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How long and how did you come
to start belly dance?
My first belly dance class happened in
1978, at a local park district. I was only a teenager and looking
for another dance form besides the wonderful world of ballet that I
had grown up with since age 4. As a teen, I already knew that I
would not make it in professional ballet. So I searched for another
dance venue, including modern, jazz, ballroom, flamenco, and
eventually stumbled quite unknowingly into a belly dance class. At
that age I was too young to go to a nightclub and I had never seen
the dance performed before. I went into the class very open minded,
and by the end of the 8 week session I was very impressed. The
teacher performed for us in full costume on the last day and I was
so inspired, I decided to sign up again. One thing led to another,
and it evolved and evolved. I didn't know it then, but I was
destined to love this dance was great passion and honor its history
and want to carry on its authenticity.
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I am interested in your dreams
for the future. What is
your biggest dream for the future for yourself and
life?
My highest dream is to find peace
within, contentment with my accomplishments, and touch the world in
a way that others might share and enjoy something I find truly
beautiful (oriental dance). There is not enough focus on the beauty
in this world! I feel it is important for women to find a mode of
self-expression that makes them feel good about themselves and
accept their bodies, whatever age, shape or creed. I feel women need
to rejoice in their feminine strength, especially in a world that is
run by men!
Do you want to share a
specific goal about belly dance?
My goal is to open the hearts and
minds of the Western and Middle Eastern world to see oriental dance
as an art form, as respectable as any other dance form. To see that
there is beauty in the middle east, not just terrorism. To raise the
standards of the dance form, so that even the dancers themselves go
beyond treating the dance as simply a hobby. They
represent the
art form, and they need to be shining examples of what it can be. To
fight against the sleazy belly dancers that are out there, ruining
the reputation of the dance and bringing it into the gutter just for
a quick buck.
I noticed that your recent
show was a musical play? How did the idea come about?
Who wrote it? I can’t imagine how you got everyone
together for rehearsals, how did you do it? Any plans for
performing it elsewhere?
My recent show was entitled "Kismet,
One Man's Destiny". It was produced, directed, choreographed
entirely by me. I want the general public to view this dance form as
a respectable art form.
I feel that I can do so by taking the dance out of the
restaurants/clubs and putting it into the formal theater. There, the
American audience is used to treating dance/acting/musical/plays
with dignity and respect. The story was written by me. It took 2 years to bring it
to the stage. The troupe was formally contracted, as was the actor.
We had weekly rehearsals for the first year, bi-weekly during the
second year and sometimes 3 or 4 rehearsals each week
in the
last 2 months before the production. It was quite intense and
professional. The how ran 2 nights, and we sold out both times, a
great accomplishment considering the theater sat over 400 people. We
will be producing a professional video of this program, as I believe
it should be shared with others around the world. It included
classical belly dance, folkloric dances from various parts of the
middle east and some fusion. It was a very special, unique
event.
How do you motivate yourself
in those moments when you are down? When you have problems
writing a choreography?
Could you share a few tips with the
readers?
I motivate myself in several ways:
first I try to relax and open my mind. Then I can be more creative.
That might mean a massage or bubble bath. Or it might mean going out
and seeing a professional show in the theater or a music/dance
concert, with a middle eastern theme or not. Then I will sit down
and write down a list of dreams/ideas/anything that could be an
exciting suggestion for a show theme/for a dance/for a choreography.
The lists usually gets my creative juices flowing and allows me to
write anything, even if it's a crazy idea. It gives me the kick I
need to take action.
As for choreographies, well, one can
never force a choreography into being. It must flow from a peaceful
core, or forget it. Not everyone is a choreographer, for solo or
group. Just because you are a good dancer, doesn't mean you are good
at everything. To learn a choreography, take the movements in
sections, begin at the beginning and keep adding on a section. Go
back to the beginning and go farther. Build it up until you reach
the end. I do the same when I am creating the choreography in the
first place! Don't choreograph the middle of the dance and leave the
beginning a big hole. The dance needs to flow and as you practice
it, you feel if it is right and you learn it at the same time. It
also takes its own time to evolve.
What is your most important
advice that you would share with a beginner dancer? intermediate
dancer? Pro?
Beginners: find the best teacher you
can find. Look at their credentials (don't be afraid to ask), take a
class and FEEL it, is it right for you? Are the vibes right between
you and the teacher? Is she moving in a style that you like? Can she
explain it well (not just follow-me-around-the-room)? Then, when you
find a good teacher, stick with her. Be patient with yourself and
your growth as a dancer. You will be a beginner for a while, not
just a month or two. There is much to learn. Be open to all of
it.
Intermediate: find a MENTOR. This is an experienced dancer who is
a gifted teacher. Study intensely with this mentor, learn as much as
is possible. If the mentor is an artist, he/she will inspire you and
will always challenge you, no matter how good you get! Then, perform
when you get a chance, recitals, haflas, home parties. Start to
learn from performing. It opens a whole new perspective to the
dance.
Professionals: No one is ever too good to take class.
There is always something to learn. Keep your mind open, look for
inspiration from every corner. Travel to the middle east when
possible. Search out the best teachers in the country. Take seminars. Build your
business savvy as well as your dance talent, so that your shows are
truly professional and you never need to compromise your standards
or your self-respect. Don't copy anyone. Be yourself. Enjoy your
dance and let others enjoy it.
Jasmin
Jahal has been involved in dance since the age of 4. She has a
foundation of ballet, jazz, flamenco and more. She has been involved in
middle eastern dance since 1978 and has studied with the
late Ibrahim Farrah and the celebrated Egyptian dancer and
choreographer Mahmoud Reda.,
Jasmine Jahal has
performed around the world including Chicago,
IL New York City, NY, Bern, Switzerland and the Fez in Morocco. She
was
Nominated "Best Modern Egyptian Dancer of 1999" by the International
Academy of Middle Eastern Dance She is
a current nomination for 2002 Golden Belly Awards by
Zaghareet.
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