sorry about that Eva!

Eva taught 3 classes: Sufic Spiritual Dance, Turkish Vintage Orientale, and Turkish Romani Style. My experience with Sufic dance til then had been largely as an observer...if anyone asked me if I could spin for 9 minutes non-stop prior to this workshop I would have laughed them out of my presence! But spin, I did and it wasn't 15 minutes into the workshop that 9 minutes of continous spinning went by in a blur (literally... since she advised keeping our eyes opened and did suggest 'blurring' them a bit - no 'spotting').

The Turkish Vintage Orientale was FULL of complex, fascinating moves that I am counting on one of the new contributors to this blog: Amina Beres to elaborate on. Amina also took a private lesson from Eva and being the meticulous note-taker and possessor of an ace memory (and talent!) she can do more justice to Eva's technique than I. By the cruelest twist of fate, I and 5 other Turkophiles had to miss the Romani workshop due to....of all things in Texas: SNOW!

Turkophiles: Mary Jane Kelly, Milicent Banks, Eva Cernik, Jennifer Hawkins, Patsy Bucki Doane, Breayn Abramson at Third Coast Tribal Fest in Fort Worth, TX, January 2011.

I, of course, bought Eva's dance DVD and every music CD she had to offer. The DVD is a delightfully lengthy complilation of a vast array of performances...I cried when it was over - for two reasons:

1. I wanted more!

2. I'm not her!

FYI: the CD's she offered were: Halaylarimiz: Turkish Fok Music (Instrumental). An interesting note: A search for Turkish Folk Music at Amazon brought up quite a few interesting works (none by these guys though).

Transition: Armenian Tradition Music & Beyond - Live in Switzerland

Transition: Desert Winds

I loved the Live in Switzerland by Transition - many familiar tunes by a very talented trio.

Alas - there is only one Eva and if you've never had the chance to witness a performance - live or recorded...you are missing out on one of the truly phenominal performers of our beloved dance. I'm looking forward to Amina's notes on her Eva experience and to all who want to share about Eva.

RAW ROMAN

Long Awaitied DVD Instructional from DP Dhavir Productions Featuring the dance and music of Reyhan Tuzsuz and Husnu Tuzsuz.

I think it's safe to say, that this DVD has probably generated more excitement among Turkish Rom dance lovers than other instructional that includes Turkish Rom. Reyhan is Turkish Romani and to my knowledge (which is admittedly limited) is the only strictly Turkish Rom instructional DVD widely available in the U.S. And it DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! Amina will be enlightening us on all the benefits and hi-lights of this DVD and we all look forward to Amina as a new contributor to Dance Romani!

Dance Romani also welcomes Steffi Bruninghaus as a future contributor.

Turkophiles at Studio Artemis

Totally Turkish DVD - Cheeky Girls Working on First Belly Dancer Reality Show!

2010-12-22T22:40:00.001-06:00

THE FLASH: Online Reality Show About Belly Dancers - STARTS JANUARY 3RD, 2011 - Details here: http://topbellydancer.com/
Will be blogging about that - the trailer is controversial - a few minutes to create a 'mind-blowing choreography' with dancers you've never worked with?!...can't wait to see what happens....I wonder if there'll be actual bloodshed?!

THE BLOG:

It's near the Christmas holiday and like a lot of Americans, it wouldn't surprise anyone if I said I was focused on shopping, cooking and spending a heartwarming holiday with family and good friends. I'll bet it wouldn't surprise my dance family to know that ANY holiday is considered an opportunity to spend time learning new moves and honing existing skills....exactly what I'm planning this holiday! Someone else can cook and aswer the door as friends and family come and go...I'll be in front of the big screen trying my darndest to emulate "Ruby's" energetic Turkish style. What a fabulous holiday this is going to be!

Many of you know I bought the "Totally Turkish" dvd recently from Cheeky Girls Productions starring Ruby. I found it during a random online search for Turkish Romani dance dvd's. I was actually looking for something that would address the moves you see in this YouTube clip...these are Bulgarian girls but I see these hip articulations in similar forms all over the web in my searches for authentic Romani dance and would like some instruction that's exacting.

Bulgarian - Mis Dibi (song)

If anyone knows any instructionals that address this type of hip work - please leave a comment for us! Thanks.

