Thread: First shamadan performance

Okay, it's technically my second, but it's my first public shamadan performance. I loved it too!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dVfdDRw0xI]YouTube - Shamadan Oct '08[/ame]

There's something about zeffa rhythm that I fell in love with. And then of course the chance to do floor work. I will definitely be pulling this out of my back pocket to perform again!

ETA: Thank you to all you wonderful ladies (and gents) that shared your knowledge about this dance. And a *big* thank-you to Zulaika for coaching me through this.

Fantastic job Malia!

Nice job, I think the shamadan looks particularly nice with the floor work.

Is it really heavy? Did it drip wax on you?

Loved that rendition of Zeina Zeina.

Oh, your shoulder shimmies are great!!

Yay!!! Lovely. Isn't shamadan fun? I think I'm addicted to my own adrenaline. When I take that thing off and I'm STILL ALIVE and NOT ON FIRE I just want to run victory laps.

heeeeeeee.....

Oh, and the music is so juicy and earthy and wonderful, too... of course...

OOooooh!

Originally Posted by dunyah

Is it really heavy? Did it drip wax on you?

Yes and yes

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Yay!!! Lovely. Isn't shamadan fun? I think I'm addicted to my own adrenaline. When I take that thing off and I'm STILL ALIVE and NOT ON FIRE I just want to run victory laps.

heeeeeeee.....

Oh, and the music is so juicy and earthy and wonderful, too... of course...

..l;, Agreed. It was so much fun; I really loved doing it.

Great performance, Malia!

I really love Zeffas too. Great music choices. I love getting to see you dance.

p.s. Your hair's getting long. Are you using anything special?

Very, VERY nice. I'm officially impressed! From the context of this thread, I'm assuming they were real candles? Didn't see much flicker so I wasn't sure!

I'm showing this video to my shemadan duette partner - we're doing some similar floorwork.

Loved it!

Beautiful :-)

Originally Posted by princessisabella

Great performance, Malia!

I really love Zeffas too. Great music choices. I love getting to see you dance.

p.s. You're hair's getting long. Are you using anything special?

Thanks sweetie. My hair is growing but I'm not doing anything special. I keep up on the vitamins and lots of fruits/veggies, so maybe that helps?

BTW, are you coming to Caspian tomorrow night? Asiya is doing a holiday fundraiser to sponsor a needy family. I'm going to dance with George Sadak for the first time! I'm nervous but SO excited.

Originally Posted by zorba

Very, VERY nice. I'm officially impressed! From the context of this thread, I'm assuming they were real candles? Didn't see much flicker so I wasn't sure!

I'm showing this video to my shemadan duette partner - we're doing some similar floorwork.

Oh yes. They were real. I actually don't like the battery ones; doesn't give the same feeling and excitement as real flames. But then I suppose you don't spend the next four days pulling wax out of your hair either ..c::

ETA: definitely post a video after you perform. I love seeing what other people do too. We should start a shamadan dancers circle!

Originally Posted by maliam

BTW, are you coming to Caspian tomorrow night? Asiya is doing a holiday fundraiser to sponsor a needy family. I'm going to dance with George Sadak for the first time! I'm nervous but SO excited.

What time is the show? We're meeting to finalize the ..g.: tomorrow night. There will be a new Egyptian ..g.: in Seattle!:zillgallop:

Originally Posted by princessisabella

What time is the show? We signed yesterday. There will be a new Egyptian in Seattle!:zillgallop:

Woohoo! Congratulations.

The show starts at 7:30 and ends at 8:30p. I hope you can make it! It would be great to see you again.

Originally Posted by maliam

ETA: definitely post a video after you perform. I love seeing what other people do too. We should start a shamadan dancers circle!

I'm somewhat embarrassed to post in such distinguished company, but here's mine, also my first:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ASIvhNRSI]YouTube - Badriya al-Badi'a Shamadan and Cane[/ame]

My candles were real, but not lit due to windy conditions and our not having a fire permit (yes, we would have needed one even outdoors). That turns out for the better, as you can see in the video...

I loved your performance, very lovely!!!

Originally Posted by maliam

I'm going to dance with George Sadak for the first time! I'm nervous but SO excited.

Hey, I know George Sadak from the Oregon Country Fair. I've drummed/played riqq next to him for two years in a row now - marathon all-day performances for three days! He's super nice, and a great drummer. You should have a wonderful time.

Originally Posted by maliam

Oh yes. They were real. I actually don't like the battery ones; doesn't give the same feeling and excitement as real flames. But then I suppose you don't spend the next four days pulling wax out of your hair either ..c::

I actually don't care for the battery ones either - for much the same reason. Indeed, I have hitherto only danced Shemadan with real ones. This said, I've invested in a set of battery candles as there just ARE venues that won't allow live flame. The ones I found were referenced by a dance sister here on Bhuz, and are quite realistic (as much as they can be).

Good job Badriya. I liked being able to hear the Zills even though you're outdoors...g.: