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1. Why don’t you have an e-mail address? 2. Do belly dancers strip? 3. We understand that you don’t strip, would you dance at a bachelors party? 4. What kind of residential parties have you done? 5. Will you volunteer your dancing to a non-profit event? 6. You said you were taught by all kinds of teachers. Who were some of them? 7. Why “The Dragon Dancer”? 8. What are Za’Zahn’s horns made of? 9. What about tips (gratuities)? 10. Do you dance at any restaurants? 11. Can you get in shape with belly dancing? 12. Do you teach? 13. Where do you get your costumes? 14. I want to learn more about belly dancing. Where should I start?
Links Special Thanks
1. Why don’t you have an e-mail address? A. Because I’m too busy dancing to spend time answering e-mail. If you want to talk to me about your event, please call and leave a message at 209-345-9450.
2. Do belly dancers strip? A. I don’t, and all of the belly dancers I know don’t strip either. If you want someone to “take it off” at your event, I am not the one. Please read my terms and conditions if you plan on hiring me for you event.
3. We understand that you don’t strip, but would you dance at a bachelors party? A. No. Two out of two bachelors parties have resulted in taking the hiring party to small claims court. Though I won both times, sadly, there will always be one guy at such parties who will ruin it for everyone. Please read my terms and conditions if you plan on hiring me for you event.
4. What kind of residential parties have you done? A. Weddings, baby showers, birthday parties for adults and children, anniversaries, retirement parties, holiday events, any kind of family-oriented party you can think of.
5.Will you volunteer your dancing at non-profit events? A. Call me at 209-345-9450 for more information.
6. You said you were taught by all kinds of teachers. Who were some of them? A. Most of my training came from Lynette Harris of Snake’s Kin Studios. She was very instrumental exposing me to many of her teachers: Najia, Bert Balladine, Leila Haddad, and Rhea, to name a few. I also received lots of training from my troupe leader, Gail Wayne, who was a long time pupil of Jamila Salimpour. I’ve also gone to workshops to learn techniques from Habi’ Rui, and a variety of respected solo performers. And of course, if you are serious about studying dance, you share with your peers. You teach them something you do that they like and vise-versa. I wouldn’t be half the dancer I am today if it weren’t for the sharing and fellowship developed among my fellow belly dancers. But the most important rule for dance study: Never stop learning and refining.
7. Why “The Dragon Dancer”? A. Mostly, I love dragons, and some belly dance steps are snake-like in motion. It seemed like a natural fit. Now Za’Zahn’s creation was inspired one day while I was listening to a lovely piece of music. It was like a warm breath whispered into my ear and said, “I want to dance to that”, and Za’Zahn was born.
8. What are Za’Zahn’s horns made out of? A. Horns – made? Pleassssse, dragons grow horns. ( - Za’Zahn)
9. What about tips (gratuities)? A. Tips are good, and customary. Just keep in mind not all dancers accept tips being placed in their costume (bra strap or belt). So look around for a basket or jar first before offering money to the dancer. Your best bet is to ask the dancer how they prefer to receive tips before they perform.
10. Do you dance at any restaurants? A. At this time, no. I’ve done restaurant dancing when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I didn’t like it. I have much more fun dancing at public functions or residential parties.
11. Can you get in shape with belly dancing? A. Depending upon what techniques you incorporate, yes it can be good exercise. But keep in mind that it’s one thing to do a workout at home, it’s not O.K. to sweat all over your audience during a performance. Actual performance is more refined and dignified. That’s why Egyptian Cabaret is so powerful and pleasing to watch.
12. Do you teach? A. Call me at 209-345-9450 for more information.
13. Where do you get your costumes? A. I make all or some part of my costume. Below are links to some of my resources.
14. I want to learn more about belly dancing. Where should I start? A. I recommend several good places to look. See the links below.
LINKS: www.gildedserpent.com (on line belly dance ‘zine with articles, events, and advertisers selling everything from costumes to instruction – free to the reader – fantastic resource!!!)
www.shira.net (Lots of information about belly dancing – may be a good way to find other dancers in your area, too)
www.sevenveils.com OR www.sultanafashions.com (both owned by the same proprietor, Andrea, a real sweetie – fantastic costumes, easy to modify, excellent prices, sizes from petit to goddess!)
www.lrosedesigns.com (more dance wear – some pieces can be incorporated into professional costumes)
www.gatemedia.com (Like my site? Do business with these guys. They’re not only a lot of fun, their expertise and professionalism is second to none.)
SPECIAL THANKS: I would like to thank my husband, David, for all of his love, support, and understanding. He knows how important this creative endeavor is to me and has done nothing but encourage my love for this art.
I would like to thank my family and friends who have been “die-hard fans” and the best cheerleaders a dancer on her way to greatness ever had.
I would like to extend my fondest gratitude to all of those who have mentored me, especially Lynette Harris, Gail Wayne, and Janine Ryle. You all got me “hooked”, thanks!
And last but not least, the staff at The Gate Media Group. As a result of their efforts this site and other marketing materials have the desired and polished presentation. I am so glad I had them in my corner.
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