Back to Totally Turkish DVD featuring Ruby

I love it! Watch the short demo on the Amazon ad (link provided) to get a feel for her style and content. It's not for the faint hearted and it's not solely a Romani instructional but in her Oriental there are Romani moves - she explains in the beginning that (her opinion?) Romani dance is at the 'heart' of Turkish oriental. I'd love some knowledgable feedback about that - at any rate - she does a great job with Turkish oriental and fusing or staying close to its Romani roots. She's also provided a very short Romani choreography but no surprises there. Her Oriental contains the usual high energy kicks, turns, head tosses, zill work, and expansive use of space along with some familiar moves that I haven't seen since I was first introduced to Turkish/Romani. I love these moves; they're those 'what the heck was THAT' moves that glue you to the dancer and make you rush backstage afterwards to beg for a personal demo. I thought this move was Tunisian - it's the sharp hip"Twist" on the lifted ball of the foot, a release and weight shift to other hip with a sharp 'in' so that hip is vertical with body, followed immediately by a sharp hip twist on the flat ball of the opposite foot and repeated (R,L,R).

There's also some interesting layering with a choo-choo and a pelvic shimmy that (novice that I am) I have not seen anything quite like prior to this or if I have, it was one of those 'what the heck was THAT moves' and there were too many other fans backstage afterwards for me to get a private demo from the star. Ruby herself seemed quite pleased with her ability on this one!

There's much more to this DVD and I will blog more after I've applied some of the techniques throughout the holiday. ALSO - Patsy and I are having a Totally Turkish Weekend after Third Coast with

Eva Cernik in January. We'll be viewing/reviewing Ruby's interpretation of Turkish Oriental and Romani - probably post some video footage of our application as well....identify the rough spots and maybe give some helpful tips. I'll definitely blog about Third Coast and post video of Patsy's performance there. GO PATSY!

HELP: Need tips to take my belly 'stutter' to a flutter!

And any advice about how to do the pelvic shimmy would be GREATLY appreciated!

Happy Holidays! I hope I get more DVD's!

the Slow 9

TANYELI – MAGNETIC PERFORMER IMMERSED IN TURKISH CULTURE!

2010-10-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

Artemis Mourat conducts “Turkish Intensive” workshops in Silver Spring, MD. For several days, a group of a dozen or so self proclaimed Turkophiles study dance, music and Turkish Romani culture intensely. We delight in each other’s company and trade tips, knowledge, experience and lots of laughs! Danielle Donaldson coined the phrase Turkophile for our group. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend two of Artemis’s Intensives with Danielle. I love being in Danielle’s company – I think everyone would agree that she has a magnetic personality….she’s a stimulating, intelligent conversationalist, experienced dancer, has wonderful costuming ideas and a GREAT laugh! We are all looking forward to another Turkophile celebration in January 2011 in Fort Worth, TX at 3^rd Coast Tribal Fest where we’ll be studying with Eva Cernik!

Dance Romani: Greetings fellow Turkophile, Ready??

Danielle: Yep!

Dance Romani: Great - let's rock! I met you at Artie's last year, I believe. You are the one who defined us as 'Turkophiles'. Describe your dance how Turkish was introduced to you and what role it plays in your individual style now?

Danielle: As a soloist, I almost always try to perform Turkish style although I do some fusion dancing every now & then too. My first dance teacher was Vintage Orientale (as Artie would say) but she indirectly got me interested in Turkish by encouraging me to get involved with the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). I chose a Turkish persona and got really into the historical details. She also turned me onto the band Turku.

Dance Romani: Was it a SCA performance that initially got you interested in bellydance?

Danielle: Actually no... I have wanted to bellydance since I was a kid. I used to be in awe of the dancers at Busch Gardens. I grew up near Tampa and we used to go there all the time. I even had my grandmother make me a bellydance costume when I was about 10!

Dance Romani: Wow! What a great grandmother. Where was your first dance teacher located? Most of us have a hard time finding teachers in a convenient locale who specialize in Turkish!

Danielle: She was in Roanoke, VA which is about an hour away but she did not specialize in Turkish. She was a classic American-style bellydancer. I'm sure that she had some Turkish influence but Artie is my true Turkish mentor.

Dance Romani: How did your relationship with Artie come about?

Danielle: Before I was bellydancing myself, I used to watch her perform at Casablanca back when I lived near DC and few years ago she started offering ‘Totally Turkish’ weekend workshops so I would drive up for those. I was beyond thrilled when she offered the intensive.

