Nizana el Rassan
Staff Writer / Belly Dancer / Exceptional Contributor
By Zaina Hart
I have
been writing for various publications, often with last minute requests from
publishers since 1985. When I brought
The Belly Dancer Magazine forward in print in 2003, I discovered quickly what it is
like from the other side. I gained a deep appreciation for those who are willing
and able to share their rich experience and vast knowledge with us, the readers
– dancers and teachers. I also found it
more of a rarity that I could depend on staff writers to offer their work as
regularly as they might say and/or wish.
Not because they didn’t want to, (and believe me I appreciate each and every article our incredible writers have submitted) but remember, we are dancers and
teachers - - with busy schedules in that fabulous arena. Many have families who also depend on us/them –
needing their precious time. But, that
said, there is nothing like being able to tap into a mentor’s experience and
given our new on-line forum, we have a wider audience as well as an ability to
include more information than ever. This is invaluable to us!
In these
past 8 years as owner of The Belly Dancer Magazine and now iShimmy.com there has
been no other contributor to surpass her 55 articles (and counting as she says she has number 56 ready to send) - - Nizana
has submitted more work than any other writer here to date, except for yours
truly. She has written articles for
nearly every column we have and actually sends me “reminders” that she has more
to offer us. She has also submitted her
work and been published in Jareeda and Zaghareet and I have no doubt they value her as much as I do.
Desert Silk Dance Company
Her start in “Middle Eastern Dance Art” came
in Spokane Washington with Azura and she has not stopped taking workshops since
then. Her experience is vast having
studied and taken workshops from so many in our business – always seeking more
knowledge and new ways to work with her own students. As a member of several troupes and now
director of her own “Desert Silk Dance Company” in Spokane she has even more
tips and tricks to offer us. And as if
that wasn’t enough, she adds “producer” to her long string of
accomplishments. And there was no
hesitation on our part when we asked Nizana to participate as a Judge at the
Double Crown Belly Dance Competition.
Nizana is
quick to review CD’s, DVD’s, shows/events – wanting to share with us their
information. For those of you wanting
your materials reviewed - - if she tells you she will do it - - I assure you
she will do it asap and you will soon find it on the pages of iShimmy.com or
any publication in which you request.
With
titles to her articles like "We're Not Here for the Drama, Mama", "Pie
Anyone", and "East Side, West Side and Beyond", it is clear she doesn't
shy away from the many difficult issues our communities face. She writes honestly and respectfully, with a gracious touch - - even when covering these controversial issues.
She has a
wonderful Dance Events Calendar for the Pacific Northwest – and when some of us
forget to ask her to add our events – she just does it for us (who does that or
even cares these days? NIZANA
DOES!) She continues to tout the
benefits of “reading” the various magazines and information available to us,
extolls the benefits of dance, praises her teachers and students and gives more
than most dancers I know. Check out her
“Bonus Section” at the bottom of her Events Calendar - - there is always a
special treat there. And don’t miss her
“Archives” section for more of her travels, articles and extras.
Nizana has
a quick wit, fabulous sense of humor and generous heart. I am so grateful she chose you readers and
iShimmy.com to share her experience and knowledge with – we are lucky to have
her and I am honored to know her and call her friend.
So – in
closing – a great big HUG and THANK YOU, and the new title from this publication and its owner, to you Nizana "EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTOR 2011" –
for all you do for iShimmy and for our readers and many dance friends.
Check her
out on her own website at:
nizanaraqs.com
