How did it get started?

I was approached by Faye about doing a video because she had received so many inquiries about it and thought it would be a valuable addition and give people ideas on how to use their fan veils. After a little discussion and back and forth, I decided I would at least look into it.

 And I was crazy enough to actually try it….

Thinking about it – a lot. I wanted to make sure that if I did this that it would be done well. I have no illusions about putting together a Hollywood quality DVD, or even IAMED…this DVD wouldn't have those kinds of production values available, but that just means that I would need to be absolutely certain of how we wanted to do this. This is when I started seriously thinking numbers and talking to my darling husband about what would be possible. I wanted the DVD to have professional videography, lighting, and sound, and wanted to keep the background as simple and uncluttered as possible. I know that the "sultan's palace" look is really popular in belly dance videos, but it was most important to me that everything be clear and visible without any distractions.

I decided on the BeBe, a local black box theatre, as the location. They had a clean and uncluttered stage area, a simple black background and backdrop, experienced lighting and sound people, and were willing to work with me on the project.

But what to include in the video?

Obviously basic level instruction – I canvassed my dance friends and checked with Faye and other vendors and heard that dancers really wanted a very simple break down of everything starting with how to hold and open the fans. I was concerned that it might be too simplistic, but I heard over and over again that it was where everyone wanted to start.

So – I started planning a 3-part introduction video. First, I would cover the absolute basics of using a single fan veil or double fan veil. Second, I would introduce some spins and combinations with 1 or 2 fans. Third, I would wrap up with a set of performances in different styles. For part 3, I would need to have good dancers who would want to participate and showcase their fan skills because I didn't want it to be just "the Mahsati show." I wanted people to see how they could incorporate this prop into their own performance regardless of style.

I decided to contact some of my dance friends. I kept it to a very small group of ladies and gentlemen that I had worked with before and that I knew would enjoy it. I didn't try to pull the "big names" in or call in any favors – I wanted to pay everyone a fair wage an to have the belly dancers on the DVD be representative of all types of dancers. As it stands, I have 2 dancers confirmed and am hoping to have a couple more.

Which brings me to music! You can't have a dance video without some kind of music! So – I have asked some of my musician friends to help out and have purchased the rights to use a few really nice songs from Falik for the DVD. So far…so good!

January 2008

And it is all moving so quickly now…

Everything is lined up. I have the theatre, lighting, sounds, video, music, and dancers ready. I have most of my script finished and have been practicing it – guaranteed to mess most of it up LOL

I am keeping this record as I go so I can just post it when finished and look back on this project. So far, so good. I have been having a great time with this. There are so many more advanced moves I want to put on the DVD, but I know I have to keep this one to just the basics…and stay between 1.5 and 2 hours. The videographer will be using 2 high def cameras…I am really excited!

More dancers confirmed….

It looks like the line-up of dancers will be Ra'eessah, Show'leh, Reyna & Rick, and me. Three of my other favorites, Asim, Misha, and Masika couldn't make it due to timing, so I may add another one or two, but this should be a great set.

February 2008

So….Filming!

We filmed on February 3. It took about 5-6 hours altogether from set up through instructional and performances to the end, but it is all finished now! I know there are a couple of small places where I misspoke slightly, but that is fine by me. I am human and elected not to do voiceovers b/c I really prefer it when the instructor actually speaks on dvd. It is probably just a thing of mine, but the crazy smile/eye with a voiceover just makes me twitchy. It probably made it a bit harder since I had to talk through everything, but I think it works.

Standing in the center of the theatre for lighting checks, sound checks, camera checks and all the setup was weird. I haven't really done that kid of thing since I modeled which has been well over a decade ago now.

I didn't get to see anyone's performances, so I will have to wait until the production people play with it before I can enjoy the dances! *sigh* Now the waiting starts....

Hopefully when they re-do the schedule for the studio, I will be able to move the other 2 classes into the larger studio as well. It is so nice to have so much room to work with!

Troupe....well, as many of you know, I have decided to form a new dance troupe - two of them, actually. The first is Banat al Qamar, which will be the student troupe of the Qamari Dance Company. I plan to start with 3-5 members (maybe more if I have solid interest from enough people) and they will be performing at local events, festivals, recitals, and such as they are ready and interested. It is for them to have fun and learn performance skills as they transition from being beginners to intermediate level dancers.

The second is Qamari Dance Company. I have a few definite ideas on this one. It will be advanced to professional level dancers and will be focused primarily at dance oriented, theater, and pro events. This one will probably take more time to get off the ground as I want it to be a meeting of the minds of advanced level dancers. My hope is that in addition to the pro-level dancers involved at first, that some of the members of Banat al Qamar will continue to study and advance to this troupe over the years.

Workshops and shows...
February 16: Workshop and show with Tamalyn Dallal in Mauldin, SC
February 29-March 1: Shimmy South workshops and shows with Aisha Ali in Raleigh, NC
March 8: Shimmy! Shimmy! workshops and show with Mahsati Janan in Morganton, NC

Project: No...I am not leaking the details of the super-secret project here. Just a note to let you know that it is well on its way and will be moving forward pretty quickly now! :)