Welcome to Belly Elements!
Q: I love your Stage Name! What does 'Nehjma' mean?
A: I have a personal story as to where I came up with my Stage Name...I was traveling in Northern Africa and had planned to scuba dive in Dahab, Egypt. I was supposed to arrive there mid-afternoon, but Arabic time is a little late. Well, the bus arrived in Dahab late alright, at around Midnight, and the driver called,"Out!". I had no idea where I was or where I would stay the night. Then, far off in the distance I saw a sign in lights. Tired, hungry, & a little nervous, I cautiously walked closer to the building. The sign said 'Negma'. I was amazed!..
These were the letters of my name, Megan. And the building was in fact, a hotel. A 'sign' all right (that my Guardian Angel was with me), so I definately stayed there. Whew! In the morning, I asked a guy what the name, 'Negma' meant, and he said, 'Star'. Well, I knew right then and there that my Bellydance name would be Negma, but because the 'g' is a gutteral, rough sounding letter in Arabic, I changed it to a soft 'j' (as in genre), added some personal flavor, and voila--Nehjma--'Midnight Star' was born!
A: I have a personal story as to where I came up with my Stage Name...I was traveling in Northern Africa and had planned to scuba dive in Dahab, Egypt. I was supposed to arrive there mid-afternoon, but Arabic time is a little late. Well, the bus arrived in Dahab late alright, at around Midnight, and the driver called,"Out!". I had no idea where I was or where I would stay the night. Then, far off in the distance I saw a sign in lights. Tired, hungry, & a little nervous, I cautiously walked closer to the building. The sign said 'Negma'. I was amazed!..
These were the letters of my name, Megan. And the building was in fact, a hotel. A 'sign' all right (that my Guardian Angel was with me), so I definately stayed there. Whew! In the morning, I asked a guy what the name, 'Negma' meant, and he said, 'Star'. Well, I knew right then and there that my Bellydance name would be Negma, but because the 'g' is a gutteral, rough sounding letter in Arabic, I changed it to a soft 'j' (as in genre), added some personal flavor, and voila--Nehjma--'Midnight Star' was born!
Q: How Long have you been Bellydancing?
A: It's been almost 16 years since I've embarked on my Bellydance Journey!
I first saw a Bellydancer at a Greek restaurant. She was a well-endowed woman
who wore a glamorous costume, beset with green jewels. As she peeked through a veil,
a twinkle in her eye said, "Keep your eyes on me!"...and so I watched, mezmerized by
her beautiful & sensual moves, her confidence, her charm! I yearned to love my body as
she did and I wanted to learn the magic of Bellydance. And so my passionate story began.
Q: If I go to a Show, can I clap along
or will it distract the Dancers?
A: Please clap along, yes, yes, yes!
It tells the dancer(s) you are really enjoying their performance! Also, when you attend a Bellydance Show, there are encouraging words you can 'cheer' from the audience.
Some of these are:
"Aiwa"- means "yes!" in Arabic. (Egypt)
"Opa"- is an exclaimation of joy in Greek,
as in "Horray or Whupee!"
Ssss!"- when you find a move Sexy
& Seductive!
"Helwa"- means "Beautiful" in Arabic
Zagareet! - A sound made w/ your tongue.
Don't be Shy,Try them Out! We Love Audience Participaction!
or will it distract the Dancers?
A: Please clap along, yes, yes, yes!
It tells the dancer(s) you are really enjoying their performance! Also, when you attend a Bellydance Show, there are encouraging words you can 'cheer' from the audience.
Some of these are:
"Aiwa"- means "yes!" in Arabic. (Egypt)
"Opa"- is an exclaimation of joy in Greek,
as in "Horray or Whupee!"
Ssss!"- when you find a move Sexy
& Seductive!
"Helwa"- means "Beautiful" in Arabic
Zagareet! - A sound made w/ your tongue.
Don't be Shy,Try them Out! We Love Audience Participaction!
Q: What is a 'Zagareet'?
A: Meaning 'Shrill voice", you make a high-pitched "lalalalala" w/ your tongue against the sides of your mouth (which is in a small 'O' shape) or on the roof of your mouth. While doing this, cover your mouth w/ your hand so it doesn't look vulgar. Then you say,"iiieee! at then end" (like the middle of hiieeyah!).
Try it, "Ialalalala-iiiieeee!"
It shows encouragement to the dancers
& is 'music to our ears'!
A: Meaning 'Shrill voice", you make a high-pitched "lalalalala" w/ your tongue against the sides of your mouth (which is in a small 'O' shape) or on the roof of your mouth. While doing this, cover your mouth w/ your hand so it doesn't look vulgar. Then you say,"iiieee! at then end" (like the middle of hiieeyah!).
Try it, "Ialalalala-iiiieeee!"
It shows encouragement to the dancers
& is 'music to our ears'!
Ask Nehjma
Content copyright . Belly Elements.
All rights reserved. Wednesday, November 25, 2009
