“Jaleh”
In Loving Memory
November 22, 1954 - February 21, 2010
No matter where she went, Jaleh left a trail of excitement
as well as eternal fans. She was such
a people magnet, each of us drawn to that always present smile, and seemingly
endless supply of joy. The
sadness I felt at her passing is simply put as “profound”; leaving a void that
is hard for those who did not know her to understand. But to those many of us who had the honor of being a friend,
fellow teacher, looking to her as a pillar of strength in the dance community –
you feel that void as I do.
Through her illnesses, not one time did I hear her complain,
rather she faced her most formidable foe with the same drive she faced dance;
with joy that she had each day, a smile on her face, twinkle in her eye
(usually a mischievous one), determination and always wanting to know “how are
YOU doing”?
Jaleh could hold a confidence like few others and could
make you laugh at the drop of a sequin.
She and I shared a love for all things leopard and for shoes – each as
important as the other (even better when we came upon leopard print shoes
This year I hit 34 years since my very first “Belly Dance”
lesson. In those 34 years, there
have been a number of dancers who have hugely impacted my life. Not just my dance career, but “my
life”. Jaleh is in fact in that
elite group of people. And there is little I see in the dance world that does
not remind me of her. We never really know why someone comes into our life, but
we know when they are gone from it, the pain and empty space that is left. I know for a fact I am a better and
more grateful person for having been blessed that Jaleh stepped into my world. Thank you my dear friend for always,
and eternally “being you”. . . . Zaina Hart
(See additional dancer comments below)
Jaleh – A Biography of THE “Belly
Dancer Extraordinaire”
Jaleh first started taking lessons in the Seattle area in
the late 70’s with Maiya, who encouraged her to take workshops with other
instructors such as Badawia. Jaleh went on to become part of Troupe Ali
Baba where she was introduced to some of the great pleasures of belly dancing
in America – sharing the dance with a group of women, traveling to events and
performances and collaborating on choreographies and costuming.
After several years of dancing in the Northwest, Jaleh
moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid 80’s and was soon immersed in
the rich dance scene after joining Dunia’s Troupe in San Jose. They performed at many restaurants and local
events and assisted Dunia with the Desert Dance Festival. She also
quickly made friends with the local dancers and played a big role in putting on
a very large benefit concert for her very dear friend and mentor, Kamaal, whose
partner was suffering from severe medical problems and all the financial
difficulties resulting from them. This was just the first of many times
she stepped forward to help by sponsoring fundraisers for people suffering from
illness.
Jaleh really came into her own during this time and started
training with Ibrahim Farrah from NY, who took a very special interest in her
performance and became a dedicated mentor to her. He appreciated her
regal grace and helped her transition from restaurant and close-up performing
to La Danse Orientale, his favored style which incorporated elements of ballet
with folkloric influences with the more highly orchestrated music which became
popular throughout the Middle East in the 60’s and 70’s. This was the
“Modern Egyptian” style, but with a theatrical, big-stage flair that was a
perfect fit with Jaleh’s natural stage presence and musicality. She
studied with Bobby for over 10 years and was a devoted student who, in turn,
passed on his knowledge to her own students.
Jaleh and her family returned to the Northwest in the early
90’s and she soon started her teaching business where she could bring together
all her expertise in the culture, music, costuming, and choreography to share
with students. She regularly sponsored fellow instructors – Fatima &
Jamilla Al Wahid, Kamaal, Sausan, Fahtiem, and Fat Chance Belly Dance, to name
a few to the Pacific Northwest to help enrich her student’s experience.
She also was an active supporter of the events sponsored by local instructors –
Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, Hasani’s Haflas, Double Crown Belly Dance
Competition, Saqra’s Belly Dancer Showcase and Emerald Rain Competition, and
many shows sponsored by local legend, Mish Mish, for example. She as well supported events outside
her own community by bringing her students and troupe to attend and join in the
fun, such as Rakkasah West, The Desert Dance Festival, Wiggles of the West and
so many more.
