The Ancient Soul

A year ago today...

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:37:23 -0500

The levees in New Orleans gave way. We at the Ancient Soul enbarked in a series of fundraisers to help those affected by the this tragedy this included sending goods, participating in fundraisers, and sending contributions to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army on behalf of our members. A year later there are still thousands of people in need of essential services and shelter. The Ancient Soul will be conducting a new member ship drive. Once again will we be sending donations to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army in the name of this belly dance community. For each new member that registers at the site in the next 30 days, we will send $1 to each of these organizations. We encourage each of you to be a part of this effort by spreading the word to dancers and supporters. The contribution letter will list all registered members of the site. Let's try to make that number at least 500!! In the meantime ... Watch "When the Levees Broke" on HBO. Spike Lee has put together a beautiful documentary that captures the full experience of Katrina in a gripping and powerful way�you don't want to miss it. It's screening on HBO tonight and all this month. Thank you for your support Dancing Soul www.TheAncientSoul.com dadamsom@theancientsoul.com

Na'ama Rose Dance Center Opening in June!

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 01:06:12 -0500

On June 19th, the Na'ama Rose Dance Center will begin its first session of classes. This beautiful 1200 sq. ft. studio is fully equiped with wall-to-wall mirrors, sprung floor, and sound system. It is located at 331 Founders Way in downtown Park Forest, IL. For class information, registration, and upcoming events see www.naamarose.com or call (708)283-2800.

Tarik Sultan Workshop, Aug 26-27th, Registration is OPEN!!

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 23:43:59 -0600

The Ancient Soul Presents:< img src="http://www.theancientsoul.com/images/PICT3TINY.jpg" border="0">A Weekend of Workshops and ShowWith Guest InstructorTarik SultanWaterford Banquet and Conference CenterSaturday & Sunday, August 26 & 27, 2006Elmhurst, IL About Tarik... Almost 20 years ago, a teenager living in the South Bronx was introduced to the world of Middle Eastern music and Dance. It gave him a reason to be happy, a way to experience joy, it increased his self esteem, but most importantly, it showed him that there were things worth living for and inspired him to do something productive with his life. That teenager was me." Tarik Sultan (a protege of Morocco) known for Raks Sharki, Folkloric tray and goblet dances, and lead dancer in a prestigious dance company, is one of the most personable dancers/teachers/and performers I have had the pleasure of meeting. http://www.tariksultan.com (Be sure to check out his video clips, they are amazing!!!) About the Workshop� Tarik's Saturday workshop will include technique (including his amazing zilling technique!), choreography. Sunday will focus on folkloric aspects, history, examples, and lecture (including rare personal footage from his upcoming documentary) Register Now at: http://www.theancientsoul.com/tarikworkshoppay.html Saturday workshops Registration: 9:30 - 10 AM Morning Workshop: 10 AM - 12:30 PM Afternoon Workshop: 2 - 4:30 PM Sunday workshops (2 hour morning session) Registration: 10 - 10:30 AM Morning Workshop: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM If there are still spaces available, there will be walk-in registration. However, pre-registration is strongly advised.

Registration Open for Moroccan Folkloric Workshop

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:56:31 -0600

The Ancient Soul Presents: The Moroccan Folkloric Workshop With Guest InstructorMaleeha Waterford Banquet and Conference Center Saturday & Sunday, May 6 &27, 2006 Elmhurst, IL

HoHoHo! Habibi Show

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 17:11:22 -0600

Great performances, surprise guest, Kimahri's rendition of Santa Baby -- what a great way to conclude this year of grand and fabulous Hafla's. If you couldn't be there there are nearly 150 of pictures in the gallery from this event alone! What coule be better? Santa collected more grocery for one of the local food banks than she could carry! Thank goodness for elves and BIG sleigh!

Belly Bazaar Benefit for the Moosehearts

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 17:00:55 -0600

Shahina's Belly Bazaar helped raise money for the Moosehearts, an organization with supports children who are orphaned or lose their parents to serious illness. They are hoping to add some joy this holiday season. Many of the areas dancers participated as well as a number of vendors. This being an afternoon event, many families and children were present for the festivities.

