Scribbling Gypsy

Pics from Sunday's World March for Peace and Non-violence at Merry's

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Sarah al Nour organized United We Shimmy, a great belly dance showcase and fundraiser to support the World March for Peace and Non-violence cause, on Sunday at Merry's in Long Beach. I love going to the events at Merry's (very stroller friendly!) and they just get better and better.

In addition to the silent auction and raffle, there was an amazing lineup of dancers and musicians who donated their time and energy to the cause.

Here's a peek at some of them:

Merry welcomes the crowd

Sarah al Nour says hello

The awesome musicians, from left: Craig, Austin Cameron,

Donavon Lerman, Ed Lee, Marc Cornelius

Camille started off the dancing

Mandala Dance Works' first tribal fusion number

Mandala Dance Works' second tribal fusion number

IrinaXara performed an exciting gypsy number

Sooz (who was an excellent mistress of ceremonies

throughout the event) performed with her amazing

ATS troupe, Azuluna

Edenia proved once again she is the pop and lock queen

The awesome Katerina dancing to live music

The Om Sisters join Katerina (or Katerina joins the Om Sisters)
for some tribal improv

JJ and the Habibis raq it out

Rene performed a beautiful Egyptian number

The Om Sisters did themselves up hippy style to close the event

with a tribal fusion piece set to a 1960s medley.

Yes, they are just that awesome.

There were more wonderful dancers, but I didn't get a chance to snap their picture cuz I was starting my Christmas shopping early, buying raffle tickets, getting a henna tattoo (see below) and just generally socializing while trying to keep a sleepy baby quiet.

For more (and better!) pics, though, you should check out what Richard Lowe has over here.

My henna tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:12:00 +0000

At the World Peace March event at Merry's on Sunday, I treated myself to a henna tattoo. Isn't it awesomely amazing? Thank you, I thought so, too :-)

It was done by magnificent mehndi artist Monica. She's crazy good, so you should check out her Web site: http://www.oasisarts.net/.

I'll post my pics of some of the dancers and musicians who performed at the fundraising event (and, yes, there were many wonderful performers!) a little later in the week.

I know, it's taking me forever to get anything on this blog lately. I'm still getting about five hours of sleep a night -- and those are not even consecutive hours. It's so much fun being a new mom...

More later -- I promise...

Winter Bellydance Benefit Concert

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Don't miss an amazing belly dance concert presented by Tina Enheduanna tomorrow night to benefit my favorite charity -- Women for Women International.

(You can read why it's my favorite charity here)

These concerts will feature Tina and many of her students, along with special guests Miranda & Mirror for Moonlight, Lilla Varese and the Lilla Varese Dance Company, and Deniz of London. There will be two showings: 6 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door, and are good for both performances. The event will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills.

Click on the flier to see a magnified version, or call 949-842-5989 for more information.

I hope to see you there!

Photos from Merry's Halloween Hafla

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:28:00 +0000

What a great, great event at Merry's on Saturday. So many wonderful dancers, so much wonderful music. And I think the crowd that gathered on the street to watch the festivities might've set a record for Merry's.

Thank you, Katerina and Merry, for putting together such a terrific Halloween Hafla.

The musicians, from left, Austin Cameron and Ed Lee, and from Kara Nomadica Brett Bowman and Marc Cornelius

The coordinator of the evening, Katerina, led the lineup of dancers.

Ra'eesa (otherwise known as science fiction/fantasy author Leslie Ann Moore) performed a rousing cane dance.

The Om Sisters added some Halloween flair to their tribal fusion.

The members of Troupe Bastet sparkled during their cabaret number.

Tehani performed a belly dance / hula / hip hop fusion piece.

Stasiah lit up the crowd with her balancing act, followed by an energetic Gypsy piece.
We got to see Katerina perform again with her Kabuki Dolls tribal fusion group.

And the star attraction for the night was master instructor and internationally acclaimed performer Fahtiem -- what an amazing opportunity to see this amazing dancer in such a fun and intimate setting.

