OUL TANI KEDA – EGYPTIAN POP BELLYDANCE CHOREOGRAPHY

This is a simple choreography i did for bellygrams. I did not use very complicated moves. Its basically lots of 3 4 shimmies, undulations and some free styling. I ususually dont choreograph to precision when it comes to egyptian pop, especially when doing bellygrams, because when dancing for people, alot of things can change. And it just makes the dance more interesting to them. If you know the music really well, then this shouldnt be the problem for you. And yeap bellygrams except us to smile all the time… Talking about bellygrams, it always makes me wonder. I had always done egyptian pop songs, or arabic pop songs. But living in Singapore, where we are open to western, indian, chinese music, arent we bellydancers suppose to also dance for such songs for our audiences…Thats just a random thought. But most arabic songs are pretty tailored for bellydancers, you have the drums there. Perhaps you can try your luck with indian music, you have the tabla there…

and somehow music style or structure is pretty much the same. I notice this about arabic and indian song. I dont know how to say this in english….So i’ll write my own english translation.

An indian song is made of paragraphs and intervals

Song core (the song starts…e.g here oul tani keda

1st music Interval (music)

Paragraph 1 (in this song it is…enta meen fil hawa w fil shou)

Song core (Back to oul tani keda…)

2nd music interval

Paragraph 2 -el gharam lessa badri alaik

Song core (oul tani keda)

 

This is very similar to how the indian song structure it, with pallavi and charanam…and most arabic songs also seem to follow the same structure. This structure is not seen in western music…This is why perhaps indian music takes 5 minutes Knowing and memorising song structures have been useful for me, especially in choreography. I choreograph in parts Anyways, thanks for reading. Please do credit me if using this choreo and post vid responses is any dare to…Take care and peace Sabreena

NEW CHOREOGRAPHY UP SOME PERFORMANCE VIDS

For some reason, i can never get anyone to camera this choreo well enough for my performances. So here it is guys! I know it looks awkward cos of my feet, i did it cos some dancers wrote to me they wanna see my feet to learn from. Hope that helps.

Also i tried something out. Closing my eyes and bellydancing. Becos i wanted to feel the music. It helps me concentrate better.

People always tell me never to write personal thoughts up on a public blog like this. But i guess this is the only venue where anyone actually listens to me. I had been thinking alot lately about my career and what i do. And it struck me pretty bad on what people around you value you as. Its just not bellydancers, any form of artist i guess. People think you are a sort of public property with no feelings of your own. Sometimes it saddens me. People viewing you as a sex object. You cant change what people think of you. But i am allowed to write out my thoughts. Sometimes i wonder and fear alot about that. These are some of the nightmares i face with my work.

 

Once someone asked me about starting a bellydance career. Stigma comes along with it. Especially when you are young and you are doing this on your own. It does hurt me pretty badly. Sometimes i feel rather alone. It seems pretty cool to many that i fight against a closed society and dance. But really, you are left alone. People who choose to stick with society, applaud you. But in reality, they would never do what i do. And that makes me feel isolated.

Dance makes me very happy. Performance makes me even happier. Seeing my audience. Honestly, i live for my dances. I dance for myself. Its not about looking good, or being the center of attention. Its for myself.  I donno if other dancers go through what i go through….but this is what i feel…even with friends and relationships…sometimes you wish people viewed you as one of them…and not as something else….

Even though i had  felt uncomfortable with the strictness in indian classical arts, i felt the strictness taught by the teachers give students almost a religious-tic love and respect towards the dance. The aim for perfection too comes from there. Many of modern dancers have become way too casual with what they do. So much so people developed the mindset that bellydance is something casual. Sometimes we dancers are not called up for formal dance festivals, in fact most of us get our jobs from wedding dinners and parties -the question of entertainment arises. But entertainment is also just not shaking your hips a little and making everyone happy. There should be a strong balance between good skill and entertaining people.

One form of entertaining people which is emphasized alot among dancers is – smile smile smile, look at them, address them, sometimes dance with them. But there are other forms of entertainment too. I am not saying there is something wrong with smiling. What im saying is, bellydance itself is astounding. Its like magic. We can make audience be in awe. And maybe more dancers should touch on that by showing off marvellous skills-making people wonder -can our human body be capable of this?

