Zehara Nachash: Blog

Year of the Snake

2011-08-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Since I started working on ANIMUS a year ago (and the show is only 5 weeks away!), the need to create animal centered dance pieces has really been on my mind. It’s been a means for me to explore my spiritual side through the use of dance.

No surprise-one of the things I have started doing is recreating aspects of Serpentine Myths from around the world. Not only has this been fun because I get to explore different kinds of music (African and Latin to name a few) but also different styles of dance. It’s also been a way for me to connect with each of my snakes-as each of them brings something special to each performance—since they each have their own personalities. Sometimes I just dance in my home studio—and the spiritual connection is deep and meaningful.

Through deep meditation and relaxation techniques-I have been meditating with my snakes individually, which has brought me great spiritual peace and a deeper connection to their beings. In particular-I have been Shamanistically connecting with the Great White Serpent who, over 10 years ago, came to me in a dream and guided me onto my path as a Snake Dancer and Snake Priestess.

I have always loved studying Serpentine Mythology-and the more books I get and read on snakes and mythology—the more and more I learn. I have given lectures and taught workshops on Serpentine Mythology-but decided it would be great to start incorporating the myths into my life via dance.

I don’t perform many public shows, but the ones I do, I have decided to keep to my exploration of the Snake in mythology and culture—at least until the end of the year. This not only makes it more interesting for me-since I get to create something with a purpose-rather than just dancing-but it’s also a way to share different aspects of snake mythology to an audience who might not otherwise know. Its also letting me go beyond the confines of belly dance and really begin weaving together different aspects of world music and dance. It also helps me when I have no idea what to dance to!!

So if you are coming to any of these shows here is what I am doing! I will post a short myth on each of the mythologies the week before the performance—so if you are interested in the myth-you can learn more!!

Each of my snakes will be present in one of the routines!

9/25-ANIMUS (Cambridge, MA)-The Rainbow Serpent, Australia
10/8-Aloha Belly Dance (Northampton, MA)-The Great Serpent, Native American
10/9-Desert Dreams (West Roxbury, MA)-Hekate, Europe/Rome
11/12-Feminine Phoenix (Attleboro, MA)-Mami Wata, Africa
11/13-Desert Dreams (West Roxbury, MA)-Manasa/Nagini
12/11-Desert Dreams (West Roxbury, MA)-TBA

On a side note, meditating with snakes is really amazing! Especially since each of them has their own unique personality. When I quite my brain during meditation, and let them slither on me, there is really a deep bond that occurs. Snakes, while not a common animal—are very spiritually connected to what’s around them. They have a strong energy around them.

Phew!

2011-07-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Its been a wild ride for me the past few months! I took the plunge and got married on July 2nd. Thank you to all of my students and dance colleagues for the cards! It was really overwhelming. My husband and I are currently in the process of renovating our place-which includes my home studio “Weaving Serpent Dance Studio”~I’ve decided to go for more of a darker room-where I can not only continue private lessons, workshops and rehearsals-but also start my Snake Touch Therapy sessions, Snake Meditations and Snake workshops (yes all about Snakes this year!).

I just completed a fabulous photo shoot with Paul Jones of RT2 Photography. We are working on a project initiated by Neylan of RI for a “Bad Girls of Belly Dance” calendar. I am the month November and wanted to break away from the usual Thanksgiving Day theme. I mean c’mon—its 2012, the end of the world according to the Maya..AND The Day of the Dead falls in November. So I thought it fitting that Quetzalcoatl should finally appear! I wore my new costume created by Elsie Olieveros of Totally Creative in NYC (she makes all those gorgeous costumes for the ladies of Venus Uprising. I brought along my fabulous snakes Denali and Spartacus. The shoot was amazing! We did most of it in the woods-nice scratches and poison ivy—but SO worth it!!!

In class and show news, I am currently only doing private gigs for the summer (and my teaching is limited until the studio is done—September is going to be out and out awesome with new classes!). I got booked to be the opening act for The Eels on July 28th! Which is VERY exciting! As for the classes-I will be teaching NEW Monday classes in Needham at the YMCA as well as Tuesdays in Needham and Wednesdays in Dedham. We are really going to be uping the anty on performance and my Monday classes will be learning a FULL 10 minute routine! Yahoo!

