Photos from Relay For life Fundraiser

Fundraising for Relay For Life

Last night (March 26) Basha Raks did a performance to help raise money for Relay for Life. I am happy to say $200 was raised!

It was a fun evening with great audience participation. After we performed a dance we got the ladies on their feet to learn a short belly dance routine. Everyone had a great time learning the moves and doing the routine to music. We saw some great belly dancers in the audience!

One thing we hear a lot is that belly dancing looks easy but once you try some of the moves people quickly realise the effort that goes into it! We've been told we make the dance look effortless but really it's only because we have worked so hard to make it that way!

Thank you to all who participated to make this evening a great success! We had so much fun as always. I have posted a video my mum took of our last dance of the evening. Enjoy!

Children and Belly Dance

In this world of "body image is everything" I think it is wonderful to see kids belly dancing. What a great way to help young girls know that their bodies can move in marvelous ways no matter their shape or size.

My daughter,Willow, loves to belly dance with me. I am so pleased to dance with her. I hope that she will keep it up with me and grow to love it as much as I do. I've been told I need to make sure my daughter grows with self confidence and has a good sense of herself. What better way than with belly dance! Some would say put her in hockey or some other sport. While sports are fine there are other ways in which to promote self confidence while teaching her about her femininity and what a powerful person she is not only through dance but in life as well.

My Name: Kiya

Kiya means Jovial Woman. Anyone who knows me will think this name is very fitting for me!

Ever since I was young I have found humour in unlikely places. My Dad will tell you my laugh is known around the world. Seemly strange things will send me into fits of laughter. Not just laughing but tears rolling down my face and can't breathe kind of laughing! It's the visual image I get, you see, that makes me laugh. Also I seem to have something funny to say when a friend or family member is feeling down that makes them smile or even laugh along with me.

A quick story as an example would be this. One day when I went to work at the vet clinic everyone was having a really bad day for one reason or another. I just happened to have heard a really funny joke on the way to work. I went around to everyone and told them the joke with actions and everything! I had everyone laughing before long. A couple of my co-workers even came to me later and said thanks for cheering them up.

It took a while to feel the desire to look for a name for myself. After years of untreated depression and anxiety I am now finally in a place where I am happy with my life and myself and I wanted to choose a name that fits the way I feel. I started looking for a name that reflected my laugh in some way. I came across Kiya. Before I knew what it meant I loved the sound of it. Simple yet lyrical somehow. When I read it's meaning I knew right away it was perfect for me!

When I told my Sisters of the Dance the name I had chosen they all agreed it fit me perfectly and I had made a great choice!

Basha Raks Video

I have posted a video taken at Unionville Alliance Church on Feb. 22/09.

We danced for the church's youth group. There is an interview with Jawhara at the beginning of the clip. In the interview Jawhara tells the youth group how belly dance heals her body and her heart.

Laliba Ahteen, Tabia and I were honoured to be a part of this very special dance.

Getting ready: What's involved?

Before the...

...make up

Blow Dry

Curl

Our first show

Basha Raks and our teacher Ahlam at the Love to Belly Dance Recital, September 2008

My Name: Laliba Ahteen

I took some time and did some soul searching to find this name for myself. In the Chinese zodiac, both my fiance and I are Dragons. We also both share the elemental sign of Fire. And so came the Firey Dragon.

I believe the Dragon is a very beautiful, strong creature with a unique distinction. It is the only mythical creature of the zodiac signs, which makes it stand out. I'm a very different individual with a strong personality not unlike the Dragon. Although some may think of me as serious and sometimes even scary, I am quite laid back and easy to get along with. I am extremely critical of myself and get a fierce look of determination on my face when I'm concentrating. Especially when trying to learn a new dance move.

Each of us has a dance name that I believe fits our personalities perfectly. I am a Firey Dragon, inside and out and wear my dance name and tattoo proudly.

Written by Laliba Ahteen.

