“The Magic of John Bilezikjian” Benefit Concert

By Talia | Published: August 23, 2011

On Sunday, August 21, 2011 a benefit concert was held at the La Mirada Performing Arts Theater featuring world renowned oud master, John Bilezikjian.   For those of you who are unfamiliar with John he is not only a great person but his musical talents are far too great to mention in one blog!  John Bilezikjian is of Armenian descent and is known as a oud master, playing his music all over the world.  But not only does he play the oud, he also plays 50 other instruments and can sing in 11 languages! John has written and recorded music for belly dancers, music for TV and movies, Christmas music, Rock-n-Roll music and lots in between and has produced many of this own CD’s.  He has also been a soloist with various symphonies around the world and authored a book on “Oud Methodology”.

The concert featuring John was to raise funds for a foundation called “Friends of John Bilezikjian” to help keep John’s music flowing now and after he is gone.  It has been known that John has struggled with liver failure for some years now and though his music keeps him moving it is hard to keep up with what all bad health en tales.  The foundation, Friends of John Bilezikjian, was started by John’s many supporters. The purpose is to celebrate John’s extensive body of work and continue his musical legacy.

“The Magic of John Bilezikjian” concert featured many talented musicians that John has worked with over the years including his lovely wife Helen Bilezikjian – Vocals, Percussion; his son George Bilezikjian – Trap Drums, Dumbeg, Dhol; Gregory Hosharian – Keyboard and Stuart Brotman – Bass.  There was also a special reunion of the first band John formed when he was 10 yeard old in 1958 called The Halehs which featured  his brother Edward Bilezikjian – Clarinet, Raymond Mangigian – Tenor Sax, Vaughn Vartanian – Bass Dumbeg, and Harold Bazarian – Treble Dumbeg.  Other guests to appear were Frank Lazzaro – Tabla and Dave Dhillion – Bongo, percussion as well as his grandsons Julian & Alex Bilezikjian, both 7 yrs. old, performing on Dumbeg.  There was also two dances by Talia and the Oriental Jewels Bellydance Company.

The concert was followed by a VIP reception with food and drinks.  Many guests got photos and autographs with John and the other performers.

The benefit was a success and the concert has had nothing but rave reviews!  Not only was this concert recorded for a new live CD but it was also filmed for DVD.  So if you were unable to attend you can help contribute to the foundation by purchasing  the new CD and/or DVD when they come out.

 

Learn more about the foundation and John Bilezikjian, buy John’s CD’s and make a donation to the foundation:

http://friendsofjohnbilezikjian.com/

http://dantzrecords.com/media/DR_PR_bio_r3a.pdf

http://dantzrecords.com

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Belly Dancing in Restaurants

By Talia | Published: July 6, 2011

So you’ve decided to perform at restaurants?  You will find it is a world all of it’s own.  Do they already have dancers or will this be a first time thing for them?  If there already have dancers it is a good idea to check out their shows.  Note how long they dance for, is it live music or recorded, what is the flooring/lights/decor (are there any obstacles such as chandeliers, heat lamps, etc),  do the shows begin on time and how may are there, is there a style or particular kind of music the restaurant owner likes?  Try to talk to some of the dancers ask what they like or don’t like about performing there.  Ask them what the pay rate is to see if dancing there is even worth it for you.  Plus, you don’t want to undercut dancers or other restaurants.  Find out about the dressing room situation as well.  Who does the booking for the restaurant?
Then when approaching the restaurant about performing there, do it at a time when they are not busy.  Bring a current photo of yourself, a business card, as well as a DVD of your dancing.  I do not suggest doing a free “audition” or “trial show”.  They should be able to judge your dancing from the DVD just fine.  You might want to bring a portable DVD player just in case they don’t have anything to pay it on.
Lastly, be careful if the owner wants you to do all the advertising for the show.  Ask him/her where or how they regularly advertise  Ask if you can pass out coupons or have a printable coupon put on your website to attract customers.   If you make fliers for the show be sure to bring some for the restaruant to pass out as well.  Before you do any expensive advertising be sure to ask the owner if you will get any reimbursement and if so up to what amount.
Don’t give away your services, remember to set the bar high for payment if this is a new show.  You can always negotiate from there.  Tips are not guarantied so I don’t recommend considering them as part of your payment.

