GIVING ‘FREE LOVE’ ON WORLD DANCE DAY

The World Dance Day is an annual celebration of dance established by the International Dance Council. It was started in 1982, intending to attract attention towards the artistic and cultural aspects of dance. Every year on the 29th of April; dance schools, companies and individuals organize special activities to celebrate this special day.

To celebrate this occasion on a larger scale than ever before, we at Veve Dance had organized various Free Fusion Workshops – ‘Fusionista’ at our branches.

Belly Dance - Kathak Fusion

Our director Veronica Simas de Souza conducted the Belly dance – Kathak fusion workshop at our Andheri branch. Veronica is a trained Kathak dancer and has been learning this dance form, from Padmashree Sunayana Hazarilal since the past 7 years and very recently presented her Rangpravesh ‘Solo-debut’ performance. 

She started the evening with a warm-up dance on the famous ‘Dil cheez kya hai’ song from the movie Umrao Jaan. Students were taught a couple of Kathak arm movements and were also guided on how to use these to frame various belly dance moves. Students were also taught basic Kathak steps and spins and they danced on many famous Kathak flavored songs like ‘Maar daala’ and ‘Kaahe chhed mohe’ from the movie ‘Devdas’.

It was a very unique workshop for all those present, because, this fusion of belly dance with Indian classical dance form of Kathak was taught very passionately by a part Brazilian - part Peruvian dancer to a spirited crowd of Indian girls.

Belly Dance - Bollywood dance Fusion

The second workshop of the evening, Belly dance – Bollywood dance fusion workshop was conducted by our Senior Instructor Sanjana Muthreja at our Andheri branch. Sanjana’s passion for dancing began with the freestyle Bollywood dance form. Before joining Veronica as a Belly dance instructor, Sanjana was a trained Bollywood instructor. 

Beginning with warm-up and all the way till cool down, Sanjana played and made the students dance to many fast paced and well-known Bollywood songs like Prabhu Deva’s ‘Muqabla’ from the movie ‘Humse hai Muqabla’, Saat Samundar Paar from movie ‘Vishwatma’, ‘UP Bihar’ from movie ‘Shool’ etc. Sanjana created a heady mix of different combinations, flawlessly fusing Belly dance moves with Bollywood jhatkas and nakharas and had the students asking for more.

Belly Dance - Bhangra Fusion

For the first time ever in Mumbai, a very unique fusion; Belly dance – Bhangra fusion workshop was conducted by our Senior Instructor Dipika Vijay at our Andheri branch. Being a Punjabi, Dipika has grown up watching and learning at Weddings and many cultural events, the beautiful and earthy dance form of Bhangra, nowadays made famous by many Bollywood movies. She has also seen the performances of many professional Sikh troops’ and has made a study of the same.

The workshop started with Dipika sharing her knowledge about the dance form. She then taught the students various ‘thet pindi’ Bhangra and Gidda steps, demonstrated the difference between the two and mixed and made various belly and Bhangra combos. In the time slot of 2 hrs, she danced her way through 25-26 hi-octane energetic songs, that included ‘Ainvayi Ainvayi’ from the movie ‘Band Baaja Baarat’, ‘Mundian to bachke rahi’ by Punjabi MC, ‘Sadi galli’ from the movie ‘Nautanki Saala’ etc . By the end of the workshop, the students were happily buzzed out and red with blood rush.

Belly Dance - Hip-hop Fusion

The Fusion workshop of Belly dancing - Hip-hop was conducted at our Sion branch by Instructor Namrata Randhawa. Namrata a highly motivated and natural hip-hop dancer has honed her skills by training under various well-known instructors.

Students were taught basic Hip-hop moves & footwork. They then learnt the technique of fusing them with Belly Dance moves. They also leant many new and innovative combinations and tried them out by dancing on very hottt and rocking R&B hip hop music like 'Buttons' by 'Pussy Cat Dolls', 'Move that body' by 'Nelly' etc.

The finale of the workshop was a Dance battle a la Hip-Hop style. The students were divided into 2 groups and battled each other one-on-one, in duets and also as a team. It was a wonderful feeling to watch our students let go of allll their inhibitions and battling each other with groovy moves.

Flamenco Oriental

Belly Dance - Flamenco Fusion

The very much in demand, Flamenco Oriental - fusion workshop of Belly dance and Flamenco was conducted at our Lower Parel branch by instructor Aakriti. This beautiful dance form from Andulasia holds a very special place in Aakriti’s heart and she has rigorously trained for the same, under Veronica.