JALEH AND IBRAHIM FARRAH (Bobby)
Her mentor, Bobby Farrah, passed away late in the 90’s and
Jaleh did not stop seeking higher level learning and turned to Cassandra of
Minneapolis and Hadia of Canada. Both of these highly accomplished
teachers provide annual Instructor Training weeklong classes that Jaleh looked
forward to attending and she always brought back a lot of exciting new techniques
to share with her students. She also began mentoring more of the younger
generation dancers, such as Susie (Alaska), Nadira (Seattle), and Claudine
(Poulsbo), finding great delight in their successes.
Jaleh was a devoted instructor and loved by her students dearly. She celebrated their successes and bragged to anyone who would listen about how well they were doing. She got her students into safe performing venues and kept them scheduled so they could gain confidence and accomplishment. It was a great joy for her that they continued after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. After her first brain surgery, teaching was difficult for her, but she continued to attend their weekly classes to observe as her more experienced students took on the responsibility to pass on their knowledge to the beginners. It was incredibly fulfilling to her to see the dance get passed on by her students. She attended performances by her students as late as this past summer – frankly, she would NOT miss their performances and went to great lengths to get to them.
Jaleh chose the by-line of “Dancer Extraordinaire” in the
early 80’s, when she was what we would consider an intermediate dancer.. to the
amusement of some. Over the years, she was frequently invited to judge at dance
competitions and occasionally entered them, herself. To her great
delight, she won the Masters Award at the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition
in 2003. Shortly after that, she was recognized by the Double Crown Belly
Dance Competition organization in 2006 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which
touched her deeply. Over these 30-plus years she truly grew beyond
her byline of "Belly dancer Extraordinaire" and is thought of as
a dear friend, collaborator, and sounding board by some of the biggest names in
the business: Bobby Farrah, Fatima Al Wahid, Jamilla Al Wahid, Zaina
Hart, Gaylene Dover, Kamaal, Sausan, Zeeta, Mezdulene, Mish Mish, Dunia,
Jordan Dancer, Cassandra, Hadia, Siwa, and the Babs. She will
be missed by many many people and remembered for her bright smile, her loving
heart, and her passion.
Fellow/Sister Dancer “Friend” Reflections:
Having shared hotel
rooms with Jaleh I was always fascinated at how in the room she would be a all
round earthy regular person and when she would get up the next morning she
would put on her make up and sparkles and she would go out as a classy elegant
social butterfly to meet the belly dance community. Both ways she was fun to be
with. Jaleh was a great companion sharing our common Love in Belly Dance. In
the last couple of years we became very good friends where I got to know her
students and family who I became to love too. Jaleh truly was a Bellydancer of
Extraordinaire AND a very good friend yet I don't think I have to tell many of
you this. . . Zeeta
*
Standing
in the hallway at the Emerald Rain Competition I was so nervous. My
second competition and the alternative category. I had practiced so hard
to combine belly dance with cha cha. And Jaleh had supported me every
step of the way just as she did my very first competition in the beginner’s
category. Jaleh's husband and son approached me in the hallway.
"Jaleh is so excited, she cannot wait to see you dance." The
fear melted away. I just wanted to have fun and enjoy my dance. I
placed 2nd that day. It is my most favorite and memorable
performance. I regret never telling Jaleh it was “her” confidence in me
that gave me such courage. She was always so proud of her students.
She loved them dearly. And her love and passion for dancing was
contagious. She was always there for me beaming with joy. I will
miss her. And every time I dance I will think of her and all that she has
given me…Nafiah Uz
*
It’s hard for me when a friend disappears from the mosaic
of my world. With thousands of
multifaceted pieces I feel so unprepared for the hole that one disappearance
leaves, even on the outskirts of the total. But you’re forced to accept that
the one tiny piece with the bright and true gypsy colors, the island girl
flowers, the leopard spots and sparkles – a small packet of fierce yet
passionate nature is now - just absent from your world. You notice - and
it prickles inside for so many reasons. Not the smallest is “how can someone so
spirited – fade away” – frightening. With time you realize – you still
remember the unusual version of Miserlou she danced at a local showcase, the
one that sent you on a music search for months J and I
can still see the blaze of sequins that she loved to pair up with the
unexpected flounces in her trademark costumes. I can smile over the exotic strappy heels that dressed her
feet – chuckle because like most of us she loved princess jewelry.
