Dancer
To Dancer - Dancer to Dancer
By: Oberon
Mystical,
Magical Middle Eastern dance.
I
believe, as this International performer does – that dancers and audience
alike, want to be swept away, to a world of fantasy beyond the mendacity of our
“every-day” selves.
We’re
often transported, even transfixed by our dance and she is doubtless the Geisha
of our floating world. Stunningly pains-taking with her fairytale image, a soft
perfumed cloud of color and sparkle.
Don’t
be deceived however, this is a determined “Barbie” driven by hard work and
positive thinking to create a perfection of ever-changing technique and
seemingly effortless grace.
Some
of us have been surprised by her “wicked” sense of humor, (I’ll just say – New
Jersey and candy). Many of us have
felt the sting of trying to keep pace with her always-intriguing workshops.
Most of us have seen her light up even the biggest stages, been captivated and
delighted – invited to escape with our very own fantasy dancer – Fahtiem.
O: You
seem like such a California girl.
Were you born in California?
F: I
was born in Kassel, Germany, my Mother is from Russia and my Father is
from Poland. My Father was a professional Photographer working in Germany
at the time.
O: How
did you come to America?
F: My
parents bought land in New Jersey – 88 acres– and built their
house from scratch, (pardon the pun) and created a chicken farm with
around 100,000 chickens.
O: Any
Sisters or Brothers?
F: I
have one sister who teaches healing seminars and has released several beautiful
chanting C.D’s. She teaches Kaballah workshops worldwide. Both my brothers are doctors.
O: How
did you end up in California?
F: I
met a man in college – we married and moved to California.
O: How
did Middle Eastern Dance enter your into your life.
F: My
husband and I travelled extensively with his company, and while living in
Joliette, Illinois I took a class at the YMCA. The teacher (who also taught Jazz and
Tap to kids), had an Arabic neighbor who taught her a few steps and
offered two eight week classes – I took both. She taught basic movement
including hip lifts and turns. We learned a choreography as a class. My husband and I made my costume
from scratch (let's just say we were very creative) and performed for
our family and friends.
Part of the fun was that a
photographer from a local newspaper caught the performance and took some
photographs of three of us posing on a desk at the YMCA. I guess we looked pretty cute because I
received calls from a lot of guys asking for dates! I kind of liked the
attention.
O: …and
next?
F: We
went to Chicago, to a Greek restaurant that had a couple of Belly
Dancers. The first dancer didn’t inspire me, but the second, Sula, was
exciting and got my attention and furthered my interest in learning more
about the dance.
When my husband and I moved
back to California – Whittier (a Quaker town) offered, for the first time,
a Belly Dance class. I joined the
class. The teacher, Linda Post, didn’t have an exotic look at all.
She’d had five children one
after another and was usually in a state of wild disarray – but though the
dance didn’t match her physicality, when she moved – I thought, WOW!
O: Was
this where you began your career in the dance?
F: Well,
I became friends with Nancy, someone with similar size and features
– we made cards and began to get gigs.
O: How
did you decide on your dance name?
F: One
of my husband’s work mates was Persian and actually named me Fahtenah
(Lightning), because he thought I was vivacious – I changed the spelling to
Fahtiem.
O: Where
did you begin dancing?
F: One
of the first major places was a Japanese restaurant where we shared the
stage with a Hawaiian group called the Okalani’s. It was a family affair. My husband did the announcing and
Nancy’s husband was the engineer attending to our music etc
We did a show – we
would put a turban on one of the customers in the audience and I would
sing – I was VERY shy – but I did it anyway.
O: What
came next for you?
F: Actually,
a life change.
I would like to think that if
I had the life skills I have today, we could have made our marriage
work. A friend died in a plane
crash and it changed me. I
felt at that time I needed to be in a different place than our marriage allowed
and sadly we divorced.
I met and married a policeman
in the LAPD who changed his career and is now a Chiropractor.
I’m proud to say that while
my husband was changing careers and going to school full
time, I supported our whole family for five years with this
dance. My husband is very supportive.
His belief in me, and what I do, has been an integral part of my
success.
My friend Nancy had moved
– I began to teach at a Ballroom Dance studio.
My degree was
in teaching – I was to be a 4th grade
teacher. I was glad to have
that background because I was able to go forward on my own.
O: Did
you continue your education?
F: Oh
I constantly took workshops, and still do.
I met Tonya (of Tonya and
Atlantis) she asked me to perform with her dance troupe “Of Veils
and Incense" a group of 10 professional dancers I danced with them
for about 10 years. I was honored
to be one of them.
O: How
did you become solo again?
F: I
had my own troupe when I joined, I was also teaching dance classes full time,
dancing in the clubs Thursdays through Sundays, plus I have two children. I came to a decision that it was too
much to juggle.
O: But
you moved forward in a very powerful way.
