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June 2007
June is the month for celebrations. And not only for grads and dads and brides, but for all of us. Yes, school is out, and it's time for vacations, recreations, and rejuvenation. So, take time out for yourself. It's time to renew our minds, bodies, and spirit. Relish in the good things of life in the sun. Walk (like an Egyptian, of course) in the park or beach, and enjoy the sunshine. Better yet, throw on a hip scarf and belly dance! William C. Williams once said, "in summer the song sings itself." As dancers, we put physical motion to songs. If we keep a song in our hearts, then aren't we always (or should be) dancing to life? So, whether it is on a beach, in the desert, or even in your living room, let the sunshine in... and dance..(like an Egyptian, of course!)
Peace & light
Neena & Veena
Bellytwins
GET IN TOUCH
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BELLY ARTICLES:
Zeffa or Zaffa is an Egyptian wedding entrance that introduces the newly married couple with a musical procession of containing a group of musicians playing the zaffa rhythm. The group consists of the bride and groom, bendir drums, a mizmar, bagpipes, brides maids with candles, belly dancers, men carrying flaming swords, and/or boy with incense. This ancient tradition possibly pre-dates Mohamed. It is said that the presence of a dancer acting as a high priestess in pre Islamic times with ceremonial functions blessing the Bride and Groom. This ceremony was linked to Fertility and Abundance, basically good luck and prosperity.
In the Middle Eastern culture, the dancer will perform in the entrance procession and a show with her or an orchestra, although here in the U.S. and other countries it is common to perform with a CD. It is also not uncommon for the dancer to bring up the bride and groom to dance as well as their relatives.
DID YOU KNOW?
The bagpipes may have originated in the Middle East?
 Book Us View our Demo Reel Dance Company
BELLYTWINS AUDIO CDS
Only $10.95 each!
WIN A FREE BELLYTWINS T-SHIRT!
Answer this month's BELLY QUIZ and you could win a FREE Bellytwins T-shirt!
What are "sagats?"
a. Arabic songs
b. Finger cymbals or zills
c. Head scarves
d. Arabic dance shoes
Visit here to submit your answer!
The first 10 correct answers will win a FREE BELLYTWINS t-shirt!
(Hint: the answer is in our book, The Way of the Belly page 42.)
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Visit the Bellytwins!
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A few tips to make you look (and feel) younger!!
When it comes to makeup, during these hot months, less is best! But we still must protect our skin against any sun damage. If you wear foundation, be sure it has a SPF 15. If not, there are many sunblocks that are specific to your face. Then add a little light color gloss on the lips, mascara (waterproof, if you're planning a swim) and you're good to go!
More tips available on The Way of the Belly
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BELLY LANGUAGE
Approximately 200 million people in more than twenty two countries, from Morocco to Iraq, and as far south as Somalia and the Sudan speak Arabic. This language originated in Saudi Arabia in pre-Islamic times, and spread rapidly across the Middle East.
The languages of northern India, Turkey, Iran, Portugal, and Spain are full of words of Arabic origin. Modern arabic words vary from country to country, Here are some common words and expressions:
Hello!Marhaba
Goodbye Ma asalaama
My name is Sandy. Ismi Sandy.
Yes Na'am
No La
Thank you Shukran
Belly dance Raks Sharki
More words coming up next month!
BELLY SONG
Etmakhtari (Egyptian wedding song/zaffa)
Etmakhtari, ya helwa ya zeina
Walk gracefully, beautiful one, pretty one
Ya warda min gowwa gnena
Rose inside a garden
Ya ud oronfal ya arusa
Oh, bride, you are the stem and flower of a carnation.
Al ward dallel alena
The flowers shade us in the (wedding) procession
Esh sham 'ayed hawaleki
The candles are lit all around you
Wes'sehr bayen fi eineki
Your eyes are magical and charming
En el-hasud ma' lehash fiki
The evil eye cannot harm you
Etmakhtari we mili alena
Walk with grace, and lean toward us...
BELLY LETTERS
Hello and greetings from Australia,
Firstly I just want to say a BIG BIG thank you to you both. What I've experienced through your belly dancing DVD seems nothing short of a miracle!!!
