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  Za'ina Dilshad
WINNIPEG / MANITOBA:

Au Set Bellydance Emporium - Store and studio

Saramaga Middle Eastern Dance Costumes & Accessories
- Winnipeg's premiere vendor and sponsor of many great workshops and shows!

Spice Road Belly Dance - Winnipeg's only Egyptian style belly dance troupe

Nicola
- Highly recommended Winnipeg instructor and troupe director of Spice Road Bellydance. Sponsor of some of Winnipeg's finest events!  Lots of valuable information on her site.

Invoke the Goddess Designs
- One of the best designers in the business is right here in Winnipeg! Unique, high-quality custom-made costume designs created specially for you by the extremely talented Sameerah! One of a kind designs!  These costumes are made to fit you perfectly and to last!


CANADA:

Abir's Casbah
(Calgary) - The very talented, Jamilee Abir's website. Great event listing and online magazine!

Achera Rose
(Regina) - Creator of the " Stars" series of fusion belly dance shows put on in Regina - If the Stars Could Bellydance (Produced by Thornrose Productions), Calgary - Stars Who Bellydance (Produced by Thornrose & Shimmy Dance Productions) and Winnipeg - If Elvis Could Bellydance (Produced by ShaZaam! Productions)!

Arabesque Dance Company (Toronto) - Canada's leading institute for Middle Eastern Dance and Music.

Cicek Pasaj
(Montreal) - Belly dance merchandise

Hadia
(Montreal) - A true master! A lifetime of knowledge. Hadia offers teacher training seminars, professional performer intensives, dance tours, and much more!

Jalilah (Vancouver / Montreal) - World renown dancer, instructor and producer of some of the best belly dance music available! Producer of a series of six top quality CDs labelled, 'Jalilah's Raks Sharki' for Piranha recording label in Germany.

Jamiila Al Badawia - Originally from Winnipeg. Entertaining, cheeky and earthy.  A great character dancer.

Nath Keo
(Victoria) - Cambodian & Middle Eastern Dance artist.

RAMED
- Regina Association of Middle Eastern Dance

Shibori Borealis (Ottawa) - One of a kind, hand-dyed artisan quality silk fabrics & veils by Darlene F. Nadeau

Suzy
(Airdrie) - Canada's Betty Boop of bellydance!

Venus
(Vancouver & Montreal) - Educational articles. Check out shimmy lab bellydance scienc
Oriental Dance Artist
BELLY DANCE INFO:

Belly Dance Museum - Origins of bellydancing and famous historic bellydancers. The oldest pictures of bellydance in the world. A collection of pieces as old as 1714.

Bhuz
- Largest on-line bellydance community

Dahlal Internationale
- The costumes on this site will make you drool. Also have a great selection of music and DVDs. Check out Dancer Designs for innovative costuming ideas.

Gilded Serpent
- Middle Eastern Music and Dance Journal

Raqia Hassan - Legendary dancer and teacher, creator and director of the largest belly dance festival in the world, 'Ahlan Wa Sahlan'.

ishimmy - online magazine

Little Egypt
- workshops with some of Egypt's best!

Sahira/Expert Village - online belly dance lessons

Salome
- Great site! Lot's of articles, Arabic song lyrics,  etc.

Shira
- Everything and more!  Be prepared to spend a few hours on Shira's site. An abundance of information!

The Chronicles Magazine
- A belly dancer's oasis. A great magazine in print.  Regular upscale  article's by professionals such as Hadia, Sahra Saeeda, Morocco, etc.

Yasmina's Joy of Bellydancing!- online magazine
OTHER (Non Belly Dance related) LINKS:

Bust-a-groove - Fun motivational and groovin' dance movement classes with Karrianne Scott. I know it's fun.
I've tried it!

Buzzing Bee Bed and Breakfast (Oak Lake, Manitoba) - A lovely rural getaway with hosts Myvanwy & Barry.  Less than 3 hours from Winnipeg.  Currently renovating, will be open Spring 2010.  Monthly musical events.