Even in illness you remember a stroll with her and a dear
friend around the colors and sounds of Rakkasah – the memory of the two of us
watching her now uninhibited delight as she giggled and caressed all that
tickled her senses, reminding us for that moment of the true sense of pure enjoyment.
The fact that through it all, good and bad, she was still the pretty, fashion
baby with the dazzling smile and character of heart that made everyone around
her connect. These are my best memories of my friend Jaleh who I realize will always be a real and present piece of the mosaic of my life –
all those who knew her better than I are truly blessed….Oberon
*
Our
first public dance as a troupe was a mixture of beginners and her
"Divas" and we had so much fun. The photo was taken at
Yelm Art Walk in 2007, I believe it was April, so her beginners had been
dancing for about 6 months at the time and we had learned three
dances. We were all very nervous, but we had so much fun after the first
number we didn't want it to end. She really infected all of us with her
love of the dance….Bahijah
*
While
I gave up dancing a few years back, Jaleh certainly meant a lot to me. She taught me to love the body I was in
and to realize that belly dancing was the one thing that I could do for me
alone and not feel guilty about it.
I
had fallen out of touch with her and many others that I had danced with, but
she certainly is close in my thoughts and I have extremely fond memories of my
time with her….Kim Flannagan
*
Jaleh.... she loved her
margaritas and white Russians and hated mornings. I am a morning person and try
as I might, I could never be quiet enough. So I would go for a
"big" pot of coffee and bring it back to the room. We always needed
it, because at Powers we stayed up all night laughing and visiting. The
security guards came by more than once and we always invited them in. We would hear people talk about the
group that kept them awake all night partying. HMMM.... I wonder who that
could be??? Jaleh and I would sneak away quietly and then break into fits
of laughter. She had a favorite restaurant in Yakima that we always went
to for Pitcher sized Margaritas. They were so good and we were allowed
only one...because we had to go and dance. And because we were to have
only one..it had to be the biggest!!! I liked her way of thinking!
There are way to many
stories floating around in my head about Jaleh. And I will pull them out
from time to time... thanking heaven for memories. Nadima
*
My most vivid and inspirational memory of Jaleh is that she taught us that if we
were not perfect in a performance, “it was ok”. She said to smile
and dance on. For me, that set the stage. My fondest memories were at our dance lessons. Jaleh always wore a
smile, had a positive outlook and was eager to teach us what she knew best,
“belly dancing”.
My funniest memory was when she was handing out stage names; we had
so much fun and laughed and made jokes. She said to me, Sadia means
happy and you are always happy. I joyfully accepted.
Contagious smile, Loving
personality and a Beautiful woman, that's our Jaleh, then and forever in our
hearts. I feel so blessed to have
been a part of Jalehs' love.
With Shimmies and Love…Sadia-Michele M. Fox
*
Jaleh was a beautiful, graceful, and elegant dancer. She inspired
me in so many ways. I remember getting home from class and repeating the things
she said over and over so as not to forget. Scoop the peanut butter, drop drop
not bump bump, wear your make up closer to streetwalker -- less like a clown.
Her sense of humor mixed with her extensive experience created a personality
that drew people like flies to sugar. I remember a lady drove two hours - one
way to take lessons from her; she was that unique and talented. Of all the
things I remember I would say two things stand out the most to me.
1) Jaleh looked stunning in teal, which is also my favorite
color unfortunately for me since I didn't wear that color during the year and a
half I was lucky enough to dance with her. Not because she wouldn't allow it
but because I respected her so much and couldn't compete with her in skill or
persona. She had a stage presence that was mind blowing.