Veronica has herself learnt and trained for this dance form under Master ‘Candela Soto’ at Amor de Dios, Madrid, the best and oldest institution of Flamenco in Spain.

The workshop began with the students learning fundamental Flamenco arms and moves. Then they were taught how to incorporate these arm movements into the belly dance routine, giving our authentic raqs sharqi a Spanish gypsy touch. Traditional alegrias, soleas and bulerias rhythms were played in the class to match with the hip sways, along with some of the best of belly dance and flamenco fusion music which was specially picked for the workshop. Students also danced on a few Flamenco inspired songs like ‘Udi’ from the movie ‘Guzaarish’, ‘Senorita’ from the movie ‘Zindagi na Milegi dobara’ etc. 

Through and through, twas a highly successful event, the credit for which goes to the unconditional support, love and participation of alll our students. A mighty thanks and huge applause for one and all who took part in Fusionista.

Some feedback and testimonies we received from our students-

Ravina Dahiya : Awesome workout. The best Fun class by Veve Dance… :D

Lucky and Proud to be a part of it :)

Thank you sooo much for putting up these workshops.. LOVED IT :) Can’t get over with it :)

Nidhi Bharwada : Had loads of fun in today class…. Love u guys.. Thanks…. :) 

Diya Raheja : Awsome fun classes!!! Thank you sooo much :D :D

Snehal Shende : Thankyou for such a wonderful hiphop belly fusion workshop. Loved it.

Sanjana Sharma : It was superbb Fun and the instructors were too good. So grateful to have them. The Fusion.. I never thought, anything like that could be done using belly dance.

Khushbu Patel : Hip-hop is in my body and belly is my love. So i enjoyed thoroughly those moment spent with my love :)
Had lots of funn  :)

Anjana Vaswani : The only thing more fun than dance and drama is a little more dance and drama. Blending flamenco with our belly dancing session made it even more fun than usual and that says a lot because with our instructors every class is a party.

Prajakta Prajapati : Really enjoyed the fusion and saw something new. Looking forward to more such fun events!





Looking forward for the World Dance Day, 2014 and plans are already underway to make Fusionista-2014 a much larger and rocking event.

Health and Healing of Body & Soul through Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is both a relaxing and enlivening dance that can help tone the body and improve body confidence. Its physiological benefits include improved fitness, better circulation, suppleness and correction of postural alignment. On a body confidence level, many women feel they have regained their 'feminine self' and become more comfortable with their bodies through belly dancing.   

The basis of the core moves is always the center - just below the navel - or in esoteric arts the place known as the Hara, the second Chakra or simply 'the center'.

Yoga and Pilates are two popular exercises that like belly dancing, focus their energies on the 'center' and the breath.

Physical fitness can greatly improve with regular sessions of belly dancing. It helps firm and tone the muscles in a gentle way, especially the muscles of the abdomen, arms, upper back, hips and thighs. A more vigorous belly dance 'workout' lasting for at least thirty minutes, practiced 3-4 times a week, will certainly improve muscle tone and overall fitness, as belly dancing is an energetic yet fun form of aerobic dance.

Working out to fast paced, repetitious music with spicy drum beats will make the exercise more enjoyable. A series of constant stepping moves, lifting and alternating arm poses and shimmies is the basis for a safe, low impact workout. As with all aerobics safety precautions,it is advisable to begin with a warm up consisting of gentle movements, in this case shoulder rolls, arm lifts, basic step/points and circular moves. Then gradually increase speed and repetition of moves, and after the workout remember to stretch and cool down.

Here are some physiological benefits of belly dancing: 

*Improved circulation

*Improved suppleness

*Increased joint flexibility

*Deeper breathing, better oxygenation of blood

*Relaxing and calming, reduces stress

*Aerobic exercise workout - burns fat, raises metabolism & improves resting heart rate 

*Tones all major muscle groups - legs, thighs, gluteal, abdominal, upper arms, back etc

*Reduces cellulite 

*Eases PMT symptoms 

*Prepares major muscle groups for pregnant women to assist the birthing process

BELLY DANCING FOR SUPPLENESS

The suppleness and fluidity of movement necessary for belly dancing can help relax and lubricate joints and can be helpful in cases of arthritis, particularly in the wrists and shoulders. The dance, practiced gently in the beginning stages, usually produces beneficial results for muscle and joint conditioning. Participants who had suffered uncomfortable back pain or shoulder stiffness for years, have reported improvement after several weeks of belly dancing. It is becoming a popular form of rehabilitation exercise, now advised by doctors and therapists. Of course, if anyone has chronic back or knee problems, they are advised to see a doctor first before embarking on a belly dance course.

