If it Shimmies like a Duck Part II

The response that came from Dilara’s entry, “If It Shimmies Like A Duck,” was overwhelming.  Today, Dilara takes the theme further and encourages belly dancers to examine their own actions... both on and off the dance floor.

Read part II here.

Belly Dance & Politics: When To Take A Stand

It's not always appropriate to take a stand. Our time on stage is a gift given to us by the audience, and we should always think of their needs before our own. But in those rare moments when desire and opportunity collide, sometimes all we can do is dance and hope for the best.

An excerpt:

"One Lebanese dancer, Johanna Fakhry, decided her role as an artist was to use the stage to show her resolve for peace. At the 2011 Hellfest music festival in Clisson, France, she took stage with an Israeli metal band, Orphaned Lands, to dance. This act alone is illegal in her homeland, as having public dealings..."

Read the full blog in Dilara's Diary

Is Rihanna Belly Dancin'-Dancin'-Dancin'?

"We've converted another! It appears that rumors are floating around the celebrity gossip mill that Rihanna has been recently entranced by belly dance. And the news... is shocking!

Not that we're surprised Rihanna is belly dancing - for someone with a reputation for trendsetting, edgy glamour as well as breaking the Western Pop Culture Standard of size zero pop stars, the transition makes complete sense to us HipMix.net-ers. What's intriguing is the way the news is covering her new interest..."



Curious? Read Dilara's Diary on HipMix.net!

If It Shimmies Like A Duck...

The Holiday Break Belly Dancer

Do belly dance and vacations always mix?  Depends on who your are: the performer, the audience or the business-owner.  Does art play a role in the presentation of belly dance at resorts for holiday tourises?  You tell me. 

"...Now, what someone chooses to do on their own time: That’s their business.  But when someone misrepresents belly dance so completely in front of an impressionable audience IN ONE OF BELLY DANCE’S SACRED CITIES, well yeah. I considered applying for James Bond’s license to kill..."

Continue reading this blog about "What Gets Dilara's Goat" in Dilara's Diary on HipMix.net!

Problem With Belly Dance Moves? Motivation Comes In All Sizes

Belly dancers need to surround themselves with creative doses of motivation to achieve goals.  That is belly dancer Dilara Sultan's theory, and today she introduces us to her new pint-size motivational guru.  1 minute and it will change your day - Visit Dilara's Diary.

New Belly Dance Stereotypes?

You think you've heard it all when it comes to belly dance and what it brings to the minds of others? Maybe not. After Dilara asked belly dancers what the strange responses they've gotten to belly dance, a few surprising 'studies' on the art have cropped up.

See the results here!

See You On the Other Side

“Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”

It's not just belly dance, but about our lives.  With a goal in your mind... no matter how small, move forward!  Read on as Dilara shares her (silly?) little secret.

Another Viral Chick Fight Video... But Wait, This Has Dancing & More!

We've all seen drama on stage, but the bitch at the end was a real surprise... See what Dilara's showing on her blog today! 

Hip and Hassle Free Flying -Just Leave the Kids at Home

Belly dancers would agree with Dilara Sultan when it comes to seating locations on a plane: "I prefer the 'Jerk-free' section please... and yes, I’ll pay a little more for it."  Is that only a wish? Maybe not.  Ryanair’s kicking off a new exclusive flight plan this fall.  Perhaps HipMix.net and Ryanair can help belly dancers out.

Click here to read Dilara's thoughts on the new flight plan!

Up Next: Belly Dance on America's Next Top Model

It's always a hit-or-miss situation when belly dance is being 'presented' in mainstream media and it's not by belly dance professionals.  Dilara's giving us a head's up for tomorrow night's America's Next Top Model where Morocco's the destination and Belly Dancing is their challenge.


See Dilara's Diary for the video preview and stay tuned for Dilara's follow-up blog!