Mega Costume Party & Sale

We’re excited to be partnering with Atlanta Fusion Bellydance on their 9 year anniversary to bring you amazing fun and lots of jewelry, dance tops and more to try on and buy! There will be dance classes and lots of cool things to discover. It will be a great weekend for learning and doing amazing things in the realm of raqs sharqi. You’ll be surrounded by fellow dancers who are open minded and doing big things!

You can expect leadership in the Raqs World to be there including dancers from the upcoming Bal Anat 50th Anniversary Show and many more from the dance community. Opportunities like these come around rarely. These amazing milestones are awesome to join in on so be sure to show up early and enjoy! The party starts on Friday, June 1st at the Atlanta Fusion Bellydance studio which is connected to our store.

Bring your water bottle and dance bag ready to fill it with costumes from MissBellydance.com at extra low prices! Some thing will be available for as low as $9 dollars! You can’t beat that! We can’t wait to see you next week! Get ready to raqs!

-Team MBD

May 25, 2018 0

What’s in a Dance Floor

The floors in our sister dance studio AFBD were recently changed. They are floors designed to improve shock absorbtion and to keep performers comfortable. We’re still learning about the floors and asking dancers that stream out of the studio after hours of classes what are their thoughts and how do they feel.

We’ve heard nothing but good things. Several mentioned that not every studio has them. They said they could tell a difference in their level of soreness the next day. Mind you, this was after one of Suhaila Salimpour’s visits. She offered Jamila Salimpour certification course here in Atlanta this time. These floors are very similar if not identical to the floors in her own studio. The dancers we spoke with all reported feeling quite good and not as sore or worn out after their training. That speaks volumes.

Because the studio is 100% used by AFBD with the occasional use for photoshoots, dance parties, lectures and more, it was not MissBellydance’s decision to make the change. Leadership of AFBD should be credited for this and we hope that all who come by and purchased clothing and classes will benefit from this investment.

Have you taken a class since having the new floors? Let us know and get 10% off your next order from MissBellydance.com

Thanks for reading!
Team MBD

January 22, 2018 0

Egyptian Intensive Workshops with Jacques al Asmar

Our Resident Archivist talks about the upcoming workshop featuring Jacques al Asmar this month!

We’re excited about Jacques Al Asmar’s workshop this weekend! It will focus on Egyptian dance which is something from which every dancer can benefit. Jacques is energetic off-stage so we know that his workshop will be just as exciting as it is to be around him. I think what workshop attendees will discover from Jacques is the essence and root of raqs sharqi that so many really need to see in order to weed out a lot of things that aren’t beneficial to mastering our art. Jacques isn’t a time waster he just gives it to you as it is.

A lot of people rely solely on YouTube for their raqs education then go out and try to start classes, promoting themselves as these great teachers who are influenced by the people they see on YouTube. Many of us know that is not how this works. Raqs Sharqi has a lot of elements to it that are best learned in person not just by satellite and videos. With Jacques’ Lebanese background and having danced in Egypt as well as on the West Coast with top names, he’s exactly what we need.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhagop.khorozian%2Fvideos%2F1150022681796856%2F&show_text=0&width=560

I’m going because I enjoy Jacques’ presence more than anything. All of my early teachers were men and I appreciate everything I learned from them – from relatives and extended family in the market to Tarik Sultan, Nath Keo, Sal Maktoub and many others that I followed over the years. It’s a joy to have their energy in Atlanta and with Jacques here permanently we are truly blessed!

Jacques Al Asmar
Intensive Egyptian Workshop
4800 Briarcliff Rd NE 30345 Atlanta
Every 3rd Sunday at Cosmic Energy Fitness Studio
Next one – 19 November, 2017

November 7, 2017 0

Back to Classic Basics that are Bold

We’re excited about dance class this fall as highly skilled instructors take their place at the head of the classroom. They are ready to give it their all imparting what often feels like sacred knowledge to their students. You want to make sure you’re at your very best and ready to take your skills to the next level. Nothing better than a really comfortable yet personalized dance class set to get you going.

For kids, we recommend this great unitard that stretches and fits well, giving them room to move comfortably. It’s a basic design that can be modified with a hip scarf or accessory according to the dance genre of their choice. It is available in black and is long lasting so you can throw it in the washer wear after wear.

For the modern dancer who is taking several courses, try this great top and bottom set with the word dance embossed on the side. You can go from class to class in this one and represent every part of the art you love.

For our raqs fanatics, a cool set of pantaloons with a choli top will always be in. Try this with one of our many veils or coin belts to suit the style of your choice.

Send us photos of you in your raqswear and we’ll enter you to win one of our fun MissBellydance.com prize packs in September! We can’t wait to see you soar to the next level in your dance career!
-Team MBD

August 15, 2017 0

Summer Shows Continue!

It’s time for the Summer Show Photos! Send us a photo you attending a festival or show this summer while wearing a costume or dance attire from MissBellydance.com! You’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to our online store. We’ve been to quite a few shows this season and they’ve all been quite exciting. From dance classes, to lectures and a night of fantastic debuts for new troupes; we loved them all!