BELLY DANCING FOR RELAXATION

The relaxing benefits of belly dancing calm the mind and assist the focus required to learn new movements. Repetitious swaying, circular and flowing movements are likened to a state of dance-meditation. The dancer often finds that a session of taqsim or slow, graceful dancing will clear the mind and induce a state of mental relaxation. The faster forms of belly dance are stimulating and fun, and either slow or fast belly dancing can be useful in cases of anxiety or mild depression.

BELLY DANCING FOR BODY CONFIDENCE

Belly dancing boosts self esteem in a gentle yet powerful way. The movements are artistic and feminine, creating a positive feeling of sensual expression and freedom. With sensuality being a desirable quality of belly dancing, the dancer feels safe to explore the soft, beautiful ways the body can move. Sensual taqsim (slow circular dance) is emotively charged and deeply felt, inspired by the haunting melodies from the east. In our western society, bombarded with mixed messages about sexuality and self expression, many women find this extremely liberating. In the act of dancing with sensuality, the dancer frees herself in physical and emotional ways.

The body, which becomes increasingly supple and graceful through practicing the dance, literally learns to move more beautifully. Dancers feel a heightened sense of elegance and poise when they dance,and this delightful confidence remains long after the class or performance is finished. The body awareness that comes from belly dancing often triggers an emotional response. Women with low self image begin to honor their bodies. Participants who used to be very conscious of their weight, relax and become comfortable with their belly and hips. Voluptuous women appreciate their ample curves. Its possibly one of the most liberating arts, especially for the women of today.

BELLY DANCING FOR INNER STRENGTH AND POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION

Belly dancing brings a creative and transformative energy. As a teacher for over 10 years, our Director Veronica says that she has seen hundreds of incredible transformations in her students in terms of self confidence and personal empowerment. The strengthening effects of the earthy shimmies and grounded walking styles used in belly dance have an empowering effect too. They bring out a primal assertion in the body expression - clear and independent. 

PREGNANCY, CHILD-BIRTH AND BELLY DANCING

Belly dancing originated as a fertility rite thousands of years ago. The movements celebrated the birth process in the form of mimicry and many of the circular hip moves used in belly dancing can be seen in other dances evolved from birth-rites and celebrations of sexuality and fertility like the hawaiian Hula, polynesian Dance, african Dance, brazilian Samba and latin Lambada. Often associated with religious rites and celebrations, the primal elements of both divinity and sexuality are central to the evolution of these dance forms.

Today, belly dance is linked with birthing, mainly due to its focus on the belly and hips. As a pre-natal exercise, belly dancing in its gentler form strengthens the pelvic muscles and is relaxing for the mother-to-be. Many arab Women say shimmies should be avoided during pregnancy, but the figure eights and rolling circular movements are good preparation for childbirth. This makes sense, as the rolling movements not only feel natural, but assist with the normal pelvic relaxing process to prepare for birth and at the same time, helps to strengthen the pelvic muscles for labour and post-pregnancy recovery. Indeed, the dance can be a comfortable exercise that not only gets the mother ready for the birth process, but connects her to the unborn child through a series of movements which focus her attention on her belly. 

Midwives in the Middle East report Bedouin women birthing babies in a ceremonial way, where, in a tent with the elders, several women play tabla and breathe in unison with the mother. The communal drum beat and vocal breathing becomes part of the dance-birth process. The mother, supported by two other women, does not lie down, but rather alternates between standing and squatting, and uses hip circles and rolling motions to ease the baby into the world. Pregnant mothers find that belly dancing helps relieve them of back pain and keeps their bodies supple.

Second time mothers after taking up belly dancing, have reported much easier and relaxed births with the 'belly dance baby'. The body also gets into shape quickly, the pelvic floor is toned, incontinence is avoided due to strong pelvic floor muscles and the general condition of health is better with regular dancing sessions. Baby often likes swaying in mother's arms when she's doing figure eights and dancing to soft music! Belly dancing and birthing have been inextricably linked for thousands of years - since the days of ancient female deity worship, to tribal fertility ceremony, to the harem, to birth customs in today's Arabian villages.

MENSURATION AND BELLY DANCING

Menstruation comes from the Latin term 'menses' which means monthly. The lunar month of approximately twenty nine and a quarter days is also the approximate cyclic timing of the menstrual cycle, give or take a few days. In ancient times, the lunar cycle and a woman's menses were seen to be divinely linked. As in the ancient cult of Artemis (or Diana, Huntress of the Moon) which existed in Ephesus, near what is now Selcuk in Turkey, artemisian legend from the matriarchal religion tells that the woman's period fell on the dark moon and ovulation occurred on the full moon.

