It was early March, 20 days to my first theatre show ever, whilst I was finalising the preparations for it when I received an email from a Bellydance Superstars fan mentioning that they had been having difficulties to find a local sponsor for the Club Bellydance London on 21st May and if I would be interested in doing the job which basically consisted of finding a suitable venue, organising the first half of the show and promoting the event.

I must confess I was very excited when I received this email and was a bit shocked with the fact that they couldn’t find a sponsor in London. How come? I was intrigued. I requested more information about the Club Bellydance:

“Hi Beautiful people, we have just finished our first Club Bellydance Tour which was very successful (if you go onto Facebook and check out Club Bellydance you can read some of the comments) we want to expand this and do a UK tour starting May 19th 2012.

We are looking to do a tour and have a small show with just 5 dancers, Sabah, Moria, Stefanya, Lauren and Sabrina. For Act 1 we would have local Bellydance Troupes and the 5 dancers above would be Act 2. It would be great if you could be involved, so we could put on a show together in London. We want to involve as many teachers (Cabaret and Tribal) as possible if you can recommend other people in the area that could make this a successful event that would be great. Another idea would be to invite a teacher/dancer from outlining area that you might think would be an asset to the show and help sell more tickets.

The basic deal is you will help me find a suitable venue, I was thinking around 200 seats. We would pay the sponsors £1 pounds per ticket sold so if you sell 200 tickets we would pay you £200 pounds for you to produce/promote a 45 min show. We could extend this to a hour if you think having more dancers would help with tickets sales or if we have more than one sponsor we could also split the time.

We would supply flyers, postcards and posters for the event, we will pay for the venue and any costs associated and you have no financial responsibilities. We will put the info on our website and help promote in any way we can. You in turn would promote in the local community letting all of your contacts, fellow dancers, friends, family, etc about the show. We would do a 70/30 split on the workshops if we do them.

We would want you to promote in your market place, the goal being to get 200 people to the show, you would, as the local promoter send out emails, flyers, postcards posters etc etc generally help promote the event.

Is this something you would like to do with us?”

After reading the info above the first thing I thought was: how will I fill 200-seat-theatre on a Monday evening? Most of the belly dancers have a daytime job and I thought if I would be able to find belly dancers to perform. How would I pay for the belly dancers? If I sold 200 tickets and had 10 performers I would be able to pay £20 each, which would be very little but it would help with transport expenses. I thought the whole idea was a recipe for disaster. However I decided to go for the challenge.

My first task was to find a suitable venue within the budget which was around £600 max 200 seats in central London. Most of the theatres were already taken or too big or too small or too expensive. After 6 days of intense search when I about to give up because it was taking too much of my time and sanity, I found the Cockpit Theatre. It looked the perfect theatre for the show with 180 seats. After about 10 days of email exchanges between Bellydance Superstars and the theatre management, they agreed to hire the venue for the event. I was thrilled! Later on it was announced that Petite Jamilla would join the Club Bellydance London.

After completing successfully my first task I started thinking about the belly dancers for the show. I wanted varied styles, I wanted good belly dancers. I was told to find tribal and cabaret belly dancers and to offer them a 5 min slot each. I was pleasantly surprised and so delighted that the great majority of the belly dancers I invited were able to perform and support the show even though I couldn’t afford to pay for their performances as I was already working on my own theatre show. I thought if the ticket sales were good then I would share my part with them.

Most of the belly dancers were able to send all the music, information and pictures on time, which took a lot of pressure out of me. By Easter I had almost everything ready for the show.

I was thinking about asking my husband to come with me but I thought that it was a bit too much after helping me at the Vitality show and after my own belly dance theatre show so I didn’t say anything. But my husband offered to take half day off his job and come with me to help and support in case something unexpected aroused. That, my friends, is called love and friendship.

When the date was close, I was told to bring the CD to the venue and hand it to the sound/light technician, bring water and fruits for the dancers and 2 volunteers to help with merchandise.

The day arrived. I woke up in the morning and rehearsed my piece at home. I was confident and happy with it. I got ready and went to the theatre.

I arrived on time and a few minutes before the Bellydance Superstars crew. So I went to the changing rooms and arranged the fruits and water. I placed the running order for the 1st half on the wall so the dancers could know their time. I was very excited.

