Amala Gameela's Blog | Professional Belly Dancer | Bethlehem, PA http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:58:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Mohamed Shahin Sold Out in Bethlehem! http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/07/mohamed-shahin-sold-out-in-bethlehem/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/07/mohamed-shahin-sold-out-in-bethlehem/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:55:48 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=72 The Mohamed Shahin Gala Show on Saturday, July 12th sold out with supportive local belly dance students and families to enthusiastic patrons from upstate New York.  Both workshops Mohamed taught, Raks Sharqi on Saturday and Shaabi on Sunday, were also well attended.  Another thank you to everyone who helped me make this amazing weekend such…

]]> The Mohamed Shahin Gala Show on Saturday, July 12th sold out with supportive local belly dance students and families to enthusiastic patrons from upstate New York.  Both workshops Mohamed taught, Raks Sharqi on Saturday and Shaabi on Sunday, were also well attended.  Another thank you to everyone who helped me make this amazing weekend such a success:

  • All of our fabulous performers for their time and talent: Embers & Emeralds, Tahya, Zarina, Sonziry, Fatima Bassmah. Zahra, Sand Shimmers, Abzahrah, and Mohamed Shahin!
  • Phoenicia Fine Middle Eastern Cuisine for our Middle Eastern treats, especially George for all your help
  • Sugarmama’s for our mouthwatering cupcakes
  • Hookah Turka for an awesome after party
  • Dream Star Studios for beautiful promos
  • Our videographers/ photographers: Kim & Candice Bjorheim
  • Mama Burr for Abzahrah’s adorable Haggala wraps
  • Sahar for your support and Abzahrah’s Nubian dresses
  • Amy Dimmick for last minute costuming
  • Mirjana and Sand Shimmers for your support
  • Abzahrah for your time and dedication
  • Our ticket booth salesman: Kevin Barron
  • Our ushers: Mike Garrison and Tony Arredondo
  • Our café clerks: Christine Paden and Mary Lou Hutchinson
  • Touchstone Theatre for allowing us to use your wonderful venue especially, Lisa and Emma for all your help and our sound/lighting tech, Zach
  • My parents for your wisdom, guidance, support, and love
  • My husband, for your constant support and unconditional love
  • My parrots for my inspiration and joy

And all of you who attended this weekend’s festivities, for supporting the Art of Middle Eastern Dance!

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/07/mohamed-shahin-sold-out-in-bethlehem/feed/ 0 Egyptian Dance Workshop Series with Amala Gameela…is a success! http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/04/egyptian-dance-workshop-series-with-amala-gameela-is-a-success/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/04/egyptian-dance-workshop-series-with-amala-gameela-is-a-success/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:55:12 +0000 Brian http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=62 If you’ve experienced the sizzlin’ hot new Saidi combos in March and the joyous Nubian choreo in April, be sure to mark your calendars for the Simsimiyya Workshop May 23rd at the Yoga Loft of Bethlehem.

Learn the theatrical Simsimiyya dance of the Suez Canal district with Amala Gameela! You are sure to have…

]]> If you’ve experienced the sizzlin’ hot new Saidi combos in March and the joyous Nubian choreo in April, be sure to mark your calendars for the Simsimiyya Workshop May 23rd at the Yoga Loft of Bethlehem.

Learn the theatrical Simsimiyya dance of the Suez Canal district with Amala Gameela! You are sure to have a blast experiencing this expressive fisherman’s dance choreography by Amala Gameela for stage with Charleston style steps, high energy movements, and jumps to uniquely beautiful music. She will use traditional Simsimiyya music and go over the specific instrumentation, rhythm, historical background, and appropriate costuming. Some dance experience recommended.

Register Online Today!