The priestesses and dancers of the Temple of Artemis would dance ecstatically on the four mountain tops of Ephesus at the time of the full moon - to celebrate their deity and to celebrate with the menfolk! The dance they did was the called the Chiftetelli - full of wild shimmies and abandoned movements danced as a fertility rite. This was the time when conception was most likely, and the dance became frenzied and trance-like with a communal ritualistic, sexual fervor  However at the time of the dark moon, the dancers would sway gently,alone and quietly rolling their hips in a meditative contemplation.

Gentle belly dance is a relaxing way to stimulate the blood flow, and for some women, to 'tune in' and enjoy their periods. Nowadays, the problem of PMS or pre-menstrual syndrome affects many young women in their child bearing years. Physical and emotional blockages can contribute to the painful condition - and stress only serves to make the problem worse. However, soothing belly dance movements such as rolling the hips, figure of eights and undulations can help to alleviate the congestion in the pelvic area. Circulation to the pelvic area improves and at the same time, the feeling of relaxation alleviates stress.

Belly dancing can help relieve PMS. Our students have over the years reported that one of the most incredible benefits of belly dancing has been the relief of PMS, which some had suffered from quite severely. Many women with PMS, never again had to deal with painful periods thanks to belly dancing. Relaxed, slow belly dancing can be beneficial for the reduction of the pain and pelvic congestion experienced several days to a week before periods. Practicing a deep belly breath whilst dancing is also helpful.

Through the Hafla Nights... A celebration!!!

 We are on a Hafla high!!!!!!

Just got done with our Hafla, brought together by the Veve Dance family to celebrate Women’s Day and did we have rocking time or what :D

For people coming in late, a "Hafla" is a celebration or a social gathering of sorts hosted by a Belly Dancer or a Belly Dance School. These parties could be as big as a stage show performance starring professional dancers, to a group of people dancing together in a living room.

We at Veve dance mostly have an informal gathering at a popular hangout or at one of our benchmark Branches. There are performances by our Director Veronica Simas de Souza, our Instructors and our students from all our various branches.

Every year our instructors travel to Egypt to take part in the Nile Group Festival. Nile group festival is one of the biggest oriental Dance Festivals in the World and proudly presents many of the most famous dancers and teachers from Egypt and the rest of the World in a lovely mix. Our instructors learn various choreographies of various genres of egyptian Belly dancing from various eminent Belly dancers and teach it to our students back here. In this way, we always keep ourselves updated on what new and happening in the Belly dance community across the world.

After learning them, our students get an opportunity to perform these choreographies at the Haflas. Every time around, we have a new theme for the Hafla with help of which we try to bring out the essence of these choreographies. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all our students to showcase their Belly dancing skills in front of family, friends and acquaintances and spend a fun-filled evening with them.

Last week on the occasion of International Women's Day, on the 8^th of March 2013, we at Veve Dance had a Hafla celebration at our Sion Branch at Arts in Motion Studio.

This year’s theme was one very close to our hearts - 

Like a Sparkling Diamond, Rare & Precious...

Women's Day Hafla - March 2013, Sion

Women are Diamonds,

Worthy dynamic and strong;

Capable of conquering all.

Tell everyone where you belong...

Among the heavens

Sparkling like stars

Classy and proud

For a Diamond is a true find...

Desired, loved and prized!!!

And that is you, my dear,

Irreplaceable and wise.

Just like a diamond, rare and precious, a woman’s soul is an embodiment of Love, Light, compassion and sacrifice. Various obstacles in life helps to cut, shape and polish the soul of a woman to bring out the various facets of her personality.

To celebrate this strength and timeless essence of a Woman's soul, we had a sparkling Hafla evening hosted by legendary host and our Director, the ever vivacious Veronica. 

There were performances by all our instructors and students spanning various genres of Egyptian Belly Dance.

The evening started bright with a Modern Balady performance which was lead by Instructor Sama Patkar and her bevy of beauties. It was a performance filled with innovative combinations and impressive techniques along with very effective moves. Loads of layering, shimmies and enjoyment complemented the quirky music very perfectly.

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Kaheena who is one of the most sought after teachers at the Nile festival because of her technique oriented fun and quirky choreographies.

It was followed by an unique Oriental Assaya performance by Instructor Megha Manjunatha and her cane totting group of girls. This saidi choreography had a very unique oriental flavour to it and used the cane as a prop. Classy arabesques mixed with naughty looks raised the tempo of the evening a couple of notches up.