Update on the Halloween Hafla at Merry's

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:57:00 +0000

You aren't going to miss tomorrow's Halloween Hafla at Merry's Fashion with Passion boutique in Long Beach, are you? I didn't think so :-)

And the lineup has grown since my last post (as lineups tend to do...)

Here's the latest:

Katerina
Ra'essa
Sarah al Nour
Om Sisters
Troupe Bastet
Tehani
Stasiah
Kabuki Dolls
and very special guest Fahtiem

And you won't want to miss the Middle Eastern music by Marc Cornelius and Brett Bowan of Kara Nomadica, along with guest musicians Ed Lee and my husband, Austin.

The event will take place from about 5 to about 8, at Merry's (2747 E. Broadway, Long Beach). The music and dancing will get underway about 5:30, and you can bet they'll be drawing a crowd. You should plan to arrive early to avoid the parking crunch and to be sure to get a good spot to see the entertainment...

Where are the O.C. belly dance events?

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:33:00 +0000

I've been bad, I know... It's been way, way, WAY too long since I've updated the events calendar. I've finally gotten around to it, though, but I can't find any Orange County events!?

Only out of county stuff...

So if you know of something in O.C., please let me know either by leaving a message in the comments section or dropping me a note at deanna AT deannacameron DOT com.

Thanks...

Merry's Halloween Hafla on Oct. 24

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:07:00 +0000

Mark your calendar: Merry's Fashion with Passion boutique in Long Beach will be hosting a Halloween Hafla on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Coordinated by Katerina, the event will feature live Middle Eastern music by Marc Cornelius and Brett Bowan of Kara Nomadica, along with other special guests.

And, of course there will be some outstanding dancing. Here's the lineup:

*Om Sisters
*Saviya
*Sarah al Nour
*Ra'eesa (who in her other life is the talented writer Leslie Ann Moore, author of the Griffin's Daughter Trilogy)
*Katerina and the Kabuki Dolls

... and (drum roll, please)

* a special guest performance by master performer and instructor Fahtiem.

The event will take place from about 5 to about 8, and you can find Merry's at 2747 E. Broadway, Long Beach. (You can't miss it -- Henry the camel is always out front.)

Yeah, you can't miss this one. I know I won't.

Dark Fusion Bellydance -- The Ascend Tribal Dance Format with Sashi DVD

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Okay, I'm going to confess something: While I've been spending much of my time lately talking about bellly dancing and celebrating belly dancing because of my novel, I haven't actually belly danced since, well, before my daughter was born in May. Scandalous, isn't it?

This is one of the few times in the past 20 years when I'm not in a class, I'm not part of a troupe, and I haven't even watched one of the dozen or so belly dance DVDs I own.

Until last night, that is.

"Dark Fusion Bellydance -- The Ascend Tribal Dance Format, with Sashi" has been sitting on my desk since July. Every time I looked at it, I've made a silent promise to myself to give it a go when I'm not feeling so tired (with an infant in the house, sleep is scarce) or when I'm not feeling so out of shape.

Well, last night I finaly stopped procrastinating and slid it into the DVD player.

Instantly, I remembered all over again why I love this lady's classes.

Not only is the production quality top-notch (great sets, perfect sound levels, professional camera work), Sashi has organized the material to make it all very easy to use and access quickly. The DVD begins with her warm-up sequence, including dynamic stretches and yoga, to get your muscles ready for a work out.

Next up is a segment explaining the terms common to tribal fusion belly dance, and I had to smile when she covered her method for keeping her students in proper posture because it was one of my favorite parts of the class I took from her awhile back. She calls out "knees," students respond "bent"; she calls out "pelvis," students respond "tucked"; she calls out "shoulders," students respond "rolled"; she calls out "chest," students respond "lifted"; she calls out "Lookin'," and students respond "hot" -- now, how could that not make you smile?

