BELLY DANCER NADIRA

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Guess where I'll be Christmas Eve? I'm also performing New Year's Eve so if you have any doubts as to where to ring in 2012...check out the flyers below!

After the New Year, the next dance session at Kenville stars Sunday, January 15 and runs for 6 weeks. We had to shift the time slightly so now we'll be dancing from 5:00-6:30. I hope to see you there!

Bellydance Technique & Choreography
Sundays 5:00-6:30 *New Time!
Kenville Studios, 323 East Hoover, Ann Arbor
Session: Jan 15, 22, 29 and Feb 5, 12,19
$90 Session or $18 Drop-in

Also, Mia of Unveiled will be hosting the fabulous Onca O'Leary for a day of workshops February 18 so check out her website and register!

Can't wait to see you dancing!

I also got a few more lovely photos from the Unveiled Hafla that I am dying to share. This one is my new favorite Nadira photo:

Now who doesn't love a little sass?

December Update

2011-11-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Fans, Friends, and Fellow Dancers,
Happy Thanksgiving! Christmas is quickly approaching (yay!) which means we have 3 more classes in the Kenville session. Then we'll have a break for Xmas and New Year's, and classes will resume on January 15.

Many thanks to everyone who came out to support the local dance community at the Fall Hafla hosted by Unveiled Bellydance in November. It's so nice to see so many different styles of belly dance and new and returning students show off their stuff! Hopefully we'll have another opportunity to host a Hafla this spring. (P.S. That's a photo of my own interpretation of a Melaya Leff dance, to the left.)

Many of you have been asking about classes at VIXEN Fitness. As you may know, Danielle has been in the process of relocating to a new studio in downtown Ypsi. But due to some problems with the contractors, the opening has been delayed several months. We're all very eagerly awaiting the Grand Opening, which Danielle hopes will be in late January. I will keep you posted!

In the mean time, come down to the Kenville classes on Sundays from 4:30-6:00:

Bellydance Technique & Choreography
Sundays 4:30-6:00
Kenville Studios
323 East Hoover, Ann Arbor

Remaining dates in Nov/Dec Session: Dec 4, 11, 18
New Year Session dates: Jan 15, 22, 29 and Feb 5, 12,19
$90 Session or $18 Drop-in

Note to all students for Nov/Dec session: My apologies for canceling class Nov 20. A family emergency forced me to leave town in a rush. Unfortunately, I won't be able to hold a make-up class for Nov 20 but all session students will be refunded for that class. Drop-in students are more than welcome to attend the remaining December classes.

And here are some photos from the Hafla taken by Kelly Dattilo:

Our Sunday class performed our veil choreography to "Sea of Alexandria"

Mia and I gave a reprise of our duet from the Superstars Club Bellydance show

And I performed my interpretation of the Melaya Leff, a theatrical dance originated by Mahmoud Reda and the Egyptian Folkloric Troupe. I danced to one of my favorite songs, "Mashy Hady" by Nancy Ajram.

Here's hoping we can do this again sometime soon! In the mean time...Happy Dancing!

Fall Events

2011-09-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Mark your calenders for these fall classes and events!

Belly Dance with Nadira

Technique & Choreography

Sundays, 4:30-6:00

Kenville Studios, Ann Arbor

6-Week Starts Sept 11

Session dates are: Sept 11, 18, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30

$90 Session or $18 Drop-in

NOTE! Sunday Oct 2 class will be held from 4:00-5:30.

Events:

Grand Opening of One Spirit Dance & Fitness in Pinckney

Saturday, Sept 17

A day of workshops followed by a Show and Hafla

With performances by local dancers including Nadira

Club Bellydance at the Magic Bag, Detroit

Sunday, Oct 2 at 7:30

The Bellydance Superstars Club Bellydance tour is coming to Michigan. Local dancers including Nadira, Miah, Kendra, and Lana of Detroit Bellydance, and will be opening the show! Follow the link on the tour calender to buy tickets.

Karim Nagi is BACK in Michigan with a 3-hour Arab Folklore Intensive

Sunday, Oct 15 from 2-5 at Dearborn Dance Academy

Click the link above for more details.

