Like last year, Raks Nativity has some terrific live drummers and several of us, including yours truly, gets to dance to them. I have a small confession: unlike many of my dance friends, I have no experience dancing to live Middle Eastern music of any kind outside of Raks Nativity. I’ve never had a teacher [...]

I hope everyone had a delightful Thanksgiving, with good food and good company. Bookmark on DeliciousDigg this postRecommend on FacebookShare on FriendFeedshare via RedditShare with StumblersTumblr itTweet about itSubscribe to the comments on this postBookmark in BrowserTell a friend

A bit ago, I had an idea to have a panel for my students to listen to about being involved in K-12 science education. Sometimes, it isn’t clear how other folks can be involved in education period if they aren’t going to be teachers or aren’t parents. One of the things I like about the [...]

My meleya is technically finished (the cloth is edged in paillettes), but I want the long stripe of paillettes through the center. I’m really pleased overall with the results, but I cannot see myself doing this again anytime soon. I’ve sewn on over 500 paillettes and still have a ways to go with the stripe. [...]

After coming back from my trip, I feel like I’m in a much better place. I have something is definitely going to be a project, but details and such need to be ironed out. The thing I like about my project is I have several folks to get advice from. I learn a lot, make [...]

Interested in the cast of Raks Nativity? Nepenthe started a blog, complete with interviews from members of the cast. Check it out here! I just sent something in, so maybe mine will appear soon. Bookmark on DeliciousDigg this postRecommend on FacebookShare on FriendFeedshare via RedditShare with StumblersTumblr itTweet about itSubscribe to the comments on this [...]

With every Raks Nativity practice, I become more excited than before to be involved. There is something absolutely lovely about being a part of a creative, dedicated group whose goals are to raise money for a wonderful cause (Cradles to Crayons) and just put on a high-quality production. I’m one of the village girls doing [...]

Nourhan Sharif hosted Raqia Hassan this past weekend in NYC. Raqia Hassan is the instructor/mentor of many of the great Egyptian dancers nowadays: Dina, Randa, and more. Raqia also hosts Ahlan Wa Sahlan, a huge raqs sharqi festival. Getting to NYC was an interesting experience in itself. My plans kept changing, and I ended up [...]