Then Sashi proceeds with moves that will be familiar to most belly dancers -- hip drops, hip slides, pelvic tucks, vertical figure eights, hip rotations, three-quarter shimmies, chest slides, chest lifts, chest drops, shoulder rolls, chest circles, camels -- yet she imbues each with an attitude that is uniquely her own. Then she moves on to moves that are signatures of the Ascend Tribal Bellydance Format. Moves with names like Lolita Arms, Ophelia Arms, the Tribal Sigh, Predator Arms, Invocation Arms, Embracing Arms, Enticing Arms, Conjuring Arms, Kitty Foot, Pinup Foot, the Raven, the Seraphim, Chest Triad, and the Industrial.

After each move is described and broken down (and Sashi is very good at articulating exactly what the body should be doing), she demonstrates it to music, making it very easy for a dancer at home to pause, rewind and watch again and again until the move is mastered before moving on to the next.

Then she presents four Ascend Signature Combos: the Mean Carrie (I'm guessing at the spelling here...), the Nice Carrie, Wishful Thinking (I love the name of this one), and the Lolita Combo.

That wraps up the instructional portion of the DVD, but there's still more. Viewers are treated to a dramatic performance by Sashi in her full Gothic Tribal Bellydance regalia, and you'll be able to identify many -- if not all -- of the moves she's covered in her instruction and see how wonderful and expressive they are when executed well.

And then there is a great interview with Sashi that really shouldn't be missed. Not only will you have an opportunity to hear from Sashi about how she became a dancer, and specifically a belly dancer, as well as her philosophy on the dance, you might be amazed to learn that when she was a teen, Sashi experienced a medical condition that left her temporarily comatose and then paralyzed from the neck down for two and a half months. I know I was.

"I wasn't expected live, let alone walk," she says. "I had to learn to walk again." This revelation left me dumbfounded. I can only imagine the determination and hard work it took to get from learning to walk again to the wonderful, exquisite dancer she is today. And it turns out, dancing actually helped her rehabilitation. "It taught me how to reeducate my body," she says. "I found a different way to get my brain to figure out how to make my body move."

I found that to be such an incredible and inspiring message. Humbling, too. How embarrassed I suddenly was for all the times I told myself I couldn't dance because I was tired and still had too many pregnancy pounds... Sashi's story really helped me put that in perspective.

For that, I owe you a big thank you, my friend :-)

Here's a peek at "Dark Fusion Bellydance -- The Ascend Tribal Dance Format with Sashi":

For more information, including how to order, visit Sashi's Web site at www.ascendtribaldance.com.

Another great review...

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:39:00 +0000

This time from the lovely Bonita Oteri at Gilded Serpent.

Here's an excerpt:

"...author DeAnna Cameron deftly peels back the layers of Gay Nineties society and affords a richly descriptive and fascinating glimpse into the life, times and giddy excitement of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. ... The overall carnival excitement, curiosity and wonder of the Chicago Fair visitors is infectious. The pages teem with the unbridled enthusiasm and hope of our still young, shiny and new pioneer nation."

To read the full review, click here.

More photos from the Laguna Beach book signing and belly dance showcase

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:03:00 +0000

The O.C. Register photographer who attended the book signing and belly dance showcase at Laguna Beach Books on Sept. 4 put 17 of her photos together in a slideshow on the newspaper's Web site.

You can check them out here:
http://www.ocregister.com/photos/belly-book-laguna-2565186-beach-books/pid2565203

Giving THE BELLY DANCER away...

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:05:00 +0000

If you'd like to toss your name in the hat for one of a few free signed books, head over to Goodreads. The contest closes on Oct. 8.

Here's the link: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway.

The books are arranged by contest close date, so scroll down till you see October 8.

The Belly Dancer

reviews: 10
ratings: 63 (avg rating 3.83)

Recap of Friday's belly dance showcase and booksigning

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Friday was one of the hottest (and most humid!) days of the year here in Orange County, but the Cameron clan had a very cool time at the booksigning and belly dance showcase that Laguna Beach Books hosted for us.

The event took place on The Old Pottery Place's brick terrace overlooking Coast Highway and the beautiful Pacific Ocean, with the lovely Danielle Bauter starting things off. After her introduction, I gave a short reading of THE BELLY DANCER and then the real fun began with live Middle Eastern drumming and lots and lots of belly dancing.