I also am starting a new monthly showcase called “Desert Dreams: A Monthly Belly Dance Showcase”-which will feature not only fabulous dancing from area performers (including my always gorgeous, courageous and amazing students!), but a drum circle and a workshop which will change each month. We have some great teachers lined up so far, Anecka (Fan Veils for Belly Dance), Neylan (tba), Aslahan (Line Dancing for Belly Dance), Nadira Jamal (Intro to Improv) and more! This is such a great and welcoming event for those who are newbies or just want something fun to do. It will be held once a month in West Roxbury at the Theodore Parker Church!

ANIMUS is well underway—script is being typed---cast is working hard. This show will be my favorite of all the ones I produced. Tickets are on sale now and I do hope you can attend!

2011-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy and hectic few months for me. Things have really begun to pick up and I find myself growing more and more creative as the days roll by. In May, I teamed up with the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) and began working on my brainchild ANIMUS: A Shamanic Journey Through Belly Dance. A more theatrical based show which will feature dancers and artists from across New England. Its debut is Sept 25th at the YMCA Theatre. Proceeds from the show will go to USARK (www.usark.org). I have also begun to travel and host more workshops on Snake Dancing. I have also been working the Comic and Paranormal conventions—performing and meeting great contacts which lead to new and exciting opportunities! At the end of May I was able to work with Tamara Rodrigues, an amazing local singer with roots in Mexico. She asked me to make an appearance in her video “ItalaniO” It was a great experience and one I will never forget. My snakes also make a cameo role (Kaala and Bella). Below is the video. Look for me in the beginning and end doing some solo sword work!

Tamara Rodriguez "ItalianO", Official Music Video from Vassili Shields on Vimeo.

HR669

2011-04-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

EVERY snake and exotic pet owner should be aware of. The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act a.k.a. HR669.

If this bill passes (its currently stalled in Congress—but its still a serious threat!) it would prevent any non-native species of the USA to be owned, sold or bought. So if you have a snake or want a snake—this is SERIOUS. The bill, with its “good intentions” initially was created to help curb the ongoing issue of Burmese Pythons being released into the wild by their immature irresponsible owners, and over taking the Florida Everglades. That alone IS a serious issue, but there are obviously other ways to stop that from happening than punishing ALL snake, reptile and exotic pet owners! This bill would also prevent the ownership and importation of the following “exotic nonnative species”: Cats, cattle, chickens, dogs, domesticated geese, ducks, goats, goldfish (yes!), horses, ferrets, hamsters, domesticated pigs/hogs, rabbits, sheep---you get the idea! Currently animals owned prior to this bill being put into effect will not be interfered with. But this means that if you are a breeder or collector of snakes—you would be in trouble. It also means mom and pop pet stores and other live hoods would be in danger.

Most in danger is python owners and breeders. Senator Bill Nelson wants a ban on ALL pythons!!!

So what can you do? EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE!! If you are a snake dancer you understand the special connection between you and your dance partner. Its also YOUR responsibility to educate the public on SNAKES. Just dancing and performing with them is NOT enough!!! Also, remember that by educating the public, you are also preventing any (though not all) irresponsible person from buying and obtaining a snake (which leads to issues like the one in the everglades!).

Contact your local Congress Representative to voice your opposition. Please, give a mature, well-studied and thought-out reply to this bill. If you have no issue with a less restricting bill, then feel free to say so (like getting exotics tagged or licensed).

Support the US Association of Reptile Keepers: www.usark.org

Important Links:
The Full Bill: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-669
Opposition Website: www.nohr669.com
Information on the All Python Ban Bill- http://pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=505
The Exact Text: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-373

This bill is already on the move----so, it's especially important to stamp it out now before its to late!!!

Fusion Belly Dance

2010-11-15T20:22:00.001-08:00

Since my time off has started and since I don't know when I am dancing again, I have taken time to entertain myself with YouTube. Some of it good--some bad...

Firstly, I am a fusion belly dancer. I make that clear when I get booked for ANYTHING, teach ANYTHING, do ANYTHING. I am a FUSION belly dancer. I don't take gigs that are for traditional belly dancers..just not fair. And I cant dance to music I don't feel. Its why I am not a restaurant dancer. I cant perform to something that doesn't move or inspire to me. Sometimes, it is traditional belly dance music--erm..with my own twist.

Secondly, I have GROWN tremendously in this particular style. I get whats involved. Its more than just picking a song and adding a few belly dance moves. Its about taking the song--understanding ITS roots--and then adding belly dance to it. Its complex.