Post your photos from the events on our Facebook page or tag us on Twitter or Instagram @missbellydance! We’re giving out discount codes and putting your name in the drawing. If you’re submitting a troupe picture, the person who submits the photo will be given the gift card if they win, but all of the troupe will be allowed to use the coupon code.
Can’t wait to see your photos!

-Team MBD

July 24, 2017 0

Advice for New Troupes & Dance Teams

MissBellydance.com would like to say Mabrook to all troupes that had their debut at Attack of the Bellydancers 2017. Our archivist sent us photos and information about the show that left us very excited about the new dance teams in Atlanta. Just some advice from inside the sewing halls of our store as we want to see you continue and thrive in Atlanta! We’re here to support you!

Sabia, Maiea and Hasna dancing together! 🙂 We love this!

1. Don’t give up. It’s easy to start something and then let it fall because you got busy

2. Set goals for the group. Aim to perform at x conference or something by x date

3. Be friends first. Do not take yourselves too seriously…encourage each other and call each other out when you see one falling. Be pillars for each other in the most kind and supportive way

4. Stay creative! Don’t get to comfortable in any stage of our work, always think of what you can do differently but with respect to the cultures you represent in every way

5. Remember your roots and the roots of the art/dance – needs no explanation

Congratulations and let us know what we can do to assist. Reach out to us here on our blog or on social media to get coupon codes for dance. All those who attended the show may remember that we are giving you a 20% discount on orders of $50 or more now until the first day of Fall. We can’t wait to see what else you bring to life for our beloved international town, community and raqs world! We’re also happy to hear that money for SEEDs Atlanta was raised! The Atlanta Culture Club will be making a donation as well this year! Very happy to be involved in that! More info and praise coming from our way!

Thanks for reading
-Team MBD

July 12, 2017 0

The Fabulous Forums of the Raqs World

Right now, all across the social sphere are chats and conversations about raqs sharqi, global dances from the region and music conversations. We want to say thank you for continuing the conversations because they are truly important. Getting to the root of a dance and learning the whys and hows of the region is essential for growth. We believe that no matter what your level in this art, lectures and forums are a key component to being a good dancer and a great fan.
In 2007, 2008 and onward, we had several dancers, enthusiasts and instructors from our dance community in Atlanta join an amazing group of people from around the world in Toronto, Canada. Our resident archivist was there and still marvels at the amazing information and experience of the International Bellydance Conference of Canada. Here her words about the good ole days!

It was a great conference and just about everyone I had ever loved in the dance world was there minus some of the legends from the 50s. Nath Keo, Tito Seif, Mark Balahadia, Shira of Shira.net, the group formerly known as Arabesque and a million others it seemed were there. People I had only had the opportunity to read about online or see when a relative from back home was raving over “this guy named Tito is amazing!” were there…it was a dream come true. I fell head over heels for this conference. My favourite parts w, aside from the incredible shows, were the lectures. We talked about everything from men in dance to the stigma of being ibn raissa… I mean, the presenters held nothing back. I’m happy that these conversations continue. If you ignore it, your presentations suffer. You have to be a part of the talks to really understand what you’re presenting. A class is the first step but take that conversation to the next level at a forum. Dance education is key! -Andinha

Houston Oriental and Folklore Dance Festival is another great conference to attend that features great shows and competitions!

What forums do you attend? What classes do you take to get more than technique? We’d love to hear from you! And if you’re headed to shows this summer or have been to plenty, reach out to us here on our blog or send us an email on our Facebook page so we can give you a coupon code to save on your next purchase with MissBellydance.com

Thanks for reading!

-Team MBD

June 25, 2017 0

Flamenco Arabe Featuring Fantastic Bellydancers Diana and Najmah Nour

This weekend we’re excited about having Flamenco Arabe conference at our studio hosted by Diana and Najma. This workshop is designed for dancers of both Flamenco and Bellydance plus many other genres. You’ll learn a lot and walk away with skills you take to your classes and to the stage.

We held a contest last year and the winners were to receive two 25 yard skirts. We’re happy that Saniyah of Shimmies with Saniyah, a local teacher, performer and choroegrapher here in Atlanta won the skirts, a spot in the workshop for herself and a friend. She answered a trivia question correctly and was chosen in a drawing as the winner. Mabrook and Felicitions to Saniyah!

If you’re coming to the workshop let us know. Send us a picture of you eagerly packing your suitcase or headed on over in your car. We’re giving away one more 25 yard skirt to a person attending. Can’t wait to see you in class and at the show. For more information please visit this link where you can also register.

save 10% on your future order at MissBellydance.com when attending this event.

Matching troupe ensembles look great on stage

Bellydance Evolution’s “Alice” posed in a MBD costume for us. She looks great!

Diana presents Flamenco Arabe Seminar & Show Saturday February 25, 2017

An exciting day of dance fusing Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance styles with master instructors Najmah Nour (NY) and Diana (GA) followed by a Spanish Fusion showcase featuring a mix of Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance styles.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Location: Workshops at Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance followed by showcase at Global Dance Eileen Keegan Theatre

12:00pm-2:00pm Baile del Mundo with Najmah Nour
Learn how to emcompass the muscular and passionate strength of flamenco while keeping the fluidity and softness of Belly Dance with some of her core technique that will blend into a passionate choreography to an old Sephardic Ladino song.