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Ahmed Refaat, who is a world renowned dancer and choreographer of Egyptian Folklore.

Next in line were the cheeky girls of Cheeky Baladi lead by the cheekiest of them all, Instructor Nirali Shah. They gave the audience a taste of the local native dance form of Egypt with earthy and fresh moves combined with a flirtatious attitude. The lady in the song tells the guy to hurry because she has no time!

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Sameh El Dessouki, who is a folklore dancer and travels to many different countries for workshops and festivals.

The evening took a saucy turn with the Shaabi Cabaret number. It was a delightful choreography with sassy moves and loads of shimmies and tantrums by Instructor Sara Bade and her bunch of hotties. What fun... when the woman say 'not now'!

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Lubna Emam, who travels are around the world teaching classical oriental dance.

Then came in the girls in red with Instructor Aakriti Prasad with their Folk Shaabi performance straight from the interiors of Egypt. It was a choreography with purposeful movements straight from the heart brought on by loads of attitude and charm.

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Tito Seif, who for the last 10 years has been working as an oriental and folklore dancer and has his own folklore group that he is training, Tito Oriental Show which is working together with him all over Egypt.

Setting off all the fluorescent alarms in the vicinity, Instructor Namrata Randhawa with her Pop Shaabi girls gave a very dynamic and vigorous performance. Shaabi has taken a turn into the pop, in the urban neighborhoods of Egypt and in the Cairo Clubs.

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Ousama Emam, who is the teacher director of Kaoumeya Troupe for egyptian folklore dance and he is representing Egypt in many international dance festivals.

Lead by Instructor, Dipika Vijay, came in the elegant girls of the Oum Khatum choreography. A performance full of intricate shimmies, layers and techniques. It was brisk, alert and nimble all at the same time! The song expressed a delicate and engaging yearning to be with ones love and was very beautifully expressed by the performers.

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teacher Hatem Hamdi, who has been dancing since the age of 10 years old and has been a teacher at the Nile group since 2011.

The performance of Drum Solo complete with sharp and crisp isolated movements to the heady music full of drum beats was lead full on with high energy by Instructor Sanjana Muthreja and the zeal with which she and her gang of girls performed, took this spirited choreography to a totally new level!

Inspired by the egyptian masters, this dance number was choreographed by our senior instructor Sanjana Muthreja. 

Our Director Veronica Simas de Souza took over the floor with a solo rendition of Taqsim. Her soulful and graceful moves mixed with ever so precise shimmies left her audience spell bound.  

The Finale of the evening was an oriental pop performance lead by our Director Veronica with her graceful gang of girls. It was an absolutely delightful and fun choreography with the use of veil as a prop with loads of entertainment, hair tossing and masti.. la Veve style!

This choreography was learnt by our instructor at the Nile group festival from Master Teachers Marwa & Tuna, two Egyptian sisters whose high octane hair tossing choreographies are world renowned.

The evening ended on a very high note with a flash mob performance, where all the students of Veve Dance got up and started dancing to the beats of this hot oriental pop number.

A special treat awaited the lovely ladies, with booths for Tarot readings and sinful choco-chip cookie indulgences making the evening even more special.

Colors of a Woman

Women's Day Hafla - March 2012, Sion

Soon it got dusk; a rosy dusk, a purple dusk...

Over tangerine grooves and lush green fields;

The Sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgundy red

The meadows the color of love,

And the sky a bluish haze filled with eastern mysteries

The 2012 Hafla celebrating Women’s Day tried to capture the essence of all these colors and more in a Woman's life. On the day after the full moon in early March, we welcomed the new season of spring associated with love and exhilarating joy. The Hafla Night brought the festival of colors - Holi and Women’s Day under one roof. It was a great excuse for all women to shed their inhibitions and differences for a day of spring fever and fun through dance. We had a variety of performances by the Instructors and students across all branches.

- Color me Pink -

The color of a sunset on a cold winter's day,

the smell of the rose after the heady rains,

the color of the lace on a soft pillow

the color of the flower sheltered by the willow.