In the Izzy workshop, that was one of the points she made, and it made me glad. I always try to explain, but she made it more articulate.Being a fusion belly dancer is more than just performing to something that is not a typical belly dance piece. Its about taking the music-whatever it is-and finding its "link" and weaving it together with belly dance.

Some of my points when it comes to Fusion Belly Dance:

1. Its WAY more complicated than it seems. Picking a non-belly dance song and belly dancing to it--is not as easy as black and white.

2. TRIBAL Fusion is NOT the same as FUSION Belly Dance.

3. Its not just the music. Its the EVERYTHING. Example, I saw this video of a "fusion" belly dance. She picked this ultra jazzy number..and wore a mini chiffon skirt, hip scarf and coin bra. It looked awkward. The costume didn't match the music. It didnt match the choreography. By the end it looked like a mess.

4. Props. So here's another thing. If you pick a non-traditional song, and use a prop, make sure the prop meets the music. Example: Dont do a veil number to a song that has a "saiidi" feel. Again, a video where a dancer was dancing to a 1940's swing number using a veil--like--well, like a belly dancer would. It looked awkward.

5. Know the culture and/or other style you are fusing with---and their traditional dances--Say, Flamenco Belly Dance Fusion should have aspects of both Flamenco and Belly Dance. Hip Hop Belly Dance Fusion--should have hip hop in it. So don't just pick a song and just belly dance to it...it doesn't work.

6. Know your audience. Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing a fusion belly dancer performing for a non-fusion accepting audience. You may think its a fucking awesome choreography--but if your audience was expecting a straight up Raks Sharqui number--erm...you just boned yourself!

7. Don't be afraid to bag it. I cant tell you how many choreographies I have bagged because well, in my brain, I thought the fusion would work, but when I did it--OMG! Yeah no. So try and if it doesn't work, don't be afraid to try again.

8. Get creative. Seriously. Example: I choreographed this HOT number for a troupe mate with a dagger. She's an assassin. If you do fusion--create a character.....

These are just my opinions. Now..back to YouTube!

Izzylicous!

2010-11-15T20:21:00.001-08:00

I had the BEST time yesterday at the Izzy workshop and show in RI. Manuel did a fabulous job putting everything together--and it was a dream >finally< come true to meet, learn and perform in the same show as Izzy. She really is the only reason why I never gave up dancing. Why I never quit and kept doing my thing regardless of being the odd gal out...and I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't know there was actually more belly dancers out there like me.

It was an immediate weight lifted off me when she spoke the same words I have said and felt through the 7 years I have been dancing. It was like finally meeting the person who understood what style I do, why I do it and why I struggled for years to "fit in." She did to. She discussed the issues she had when she started dancing belly dance fusion in a primarily traditional Raks Sharqui community. The fact she got blacklisted-started her own shows-cant dance in restaurants-and finally, being accepted as a belly dancer that doesn't perform traditional dance. The struggles she had to become accepted and finally the realization that its OK to be different--so long as you do it good.

It was a breath of fresh air and after e-mailing her for 7 years--it was great to finally meet her. When I introduced myself to her she gave me a huge hug and said, "finally get to meet you!!"---I felt the same. A 7 year email friendship-it was nice to finally meet my dance idol!! She's beautiful, talented, total goof ball (like me!) and really--who I want to be as a dancer.

Her workshop was amazing. She took three or four simple belly dance combo's and we used them with various pieces of non-traditional and traditional music. It was a ton of fun! And I am totally using one of the Saidi-fusion combo's--it was fabulous!

Mind you, I did the workshop (took a 15 minute break though) AND performed all on a severely sprained ankle! There was no way I was missing it!

The show was awesome. A nice mixture of belly dance, burlesque and variety acts. I did my "Devil Went Down to Georgia" number--my favorite. Izzy told me backstage she's stealing it. I took that as a huge compliment. I told her its only fair since I have stolen her stuff (with permission). It was great to meet new people. I love shows when I get to meet new people. A bunch of the folk are going to the Burlesque Expo, so I get to meet them again in April (if not sooner).

The biggest realization I had yesterday--was that I do have a community. The belly dance fusion community is small and dispersed--and not as big as the tribal/traditional communities. But we are here, small though we maybe. I left yesterday feeling like I have a support system of dancers now. Its nice. With them, I can do what I do and not be afraid to kick it the way we do. Its kind of nice.

A DANCERS OASIS IN THE WEST ROXBURY PATCH

2010-10-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

http://westroxbury.patch.com/articles/come-dancing-in-the-belly-of-west-roxbury

Bally High

2010-07-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

It was an experience that was both awesome and inspiring. I feel "official" now...To work an actual real side show-I feel like I earned some diploma or something.