I was thrilled that so many friends came out for the event, especially Diane and Mara (who also danced!) who took great care of my little belly dancer while I manned the microphone and signed books, and my multi-tasking husband managed the sound system and drummed.

Here's a peek at the evening:

The darling Taide was our first dancer for the evening

Irma Garcia followed with a great tribal fusion pieceThen it was IrinaXara, who adds a touch of Gothic flair to her tribal fusion performanceAnd then the always spectacular Sooz and troupe Azuluna, with special guest Soy, performed traditional American Tribal Style as the sun started to set Sherrie followed with a sassy tribal fusion solo

Then Mara dazzled the crowd with her awesome Egyptian cabaret style

And Shanna, who came all the way from L.A., followed with another awesome Egyptian cabaret number

And Ninyshenka wowed us with her graceful dancing Next up was Tivka, who danced to a lively Middle Eastern number

And then JJ & the Habibis, a local Laguna Beach favorite, ended the night with a big troupe number

Belly Dance Showcase and Booksigning at Laguna Beach Books on Friday

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:48:00 +0000

Oh, I'm getting excited about tomorrow's belly dance showcase and booksigning at Laguna Beach Books! This is going to be a great way to kick off Labor Day Weekend!

Here's the lineup so far:

Sooz & troupe Azuluna
Taide
IrinaXara
Shanna
Nini
JJ & the Habibis

and I'm *thisclose* to adding even more special guests!

We're also very happy that drummer Ed Lee will be joining us, along with his drumming friends (including my darling husband, Austin Cameron -- who will also be running the sound system for us. Yay!)

So, if you're planning to be in Laguna on Friday evening and would like to check out some great belly dancing, come by! We'll be on the brick terrace between the Laguna Beach Books and Sapphire Laguna restaurant. Come early to grab a seat on one of the benches or at the bistro tables, or just to enjoy the beautiful ocean view!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Belly Dance Showcase & Booksigning for THE BELLY DANCER, by me (DeAnna Cameron)
WHERE: Laguna Beach Books, 1200 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. In The Old Pottery Place shopping center.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4
COST: It's free!

My new project: a listing for national belly dance festivals

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0000

One of my projects over the next few months will be putting together a list of belly dance festivals that take place across the United States. I'm focusing on events that happen annually and which include performances, vending and workshops.

You can see the beginnings of the list here: http://deannacameron.com/Festivals.htm.

I've already contacted many belly dancers to try to make the listing as complete as possible, and I have many, many events still to include.

If you want to be sure your festival is included, please leave information in the comments section or email me directly at deanna AT deannacameron DOT com.

'An Evening at the Cleopatra Club' Recap

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Boy, Aziza Sa'id and her dancers really know how to throw a party! I had so much fun at their "Evening at the Cleopatra Club" on Saturday night in Riverside. I arrived knowing only my OCC/RWA chapter mate Shauna Roberts (pictured with me in front of the lovely table they decorated for me to sign books. You can't see it, but the table is swathed in gorgeous burgundy fabrics with Moroccan lanterns -- tres chic!) But by the end of the night, I felt like I'd known these ladies for years. They are such a warm and friendly group, and I can't thank them enough for making me feel welcome.

And it's no wonder they attract such a large group to their haflas! There was plenty of food and drinks, music (some of it live!) and lots of dancing. Yes, they even made me dance during the open dancing, too -- no one had any sympathy for my post-pregnancy whining about weight, stiffness, aches, pains, etc. -- and I'm glad they didn't... 'cause it was fun out there!

Here are some of photos I took of the dancers from my gorgeous little book-signing spot

Etoile performing with Isis wings

Zaheen Sa'id performing with silk fans (an astonishing piece that she insists she'd only worked on for a few days. Must be a testament to her talent becuase it was the best fan performance I've ever seen!)