Thats what i wish more dancers will touch on. One good example of such a dancer is none other than Rachel Brice. She is VERY ENTERTAINING-she doesnt smile at all…but every one in the audience got eyes on her.

We can do the same with other form of bellydancers – drum solos as well are pretty fascinating stuff. My fav step which always makes audience go woah is floating around in a long skirt with choo choo shimmies…thats my fav step…I stopped using it in later performances…but i decided i will bring that cute step again…

My opinions on costuming is changing. For the better actually. Maybe wen i get an ensemble of one, i will talk to you guys about it. Always be unique…thats the only way you will stand out…and thats what i try to do always…

Take care

Hugs

Sabreena

I haven’t really started dancing yet….

I haven’t really started dancing yet. I just learnt that not really long ago. I thought i was dancing. But i dont think i can call that dance. Performing is a ritual. There should be magic in it. After meeting some bellydancers from Singapore. I realize there is a big difference from a PAID entertainer and a artist. Paid entertainer dance around the audience….an artist makes the performance from where she stands. I dont like going around and performing. Where i stand is where the performance is. And if its good enough, people will turn and look. Then you as an artist have passed!

I changed a few strategies. I dont know if its making any difference in this video. But i told myself i will be better. But as i look in the video. I feel a little disappointed. Especially with my 1st performance. But i did like my 2nd performance better. Just a little more. 

I began to realize that i didnt take dancing seriously yet. I have to. Its like when you are performing….you have to melt into what you do on stage No thinking should be done. No worrying about steps. Its just like acting. If you are thinking while you are acting, you can’t deliver your character. 

You get the adreline rush….you melt….you address the audience. There are no instructions. This is why i hate choreograhies. I have a problem in following rules. I concentrtae on the rules more than the actual dance. 

Drum solos…what is a drum solo….you become the drum….thats what you aim to be when you are on stage. I am tired of dancing that seduces and pleases people…people should be in awe….bellydance is like a magic trick…it makes people amazed….thats how it should be performed…you become all the instruments….you become all the music…its not you competing with the music and getting all the steps…ALL THAT should be done in rehearsals!

Its the intention. It has to change. You should grab a certain power when you are on stage. And become IT. Then your shimmies everything will become powerful/ Make use of the adreline rush given to you when you walk into that stage. I saw a significant difference among audience in the 2nd performance.

 

I love performing alot….you become someone different….And i think if you consider each dance as religion….then you will see the difference i am aiming for.

 

WORK IS GOD

DANCE IS RELIGION

                       -SABREENA SHANU

RVSAID1989′S REQUEST

Hello people. Okay time i am fulfilling a request i got several times from RVSAID1989. I am sorry i took some time. I had been busy with filming…i think some of you know that i recently started a production company, and it takes alot of my time. So i am commiting myself to posting tiny bits of information for you guys.

So well nothing much quite to say here. I am just updating stuff with you guys. So here in this video i am just basically breaking down a move. And do post responses back. I am not a professional teacher, but i might just be able to tell you whether it looks right enough. 

UPDATES UPDATES UPDATES!

I don’t usually watch my old videos or anything i post on youtube. Because….I’m shy. Lol. So when i was preparing for a performance, i had to look at my old videos. I was watching the first Sahra Saidi drum solo i did. 

It was hmmm….When i look back, i think ive improved a fair bit. And i realized how important drilling is and how much it can help. Last time, moving those hips was not that fluid for me honestly. Sometimes i end up having muscle cramps. I have to thank all those drilling sessions i had. Its the same old Mantra i tell you all the time. Dance that step throughout that song. Well thats what i do atleast. Alot of us don’t have the patience to see ourselves grow. We want results instantly. Honestly thats not going to happen, The more we try, the better we be. Thats why ive to thank alot of those who gave me comments and feedback on my dancing. Feedback sure makes a difference. I am still looking forward for all your feedback.

