Siwa

I'm off to the desert tonight!
it'll be a 10 hour bus journey- and we leave at 3.30am- which gives me 2 hours now to pack and eat and shower etc etc since I just got home from work.

guessing I won't be online til end of the week- but should have then lots of photos and exciting stories to tell.....................

Good news re website!

The hijackers have been ousted!!!!

a good friend of mine (Kapil- thank you soooo much!!!) last night managed to solve my website problem.... and find my lost pages for my website too!

so now if you type www.bellylorna.com or www.bellylorna.co.uk they will both bring you directly to this blog!

and since he found the lost info from before too- when i get back to cairo i will set about constructing an actual website to go with the blog too! I'm a very happy bunny!

and a very stressed one too- how much STUFF can one girl collect in her life?????? I am renting out my edinburgh flat from this coming monday and have spent the entire last week clearing and cleaning.... the charity shops love me! still so so much to do.... but have to mention last saturday..

I performed at Alicia and Antony's wedding! I have been close friends with Alicia since we were 10 years old..... to be asked to perform at her wedding really didn't come as a surprise- but my nerves just as i started were. Why oh why is it so much harder to dance when you know it is your friends special day......desperate to impress, and not to mess it up i guess....?!!! Anyway- it all went well- although since bellydance isn't exactly a traditional part of a UK wedding (unlike Egypt) people weren't very sure how to respond, I did manage to get most of the wedding party on the dance floor though! I had fun- and so did the couple- looking fwd to seeing some photos- since I wore my new mango coloured pharonics- VERY NICE!

back to the packing now........

travelling...

in half an hour the taxi will pick me up to take me to Cairo airport to travel, once more to Edinburgh.

BUT this time I am going for a holiday - not work!

I'll be going from 39 degrees here in Cairo to what.... 11/12 degrees in Edinburgh..... Hmmmmm.

Its been a frantic few weeks with Sooooooooooooooo much work that i ended up injurying myself (twisted ankle on stage- all better now!) and despite some friends coming over for 2 whole weeks- i hardly saw them! (Just as well they were busy attending the Nile Group festival!)

Tito was the highlight of the closing festival seemingly...................Lucy seems to have wowed some people (including her drummer- who is also my drummer) but also disappointed others- interested in your views.......... i was working so didn't make it along.

Oh and I went to see Suraya on monday night at the Marriot. I am so so so very envious of her orchestra. Her violin player is just to die for. They played Enta Omri and I thought I would cry. I didn't even want to watch her on that one- I just wanted to listen to the music! ( not that her dancing wasn't wonderful- she kills me with those shimmys- and she's getting more and more snaky too!)

oh- and talking Om Kaltsoum- after she had finished and the after band came on... a lots of the girls in the audience danced- some on stage- some beside their tables... our table (with 5 dancers!) did no less... although I was determined, having just finished work and trying still to rest that I wouldn't dance..... but as they played O.K. (Om Kaltsoum) I just couldn't resist. As a professional dancer- sometimes it is eay to forget that complete loss of self when you dance totally inside the music- I got it back that night- I shut my eyes, and just danced........... unfortunatly I had just been sitting twisted, in stong AC for 3 hours- so my back was very unapreciative of my efforts- but although my body complained- my soul felt revived. I really thought I was a bit stupid to feel this way- and I mentioned to a singer and she instantly understood why I just couldn't help myslef- 'ah - yes.... you were 'in' om kaltoum- i understand!) so - its not just me!

apologies for my lack of blog entries recently.... just way too busy to even get through a fraction of my outstanding emails never mind type up interesting quirky cairo happenings.......

However, I was in a car tonight with someone who had a baseball bat at the side of him- SCARY!!!! Dont think I'll be doing that again!

off to airport now.....

some pics... of me!

A friend of mine Richard Fusniak, aka fuzzy ( his website is http://www.fusniak.co.uk/) - came along to watch me dance a few weeks ago and came up with these shots... some nice ones- and you can just spy the tartan ties on my band on some!

I chose to include this next one purely for the tartan effect- not for the elegant dance pose!!!!!!!!!

It couldn't last!!!!!!

of course.... my body objected to being worked every single night- so on wed night, at the end of my show, I went over my ankle on stage. It went a very impressive blue balloon shape but thankfully, ibuprofen, ice,arnica cream, support and REST have done it wonders and it looks fairly normal now.... apologies to anyone who went along to the Golden Pharoah last night or tonight to see me dance- I was licking my wounds (ok- not literally- yuck!) Fingers crossed- all back to normal by tomorrow. The look of disgust on the chemist's face when I didnt' know what size my ankle was when I went in to buy a support bandage was very amusing- tell me honestly- does ANYONE reading this KNOW what width their ankle measures??????????

However I have decided to take a complete rest from dance when home this trip to Scotland- so not even having the one night i had planned at Morocco anymore- so you'll have to either wait til Sept to see me in action- or come to Cairo! Sorry for anyone who had booked because of me........

I did manage to hobble along to the Nile Maxim last night to watch Rhanda perform. It was my friend Hannah's birthday and we had a lovely evening, birthday song and cake by Rhanda and her band! Rhanda has so much energy- considering that was her 3rd show of the night- very impressive!!!!!!!

Also limping to the cafe next door afterwards, instead of the usual sexual remarks from guys passing by i heard the 'alf selema' ( a thousand get wells....) a very nice change! Once the ankle heals, I might have to fake a limp in future anytime I have to walk anywhere!!!

Have also decided that this time of year in Cairo is sent as a curse to the Sinuses! There is so much dirt in the air that you can't help getting an infection of some sort. My supply of menthal chrystals from uk have now run out- more shopping to do next week!

ok- thats my moans over for today..................

running

I seem to be spending all my time running from place to place these days... mainly since I have guests- who are buying costumes... o its trips to the Khan, and the various designers for fittings etc etc.... so lots of time spent in taxi's. And of course- running to work every night... Its all go... if you are in Cairo and want to see me dance over next week these are my dates...

