In Your Own  Backyard
Magidah – Portland, OR

As Reviewed by: Zaina Hart

Fuchsia Fire; my brief description of Portland, Oregon’s “Magidah”.  Magidah enters the stage with an engaging smile and style all her own.  And from her unique costume designs (complete with fabu makeup and truly fuchsia hair), to her Egyptian Stylings, this enigmatic woman offers the audience an experience not soon forgotten. 

Slightly more than a year ago, Magidah opened in “Our Own Backyard of Portland, OR” her new studio space, which I recently had the opportunity to visit.  Her new studio is nestled on the third floor of an historic warehouse, which houses artists from the Portland Metro area “The Working Artist’s Collective” which adds to the overall flavor of the space.  You find little art studios/artist displays on each floor as you enter and make your way to Magidah’s inviting space.  She overlooks the beautiful Willamette River, which offers students an earthy atmosphere to enjoy their dance experience.

When I walked into her space, and looked around the room, there was a familiar “set of bones” in the corner.  That’s right, what I had found at another dance space, in another Backyard review, a few years back here in Portland, was now residing in Magidah’s space.  That “spiney” fellow from a few years back actually belonged to Magidah all this time.  And, again I say, “what a treat for the dancer” as well as a fabulous teaching tool to use in explaining the mechanics of how our spines should/should not move.  It was good to see my old friend “bones” <grin>. 

Magidah’s studio, much like the woman herself, is fused in rich, vibrant colors, with two walls of windows, one wall of mirrors, and then there is the Magidah Wear Wall.  Magidah told me that when she moved in and began to decorate, the first priority on her list was to add some spectacular lighting - - and no one would be surprised to find two beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings of her space.  It adds the flair that is Magidah – unique, elegant, and stylish.

And speaking of stylish; Magidah has a new line of clothing, "MagidahWear:  For the Booty Magnificent".  (http://www.magidahwear.com).  Here is an excerpt from her clothing tags:


     ""After years of constantly asking herself:  "Why doesn't anyone make clothes that look cute on curvy girls?"  Magidah decided to make her own.  Designed for a Woman's body, MagidahWear (r) combines comfortable, durable fabrics with functional designs that highlight your glorious curves. 

     Enjoy your MagidahWear (r) at the gym, in dance class, at the grocery store or out on the town.  It's made to be worn all day, every day.  Ladies - SHOW OFF YOUR CURVES!""

I first met Magidah some seven or eight years ago when she was performing with Aziza at the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition.  Here was this confident, curvy woman, nestled in between Aziza and Vashti, complete with a confident, sassy attitude.  She stood out then and still stands out now.  I am happy to know her, thrilled to have been able to watch her dance style and personality grow, and honored that she is here, in “My Own Backyard”.

I offer you here, a view of her Bio and accomplishments.  You will find her studio space at:  http://www.bellynet.net

Magidah’s Bio

Photo Courtesy of Damian Moyer at the Oregon Country Fair
with Dwayne and Dunyah Al Hanna



Magidah spent 10 years studying jazz and ballet, but she found her true love in the music, costumes, artistic expression, and technical demands of Raqs Sharqi, the "dance of the east," commonly called Egyptian Cabaret Belly Dance.

The vibrant history and cultural relevance of the dance form, which some believe began as a Middle Eastern fertility dance, compelled Magidah from the moment she first saw it performed more than 15 years ago. Magidah has a deep-seated respect for the art form and communicates a heart-felt desire to elevate it in the eyes of the general public and to her student dancers. She has studied with leading dancers and musicians from around the world, and now shares her love of Arabic dance through performance and teaching.

At the Working Artist’s Collective, Magidah creates a nurturing environment for students of all ages and abilities. Her teaching philosophy, drawn in part from her experiences as a former massage therapist, is grounded in the technical aspects of the dance including form, structure, and body mechanics. Magidah’s greatest pleasure comes as students in her classes move beyond technique, falling in love as she did with the playful, body-centered awareness and joyful expression of the dance’s music and movement.

In her performances, audiences feel the joy of Raqs Sharqi radiating from Magidah’s movements. Like the women who originated the dance, Magidah has a healthy woman’s body that brings to life the rich character of the music. Though her teaching style is based on the fundamentals of Western instruction, her evocative shimmies, remarkable isolations, and flirtatious veil work are firmly rooted in the unique culture and traditions of the Arabic world.

Training

Magidah has worked with master instructors
from around the world including:

Aziza

Astryd de Michele

Hadia

Ava Fleming

Zahra Zuhair

Amel Tafsout

Musicians

Understanding the dance depends on understanding the music.

Magidah has studied with leading musicians such as:

Souhail Kaspar

Karim Nagy

Nasser Musa

Georges Lammam

Venues

Magidah has performed in numerous venues and events including:

Rakkasah

Mendocino Music and Dance Camp

Oregon Country Faire

Epcot Center Morrocan Restaurant