The Bellydance Superstars arrived. The crew fitted their stage floor and soon started their rehearsal. They were really focused and concentrated on their work so we had time just to exchange a few words. Meanwhile, London belly dancers were at the changing room getting ready for the rehearsal.

At 5:30pm we went for our final bow rehearsal. We were told to seat in the audience instead to wait for it on the changing rooms, which I thought it was quite nice of them so we could see Bellydance Superstars show.

It was time for London belly dancers rehearsal. I brought the CD to the sound technician but then people started to pass the buck one to another. I quickly asked Marco (my husband) to take charge of the sound/light system as no one seemed to take responsibility for it. Marco didn’t know the system at all but I knew he was able to cope with the pressure as we studied electronics at high school together, he had done the job at my theatre show and Deb (the theatre’s technician) kindly offered to help him.

Once Marco got into light and sound control room, we started our rehearsal. All went well smoothly. However, few of the belly dancers couldn’t make it because of their daytime job.

I rehearsed my piece at home many, many times and I had the opportunity to rehearse once at the theatre. I was glad to rehearse there as the stage floor had a more polished surface and therefore was a bit more slippery so I decided to perform bare feet as my ballet shoes was not quite the best option for me. Also there were seats in the front and on the sides, which could be a bit confusing if you are doing turns during the performance.

There were some last minute changes to individual performances which made me incredibly anxious but we managed to sort them out technically.

The show started and I asked all the performers to be aware of their turn and be ready and near the stage. I made sure I was last so I could keep monitoring the flow of the show. After the second performance, we would have Farah’s but Marco made a mistake and forwarded to the next music, which was Hannah’s. She was already there so I quickly asked her to perform as her music was playing. Called Marco to fix the running order and put Farah as next performance. All went well and we managed to keep it unnoticed by the audience.

All the other performances went well and very smoothly. Sound and lights were perfect. It was my turn. I never thought I would share the same stage with Bellydance Superstars one day. I have been on this road for 4 years and 8 months precisely and if that was going to happen I was sure it wouldn’t be so soon. Despite all the criticisms and difficulties I am starting to believe that I am on the right path. When I finished my performance I believed I did it well as I could hear the applause and a very loud cheer coming from one side of the theatre. It was an overwhelming and memorable experience and moment in my life.

During the break I saw many familiar faces in the audience, my students, friends of performers, other belly dancers from London. I was so thankful to see them and grateful for them to support the London belly dance community and the show.

The break ends and the stage gets dark. It was time for the Bellydance Superstars. I enjoyed the introduction performance with the veils. I loved Petite Jamilla’s performance with angel wings and veils and Moria’s solos. All dancers very skilled and have impeccable technique. Even though fusion and other types of dance were hugely more predominant than belly dance, it was a great show.

After the show we could take pictures with the Bellydance Superstars and talk a little bit more with them as all the pressure had gone and the mission was accomplished.

Once all finished, I made sure all the dancers had left, and tided up all the changing rooms.
The theatre was full, we had 155 tickets sold; an almost sold out show on a Monday evening, this was incredible. Next day I received an email from the Cockpit Theatre manager congratulating for the show and thanking for the professionalism.

It is my intention to share the revenue with the 12 dancers. But at the moment I’m being asked to deduct £6 per performer who watched the Bellydance Superstars show which I think is really unfair as we didn’t expect to be able to watch the show in the first place, rather we were invited to do so during rehearsal, and this was not part of the original agreement. I’m still challenging this with the Bellydance Superstars management as I think the London belly dance community deserves to be recognised and have a fair share for their effort in this amazing belly dance event. I will let you know how this pans out.

A very special thank you to all the belly dancers who performed in the show.  I couldn’t make it without you!

I hope you had a wonderful bank holiday! 

I would like to thank you very much for alll the lovely messages and wishes of happy birthday! I’ve never had so many messages as this year, it was overwhelmingly beautiful, thank you so much!!!  

Next month will be 3 years since Hayaam Bellydance started! 3 years non stop! I would like to say well done to all the students who have been coming to the classes and excelling day by day!  Thanks for supporting our belly dance school!  

Photos and Videos from 1st Hayaam Belly Dance Theatre Show

Many fantastic pictures and videos are available on the website for you to have a look! Please visit the gallery section on the website

Online booking for June courses now open!

At our school we are proud to say that we teach belly dancing from scratch and we don’t assume you know any dancing technique. Our students performed at the show a beautiful piece of choreography. They have been taking classes for about one year only and they have learned so much!

