Thread: Bellydance in Paris

Hi-

I'm living in Paris for the summer and would love to know more about the dance scene here. I've found a few classes that I'm trying to fit in with my academic schedule, but I'd also like to know if anyone has studio or teacher recommendations. Also, if anyone knows if there are any stores, markets or bazaars to find costumes at, I'd really appreciate it as I'm dying to get a new one!

Thanks,
Najla

A lot of info can be found in this French forum, they also publish workshop and event dates:
http://sharqigirl.xooit.com/

I have worked with this association: http://www.etoiledessables.com/

(all dance teachers/schools in France must be associations by law - very bureaucratic...)

You will find dance accessories around the Boulevard Barbès.
There is a boutique called Sherihane which is apparently very expensive.

Bon séjour!

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by meissoun

A
There is a boutique called Sherihane which is apparently very expensive.

Sharihane - they also have information about classes & events
http://perso.orange.fr/sharihane/

If I were going to be in Paris, I would try to study with Leila Haddad -- I love her! http://www.leilahaddad.com/en/accueil.php

Some disclaimers: Leila is not one to break down and explain movements, and some students find this frustrating.

Originally Posted by beafarhana

Sharihane - they also have information about classes & events
http://perso.orange.fr/sharihane/

I'll be in Paris this weekend, so I shall look yours and Meissoun's suggestions up. thanks

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

I couldn't find the address for Sharihane until I checked posts today (probably better anyway, too tempting!), but yesterday I went to the Boulevard Barbes area that Meissoun mentioned and found a BEAUTIFUL Egyptian costume (gauntlets, skirt, bra all beaded) for under 200 euros--such a steal! I'll try to put up pictures of it some time

Here are the places I visited

Royal Spectacle (18 arr.)
Rue Livingstone
...this is where I bought my costume from; extremely helpful, not too pushy, a good selection from the basic 15 euro hip scarf to the 700 euro dream costume. Quality is good (nothing falling off of anything) and the prices can be negotiated a bit. In my costume-induced euphoria, I forgot to get the business card, but it's right near many other dance shops in the 18th.

Fem'chic en Spectacle (18th arr.)
2, Rue Livingstone - 01 42 62 73 46
Also has a lot of other types of dance clothes...much pricier here, just about all of the nicer costumes cost at least 220 euros. Nice quality though, and extremely helpful saleswoman.

Au Decor de Paris (18th arr.)
11 Rue D'Orsel, www.orselshow.com, 01 42 55 21 58
Tiny little shop, a good place for hip scarves and less fancy costumes

Hariri Baba (18th arr.)
5 Rue Pierre Picard, 06 17 14 12 49
Tiny store, absolutely crammed with stuff--expect to hunt here. Probably better for buying the basics (hip scarves, jewelery), as a lot of the sequins/beads were falling off of everything else.

Happy shopping, everyone, and thanks again for the advice

Originally Posted by najla86

Hi-

I'm living in Paris for the summer and would love to know more about the dance scene here. I've found a few classes that I'm trying to fit in with my academic schedule, but I'd also like to know if anyone has studio or teacher recommendations. Also, if anyone knows if there are any stores, markets or bazaars to find costumes at, I'd really appreciate it as I'm dying to get a new one!

Thanks,
Najla

Hi Najla! I'm in the same boat! Going to Paris in two weeks to do a 6-month internship. If you find some great schools there I wouls really appreciate if you share your experience with me!!!!!! So far, I've been asking around and got following suggestions on schools: Zaza Hassan (no comment); Mayodi (never herd about him, but on girl who I met in Monaco last week at Jillinas workshop told me he is good...). Besides his school is at the Bastille area where I'll be staying! my e-mail is yelena_yavorska@hotmail.com

For some reason most of the best known dancers in Paris (and France) seem to be non-French. Some I could recommend are Japanese-born Kamellia , who is an excellent teacher and interesting person, German dancer Amina Romo has at least lived in Paris, unfortunately her web-site is not too informative and naturally already mentioned Leila Haddad is always interesting to see and listen to although I am not a fan of her teaching style.

Hi there!

Amana (at http://www.danseorientale.biz/ ) in Montparnasse organises a lot of workshops in her studio in Paris.
I just returned from a 3 day WS with Suhaila there (which kicked my ass, I loved it ..l;, )

Khalida

Originally Posted by kahire

For some reason most of the best known dancers in Paris (and France) seem to be non-French. Some I could recommend are Japanese-born Kamellia , who is an excellent teacher and interesting person, .

I first met Kamelia when we worked together in Cairo. Then we were close friends when we both lived in Paris. I highly recommend Kamelia. She is a giving teacher and has true dance credentials.
Yasmin

Well you did better than me cos I found nothing in Boulevard Barbes. Sharihane was okay-ish, but compared with the UK it looked a little under-developed. It needed a gee-u[p

I tried to take a class with Kamellia at the Centre de Danse d'Alesia, but she was not there the night she was scheduled for advanced classes! There was another teacher there, nice, but a bit too follow-the-leader style--it was also a trip to take a dance lesson in French for the first time, as I've certainly never been taught that vocabulary before...another problem was, as soon as I went to a class, the teacher was going on vacation for 1.5 months (as is everyone else in France)...ah well, good luck though!

How about Mayodi and Nasser Selimi?

Sorry I don't have their details to hand ... Mayodi is a great dancer and Nasser is a master percussionist and a really nice guy.

Originally Posted by jilyan

How about Mayodi and Nasser Selimi?

Sorry I don't have their details to hand ... Mayodi is a great dancer and Nasser is a master percussionist and a really nice guy.

Just to add to what was said above. I went for Mayodi's class before he left on holidays (till Sept 4th or so). Great lesson, great teacher!. Finally 1,5 hours for a change instead of 1 and good work out. Also be prepared that the place is packed :) He's teaching near Bastille.


But where can I see Nasser?!

Bump!
Reviving this thread since I´m going to Paris and wants to find out if there´s any nice arabic resturants with live music?

Bumpity Bump! I will be in Paris October 10-18 and I am also hoping to find a good place to see a show. Anyone?

Xylinia, you need just to stay a couple of more days, and Randa will be there.
Details here http://randakamel.site.voila.fr

We have a schedule with all the events related to bellydance in France here : Association ODC - Cercle des Danses Orientales, réseau de diffusion de la danse orientale en France - Annuaire et agenda de la danse orientale. (in French). In the week you are coming, I found :
- a workshop with Jillina, with a show, organized by http://www.iman-online.com/; not much info on the website, you may have to contact the organizer.
- a flamenco - bellydance fusion show by two great dancers; I would really love to see this show because I know one of the dancer and she is fantastic (and the other one probably too). You can find info on this show, named Azahar, here : MySpace.com - Azahar - Ile-de-France - Flamenco / Other - www.myspace.com/spectacleazahar.
If you need more info let me know !

Don't I wish I could stay longer! Azahar's show looks fantastic (I love, love, love flamenco/bd fusion) but that's the night I fly back :-(

Thank you so much for the schedule. My French is tres rusty but I will try...