Golden pharoah- wed 16th, thurs 17th, fri 18th, sat 19th and sun 20th
Nile Pharoah- mon 21st, tues 22nd, wed 23rd

then I am off to Scotland for a short holiday!!!! I'll need it - that will have been 27 nights in a row performing without a break. My body feels fit- but oh so very tired!

had the best show of my life so far last night.... people were screaming and standing and dancing on chairs.... completely mad, even the women in neqab- and there were a lot- were all smiling and dancing with their hands and very very supportive- it felt wonderful- and was a HUGE amount of fun!

Nile Group festival 2008- opening night

Last night was the opening night at the Pyramisa hotel of the dance festival here in Cairo run by a group of dnacers and teachers who go by the collective name Nile group. Oh- and I'll apologise now- no photos- unless I can steal some from the girls who were there with cameras !!!

I missed the 1st dancer's performance (Dalia) since I was still at work. I had to perform for a birthday party for a new born baby- very bizarre experience- dancing in front of a pram with the baby google eyes at all the sparkles form the sequins- and from the noise of the music too probably!!!) Full video camera in the face too! There is a special name for the party they have for a new born- sebo3 ( the 3 is written for a letter we don't have in english- 'ain' and the word itself derives from the word for 7- since the party is held 7 days after the baby is born....)

anyway- The 1st dancer I saw at the opening ceremony last night was Liza. She worn this most fabulous costume made by Hallah.... all from assuit material- but a bedla, with some turquoise threaded into it. really really nice! She does a step touch move around the stage which is very impressive and I especially liked her baladi number. My students who are here for the festival and saw her for the 1st time were really captured by her energy and enthusiasm.

Leila danced next. Stunning. Simply stunning. Her, her costumes and her dancing. WOW. She really impressed me- it's nice to see that having a little time out, and having a baby can only help to improve your skill on stage! I saw more influence from dancers like Dina and Rhanda in her style than I have seen before- which worked well. very well done.

Hayem danced too- she is the other dancer currently working on the same boat at me, the Nile Pharoah. Her 1st costume was very pretty elegant yellow swishy number... and she has a lovely cute smile the whole time she dances... although, forgive me Hayem for writing it- but the lime green jumpsuit at the end, which showed everything, was a little too much for my taste.

Asmahan... sorry that should read AS - MA - HAN !!!!!! A 2 HOUR SHOW. !!!!!!!!!!! Yes really- 2 hours!!! complete showmanship. Her entrance was seated on a pharoanic chair, with trumpeters announcing her arrival, dressed with the full pharoah head dress and costumes.... very sexy, very powerful, very impressive. Her next entrance was in full 1950's style puffy ball gown.. dancing a waltz on stage- to have that stripped off her to reveal a VERY shiny silver with gold buckles bedla (which she looked like she strugged to keep on!!!) some slow slinky moves to die for. Oh- must mention the muscley male dancers too!!!!!!!! Then the saaidi /shaabi number- with a purple 70's style swirl patter galabaya- very clingy very funky. She created such a hyper atmosphere with lots of people up on the stage dancing... very fun. The sheer number of stage support she had was something else too- a good 12 support dancers/actors musicians who helped create the atmosphere of a big stage production. Then the Zar- which was a little bizarre- her dancing boys dressed and devils and attacking her- then the incense man and the zar rhythms to release the evil spirits and again the white plain covering dress was stipped form her to reveal a sugar pink, short tutu style bedla!!! not long into the last dance she pulled on the skirt and low and behold it became full length! AMAZING drum solo- as always- earthquake shimmys that really did threaten to bring the house down! well worth staying awake til 3am to watch!!!!!

A VERY good night. Hope I'll be inspired when I perform tonight on the Nile pharoah!

Busy busy

I guess the most exciting thing about this week is that my friends Hannah, Natalie, Sara and Laura have arrived in town! I love showing people my Cairo! we have been daily costume shopping.... ah the joys!!!! Today we went to Hanan- tried on lots and going back on thursday to order something lovely!!!! The girls came to see me dance last night and despite there being a very small audience, it was a nice night.

All busy too over the next week- since it's the Nile Group festival at the Pyramisa hotel... lots of dancers coming from all over to do workshops with lots of top teachers- wonderful! I had a dancer from London , and another one from Canada come to see me tonight on the boat- they were just lovely. Had a dancer from Norway along the other night too- she is a lovely dancer and I had fun putting her up on the stage!¬ It's scary dancing for other dancers- my peers- but great!

oh- and I danced for the president of Ukraine on wed night. That was an interesting experience! all the body guards... and protocol! wasn't allowed to have my saaidi guys on stage with their sticks- i guess in case one of the decided to take a whack at him!!!!

all go- and all fun!

Just Because.........

Women in Egypt die of Breast cancer on a daily basis - just because it isn't detected and therefore treated early enough....

Just Because... is a registered charity aiming to raise funds and promote awareness, prevention and early detection of breast cancer for women in Egypt.

It is a charity set up by UK bellydancers who want to make a difference to the lives of women in Egypt- the home of Bellydance.

Bellydancers have been raising funds to purchase a mobile mammography unit in Egypt so that women even in the most rural, poorest areas in the country have access to live saving knowledge..... and treatment.

The money raised so far has come from fundraising haflas, workshops, sponsered dances, personal donations, raffles etc etc etc - there are many fun ways to help give back to the women who have given us the dance we love so much!

YOU can make a difference too....

Have a look at their website to read more about it and see how you and your bellydance community can become involved.

http://www.justbecause.org.uk/

please forward this onto any bellydancers you know, friends, teachers, students... anyone who might be interested in helping organise an event to do some good for the women of Egypt.

Huge thanks

wow- thats the largest response I have ever had to any of my blog entries...........

Thank you all sooooooo much for your advice and suggestions re fixing my problem with my website name!

I have contacted the host of my domain name, and the host of the porn users...... hopefully something will get sorted by them very soon (although STILL waiting for a reply!!!) - in the meantime please don't go into bellylorna.com until further notice that it is all ok!!!

On the up side.... my curtains on my balcony are finished- it looks like I am having a party. The material I have used (photo to follow!) is the same they use for tents for all celebrations- so I guess at Lorna's house there is a moulid every day from now on!!! That and a wonderful dance room! very happy!