I would strongly advise all the students to book your place online. If you want to pay on the day, please make sure you arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the class to fill in the form and make the payments. Enrollments will not be possible once the class starts.

To book your place please visit  book a course section on the website.

Keep Tunned and Support Hayaam Belly Dance!

There’s much more to come! Upcoming performances and events to be announced soon here! 

Add us on Facebook, Twitter, Google + or signup to our newsletter to be up to date with Hayaam Belly Dance news! Feel free to forward this email to friends and family!

I’m looking forward to seeing you all in class!

Lots of love and best wishes,

Adriana Hayaam Pomella

Hayaam Belly Dance School
www.hayaam.com
hayaam@hayaam.com
020 8123 7383

A fantastic belly dance event with a wonderful line up from London: Hayaam, Hannah Mi, La Zingara, Amalura, Tribal Unity, Sarah Malik, Farah Nasri, Melanie Norman, Roxana, Eva Green and Darkstar and the amazing Bellydance Superstars Sabah, Petite Jamila Moria, Stefanya, Sabrina and Inka coming all the way from LA

Date: 21st May 2012

Time: doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm

Venue: The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, Marylebone, London, NW8 8EH

Tickets: £12

Online booking: http://thecockpit.org.uk/show/club_bellydance

London line up:

Hayaam is a natural talented classical belly dance artist and teacher based in London. Her main belly dance style is Egyptian, characterized by a great variety of strong shimmies, charming and graceful moves. Brazilian born, she was raised in a multicultural environment. She listened to and learned various types of rhythm and was influenced by various dance forms, including the vibrant and powerful samba, the secret weapon to her unique and versatile belly dance style. The natural rhythms of samba complement the exotic beats of belly dance.

Hannah performs traditional, tribal and experimental belly dance in London and in her mother studio, the ‘Devadasi studio’ in Tokyo. She has toured extensively with live musicians, recently travelled with a Modern dance production in ‘The Bach Suites’ and teaches in East London. With ATS dancers Moirai, she co-runs London’s leading tribal fusion belly dance nights FireWater and The Tribal Tea Party.

Amalura   is a professional Belly Dance Artist who has been dancing since an early
age and has many years of training in Belly Dance.
Amalura particularly enjoys the Classical Egyptian dance style and has been mastering this beautiful dance style and performing internationally.

La Zingara, meaning the gypsy archetype, the wild woman and the knowing dancer. Melding old strong roots with the experimental and theatrical, La Zingara are Hannah, Anouk and Ama Laasya.

Sarah Malik an international Moroccan bellydance performer, teacher and organiser of Arabic Night Event.

Darkstar is one of the UK’s most celebrated performers of Tribal and Dark Fusion belly dance. She has developed her own unique style evolving elements of popping, ballet, oriental and ATS which she has encompassed within a darker aesthetic. She has trained intensively with Ariellah, Samantha Emanuel, Asharah, Carolena Nericcio, Mira Betz, and more and is passionate about inspiring students in this intense and captivating dance style. Renowned for her creative choreography and musicality, Darkstar has taught and performed all over Europe and the US.

A naturally talented dancer, Eva Green has been extensively trained in classical music and Hungarian folk and Gipsy dances. She brings a passionate and impeccable interpretation of Middle Eastern music to her bellydance performing and teaching. Inspirational teacher, well established in South West London, she teaches all levels from beginners to professionals and performs at a variety of venues including festivals, theatres and corporate events. Artistic director and choreographer of the Spirit of Orient Dance Co, which has been created to promote the dance all over the UK.

Tribal Unity  is an American Tribal Style BellyDance troupe based in Essex, UK. Who teach and perform purely FatChance BellyDance American Tribal Style Bellydance. Both Deana and Helen are fully qualified FCBD® Teachers and Sister Studios. Our vision is to bring the beauty and connection which comes with this style of dance to as many people as possible, having lots of fun along the way.

Indeed, Farah Nasri, is a growing talent, a sought after entertainer whom charisma goes past the frontiers as she regularly showcases her talent internationally.
She has recently performed for the Brunei Royal family, La Mamounia – Marrakech, Hyatt Regency group Egypt, the Ritz and many illustrious personalities! Chosen Best International Performer 2010 by Nafoura magazine worldwide readers she is now the founder and co-organiser of Bellydance Trophies competition with Nafiseh.