Dance Romani: Me, too! For some dancers there's an 'Aha' moment when they're drawn to Turkish exclusively....I can remember my moment very vividly. Was there a defining moment for you? For me - it was the music...a few strains of an exotic slow 9 and I was a goner...I was IN LOVE!

Danielle: Oh I love the 9/8 probably more than any other. I don't know exactly when I fell in love. It was back in 1999 when I started dancing and joined the SCA. There was just something about Turkish music that just felt like home to me. I always say that I must have been Turkish in another life!

Dance Romani: Yes! All of us feel a connection with the music that drives us 'home' so to speak. The SCA - what fun! Tell us about your activities with them.

Danielle: Sad to say that I only attended Pennsic. I live in a university town so the group here was always very transient and hard to get to know. Life has gotten crazy though and I haven't been to Pennsic in ages. I credit it though for instilling in me not just the love of Turkish music but the love of Turkish history and culture. Of course Artie is a tremendous inspiration as far as history goes too!

Dance Romani: Speaking of life getting crazy...it's contagious by the way :) that is something I wanted to speak to you about in particular. You are a very busy woman - a lot of creative people I know seem to have very full plates! How do you prioritize for dance?

Danielle: Right now most of focus is in the academic study of Turkish history and culture. I returned to school this fall and my research will focus on just that! I am still working on narrowing down my topic though. I am trying to teach myself the Turkish language so I listen to language CDs in the car. I try to make some time for some dancing after work and on weekends. I have been meaning to start a Turkish dance website that would a source for dance information but that has been put on hold for now. I am trying to find a way to work it into my research somehow. There are no weekly classes in my area so I stick to workshops for my dance education

Dance Romani: are you a solo artist or do you dance with a group? Improv, choreography…a combo….

Danielle: Right now I am dancing as a soloist as our troupe recently dissolved. Solo I try to dance improv. With the troupe, we tended to do choreo but could do ATS when needed. I prefer improv though. I’m currently taking a break while I focus on being a Turkish history nerd.

Dance Romani: My first intro to belly dance in general was by a woman who was a dance history scholar; that aspect of it drew me as much or more than the dance...it was the entire culture that transformed me as a dancer...that allowed me to put on that persona as you said. Have your academic studies affected you as a dancer?

Danielle: I think it has made me a more thoughtful dancer and much more appreciative of the passion that goes into the music and the dance. I really love the idea of immersing myself completely, learning the language, the geography, the struggles, the successes,

You get a real feel for the ‘why’ behind it all.

Dance Romani: Very nicely said! It shows in your dance. You’re very centered, like you’re grounded in the culture. Who are your influences and your faves - in dance?

Danielle: Thanks! Well Artie is first and foremost of course. I also really love Nesrin Topkapi, Tulay Karaca, Tanyeli... Oriental Reyhan, Ozgen, Ahmet Luleci, Selma Yildiz, Elizabeth Strong and Reyhan Tuzsuz, Eva too! I watch them all obsessively.

Dance Romani: Obsession seems to be the operative word for all of us. You mention Tulay...do you have any sources for her besides the video we have? What a unique style she has!

Danielle: She really is great. She is a perfect example of showing that you don't have to throw every bell and whistle into your dance. Good dance in and of itself is enough. But no, I can't say that I have come across any new footage. I really like her niece too. You can see so much of Tulay in her style. It's nice to see it carry on.

Dance Romani: Yes - carrying on is so important - dance evolves and takes on new forms, especially as we become more influenced by all types of dance, but it's jaw dropping to see someone like Tulay's niece.

Danielle: Turkish dance as performed by Turks has really changed over the years but there are still some out there worth watching. I worry that it is a dying style though I guess because Egyptian in particular is so popular these days.

Dance Romani: Turkish dance shouldn't be a well kept secret! That's why I love people like Artie who are educating us about the culture and the dance.

Dance Romani: Jennifer Hawkins: Who do you listen to - for dance?

Danielle: LOL! It might be easier for me to tell you who I am not listening to! My go-tos right now are Burhan Ocal, Ozel Turkbas, Mustafa Kandirali, Baba Zula. I am always in the search for more.

Dance Romani: When you find more please let us know - we're all constantly searching for great music. Everyone so far has listed Burhan Ocal!

Dance Romani: Your zills and floor work - I remember you had some AWESOME backbends....