My Name: Tabia

Unlike my fellow Basha Raks.....my name came to me after quite extensive, and time consuming, searching. (To everyone else's chagrin hehe)

My sisters in this dance all have beautiful names, that I really feel suit their individual personas in this dance. However, they had found, or perhaps felt/demonstrated within themselves, their dance names, early on. I, on the other hand, only realized after a few performances, of being given a 'name' last minute, that I'd better find something. Surprisingly, it wasn't so simple.

I am a dancer, yes, but I am also many other things......very busy to say the least. I didn't feel compelled by any of the Egyptian or Arabic names I originally encountered. There were many things I liked, but none that encompassed all the things I do daily.........not that I should expect one little word to do all that, eh?.........and then it came to me! Like many other women in this world, I do a lot of juggling. I work, am married, have a little one, dance, scrapbook, cook, garden, and a lot of people depend on me every day...............AAAAHHHAAAA! I had it, I'm very good at being a multi-tasker.......but that doesn't have an exact translation in arabic or egyptian.....so Tabia , Many Talents, was born. I hope I live up to my name as my sisters do. I do enjoy dancing with them.......they Rak!

Written by Tabia

And We Danced On Into The Night.

Last night after dance class we had a little hafla (belly dance party!). Myself, Jawhara and Laliba Ahteen danced to a song of our choice. Tabia was there but she was too sick to join us. It was nice of her to come even though she was ill. We were all looking forward to seeing Tabia's dance too!

We had all decided not to do any specific choreography and do a free style dance. I am not comfortable at all with not knowing what is happening so for me it was a challenge just to get up there to dance! Even though I know my fellow dancers will be supportive it is still a nerve wracking experience to get up and dance. It is always harder to perform for people you know than strangers.

It was such a pleasure to watch Jawhara and Laliba Ahteen dance! Their own personalities shone through and the joy they took in their dancing was wonderful. Jawhara has a real spark in her eyes and such an expressive face. It all translated into a beautiful, fun dance.

Laliba Ahteen did a more tribal dance which suited her so well. She was more serious in her expressions but it was really fitting to her choice of music and really showed her dance personality too. Her moves were slower and more deliberate and looked so very good!!

I chose the song Into The Night (Santana/Chad Kroeger) as I thought that song was fitting to how I feel when I dance, free. I was really nervous but I told myself ahead of time to feel the music and just dance! I know I did quite a few spins and choo choos with snake arms but other than that I have no idea what else I did! Funny how that happens. What I do remember is hearing clapping and vocalizing coming from my friends.

Afterwards we thought it would be a good idea to start dancing just for each other more often. Its such a boost to know we can be free to dance with each other and not have to worry about being judged or criticized. We become free through dance. If only everyone could feel this good to just be themselves!

My Name: Jawhara

My name Jawhara – Precious Jewel. What an honor to have a name like that given to me.

I would never in a million years have chosen it for myself, I am much more practical than that. When Ahlam gave me the name, I was really interested in why. What did she see that made this name describe me? She told me one time that when she watched me dance it was like watching a jewel being unwrapped. Not a BIG HUGE DIAMOND, but a small precious jewel that is delicate but also very strong. The visual that gave me was very precise and as I explore my dance style I realize it is more like me than I could have possibly imagined.

My moves are small, deliberate and distinctively mine. As much as I would love to have big fluid moves, they are not to be. So I will dance with what I have been gifted with, small, delicate, distinctive movement, that I hope brings as much joy and delight to others as it does to me.

Written by Jawhara.

What's in a Name?

Our dance names are very special to each of us. We have chosen our names with care and pride. Actually, Jawhara had her name chosen for her by our instructor, Ahlam.

Choosing a name to use just for dancing, to me personally, adds an air of mystery and allure to the dance. I think all of our names are fitting to each of our personalities and that is important. When we dance all of our unique traits come through. I am trying harder to be more dramatic with my dance, something that usually comes quite naturally to me but with belly dance it is a little harder to attain! Having a different name while dancing helps me, in a way, become a different person. I am hoping my fellow dancers will come on here to write their own views of their dance names and what it means to them as a dancer!