MICHAEL JACKSON…R.I.P

I am NOT over this man yet! As a kid i used to watch him…i grew up looking at him. And he inspired me in many ways. I used to remmeber dancing late at night – Not bellydance…But whatever i could imitate off him.

Well, he is good human too….He was so humble and helped so many…

Something more interesting i want to share with you people is the things he taught about dance. I was reading his biography and watching his interviews. He mentioned something about becoming the instrument when you dance….the worst thing a dancer can do is THINK…and to just feel your way through. And ever since that, i did just what the guru said. I became the drum for my latest performance. I was so sad about him, i thought of him and danced lol…Like a tribute to guy you grew up listening to. And i can tell you, i felt the difference. I am all excited to post  info video about all that we bellydancers can learn from the king of pop. He can never be forgotten. God bless him. And god bless you all as well. Take care guys!

WEIGHT BELTS IN BELLYDANCE

bellydance practise with weight belts

So here i am back with weight belts. There’s been a long enough dispute on whether weights are safe or not. I used my trusty scuba diving weights all this while. Ive used it for nearly a year. And im totally fine actually. I guess im a living example that weights are not dangerous after all. But there are still safety concerns. If used incorrectly, definitely it will cause you harm.

I like weights because it gives me extra challenge that i need. All of us wants to progress faster on the dancing scale. So thats my main reason to use weights.

What improvments do i see on myself?
Definitely i learn faster. Isolation is perfected faster with weights. I use it solely for isolation. My muscles get stronger. It seem to help layering too. I don’t know how. It does give alot of extra oomph in your workout. So it benefits you in building your abs.

Usual questions i get regarding weights?
Does it ache?
Yes

Does it help you lose weight
Yes

Is it dangerous?
Not for me atleast.

Can regular weights work?
Yes. But you can still get the fancy ones if you can afford it?

How do I use it?
From what i hear. Make sure you have even amount of weights on both sides of your hips. Then just go on drilling.

Where can i buy weights?
Scuba diving shops, Ebay. Special bellydance weight belts.

How much would it be?
In singapore it comes up to 30. Its pretty affordable here.

How regular should i practise with weights?
As much you want.

I was very much worried to just go on recommending weights. So initially, many months back i decided to experiment it on myself to check if it would have any drastic effects. I do have a responsibility over my viewers and i wouldnt want to recommend anything that could cause harm.

But after so many months of use, i think and i believe its safe. It seems safe on me.

But before i go, dear comrades let me just leave you a qoute regarding weightbelts that my grandmother told me before she passed away. Actually her last words.

“With great responsibility, comes great abs”

Im serious. Just be responsible with your weights. If you dont secure it well or don’t practise reponsbiliy around weights, you would eventually lose your hips, belly, intestines and all other body parts. 

Sabreena

HOW TO FLUTTER (BELLYDANCE)

Belly flutters attempt 1

I am back with a home video after a super long time. I had been really busy. I finally managed to squeeze out flutters so i decided to post it. I couldnt do flutters at all. I decided to dance to a random indian 80’s song cos i kept listening to it. I am not actually dancing to it. I edited to it

What are flutters?

Its sucking in and out the diaphram. Or like some people say The first muscle. The one between your rib cage. Its not easy to do it at 1st. To me its harder than the belly roll. But the belly roll sure does train your stomach to do flutters.

 

How does one practise to do flutters?

It took me nearly a year to learn this setp on my own. I kept looking at dance dvds that teach me this step. Unfortunately i cant recommend you any one at the moment. Many just demonstarte the step and tell us what muscle to do move. So what i do is lie down on my bed, facing the ceiling. And i suck in and out my diaphram. Its alot easier when you are lying down.

Then i put one music and flutter according to the beats. Flutters also make ur belly rolls look better. I flutter to a whole song as usual.

I once heard Yame a fellow dancer felt one should just do a certain amount of repetitions.  But i just prefer doing it for a whole song. For me, its easier for my body to recgonise and get used to the pattern. A little time consuiming. But works for me.

Emails and songs

People have resquested songs from me. Unfortunately, Gmail sometimes fails to send it over. I apologise for that. But for those who got it, lucky you!