I'll see you dancing!

Dance Classes Update

2011-07-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! At the end of July, I will be starting a new class Monday nights at Vixen Fitness, in Ypsilanti. I'm really looking forward to being part of the Vixen Fitness team! Then in September, Technique & Choreography at Kenville will be back at a new time from 4:30-6:00 on Sunday.

VIXEN Fitness
Mondays, starting July 25
6:00-7:00 Multi-Level Belly Dance
This class is perfect for new and returning students. Emphasizes graceful and controlled movement and technique, mastery of Arabic rhythms, and musical interpretation and expression. In each class you will work on core technique, learn new movements, and place those movements together in combinations. This class can be quite a work out, too!
Drop-in for one class $12 or check out the studio packages.

UPDATE! The Vixen Fitness studio will be moving to downtown Ypsi. The last classes will be held Aug 15 and the new studio will open in late September. There will be no belly dance class Aug 8, but I hope to see you on Aug 1 and Aug 15 and then in Downtown Ypsi in September!

Kenville Studio

Sunday, 6-week session

starts Sept 11
4:30-6:00 *new time!

Technique and Choreography

One hour of technique and combinations followed by 30 minutes of a new choreography! Bring your finger cymbals.

$90 session, $18 drop-in
See you in class!

And thanks to Jen Bak for these fantastic photos from the Detroit Raqs 2011 show.

P.S. Don't miss the Vagabond Variety Show and Rose Harden Workshops July 22 and 23!

Vagabond Variety Show 5

Friday, July 22 at 10 pm

Park Bar - 2040 Park Ave, Detroit

Belly dance, burlesque, music, and fire!

Plus an original Bollywood piece starring yours truly...

Tickets $10 - Purchase online!

Rose Harden Workshops

Saturday, July 23 from 11 - 6:30

The Yellow Barn, Ann Arbor

Click for details and registration

Hope to see you there!

New Videos of Nadira

2011-06-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited because I just got a package from Sue Peel with videos of my performances from the last couple months. I put my heart and soul into these dances. These are classic songs that I dearly love. For each, I tried to create and present a dance that illustrated the beautiful complexity and subtlety of the music, but also conveyed what the song meant to me, its feelings and message. Thanks for letting me share this with you!

"Bahlam Beek" or "Dreaming of You"

This is a sweet little piece sung originally by Abdel Halim, in which he dreams of his lover, longing for her. Arrangement by Hossam Ramzy.

Here is a link to Abdel Halim singing this song. It always makes me smile!

"Ya Msafer Wahdak" by Mohammed Abdel Wahab, sung by Najat

This song makes me cry, it is so beautiful and poignant. "Oh traveller, why are you leaving me? I gave you my heart and in the flames of longing I wait... But will you continue to remember me? You, leaving me to travel alone..."

"Akdib Aleik" - "Lying to You"

A song originally sung by Warda. I love the lyrics to this -- we all know these feelings! "If I said I loved you, I'd be lying to you. If I said I'm done with you, I'd be lying to you. So tell me, what am I? Tell me!"

And here is a link to Warda performing -- the earliest performance I could find.

(Did you notice all my costumes are blue? Maybe if I danced to more happy songs I'd be wearing pink and red? Just kidding! I guess I was in my "blue phase"...)

May Days Belly Dance Update

2011-04-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

I know you've been wondering, When are classes with Nadira starting again?

In May and June!

Technique & Choreography

Sundays, 5:30-7:00

Kenville Studios, Ann Arbor

Session June 5 - July 24

(No class July 3 or July 17)

New saidi choreography! Cane optional -- but this is a great chance to practice the cane skills you learned in the April workshops, or students new to cane can try it out with this saidi dance.

$90 session / $18 drop-in

Basic Belly Dance

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00

Dance Pavilion, Ypsilanti

Starts Wednesday May 4 New Session Starting in September!

With a belly dance routine! New and returning students welcome!

$60 session / $12 drop-in

Upcoming Events

Detroit RAQS!

Friday -Sunday May 13-15

A workshop for every kind of dancer and performer! Sign-up NOW!