In the meantime here are our dance names and what they mean:

Jawhara: Precious Jewel


Kiya: Jovial Woman


Laliba Ahteen: Firey Dragon


Tabia: Many Talents

Belly Dancing and Body Image Part III

Belly Dance and Body Image-Written by Laliba Ahteen

Belly Dance for me is more about self-acceptance and healing than about body image. In May 2007, I moved from Winnipeg to Oshawa, away from my son, family and friends. I know in my heart the decision I made to move was the right one but I was not allowing myself any forgiveness for my choices. For the first several months after moving I was angry, sad, lonely, verging on depression and having a hard time being away from ‘home’. But in January 2008 I started belly dance class and the healing finally began.


I have always loved the dance itself, the costumes, the music, the freedom of expression and the fact that women of every age, shape and size could look so beautiful performing. I saw my first live performance after finishing a Dragon Boat race for Cancer in 2006. After watching those ladies move with such grace, confidence and pure joy, I knew that was a world I wanted to be a part of.


Kiya and myself both started our classes on the same night and have grown together as dancers and friends. We have also had the privilege of learning from two very inspiring dancers and choreographers, Jawhara and Tabia. With the love and support of my newfound friends and the enjoyment I have experienced through learning this dance I was able to accept my life as it is now and move on to be happy and secure in my decisions.


I have always struggled with body image. I’ve always been large boned, never been thin but this dance teaches me how to express myself without feeling embarrassed about what I look like. I was made the way I am, my body was made to jiggle and shake. The more I can make it move the harder I know I’m dancing.
But most importantly for me this journey is all about living, learning, loving and growing into the dancer and person I have become.

A Message from Our Friend Anna

Hello ladies...I am so jealous of you but at the same time so very proud of how far you have all come...I wish I could be a part of your group, you really look like you are having such a great time. Maybe one day I will be able to join you if you will have me...Best wishes in this journey you are taking. Love - an x-Basha Rak :)

Basha Raks Withdrawl

My fellow dancers and I will often get together 2 or so evenings a week when we are working on a new routine. As well as the hard work and sweat we put into a new dance we also laugh (or snort on my part!) joke and eat our way through the evening. When we have finished the new dance we go back to to our regular routines but after a few nights we find ourselves suffering from Basha Raks withdrawl!

While we say at the time we are glad the routine is finished it is not long before we are sending emails to each other saying how we miss our evenings together and maybe it's time to start thinking about a new dance. After all if we want to be serious about getting out there for different events we need a good repertoire of dances right?

Our next event is at the end of this month so I think we will be getting together to brush up on our existing dances. Hopefully it won't be too long before we are starting up a new routine even if there is a lot of cursing, missed steps and much laughing along the way! Tabia has great ideas for our next routine. It will be darker, more tribal and I can't wait to get in there and start practicing.

Belly Dance and Body Image Part II

As you can see Basha Raks is made up of women with different body types, all wonderful in their own right. I have always hated the way I looked. Even when I was younger and quite thin I was not happy with my body. It only got worse as I got older and having kids only added to my negative body image. Instead of accepting myself as I was I was constantly criticising myself.

Everything changed when I started belly dancing. I discovered what my body was capable of and I really started looking at how it moved. Before long I had people in class commenting on how good my hips were, how elegant my arms were. My instructor has told me a few times what a luscious bum I have! Now in the past a comment like that would have sent me running for cover in utter embarrassment! Now I am proud of my body! I am so thankful I can now look at my self with pride and be happy within myself. I have finally reached a place in my life where I am happy in my own skin. Had I not started belly dancing I can say with certainty I would still be loathing my body.

People close to me have noticed a change in me. They say I have so much more confidence and seem a lot happier than I have been in a long time. If only more women could love themselves just as they are.