F: I
began to travel and in 1990 studied with Bobby Farrah (Ibrahim “Bobby”
Farrah of the International School of dance, Carnegie Hall). He became my mentor and opened me up to
a whole new world of movement. He was my biggest influence and even though
my professional dance life was very full – through him, I began to hear
the music differently. He expanded how I heard the music – how I reacted to it
O: How
specifically?
F: Firstly
he was Lebanese – it gave him a different perspective, which he generously
shared. Bobby's understanding was
true and real.
He experienced the New
York Artists of all different genres and art itself. He used the inspiration. It was his expression – he
was open to being an artist as well as a dancer. I grabbed onto that – I
feel I express myself honestly and passionately.
O: So
you enjoy seeing different artistic expression within our dance?
F: I
believe in freedom of expression – embrace it and enjoy it – I do like
when the performer embraces some of the essence of
Middle Eastern dance .It would be less confusing if it was labeled
appropriately.
O: What
is important about teaching, performing?
F: When
we take the role of leader – a professional – with a website, teaching
workshops – people look at you as an authority. There IS a responsibility in that. I need to bring my integrity, stay connected and
be truthful. What I’ve
learned is life altering, I teach and pass along what works for me and get
excited when it can be life altering for other people.
I teach a variety of classes
– everything from a college classes for credit where I address the
culture, the music, and artistry, to classes that are all about movement and
fitness. I try to give my students what they want.
O: What
was life altering in the dance for you- (other than Bobby)?
F: Exposure
to Nadia Gamal (Bobby’s favorite dancer) I actually took a class from her!
Visiting all the history of Egypt - the honor of being an American Belly
Dancer asked to teach and perform at Ahlan Wa Sahlan in
Egypt. I'm going again this year.
By
gaining understanding through my journey, discovering and sharing what
I've learned about life.
O: You
seem to be that rare blend of artist/business woman.
F: My
Dad was a great role model when it came to business.
After my Father passed in
2007, I was reminded by my mother that he always said, “If you’re going to
do a thing – be the best at it”. I
hadn’t remembered that and the influence it had on me. I had a product, but I’m a
perfectionist and didn't release it. Many people had products out way ahead of me I
had to let go of the ideal – I just had to “let go” – it’s a fear – that
everyone is going to judge you on this one product – I had to say “ O.K! Feel the Fear and do it anyway!
O: So
what influences you as far as watching and enjoying a performance?
F: I
feel every dancer has a responsibility to transport the audience
to another place. I feel audiences
don’t want to see that the performer is insecure or scared just like them. So
look inside yourself first – you can’t offer to an audience what you don’t
have yourself.
I think I got more confident
when I started a personal growth journey because when you realize just how
life enhances you – you can bring that to your dance.
I’ve been taking
courses and reading since 1983, about positive thinking, and personal
growth of all kinds. I am in constant awareness of where I am – plus
you are never done! This is an integral part of my
teaching .Who you are goes with you to the classroom --- and on STAGE.
O: How
do you feel you shine as a teacher?
F: I
have a detail oriented mind so I can see what works. I can see the lines
people create – I can see if people’s toes are pointed a mile away etc.
As a teacher, it’s important
to create an atmosphere of Joy, to make people feel good and good about
themselves. When students are having fun they relax – connect with the music –
have less issues.
I try to walk the talk –I
honestly try to be a good example – work full out in class – even my
warm-ups are dance.
When I was teaching at
the Belly Dance Congress in the U.K – Horatio and Beata, who were
also part of the event and were in the audience, said I looked and danced like
I was 19 on stage.
That’s how I think – and
feel------------like I am 19. I don’t want to be good “for my age”
that’s way too limiting.
O: What
do you think when people try to categorize themselves or you?
F: It
appears to me that too many people allow themselves to be put in a box. Do
This at 20 – Do This at 40! I don’t see the advantage in that. Live your life
to the absolute fullest every day – importantly – make up your own mind –
don’t allow other people to decide what is right for your life. Allow
yourself the ultimate freedom to create your journey moment to moment –
When you live according to what feels right and good for you – you’ll be
O.K.
O: Everything
you just said – I truly believe.
F: I
put out a monthly newsletter to my mailing list and include quotes of the
month that are also on my website. We are here to teach each other, learn
from everyone – on a daily basis and from everything. Take it with you – take
it to the classroom. You will always go toward the way you are thinking.
If you feel limited by size,
by age, you will move toward those limitations. All the goodness you feel is
like a magnet because we truly live the life of our thoughts.
O: So
Fahtiem, I remember having dinner with you one night at East Coast
Rakassah after you had a disturbing encounter with a reporter doing a
piece on you. How do you handle
such circumstance?
F: I
honestly don’t remember that experience at all – I don’t want moments like
that to define me – I want to make my own definitions.
O: So
what elements make an enjoyable dancer?
F: A
good dancer is like soup. People will a taste and prefer one to another.