Oh the other thing is that if you are likely to be in Cairo over the next 2 weeks , there is NO excuse not to see me dance......... I am performing at the Nile and Golden Pharoah EVERY night for the next 15 days ( ie. 1st- 15th April) . Not really sure if thats a good or a bad thing- for sure I'll be exhausted by the end.... but great re money. Definatly not complaining- i much prefer too much work rather than too little!!!!!!!!!!!

My band look great in their Tartan ties- still need to get a photo in here to show you!

Last night i enjoyed work.... really responsive audience... and afterwards I had a really lovely conversation with one egyptian woman who couldn't understand why I was working the boat rather than a top hotel. I told her I was there because at least there the managers at the boat didn't want anything else from me, unlike at the hotels... her opinion was that, even though it is a notoriously bad industry i am in, as long as I behaved well, others would behave well towards me. Nice Idea- wish it was fact!

Lovely to talk so frankly with her though. Seems like such a small thing, hardly worth comment, but I find it hard to have conversations with any weight to them with women i meet here...... opinions seem to be fixed in stone and seldom open to discussion....... I guess thats partly down to the schooling system which still teaches by rote rather than learn through exploration of ideas etc.

Another complex thing about Egyptian culture for me to learn recently was you cannot say to someone

'IF 'something' , THEN 'something will happen'

the concept is alien to them- because everything is in the hands of Allah.... so nothing is fixed or certain. To say the 'if' in the 1st place implies that thing is definate, rather than hypothetical. It's all very confusing to me and I am still not sure I understand it. But I can understand more and more why there are so many issues to get through in order to fit in here!

Please help..........

calling any techie people out there who might be able to help me on this.

I just received a comment from a teacher who was checking my website and it turns out somebody has stolen it!
Somehow 'they' have attached my website name to link to a porn site- so

DO NOT OPEN www.Bellylorna.com

Even though I still own and have paid for that domain name I had no pages saved under it yet- the blog is enough for me just now- but I was waiting to get to get round it....................

now I really don't know what to do or who to complain too..........................

very upset and angry!!!!

any help please???????

Catch up.....

Last night I was at Yasmina's house cos Kay Taylor had a group over and they had a party there. They had a few shows too- Nubian, saaidi (stick) and Iskandraya (melaya). One girl from Kays' group is a teacher in Belguim and I just loved the way she moved. Somehow she really reminded me of myself. Calmer ( a good thing!) , and maybe less cheeky.... but the same body shape and the same snakyness. hypnotic!

It was fun, and the band were there- love when there is live music and you can dance , not just perform. Am really excited about work tonight becuase I managed to persuade my manager (well- I have decided he is more like an agent than a manager) anyway- persuaded him to get me this other table player that I really like and got him..... so REALLY looking forward to doing my tabla solo ( or 'faddi' as they call it here) .....

On thursday night I was at work, but the whole boat had been chartered out for a wedding... so ALL the guests were downstairs and the buffet upstairs. There just seemed to be TONS of people. They call all these occasions weddings- but actually it was an engagement party, and the 'bride to be' had her birthday on the same day... a fun night. But loooooong! They had the dreaded wedding video camera's too- so it was REALLY hot with these strong white lights on you the whole time, and you have to keep an eye out to check the camera is trying to get a view up your skirt and then project it on the wall!!!!!!!!!!! Bizarre performing, but at the same time being able to watch yourself dance on a huge TV screen on the wall!!!

And of course just when I was getting into the end of my saaidi number disaster had to strike- one of my bra staps burst! Thankfully everything remained covered.... but I had to do a very rushed finali which left me rather deflated. it's amazing how important the ending is. I went to the cinema to see 'cloverfield' last week and enjoyed the film, but because the ending was very weak it ruined the whole experience for me. I hope the people in my audience weren't as disappointed with my ending, as I was with the film!!!!!

mental note to self- ALWAYS MAKE ENDING OF SONG/SET REALLY STRONG!

what else has happened? oh yes- Weather. It got up to 40 deg for about a week- forgot how oppressive that can feel! but now it has really cooled down again, only 25deg today ( and yes- I do put all that there to remind people at home how lucky I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and the Khamaseen or the '50-day wind' is on its way (about a month of volitile weather, winds and sandstorms.....) FUN! In Scotland you get used to grey skies most of the time. However, this time of year in Cairo we get used to orange skies!!!

Oh, I am so excited......... by the end of today I will have bright coloured curtains up on my balcony to shade my wondows from the sun, and me sunbathing from my neighbours! Also my dance studio will have full wall mirrors on 2 walls, and my bath will have been repainted. It feels good!

Looking forward to some of my friends coming over to stay in a couple of weeks... should eb a lot of fun.

I rent out rooms- so if you fancy sunbathing on my balcony, dancing in my studio, and seeing Cairo and the dancers here ................. then let me know!!!!!!

Costumers in Cairo, and moulids and stuff!

Just realised for all the talking i do (ok- well writing actually) here about my new costumes etc etc _ I rarely give the costume designers themselves a plug..... and they deserve it.... so here goes...

If you want to see Eman Zaki designs and contact her , or her sister Hoda directly , their website is www.EmanZaki.com and the emial is emanzaki@emanzaki.com there- not too hard to remember!

For Amera el Kattan (aka Pharonics )- harder to track down online- so I'll come back to this one!!! I have a phone number for her- but as yet no website or email- I think that is to protect the people who sell her costumes on, mainly in the states....... I'll research it- or at least get an email for you if possible!!!

For Oriental Moon www.orientalmooncairo.com

For Aida Nour costumes you can arrange to go see her, or check out which festivals she is teaching, and selling costumes at through her website. http://hem.passagen.se/aidanour/aida.htm or email aidanour@hotmail.com

For Raqia Hassan costumes http://www.raqiahassan.net/co.html I have not bought one of these yet- but the pictures look good!

So- there are lots of others............. and I often find some nice items from Mahmoud and Yasser in Khan el Khalili too...............



Today was 37 degrees. Very hot and sticky. I can hardly believe it. Was cold really not that long ago at all. Not a complaint- just a comment!