2) She was a superb zill player. I remember the student
night the first night I was to perform it was close to Christmas and Jaleh came
out - she was dancing to jingle bell rock and all of a sudden the zills chimed
in. She was flirting with the
crowd and rocking out on those things. It was amazing! I drove to Seattle that
weekend and picked up my first pair. I have yet to attain her level of
excellence though I haven't given up.
Jaleh was a loving and supportive teacher. She always did
more then just teach. She was a friend. She exhibited self-confidence and
inspired that in every person that had the pleasure of being taught by her. She
got me to stop slouching and hold my head up. She will be missed by us all. All
I can say is “shimmy shimmy Jaleh, the original Dance Diva” may you dance among
the stars….Katie Hanson (Zohar)
*
Siwa and Jaleh, 2005 Double Crown Belly Dance Competition
Siwa 2nd place, Jaleh - Master 1st place
I first met Jaleh when I
started belly dance back in 1999. She was a judge at the Double Crown Belly
Dance Competition and I had entered the advanced category. I remembered the
euphoria of the competition weekend and getting my score sheets back. Of all
the judges' comments, Jaleh's was the one that jumped out at me. She said to
wear more makeup! I sought her out and asked her to do a makeover on me and she
really made me up. She loves her blues and purples. It took some time to get
over the shock of just how much makeup to wear for stage but she said it looked
good so I went along with it. That was the beginning of our friendship.
Of all the experiences in
dance, there are a few that really stand out. One such experience was our trip
to Vancouver BC for a dance workshop. Siham, Jaleh, myself and a few others
piled into Jaleh's van with leopard interior, rhinestones and glitter
everywhere and cassette tapes blaring Arabic music in the background. We had
such a blast that weekend. Jaleh was our tour guide of all things dance and we
had smiles plastered on our faces all weekend long. When it was time to come
home and it was our turn at the border crossing, Jaleh pulled up to the booth.
The guard, needless to say, was a bit surprised to see a gaggle of glitterati
women pull up with Arabic music blaring off her radio. He was borderline
speechless as he asked what we were doing in Canada. We all shouted out
"dancing!" and giggled like a group of teenagers. Jaleh flashed her
fabulous smile and we were ushered through without another question!
Nadira and Jaleh
Jaleh has had such an
influence in the dance community as well as in our lives. She was not only an
amazing dancer but as well “woman”. Her kind eyes, smile and loving spirit have
touched so many of us. No matter what was going on in her own world, Jaleh always
had a smile and hug to give. I am a better person for knowing and having been
part of her life. She will be greatly missed but her love and fabulous memories
will remain in our hearts….Nadira
*
As a long time attendee and
staff member of the Annual Powers of Belly Dance Conference, I must say that
without having Jaleh there, it’s just not been the same. She has been, and will
be missed these next and last two years of the Conference (2011 will mark their
25th year.) Jaleh was always there, running the fashion show, performing a
beautiful solo, and dancing with and encouraging her entourage of students she
brought along. I remember one year, we were having our big Saturday lunch and
Jaleh was recognized as the instructor bringing the most students ever. She was
beaming, she was so proud. I still visualize right where she was standing, and
I will remember her again in May as I dance on the stage she so often graced….Nizana
*
BAHAR DANCE TROUPE
When I first moved to the
Pacific Northwest, Jaleh sponsored a workshop I attended. I knew no one
there, but her kindness and loving spirit helped me to feel at home. I
will always treasure the memory of her beautiful, glowing smile and her
mischievous sense of humor. Thank you, Jaleh, for sharing your spirit
with me! …Maia
*
Jaleh was a student of
mine when she lived in California. She was always such a beautiful graceful
dancer. Once she created a really stunning look for dance - turquoise contact
lenses to match her turquoise costume….MaShuqa
Mira Murjan
*