All artists will resonate with some part of the audience.
Technique, costuming,
attitude – and it’s all a learning curve when it comes to presenting our
personal best. Emotion, musicality – because with a gourmet meal, you
don’t want just an amazing piece of meat – you want yummy mashed potatoes,
amazing asparagus - later – you may desire fish! Oh, and don't forget
DESSERT!
O: So
what holds your attention most of the time?
F: Oh
– I look at feet a lot – posture, arms, expression.
You know – I get fed by
everyone – depends on the day – who am I at that minute, my needs change
daily.
Believe me, it will be
different for everybody on that day – according to each person’s personal
need. If I’m being fulfilled then it’s a gift. Something that makes me smile and feel good.
O: What
would you choose to make different in the dance?
F: Probably
labels. If your students are in the beginning stages of learning and are
having a recital in a place where the public is invited, label it a “recital
showcase”
When I started OASIS DANCE
MAGIC – I did it to showcase all the highest levels of this performing art
as well as top performers of all countries– professional staging,
lighting etc, it was a showcase – designed to entice the public and present
our art form at the highest level.
O: Your
signature move, the (seems to me) diagonal belly roll – how did this
happen?
F: Of
course I had seen vertical bellyrolls and did them myself for years.
Helena Vallejos
rolled coins up and down her belly but I didn’t want to just repeat
what I’d seen another dancer do, plus she does it so well. So I just started playing with
myself (a surprised giggle) and developed a move with my own style.
O: Do
you teach it?
F. I have
done workshops including it - but truthfully, I’ve a little bit of an
issue because it seems a prop that people may choose to learn instead of
improving their dance as a whole. I’ve noticed a tendency toward solely
developing tricks by some dancers and I don’t want to encourage that.
O: So
Fahtiem, what kind of music touches you?
F: I
love just about all music! I started in Greek clubs so it holds
a special place when I hear it. I use every genre when I teach.
I really
LOVE Arabic classics, Arabic pop, folk, well ------just about
everything! I've even produced my
own CDs that I do the vocals on. My music is original; Arabic
rhythms under world music and of course my voice … these are
available on my website. I like big dramatic music and have some of that as
well as high-energy funky Indian sounds, beautiful veil pieces.
O: You
are an amazing talent – surprising in so many ways. I want to show readers just
how many awards you have to your credit.
Fahtiem’s Many Awards and
Honors
Winner - 2000 Telly Awards
The Telly Awards was founded in 1980, to showcase and give recognition to
outstanding non-network and cable commercials. The competition was expanded several years ago to include film and
video productions. Over the past
21 years, the Telly Awards has become a well-known, highly respected national
competition.
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL DIPLOMA OF HONOR - 1992
WOMAN OF THE YEAR 1991 - American Biographical
Institute
Listed in 2000 Notable Women
Listed in International Who's Who of Professional
& Business Women.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER - Circus Vargas Talent Contest
MELVIN JONES FELLOW - Lions Club Foundation
International
1996 DANCE PROMOTER OF THE YEAR - The Middle Eastern
Dance Academy
Awarded Entertainment Video of the Year
International
Academy of Middle Eastern Dance - 1991
Nominated Choreographer of the Year - International
Academy of
Middle Eastern Dance - 1997
Nominated Teacher of the Year by Peoples Poll,
Zaghareet Magazine - 1997
Nominated Dancer of the Year - International Academy
of
Middle Eastern Dance - 1998 & 1999
Hall of Fame - Life Time Achievement - American
Academy of
Middle Eastern Dance - July 25, 1999
Awarded "Dancer of the Year" International
Academy of Middle Eastern Dance - 1999
Awarded "Oriental Dancer of the Year"
Peoples Poll, Zaghareet Magazine - 1999
Awarded "Teacher of the Year" Peoples
Poll, Zaghareet Magazine - 1999
Giza Award for Best Live Solo Dance Performance -
2000
Gamal Dance Academy Award, Best Cabaret Dancer, Live
Music - 2001
Awarded MECDA Award for "Outstanding
Achievements in
the Mid-East Dance Arts" - 2003
Nominated "Teacher of the Year"
International Academy of
Middle Eastern Dance - 2003
Nominated"Oriental Dancer" and "Teacher
of the Year" Zaghareet - 2004
Awarded"Oriental Dancer" Zaghareet - 2004
Awarded-"MECDA Hall of Fame" - 2006
Awarded "Lifetime Achievement"
-Zaghareet - 2008
O: Any
final advice for all your fabulous fans dancing through their lives out there?
F: Follow
your bliss – be in joy and feel good inside. We all know when we are
our happiest and when we are in that place we truly are at our best. When we
really own this truth – is when everything comes out the best for us. Being in our truth, in the zone – it’s
all the same – if you have an “icky” feeling inside – you know that it’s time
for a change!