Danielle: Aw thanks... The zills are probably my favorite part of the dance. It definitely says bellydancer to me and I consider it an essential skill. So much fun. I really enjoy floor work too... It's another aspect that seems to be less popular than it used to be. I particularly like old school floor work. It seems like a lot of it today is overly athletic if that makes any sense.

Dance Romani: Yes! It makes total sense and I enthusiastically agree....I love floor work...love watching it....love doing it.

Dance Romani: Zills....any other instruments?

Danielle: I love playing the davul but zills are really my instrument of choice.

Dance Romani: Good choice! How much of your Turkish work is Romani - do you fuse the Romani with the Orientale?

Danielle: I probably do about 50/50. I always include a 9/8 and will often do just that if there is only time for just one song. I generally plan my style according to the venue. Romani for a street festival for ex and oriental for a restaurant or party. There is probably unintentional fusion going on if I am dancing improv. Whatever comes out, ya know?

Dance Romani: Yes...makes artistic sense! In closing - what has been your most extraordinary performance experience? Anything thoughts you'd like to add about our beloved dance?

Danielle: Probably my last performance... I was able to dance with some good friends providing live music with drums, Kanun and I was on zills. We did Rampi and it was so much fun to collaborate on. I am really proud of it. Hmm last thoughts... I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed meeting all the wonderful Turkophiles out there. It so nice to connect with others who share your passion. I love knowing we're all doing what we can to spread the Turkish love!

Dance Romani: Bravo, Danielle! That sounds like a fantastic opportunity last night. Can you imagine life without this passion? I feel so fortunate to be a Turkophile. We'll be looking forward to your website. If I want to see a schedule of your performances where can I go?

Danielle: http://www.moreshimmy.com/ and I will let you know when I get the Turkophile site up and running because I will definitely include Dance Romani

Dance Romani: Thank you Danielle it's been so nice to connect with you again. Do you dance as 'Danielle'?

Danielle: I dance as Tanyeli. It's been so nice talking to you too! I am looking forward to seeing everyone in January. Tesekkur ederim!

Patsi to Perform Solo at 3rd Coast Tribal Fest, January 2011 in Fort Worth, TX

2010-10-25T08:06:00.002-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhon

Location:Airport Blvd,Houston,United States

PATSI - PERFORMER OF WORLD FUSION DANCE

2010-10-21T08:00:00.015-05:00

Patsi is a Houston based performer and instructor who ‘knows what she wants when she wants it…and the more difficult the task the better she likes it’! Anyone who’s seen Patsi dance can attest to her mastery of ‘difficult tasks’ in the world of bellydance. Patsis' command of various styles and influences define her as a ‘world fusion dance performer.’ In group and solo performances, her impeccable technique and joyful stage presence inspires dancers and audience members alike.

Since directing her artistic path toward bellydancing she has graced the stages of: Texas Rensaissance Festival, India Fest (Houston), FOBANA (Houston), 3rd Coast Tribal (Fort Worth), Delta Con Anime (Houston), Sirrom Studio (Houston,including artist in residence: Bollywood), Avant Garden (Houston).

Patsi is also responsible for bringing Artemis Mourat to Sirrom Studio in Houston in 2010 and again at Ballam Bellydance and Well Being (Houston) in June of 2011. We are proud to claim this accomplished artist and active entrepreneur as an integral part of the Houston dance scene!

Patsi

Interview With Patsi October 17, 2010

Patsi Bucki: Hello Jen!

Dance Romani: Hi Patsi!!

Dance Romani: Were you dancing this morning?

Patsi Bucki: No, taking my husband to breakfast since he accompanied me to the Turkish Festival all day yesterday, love him.

Dance Romani: That IS a fabulous man!

Patsi Bucki: I agree.

Dance Romani: Shall we get started?

Patsi Bucki: Yes. ma'am!

Dance Romani: Cool! I met you about 4 years ago, is that right? At Sirrom Studio in Houston, in Sarins' class? You had an extensive dance background...tell me about that and how you developed an interest in bellydance.

Patsi Bucki: Yes, we met about 4 years ago. I spent my childhood to early adulthood in ballet, modern dance and jazz; I was a Fine Arts major at TCU getting my degree in Modern Dance. So I have literally danced my way through my life. Like all things, I took a very long break, 20 years for other interests and then found myself wanting to take a dance class again at age 38. What to take? Not interested in ballet, didn't like the modern, no to hip hop. Then I found a Bollywood video with a Rajasthani girl, bare belly, dancing on top of a train winding through the Kashmiri Mountains and thought.”I'll take a bellydance class!”