I have no intentions of running away with the circus. That got nipped in the bud. I got to speak with everyone at the show, and the money is just next to nothing. It costs more to travel and setup (not to mention rental of space at fairs) than you actually make. One of the guys (who is awesome and I am keeping in contact with)...was telling us how he worked with a circus for 5 years as a clown PLUS had to help them with set up/take down and he only got paid $75 a week. I am passionate, but realistic. Maybe thats my problem. I am to practical. One of the girls, The Cat Lady, had been on the road for 3 years and was telling me its a tough life that pays little.

Meg, my awesome photographer was there taking photo's and Don is an awesome photographer as well! He took some killer photo's. I was glad Meg was there. Don and Meg both went to the same art college-and know the same people, so they were able to hang out while I was working.

I worked on the bally for 5 hours straight. They kept telling me to take a break, but something in me just couldnt. I didnt bring my snakes, I used Elvis, there very friendly Albino Burm (now I am adopting one myself to go along with my other granite burm Ace at home!). We were there in the hot sun for 5 hours straight, and I just took breaks for water..but it was strange. I kept thinking of Mademoiselle Octavia, a snake charmer who worked with Ringling in the 1900's. I have black and white pictures of her standing on a bally at Coney Island wearing these thick black tights, and a long sleeve dress in the summer sun with a burmese on her, and I kept thinking to myself, this woman did this for hours, because she had to, not because she wanted to. She did this because she needed to feed herself, make a living. I was doing it for the experience, she was doing because she had to. And then I kept thinking about all the other people I read about in my books. The sideshow oddities, freaks, geeks, working acts. How they had to do what I was doing for an experience to live. It was exhausting. It doesnt seem like it. I mean, I was just working the bally and chatting and working the crowd. "Making love to the Midway" as the curator, John Strong said. I was educating all the folks who came up to meet Elvis and myself about snakes (which made me realize I do know a lot of shit about snakes! I was able to answer every question asked!! Even the hard ones!). I was getting people to come into the show after telling them to come and see the 2 headed cow and 2 headed turtle...and see Ses Carny's knife throwing. I couldnt imagine doing that every single day, in the hot summer sun -- for a few bucks!! Especially when I think about the 30's during the depression...and people ran away with the circus because it was the only thing they could do. I cant imagine spending days on the road, dirty with no a.c. and having to work so hard for so long with no guarantee that you are going to have a full tummy at the end of the day. Its not as pretty and nice as some believe. And I have so much more respect for those who came before me.

Dont get me wrong. I am passionate about what I do, but I do like the term "modern day snake charmer"~I can do what I love and still live. I also felt this call of duty. A call to preserve a part of American Culture. The "professor" as we called him, as making a documentary on side shows. He filmed and interviewed me. He is doing for a bunch of performers he is meeting on the road. He is going to give us 12 copies to sell as our "pitch cards" to help us make some extra money. Its exciting. I told him I could buy a few more and try to sell them at my show.

Which did get brought up. Everyone told me what I am doing is better than a traveling show. It doesnt cost a boat load of money to run, its in a theatre, and I can make some money back. Plus its only a few times a year....AND...I dont have to do it to feed myself and pay bills.

I got to play with the other toys while i was there waiting for the gates to open-which was fun! I walked the bed of machetes and lied down on the bed of nails. It was so much fun!

The experience itself was emotional. I loved it! And I cant wait to do it again Saturday. This time with breaks!

The Full Story

2010-02-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

I am a HUGE fan of Charlie Chaplin...so huge, I wanted to create a show that I could picture him in...Thus, "The Odditorium: An Evening of Side Show Delights and Vaudeville Theatre" or "Odditorium Boston" was born. The show has been a great success since it began in March of 2009. So successful, that it caught the eye of someone at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! I recently got a cease and desist order from them stating that if I did not remove the word "odditorium" they would press legal action. Actually, this is what they said: "Part of the description of our registration for Odditorium is “entertainment services” and your “freak theatre show” is directly in our realm of unbelievable oddities. We have challenged some big named companies for using our marks in ad campaigns, as slogans for car dealerships and a plethora of other events and have been successful in every single lawsuit." I could fight this. There are other acts, such as the Dandy Warhols (www.theodditorium.com) and a Candy Store (www.odditorium.com) that use the word...But, I cant afford a lawyer and frankly, it wouldnt be the death of me if I dropped the word. With that said, this bit of controversy actually helped the show, which is now temporarily just "AN EVENING OF SIDE SHOW DELIGHTS AND VAUDEVILLE THEATRE." I have received a boat load of supportive emails, and ticket sales have gone up. It has actually reignited the show if anything. And I love the line, "directly in our realm of unbelievable oddities"~Well, they cant stop me from putting on a side show! So for now, if you want tickets, visit www.zehara.com/circus

A Bitter Sweet End....

