Bringing Belly Dancing to Women This Summer

Harem Jewels

“Bringing Belly Dancing to the Women” is a unique concept with the simple goal of making belly dancing available to all women for summer fun. Exactly what does “Bring Belly Dancing to the Women” mean? We’ve heard from women everywhere that they simply can’t find the time to do belly dancing on a regular basis. We want to make it possible for every woman to “sample” belly dancing before committing to a routine regime. Belly dancing is an amazing form of exercise that strengthens the belly, torso and back muscles; sculptures the body to the … [Read more...]

Blog #6: Zeyna speaks about Marlena, Premier New York Belly Dancer in the 1960′s

MARLENA

In the entrance to the Britania, in New York, was a 6 foot picture "not this one" of this Prima Ballerina Marlena from Brazil that I would later meet and work with in Chicago and later continue our friendship here in Houston. She died here in Houston in a car accident in the late 70's. I will always remember her finale. She would go into a fast spin, lift one foot up to her knee and finish the last 5 to 6 spins, spinning on one foot, then gently curtsy. Damn! … [Read more...]

Blog # 5: Zeyna meets Saida: Another Amazing Dancer in New York

The Wild Black Stallion

1965-Britania Stage name Saida, real name Athena and she's Greek, Go figure? Looking back over the years I have to tell you that there was nothing like having the the power of Athena's "Arse" 3 feet in front of your face. She still reminds me of a wild black stallion. Now don't get full of questions on me. I know a stallion is a male horse. No, she was not gay. She came with her famous husband "The left handed Bouzouki player" John Palaologou. It was her AURA, that wildness and power of a stallion that she emanated along with the attitude. Was she one … [Read more...]

Zeyna meets Sabah: A New York Belly Dancer with Amazing Rhythm!!!

New York Belly Dancer with the Ultimate Rhythm!!

1965-Now working at the Britania making $30 a night Sitting on stage all night was not easy. We only got off to change and dance. 6 nights a week with dancers 3 feet in front of you was a hell of a school. The real first "power house" I worked with was Sabah. Most dancers that knew how, played drum with the band and for the other dancers just to have something to do. But Sabah was mind blowing. This girl had beat not only on that drum but in her dancing. Until today no one can compare to this woman's sense of rhythm. Even after she quit dancing she … [Read more...]

Harem Nite for Sydney: April 5th @ 7:30pm at Stratos Greek Taverna, Dallas, Texas: OPA

Sydney

The belly dancers will be honoring Sydney Michaels with a special fund raising Harem Nite. There will be door prizes, silent auctions, and of course the beautiful authentic belly dancers as well as the best GREEK food in Dallas. Please join us for a very this very special night to give support to this cause. We love our fans!! Sydney is a 2 year old child that has Dravet Syndrome – a rare genetic seizure disorder. For more information about the Drave Syndrome, review the following link @ http://www.help4sydney.org/ … [Read more...]

Zeyna Meets Backus, Eddy “The Sheik” Kojak, and Kazar in New York 1964

Eddy "The Sheik" Kojak_ Musician and agent

About 5 or 6 months into working the "Club Istanbul" on a night off, I ventured down to the other end of Greek Town to the Grecian Gardens where I was promptly offered a job for $5.00 more. One of the 3 owners, said he saw me dance at the Istanbul and wanted to hire me. I was making big bucks for the time period ($20 a night_Secretaries at the time were paid $45.00 a week!) In New York on the Avenue at that time, there were 8 clubs in a two block strip. Each club had 3 belly dancers and a live band. The belly dancers came and went. The owners sometimes kept a … [Read more...]