- Color me White -

White as a Swan sailing in the lake

White as a Dove flying in the sky

White as the Snow melting as Summer nears

White as the shimmering ocean in the moonlight

- Color me Yellow -

Yellow are the mustard fields

the butterflies and the bumblebees

juicy lemons and sunflowers

ray of light in the morning hour

- Color me Transparent -

Become so transparent, see thought floating in brain

Bubbles without surface, permeating everything

Waves of indefinable amplitude, wash soul and cleanses core

Ready for future happiness, in and outside virtual doors

A special performance of Contemprary and Jazz by International artist and a very close friend of our Director Veronica, Malou Meyenhofer. A dancer and choreographer of Contemporary and Jazz, Malou had performed in Europe, Asia and the US. Musicality and the search for beauty in all moments defines her choreography and the passion to share it. Her breath-taking performance where she floated across the room form one subtle movement to another was a sight to behold.

- Color me Red -

Red is the color of fire going higher

Red is the glint on the ruby stone

Red is the sound of a Dragon

Red is the castings of a master magician's spell

- Color me colorful -

What is red? a poppy's red... In its barley bed

What is blue? the sky is blue... Where the clouds float thru

What is black? her hair is black... As it flies in the wind

What is orange? A sunset orange... Staining the evening sky.

They say a picture is worth a 1001 words. The after-party was as rocking as the Hafla, if not more. The celebration which shifted from Sion studio to Hard Rock Cafe was hopping all the way. Our instructors were seen dancing and enjoying themselves on the wall, the honor of dancing on which is reserved only for the Service staff at HRC.

Moods of a Woman

Women's Day Hafla - March 2011, Sion

Every woman is unique in her own different ways 

Unique likes… Unique dislikes… 

Yet there is something very common in each and every woman

It is her multi – faceted personality

She is as warm as the Sun

As calm as the moon

As delightful as the rain

As unpredictable as the wind

She is as delicate as the petals of an Orchid

And at the same time as strong as the roots of a Banyan tree.

During the 2011 Women’s Day Hafla, for the first time ever, we put forth performances which utilized the use of various props of Belly Dancing like the Sword, Diyas, Veil, Assaya or the Cane and Hand held feathered Fans.

The theme of the Hafla being – Moods of a Woman, with the help of these various props, we tried to portray the multiple embodiment of a Woman's personality.

The Veil to portray the quintessence of a woman's sensuality.

The Feathered fans to portray her vivacious side.

The Cane or the Assaya to portray the quirky aspect of her personality

The Sword to portray her inner strength and steely reserve.

The Diyas or the hand held lamps to portray the complete peace and Harmony of the inner Goddess within every woman.

Mystic Hafla

Women's Day Hafla - March 2010, Sion

Shimmering Veils, Swaying Skirts

Tattoo Ankles, Silver Hoops

Sinuous Arms, Alluring Hips

Personal Musings, Psychic Insights

Indian Mysticism, Egyptian Magic

And we have a heady Potion ready

For the Belle and her Soul

Our Director Veronica's aim is quite simple. All she wants is for you to feel like a goddess, like the most beautiful woman out there and how can one achieve that kind of self-esteem, or rather, self-realization on the eve of Woman's Day? By switching ones Blackberry off and driving away all thoughts of impending deadlines, to step into a zone that is simply about the Hafla, or the celebration. Exactly what are we celebrating here?

"Womanhood", replies Veronica, "and that all of us are Goddesses, that we are all divine at heart. It is about the joy that comes with discovering ourselves, coupled with the thought that we are so very beautiful."

There were performances by Instructors and Students of Veve Dance. The theme was being mystic. So the performers let their eyes do all the speaking through mysterious veils and their subtle yet sexy movements.

Towards the end of the celebrations, to help the ladies in attendance shed their inhibitions and become comfortable with their own self and being, Veronica took a workshop where she taught a couple of sensuous Belly dancing moves and everyone let their hair down and danced to some seductive numbers.

A tarot card reader added to the mystical and magical mood.

Secrets In Lace: The Burlesque Night

Hafla Night at ZENZI - December 2009

Girls Aloud!

Bringing back the glamour... A raucous evening

Of high-kicking legs and tassels twirling

Ladies in the club

It is show-time!

Burlesque style is all about sexy sophistication. It is about tease and seduction. To dress burlesque is to dress like a lady - a lady with a naughty side! Burlesque is about stockings, corsets, high heels, feather boas, satin gloves, vintage clothes and old fashioned glamour.

The evening of 8th December 2009 had a vivacious and bawdy milieu to it, all the way from the suburbs to the up-town at Todi Mills, Lower Parel. The theme of the evening being - "Secret in Lace: The Burlesque Night", it was an uproarious celebration through and through, with bodacious beauties and sultry songs taking center stage. Set to swingin’ music, the show featured performances by Veronica, the Instructors and students of Veve Dance, with special guest appearances by other Zenzi favorites, Anoushka on the vocals/guitar/harmonica and a Lady Resident DJ on the Turntables. ‘Secret in Lace’ was a throwback to the boozy speak-easy nights of vaudeville, while at the same time, paid homage to the magic and roots of the kind of cabaret found only in Helen's movies.