And in Toledo...

Arabic Belly Dance With Nadira

6 Seminars at Dance FX in Toledo hosted by Kaylouise of Mesmeric

3rd Thursday of every month from 7:15-8:00

$20 a class or $100 for the series

More about Kaylouise's classes here and email mesmerictoledo@gmail.com to register

Schedule of Topics

May 19 - Arabic Style Technique
June 16 - Using Space - Reda Combinations
July 21 - Modern Beledi Style
Aug 18 - Saidi with Cane
Sept 15 - Veil
Oct 20 - Nadira Redux: Students' Choice!

See you in May!

P.S. Thanks to J. Bak for the awesome photo from the Unveiled Showcase in March.

Hafla and Cane Class

2011-02-27T12:42:00.001-08:00

Local dancers at Haab's in Ypsi
Friday Mar 4 at 8:00
Come out to support your friends!

And then check out Unveiled Dance Company with your favorite guest dancers from the area at the

Unveiled Dance Company Showcase
Sat'y March 12
7:30 Doors - 8:00 Show
Tree of Life Studio
6065 Sibley Rd. / Chelsea, MI 48118
Tickets $10 available at the door

Belly Dance Classes with Nadira

End this week! Last class Wednesday, Mar 2 at Dance Pavilion and Sunday, Mar 6 at Kenville Studios. Next 6-week sessions will be starting the first week in May (Wednesday May 4 and Sunday May 8). But in March, I'll be holding a 4 hour specialty cane class. Details below:

Bellydance into Spring

2011-02-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

This Saturday! Kaylouise Presents 219 Time Machine
12 instructors teaching 12 workshops and 48 performers in the Historic Collingwood Arts Center 2413 Collingwood Ave., Toledo
Workshops all day long
Show at 7:30
See you there!

And in March...
Another Bellydance Hafla
Friday, March 4 at Haab’s
18 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti

Saturday, Mar 12 come out for the Unveiled Showcase with guest performances by Nadira and other favorites!
Tree of Life Studio
6065 Sibley Road, Chelsea
$10 tickets 8:00 show

Scroll down to January 9 for more details about workshops in Kalamazoo and Toledo in March

But save your money because it's back!
Detroit Raqs 2011 May 13-15
Check out the fantastic schedule of workshops and sign up today!

Check back for info about Nadira's March belly dance session and in the mean time...drop in some time!

A New Year of Belly Dance Fun

2011-01-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Only TWO WEEKS until Belly Dance Classes with Nadira start up again!

Sunday 5:30-7:00
Kenville Studios, 323 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor
Starts January 23
6-week Session $90 or $18 drop-in
Technique and choreography
We'll keep on working with zills and learn a new choreography. Visit http://kenvillestudios.com/ to register and pay online, or pay in class.

UPDATE! Makeup class will be Saturday, Feb 12 from 12:30-2 at Kenville Studios. Past/returning students welcome. Email Nadira to confirm your place!

Wednesday 7:00-8:00
Dance Pavilion, 1918 Whittaker Rd. Ypsilanti
Starts January 19
This is a slower paced class for dancers who are newer to belly dance. Returning and beginner students welcome.
Call 734-369-9700 or visit Dance Pavilion for more details.

There are SO MANY belly dance events in Michigan over the next few months. Where should I start?

219 Time Machine, Hosted by KayLouise of Toledo
February 19, Toledo
A day of workshops for every kind of dancer. Check out http://www.kaylouise.com/219workshops.html for more details about this unique event.
Nadira will be teaching an Arabic Raqs Sharqi workshop - "Finding drama and sensuality with slow gooey movements." There are so many different workshops to choose from. And make sure you get your tickets to the evening show!

LOOK who's coming to town:
Bellydance Kalamazoo Presents Mia Sha'uri
March 5 & 6, 2001

Amira's Birthday Bash Featuring Ava Fleming & Lisa Zahiya
Toledo, March 25-27, 2011

I can't wait to enjoy all of these amazing events with you! It's going to be a WHIRL...