Having some work done in my flat over the next 2 weeks- mirrors getting put up in my 'spare' room to turn it into a proper studio for the private classes i get here at home and curtain rails put up on the balcony to shelter my huge livingroom windows from the afternoon sun, and so that I get some privicy to be able to sit out there and sunbathe without causing a riot amoung my neighbours!

I must mention mothers day. It was on friday here.... and a pretty huge event. People were saying congratualtions to me even- when i asked why- I was told becuase its a celebration day for all women- when I persisted and said- No its a day for all 'mothers' they argued no, no, for all women! weird. Anyway- well OTT, like valentines day... and when I said to a friend- we won't be able to get a seat in any restaurant today- he asked why- mothers seemingly dont get taken out for their meal- they still have to cook for the extended family on 'their' day! of course.........

It was also the Moulid Al-Nabi , the Prophets birthday, last week- which meant huge dolls and big boxes of sweets on sale everywhere. If for some reason you should be interested in making a moulid doll out of sugar, i found this bizarre with indepth info about it!!! http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Arts&Culture/Folklore/AlMoulidsDoll/070704000000000001.htm

To read a really great review of another moulid celebration- check out this journalists experience of moulid el-hussain last year... http://sparkslockout.blogspot.com/2007/06/moulid.html

oh- and Happy Easter everyone.... my 2nd Easter in a row without a chocolate egg- does that mean i have to be a grown up now??????? I don't want toooooo :-( !!!!!

pics of me!

Michele Dillon took these pics of me last time I was home (was hoping for more pics to show of the cossies- but hopefully they will follow!!!!!!) They were taking in the changing room- so pretty damn good for non studip shots I think!!!

Michele is a lovely dancer who performs mainly in various restaurants in Glasgow and also a wonderful photographer with recent success in her debut exhibition- an upcoming star!!! You can see some of her work on her website http://www.art-i-san.com/

Messages from home

A website and newsletter i haven't ever mentioned on my blog is worth a look.

The Bellydance club newsletter keeps me up to date with reviews of workshops and performances, books, cd's and lots more all over UK and is based in fife, Scotland. Run by an enterprising and enthusiastic bellydancer, Annette McCann, she sends out your newsletter direct to your email inbox, once a month and it never fails to entertain!!!

To find out more and to register for your newsletter (for only £10 per year!!!) click the following

http://www.bellydanceclub.co.uk/register/index.html

Also if you are a teacher based in Scotland- its a great place to advertise your classes (didn't notice any mentioned in Edinburgh yet!!!!!!) and if you are a student interested in starting out its a good place to search for more info!

I love it when I know whats going on at home, even when I am over here in Cairo! Mind you- sometimes I hear of events going on over there and I half wish I was there to attend!!!!!!!!!!!

instead I'm here........ biding my time, waiting for more dates to perform- a struggle just now since one of the boats is out of action- so there REALLY isn't enough work for all 4 of us right now..............very stressful........... roll on summer!

quote of the day 'the Dalai Lama treated me really badly' ( yes -a friend actually said this to me today. I live in a bizarre wonderful world!!!)

never boring..............

one of my favourite phrases to use to describe Cairo is 'it's never boring!'. here's what happened yesterday, in a fairly uneventful day, just to give you an idea.

• I signed the contract for yet another year working on the pharoah. It is all written in arabic and they laughed when i asked what it said!
• To write my name, on something I couldn't read- i had to sit about and wait for over an hour and a half!
• While sitting waiting, the police came to move us on (was sitting with 'my boy' on a bench on the corniche beside work) not really sure why this was acceptable behaviour on thier part- surely people can sit on a public bench for as long as they like?
• I met the general manager of the boat, for the 1st time, even though I have worked there for a year.
• I froze to bits eating my KFC lunch- since the sun has come out in Cairo some people seem to think that means it's acceptable to have the AC on in restaurants etc at 16 degrees. When i complained , the cleaner took the remote control out his pocket and changed it by a degree (I'm sure it got even colder!)
• The irony of going to get pampered, ie getting nails done, which also means have the hairs on your face ripped out with threads.............. ouch!
• My 1st show of the night, on the sunset sail (which leaves after sunset???) was to 4 tables. I felt like I was back in Edinburgh! However, still managed to get them up dancing and got a party atmosphere going so was happy until...........
• I did one dance, turned round and when I looked- every single one of them was looking out the window- not a soul looking at me. Grrrr. well- what could I do? I could stop, or walk off, or pretend they were watching, but i decided that what I really wanted to do was dance for me- so me and the tabla player just went a bit mad- it was fantastic! I didn't look at the people once- just at the tabla and floor and me.... danced my heart out... then he pointed out I should look at the people and not one of them wasn't looking at me!!!!! A fab show considering how little the audience was!
• between that sail and the next I finished my book, which had been a present from a good friend. Its called 'Chicago' and its by Alaa Al Aswany. Wonderful- read it in 2 days. All about medical students from Egypt who go to study in Chicago and all the cultural differences they discover. Tells a lot about human nature, and about Egypt life! I really recommend it!
• had a fight with my singer as to why, yet again, even with all this work i had in one night (3 sails), my fanoon weren't there with me....... (the 2 men who dance with sticks with me in the saaidi section of the show). He makes more profit out of me if he doesn't have to pay them you see..... so often they are 'busy' and can't come! Grrr
• Another fun tabla solo- totally improvised, since this was a drummer I have only worked with twice before. Think he was enjoying himself as much as I was!!!
• going up to a guest and asking 'where are you from?' to get the reply 'Scotland'. His face when I said I was from Edinburgh, was a picture!!!! so funny!
• my friend Amanda came to see me dance, and brought a friend from London and her Aunt, who's Egyptian. It was really fun chatting in arabic with her aunt after the show, and I always love when i have friends to see me- it brings out the best in me (thats what comes from being a show off I guess!!!!!)
• I managed to get smiles and laughter out of an Italian tour group! Usually they are the hardest audiences to please- but these people were lovely!
• while dancing I overheard a woman say to her husband- 'she pulls some faces!' i instantly replied , mid dance, 'thanks very much' ! after, when I thought more about it, I realised that wasn't a phrase you would really find outside of Scotland, and yes- they were from Glasgow! I just LOVE seeing the range of emotions that flood over a persons face when they have been watching the 'egyptian dancer' and suddenly realise that I am from their own country!!!
• Was told that although we don't wear them at all in Cairo anymore- I should ALWAYS had a shebka (a body stocking) in my bag when i work, in case the musanifat (police, sort of) come to check if I am decent or not! when no one told me this a year ago I don't know!!
• Last show (4th) of the night was nearly all Egyptians in audience. The atmosphere was wonderful, I felt amazing- they were all singing along with the music and very appreciative. Can honestly say I felt like I could really dance last night, which, for me, is saying something!
• The most amazing things of the whole day was probably the fact that i laughed and joked with the taxi driver on the way home, and he didnt' take that as a sign to be slimy with me!!!!!