2010-01-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

After 34 years, The Middle East will no longer have belly dancing on Sundays and Wednesdays. I am not surprised, but still saddened. It was a staple in the belly dance community and where most dancers got to dip their toes in the performance waters without the dread of being embarrassed. It was a place where most of us, including myself, were able to experiment with styles and find where we fit in to this ever growing world of belly dance.

I was first invited by Sahar, the producer of the shows at The Middle East, to perform in December 2005. I had been taking lesson for 2 years at various places at that point, and already had experience in other dance styles from my previous years of dance. I was excited. It gave me the chance to work on sharpening my skills as a performer and improved my interaction skills with audience members. It also gave me the chance to explore the many facets of belly dance until I was able to find my own style.

The Middle East was also the very first restaurant to allow me to perform with snakes. Which was always a joy! It was always great to go and support fellow dancers--or even my own students. It was a comfortable safe environment where dancer--pro to amateur--didnt have to worry about being "pressured" to "fit" in...

But over the years, I noticed a decline in the crowd, it just wasn’t the same. Something was missing…

After Sahar stepped down, the live bands were canceled, and DJ Garabed left—I felt it was the beginning of the end. To our fortune, the beautiful and hardworking Sabrina stepped into salvage what she could of the shows. Myself and my troupe had the great opportunity of performing there several times while Sabrina was the director, but alas, all good things come to an end.

The saddest part for me, will be that my future students will not be able to experience the same memories that I have.

2009-11-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time at Laurie Cabot’s Serpent Magic workshop last weekend. Laurie invited me and my “babies” to attend to add something special.
They were definitely zoned out—perhaps from all the energy in the room. The workshop was wonderful and I gained some new tools and insights to add to my workshops.
On another note, I will be teaching various workshops, including the Sacred Serpent workshop, throughout the year at Circles of Wisdom in Andover.
Be sure to check their website for more information at www.circlesofwisdom.com

2009 Reflections

2009-10-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

2009 has been a great albiet busy year. Starting November 1st, I will be taking the rest of year off to unwind, relax and spend time with family and friends. I have a whirl wind of a year this year and it will be nice to have some down time, travel and catch up on a few good reads. Its also time for my snakes to take a break as well. I don't perform much in the winter months because its not the best time of year for my snakes to be out with the cold weather. And, even though I have lived in New England my whole life, I am not a huge winter myself. It will be nice to spend >hopefully< a few months this winter in a warmer climate!

I have decided that 2010 I will be only performing in private shows, with limited public shows. Not that I dont love fun public performances~its just that I love traveling and have a preference for private events. But no worries-I will be making a few public appearances in shows Rhode Island next year!

Beats for Beasts

2009-10-27T14:50:00.002-07:00

My last event of the year as both organizer, hostess, and performer was for the Northeast Belly Dance Associations BEATS FOR BEASTS. It was our annual fundraiser and this year we chose to help our furry (and slithering) friends. The show was fantastic and we helped raise $415.00 for the Massachusetts Humane Society!

As my 6th event for the year, I am taking a MUCH needed rest and vacation. I will teaching and performing at limited engagements for the remainder of the year.

W.E.A.R.

2009-10-27T14:50:00.001-07:00

W.E.A.R.: Worldwide Escape Artist Relay

I was fortunate over the past two weeks to have met and worked with a very amazing and talented escape artist by the name of Alexanderia The Great. She and her husband Bill approached me after The Odditorium and asked if I would help them with the Worldwide Escape Artist Relay. I was more than thrilled since my dear friend Doctor Wilson plays a big role in the organization of this event. It was clearly a terrific opportunity! After 2 weeks of rehearsals the show happened on October 24th. There is a lot of prep that goes into organzing an event, more than people realize and it was terrific that this show went off without a hitch! Kaala and I performed a snake and fire routine and Alexanderia performed her great escape after being chained and dropped into 12 ft of water. All of this was in a very good cause. You can look forward to us, "The Girls of Magic" performing at highschools around New England raising money for their athletics department!