Hugs and Shimmies,
Nadira

Nadira dances to Akdib Aleik

2010-11-30T11:07:00.001-08:00

Watch on youTube! A video of Nadira's performance to Akdib Aleik at the November Showcase. Thanks so much to Barb for taking and posting the video!

A Belly Dance Student Showcase

2010-11-11T07:36:00.001-08:00

Next Saturday, November 20!
Student Showcase at Keystone Martini Bar 200 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti
Free! and open to the Public
Doors 6:30 / Show 7:00

***

Also, it's not too late to sign up for Belly Dance with Nadira on Sundays 5:30 - 7:00 at Kenville Studios - Session runs through Dec 12

Nadira will resume classes again in January 2011
Wednesday Beg/Open Level 7:00 at Dance Pavilion Jan 19 - Feb 23
Sunday Technique & Choreography 5:30 - 7:00 at Kenville Studios Jan 23 - Feb 27
Mark your schedules!

Also don't forget - this Saturday, November 13 Princess Madiha's St. Jude's Benefit - (Click on flyer below to enlarge)

Fall Classes and Hafla with Nadira

2010-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! It's been a while since I updated. There is a lot going on this fall in Nadira Land. I had so much fun teaching at Amira Star's Shimmy Tecumseh event in September. Amira is bringing Ava Fleming to Toledo in March to teach a challenging weekend of belly dance workshops. I can't wait!

I'm also pleased to announce that Princess Madiha's 19th Annual Charity Benefit for St. Jude's will be held on November 13 (Note the change of date!) at Farmington Hills Manor. Learn more about the workshops featured at the event and get your tickets to the show so that you can give your support this important cause while celebrating "The Dance."

Speaking of performing, Nadira and Mia of Unveiled are hosting our first ever joint Student Hafla at a cool underground location! Come out to the Keystone Martini Bar (200 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) on Saturday, November 20 at 6:30 for a 7:00 show featuring students, local dancers and belly dance groups, including Unveiled Belly Dance Company, and of course, your hosts, Nadira and Mia!

In class news...
We just finished our "Beginner Bootcamp" at Dance Pavilion and are starting a new 6-week class Wednesday Oct 13. We'll start learning a new routine on Oct 20, but we're going to keep working on new steps and technique, so it's always a great opportunity to just "drop in." (There will be a chance to perform the dance at the Dance Pavilion's next Friday night party - I hope you'll all be game!)

Finally, I'm thrilled at the interest in my new Technique and Choreography class Sunday nights at Kenville Studios. I love having the opportunity to work on intermediate technique and develop a choreography with such talented students. Our next session - that last session of the year - will start up November 7 and run through Dec 12. Put it on your calenders! And Bring Finger Cymbals!

Class Details
Sunday 5:30-7:00
Kenville Studios
323 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor
Current session runs through Oct 17
Next session Nov 7 - Dec 12
Rates: Drop-in $18 / Full session $90

Wednesday 7:00-8:00
Dance Pavilion
1918 Whittaker Rd. Ypsilanti MI
Belly Dance Choreography
Session starts Oct 13
Call 734-369-9700 or visit Dance Pavilion

Finally, thanks to my awesome buddy Chris at Thatwerks.com for the amazing photoshoot we did this summer in New Jersey and for this awesome image he made -- belly dance meets Lord of the Rings!

Nadira dances to Nagwa Music

2010-05-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Watch on YouTube!
Nadira dances to Nagwa Music at Detroit Raqs 2010

Fun with Belly Dance Classes

2010-05-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Can I just saw how thrilled I am to be teaching belly dance classes again? I just finished the first week of classes and I am really looking forward to this spring/summer session. Our Beginner/Basic Level classes are working with hip technique and putting moves together in more complex combinations. The Advanced class this session is focusing on Egyptian style technique and music. Work your psoas, ladies!

For more information about the classes, see the post below or email me about coming to class. Please note! There will be NO Sunday classes on Memorial Day, May 30, so the Sunday classes will run until June 27 (instead of June 20).