Roxana embraces the world of Belly Dance with passion and authenticity. She is an accomplished performer, instructor and choreographer skilled in several styles of Belly Dance. Roxana is a regular performer at high profile venues in the UK and abroad.

Melanie Norman and Chalf Hassan set up The Arab Quarter early in 2009. Since then they have produced Oriental Dreams (2010) and The Call of Arabia (2011) at The Bloomsbury Theatre, London, starring acclaimed international artists and The Arab Quarter Band.

Our classes with new structure and new choreographies resume THIS week, we have new videos from the show and new upcoming BDSS Club Bellydance London Cockpit Teatre London!

Classes resume THIS week!

Yes, all the fun is back with more choreographies and preparation for next year’s show!

I know lots of you like to book your place on the day but I would recommend you strongly to book your place online. Please visit our book a course section on the website.

New belly dance courses structure!

I would like to announce some changes on Hayaam Belly Dance Classes which I believe will be beneficial to everyone. We still have 3 levels but they are more specific for your wishes and needs:

General (level 1): For women who want to learn the foundation and basic steps of belly dance. This course is also suitable for those who want to take belly dance for fun and fitness as a new routine is taught each course. After taking classes for 6 months, there is the option to move to the Performance level 2 class, where you will be training for about one year to perform as a students group at the Hayaam Belly Dance Theatre Show.

Performance (level 2): The Performance level 2 are for students who have been taking classes for about 6-12 months and are interested in taking belly dance to the next level as a hobby, fancy performing as a student group one day and who want to commit and dedicate to it. The students are required to practice what was learned in class by themselves on regular basis.After taking classes for 2 years, there is the option to move to the Troupe level 3 where you will learn more advanced movements.

Troupe (level 3): For all the students who have been having classes for at least 2 years (continuously) and would like to achieve a more advanced level through commitment and dedication. Students will learn more advanced technique, choreography and perform at the Hayaam Belly Dance Theatre Show as part of Hayaam Belly Dance Student Troupe as well as having the opportunity to perform at other belly dance events across London.

Please note that all the course will keep the same booking structure i.e. every 6 weeks.

New videos from the show:

Check out our Westfield Performance Group and our Hayaam Belly Dance Students Troupe performing at our very 1st Hayaam Belly Dance Theatre Show!

Westfield Performance Group

Hayaam Belly Dance Students Troupe Drum Solo

Hayaam Belly Dance Students Troupe Oriental

I hope you truly enjoy those videos!

BDSS Club Bellydance London

Hayaam is the sponsor for the Belly Dance Superstars Club Bellydance Cockpit Theatre London.

Performing on this show are the Bellydance Superstars Sabah, Petite Jamila Moria, Stefanya, Sabrina and Inka and our prestigious London belly dancers Hayaam, Amalura, who performed at our show, Eva Green, Darkstar, Hannah, La Zingara, Farah Nasri, Sarah Malik, Tribal Unity, Roxana and Melanie.

The show is taking place on 21st May at The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, Marylebone, London, NW8 8EH

Tickets a on sale now online: http://thecockpit.org.uk/show/club_bellydance

Phew! That’s all for the moment! I’m looking forward to seeing you in class this week!

Best wishes and lots of love,

Hayaam

Pregnant and postpartum women often ask about what types of exercise might be most beneficial during this time. Belly dance will leave you energised, full of fun and laughter and excited to learn more. The beauty of belly dance is the acceptance of your body and its abilities, becoming ‘one’ with your movements.

There are a few key issues to be aware of before undertaking the dance for the first time whilst pregnant or postpartum:

• You should consult your GP or midwife to ensure you can undertake regular     exercise if you have not already

• Be aware of your individual medical history and experiences, and if unsure consult your GP or midwife

• If pregnant, do not start belly dance before 12 weeks

• Postpartum women should wait until after their 6 week check postnatally (to ensure the placental site has healed properly and avoid bleeding)

• No dancing if placenta previa (when the placenta covers all, or part of, the cervix) is suspected because the dance could stimulate dilation

Once you have decided belly dance is for you, you should be aware that:

• You need to keep hydrated, belly dance is thirsty for work for all, but especially if you are pregnant

• Keep movements soft and flowing: sharp and sudden movements (like locking or popping) should be avoided because injury can be caused due to the laxity of pregnant women’s ligaments