I was 40, frumpy and obese. So 5 months ago I went on a weight loss program and started going to the gym and exercising. I was losing the weight ok, but my body wasn't firm or attractive. Then I had to have an operation on my arm which meant that I couldn't use the machines at the gym anymore. I didn't know what to do. Then by pure chance I happened to walk past a little temporary stall in a shopping centre selling DVDs. Your DVD just stood out and grabbed me. It was Fitness for Beginners: Slim Down. I didn't know anything about belly dancing, but I thought I'd give it a try.
Well I've been using the DVD everyday and the results have been overwhelming!! My stomach is the flattest it's ever been and I have definition in my arms. My legs actually have muscles in them now and they feel quite firm. In total I've lost 9.5 inches from my waist.
Together with the diet and your DVD, I've lost 49 pounds. My body is the firmest it's ever been. My torso appears to be so much longer, and my waist feels so tiny. I've dropped 5 dress sizes. I honestly believe it was your dance movements, that have transformed my body. Everyone just assumes that I've been doing heaps of hours at the gym because I look so different.
I found the movements a bit difficult at first, (because I was so unfit) but now I love doing it. I would just like to ask you one question though. Is there a particular exercise that helps whittle down the outer thighs? That is my only problem area at the moment, because you've somehow managed to fix all the rest!! I even do the ab movements while I'm cooking dinner, waiting for the bus, or photocopying at work. It's almost become second nature to me.
I cannot thank you enough and I have told so many people about the wonders of Belly Dancing. I even read your book and loved the enclosed DVD which really explained how to do the 'camel' properly. The book really helped me understand the fundamentals of belly dancing.
You are both miracle workers.
Thank you once again
Anita
Dear Veena & Neena,
I just wanted to say thank-you for the lovely autographed photo you sent me. I think you two are the greatest. I have almost all your workout DVD's, which I use almost every day because they make me actually enjoy exercise for a change. I just got your book, "The Way of the Belly," and I must say you are very down-to-earth, and wonderful people, and I hope you always remain that way. It would be cool if I could meet you two in person one day, but I guess you won't be coming to Cleveland, Ohio anytime soon. Anyhow, thank you SO MUCH for sending me the photograph, and I wish you both the very best!
Sincerely,
Andria Redlin
Send us your letters... We would love to hear from you!
JUNE 2007:
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7 First day ice cream was sold in the US June 7, 1786 |
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9 Donald Duck's Birthday |
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14 Flag Day (US) (date stays the same each year) |
15 Power of a Smile Day |
16 World Juggling Day |
17 Father's Day
Observed the third Sunday of June |
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19 1865 END OF SLAVERY |
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21 Summer Solstice - First Day of Summer |
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June Birthstone: Alexandrite
June Flower: Rose
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VEGAN MIDDLE EASTERN SUMMER SALAD
Ingredients:
Romaine lettuce - coarsely chopped
1 cucumber - sliced
3 radishes - thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
Red and/or yellow bell pepper, chopped
Fresh mint 1/4 - 1/3 cup, chopped
2-3 fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of ground ginger
2 tablespoons sumac (optional)
Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
Sea salt (to taste)
Directions:
n a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Sprinkle pita chips on top of salad. Serve with hummas, either on the side or on top of salad. (For baked pita chips, simply cut pita bread into squares and heat in pre-heated oven 400 F for around 5 minutes).
Total fat: 20 grams
INDIAN MANGO MOUSSE
(a recipe sent by Joan Miller of Atlanta, GA)
Ingredients:
3 eggs, separated
4 tblspns raw sugar
1/2 teaspoon gelatin
Saffron (pinch)
Mango puree (preferably fresh)
Organic raw-sugar candied ginger (no preservatives), finely chopped or sliced very thin
1/2 cup goat or raw organic heavy whipping cream
Fresh cinnamon sticks
Fresh mint leaves
Directions:
Soak gelatin and saffron in 3 tblspns of warm water for a few minutes. Mix yolks, sugar, gelatin, saffron in 2 tblspons of water in bowl and put over double boiler. Whisk continuously until thickens. Remove from stove, and cool for 15 min. Fold mango and ginger. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites. In another separate bowl, whip cream and fold into mango mixture. Carefully, fold in egg whites. Serve chilled in beautiful glasses. Garnish with mint leaves and cinnamon stick.