Check it out! Amira Star's Shimmy Tecumseh event from Sept 24-26. I'll be teaching a workshop on Sunday morning, "FLIP IT: Sassy Veil Choreography." This class will introduce you to energetic combos with veil and teach a fun and flashy choreography to a modern Arabic pop music. Veil is a great prop for working with the steady rhythms and smooth melodic lines of music by Nancy Ajram, Shereen, and Elissa. But we'll bring that extra bit of flirtation and, well, sass!

Finally, thanks to everyone who came to the Detroit Raqs show and workshops last weekend. SO much fun, and such diversity of teachers and performers! Thanks to Kelli Dattilo and Spilt Sugar for taking photos and to Sue Peel for videotaping. Please enjoy some more photos from my performance and stay posted for video. See you around the dance floor! xoxo Nadira

Above photos by Spilt Sugar

By Kelli Dattilo

Spring Update

2010-03-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous is it outside?! Happy Spring, everybody! We're going into our last week of classes at Kenville and Dance Pavilion, where we have been working on some beautiful classical style choreographies.

In May and June get ready for three "Spring into Summer" classes at Kenville and Dance Pavilion. We'll continue working on technique, expanding our dance vocabulary, and working with choreography and combinations.

Workshops are a great way to explore new styles of dance and new teachers. In May, Mia of Unveiled Dance and Lunatic Vagabonds and Lana of Detroit Bellydance return to host the Detroit Raqs belly dance convention 2010! This weekend of workshops and shows May 7-9 will feature all different styles of belly dance. Put it on your calenders!

Registration is up for belly dance classes with Nadira. Class details are below. I'll see you dancing! xoxo Nadira

Belly Dance Classes with Nadira

Kenville Studios

323 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor

Sunday May 16 - June 20 - Six weeks

5:00-6:00 Basic Technique - beginner and returning students welcome!

6:00-7:00 Advanced Technique and Choreography

Each class $60 for session

Drop-in $12 or $20 for both

Dance Pavilion

1918 Whittaker Rd. Ypsilanti MI

Eight week session! May 12 - June 30

Wednesday 7:00-8:00

Continuing Belly Dance - returning and new students welcome. Expand your dance vocabulary and reinforce foundational technique.

Call 734-369-9700 or visit Dance Pavilion for details and registration.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, we're halfway through January already! It feels like only yesterday I was wrapping Christmas presents... New Year's Eve flew by in a blink. I am so glad it didn't snow - I mean, I love snow, but not when I am rushing here and there to perform! New Year's is always a special kind of crazy for a belly dancer and this year was no exception. Every party I danced at was special and every crowd was awesome. A extra special thank you to my sweet boyfriend for spending his NYE with friends so that I could could perform.

I can't believe the Millenium was ten years ago! In 2000 I had never even seen a belly dancer and I was still a kid in high school, so I spent New Year's with my family watching the ball drop. Fast forward to 2010 and my life has changed so much. If you had told me back then what I would be doing now - I would have thought it sounded awesome, but really?! I wonder what my life will be like in 2020?...

Getting back to January 2010... The travel bug has bit me again and this time I'm heading to Austin, Texas for a month, for my work. It will be nice to get away from the bitter Michigan cold. I'm also looking forward to studying with some dancers down there and I'll be bringing back some rocking new steps for my belly dance students here in Michigan. When I get back in February you guys can look forward to THREE new classes. Check out details below and register now! I'll miss you while I'm gone - but don't ever stop dancing!
xoxo Nadira

Kenville Studios
323 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor
Sunday Feb 14 - March 20
Beginner Belly Dance 5:00 - 6:00
Intermediate/Open Level Belly Dance 6:00 - 7:00

Each class $60 for session
Drop-in $12 one class or $20 for both
Register online now

Dance Pavilion
1918 Whittaker Rd. Ypsilanti
Wednesday Feb 17 - March 24
Beginner Belly Dance 7:00 - 8:00
$60 Session / $12 Drop-in
Call 734-369-9700 or visit Dance Pavilion to register

Where are YOU gonna be on New Year's 2010?

2009-12-20T10:35:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving...Christmas...then New Years!

2009-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for more updates...