SAVE THE DATE FOR MASTER EGYPTIAN CHOREOGRAPHER, MOHAMED SHAHIN: JUNE 12TH & 13TH
DIRECT FROM CAIRO TO BETHLEHEM, PA http://www.mohamedshahin.net/
Early bird registration and ticket deadline is May 15th!
Details on the workshops and gala show

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/04/egyptian-dance-workshop-series-with-amala-gameela-is-a-success/feed/ 0 Explore Folkloric Tunisian Dance with Amala Gameela! http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/01/explore-folkloric-tunisian-dance-with-amala-gameela/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/01/explore-folkloric-tunisian-dance-with-amala-gameela/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:33:52 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=57 Six week session runs February 8 -March 15, 2010 on Mondays from 8:15 -9:15pm at the Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E. 4th St. 3rd floor, Bethlehem, PA 18015
*Students enrolled in Amala’s Belly Dance I, II, and III classes receive a discount!*

Perfect your hip twists, learn a new dance style, and experience…

]]> Six week session runs February 8 -March 15, 2010 on Mondays from 8:15 -9:15pm at the Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E. 4th St. 3rd floor, Bethlehem, PA 18015
*Students enrolled in Amala’s Belly Dance I, II, and III classes receive a discount!*

Perfect your hip twists, learn a new dance style, and experience a real stamina-building workout with fun choreography!

Amala will break down intricate hip twisting steps found in the Tunisian cultural dance, as well as provide costuming suggestions, music, and hand outs.

Two hip wraps and some dance experience recommended.

Call The Yoga Loft today to pre-register at: 610-867-9642
http://www.theyogaloftofbethlehem.com/bellydance
Registration Form

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2010/01/explore-folkloric-tunisian-dance-with-amala-gameela/feed/ 0 Try out a FREE Intro Belly Dance Class with Amala Gameela! http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/12/try-out-a-free-intro-belly-dance-class-with-amala-gameela/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/12/try-out-a-free-intro-belly-dance-class-with-amala-gameela/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:26:42 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=52 On Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 6:30pm at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E 4th St., 3rd Floor
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Amala invites women of all ages and sizes to explore traditional Egyptian and Near East movements, music, and culture with smiles and shimmies that are sure to make you sweat.

If you…

]]> On Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 6:30pm at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E 4th St., 3rd Floor
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Amala invites women of all ages and sizes to explore traditional Egyptian and Near East movements, music, and culture with smiles and shimmies that are sure to make you sweat.

If you have been meaning to try belly dancing, searching for a fun way to exercise with friends, or just looking for a ladies night out, this is your chance to come try out a class with Amala for free!

Hear what some of Amala students have to say:

Amala’s belly dance classes get you in shape and they’re a lot of fun. –Murna

Belly dancing with Amala is the perfect girls night! –Kathy

I went into this with the idea of doing something fun, and came out of it with an incredible knowledge about the dance, and an incredible sisterhood with my fellow dancers. -Lynn

I recommend Amala’s classes because she is very educated and a beautiful, talented dancer. –Pat

Amala is very organized and prepared with new material for class. She’s always approachable and available to her students. Amala excels in breaking down new moves and presenting challenging material in a way that is easy to understand in addition to being very knowledgeable in Middle Eastern culture, background, and the dance itself. –level III student

Call The Yoga Loft today to pre-register at: 610-867-9642
http://www.theyogaloftofbethlehem.com/bellydance

http://k.b5z.net/i/u/2175232/i/Winter_2010_rev.pdf

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/12/try-out-a-free-intro-belly-dance-class-with-amala-gameela/feed/ 0 Amala Gameela Hosts A Fall Hafla for Animals http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/11/amala-gameela-hosts-a-fall-hafla-for-animals/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/11/amala-gameela-hosts-a-fall-hafla-for-animals/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:13:07 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=45 At The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem On Saturday, November 21st At 7:30pm
521 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015, 3rd floor

An evening of belly dance and benefit show for wildlife featuring performances by Abzahrah, Sand Shimmers, Amala Gameela’s Dancers of the Caravan, and many more with live music by Zaar Dust.

Indulge…

]]> At The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem On Saturday, November 21st At 7:30pm
521 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015, 3rd floor

An evening of belly dance and benefit show for wildlife featuring performances by Abzahrah, Sand Shimmers, Amala Gameela’s Dancers of the Caravan, and many more with live music by Zaar Dust.