• Only dance within your comfort zone: all women have limits, and you should aim to still be able to talk while dancing (and so not out of breath): be sure to listen to your body

• Avoid moves that require balance: during pregnancy your centre of gravity is low and forward, and so your balance is compromised

With all this taken into account you can reap the benefits:

• Increase self-confidence which is pertinent to all women who belly dance, but especially pregnant and postpartum women whose bodies are in transitional periods

• An exercise which you can enjoy at your own pace which emphasises the beauty and fluidity of the female form

• Belly dance improves your general fitness through an interactive, fun and thoroughly enjoyable dance form

• Improves pelvic floor strength, which will help with childbirth and recovery

• Maintains good posture

• Regaining of control over your body which is often described by women as having been lost during pregnancy

• Belly dance is delicate and requires you to learn how to be in tune with your body and its abilities, and being able to let go will often aid childbirth

• For pregnant women, the baby gets oxygenated as belly dance increases circulation to abdomen and pelvis

• Soft shimmies mirror the movements women in straightforward and unmedicated births make. This means they are an ideal exercise to strengthen contractions

• Movements such as hip circles are useful for childbirth itself, and chest lifts and circles make more room for breathing

• Strengthens muscles and fascia of abdomen and pelvis (great for postpartum women after their 6 week check); strong core muscles can make childbirth easier and can safeguard your lower back

• Women with slackening ligaments or SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) can be relieved through belly dance, which strengthens the muscles that support the pelvis, and improves posture and pelvic alignment. However those with SPD should avoid moves where weight is on one leg, and if SPD is severe, should consult your midwife

• Arm movements increase circulation to lymph and blood in chest which helps relieve breast engorgement or shoulder stiffness

Although belly dance may seem intimidating to new dancers, especially women who are pregnant or postpartum, Hayaam has a considerate, watchful eye that guides you through the understandings of the dance. She teaches you how to embrace your body as a tool, use it to its full beautiful potential.

It is a skilful and sensual dance that takes time to learn, but is time very well spent. Hayaam is a wonderful belly dance teacher who motivates through her obvious adoration for the dance form, and her infectious determination.

Belly dance during pregnancy videos

Click on the image to download your very own Hayaam Bellydance dress-up doll!

The event: Theatre Show featuring Hayaam, students plus special guests Moirai Tribal, Bex Amalura and Maëlle.

Date: 31st March 2012

Time: 8pm

Venue: Sarah Siddons Theatre, City of Westminster College, Paddington Green, W2 1NB (near Edgware Road, Paddington and Marylebone Stations).

Guests Dancers:

Philippa and Ter’zim Moirai Tribal

Philippa obtained  her FCBD General Skills Certificate in 2007 and is proud to be a certified instructor and FCBD Sister Studio. Other teachers and inspirational influences in her Tribal career are: Megha Gavin; Devi Mamak; Wendy Marlatt; Mira Betz; Rachel Brice; Jill Parker; Rose Harden; Lily Tsai and Hannah Mi. Moirai Tribal website: http://moiraitribal.com/.

Bex

Bex is an Internationally recognised Dark Tribal Fusion performer and instructor from the
West Midlands who is known for her blend of creepy characterisation and strong Tribal Fusion technique. Her careful balance of personal musical interpretation and her instantly recognisable style has meant that she is known through much of the UK as quite a kooky personality! Bex is a founder member of the Tribal Fusion collective of dancers called Dark Circus Collaborative and also dances ATS style with Khalgani and Prana. In March 2011 Bex was awarded first prize in the Miss Bellydance UK Fusion Soloist category. She has taught and performed to sell-out audiences across the UK, Europe and U.S.A. Website: http://www.bexbellydance.co.uk/

Amalura

Amalura   is a professional Belly Dance Artist who has been dancing since an early age and has many years of training in Belly Dance.  Amalura particularly enjoys the Classical Egyptian dance style and has been mastering this beautiful dance style and performing internationally.

Maëlle

Maëlle is a professional belly dance artist, performer and teacher. She started her stage experience at the age of 4 being part of a musical for children. She has been touring in the UK and in France in the Summer 2011 presenting the exciting show “Hoochie Coochie Girls”. She is now working on a new group project “Ahnémon” which is a dynamic collaboration of belly dance artists.