Nadira's Fall Update

2009-09-25T12:41:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've written! I can't believe it's almost October. I just got back from vacation in Europe, visiting family in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. This picture is from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna - it's a crazy beautiful building! I am heading off in a few days to live in Philadelphia for a month for my studies. When I get back, be ready for two new Ann Arbor and Ypsi area classes! We'll be working on choreography as well as technique.

Sunday 5:00 – 6:00 * New Time
Open Level Arabic Dance
Kenville Studios, 323 E. Hoover St., Ann Arbor
Starts Sunday October 25
$60 Session / $12 Drop-in
Advance Registration by Email

Wednesday 7:00 – 8:00 * New Class!
Basics of Arabic Dance
The Dance Pavilion, 1918 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti
Starts November 4
$60 Session Pre-Register by 11/3
Visit http://www.thedancepavilion.com/ for More Info

Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in the Interpreting Arabic Music Workshops that I held this past month. You are all wonderful dancers! It was a real pleasure working with you!

My new promo video is finished - thanks to Sue Peel for her amazing work on this. Please Enjoy!

Summer Fun Hast Just Begun...

2009-06-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

In two days it's Summer! ...Although it doesn't feel like it yet. I just got back from an early summer vacation in Cancun, where it was H-O-T! I'm back in Michigan and looking forward to a long summer of dance - performing, teaching, and of course, studying. There is so much to learn about this rich art form!

I'll be teaching my last belly dance class session of the summer at Kenville Studios. If you missed the first class June 7, you can still sign up for the next 5 week June 21 to July 19. Contact me at nadiradance@yahoo.com about a late registration rate! I'll be teaching two weekend workshops in September, and then I be back with my weekly classes in the fall.

Don't forget to call now to book your wedding or summer event! The upcoming weeks are packed with fun. I'll be performing throughout southeast Michigan, so call now to find out where I'll be dancing next. Hope to see you there!

We've had a lot of fun this spring. Check out this footage of Maestro's "Betroit Night" where I performed with Chicago's Alaa Obeid.

And let's remember the night of March 21, with photos from The Harp Magazine.

Detroit Raqs Dance Show

2009-06-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

Did you have to miss the Detroit Raqs Shows? Don't be sad, my performances are now up on youTube! At the event I performed to two very different pieces.

First, I interpreted an instrumental version of the song "Zay el Assal" sung by Sabah, a piece of music very close to my heart. The lyrics describe a deep and enduring love that "comes over my heart just like honey." I find this song very moving, and it was a joy to share my love of its melodies and sentiments with such an appreciative audience.

And then for a change of mood..."Se Abdo!"

In the delightful piece "Se Abdo," singer Sami Ali in the character of Mr. Abdo tries to woo a young lady. I had a lot of fun interpreting this song, which never fails to make me giggle.

I hope you had as much fun at Detroit Raqs as I did. Hope to see you back next year!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother's Day on Sunday! The weather was gorgeous and the evening was even more special. I danced at a special party for Iraqi singer Hussam al Rassam. More pictures coming soon!

Nadira and Iraqi Singer Hussam Al Rassam at Shenandoah

Belly dance students - don't forget to sign up for the Detroit Raqs belly dance event. Nadira will be performing at the Instructors Gala on Saturday night and teaching a two hour workshop on Sunday. Come out Saturday after the Gala to see her dance in Dearborn! Call or email for details!

News and New Photos

2009-03-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm back from my second trip to Turkey and I'm getting excited about the spring season here in Michigan. There's lots of things going on in the world of dance. I'm starting my classes up again in April (visit Nadiradance.com for details) and in May I'm teaching a workshop at the Detroit Raqs Bellydance Convention hosted by Lana and Trisha in Ann Arbor.

I'm also excited to be dancing at two beautiful new nightclubs that recently opened, Layalina (in Lebanese Grill in Troy, MI) and Silk Nightclub (formerly Tu-Can Tango, in West Bloomfield). Please email me or call for my schedule.

Below are pictures from an engagement party at Pars Restaurant in January. The bride-to-be requested pink and I do love pink! My performance also featured a khaleegi dance.