Difficult Viewing - Winnipeg audio & visual artist Murray Toews

Vav Jungle / DJ Beekeeni - Winnipeg's Eve Rice, a one-of-a-kind, one- woman act that is never the same twice. Singer, song writer, musician, performance artist, DJ.  Vav Jungle's 3rd CD, "Zig-a-Dig" includes the track "Za'ina's Belly".
Resources & Favourite Links!
There are so many great web sites out there. After years of research, here are some of my favourites
and recommendations for my students. Navigate away and enjoy!
I promise,.. you will be busy for hours!
About Za'ina
Classes
Booking
Events
Resume
Gallery
EDUCATIONAL
Articles on Raqs Sharqi - by Andrea Deagon
Dancing for Doweries: Earning Power, Ethnology and Happily Ever After by Andrea Deagon
Hadia Speaks... on the Dance - Interview by Janikea

INSPIRATIONAL
Getting Rid of Negative Self-talk - by Amira Jamal

PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICAL CONDUCT
Words of Wisdom: An interview with Hadia by  Jalilah
The Critic; Real Critics Don't Mince Words - by Najila El-Mouzayen
A Professional - Primer - by Salome
Interview with Hadia - by Salome
In Defense of Demanding Teachers - by Yasmin of Washington, DC
Where Have All the Cover-Ups Gone? - by Ashiya and Naajidah
If Prices Are Up All Over, Why Are Oriental Dancers Getting Less? - by Morocco (1982)
Give Credit Where Credit is Due - Dondi Simone Dahlin
Ethics and Standard Practices in Bellydance by Anthea

DANCE STYLES
Al-Haggala: The Dance of the Western Desert, Egypt by Farida Fahmy
A Comparison and Contrast of American and Egyptian Belly Dance by A'isha Azar
Gypsy...Un, Deux, Trois by Denise

COSTUMING
Belly Dance Costumes by Salome
Bella: Profile of a Costume Designer by Michelle Joyce
Belly Dancing Costumes by Diaa Khalil
Bikini Belly Dancer Shocks! Shocks! Egyptian Sensibilities by Miriam Sami
Cairo's Costume Disasters by Leyla Lanty
Easy Costuming Ideas - Shanmonster

INSTRUCTORS & INSTRUCTING
A Competent Teacher - by Ne-Kajira Jannan

HEALTH
What's the Catch "Knees" by Milena Miklos
Great Balls of Fire, My Aching Feet by Milena Miklos

MISCELLANEOUS

Arabic song lyrics
Badia Masabny Star Maker of Cairo by Jalilah
Re-defining Belly Dance and Middle Eastern Dance by Tasha Banat
Egyptian Wedding Stories by Leila

REVIEWS OF LOCAL EVENTS
If Stars from Calgary: Suzy, Jamilee Abir and Ariellah Teach in Winnipeg by Azura

ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS WITH THE STARS

Interview with Hadia - by Salome
Interview with Dr. Mo Geddawi - by Salome
Interview with Mohamed Shahin - by Salome
Interview; Talking Turkey with Tayyar Akdeniz by Atesh
Interview with Yasmina Ramzy - by Salome
Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy: 50 Years of Dance by Farida Fahmy (Aug 2009)
The North Beach Memories of... - A collection of interviews and stories by Gilded Serpent

FESTIVALS


AWARDS
The 11th Giza Awards - by Gregory Burke

MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS

Gilded Serpent presents...
Musical Instrument Tour

ENGLISH-LANGUAGE EGYPTIAN NEWS
Al-Ahram Weekly On-line
The Egyptian Gazette
MUSIC, VIDEOS, COSTUMES & PROPS

Audrena.com - The Belly Dance Store

Bellydance Store.com - Designer and good selection of mid-range priced costumes

Bellydance with K Boutique - Reasonably priced costumes, new & used

CD Baby - Music & videos. Option to buy CDs or download.mp3s

Dahlal International - Amazing selection of costumes by designer name.  Watch for monthly  video and music highlights. Sample music clips available.

Eman Zaki - Fashion and costume designer - Cairo, Egypt

Hollywood Music Centre - Bellydance mainstream music and videos

L. Rose Designs - High quality belly dance costumes and apparel.

Legend Costumes/Shimi Textile - Designers of professional and amateur costumes, based in Istanbul

Lost Treasures Egyptian Imports - Hip scarves, costumes, accessories, etc.

Maqam - Large selection of music and videos. Sample music clips available.