Check out more healthy recipes in "The Way of the Belly"
Got a great recipe? Share it with us! |
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NOW ON PAPERBACK!
Great Gift for Brides & Grads!
THE WAY OF THE BELLY
Rating:
Reviewed by: Diana Rohini La Vigne
Visually pleasing, packed with helpful information and fun to read, The Way of the Belly is a grand exploration into the world of beauty, health, and happiness. This 173-page reader is a treasure cove for those interested in being inspired by two of the nation's leading dancers and sensual gurus, Neena & Veena. As identical twins, they are a force times two in every way. Their styles are similar but offer a slightly different point of view.
The book is one of the best bargains available at only $24.95. Bursting with recipes that make your mouth water, easy to read side bars with tips of the trade and classy visuals that show you what the text explains in detail, it's hard to beat the value. Additionally, The Way of the Belly offers a free instructional Belly Dance DVD with the book! It's obvious the Belly Twins are more interested in educating others about the dance than counting their dollars made by their books' sales. The Way of the Belly and the Belly Twins are a breath of fresh air in the industry of dance and fitness.
I strongly recommend this to brides looking for fun fitness to slim out before their weddings, wives looking to spice up their romantic side, anyone interested in fitness and mostly to those who seek creative ways to health and happiness. These fitness leaders are heading for almost guaranteed global stardom.
Shop now!
SEEKING PERFORMERS
WANT MORE WORK AS AN ARTIST? BELLYTWINS ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY IS CURRENT SEEKING DANCERS, SINGERS, MUSICIANS, ENTERTAINERS, HENNA ARTISTS, FORTUNE TELLERS, SPECIALTY ACTS, AND MORE! For local, national, and international shows, tours, and media bookings. Send your headshot, resume, and demo reel (if you have one) to:
BELLYTWINS Int'l
PO BOX 2402
Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Send us an Email
or call 888-41-BELLY for more info. |
COMING SOON!
(date tbd)
BELLYTWINS
Health Products
guaranteed to make you look and feel better! |
ANCIENT ESSENTIALS DVD
Learn to Belly dance
from A to Zills
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As with any exercise program, consult your physician.
Getting ready for belly/bikini season isn't only about flat abs. It's also defined arms, shoulders, and chest. This month we're featuring a belly dancing movement with hand weights. For best results, 2-lb weights work really well. Holding the weights on each hand, roll and alternate each shoulder back in a full circular motion. For a more challenging movement, step one foot in front of the other, parallel position, and bend both knees as you continue to roll each shoulder. Keep your back straight, bellies, in, and breathe naturally.
Exercise excerpt from Belly dance Core
Conditioning
Recommended CDs: Belly dance Core Conditioning (New!)
 Visit here for more info |
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"Getting to know you... getting to know all about you..."
Gemini
May 21- June 21
The dual personality of the Geminis is supposedly common, but most Geminis we know are very "go-with-the-flow" type, very adaptable, and quick-witted, which makes them very pleasant to be around. As dancers and musicians, they love variety in styles. They are able to adapt instruments or dance movements in their performances when needed, making it seem innovative. Gemini performers are also dynamic because of their lively youthful approach. However, when their dark side of their personality shows through, they become tense, cunning, nervous, and superficial, thus revealing it to their audience.
Celebrities born in June:
wayne brady, judy garland, jenny jones, johnny depp, angelina jolie, the olsen twins, george bush sr, barry manilow, paul mccartney, courtney cox, prince, meryl streep, paula abdul, carson daly, jacque cousteau, mel brooks, lena horne, mike tyson
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Dear twins,
I'm a guy who's interested in taking belly dancing classes. In fact, I would like to even become professional one day. Are there male belly dancers? I heard it's only for women. Also, I don't want to look feminine.
Fred
Oakland, CA
 Dear Fred,
Yes, there are many professional male belly dancers, and increasing! In fact, when we were teaching in Los Angeles, many men took our classes for a variety of reasons. Some loved the music, and others loved the actual dance movements. While some of the dance movements are "feminine" by nature, most male dancers will contribute their own masculine movements.
Do what we women do when we dance. Enjoy and be creative!
Happy dancing!
Neena & Veena
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