As printed in the Quarter 3/2004 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine
As The Centerfold Dancer - Kamaal
Quarter 3 / 2004 (July/August/September)
KAMAAL
I met this “Charmer” a little over ten years ago at a dance competition in California. I walked away from that competition without even making finals, but that paled in comparison to meeting “Kamaal” who I have come to know and adore - in that meeting was the real “prize” of that adventure and a prize I will always cherish. He is a consummate entertainer, with a style and stage persona that is all “Kamaal”. His wonderful (if even a bit dry at times) sense of humor is right there in every performance. But what really gets you are THOSE EYES. You see the light of who he is in those eyes; the playful boy, the charming man, and the incredible performer - all there - in offering to his audience - his friends.
In the years of getting to know Kamaal and with the distance between us I had not had the opportunity to see him as a teacher. Last year at the High Desert Hip Fest I witnessed his boundless energy as he taught a two work shops - - WOW (and this just a few short months after neck surgery - like anyone who didn’t know that could tell)! Now, don’t think for a moment you can slack off in his class - he kept everyone movin and shakin and zillin. So, should you have the opportunity to study with him - - take a workshop - - see him in performance - - then SEIZE THE MOMENT.
I am honored to bring him to you as our Centerfold Dancer and even more honored to call him “friend”.
KAMAAL’S Biography - May 2004
KAMAAL has been performing and teaching Middle Eastern dance now for over twenty years and has danced in many fine restaurants in Northern and Southern California. The Marrakech and The Grapeleaf in San Francisco. The El Mahgreb and the Ta Delphinia in San Jose, and the El Grande in Manhattan Beach, to name just a few. Kamaal has twice been named "Mr. America of the Belly dance" and was several times a finalist in the "Belly dancer of the Year" competition. He is to date the only male to place in Southern California's "International Belly Dance Competition". He was also a two-time recipient of the Nafisa Gem award for the "Best Professional Male Belly Dancer."
Kamaal's dance style ranges from traditional Egyptian cabaret to folkloric. He was a ballroom competition dancer for more than 10 years before he discovered Middle Eastern dance. He is known for his creative use of props, most notably his famous tray and sword balancing routines, and his show stopping double veil.
Teaching weekly classes out of his studio in Sherman Oaks, California, Kamaal's goal is to help his students find health, happiness and a sense of personal achievement through Middle Eastern Dance. He also teaches workshops extensively around the country each year. This year he is making teaching stops in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, several cities in California. Of course his favorite spot for teaching classes is on the yearly "Belly Dancer's Cruise" to Mexico, which he has been with every September for the last 5 years.
FUN CENTERFOLD QUESTIONS-KAMAAL
Likes: Dancing, Laughing, Sex, Harley's, Mr. Jack Daniels, eating, Sleeping & Money.
Dislikes: Grouchy/Nasty People, Poverty.
Favorite City to live in: Palm Springs
Favorite City to play in: New York City
Favorite Getaway: Santa Fe
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Carrot Cake & "The Stinking Rose" restaurant in LA (Their motto is "We flavor our garlic with food".)
Favorite Color: Green, no Blue, no Green, no Blue, no Green, no Blue....etc., etc.
Languages you Speak: Only English I'm Afraid...with a very thick "Gay" accent.
Do you have pets? Oh Yes. What kind? Scoobie, my Yorkie...Nikki, my Lasa, and Topo, my Russian Blue Kitty.
Do you have children? ROTFLMAO...You're not serious...are you?
What country/ries have you lived in? Just the USA.
Favorite music type and specific piece: Saidi. "Afrah Baladna Said" off of MY CD.
Hobby/ies: Dancing, Being roudy and playing pool at my favorite watering hole.
Cabaret, Tribal/Gypsy, Ethnic, fusion,- - what style are you best known for? Better Described as "American Style Cabaret".
Who are your mentors in the business? Siwa, Anja, Anaheid, Tonya & Atlantis, Fahtiem. What would I ever have done/do without these women?
If you couldn't make a living at what you are doing now, what WOULD you do? Let’s see now, what was the world's oldest profession??? OOooops, Guess that's politically incorrect even for a male. Okay then, a writer.
Turn On's: I refuse to answer that on the grounds it may incriminate me.
Is there anything else you would like to add? LOL...My GOD I love doing what I do!!!
