SWVAMEDA: Samra, Galax VA

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Samra teaches at Carroll Wellness Center in Hillsville (276-728-2500), Galax Wellness Center (276-236-5931), and Reeves Community Center in Mt. Airy NC (336-786-8313).

About Dance

One never stops learning to dance, even if you only dedicate your life to one style. I learn from everyone, even a student who walks into my class for the first time! Of course, I have studied and continue to study with the masters of the dance! But even the most awkward student can make a gesture that is totally unique and lovely, and if you keep your eyes open, your own dancing will be enriched by everything around. To the great masters, I say thank you for your inspiration and for sharing with me your beautiful craft interpreted with impeccable artistry and uncompromising passion.

About "Belly Dance"

The "belly" is as much a part of this dance as the feet, the arms, the head - you get the idea. Oriental Dance uses the whole body in the most controlled, fluid, beautiful way one can imagine. Since the abdominal area is the center of balance in the body it is a central point, not just in this dance but all the time. The abdomen is featured in undulations, but so are the arms, the hands and the whole torso. Those who embrace the term "Belly Dance" as the legitimate name for this dance do so as way to honor the feminine power of giving life.

Middle Eastern Traditional Dances Performed by Samra and Friends

Cane (Raks al Asaya) - Traditionally from Egypt, but popular in Middle Eastern countries.
Shamadan - Dance usually performed at weddings and other ceremonies where dancers balance a candelabra on her head.
Hagallah - Lively folkloric dance that involves the audience in clapping and excitement.
Raks Sharki - Commonly known in the United States by the incorrect term: "Belly Dance"
Finger Cymbal - Used in most dances to accompany the music, or simply drums, or a acapella.
Veil - Although not traditional, it is very lyrical, artistic, and irresistible to use during certain dances.
Sword - Although not documented as traditional, sword balancing is an intriguing dance inspired by dances from the Orient and Middle East.
Khaleegi - Gulf dance. From Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
Schikkat - From Morocco, performed as social version, danced in parties and festivities (often involves volunteers from the audience).
Tunisian - Jug - Uses twisting hip motion while balancing a jug on the head; Scarf - using short hand scarves to emphasize movements.

Persia (Iran)

Persia is the cradle of some of the most graceful dances in existence. Performances can be offered in Persian traditional dances like: Harvest, Bandari, and more. Also lyrical Court style dances and modern Persian.
Armenian Dances:

Women's Caucasian dances and various folk dances including Halay, Ganeega, and Armenian Miserlou. For a graceful way to end a wedding reception, add an Armenian candle dance, performed as a gracious goodbye to the guests.
Turkey
- Spoon Dance - Solo or group using spoons as percussive accompaniment
- Turkish Rom (Gypsy) - both traditional using traditional music and interpretive
- Karsilama and Fusion.
Line Dances

Lebanese Debke, Greek Dances, Turkish, Armenian, Israeli, and Balkan.
Fusion Dances

Fusion and interpretive dances inspired by dances from other cultures. Although they are not "purely traditional" they include traditional elements or costuming. All these dances are presented with appreciation and respect to the cultures which inspired them.
- Spain - Spanish Gypsy, Modern Andalucian, Zambra.
- Afro-Belly - Fusion of African and Middle Eastern Dance.
- "BellySamba" - Innovative fusions of rhythms from Brazil and Egypt - Rhythms from JaCairo as affectionately called by the Middle Eastern population in Brazil.
- Tambourine dances- Interpretive dances using tambourine to Spanish, Latin American, Turkish, Greek, or Middle Eastern Rhythms.
- Sword - Dances that test the balancing skills of the dancer.
- Fire dance - Either with candles, or live flames, these dances are intriguing, fascinating and full of suspense. (BUT VERY SAFE, I ASSURE YOU!)

Workshops and Private Lessons

Samra is available for private lessons and coaching for beginners and intermediate dancers for affordable fees and flexible schedule. She has taught mini-workshops and teaches regular classes of various topics and choreographies including:

Topics:

Single Folding Fan (Style Andalus)
Double Feather Fans using upbeat fusion Spanish/Arabic songs
Cane
Sword
Fire and Tray with Balancing
Candle without Balancing
Shamadan (Candelabra)
Turkish Spoon for Oriental
Basket
Combinations for various rhythms, including some learned during her classes in Egypt
"Belly Dance Dialects" Using real ethnic variations to flavor Oriental dance.
Single and Double Veil
Tambourine (Interpretive)

Choreographies: (These are in her repertoire and have been presented in performance or in previous classes)

Gitana Mora (Moorish Gypsy) to a song by the Gypsy Kings
Kazdarna (Arab/Armenian Pop upbeat song)
Persian Suite (Interpreting a famous Persian novel)
Sword
Fire balancing
Science fiction ("Robot Dance")
Brazil-Arabic fusion
Seasonal interpretive routines for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.
Group Veil, Cane, Sword, Tambourine (integrating complex stage use and place exchanges)
Arabic Latin fusion

For more information, e-mail Samra or visit her website, Samra's Expressions.

Samra teaches at Carroll Wellness Center in Hillsville (276-728-2500), Galax Wellness Center (276-236-5931), and Reeves Community Center in Mt. Airy NC (336-786-8313).

About Dance

About "Belly Dance"

Middle Eastern Traditional Dances Performed by Samra and Friends

Persia (Iran)

Armenian Dances:

Turkey

Line Dances

Fusion Dances

Workshops and Private Lessons

Topics:

Choreographies: (These are in her repertoire and have been presented in performance or in previous classes)