Classic Stars of Bellydance (aka Gameel Gamal)~~1974

[Monica]

I was so excited to read this!

From today's San Francisco Chronicle:

"CLASSIC STARS OF BELLYDANCE

Filmed in 1974 and released in 1976 under the title "Gameel Gamal" (Oh! Beautiful Dancer), Gordon Inkeles' 25-minute short played several film festivals and then vanished for 30 years. It presents a brief history of belly dancing, then tells the story of two young dancers, Katarina (pictured) and Taia, who are breaking into an apparently thriving belly-dance scene in San Francisco. The new title is appropriate. The film contains entire belly dances by Katarina and Taia, and also by their senior, Amina, who tells them they should perform as if dancing for a king. We later see her dance, and that's exactly what she does. Though short, the film is a satisfying introduction to belly-dance aesthetics, in that each of these classic dancers brings a special quality, a special talent and a slightly different approach to her work. But the film is something more, an unexpectedly touching document of this city a generation ago. I found out about the film because (full disclosure) I'm a friend of Katarina's -- known today as Stanford acting teacher Kay Kostopoulos and as the vocalist for Black Olive Jazz. I'm glad I did, because even beyond the belly-dance aspect, there's something magical and wistful about traveling in this time machine and finding yourself on some lost yet vibrant afternoon, watching De Ann Adams (Miss Sonoma County 1968) perform an extended dance by the Embarcadero. Not everyone will be moved, but if you loved the '70s, you'll understand. -- Mick LaSalle
1974 "

Link to review:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...sn=001&sc=1000



I also got the following email from Amina this afternoon:
"I will have dvds of "Classic Stars of Belly Dance" available for sale at
$19.95.

If you like this video and would like to see more, why don't you also
consider "Hizz ya Wiz" which is also a little bit of history and lots of dancing or
"Nadia in America" featuring Nadia Hamdi. (Both of these videos also feature
Amina and The Aswan Dancers.)

I can offer either of these (Hizz ya Wiz and Nadia in America) in the
original vhs format at $20 each or for $25 each I will send you the vhs and a dvd
(copied by me on my equipment). dvd only would be $20. each.
Please see http://www.aswandancers.org/videos.htm for more information on
Hizz ya Wiz or Nadia in America.

If you wish any or all of these videos please send check to The Aswan
Dancers, 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114 and indicate what you would like.
Please add $5 for shipping and handling if you will not be picking up in
person.

Thanks,
Amina"


I get nothing fro this but the opportunity to promote a fellow dancer and share what sounds like a cool film! I can't wait to see it.

Cheers,

Monica

[*Shira*]

How cool is that!!!! I want a copy!

[cbarros]

I have to say that I have "Nadia in America" . . . from waaaaaaaaaaaay back, lol, and then went to SF to take the workshop which Amina sponsored there in, hmmmmm, now what year was that??? I loved Nadia and was sorry that I was only able to take one other workshop with her before she quit coming to the States.

I don't have "Hizz ya Wiz" , but have always thought about it because Amina's group did some interesting things when I saw them perform. Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, so many things to watch!!!

I'll have to think about this latest one too as it does sound very interesting . . . at least to get some perspective on early SF dance scene.

[vilia]

I believe I saw Gameel Gamal at a workshop held by Mary Ellen Donald many years ago. I'd love to get a copy.

[Monica]

Originally Posted by cbarros

I have to say that I have "Nadia in America" . . . from waaaaaaaaaaaay back, lol, and then went to SF to take the workshop which Amina sponsored there in, hmmmmm, now what year was that???

Yeah, she was here at SF State in 1995!

I don't have "Hizz ya Wiz" , but have always thought about it because Amina's group did some interesting things when I saw them perform. Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, so many things to watch!!!

Hizz ya Wizz is good, and you get definite bang for your buck. Lots of styles are represented--don't have it in front of me but I recall beledi and sharqi, Nubian, Fellahi, Melaya Lef. Group numbers and solos, oriental and folkloric, and both men and women dancers. Plus some live music, some dervish. Very straightforward in terms of filming and production, but a very broad representation of styles from Amina and her crew.

M.