PRESS & ARTICLES
Stories Behind the Dance
Explore interviews, writing and recognition from across Raksanna’s artistic journey, from Egyptian dance study to teaching and theatrical performance.
Articles
Why Take Belly Dance Classes?
Why Take Belly Dance? ... Discover the Joy of Belly Dance: A Beautiful Way to Move, Connect, and Thrive More than a workout, belly dance is a celebration of movement, music, culture, creativity, and the joy of being yourself. What if exercise didn't feel like exercise? What if moving your body could make you feel stronger, more confident, more creative, and happier—all while having an incredible amount of fun? Welcome to the wonderful world of belly dance! Belly dance is an expressive and captivating dance form with roots in Middle Eastern and North African [...]
Secrets to a Successful Show on the Road
Secrets to a Successful Show on the Road ... Belly dance, at least in America, is a unique subculture – a community, an art form and a cottage industry with its own unspoken rules and boundaries. It’s built on relationships, first and foremost; not on traditional corporate marketing programs or small business initiatives that make headlines for creating the millionaire next door. That’s the reason when aspiring dancers ask me for advice on how to make it on the workshop / seminar circuit, my answer is always the same: Be there. You have to [...]
Interview with Sarah Farouk
Interview with Sara Farouk ... There are plenty of people who have considered the idea of coming to live in Egypt, and some have taken the steps to make it a reality. Few however, have been as successful, prepared, or suited to the transition as Sara Farouk, whose contribution to the world of oriental dance here has been rich and varied. Performer, teacher, mentor, guide, director of both stage and film productions, her presence behind the scenes has boosted the success of many (including myself through our joint production of Journey of Desire). Her [...]
Interview for Jareeda
Interview for Jareeda ... Going back in time, 2007 was quite full for you! You won 3rd place in Little Egypt’s 2007 Queen of Raqs Sharki competition, were nominated by Zaghareet for 2007 Instructor of the Year and 2007 Favorite Cabaret Dancer of the Year and became certified by Raqia Hassan in 2006 through her Winter Intensive teachers course. You accomplished many things, but let’s go back to the beginning. How did you get started in Oriental Dance? I had been teaching fitness classes, such as aerobics, kickboxing and Pilates, for a little over [...]
History and Origins of Belly Dance
History of Belly Dance ... The History of Belly Dance: An Ancient Spirit, a Living Art Form From the cultural traditions of the Middle East and North Africa to spectacular stages around the world, discover the fascinating evolution of belly dance. Graceful hip movements, mesmerizing shimmies, expressive arms, and beautiful music—belly dance is one of the world's most captivating dance traditions. But behind its elegance and artistry lies a fascinating history shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, celebration, and creativity. Ancient Roots and Cultural Traditions Belly dance is closely associated with Egypt and the [...]
Don’t Just Do Something – Stand There
Don't just do something, Stand There ... Psychologists divide people into two categories of personality types – Type A and Type B. Type A’s are typically ambitious, competitive, impatient, organized (to a fault), take on more than they can handle, can be anxious, are proactive, often high-achieving workaholics who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines and hate delays and ambivalence. On the other hand, Type B’s tend to live with lower stress levels, work steadily, are often reflective, enjoy achievement but don’t fall apart when they do not achieve, enjoy exploring ideas, concepts and creativity. [...]