Party with Nadira!

2008-12-21T12:09:00.001-08:00

Photos from The Harp, a Chaldean paper from West Bloomfield. Remembering the night of 10-18-2008, a party at Sahara Palace with singer Laith A-Iraqi.

Nadira with Wings

2008-11-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

A Shot from the St. Jude Benefit

St. Jude Children's Hospital Benefit

2008-11-09T11:19:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came for the workshops and show last night! The Benefit was a success (as always) and a blast. The morning workshops were interesting and diverse. I was honored to be teaching a segment alongside Aziza Amar and Aida al-Adawi. I taught Veil Rhumba and Karsilama. Thanks to all who participated. I really enjoyed teaching! If you want more information about the music I used, please email me. If you're interested in Turkish music a great CD to start out with is "Alleys of Istanbul" by Turku.

The show Saturday night was beautiful. Princess Madiha featured all different kinds of dance, including folkloric dances, African, and Bollywood style. The Banat Amira, the Princess' Daughters, performed a tribute to Om Kalthoum, each dancer offering an interpretation of a different song from her repertoire. It was a very special kind of performance to be a part of because it is so rare that we perform to this artistic music. Year after year Princess Madiha's Benefit provides a venue for dancers to share the height of the art with an appreciative audience. Thank you all!

I should be getting some live photos from the show soon!

Cheers,

Nadira

Link to Pictures from Turkey

2008-10-31T00:06:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody I know I promised to post pictures of my trip to Turkey. Well now you can see them on my Facebook account!

Just visit: Turkey Photo Album

And while you're at it, become my Facebook friend too!

Below: Nadira poses with Asiye, who designed my wonderful new costumes

Princess Madiha's St. Jude Benefit

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you about a special event coming up in a week on Saturday November 8. Every November Princess Madiha hosts a charity benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. During the day dancers can take a workshop with some of the best teachers in Michigan. And at night the real fun begins with a beautiful gala dinner and show featuring all of the Princess's students and professional dancers from Michigan. It is a very special event and I encourage you to get a ticket and do your part to, as Princess Madiha always says, "Help the kids!"

Thanks!

(Click on the picture for a close up for more details.)

Richmond Folk Festival 08

2008-10-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Virginia!

It's my last night in Richmond, where I spent the weekend performing at the Richmond Folk Festival with Nadeem Dlaikan and his wonderful band of accomplished musicians. It has been a really amazing experience. This folk festival brings together performers from all over the world, from many different cultures, to share their music and dance. I saw Inuit throat singing, Zuni Native American dances, Eastern European band music, reggae, and American bluegrass. We started out our weekend with performances at local elementary schools. It was so wonderful seeing the children's faces light up and watching them clap along and dance to the Arabic music, which was totally new to them. Saturday and Sunday we performed throughout the festival to packed tents. The crowds were really into it, clapping and dancing along. Here are some pictures from the festival weekend. Enjoy!

Back from Turkey

2008-10-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a 3 week vacation in Turkey in September. It was fantastic! The food was amazing, the country is fun and fascinating, and the whole experienced was a real joy. I lived in Istanbul and went on a few side trips to Cirali on the Med coast and Cappadocia. Istanbul was a lively and interesting city, very Western and yet also...different from Europe in key ways. The Med was breathtakingly gorgeous, and the rock formations of Cappadocia were wild - and they reminded me of Colorado (no kidding!). I've gotten a lot of requests to post pictures and details, and I'll be doing that on a sister blog, so check back soon!

Nadira's class have resumed:

Moonlight Dance Studio Thurs 6-7 - Six week session starts Oct 2

Pink Heels Mon 6-7 Level 1 / 7-8 Level 2 Only 3 weeks left before the studio moves! Last class session Oct 13

Email for schedule of shows! All the best everyone - it was a wonderful trip but of course, it's good to be back.