Patsi

Dance Romani: It's so much fun hearing how people become interested in belly dance! What style of Indian dance are you involved in...Did your interest in Indian and belly evolve simultaneously...as a result of this video?

Patsi Bucki: Yes. Only it was easier, after 20years of no classes, to try belly dance first. It was easier to locate a school, schedule, etc. Within 3 months, I was taking 3 classes a week. Then I attended my first tribal workshop, 3rd Coast Tribal and met Reetu Jain there. She was one of my first Indian dance teachers. Through her I learned about the different types of Indian: Classical, Bollywood and Folk. From there I alternated between learning Bollywood, BharatNatayam (a classical style) and love Bhangra (a Pumjabi Folk style). So I have done the belly dancing alongside the Indian all along.

Dance Romani: Yes...and your interest in both has brought about a unique style of fusion for you. Let's talk about your interest in Turkish and how it developed; it’s part of your fusion style as well.

Patsi Bucki: As I have actually sat and thought the most basic thought "Why do I dance" I realized it's the music. Even since I was a tiny tot...certain music moved me. Early on it was when my dad played his Elvis records. Jump to present day and it's still the music. There are instruments, rhythms, vocals that call to me on a very deep almost primal level. And it creates this energy within, a joy, a familiarity. And Romani rhythms, particularly Turkish and Flamenco seem to be rooted somewhere in my soul. What can you do with that except explore, study, dance and enjoy!

Dance Romani: And indeed you have! Where was your introduction to Turkish Romani?

Patsi Bucki: I think I began to understand the differences when I was working a couple of weeks in Jacksonville, Florida. I found a dance teacher that taught some Turkish (Julianne Battaglia) and took a private. Right at the beginning of the lesson she made it clear there where different rhythms and there was Oriental and Romani styles. She really introduced me to the uneven rhythms first. That's when it is like...Ah, there's even more to learn and study. Which way to go now?

Dance Romani: Yes, indeed - there are so many different areas of belly dance to explore and I agree with you - it seems that different aspects of it resonate with us for different reasons. Did you start to pursue Turkish immediately after that or did it take a while to define your 'Turkish' path?

Patsyi Bucki: No, immediately. I know what I want when I want and that's when I found the yummy 9/8's and wanted more. They are very difficult to dance to and the more difficult the task, the better I like it! I knew also then there were very few who could teach what I wanted. I knew I was going to have to spend some effort and money getting to the likes of Artemis or Eva Cernik and Elizabeth Strong. Those were my teacher targets. Luck smiled upon and gave me Artie first 3 years ago.

Patsi

Dance Romani: There's Artie again! Yes, I remember some of the moves you bought back from an Atlanta workshop, wasn't it? So at this point in your career you are becoming prolific at various styles...styles that contributed to your unique fusion style...how would you describe your style?

Patsi Bucki: I don't think I have one style per say. Although I believe my Indofusion is developing and growing, something I hope to show at 3rd Coast Tribal in January. And I want to have a Romanifusion voice as well. That has yet to be experimented on. I love dancing a variety of things. Maybe it's an old Romani soul inside that keeps me looking for the next horizon. I would not be happy locked in one type. If I need to be summed up I am a World Fusion Dance Performer.

Dance Romani: Great description! As far as the Turkish portion of your dance, who are you most influenced by?

Patsi Bucki: Artemis for her style and devotion to the Romani people; Eva Cernik for her artistry and wherever I can see the Romani dancing. Just yesterday during Dilek's early belly dance performance there was a group of young adults rocking the Romani rhythms off the side of the stage*. Made you want to jump up and join them. Their dance was free style and fun but so very Romani. It was the stuff I had seen on research videos. They are a great inspiration and a chance to touch history as well.

*Editor’s note: Patsi is referring to the 20th Annual Turkish Festival in Houston which she attended yesterday (10/16/2010).

Dance Romani: Yeah, you can't hear it and not want to be part of it! You're mastering your improvisational skills quite well. It's been a joy watching you hone that talent. Please share some secrets with us!!