2:30pm-4:30pm Gypsy Flamenco with Diana
Diana will teach the art of using veil like the Spanish Manton (shawl) and a short Gypsy-style Flamenco fusion choreography.

8:00pm Flamenco Arabe Showcase

$45 in advance $50 at the door
Full Day Pass (2 workshops and show) $100
Register now: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2564790

About the Instructors:

Najmah Nour seamlessly combines traditional and modern in her Flamenco Arabe dance form. She fuses elements of Contemporary, Middle Eastern, and Flamenco dances to help her embody a unique style. Najmah’s dance speaks the soul of Flamenco and the heart of Belly Dance. Her love for Middle Eastern dances and Flamenco has merged themselves together because she grew up dancing in the living room with her Spanish/Cuban family and she was exposed to belly dance at a very young age. Najmah expresses the powerful and dynamic aspects of flamenco while keeping the feminine and soft quality of Belly Dance.

As a teacher, she brings her years of study and her immense generosity of spirit to her many students, and is a much sought-after workshop instructor in the Southeast.

Diana
With over 30 years experience as a performer and instructor, Diana is one of Atlanta’s most cherished dancers! Her 13-year background in ballet and folkloric dance in the western New York area, have allowed her to offer a wide range of Middle Eastern dance styles. In 2003, she received permission from critically acclaimed Yasmina Ramzy of Toronto, Canada, to recreate Yasmina’s dance, “Venus” from the Descent of Ishtar Ballet, for Company Mezza. Specializing in training for the advanced to pro level dancer, many of Diana’s students currently perform in Atlanta area restaurants, and are instructors/performers on cruise lines and dance studios. Diana is also an active Flamenco student of Malita Belloso at Calo Gitano!

See you there!

-Team MBD and Andye

February 22, 2017 0

Hipscarves, Cool Community Members and Love!

MissBellydance.com continues to branch out and be a part of bigger conversations. This month we’re excited to feature interviews with culinary artists and dancers of all genres who are also foodies. One of the great teams we’ll talk with are those from dinner parties featuring dancers around town. One being a great party with a dance and fitness aficionado who is Nigerian-American. Among the many cultures, Nigerians are prominent in our community and always out and about. We’re going to hang out with several and get the inside scoop on the dances that our Nigerian friends are into including a number of different styles of bellydance and Coup de Cale from Cote d’Ivoire.

Another great scoop of info for fans will be that of the many deals we’re doing for Valentine’s Day. We’ll have a recap from Lunar New Year and check-in on our hipscarf promotion and what you all think of it or want to do further. Let us know what you’re thinking about this year. We want to know where you’re going for shows and what cool costumes you’re looking to don at the gala and extravaganzas. We’re so excited to be out and about in the community. Can’t wait to see and hear from you!

Hugs to all of our fans!
-Team MBD

February 11, 2017 0

Visit MissBellydance.com & See Suhaila Salimpour This Week

This week we’re excited about Suhaila Salimpour’s return to the studio hosted by Atlanta Fusion Bellydance. AFBD manages our 2,000 sq ft space adjacent to our large bellydance warehouse. AFBD are not just friends, but our family and we work together to promote top talent around the world in our raqs and bellydance industry. This year the calendar is already filled with many amazing shows and dance learning opportunities. We invite you to reach out and put Atlanta Fusion Bellydance events on your calendar. This week while you shop, sign up for one of the many classes Suhaila Salimpour is teaching. We love it when she’s in town!

faaridah1 — Faaridah Raqs, friend, family and model at MissBellydance.com – leader of Atlanta Fusion Bellydance

MissBellydance.com is right up front awaiting to welcome you with open arms as you enter the amazing studio space that AFBD have transformed into a raqs wonderland. Here are some things to expect this year.

February 2017
February 4 Sassy Jazz Fusion Belly Dance with Babette & Leyla Soleil @ AFBD
February 25 Flamenco Arabe Workshops sponsored by Diane Adams featuring Najmah Nour @ AFBD. Register now!

March 2017
March 11 BollyX Instructor training @ AFBD
March 19 Atlanta’s Got Talent hosted by Faaridah of AFBD & Jenny of World Belly Dance Alliance. Performer registration opens January 5

April 2017
April 28-30 Michelle Sorensen worksh ops @ AFBD. We’re excited to host this fusion belly dance star! One of our faves! Registration opens January 16 !!
April 30 AFBD Spring Showcase featurin g Michelle Sorensen

June 2017
June 10-11 AFBD’s 8th Anniversary Weekend. Join us for our biggest celebration to date, featuring a huge stage production with world-renowned guest artists! Stay tuned for more!

Eshta Amar’s course was offered online during Bellydance Fashion Week. We’re grateful the team made that available.

Thanks for reading! See you this week!
-Team MBD

January 9, 2017 0