But dont hesistate to still message me. Gmail’s a little cranky at times on me. So maybe sometimes you might just get lucky. 

Updates about me…

Im learning cane bellydance. My teacher is awesome. She makes sure no one whacks anyone in the rpocess of dancing. Cane is pretty fun. But im not good in it. I have to PRACTISE!

I also lost my rabbit Panda who is nearly 9. The one one my youtube page with sundari. He passed away of old age. It has been hard.

Before i go, some bellydance makeup that ive been practising

I used mac carbon and club on the 2nd pic.

The 1st one is alot simpler. 2 dark sjadows from body shop. I perefr simple makeup for bellydance. So tihis are some choices you can tink of

BELLYGRAM OUL TANI KEDA

Hello guys. How have you been? I have just uploaded a dance i did for a private belly function. Its oul tani keda by Nancy Ajram. The audience was just awesome. The space was pretty small but i managed somehow. I have been really busy with shoots and therefore the lack of homevideos. I am planning to show you guys the choreography of this song. Its pretty easy to work with and learn. I would rate it intermediate actually.

Spacial reality

I just thought of bringing this up. People perform for gigs not quite knowing the amount of space they have to work with. If you know, thats great. If you don’t know just learn to expect the unexpected.

Many of us choreograph. Some of this choreos do have lots of spins and turns or just dance on the spot. When we realize a lack of space, it does get a little disorientating. But we all have to learn to work with the space given or just improvise. I know this sounds very basic. But i guess its imporant for those who are just starting to perform.

So what do i do?

Well its hard to say, unless you know exactly where you are performing. The best you can do is to ENQUIRE. Ask them where exactly you are performing. Some weddings provide you with stages. Smtimes they are big…smtimes just small.

I usually go by guessing

If i hear there;s a stage, i would enquire how big it is. Or when i take a look at it before stepping, i make a mental calculation on how big my steps should be. 

Private birthdays

This one…you can expect a tiny spot. You might want to do away or minimize your spins cos if you are gonna spin, you’ll sure hit someone.

Small stages

You can have spins and turns here for sure, Just make sure you dont spin out of the stage

Sometimes your audience would gather around you in a circle. So its important to do steps facing them all. Rather than just the front audiene getting the best of your dance steps,

Being a dancer is not easy. Its all about adjustment. Sometimes the music can just stop halfway or things can just happen. It has happened to me twice. Its how you mask it and move on. Its hard to concentrate on alot of things. But just it let it loose and be mindful of your audinece. Try to give your 100%. I cant say this was my best. But we just have to work around it. 

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. Keep your questions coming in…

 

Sabreena

TARKAN BELLYDANCE/ TIPS ON A BELLYGRAM

Its been a long time since i posted a home video. I did this cos i needed to choreograph more songs for gigs. Apart from drum solos. And i needed a sort of workout with my upper body isolations. I realised i need to like oil my joints so i can have faster smoother and even tinier movements during layering. Quite honestly, it works for me very well. I usually do such isolation stuff before a gig.

What i do right before a gig

I am a bad planner. And pretty much last minute. So im the worst person for advise. But there are somethings i would wish to do. Like follow a proper schedule or something. In terms of preparatory exercises, i definitely do have some good stuff i do.

Preparatory exercises

People usually just practise and repractise their choreo. I used to do the same. But well just like an old machine needs oil. Preparatory exercises makes your performance smoother.

Isolation exercises

I usually do rip cricles to a whole 5 minute song. With my hands up high. It hurts like crazy. But it smooths your movement. Wen your hands are held up, your ribs need to do more work to move. And by the end of 5 minutes, you’d be cursing the music to end fast.

Other than rib circles, i do chest pops all the way. 5 minutes non stop.

Or vertical figure 8’s not on toes. All the way to a song. This really hurts!

And yes i would lie down and belly roll and flutter to a full song.

I am trying to do the same with snake arms. But its just too painful.

You can try it at the pool though. Hurts less. Just alot of people think you are drowning…

Things i wish i’d do

Make sure ur makeup is ready and your hairstyling stuff.