So, that was my day. See what I mean. An average day. I didnt' find it boring- if you have got this far with reading it then hopefully you didnt' either!!!!

Oh- and if you still are checking this on the blog- why not get my posts sent direct to your email inbox- you just need to click on the link, it's easy!!! I have readers all around the world now- it's really exciting for me!

more costumes..

no pics this time though........

I have been rather naughty the last 2 days.
I bought all those new costumes before I went to Scotland (which I am still waiting for the pics so I can put them up here!!!) so I don't 'need 'costumes right now. BUT I went to see Amera el Kattan (of Pharonics costumes) yesterday- as I wanted to order one costume- and really had to restrain myslef from ordering more than the 2 I did!!!! so excited. Never had a yellow costume before- won't have it for a while yet either- but its in the making......................

Then today- I went to see Eman Zaki, pay off my debts to her........ and just commented in passing that I had never seen any of her sister Hoda's designs. Well that was just the WRONG thing to say wasn't it?!!! within 5 mins I had ordered one from her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmm

trying NOT to think what the last 2 days just cost me!!!

just have to say - last night Sara came to see me dance with a couple of people over from UK, a dancer and her son, and I was really scared, cos I felt like I would never be able to get the energy going to make it a good show. But its amazing where the energy can come from at times........seeing your teacher smile like that is a bit like being a kid and making your mum smile!

Saw an accident on the way to work last night. A huge old tree had fallen on top of cars on the main road on the way to work. It wasn't windy or stormy or anything. It just fell. Not sure how many cars were crushed underneath it- a few. There but for the grace of God............

Oh and another wee thing. I was chatting with my labeesa (dresser) and she was saying the thing she liked , or one of the things she liked, about foreign dancers as opposed to Egyptian dancers was that foreigners dressed decently off stage, ie long skirts or jeans, long sleeved tops etc etc whereas some Egyptian girls show off more cleavage and leg on the way to and from work as they do on stage. I thought it showed an interesting example of how 'we' see the dance differently from local girls. Work is work- but off stage is something else. I am sure there are exceptions to that.....

but then I was chatting with Joana (dancer from portugal) today, and she was telling me about a conversation she had recently with a couple of Egyptian men, who, after they had been talking about history and religion and such things for a while asked 'are you SURE you're a dancer? dancers don't talk about things like this. You are really well educated' so maybe that sums up yet another difference between us and them! We foreign dancer have come here because we have CHOSEN to be dancers. Often Egyptian girls do it cos they think they will make good money that way and they can't see any other way of doing that.

all very interesting..... and helps towards trying to understand why this art form , which I love and respect, comes under such heavy critisism within Egyptian society.

Praise……..

You know- I've been thinking about it. I think the reason I felt so strong that 1st night back to work here in Cairo was largely due to the massive positive response I received when I was in Scotland. Both in the workshops and in response to my performances. I'd like to blow my own trumpet a little and quote some of an email I received from a student of mine, it really made me feel amazing…

Dear Lorna, You'll be hearing so much of this I am sure! Always seeing you dance has been a source of inspiration and amazement. Each jaw dropping performance has always swept every other dancer from my mind. When you returned to Scotland before, it seemed impossible but somehow you had brought more to your dance, showing us so much emotion and moves that had me doing that " but HOW did she DO that!!!?" face.
This time you did something else amazing. At Morocco you utterly became the music to a point that it seemed impossible to separate the two. You became greater in stature, making yourself immense in the space. The observer in my dance head was trying to question " how does Lorna do that?" but you were just so at one with the music you were it that it was not possible to step back from your performance and look at pieces of it. WOW!
You explained lots of this at your workshop which seemed to be over in minutes. It was a delight to see you dance in Scotland again. Wishing you huge success in Cairo, you are already a huge success! All the best ……… V.

Isn't that lovely? Her email made me sooo proud I instantly sent it to my teacher Sara so she could be proud of me too!!!! The line that really got to me was ' You became greater in stature, making yourself immense in the space.' It got to me because that was the long term aim for me……… not just to be a dancer- but to be a real performer…… and that’s what this line suggests I, at least on this particular night, achieved! I am really grateful that this girl was able to put in writing the way she felt…. And that she even thought about doing it! Quite often when you become good at something, or are the teacher (or both!) people stop praising you. They assume you already know!

Perfect example is when you go to a hafla in UK, EVERYONE will praise the beginners (as they should do since its hard to get up there when you are just starting out!) but few will say anything to the professional- maybe you get a 'great – as always' or something- a comment meant to praise, but actually makes you feel you haven't achieved anything any better than you did before. If you are always good- why put in the effort? Good dancers often have low self esteem too- don't forget to let them know WHAT was good!

Oh- and while I am talking about my time in Scotland- can I just say how much I loved teaching in Dundee and Glasgow again- what NICE NICE people!!! I had forgotten just how welcoming you guys are! Looking forward to coming back to see you in September hopefully when I am in the country for a month (inshallah!!!)

So you can appreciate what I mean- look at these smiley faces from my Glasgow workshop!............... (we all look a bit sweaty and exhausted- but some of us had just done 4 hours dancing!!!!)