A little about W.E.A.R:
The Worldwide Escape Artist Relay, the largest coordinated performance by escape artists in history. The Worldwide Escape Artist Relay circled the globe as escape artists around the world performed a variety of thrilling escapes. Each performer documented his or her performance as it took place. Theparticipants in the Worldwide Escape Artist Relay, men and women, young and old, novices and seasoned pros emerging from retirement, united to restore the Art of Escape to its rightful place in the public imagination!

Bottoms Up

2009-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being on "Bottoms Up" with Ashley Bottoms last weekend. It was such a great interview--and not to mentioned really relaxed! Ashley does a great job at making you feel completely relaxed. I gave her some tips on being a seductive snake charmer and talked all about snakes and belly dancing! Here is the interview!

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

Fall Changes

2009-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I will no longer be teaching at the YMCA Needham. This was a personal decision.

With many new endeavors its becoming difficult to keep my full class schedule. I will continue group classes at Out To Dance in West Roxbury, plus 3 new classes--two at Needham Adult Ed and another at Circles of Wisdom in Andover.

Dance Sabbatical

2009-07-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Starting today I will be taking a dance sabbatical. Nothing major. I will just be doing less public performing and limiting my classes to private and 1 group class a month. It will last until Sept. 14th my regular schedule will resume.

Sabbaticals are good for a number of reasons. For me, its to refocus and renergize my mind, body and soul. There is something about a first performance (especially a public performance) after a long time away. You feel the energy much more---and are able to channel your emotions through movement much more efficiently--especially after you are rested.

I do have to say I am excited to be performing again for the charming Laurie Cabot. Being a follower of the Neo-Pagan movment for 14 years, there is always a spiritual experience that occurs when you dance at events like that!!

Anywho, see you in August!

June 28th, 2009

2009-06-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

I would like to an extend a special thank you to all who came out for the Belly Dance Beach Party on June 28! The show was a great success! It was the most fun I have had organizing a hafli in awhile! I would also like to thank DJ Dave Daykin for donating his time to spin and I highly recommend him if you are looking for a good DJ at your event! I was fortunate enough to perform a special tribute to Michael Jackson (video coming soon).

The Daughters of Eden performed (Najla, Manjiie, and Samira). They all looked phenomenal in both the troupe performance and their solo’s. We are always looking for new members so if you are interested—contact me! The next troupe show is Wednesday July 8th at The Middle East! Come check us out!

Odds and Ends

2009-06-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

The past two months have been a complete whirl wind! I have been so busy with gigs and putting together benefits....all well worth it :o)

The next Odditorium is scheduled for Oct. 9th. I am AWESOMELY excited to have several new and amazing acts performing this go around..including the most amazing contortionist I have ever seen, Al Millar aka, THE HUMAN KNOT. I saw him perform at the Boston Babydolls benefit and was amazed...He was the first contortionist that I have ever seen that actually made me have to turn my head away! Me, the side show loving freak, had to turn her head away. I think the rest of the public will be blown away by this talented man....Not to mention the rest of the talent that has jumped on board. The Oct. cast is just amazing and I cant wait to get started on all the details! We are going to have fire eaters, a fiji mermaid, tarot readers and MUCH more before the show, so please check out www.odditoriumboston.com for more information!

I am going away the last two weeks in July for a much needed vacation. We are heading to San Diego for ComiCon (and to check out the world famous San Diego zoo-I cant wait to see the snakes!). I am then taking a 1-2 month sabbatical from performing (classes will resume as scheduled and you can visit my class page for more information and to register). I will need to time to get ready for The Odditorium and to refresh myself.

I will be, however, working the NBDA Boston's benefit for the Mass. Human Society called, "Belly & The Beast" which will be held at the Toney Williams Dance Center in Jamaica Plain. The beautiful and talented Susi will be assisting me in organzing the event and I really cant wait! '

On a teaching level I am pleased to announce that I will taking over classes at the Needham Adult Ed starting in October. I am also hosting a belly dance night at Circles of Wisdom in Andover in July, so for people on the North Shore--come check it out!! I will be teaching a very fun (and uber sassy!) choreography!!

Ahh, my snakies. I got a new snakie named Van Gogh, a beautiful and bright pastel python. I am planning on adopting two more the end of the month, a cinamon python named Picasso and a ball python named Phoenix. See them on the "Meet The Snakes" page soon!

