Category Archives: Dancer

Samira pride in DC

one of our very own, not only made the cut, but managed to get the top slot in the washington blade’s photo essay, Pride 2005 – Festival.

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what miles is doing this fall

in case you were interested in the opportunities that may have played into the delay of the us tour for the bellydance superstars… here’s a clue.

from the daily star (may 23, 2005): What a message. What a tribute

His present project is intriguing. Copeland will take a handful of Arab performers to New Mexico and film them while they perform for a U.S. audience. Sometimes they’ll be paired with American performers. “My brother [former Police drummer Stewart Copeland] is gonna get me musicians – Carlos Santana hopefully. The lead singer from Incubus is really interested in doing something.”

The camera will follow some through their American adventure. He will start filming sometime between November 2005 and January 2006. As the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is funding the two-hour documentary, it will broadcast on the U.S. public broadcasting network, PBS. Copeland then wants to distribute the film in the Middle East.

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UK news covering the superstars

several pieces lately…

from This is Local London, Dance styles to fit everyone:

The troupe’s instructional and performance DVDs are already international best-sellers, and a new CD/DVD combo simply entitled Bellydance Superstars and The Desert Roses released last month looks set to follow that success.

from the Telegraph, I haven’t got the stomach for this:

That doesn’t sound very Arabian. Nor is it. For, despite exotic stage-names such as Petite Jamilla and Amar Gamal, the Bellydance Superstars are all, in fact, Americans, who chanced upon belly-dance at gym or dance classes before taking it up professionally. “We have Italian-Americans, CubanAmericans, African-Americans, everything except Arab-Americans,” says Miles Copeland, matter-of-factly. “I just can’t find an Arab.”

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congratulations, lucy

the new website (here) looks great! Continue reading

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Navel gazing

the superstars coming to wales… with quotable moments from miles… Navel gazing

“People told me The Police wouldn’t be big, but they were huge,” he [Miles Copeland] says..

“People have similarly told me belly dancing won’t take off – but when you can see the potential in something different, and it becomes really big, it gives you a real feeling of self-confidence.

“The Police and Bellydance Superstars are the two things I’ve done that are the most revolutionary for their time.”

“It’s the middle-eastern percussion and the rhythm,” explains Copeland.. “It’s very hard to sit down and be passive, because it just makes you want to get up and move. We’ve got dancers who are beautiful and glamorous and at the top of their game – it’s quite a stunning show.”

“From a man’s perspective it’s a celebration of the beauty of a woman without encouraging the baser instincts of the male mind,” Copeland says.
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Right on the button, in Newcastle

from icNewcastle, Right on the button

“While some would say that belly dance is an art of seduction, others believe that – as the only dance created by women for women – it is a celebration of the woman as a woman.

“As such, it has become a recognised self-esteem builder, a dance to be enjoyed and participated in no matter what your age, size, or shape,” he [Miles Copeland] says.

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Doris Eaton Travis, 101 and kicking

from the bbc, Broadway dancer, 101, in new show

A 101-year-old dancer who first appeared on Broadway in 1918 is to perform at the New York theatre where she began her career.

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Copeland playing fast with the media

I don’t often make public statements about specific players in this business of dance, but this time I felt compelled to put it on the record. Before I do, let me say that I don’t have any problem with the Bellydance Superstars or their approach to business or dance. What I have a problem with is something a bit more subtle.

Circulated to their promotional email list and also found on this page [if you jump over the registration hurdles] you will find the following set of quotes from the media, posted by Stipko, “website admin” for the Bellydance Superstars:

* “The most important dance troupe in the world.” – Sunday Times / London

* “Gorgeous, spiffily dressed, skilled dancers…sheer genius.” – Village Voice – New York – 3/12/04

* “Bellydancing is the next riverdance.” – Daily Telegraph / London
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BDSS United States fall 2005 tour

It seems the superstars are hitting the east coast pretty hard this the next time around, with 44 dates covering about two months (55 days) from mid-September to early November. I’m sure this isn’t the complete itinerary, but it’s enough for a lot of people to start making plans. Most of the venues aren’t published yet, so there’s not really much to comment on, but here are some brief observations:

The tour as available now runs just over 10,500 miles, plus a jaunt out to Puerto Rico, so approaching 200 miles per day.

Alexandria picks up two dates (this is actually old news and has been on the calendar for some time). The Birchmere is a 500-seat venue, and has consistently sold out for them, so this time around, they’re hoping to double it. This is also a Monday-Tuesday situation, so someone thinks the DC region is strong enough to come out on school nights (and a holiday night…). Anyone that misses those, gets another shot in Baltimore that Wednesday, just an hour away.

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Helen Lukoma and Obsessions

spare a few moments to learn a little about helen lukoma…

Into the Heart of an Obsessed Dancer Continue reading

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