Patsi Bucki: Your safe go to mini-combos! Stuck? Mini combo! Mini combos! Also, just dancing around the house to the song. Be silly, push it - know the song inside and out. Dance it in your head. Let go. That's the hardest concept of all. To let go means you lay yourself bare for all to see. Beautiful things can happen though if you take the chance. I still struggle with the letting go. But is gets easier when you realize nothing bad will happen to you if you let go.

Dance Romani: GREAT advice! You make it look easy. You’re a solo performer and teach as well; you also perform with The Sisters of Avalon - describe the Sisters’ style. Great performance by you gals, by the way, a few weeks ago at Avant Garden....sweet choreography!

Patsi Bucki: Thank you! The Sisters are a World Fusion Tribal troupe as well. And it is a totally collaborative effort. One of us knows Zambra Mora (Spanish gypsy) another Egyptian stylings, another knows a little West African and I bring the Indian. Mixed up with Tribal fusion or ITS stylings and I believe we have a very distinct tribal voice as a group. We’re beginning to get recognition which is exciting.

Patsi Bucki and the Sisters of Avalon

Dance Romani: That's fantastic - a lot of talent in that group! You and I've shared a lot of music in the past, who are you currently listening to for dance?

Patsi Bucki: I have been listening a lot to Burhan Ocal (Turkish drummer and composer) and Niyaz (collective ME modern group). Burhan has some great music I want to dance to but needs time. This is where I am wanting to meld Tribal Fusion (a al Silvia*) and Romani. The music is modern but funky 9/8's and Ciftitelli. Niyaz is again a modern group but their rhythms are old. Perfect fusion material.

*Editor’s Note: Silvia Salamanca is a Houston based instructor.

Dance Romani: Great choices. Patsy, we've had some incredible experiences in the 4 years we've known each other: Turkish dance camp, Turkish Intensives at Artie's and 3rd Coast...it's been so much fun - is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

Patsi Bucki: It has been awesome. Especially the people we encounter on these journeys. Or those that choose to accompany us on these journeys. I feel like I have truly gained sisters in all this. And there is more out there for us to experience. I am afraid we have just scratched the surface but am grateful I get to share these experiences with others close to my soul! Thanks so much for letting contribute!

Dance Romani: Thank you Patsy!! We’ll check: Patsy's dance site and Sisters of Avalon site for performance schedules of you and the Sisters of Avalon. We can also see Patsy every first Tuesday at Avant Garden. She's also available for private instruction and private party performance.

Patsi and friends at 3rd Coast 2010. Yes, you can add a touch of Tunisian to her style as well!

L to R: The Slow 9, Amel Tafsout, Breayn Abramson, and Patsi

Dance Romani: INTERVIEW WITH AMINA BERES!

2010-10-16T19:41:00.007-05:00

Dance Romani: INTERVIEW WITH AMINA BERES!

INTERVIEW WITH AMINA BERES!

2010-10-16T18:07:00.011-05:00

The Slow 9 and Amina Beres: home of Artemis Mourat, Silver Spring MD. 2009

In fall of 2002 I walked into the Jung Center in Houston, TX to attend my first Egyptian dance class. I had no idea what Egyptian dance was but it sounded exotic so I wanted to try it. Ten minutes after I arrived and saw women tying on hip scarves, I realized I had just signed up for belly dancing lessons. I was ready to leave….me….belly dancing? No way! I decided to suffer through the humiliation of the first class and explain to the Jung Center what a silly mistake I’d made and ask for a refund…surely they’d understand. I was enjoying a good laugh at myself when Kristina Koutsoudas, the instructor, began energetically engaging the class. Kristina, an amazing choreographer, began by introducing us to the rich history of what is loosely termed ‘belly dance’. Her lecture was accompanied by historical footage of folk and cabaret styles and included performances by well known Egyptian dancers. The music, the moves, and the unique female experience of belly dance excited me so much that before class was over I knew I’d never be the same; refund was the furthest thing from my mind. My life changed then…there. I continued lessons and began to take from Kristina at her private studio as well. One evening she came to me after class, "I can’t wait to show you ‘the Turkish’ " she said. Being the xenophile that I am, I was thoroughly intrigued; Turkish sounded even more exotic than Egyptian.

My introduction to Turkish dance was through its music… the first few bars of a Turkish slow 9: doom-doom/ pause-pause /doom-doom-doom…overwhelmed me…it was music I’d never heard but felt like I’d known my entire life…it didn’t just resonate with me…it exploded. I’m still as wild about Turkish music and dance as I was that day 8 years ago. Whether it’s learning new dance steps or rhythms on the doumbek, zills and riq, this is the music and dances in my heart. There are many who share my passion. Through a series of interviews with sister Turkophiles, Dance Romani will be hi-lighting talented artists from around the country who perform the Turkish style.

