It’s a great big world out there.   While I’d like to think I have a strong foundation of dance knowledge, there are new dance forms developing and older forms evolving that I don't even know exist.  Getting familiar with the Orange County and Los Angeles County Dance scene, I’ve seen the word “Kizomba” pop up on fliers promoting Salsa and Bachata events.  Kiz-om-what?! Read on to find out what I discovered about this emerging dance:

They say the heart is fickle.  If you really love someone, you will feel it in your gut.  In the West, we often think of the heart as the body’s center of romance.  In several Middle Eastern countries, it is the liver that is believed to be passion’s organ.  The Roman physician Galen developed the notion that the heart and the liver are sources of love over 1,000 years ago.   One of the first great Arab-Muslim scientists, Al Razi, perpetuated Galen’s theory about the liver, and it spread across the Middle East into Egypt.

The Arabic word for liver is pronounced “kabed”.  It is frequently used in Egyptian poetry and song lyrics to express love.  The classic song “Eina Ellayali” shares a good example of how the liver embodies emotion.  Translated into English, the lyrics say, “An eye’s glance sent a spear to my liver and created pain.” 

Often you will see a performing Egyptian dancer gesture her hands as if she were holding onto her liver. She is expressing that she feels the song or the lyrics from this organ of passion.  It’s just as if an American dancer were to hold onto her heart.

In this month of love, why not dance from your liver ladies?  Share your deepest passions on the dance floor and feel it from you gut.  Tap in, and be moved.  What is your “kabed” telling you today?

Ziva holds Arabic Dance in her liver and can’t wait to share her passion for the art form with you!  Join her on the dance floor in Shimmy Pop, Shimmy Pop Toning, and Arabic Dance II.  You can find out more about Ziva and Arabic Dance at www.zivadancer.com 

Resources:  http://suite101.com/article/valentines-could-easily-have-been-livers-instead-of-hearts-a330899

Konichiwa!  I’m writing from the depths of Japan as I tour with Lebanese Master Percussionist Souhail Kaspar.  We are currently halfway though a full itinerary of teaching and performing in 5 Japanese cities.  While I know that the remaining 12 days of our tour will bring plenty of experiences and adventure, I’d like to share what I’ve learned so far as a traveling dance artist.

1.  Nice Luggage is Worth the Investment!

I’m only halfway through our trip and I’ve taken six planes, four trains, and plenty of taxis.  Durable, lightweight, east-to-transport, luggage is a must have!  Don’t over pack your suitcase as you’ll want to be able to transfer it easily and may want to bring home a few souvenirs.

2.  The Language of Human Movement.

When you travel to countries with a language barrier, knowing native words like “hello”, “thank you” and, in my case, “vegetarian” are vital.  Beyond words, facial expressions and hand gestures will communicate a lot.

I realize that when I teach dance workshops in Japan, my playful words like “juicy” and “big mamma hips” may be lost in translation.  Instead of worrying about students understanding the literal meaning of my diction, I dance out my words and use an expressive tone of voice.

One of my most comforting and magical experiences traveling in Japan has been witnessing the universal language of dance.  The same shimmy that is recognized in Berkeley is recognized in Tokyo and Cairo and possibly worldwide.  The fact that I have the opportunity as an American dancer to share my love for Middle Eastern dance with an Asian country shows the widespread passion and strength lying behind Raqs al Sharqui.  Music and movement can truly unite cultures.

3.  Be Prepared for Anything

The art of improvisation is a must have tool in dance and in life.  Any teacher knows that his or her lesson plan may need to be instantly altered to adapt to the level of the current student.  For this tour, I prepared 5 choreographies and a variety of theory exercises knowing that each city would have it’s own requests and needs.

I believe that a dance artist should consistently work on all elements of her craft.   She should practice and study her art even when there may be no specific upcoming project.  This will only help with easing into an on-the-spot situation and nailing a surprise opportunity.

4.  Rest Up Buttercup!

Sleep when you can! It’s a great idea to rest up even before your trip.   A dancer depends on her physical and mental energy so it’s important that she gets adequate down time.  Often a busy tour schedule will permit limited windows for resting.  Take advantage of them.  You’re email or whatever is keeping you up late at night will be there in the morning.  Get those Zzzz’s when you can!  Also, taking multi-vitamins and eating nutritious meals along the way will keep you healthy and strong.

5. Give it Your All

This may go without saying, but it’s good to remember that one opportunity often leads to another.  You never know who will be watching.

I was invited by Souhail Kaspar to do this tour because 4 years ago I gave it my all as a workshop student in one of his Rhythm and Movement classes.  Since that workshop, I’ve taken every opportunity possible to learn from Souhail’s mastery as a teacher, entertainer, world traveler, and percussionist.  I’m so grateful for each moment that I’ve been presented with to grow.  Treat each opportunity as a gift; you never know when you’ll be presented with another one.