There was also an Exhibition area with Lingerie, Bijouterie, Make up & Nail Bar.

In The Darkness: The Gothic Interval

Hafla Night at ZENZI - Oct 2009

In the Darkness of the Night,

The stars shine bright

Revealing the haunted masks

Of the dead souls taking flight

Oh, beyond your smile

Oh, sleep tonight

Oh, the haunted mile

Oh, the love filled tile

The darkness unveils

Your perfect face

Behind the skin p...ale

Is a heart that beats

The spirits disappear

As I kiss your wine red lips

Happiness devours me

As time strips

I just wish the night would never die

Forever you and me

Take me with you everywhere

Even into death for I’m in love with thee"

The theme of the evening being - In the Darkness: The Gothic Interval, our instructors and students dressed up as various creatures of the dark, presented a series of performances paying homage to the darker side of life. Veronica performed a special Gothic-Belly fusion on the chart-buster song "Bring me to life" by Evanescence. 

The Hafla also saw a competition for the “Best Dressed” for which the audience had turned up in full force in their Gothic best.

Zenzi where the Hafla was held, had turned into an underworld meeting place of sorts for the Belly Dancing souls.

Egyptian nights : Nefertiti Resurrected

Hafla Night at ZENZI - July 2009

Bathed in the gossamer Moonlight, under the canopy of the Stars,

Blows the gusty easterly winds making the sand dunes rise and fall.

The Eyes perceives a desert Nymph who you wonder may a Mirage be

Her Aura like a thousand suns… a silhouette against the darkened Night.

She raises her hands to the heavens above and brings them slowly down,

She begins her mesmeric ethereal dance, her eyes smoldering like coals.

She shimmies and undulates in tandem with the heavenly beats….

Then a veil descends upon her and nothing more can you see.

A sudden change you feel in the surrounding air, the magic’s upon you,

She rises like the Sylph and swirls around the sand creating a desert gale.

The souls of the various Kings and Queens of Egypt all through the ages had descended upon Zenzi to witness this beautiful evening. It was a night to celebrate the culture and traditions of the land of Pharaohs and Pyramids.

The theme of the evening was - Egyptian Nights: Nefertiti Resurrected. Nefertiti was the only Pharaohess of the ancient Egypt and hence is respected and worshiped all over the world. The word Nerfertiti means "the beautiful one has arrived."

All the students and instructors along with Veronica were dressed up in their regal Egyptian finery and performed on famous Egyptian songs taking their audience with them on a journey through the land of the river Nile.

Gypsy Caravan with Queen Harish

Hafla Night at ZENZI - Feb 2009

Proud to be a Gypsy traveler on the road

With all the tales of the Gypsy life that was told

Of the proud caravan that cherished every day

Who rode upon gods highway and cast their cares away

The folks they all gathered to eat upon the green

Where the oak dale trees were stout and the roads were in between

The wheels shared with the road a tale or two

As they chatted there so freely… Oh what a right thing to do!!!

They talked of Gypsies from long long ago

How they traveled on the road, summers rain and winters snow

Oh the highways they were wide then with their twisting lanes a few

When the dew was on the ground and the road was their true

Proud to be a Gypsy traveler on the road

With dress the brightest of red, green and yellow

Her heart was rich not cold

And her smile only widened, each day forth.

The theme of the Hafla being Gypsy Caravan, off we went to the land of gypsies, with flying skirts, colorful turbans, henna and lots more. 

A small Mela set-up was arranged for, where one could buy bangles, get henna applied or painted on ones’ body and also find out what ones' cards said from the Tarot reader. 

The highlight of the evening was performances by our special guest for the evening, Mumbai’s sensational, Jaisalmer born and raised, International Performer, and a close friend of our Director Veronica - Queen Harish, who was the cynosure of every eyes that attended the Hafla. Jaisalmer, the first city on the desert road to Egypt, made entirely of stones; reflects a golden pattern in the middle of Rajasthan, country of the Kings and Queen Harish is the dancing whirling queen of the desert of India.

Queen Harish who performed on many famous Hindi numbers including “Dil Cheez kya hai” from Umrao Jaan to “Nachle le” made famous by Madhuri Dixit, exuded charm and grace. With his signature moves and nakhras, he received a standing ovation and a reverberating request for an encore.