I am sad to leave Edinburgh, to leave my family and friends behind. This trip was so chaotic I didn't even get to see most of my family…….. so hopefully when I return end of April (for a week) I can make it a 100% social trip and catch up with everyone (or maybe 98%- for sure I perform at least once at Morocco!!!)

I'm NOT sad to leave that horrible weather! In Cairo the sun is shining- I am out in daytime in a t-shirt (or equivalent) and sleeping with just a sheet- no electric blanket or hot water bottle!!!!

Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world- except for its weather!!!!!!!!!

Costumes…

A few people have commented on the photo of me in my new costume in the last blog!) . It’s by a new designer here in Cairo, they are called 'Oriental Moon in Cairo' and are based in Nasr City, Cairo. They are just starting out really- but have some nice and funky ideas.

You can see some shots of me modelling some of their costumes at their website www.orientalmooncairo.com/diva.html . There are more pics under the 'malika collection' too…………….

I even get a mention in their 'friends' page! I'm looking forward to their new collection so I can go pose in lots of lovely costumes again for a day!!!! Quite like this type of modelling work!!!!

Here's a taste of their funky cossies!!!!!..................

Performing in Cairo- back to work!

So much to write about I don't know where to start……

Back in Cairo now. Its really, really sunny and warm! Amazing what sunshine can do to your mood! and amazing the difference 2 weeks can make!

Was working last night- on my 1st night back. WONDERFUL!!!!! I very rarely am happy with a performance, being such a perfectionist when it comes to my own work. I really felt wonderful last night though. I guess back to sunshine, and friends, and mainly- my band! Oh the joy of dancing to a live band after 2 weeks working with cds. I really can't describe the pleasure! I felt on top of the world in my new costumes, working with my band behind me- inspiring me, supporting me and very happy to see me. The whole joy of being here and living the dream was reinforced with all 3 performances I did last night!!!

It helped that amongst really nice, mixed, friendly audiences, there were a couple of dancers from Leeds there- smiley faces right in the front, singing along with the music and urging me to do well. I am hoping pride doesn't come before fall in this case- cos I felt so damn proud to be up there, the Scot in Egypt- doing a good job and loving it!

Before I left to go to Scotland, I had a night on the boat where I really didn't feel so confident. I felt it really hard to connect with the audience and it was probably all to do with the way I was feeling about travelling etc but I just wasn't in it at all. One table helped make it a really enjoyable night for me though. They were attentive and smiley- which always helps to a performer! When I did the photos with them (part of the job to go round everyone and have professional pics taken) I realised they weren't speaking English- so I kinda mimed that I wanted the 2 young girls to join me on the dance floor. They did- and were lovely. Really attentive and very good followers! To be honest- I was on stage thinking- I guess work-wise I should be performing for the rest of the audience more and not just enjoying myself with these two. But I decided I needed to have fun too.

The funny thing was – I received a lovely email from the family a few days later………. Turns out that they were Scottish too!!!!! They hadn't realised I was Scot, assuming I was Egyptian. When they discovered where I was from (not sure how) they searched me down on the internet and emailed me to say thanks for making the night so special for their nieces from France (hence me not hearing English!!!) and that they felt very proud as fellow Scots, of my achievements! The girls had been so inspired they had a private class later in the week and are seemingly still speaking about it! The family sent some pics too- Here's us having fun!


I love my job.....................!

If you are reading this and want to join in the fun- and are in cairo over next week or so- I am performing on the following dates;

Nile Pharoah- 7th, 8th, 9th and 12th March

Golden Pharoah- is having a refurbish/ motor overhall or whatever you call it- so not running for next week or so!

hopefully see you here!

coming soon.......

.... to cairo - fly back 'home' tomorrow!

Have been running about in Edinburgh, well, across Scotland actually, for over a week- hence no blog entries... but once i get a chance to sit and type it all expect to read up about the following..

-how my workshops and performances in Scotland went... with some student reviews...
-dancing for Scots on board the Pharoah...
-New costume designer in Cairo......
-My new costumes- with pics!!! (anyone reading this who took good photos on the night of the bellydance banquet- please send any nice pics you have of me..... !!!!!)
-how it feels leaving Edinburgh....
-anyone interested in renting a flat in Edinburgh?!!........
-best and worst bits about returning to Cairo......

well..... there are prob lots more topics i want to cover, once i start writing I get inspired and just go for it. But you get my jist- lots of blogging to come in the very near future. Bet you are all soooo excited now!!! I guess this is a bit like a blog trailer then.....

1st I have a last day of organising and seeing family and spending time with my lovely wee nephew Sam, who turned 2 last week... so cute!!!

What a weekend- phew!!!

wow....

its been non stop ever since I arrived in Edinburgh.

I spent all day friday completing the script for Hannah for the show on sunday ( i know i know- my own fault for leaving it so damn late!!!)- then I performed on friday night. That was a tough show- but then it always is- the 1st time with CD again after being too used to having a band backing me up! That and my back having decided it would punish me for making it sit for so long in airports, planes and in front of the comupter!!! grr and ouch!

Saturday morning, I taught a FREE complete beginners workshopat macdonald library- which had about 30 people in it (I have to say there were quite a few who were NOT beginners!) but we had a lot of fun and laughs and it really was a nice vibe. Its amazing how this dance form has the power to really touch women from all walks of life. i love it.

My 'fancy footwork' was sold out on sat afternoon- and the 3 hours of walking and exploring foot patterns and freeing up how we use our feet in bellydance really seemed to appeal to a lot of people. They were dancing some pretty mean drum solo's by the end of it all anyway!!!

Sat night- back in Morocco. The restaurant that is, not the country! Getting a chance to practise my arabic on some Egyptians who came in and also some Syrians. It was a lovely night, very busy with a relaxed amosphere. Alys brought 15 girls in from Perth and they were the best audience a performer could hope for- thanks girls- looking fwd to that masterclass next time!!!!!

Sunday (after another 2 hours finishing planning for the show at night!) i had 2 workshops. I usually dont teach choreography... but i decided to break my rule- and i really enjoyed it. A baladi/table piece that was cheeky and fun. Wish we had had 3 hours for it instead of 2 though.......