Also, for those of you interested in snake dancing, I will be teaching a snake dance workshop in Warwick RI the end of September. It will be your chance to experience the beauty and power of snake dancing with my tame and friendly snakes! You will actually recieve hands on experience with snake dancing! Its not to be missed....

Hisses,
Z.

Belly & Burlesque: The Scarlet Letter

2009-05-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

By Zehara Nachash

“It is to the credit of human nature, that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates. Hatred, by a gradual and quiet process, will even be transformed to love, unless the change be impeded by a continually new irritation of the original feeling of hostility.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, Chapter XIII "Another View of Hester"

In March of 2008 I was contacted by Mr. Scratch, the manager of the classy and sophisticated burlesque troupe, The Boston Baby Dolls, to perform with them as their variety act in several shows they were organizing. I jumped at the opportunity to perform! They are elegant dames who encompass everything that makes being a woman incredible. Aside from being giddy with delight at being able to share the stage with these lovely ladies, I felt like I was “reawakening” a time in history when belly dance and burlesque worked side by side with one another. After all, belly dance and burlesque, in American history anyway, are like sisters.

Both belly dance and burlesque hit the American scene in the early 20th century. Burlesque in the 1840’s and belly dance in the 1890’s. Burlesque and belly dance “grew” up together in variety shows. Both dan ces allow women to express themselves through beauty, grace and sophistication by using their body to invoke an emotional response in their audience. Moreover, present day belly dancers can also thank burlesque dancers for our glitzy bra and belt sets! They are descendants of the costumes burlesque dancers once wore (and some still do!).

Burlesque, like belly dance, has shared a lot more than the stated. They both have shared the dreadful and horrible attitude that a lady dancing sensually albeit tastefully, must equal “for the pleasure of men” or “sexually promiscuous.”

For years, each genre has had an upward battle of trying to clear our names of what is wrong, misdirected information. Stripping and the art of “strip tease” are two totally different things. Belly dancing and pole dancing are two totally different things. Images of combat zones, smoked filled rooms, men grabbing women; the tantalizing aroma’s of burning cigarettes, incense and the smoldering erotic look of a woman dancing into a wild frenzy is what most people think when they hear belly dance or burlesque.

Why do I bring this up? In September of 2008, my dear friends The Boston Baby Dolls decided to open a dance “studio” in Quincy where they could rehearse and hold classes. The purpose of the studio was not only to teach burlesque, but also to allow other teachers of various genres to hold classes there as well. Much to everyone’s amazement, they were booted from their space after spending $10,000 in renovations, all because of one man on the Ward 6 City Council who felt that a studio that teaches burlesque would inadvertently start turning his neighborhood into a Red Light District with prostitution and gentleman clubs! He even went as far as to state that a dance studio that teaches burlesque would invite “some sort of tawdry sex trade” Hearings, meetings, and slander, all occurred in an effort to destroy The Boston Baby Dolls.

All this from burlesque dancers seeking rehearsal space?

What bothered me the most, aside from the fact that this person was attacking my friends, was that I too am a dancer of a misunderstood art form.

Even today, woman who belly dance in various parts of the world are consider polluted. Some countries don’t even allow woman to dance at all! Are we, belly dancers and burlesque dancers alike, doomed to the fact that because we dance to an art form that encompasses power and beauty we surely must be up to something no good.

How many of us out there have heard remarks such as: “So you’re a stripper right?” or “You must be great in bed!” or better yet, my favorite, “So what does your significant other think of you dancing for money?”

Obviously belly dancers and burlesque dancers MUST be up to no good! After all we dance provocatively and are hauntingly expressive. We also dance around in costumes that show skin, so su rely that means we are naughty little minxes? Right? Isn’t this what most of the public thinks? We are still living in this smutty harem-esque mind set, right? Why, in the year 2009, are woman (and men!) being called names, being kicked out of places, being marked, all because they choose a dance style that is not “main stream”?

As dancers, both belly and burlesque, we educate those who are misunderstood. We know what we do and why we do it. We attempt to teach those who don’t understand. And yet sometimes, regardless of all of our efforts, it falls on deaf ears. Over the years I have learned that most people hate things they fear, and they fear things they don’t understand. Sure, people hate belly dance and burlesque because they see a woman who isn’t afraid to undulate and express her sumptuous and opulent beauty through dance. Woman hate other woman who perform because they are afraid this woman would steal her man! We are after all temptresses in the garden of good and evil (I say this with a hint of sarcasm).