Indulge in scrumptious Middle Eastern snacks provided by Mediterranean Café & Grill and shopping for everything that sparkles provided by Sand Shimmers.

Tickets will be sold at the door at $10/ person to benefit The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, The Pocono Avian Research Center, and The Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Come early and meet the animals! Doors open at 7pm.

http://www.theyogaloftofbethlehem.com/bellydance

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/11/amala-gameela-hosts-a-fall-hafla-for-animals/feed/ 0 Shake and Shimmy into Shape Belly Dancing with Amala Gameela at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/10/shake-and-shimmy-into-shape-belly-dancing-with-amala-gameela-at-the-yoga-loft-of-bethlehem/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/10/shake-and-shimmy-into-shape-belly-dancing-with-amala-gameela-at-the-yoga-loft-of-bethlehem/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:55:17 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=37 Belly Dance I:  10/26/09 -12/14/09: Mondays from 7:30 -8:30pm
Belly Dance II:  10/28/09 -12/16/09: Wednesdays from 7:15 -8:15pm
Belly Dance III:  10/28/09 -12/16/09: Wednesdays from 8:15 -9:15pm

NEW SIX WEEK SPECIALTY STYLES SESSION: MELAYA LEFF!
10/19/09 -11/23/09: Mondays from 8:30 -9:30pm
*students enrolled in Belly Dance I, II, & III receive…

]]> Belly Dance I:  10/26/09 -12/14/09: Mondays from 7:30 -8:30pm
Belly Dance II:  10/28/09 -12/16/09: Wednesdays from 7:15 -8:15pm
Belly Dance III:  10/28/09 -12/16/09: Wednesdays from 8:15 -9:15pm

NEW SIX WEEK SPECIALTY STYLES SESSION: MELAYA LEFF!
10/19/09 -11/23/09: Mondays from 8:30 -9:30pm
*students enrolled in Belly Dance I, II, & III receive a discount!*

Experience the beautiful Melaya Leff dance with Amala Gameela.  Explore this folkloric dance through Egyptian culture, traditional choreography, and theatrical expression.  Amala will provide participants with historical background, appropriate costuming, show staging suggestions, and music.  Some dance experience and a veil to dance with are recommended.

Call 610-867-9642 to sign up today!

http://k.b5z.net/i/u/2175232/i/Malaya_Leff_series_2009.pdf

www.theyogaloftofbethlehem.com/bellydance

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/10/shake-and-shimmy-into-shape-belly-dancing-with-amala-gameela-at-the-yoga-loft-of-bethlehem/feed/ 0 Indulge Your Senses At Mediterranean Café & Grill http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/07/indulge-your-senses-at-mediterranean-cafe-grill/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/07/indulge-your-senses-at-mediterranean-cafe-grill/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:27:08 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=31 On Saturday, August 15, 2009 From 7 -9pm
At Mediterranean Café & Grill: 7720 Main St. Fogelsville, PA 18051

Savor a six course scrumptious, authentic Mediterranean dinner with enchanting Middle Eastern belly dance performances by Amala Gameela. Experience this amazing mélange of sensory delights not enveloped by sand dunes in the depths of the…

]]> On Saturday, August 15, 2009 From 7 -9pm
At Mediterranean Café & Grill: 7720 Main St. Fogelsville, PA 18051

Savor a six course scrumptious, authentic Mediterranean dinner with enchanting Middle Eastern belly dance performances by Amala Gameela. Experience this amazing mélange of sensory delights not enveloped by sand dunes in the depths of the desert, but rather in the Lehigh Valley.