The alchemy workshop was the one that surprised me- and the girls in the class too. I was holding back the tears by the end of 2 hours, as were a few girls in the class......... lets just say we spent 2 hours getting in touch with all the different aspects of bellydance including the spiritual side! I dont do 'new agey' type things usually- but this one really worked........ the difference in peoples dancing by the end was phenomenal- iike I said- it produced tears! Thanks for sharing the love girls!!!

In fact- it even helped me at night- i felt much calmer when i performed in the Bellydance Banquet last night that I do normally at these types of events... and i felt really connected with the audience.
I had some wonderful feedback from one dancer who told me she just realised lst night that when she watches me dance, she watches my face more than the moves or rest of me! I was really chuffed with that compliment since thats how i feel when i am watching a dancer i really admire!

So wonderful when i feel i have learned as much from teaching a workshop as my students did from being in it!!!!!

Oh- if anyone is reading this from elsewhere in the UK and are interested- I lan on being home in UK for the whole of September (for Ramadan, when all Bellydancing is Banned in Cairo because it is considered to be 'Haram' ie forbidden by Allah) so if you are interested in hosting workshops in your area on the topics i mentioned above, or any others... then please feel free to contact me asap since I'd love to dance and teach in new places too!

anyway- back to work now after all the excitement of last night- I have a week full of private classes... its nice getting the time to catch up one to one with some lovely dancers....

looking forward to the workshops in Dundee and Glasgow this weekend too!

Going 'home'

This was written yesterday in heathrow airport.........

Home is where the heart is , or so they say….

And for the 1st time ever I feel I am leaving home to come to Edinburgh for a visit!

I have had a hellish morning……….. after one hour of sleep I headed to Cairo airport- and there was traffic queues- at 7am! So I was stressed, tired and late. I just made check in- which as a chaotic event since they were checking in ALL Egypt air flights at the same time…..

Then I got to passport control where they gave me a really hard time, cos my 'tourist visa' had expired 2 months ago. I tried to explain about my working there- with a paid visa all that time- but when the mogamma offices return my passport to me, when I hand in my ID card, they don't mark it to that effect- so I had to pay a fine and be treated like a criminal for ages, even though I had apid every month for the privialge of being and working in cairo, and of course being eyed up and down by all these police men wanting a look at the 'dancer' before I was allowed to run to the gate to catch the flight before it closed….

I did however manage a quick stop at duty free to buy a pressie for my sister……….
Flight was a good half hour late, and when I got to Heathrow they of course confiscated the bottle of vodka. I was gutted. It's ok to bring in stuff from EU, but not from outside, seemingly. So, it looks like Cairo airport duty free shop had lied to me when I asked if it was ok- just to make even more money out of me.

At Heathrow, they hadn't put the gate number up yet- when they did and I walked all the way there- it was closed, due to service faults… so they sent me somewhere else, who sent me back, who sent me back and basically on the 5th try to find where I should be , I eventually found the new gate, in tears, liteally, and after the flight had left.

I sat for next half hour while they checked me onto the next flight, 2 and a half hours later, crying my heart out. The girl had sat me down in the special needs section while she sorted it for me and everyone avoided all eye contact or anything with me- I guess not sure what sort of special needs I had and frightened by my tears!!!

2 precious hours of time wasted when it should have been spent with my nephew Sam.
NOT a good journey. I am praying that when I finally arrive in Edinburgh that things start to go a little more smoothly!


Now its friday morning- after an evening, last night with my sister and nephew, a good meal, half a bottle of non- Egyptian wine and a great sleep.....................

Its good to be back in Scotland!

- even if the weather is horrific- windy, grey, wet, and cold. Looking forward to dancing in Morocco restaurant tonight and am sitting now putting together the show for sunday night- which is sold out!

value of food

In a culture where so many are soooo poor they really do not have enough to eat a tradition has developed which gives food a very high status.

In a way it reminds me of when my mum used to give me a row when i didn't want to eat all my dinner- that was to think about all those starving kids in Africa............ meaning I shoud take what i was given and not complain since I was lucky enough to be born in Scotland rather than in lands of famine........

What I couldn't understand then was how was the food I had left on my plate going to make a jot of difference to anyone starving anywhere- unless they were sitting next to me then in which case they would have been welcome to it.

Of course the whole idea was to teach a respect for food and reduce wastefulness.

Here the respect for food is so great that last night when I drop a few crisps on the ground by accident last night- and went to kick them off the boat into the Nile, my girl shouted at me... 'Haram' (ie- it is forbidden by Allah)- you can't treat food like that- so she lovingly picked up each crisp by hand and then flung it into the Nile anyway since no one would eat it when it had been on the ground......

It's something to do with food being from Allah- therefore its wrong both to drop it on the ground, throw it away or touch it with your feet................ even if you are only about to put in the rubbish bin..............

which is all fine, well and good..............

BUT.........

where does that respect come in when you see Egyptians at a buffet meal with their plates heaped up so high that 4 people couldn't even finish it- then leaving it all on the plate at the end of the meal........?

do the kitchen staff get it? do they want it? what????? do they put it all in a big box and give it to the other starving people in Africa?!

Passport

It's something most people (esp in the UK) take for granted. the freedom of having a passport, not only that but the power to travel almost anywhere with that passport.

The majority of Egyptians dont have a passport and wouldn't be able to get one. To travel you have to have done your national service (or have proof that you are exempt) , you need money in the bank or property (so they know you are going to come back), you need a reason to travel (a holiday generally isn't enough reason!) which therefore involves letters of invitation and guardians abroad who will vouch for you...........etc etc................ The Egyptians who do travel usually either have dual nationality, a lot of money or know people in high up places............

It's a subject I was forced to think about because for the majority of the time I spend in Cairo I have my passport taken off me. In order to obtain a 'green' card to work as a foreign dancer here in Cairo, you have to submit your passport. They hold it in mogamma (goverment offices) until you exchange the card again for it each time you travel. Thankfully so far I only had one flight I missed because the mogamma wouldn't release the passport in time.........

and today i got my 'burgandy freedom' in time for travelling on thursday morning, so the pressure is off! phew!