The question is not about what is right and wrong. Its about whether, after hundreds of years, are we dancers eternally going to identified as sexually invoking artists? Are we always going to have to bear the burden of those who shimmied before us?

Are we forever to be branded with a scarlet letter?

Looking Forward

2009-04-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry its bee awhile! A lot on my plate!
First off, let me say thank you to everyone who showed up to The Odditorium on March 20th! It was so successful we are doing it again October 9th! It even has its own website www.odditoriumboston.com! You can check there for details!

I have several shows coming up. The next one is on May 15th in support of The Boston Babydolls (www.bostonbabydolls.net). As some of you know they are going through some legal issues now and I am doing everything possible to show them support!

I also am pleased to announce that I will be teaching a belly dance introduction workshop on July 31st at Circles of Light in Andover, MA and that I have been invited to perform at Sacred Interdependance Day! Stay tuned for all those details!

The NBDA Boston Chapter is having its member showcase on June 28th. Its the BELLY DANCE BEACH PARTY and will definitely call for a good time! Plenty of fabulous performances, a workshop by Sabrina and of course--beach balls and palm trees!

On a personal note--I have a new dance partner. ONYX. He's a 2 year old Ball Python and has the sweetest personality! See him make his debut on May 15th!

Witchy Woman

2009-03-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of performing at Laurie Cabot's 76th Birthday party this past weekend. What a great honor! As most of you know, I have been a practionar of the Old Religion since I was 13, so it was great to perform for the Official Witch of Salem!

I performed to Loreena McKennit's "Marco Polo" and "The Mystics Dream." I did the Descent of Inanna-my version of the Dance of the Seven Veils, and then did my first every triple snake performance dedicated to the Minoan Snake Priestess. It was definitly a powerful performance and it took me awhile to ground my energy after. My snakes felt the energy as well because they slept most of the next day!

Tonight they get their payment for the evening--a delicious gourmet of frozen/thawed rats! I think I have the most amazingly talented employees on the planet!

Tornado Coming Through

2009-02-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy the past few days. I haven't gone to bed at a reasonable hour since Sunday!
I have 3 shows planned in 4 months! Plus my calendar is already filling up with performances for the summer! Being so busy will definitely have me looking forward to vacation in May and July!

The North East Belly Dance Association will have its annual member showcase on June 28th. Its a beach party theme and as most of you know---I LOVE decorating for parties! We are on a budget so its off to troll low cost party supply stores.....The line up is already looking to be smoking!

Ticket sales for The Odditorium are building and I should be able to recoup my losses before advanced tickets sales stop.

On another exciting note, I maybe potentially starting two new belly dance classes in the Merrimack Valley area! Stay tuned! And Be Well classes are back in March...

Here is to shimmies in the spring!

Video Editing Done....

2009-02-18T17:37:00.001-08:00

Voila---One and half hours of video footage in 4 minutes :o)

Sword and Snake

2009-02-18T13:38:00.001-08:00

I loved loved loved my sword and snake routine I did last Friday, even though I wasnt pleased with the music. Initially I didnt think I could pull it off. Its hard being "hands free" when dancing with snakes because you are not sure which direction they are going to move... Kaala is such a great dance partner that guessing her movements has become easier over time. When I decided to toss the sword on my head it was a complete "in the moment" thing. I loved the power it excuded. Something warrior like.So, I have decided that for both the Side Show Ball and Hips for Hope I am performing the snake and sword dance to "Circle" by Solace.I am also planning on doing some animalistic/tribal thing with black Wings of Isis for the Side Show Ball..Ahh I love when Spring is around the corner--it awakens my creativity!

The Joys of Video Editing

2009-02-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Video editing is HARD. I was up till 11 last night pouring over 1.5 hours of video footage that D took of me on Friday. The truth is, I am really way to hard on myself sometimes. I picked the clips that I felt showcased my "best." I got it down to a 4 minute mini video to be posted on my site soon. The film is dark no matter how much I attempted to lighten it up. Its okay, but not as good as it would be if I were a professional editor.

I guess its pick your battles!

My Website Blog

2009-02-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

As most of you can tell by now, my website has gone through many revisions. After much fidgeting and revision, I really like the new layout.

Along with the new layout, I have decided to add a new blog! Its a great way to publish all the news and reviews that are happening.

Generally after performances I like to write about what happened and what I could have done differently. As an artist, I am ever growing and evolving and I think its good to express my thoughts.

So with that said...welcome to my new dance blog on zehara.com!!

~Wiggles,
Zehara