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What’s in Your Performance Bag?

By Talia | Published: June 13, 2011

Here is a list of things I like to make sure are in my belly dance performance bag every time I dance.

  • 2 copies of my music with an additional set just in case they want an additional performance.
  • A spare costume, sometimes a zipper will break or something doesn’t fit suddenly like it should so a back up costume is good to have. Plus, if they do want you to do that extra show set you have a new fresh costume.
  • Shoes: I ALWAYS wear shoes in restaurants. There are health codes to remember and in some restaurants, especially Greek restaurants, glass on the floor. Many injuries can be prevented by wearing shoes.
  • Sweat towel, this is of course handy for after you perform to dry yourself off.
  • Emergency Sewing Kit: things like small scissors, needle with basic white or black thread, an extra hook and eye can come in handy for simple repairs on finger cymbals, costumes and accessories.
  • Travel Size Deodorant, Lotion, Hair Spray, Body Spray/Perfume
  • Extra Safety Pins of all size
  • Bobby Pins, hair clips and rubber bands.
  • Nail Clippers, Clear Nail Polish
  • Business Cards
  • Body Glitter
  • Jewelry
  • Touch up make-up with red lip stick to freshen up before or after your performance.

With these simple things you are bound to be ready for any nuisances that come your way!

Posted in Dance Wear, How to Belly Dance | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

DVD Review: Turkish Style Belly Dance

By Talia | Published: June 2, 2011

Elizabeth Artemis Mourat is one of the United State’s top Turkish dancers, whether in Romany or Turkish Oriental.  She is a fountain of knowledge when it some to the subject including Turkish dance history and music.  I have taken several workshops from Artemis over the years and have always left feeling more educated and inspired by her passion for Turkish dance.

The DVD, Turkish Style Belly Dance with Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, was produced by The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and runs 118 minutes.  Artemis starts off my introducing the history of Turkish dance and explains how it is different and the same as it’s sister, Egyptian Oriental.  She shows video clips of other well known and respected dancers to show the differences in the styles.

Artemis then goes into the music of Turkish dance.  Explaining how to count the most commonly used rhythms and where the accents are.  This gives you a better understanding of where to put the gestures and makes you feel more confident to express the music in your own way.

Getting started in the instructional section Artemis skillfully breaks down the basic dance techniques.   Doing the movements from three different sides and to both slow and fast 9/8 rhythm.  Artemis then puts them into combos so you can create your own choreography.  At the end of the DVD you can see what it looks like all put together.

This DVD is well put together, as all IAMED DVD’s are, and well worth the money.  The only thing I wished it had was a section on zills and costuming.  These subjects were just briefly touched on but never with any detail.  If you are interested in learning more Turkish dance this DVD is a great tool to have.

For more information about Artemis go to       http://www.serpentine.org/artemis/artemis.htm

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Greek Chicken Pasta

By Talia | Published: April 27, 2011

Here is a yummy recipe that I got from a Sunset magazine. Perfect for summer and an excellent way to get pumped up and energized for your belly dance performance.

Greek Chicken Pasta

  • 8oz. Spaghetti
  • 3tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1c. Chopped Onion
  • 1tbsp. Minced Garlic
  • 8oz. Baby Spinach
  • 1/2c. Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio)
  • 1c. Pitted Kalamata Olives, halved
  • 1/2tsp. Salt & Pepper each
  • 1c. Toasted Pine Nuts
  • 1/2tsp. Red Chili Flakes
  • 2c. Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
  • 3oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled

Cook spaghetti as package says.  Heat oil in large frying pan over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook till softened, about 5 minutes.  Stir in spinach, wine, red chili flakes, olives, pine nuts, salt & pepper.  Drain pasta and return to pot, add onion mixture and chicken stir to coat and cook over medium heat until warmed about 4 minutes.  Transfer to plates and top with feta cheese.

Posted in A Dancer's Diet | Tagged , | 2 Comments