Oranit Kagan (Isreal) - Costume designer of classical and contemporary belly dance clothing

Pyramid Imports - Home of Egyptian arts, crafts and Belly Dance costumes

Saroyan Mastercrafts - High quality zils (finger cymbals) & scimitars

Sugar Petals - Costuming supplies; great selection of unitards and body stockings

The Bellydance Shop - Costumes, clothing for practice,  music, DVDs

Turkish Emporium - Everything for belly dance

Turqoise International - Manufacturers of finger cymbals since 1972. Importers and exporters of Middle Eastern dance wear.
BELLY DANCE SHOPPING:
Visit me at myspace: www.myspace.com/zainadilshad
the largest online Belly Dance community
Miscellaneous International Dancers


Katia of Russia - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
Lulu Sabongi of Brazil - Clip 1Clip 2, Clip 3
Orit Maftsir of Israel - Melaya Leff, Ansak, Baladi
Samasem of Russia - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
Modern Egyptian

Aida Nour
of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2
Fifi Abdo
of EgyptNour El Ayoun, Egyptian Wedding Scene, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5
Nagwa Fouad
of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5
Suheir Zaki of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2
Post Modern Egyptian

Dina of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, actress
Randa Kamal of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5
Dalila of Cairo  - Clip 1
Tito of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4
  North African Folkloric (regional) & Specialty (theatrical, character dance)

Ghawazee - Aisha Ali
Hagalla
- Mahmoud Reda, Azza Sharif, Usama & Nefertari
Moroccan - female dancer & musicians, Aisha Ali Shikhat
Port Said - spoons, on stage, El Tanbura, clip
Saidi & Raks Assaya - Hala El Safi & Metkaal Kenawe, Aisha Ali 1, Aisha Ali 2, Ahmed & Nefertari
Saidi: men's stick & tahtib - wedding, Saiidi 2
Shamadan/Candelabra - Nadia Hamdi, in film, Zeffa (wedding procession)

  Specialty (theatrical, character dance)

Melaya Leff - Lubna Emam, Gamila El Masri
Vintage North American Cabaret / Oriental (Old School)

Alexandra King - Clip 1, Clip 2
Roman (Bert) Balladine - Once More with Feeling
Cory Zamora - Clip 1, Hafla TV, Floorwork
Dahlena - Clip 1
Fahtiem -
Atea video clip
Helena Vlahos
- Clip 1
Morocco - Clip 1
Norma from Detroit - restaurant clip (example of  a typical routine done during 70's to mid-90's)
Salimpour (Jamila & Suhaila) - Dances for the Sultan, Arabian Melodies, Jamila Format, Documentary
Serena - Egyptian Gardens NYC
American Dancers

Aziza of Portland, OR - @1:34 min, IAMED clip
Cassandra Shore of Minneapolis, MN - Eshta Ya Amar
Jillina of Bellydance Superstars - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4
Sahra Saeeda of California - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Sahra at JtE
Canadian Dancers & Troupes

Arabesque Dance Company of Toronto - Documentary & performance demos
Enan Egyptian Troupe of Ottawa - Demo clip
Hadia of Montreal - Performance demos
Nath Keo of Victoria - Documentary, Shaabi Shake 2000
RECOMMENDED VIDEO CLIPS
Egyptian Styles
RECOMMENDED READING:
Golden Era

Naima Akef of Egypt - Tamr Henna, Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
Samia Gamal
of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5
Taheya (Tahia) Carioca (Karioka) of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
Classical Egyptian

Lucy of Egypt - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5, Clip 6
Mona El Said of Egypt - Clip 1
  Lebanese Dancers/Style

Amani - Clip 1, Clip 2, drum solo
Asmahan - Clip 1
Meissoun of Switzerland - Lebanese choreography
Nadia Gamal - Clip 1
Other Styles
  Turkish Dancers/Style (gobek dans)

Burcin Orhon - Clip 1
Didem - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Roman Havasi
Maha of Canada - Romani
Nesrin Topkapi - Clip 1
Princess Banu - Clip 1, Clip 2
Reyhan Oldumu - Romani
Sema Yildiz - Roman Havasi ,
Tanyeli -
Clip 1Clip 2, Clip 3
Tulay Karaca - Clip 1
Clip from Turkish film

    
Turkish Gypsy / Romani (ROM) / Roman Havasi
Didem - Clip 1
Miriam Peretz - Clip 1
Ozgen - Turkish Gypsy (Romani) Dance
Rayhan - Roman Havasi
Sema Yildiz - dances Roman Havasi
  Egyptian Music, Singers and  Musicians

The legendary Om Kalthoum (Kalsoum) - clip 1, Lessa Fakir, Star of the Orient
Abdel Halim Hafez - Qariat Al Fingan, Gabaar, Zay El Hawa
Egyptian Musicians
Farid El Atrache (Al Atrash) - Hebeena, Noura,
Mohamed Abdel Wahab - clip 1, clip 2
Metkal Kenawi - clip 1
Hakim (Egyptian pop) - El Salamo Alikum, Live in NYC
  American Tribal (fusion, interpretive) - Origin: U.S.A.

Fat Chance Belly Dance - Who We Are