Nadira in the News

2008-08-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Nadira gets mentioned in the Arab American News! In July Nadira performed with the live Mushwar Band at Detroit's Arab and Chaldean festival. Check out this article about the exciting weekend:
Arab and Chaldean festival celebrates 37th year

One of the highlights of the night for me was this amazing little girl who got up to dance with me. Did she have some moves! And thanks to the wonders of Youtube, I can share it with you!
Arab and Chaldean Festival 2008

Belly Dance Class Update

2008-08-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

It's been a fantastic summer teaching in Ann Arbor at Moonlight and at my new home in Jackson at Pink Heels. Classes will continue for the month of August, but in September I'm going to be traveling to Turkey for 3 weeks. I know, isn't that awesome? It's a lifelong dream of mine to visit Istanbul, see all of the amazing Ottoman architecture, and of course see some belly dancing and drop a grand on costumes (that part of the dream is a little more recent).

At Moonlight, we're holding a special 4 week end of summer session August 14-Sept 4. Learn a dramatic veil choreography! New students are always welcome. $40 session / $15 drop in. Class held Thursday 6:00-7:00 at Moonlight Dance Studio 4949 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor. Be sure to drop by the August 16 showcase to catch your classmates in performance!

In Jackson, the Monday Level 1 6:00 and Level 2 7:00 classes continue. In Level 2 we're hard at work on the choreography to Zeina, which I hope we'll be able to perform at the next Fourth Friday event, which is held each month at the Arts 634 Building. Classes will continue in September without me (alas!) but take advantage of the opportunity to work with a new teacher! I'll be back shimmying with you by the end of the month!

As always, don't hesitate to email me with questions, comments, and idle gossip. And remember to dance like you mean it!

Belly Dance Candids

2008-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of the disappointing things about my job is that I rarely get to see photos or video from my shows! At almost every wedding at which I've performed there is a video guy with a bunch of rotating cameras on booms or following me around with a tripod (and trying not to get danced on!) but I never get to see the results! One day I hope my fairy godmother will produce one or more of these wedding videos for my archive. If you have a personal video of one of my shows, by all means, please share! In the mean time, it's always great when friends get a chance to document my performances. Here are some recent records of belly dancing in 2008!

In July Nadira had the amazing opportunity to perform, along with some other wonderful local dancers, in the Chantal Chamandy concert in Dearborn. We like to call this shot "Glitter Barbie"... and then see Glitter Barbies letting off some steam backstage!

In March, Nadira danced for a Iranian New Year's party (Nowruz). It was a fantastic night and had become a distant memory when, a few weeks ago this guy came up to me in a coffee shop where I was studying and asked, "Um, this may sound weird, but are you a belly dancer? Did you dance at our New Year's party?" He had some photos and a video from the party! I'm still hoping to get ahold of the video but in the mean time, an artsy action shot (note the adorable kids in getting down background):

Belly Dance in the News

2008-07-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this recent article in Jackson's local paper featuring the dance classes at Pink Heels Studio: "Dancing to Fitness" .
Very cool!

Belly Dance Classes with Nadira

2008-06-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Dance Studio

Open Level Class Continues! Thursday 6:00-7:00

Six Week Session Starts June 25

$60 session / $15 drop in

Located at 4949 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor

We just finished a Old Style Classical choreography and this session we're going to get into some Modern Arabic pop music. Hope to see you in class!

Pink Heels Studio and Boutique

Jackson, MI

Nadira is excited to be the new teacher at this cool studio and boutique. For more info visit http://www.pink-heels.com They have lots of fun classes so check it out!

Monday 6:00-7:00 Belly Dance Level 1

Monday 7:00-8:00 Belly Dance Level 2

Class fee $10 Drop-in always welcome.

Pink Heels is located at 634 N. Mechanic St., Jackson

Hope to see you in class!!

Photo Shoot with Kelly Dattilo

2008-06-16T18:25:00.001-07:00

Kelly Dattilo is an amazing photographer and belly dancer. Recently I did a photo shoot with her to show off some new costumes. Here are some of my favorites:

Welcome to Nadira's Blog

2008-06-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Nadira's Blog of News and Events!

Check this site for schedule and updates about performances, classes, and other events. Nadira performs and teaches throughout Southeast Michigan. And while you're at it, don't forget to visit Nadira's website www.nadiradance.com