Choreography

You would think, that even though I always improvise when i perform... that since I am dancing most days, it would get easier over the years to choreograph a routine. I'm teaching a fun baladi/tabla solo number this coming sunday in Edinburgh (sorry workshop fully booked!) and i chose a very short piece (2 mins) since we only have 2 hours.

Today I set aside part of the day to work out the routine........... I have been at it for over 5 hours and it's still not complete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its only a 2 minute piece! Thats an hour for every 20 seconds!

I dont' understand- when i was teaching over 20 classes per week it would take me about one hour to choreograph one minute of a dance. So, either my standards and skills are slipping, or the more likely reason, because I dont teach as much as I used to i have a lot of moves that my body automatically does to the music- without processing the information via my brain! In a class I normally having to break things down to explain to others.... but now my body has had the freedom to speed ahead on its own. It's hard to rein it back in!!!

I am giving up on it for today and will finish off the last 20 sec's tomorrow with a fresh brain and body....

Actually- I like it so much I might even include it in my Bellydance Banquet show this coming sunday in Morocco restaurant, Edinburgh (for which there are a handful of tickets left...... but going fast.....)

I have enjoyed it today though..... very theraputic...... and probably very good for my dancing too....... we'll see if i end up doing anything differently from normal on the stage tonight!

Last week

The whole last week has been a busy and strange one............

Oh- I had it confirmed .... as a foreign dancer I am ONLY allowed to work in ONE VENUE. Which is frustrating as an artist anyway- but especially when you are working enough to 'maybe' pay the rent, and not much else. Bloody stupid system. I can see why so many of the foreign dancers get married just to get an Egyptian passport!

I had an audition in a nice place last week (no more details -sorry!!!)... I was really nervous, and felt i didn't do anywhere near my best, but they liked me.... or so they appeared- but not yet heard anything thing... so , we'll see.........

Valentines day here is HUGE!!!! every shop window is FULL of huge hearts and flowers- Cairo is painted red! What I found more strange was that EVERYONE wishes you happy valentines!!! from my cleaner, to the manager, to friends... all of them! They call it 'Eid el Hob' - meaning 'festival of love', and its TOTALLY over the top. Saying that- I did have a lovely day- so I am not complaining!!!

An annoying thing I have decided about Cairo- maybe the most annoying thing is, when you ask someone to do something- even if you are really specific about what it is you want...

they do exactly what THEY think is better for you................................

from the choice of colour to paint your nails, to the music the band play for you to dance, to what clothes/rooms need cleaned or left....... EVERYONE thinks they know better. When you are sick, they ALL have the 'only' solution or cure. It's hard to get angry at them cos you know they were really only trying to help, and only trying to get it right... but the concept of following a request to the letter just isn't known about here!!! GRRRRRR

Thats all for now- off to work now (on Nile Pharoah tonight, then Golden mon 18th, tues 19th and wed 20th) and then I fly home to Edinburgh for 2 weeks on the 21st- wow- still SOOOO much to do before now and then!

Happy Egyptians 1-0

I know I have written about football before, but I am sitting at home listening to the sounds of Egyptians going wild whenever Egypt scores a goal. theres fireworks, drums, car horns, screaming, you name it..... and I am inside, with my windows and doors closed and my stereo playing- and I can still hear it all going on. Gameat el dowel street with me at a standstill this evening... with everyone taking to their cars to parade the egyptian flag with pride.

Tonight is the final of the African Cup, and I am guessing from the celebrations currently going on that Egypt just won!

They beat cameroon 1-0. happy happy folk!!!

Where to stay in Egypt

I have mentioned before about having a large flat in mohandiseen in Cairo in which I have 2 spare rooms (one double, one twin) which I am happy to rent out to anyone interested, esp suitable for dancers (since you have me on hand to question and advise re the costume shops, dancers etc etc ) on a per day or weekly basis.............. contact me if you are interested...

However I was thinking, that you would like to combine your trip to Cairo with some time out in Luxor doing the sites there (valley of the kings/queens, karnak temple etc etc )- then you might be interested in my friend Penny's flat in Luxor which she rents out. Her website has all the info and booking form too, and the price is very reasonable I think too.... http://www.everythingegyptian.co.uk

Its possible to fly or get the train between cairo and luxor both quite cheaply. so you could have your main flight to Egypt either to Cairo, or to Luxor which might be cheaper from UK........

so hopefully we'll see you in Egypt soon!

Changes in Cairo Sheraton

On monday night I went with a fellow dancer ( Joana from portugal- works at same place as me ) to go to the Marriot Nightclub to see Suraya perform. We went looking for inspiration. Sometimes when you are performing all the time you need to take time out to watch others perform to make sure you are not getting stuck in a rut!

Suraya used to perform at the Casablanca restaurant in the Cairo Sheraton, but they have closed that down for some reason and so she can now be found 2 nights per week at the Marriot.

They have built a stage there...... It used to be that the musicians were on a stage at the back, but the dancer performed on the dancefloor area in front of them- now they have built the stage right out towards the tables- so the dancer is elevated. I like it. It gives more status to the dancer and you can see more. Prob is that if they wear a short skirt you can also see more than you bargained for!!!

They never used to have a minimum charge either there- but they forced one on us- so don't know if that will be the norm- or if it was just because of the people we were with! She started 1.30am.

Anyway- Suraya def has the best band in Cairo at the moment. I guess she was able to keep them since she used to have work everynight at the sheraton in addition to weddings etc... dont know what'll happen know that she isn't quite so regular.... anyway- her kanoun is to die for, her violin player makes you cry (in a good way) and her table is 100% by her side. Its a joy. As for the dancing- so be honest- I love her to bits- but I HATE tose damn shoes she wears!!!! I know she is little and has to- but I feel they take so much away from her art and make her look unsteady so much of the time. She was very good, although I have seen her dance better and wonder if its all the stress of a new stage, new venue etc etc... Her shimmys are to die for- and esp the earthquake one- amazing- i think my mouth fell open watching that one!!!!!!!!

As for costumes- cos I know you all love to hear about those. 1st she had a mini skirt one- its was white with red flowers and the skirt was a sarong style. Very girlie, cute. Please excuse the quality of the photo