Eva Cernik Workshop (Iowa City, IA)

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 16:55:23 -0600

Eva is not only an awesome dancer and teacher, but a great person as well. If you have the opportunity toparticipate in one of her workshops, by all means do so!! We missed her workshops in Chocago so we traveled to Iowa City for the opportunity to participate in one of her workshop. We were certainly not disappointed. Her understanding of the Turkish dance and history make her workshops very compelling!

Making Spirits Bright

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 16:46:44 -0600

Showcase of Dance (especially Egyptian) presented by Zaharah's Garden Dance Ensemble and friends at the Campinelli YMCA in Schaumburg, IL. There were performances in all styles of dance, including Flamenco, and Jazz dance, and by all ages from tiny little preschoolers to a newly wed couple.

NW Suburban Hafla

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 02:09:13 -0600

Congratulations to Body Rythms on the success of their first Hafla. The album in our photo gallery contains a sampling of the over 350 pictures we took at the Metropol in Wauconda, IL. Peggie and Jennifer Hodson of Body Rythyms graced us with an impressive showcase of area dancers. They are planning their second event in January.

Women's Workout World Fall Belly Dance SHow

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 02:03:00 -0600

Zayna hosted the semi-annual Women's Workout World Belly dance show, which was co-sponsored by The Ancient Soul. There were numerous performers and many family, friends, and supporters in attendance. These Sunday afternoon shows are free and open to the public. WWW is a women's only facility but for these shows everyone is welcome. Pictures form the Fall show and also the spring show are in our galleries. Check our events calendar for the next scheduled show.

Belly Dance on Bourbon Street

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 01:55:19 -0600

Belly Dance on Bourbon street was a fundraiser for the Chicago chapter of MECDA (Middle Eastern Cultural & Dance Association). The newly formed Chicago group is hoping to sponsor local workshops, dance parties, a video library for it's members, among other things. The Chapter is also planning to sponsor a weekend workshop in 2007 bringing to town an renown instructor! Pictures form the show are in our gallery in the "Belly Dance on Bourbon Street" album.

Benet for Teri Skelton

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 01:40:40 -0600

On October 1st, 2005 several members of the Iowa belly dance community held a benefit in support of SanDee, a long time MED teacher from Cedar Rapids. SanDee's Daughter, Teri, has been battling a brain tumor, while her husband struggles with Early Onset Alzheimer's. Member of the MED dance community in Iowa came together to raise money for a seizure dog for Teri, and raised a significant portion of the cost by volunteering their time to present workshops and a show. The workshops included basic techniques, taught by Lynne, an area Tribal instructor; Drum Solos presented by Maleeha; Understanding Middle Eastern Music by Shira; an Indian Folkloric dance session, and a wonderful veil workshoop from SanDee. All of this was followed by an incredible show. Pictures form the show are in our gallery in the "Benefit for Teri Skelton" album.

Shimmy for Hope

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 12:30:47 -0500

(Elmhurst, IL) Akasha of Shimmyshock along with L'Athar restaurant in Elmhurst hosted an evening of Mediterranean cuisine and Middle Eastern dance Friday, September 9th to raise money for Point Hope's Hurricane Katrina relief fund. A portion of the restaurant's receipts, the dancer's tips, and proceeds from a silent auction were contributed to the fund.

Oriental Belly Dance, by Kemal �zdemir

Sun, 11 Sep 2005 17:20:53 -0500

In spite of the all-inclusive title, this book is strictly about Turkish belly dance. The first thing I noticed as I thumbed through the book is that it is a very pretty book. It is printed on glossy paper, and is filled with photographs, both color and black-and-white, of famous Turkish belly dancers from the 1950's through today. Some of the costumes are quite beautiful, though, being Turkish, somewhat skimpy. (A couple of them are very skimpy, consisting of pasties and a decorated panty.)

A rant on the origins of guys NOT doing raqs

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 11:19:26 -0500

Angry Young Black Man does Raks. Thoughts, musings, and ideas drifting around the world of raks, aka Middle Eastern Dance, aka Belly Dancing.