Siri performing a fun cane dance

SeylenaTroi dancing with zills, and boy, can this lady play! When the taped music stopped, she created a very entertaining exchange with the audience with just her zills and dancing. A true pro :-)

This troupe piece was mesmerizing to watch. It was sort of the same idea as a circle dance, with one dancer passing the spotlight to another, but instead of going in and out of the circle, the dancers passed the spotlight simply by touching a neighbor.

This was the beginning class's troupe performance. (You can see Shauna in the center -- go, Shauna!)

And of course Aziza! What a pleasure it was to watch her dance. So much great energy and warmth -- and you can see it all in her smile!

I wish I had a photo of troupe Diatribe from Victorville -- an awesome trio whose performance I really enjoyed. Unfortunately my little camera just didn't do them justice. But take my word for it, these ladies rocked (or raq'd?).

For information on future "Evening at the Cleopatra Club" events and other special events at Anahata Movement Arts (3742 Tibbetts St., Suite 202, Riverside), visit http://anahatamovementarts.wordpress.com/eventsworkshops.

Signing in Riverside at 'An Evening at the Cleopatra Club'

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:57:00 +0000

The fabulous Aziza Sa'id has invited me to sign copies of THE BELLY DANCER on Saturday at "An Evening at the Cleopatra Club," which is her monthly hafla in Riverside, CA.

In addition to the booksigning, there'll be dancing -- lots and lots of dancing -- as well as live music and food.

The event will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Anahata Movement Arts, 3742 Tibbetts St., Suite 202, Riverside, CA. For more information, call (951) 276-YOGA (9642) or visit http://anahatamovementarts.wordpress.com.

I'd love to see you there!

Sept. 4 Booksigning and Showcase in Laguna Beach

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:15:00 +0000

If you weren't able to make it to Merry's in Long Beach on July 25 for the Book Release Party and Benefit, you'll have another chance on Friday, Sept. 4 to get a signed copy of THE BELLY DANCER and see some pretty terrific belly dancing, too.

Laguna Beach Books (1200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach) will host the hour-and-a-half-long event, starting at 6:30 p.m., and these are the performers who have signed up so far :

JJ & the Habibis

Sooz & troupe Azuluna

Hipsy Gypsy

Taide

Melissa

with Ed Lee & friends on doumbek

The dancing will take place in the brick courtyard between Sapphire Laguna restaurant and the bookstore. It's a lovely location on Coast Highway with an ocean view. Street parking is always tricky on on a Friday evening, so arriving early is advised.

Any questions? Please drop me a note at deanna AT deannacameron DOT com.

Hope to see you there!

8/16 Jewels That Raq show canceled...*

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:40:00 +0000

I just heard that this weekend's performance is off. I'm trying to find out if the others scheduled for later in the month and September are still on.
Stay tuned...

* 8/18 update -- The other shows are still on :-)

Jewels That Raq review, by Jheri St. James

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:35:00 +0000

The "Jewels That Raq" dinner show has returned with a five-show series at Tapas Restaurant in Newport Beach. The first show, on July 26, kicked off the series, and it will continue on Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 13 and Sept. 27.

Veteran dance instructor and performer Jheri St. James attended a show, and I'm thrilled to be able to share her review.

Dancer Aziza Said once said that audiences only remember three things about a belly dance performance: 1) if there are costume problems, 2) what props were used, and 3) if they experienced an emotion.

Seven gorgeous dancers wore a luscious menu of costumes with nary a problem in sight at Tapas Restaurant, 4253 Martingale Way #A, Newport Beach, California 92660, on Sunday, May 17. “Jewels That Raq” (“dance” in Arabic) featured most dancers named for a jewel—Emerald, Citrine, Ruby (Perizad) and Pearl. Edenia and Pilar were guest artists of “Jewels That Raq” that night.

Meliza, principal dancer, opened the show with a classic, highly polished and articulate Orientale performance. Emerald danced with the Isis veil—huge gold lamé sparkling and swirling wings. Citrine followed with a traditional taxim veil dance, and then Ruby gave us a powerful drum solo exhibition, feminine and athletic. Edenia entered as a Tribal Fusion-style dancer wearing a collage of black textures and a lovely smile. Pilar presented a Spanish-flavor number, and Emerald swirled and shimmied to a veil/drum solo. Meliza then closed the first act doing amazing, lithe floor work with two serpents around her neck, creating a compelling aura of friendly danger. One of my students reacted to the snakes. We will both remember that dance, but for different reasons. This is belly dance never seen in restaurant venues.