Pick your bellydancing attire a day earlier. So you can save time searching for it. Cos i often end up doing that.

Earrings accesories whatever. I NEVER wear fake eyelashes even though people feel bellydancers should! But ive no patience im pretty happy with what i have.

CD. That should be burned and tested days before your gig

Pack a bottle of water or something you can eat. Cos you wouldnt wanna drink anything there or expect someone to feed you. Its better not to…

If you are bringing a cam. Make sure its all charged and ready.

Dont forget name cards and whatever stuff you give to your client as a token of appreciation

Please bring along a shawl or anything that covers you when you are not dancing. This saves alot of bad impressions or saves you from sneaky bastards…

I usually bring a male friend along for all my gigs. It acts as a sort of protection too. My male friend (Chin Eng) also happens to be my cameraman.

Just remmeber to be early. I was late once. And i didnt really feel good about it. Though the hostess was really nice and all.

Tips after the gig

Do leave your name cards with your hosts or some token. I give them this “genieshanu” thank you card. So they would remember me. And i feel since they pay you, its best you thank them in some form. Its really funny when you have to make cards of yourslef. But well….

Dont hang out after the party! Really. They would invite you in most cases. But it just spoils your image.

———

These woud be tips from my own experiences. Just thought i would share with you. Do feedback to me. You can now safely expect more videos from me. Its just ive been so busy with school. I would upload some of my gigs and homevids soon….

Sabreena

DANCE PE CHANCE CONTEST!

SRK DANCE PE CHANCE

Hi guys

Well this time im back with a very different video. Not the usual bellydance. We are joining a SRK Dance PE cHANce contest where we have to do our own choreo for a bollywood song. My sisters really got excited. So i decided to try it out. I cant do much cos they arent trained dancers. They really did as mmuch as they could. So i had to simplify steps as we had a lack of time.

dO Rate comment and vote for us. Atleast for my sisters attempt. We did have a lot of fun doing it.

Some stuff i tried

Well whether its a contest or not, i do still have some stuff to share with you. Some time back, i wrote here that indian dance involved  facial expressions. Example, Bharathnatyam tells a story true gestures and facial expression. Gothic bellydance adopted that as well.

Well here, i just decide to use animated expressions. Expressions can be a choreography! People always tend to think dance is about moving body parts. But nope. Its about expression. And expression can come from any source. I wish people will involve more emotion and expressions for bellydance as well. It will bring dance to a whole new level.

Doing cute stuff always works as well. Its about being you in your dance. I would uplood more belly home vids soon. So please watch out for it,

Happy Shimmies!!!

Sabreena

Bellygram at Carlton

Hello there. Ive been uploading my performances recently. I am yet to do a home video. But before that I do owe Tommy a video. So just waiting for my messy life to clear up so i can do a good one.

Bellygrams

Well this was hell of a bellygram. Becos i cracked my toe nail from a bad fall few hours before this dance. It hurt really badly. N the bleeding was pretty bad. I was worried that i might not even be able to walk. But as they say, “The show must go on…”

So behind all the smile, there was excruciating pain. I managed to conceal it pretty well.

I had done this dtum solo several times already. I realised when one keeps doing the same drum solo, you are able to hit all the beats.

As a dancer, i really wish to perform a fresh new choreo everytime people see me. But doing a choreo you are used to, makes you the master of the dance.

So i guess ive to tell myself not to be too hard about making new choreos.

Expression

When we are used to a certain choreo…we dont think anymore. When we are on stage, we cant think about our next step. We should be free. Doing a choreo you are comforatble with, makes you more expressive with your hands, face and interact better with the audience.

Working on stuff to help dancers

Ive met many dancers who give up bellydancing after sometime due to problems or society. Its pretty sad that people do not understand the suffering behind an artist. Bellydance is not eye candy. It takes so much of effort to bring up a performance. Many dancers dance for the adreline rush and magic they get on stage. Thats what i do. The feeling is amazing.

I am ot sure if i am ready to take up requests yet. I am waiting for my busy schedule to lighten down a little.

Thanks for being there for me. Happy Shimmying!