Jawhara

Belly Dance and Body Image

Written by Jawhara:


"Ok so I am a small person.. 5’1 to be exact.. People have said to me my whole life what do you have to complain about you are so small.. I guess what they don’t realize is that it doesn’t matter how small you are one can still struggle with body image.
I don’t have the luxury of being able to put on a couple of pounds without it being noticed, and people love, love, love, to point it out to me.. Ohhhh looks like you’re packing it on…. It used to drive me crazy.. .
Since I have started belly dancing, I don’t really care.. My body is mine and I love it for being strong and willing to do what I ask it to. Belly dancing isn’t about size, it’s about JOY… I love watching a woman small or big finally start looking at their bodies with eyes that are loving and not critical. When I watch my Basha Raks sisters I see beauty in motion, even if they don’t.. I love the way they can make a move so fluid and they don’t need to work really hard at it. My body just doesn’t show that well so I have to really work hard for it to look half as good.
Alas when a woman starts to love her body just as it is, that is when her true inner beauty shines out, her confidence shows and people stop seeing her as a "shape" and start appreciating her as a woman."

Jawhara

Performances

Our performances to date:

Love To Belly Dance Recital: Rhondo Banquet Hall Thornhill. September 2008
Our very first recital performance! It was a lot of fun. What made it even more special was we choreographed the entire routine ourselves!

Sunrise Youth Group: November 2008
This was a great experience! We did a dance for mentally and physically challenged youth. It was so inspiring to see how much these young people loved to dance with us. They made every effort to join in and they all had a great time!

Weight Watchers: December 2008
As a Weight Watchers member I wanted to show the ladies they can love their bodies no matter what size or shape they are. Learning to love your body at any stage is important to me as belly dance showed me I can do just that!

Unionville Alliance Church Youth Group: February 2009
This was a very special day for Jawhara and we were honoured to be part of this dance with her. The youth group was a fantastic audience! They really got involved with cheering us on and they loved it! They also took part in a shimmy drill. It was great to see them all getting involved.

Upcoming Performances:

Fundraiser for Relay for Life March 2009.

Wedding Shower May 2009.

Always learning

So how did I go from being completely intimidated in class to being part of a troupe? A lot of hard work, yes, but mainly it is the support I get from my fellow Basha Raks.

Together we have a certain something. We are all very different yet we are great friends and dance beautifully together. I often think back to high school when being different meant you had to be friends with certain people. I clearly remember getting looks from people for talking to someone who "didn't belong" or were "different". Why is it, even to this day, the same? Can't we embrace the differences in each other instead of reject them?

Jawhara, Tabia, Laliba Ahteen and myself all have different stories to our lives. We are always learning something new from each other and that is what makes us such a great team. Not only do we love belly dance but we love each other too. We do not compete against each other but work together to perfect our dance. If one of us is having trouble with a move we don't let her struggle we leap in to help. Always supportive, always learning always loving the dance!

Had I not met my fellow Basha Raks I certainly would not be in a troupe. I am so thankful I did not give up and kept at it after that first class. The way I was feeling at the time I could have easily not returned. Something told me, though, to keep going, something wonderful was to be learned here.

Dancer within

Let's go back a wee bit here. As I mentioned it was January 2008 when I first took up belly dance lessons. I was looking for something different to do. My heart was still healing from an ended friendship and I needed a distraction. I've always loved to dance but I never knew how to dance a specific dance. After finding a class at a local community centre I signed up.

The first evening I was pretty nervous. Always having had issues with my body image I was hoping this would be good for me. Without trying to look obviously at the other women already there I was happy to see a wonderful variety of body shapes and sizes. I was put at ease....for a moment!

When class began it quickly became apparent some of the women here were not beginners like I was! The moves they had looked so natural I began to wonder how on earth I would ever be able to do such things with my body. I kept at it for the hour class and although I felt intimidated I loved it! After only an hour I knew I was hooked. After class I approached my instructor to tell her how much I enjoyed the class. She told me I had great hips. I always looked at my hips with such disdain and here was a stranger telling me I had great hips!

When I got home I did some of the moves from class in front of a mirror and really looked at myself.....I still wasn't quite convinced!

Belly Dancer Poem

Hearts beat as one
To the rhythm of the drum
Heart and soul may we come together
Fearless and Spirited
Shameless and beautiful
With purpose and inner strength
Dance until you live again.