One of many amazing woman I've met on my Romani journey is the passionate and super-talented dancer and percussionist: Amina Beres. We met at the home of Artemis Mourat in Silver Spring, MD in 2009 and will be reunited with otherTurkophiles from the Artemis camp at 3^rd Coast Tribal Fest in Fort Worth, January 2011. We’ll be studying Turkish with under Eva Cernik. The following is an interview conducted today with the lovely and energetic Amina.

The 'Daring' Amina Beres! October 16, 2010

Dance Romani: Good Morning!!

Amina Beres: Good Morning to you, how are you this fine day?

Dance Romani: Excited!

Amina Beres: Same here! Had a performance last night here in our Egyptian-dominant town....my Turkish troupe did a karsilama and I did a Turkish oriental solo....we had a blast, and we get to do it all again tonight.

Dance Romani: That's fantastic!

Dance Romani: How long have you been dancing?

Amina Beres: I started dance in 1995, on a dare. I've never done any dance before, my background was in music and sports.

Dance Romani: I love it! Tell me about the dare and how it led you to Turkish?

Amina Beres: I was attending our Minnesota Renaissance Festival where the local dance company was performing. The finger cymbals and the rhythms are what grabbed me, makes sense given my 25+ years of playing percussion at the time. I said 'wow, I'd like to do that!', and the people I was with said 'yeah, right, you never will.' Couldn't turn the dare down, so with an "I'll show them" attitude, looked up the local dance company and signed up for lessons. It was lessons in Egyptian style only, back then we had one Turkish dance instructor in town but I wasn't able to fit her classes into my schedule and she stopped teaching shortly thereafter. So I stayed with the Egyptian, until about 6 years ago, Artemis Mourat came to town to teach some workshops and perform in a show, and I was completely blown away by the fire and spontaneity of Turkish style.

Amina Beres continues: When you are first starting out as a dancer, you 'don't know what you don't know', and I wasn't able to notice the differences in the style. After years of hearing 'Turkish is a second-rate style', and then when I saw Artemis, I realized that something was not correct with that assessment. It took another 3 years, until 2007, before I was able to finally take some workshops with Artemis. Oh, and I Dalia Carella! I had taken 2 workshops from her and she was the first to introduce me to 9/8 rhythms for dance - it really resonates with me.

Dance Romani: There are so many facets of the Turkish style - everyone is drawn to something about it that resonates with them. I'm not at all surprised that the rhythms captivated you! What town are you in and how did you specifically hear about Artie initially?

Amina Beres: I'm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I first heard about Artemis in 2004, when a local Egyptian dancer brought her to town for a weekend of workshops and a show. I wasn't able to attend either, but a friend of mine loaned me the DVD of the show....I had never seen anyone dance with so much fire and so much love for the dance! I then searched online for any info on her, ordered her DVDs, and then we finally connected at 3rd Coast in Ft. Worth, TX about 3 years ago.

Dance Romani: You're an energetic dancer as well...and an accomplished musician. How would you describe your own style of Turkish dance...who are your influences...your favorites?

Amina Beres: That's an excellent question, it's always difficult to describe yourself! I would say my style is a blend of Turkish and 1970's American Cabaret. My Turkish influences/favorites are, of course, Artemis Mourat but also Dalia Carella. Mesmera also does some very lovely and powerful Turkish-style. I'm thrilled to be taking workshops and a private lesson with Eva Cernik this coming winter; she's always been a favorite. Turkish dancers I enjoy watching are Didem, Reyhan, Birgul Banay, and Tulay Karaca.

Dance Romani: Ditto on the favorites - do you have sources for Birgul other than the video we both have that originally came from Eva? There's some YouTube clips but very short....would love more!

Amina Beres: I've been searching ever since we received that video, no luck so far :(

Dance Romani: Yes...seems like we'll have to travel to Turkey to study with her. Since Turkish is heavy on the zills, do you incorporate zills into most of your dance....any floor work?

Amina Beres: Yes, zills are a big component of my performances (classes also). I used to incorporate floor work, but last winter I suffered a severe leg muscle injury and am still rehabilitating it so floor work is on hold for a bit. I still teach it in my classes, but I have to talk my students through gracefully descending or rising from the floor until I'm fully recuperated.