The second act began with Pearl doing a veil dance to the masmoudi kabir rhythm. Citrine twirled a very heavy ornately fringe-beaded cane. Ruby veil danced in an accomplished Turkish style, then came Edenia, our friendly tribal dancer, followed by Pilar dancing to a favorite Lebanese song of mine, and Emerald doing salsa style. Ruby gave us a brisk finger cymbals dance, and Pearl came on again with a smashing drum solo, which brought the solos to a close. Meliza and the entire troupe then came out and invited birthday celebrants up to dance, and all the dancers’ invited others throughout the room to join them onstage, and extensively for photo ops with the dancers.

Overall, this evening presented the audience with an opportunity to see belly dancing performed with enthusiasm in the styles of many world cultures—Spanish, Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Salsa and American. This evening’s entertainment met all of Aziza Said’s criteria. The costumes were dazzling and problem-free. The props were a satisfying variety—cymbals, veils, cane and snakes. People obviously felt happy for an evening out in such an artistic Bohemian environment, and the sparkling “Jewels That Raq,” who really rocked Tapas in Newport Beach that night!

Your fan,
Jheri St. James

Today I'm feeling very fortunate...

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Something I didn't mention in the last post about the book release party is the part that made it a party *and* benefit, and that's because I wanted to devote a special space to that important aspect of the event. And here it is.

Very early in the planning stages, I read about the murder of a woman in Pakistan by the Taliban (which I blogged about here: http://scribblinggypsy.blogspot.com/2009/01/dancing-girl-killed-in-pakistan-by.html) for the simple reason that she was a dancer.

I couldn't believe it. It was something that didn't seem possible in this day and age. But the reality is, we're lucky in this country to be able to dance and express ourselves openly. There are many women around the world who cannot, and I thought it was important during an event that celebrates belly dancing and a book about belly dancing, to also do something for women who don't have the same luxury.

After searching for an organization that helped women in these troubled areas, I discovered Women for Women International. Its mission is to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives, and it operates in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and parts of Africa. The organization is dedicated to improving women's lives in a lasting way. Here's how it's described on the group's Web site:

"We begin by working with women who may have lost everything in conflict and often have nowhere else to turn. Participation in our one-year program launches women on a journey from victim to survivor to active citizen. We identify services to support graduates of the program as they continue to strive for greater social, economic and political participation in their communities.

"As each woman engages in a multi-phase process of recovery and rehabilitation, she opens a window of opportunity presented by the end of conflict to help improve the rights, freedoms and status of women in her country. As women who go through our program assume leadership positions in their villages, actively participate in the reconstruction of their communities, build civil society, start businesses, train other women and serve as role models, they become active citizens who can help to establish lasting peace and stability."

It's a meaningful message of self-empowerment, and it's women reaching out to and helping other women. These are themes that were very important to me as I wrote THE BELLY DANCER, and I can't think of a more appropriate way to honor the art and history of belly dance than to support this noble cause.

That's why I'm feeling very fortunate today. Not only do I enjoy the freedom to dance and live my life the way I want, but our event helped raise money for the organization, thanks to the help of so many individuals who donated either drawing prizes or cash, or both. I was thrilled and honored to be able to mail off those proceeds today.

If you'd like to learn more about Women for Women International, you can do so here. And please consider making a donation. There are women in this world whose lives may depend on it.

Photos from THE BELLY DANCER Book Release Party & Benefit

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Is there any other way to celebrate a book about belly dancing than with a night filled with belly dancing and belly dancers? I think not.

We had dancers, lots and lots of dancers, as well as drummers, belly dance costume models and even pirates! (Oh yeah, and some of them were even extras in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies).

