Thread: anyone use sallasana mendillini?

I remember seeing Marguarite dance to this years ago, and I've found some fast versions and some slower that would be great for veil of fan veils. The one youtube clip, the singer had folkloric dancers behind her, of course I can't find that one to post now!!! I know it's not what would normally be put in a belly dance show, but I love this song, has anyone used it, and how was it received? Dilek, any input?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZA03NvOfHE]YouTube - sallasana sallasana mendilini türkü okuyan haşim koç[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq3R2vQgEWw]YouTube - Zeynep Kamil Korosu - Sallasana Mendilini[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L2xv2s-yeE]YouTube - YouTube - candan erçetin- sallasana mendilini- live[/ame]

And of course John B's version that we are most familiar with, even though he has an Armenian accent, his voice is beautiful, I for one don't care if singers have accents from other regions, look how many non Egyptians sing Egyptian songs. It would be like an American singer doing a cover song of the Beatles.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy_WoNJpKL8]YouTube - Sallasana Mendellini by John Bilezikjian[/ame]

I asked a similar question to Artemis, about the use of more folkloric-rooted songs for a belly dance performance (I did not include Sallasana in my list, but I mentioned Uskudara and Shisheler). She said it is fine, if one follows common sense to make sure that the tune is appropriate for the audience and occassion. She also added that a younger, more hip native audience is more likely to not enjoy these tunes as much, in contrast to an audience of middle-aged+, as part of the general considerations.

I used Ozel's version a lo-o-ong time ago as a tip song when I danced at restaurant.

I've used John B's version because it's gorgeous. Haven't gotten the opportunity to use it at a Turkish event, but it always goes over beautifully with older mixed American crowds.

One of the old IAMED DVDs has Delilah doing it live, with John B I think. It's gorgeous, I love the piece so much. And I know the Marguerite performance you're referring to I think! Amazing.

we use it for veil

I use it in GP venues. John B plays it live for me when I work with him *squee*
Not for strictly Arabic clubs, obviously.

i teach it first to the brothers of baladi, it is in english....after they get the jist, we go to better covers

I would use it if I have live music, and musician has only few choices of slow music to play and sing. I like many other Turkish slow songs and I find them more romantic.
I have danced to this song many times when I dance to John Bilezikjian and love to do veil to it, because it is about shaking a handkercheif.

I've also used John B.'s version for veil--including several times for an audience mixed both in terms of age andTurkish & non-Turkish guests). It was well-received. It's one of my favorite pieces of slow music. I feel very much connected emotionally to John B.'s version.