iShimmy.com, The Belly Dancer Magazine
Publish This!  Segment 4
Publisher:  Zaina Hart
Vancouver, Washington
* zaina@zainahart.com

When did you begin publishing your magazine/newsletter?

The Belly Dancer Magazine hit the Belly Dance world in the Summer of 2003.  Our first teaser issue was in black and white.  The next issue (Fall 2003) had a full color cover and was already 24 pages.  The second issue weighed in at 32 pages and the third had 40 internal pages.  We were growing so fast it was hard to keep up.  A lot of sleepless nights – (while I was working a full time job no less).  The last of those 8.5 x 7 issues finished with 56 pages.  With the 2^nd Quarter 2006 issue we went to a larger size 9 x 12 with 60 pages, color ads, and information splashed throughout.  Now I was really running to keep up.  In 2003 I also created the website and would upload the major articles, one quarter behind.

                            Suzanna Del Vecchio Cover

March of 2007 was another turning point.  We became iShimmy.com, The Belly Dancer Magazine, online (where you are reading this right now).  The change was painful in that I love print – actually holding all that color and information is exciting.  But it was clear magazines were headed in this direction and with print costs soaring, my finances quickly burning up, and local printer options dwindling I chose to take that next step towards this new and positive growth.  (They haven’t been calling me the Phoenix since I was a teenager for no reason).

Pangia Cover

Carmine Guida of New York (and Djinn) was at the helm of the new website design and upload.  He made the process exciting, and positive.  As I made my requests (first was a printer friendly option so that readers could still print articles/information) he seldom said no (he’s like that) understanding that artistic ideas are like children – they must be nurtured rather than squashed. 

Most of the major articles from the very first issue were transitioned over from the BDM to iShimmy.com - - reviews/interviews/features, etc. providing all of that valuable information to the readers and now available free. 

Why do you do it?

Because I love everything about this beautiful art.  I want to provide information, highlight dancers (our stars and upcoming performers), help teachers and students alike grow and add to their tool boxes and for the most part “SHARE” what you know, what I know and what they know.

What do you feel is the criteria for a publisher in our business and what are your own credentials?

Integrity!  Motivation! Professionalism and a desire to share information.

Why do you continue year after year - or in other words, what is it that motivates you to continue?

YOU motivate me.  Readers, dancers, teachers, students, friends, family - - YOU!  When you ask a question or have a suggestion I do that Aries “Ram Charge” thing and try to find the answer from the best source available.

What do you want to achieve with iShimmy.com?

To educate our dancers - give them tools for sharing, performing and teaching our dance art in a professional and loving way.  

Are you a Local Publication?  Regional?  National?  International?

iShimmy.com is read world wide.

Were you a dancer prior to your publication?  How long and what was/is your involvement in ME Dance Arts?

Yes – I am approaching the 35 year mark in Oriental Dance Art (since my first class), and 40 since my first exposure to our dance art.

Did you have previous publishing experience before your publication?

I have been writing, albeit without a journalism degree, since I was a teenager.  Being the comedic and motivational relief in many of the companies I have worked for often put me in the Editor and Writer spots of company newsletters/publications; some large, some small companies, Government and private industry.  It was only natural that once I started dancing – I started writing about various events and dancers.  Working first for Halima and Nadivah and then Mezdulene after she purchased Jareeda, as well as Middle Eastern Dance & Culture Association, and Wiggle Hips – these really were a catalyst for my own publication.  After 10 years of writing for other publications and with my own ideas – I stepped out of the closet and into the publishing world.

How do you pick your staff writers?

The main contributors have many years of experience, which is why I asked them if they were interested in writing.  As well, I am contacted by new writers and dancers quite often with new and unique ideas for articles regarding issues affecting our dance art and others as well. 

I do not look for someone with a journalism degree, but rather dancers/teachers with a desire to share valuable information and experiences with our readers.

What do you feel is the "highlight" of your publication?

The positive approach and professionalism all of the writers have.  They are able to get across to the reader, the good and bad qualities of events, CD’s/DVD’s, shows and more with respect.  I receive countless e-mails from readers about the integrity in which our writers share.

What special features do you offer in your magazine?

Joy and Excitement.  And a Free Event Listing, Small fee Dancer/Merchant/Musician Directories that the individual controls content for, and the ability to print any article on iShimmy.com to share with friends, fellow/sister students.

Have you always been in print?  Do you offer the same information online?  Have you considered going to online?

See above

What is the cost for your publication's subscription and how many issues do you print throughout the year?  Do you have specialty issues?

There is no cost for readership or event calendar.  Only Directories and advertisements come at a cost.

If you are published outside of the US, what language/s do you publish in?

Only English at this time.

Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't been covered - - anything else that you feel is relevant?

Your feedback is important – please feel free to contact me directly at anytime if you have questions or comments.  zaina@zainahart.com