Tickets are only $50/person, call 610-391-0400 for reservations and details today, seating is limited!

http://medicafegrill.com/

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/07/indulge-your-senses-at-mediterranean-cafe-grill/feed/ 0 Saidi Workshop http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/03/saidi-workshop/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/03/saidi-workshop/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:53:05 +0000 Amala http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=16 04/26/09 11:30AM-2:00PM
The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E. 4th St., 3rd floor Bethlehem, PA 18015
Egyptian Dance Series with Amala Gameela: Saidi

Immerse Yourself in Folkloric Egyptian Dance

Learn the famous Saidi stick dance with Amala Gameela. She is one of the few dancers who has perfected this beautiful dance and captured…

]]> 04/26/09 11:30AM-2:00PM
The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: 521 E. 4th St., 3rd floor Bethlehem, PA 18015
Egyptian Dance Series with Amala Gameela: Saidi

Immerse Yourself in Folkloric Egyptian Dance

Learn the famous Saidi stick dance with Amala Gameela. She is one of the few dancers who has perfected this beautiful dance and captured it’s authenticity. Amala Gameela invites you into the Egyptian culture behind Raks Al Sayya by providing you with historical background and innovative movements. She will teach an exhilarating and original choreography with and is sure to please dancers of all levels whether you are new to Saidi technique or are ready to attempt double stick movements. Amala will use traditional Saidi music and go over the specific instrumentation, rhythm, and appropriate costuming. Some dance experience recommended.

Doors open at 1:00pm $35 pre-registration or $40 at the door Saidi music, costuming accessories, and canes will be available for purchase fill out this form to pre-register.

]]> http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/03/saidi-workshop/feed/ 0 Making this Site a Success http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/03/making_this_site_a_success/ http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/2009/03/making_this_site_a_success/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:06:32 +0000 Brian http://www.amalaraqs.com/blog/?p=3 Hi Everyone! My name is Brian, and while I’m not the author of the content that you’re hoping to read (that is, all the fun details about Amala and what’s happening with her), I did all of the creative, graphic, coding, and other technical work that has gone into this virtual home. A big high…

]]> Hi Everyone! My name is Brian, and while I’m not the author of the content that you’re hoping to read (that is, all the fun details about Amala and what’s happening with her), I did all of the creative, graphic, coding, and other technical work that has gone into this virtual home. A big high five to Sarah Skinner who provided a number of the photos, in particular the beautiful header photo, sans a bit of digital magic by yours truly.

What I primarily want to do is say “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here!” and give you some suggestions about how you, as a friend, student, family member, or fan can help Amala out and make her new website a success. This blog is a place for you! … Whether you’re a family member, friend, student, or fellow bellydancer, this is the place to keep up with what is happening with Amala and also offer your encouragement and support. The more often you check here and the more often you comment on her blogs and interact with this online community the more you will help her to become what I would call “visible” on the web.

The more people who visit a website, the more visible it becomes to search engines like Google and Yahoo. This means that as her friend, you can help her out simply by checking back frequently for updates. It is my hope that this site will be a great help to anyone who is trying to keep track of her bellydance life. I, personally have many bellydancer friends down here in Delaware, my little corner of the world and for me, I often have no idea when or where they are dancing so I don’t get to see them perform as often as I’d like. Amala’s main page AmalaRaqs.com incorporates a modern web technology called an “RSS feed” which is maintained and updated by Amala in order to keep you up-to-date with the latest info on all of her performances, workshops, and othe special events. For those of you more web savvy, you can subscribe to her RSS feed to get up the latest info via your favorite feed reader. For those of you who want to be automatically updated about special events with Amala, you can also subscribe to her e-mail list at the bottom of the main page. The gallery has pictures and YouTube videos of her performances. I’m sure you can figure all this out out… onto how you can help her out.

Here are some simple ways that you can help out Amala and her new site:

  • Check the site, particularly the main page and the blog frequently for updates
  • Comment on her blog
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail updates (any time Amala updates her calendar you will receive an automated e-mail informing you of new dates added to her calendar) on the main page
  • Post links back to her site in appropriate and visible places, such as: online forums (like bhuzz.com, and shira.net) and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

There’s a good chance you won’t hear from me again since Amala will be taking over the show, but if you need me, you can find me over at my site DreamStar Studios. It’s not as pretty as Amala’s because I keep so busy with other people’s sites that mine is a bit neglected :( Sorry about that!

Best wishes to everyone and to all of you dancer’s out there… Keep it Up!

Brian Feister
DreamStar Studios

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