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Merry's Fashion with Passion boutique in Long Beach for allowing us to take over her store (and her sidewalk, and her alley, and the street in front of her shop...) on Saturday night to throw this party for our friends, family and folks who wanted to get their own signed copy of THE BELLY DANCER.

We had a phenomenal turnout -- at least 200 people at one point packed the store and back patio, where the guys from Hana Lima Industries set up the most amazing Moroccan tent. The crowd was so thick, it spilled out onto the sidewalk and street. My husband says he watched as the traffic on Broadway had to maneuver around the crowd, and at one point a city bus slowed down to a crawl so the driver and passengers could get a good look at the dancing and drumming taking place on the sidewalk.

We sold out of the books that Laguna Beach Books so kindly provided!

The event was such a wonderful success because of all the help and support from so many people.

The dancers: Katerina, Sarah al Nour, Enala, Sooz & her troupe Azuluna & the Om Sisters!

The musicians: Ed Lee, Donavon, Austin Cameron, Marc, and their friends

Andrea Farese of Stellar Advantage for providing the belly dance costumes for the fashion show.

Rachel from O.C. Bellydance Connection for taking great photos!

And of course, my parents, who kept my 9-week-old daughter fed, dry and entertained during the madness, and my dear friends Alane & Diane, who were the first to arrive and the last to leave, and stepped in to help me fix all the little problems that popped up throughout the night.

Honestly, I can't thank everyone enough. You're the best :-)

(Photos courtesy of Rachel of OC Bellydance Connection)

THE BELLY DANCER Book Release & Benefit party tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:43:00 +0000

If you're planning to be in Long Beach tomorrow evening, stop by! We'll have belly dancing, live drumming and a belly dance costume fashion show.

We'll also be raising money for a really great cause -- Women for Women International, which helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives.

All the proceeds generated from the drawing for drawings for the great belly dance-inspired prizes will go toward this amazing nonprofit group.

And we have so many wonderful people to thank for donating the prizes!

Belly Dance magazine (1-year subscription)

Naked Rhythm's Alex Spurkel (1 month of drum lessons and Naked Rhythm CDs)

Om Sisters (3 belly dance classes)

http://www.bellydance.com/ / Hollywood Music Center (3 belly dance CDs)

Sashi (her new Gothic Bellydance instructional DVD)

Alane Canzone (a custom-made hula hoop)

http://www.savehollywoodpark.com/ (thank-you gifts)

I'll be donating a bunch of stuff, too: two cosmetics gift packs, a Moroccan caftan / coverup, a restaurant gift card. And we're adding new donations every day!

The event will go from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Merry's Fashion with Passion boutique, 2747 E. Broadway, Long Beach. 562-987-4363.

Hope to see you there!

Just posted an excerpt of THE BELLY DANCER...

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:15:00 +0000

If you'd like to check it out, here's the link:

http://www.deannacameron.com/NovelExcerpt.htm

Enjoy!

Giving stuff away at the Romance Book Club -- come see!

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Today I'm guest blogging about my inspiration for THE BELLY DANCER over at the Romance Book Club, and one lucky commenter will win either a signed copy of the book or a belly dance hip scarf.

You can check it out here:

http://www.theromancebookclub.com/guest-blogs/2009/7/14/the-inspiration-for-the-belly-dancer-by-deanna-cameron.html

Today's winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (DeAnna Cameron) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:07:00 +0000

It's been a great publication day! I discovered more good reviews (Bookreview.com and BarnesandNoble.com, to name a couple) and that book sales are already strong. Yay :-)

For all of you who bought the book: THANK YOU! I haven't had much time to soak it all in yet -- most of the day has been spent with the little one running to and from the post office to get the bookmarks and other materials out to all the people who have requested them from here and the belly dance forum on Bhuz.com, along with some bookstores around the country.

But here's the fun part of the day: giving away a belly dance hip scarf to today's lucky winner.

So, here we go:

Entries:

My little independent auditor:

Winner:

Congratulations, Catherine; I'm e-mailing you now to get your address.

Thanks to everyone who entered! I'll be doing more contests, so stay tuned!