Dance Romani: Yes, I remember you had an injury when I met you at Artemis's. Sword? What do you find most challenging about sword - any tips for us?

Amina Beres: It seems the most challenging part of sword is finding one that's a proper weight and properly balanced....there's a myriad of ways to keep it on your head, but my experience has been if it's the right size, style, and weight for you and is properly balanced, the rest is easy. Number 1 tip is don't say 'I can't do it', because if you think you can't, then you won't.

Dance Romani: Great tip! Thanks for your positive energy. Who do you listen to for dance...for playing percussion?

Amina Beres: Currently for dance I'm listening to Burhan Ocal, Turku, Sezen Aksu, and Djoumbush. For playing percussion, no current favorites as I listen to everything from Turkish to Egyptian to jazz to rock....you can practice zills to anything as long as you can find the beat, and by widening your scope of music to listen to, you will open the door to playing zills more musically/artistically instead of rote patterns over and over.

Dance Romani: That's a GREAT thought about zills! I had a classical guitar teacher that made me listen to Coltrane...when I asked him why Coltrane, he gave me the same response - its music - it will broaden your understanding. What instruments do you play?

Amina Beres: Any/all percussion you would find in a concert band, jazz band, marching band. I'm predominantly a stick percussionist, but also play doumbek, tar, riq and, of course, zills ;)

Dance Romani: I feel sorry for my neighbors when I practice the riq. Maybe when next we meet at 3rd Coast we can share tips on the zagats we bought!

Amina Beres: Absolutely! I'll bring the zagat, thanks for the reminder.

Dance Romani: If I want to see you perform, where would I go?

Amina Beres: I list my upcoming performances on my website www.bellydanceamina.com. If you find yourself in the Minneapolis area perhaps we can dance together at one of them.

Dance Romani: Absolutely - I'd be honored - thanks for the invite! Thanks for your time and your thoughtful responses - it's been very informative.

Turkophiles at Artemis Mourat Turkish Intensive 2009

Top L to R: The Slow 9, Amina Beres, Steffi Bruninghaus, Monica Hobbs, Annwyn Amar, Danielle Donaldson, Laura Oliver

Bottom L to R: Deborah Stearns, June, Artemis Mourat, Jessica Rabalias, Patsy Doane

Looking forward to dancing and drumming with Amina in January at 3^rd Coast Tribal Fest in Fort Worth!

Artemis Mourat: Sacred Dance Workshops and More!

2010-10-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

EXCITING NEWS FOR HOUSTON TURKOPHILES!

Artemis is conducting workshops, including sacred dance, in Houston in 2011.

June 10-12.Contact Patsy at plbucki@yahoo.com for information.

See you there!

ATA 19th Annual Houston TURKISH FESTIVAL 2009

2010-10-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

20th Annual Turkish Fest Houston!

2010-10-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Houston's 20th Annual Turkish Festival is This Weekend, October 16-17!
Sat: Noon - 10 pm
Sun: Noon - 10 pm
Where: Jones Plaza: 601 Louisiana St.
Houston, TX 77002

MUSIC! DANCE! CUISINE! ART! HISTORY! CRAFTS!TURKISH COFFEE ! JEWELRY!

2010-10-10T12:39:00.002-05:00

Eva Cernik workshops at 3rd Coast Tribal Fest - Fort Worth,TX - Jan 2011

2010-10-09T23:54:00.001-05:00

The Romani Flag: The background of blue and green representing heaven and earth and a spoked wheel representing the migratory heritage of the Romani people.

The Romani Anthem:

Gelem, gelem, lungone dromensa
Maladilem bakhtale Romensa
A Romale katar tumen aven,
E tsarensa bahktale dromensa?
A Romale, A Chavale
Vi man sas ek bari familiya,
Murdadas la e kali legiya
Aven mansa sa lumniake Roma,
Kai putaile e romane droma
Ake vriama, usti Rom akana,
Men khutasa misto kai kerasa
A Romale, A Chavale

I went, I went on long roads
I met happy Roma
O Roma where do you come from,
With tents on happy roads?
O Roma, O brothers
I once had a great family,
The Black Legions murdered them
Come with me Roma from all the world
For the Roma roads have opened
Now is the time, rise up Roma now,
We will rise high if we act
O Roma, O brothers