The Grand performance of the evening was a jugalbandi between Veronica and Queen. The stunning performance by these two very accomplished performers left all those in attendance slack-jawed.

The evening also saw a belly dance workshop, along with breathtaking performances by Instructors and Students of Veve dance. 

Princess Perfume Hafla

Hafla Night at ZENZI - Nov 2008

The inspiration for this Hafla came after Veronica’s first trip to Istanbul. She had spent a very long time in the old district of Sultanahmet visiting the Old Palace and the harem quarters. The whole city had an atmosphere of royal secretiveness and alluring seduction that could only be experienced by the Princess Perfume and this atmosphere was carried by Veronica all the way from the cobbled streets of Istanbul to the crazy streets of Mumbai.

There was a Solo performance by Veronica as the Princess Perfume of Istanbul

Senior students of Veve Dance presenting a beautiful piece in honor of the Princess

A unique Sword Dance - "Guards of the Princess" was presented by the Senior students of Veve Dance.

A free Belly dance workshop by Veronica, where she taught all those present some special turkish belly dance moves.

The evening also saw a Solo performance by Veronica on her favourite Asena Classical Turkish selection.

The night ended on a high note with everyone dancing together on the floor with Tarkan favorite Istanbul bar remixes and Turkish delight songs.

The night also included Tea, dry fruits, baklava and luxurious princess massage by Shakti.

Hafla Night with Mathias Duplessy

ZENZI - May 2008

               

French composer of film soundtracks, music for theater plays and contemporary dance shows and a very close friend of our Director Veronica, Mathias Duplessy of 'Peepli Live' and 'Delhi in a day' fame, is a travelling artist who performs at different international venues. 

In India for a special performance, it was a true honor for Veve Dance, to have him perform at the Hafla. Creating a unique atmosphere of his own, he did a rendition of mongolian throat singing whilst playing the Morin Khuur which a typically mongolian two-stringed instrument and has a sound similar to a violin or a cello.

The highlight of the evening was his jugalbandi with Veronica whose dancing flowed through harmoniously with the Live music and gave rise to two very unique and spell-binding performances.

In the first performance, Veronica danced to Mr. Mathias' Live singing of a traditional mongolian song.

In the second performance, Veronica danced to Mr. Mathias' playing of the Flamenco Guitar.

Veronica was later heard saying, "It was the first time i had ever danced on a live Mongolian rendition and it was other worldly." 

The Hafla also saw performances by Senior students of Veve Dance. Towards the end of the evening, Veronica conducted a free Belly Dance workshop and at the end of it there was live DJ and everyone present were invited onto the dance floor to dance through the rest of the evening.

Hafla Night with Anupam Shobharkar

ZENZI - April 2008

This was the very FIRST TIME where LIVE music was introduced into the Hafla atmosphere by Veve Dance.

Anupam Shobhakar, is a highly talented award winning Indian musician, composer, instrumentalist, record producer, and classically trained Sarodist with an extensive experience in performing live around the world at various venues and for various charitable causes. He has released three World Fusion albums, and one classical Indian music album. Shobhakar's track "Water" was nominated for the first round of Grammy awards. He has also been a member of the Pangean orchestra comprising of 50 of Arizona’s most diverse musicians. 

It was a with great happiness that Veve Dance received such an esteemed guest at our Hafla. Such powerful was the rendition of the Sarod by Mr. Anupam, that all the audience were transported to another time and space through his performance.

Veronica performed a very beautiful Solo piece to the live music of Sarod by Mr. Anupam. The sublime poetry of this great jugalbandi had the audience spell bound.

Veronica also presented a unique Sword dance with senior students of Veve Dance

Veronica and students presenting a beautiful dance piece using the Veil as the prop

Hafla Night at Quay Lounge - September 2007

                          

After a long break from 9^th June 2006, the Hafla nights were back with a hugeee bang from September 2007. For the first time, Veve Dance had the opportunity to host its Hafla Night at Quay Lounge at Chowpatty. This Hafla saw a lot many 'firsts' in the history of Veve Dance Haflas.

The evening began with a talk on - 'Essential Oils through Time'. It discussed the rejuvenating and therapeutic properties of Aromatherapy oils of Jasmine, Rose and Cinnamon.

For the first time in a Hafla, there was a Live singing performance by Singer Raageshwari Loomba. Raageshwari is an Indian pop singer, actress, model, television anchor, former MTV and Channel V VJ, a yoga expert and a motivational speaker. She is lovingly called 'Positive Raaga and the messenger of peace'.

For the first time, a very special performance by a visiting International Belly Dancer.

The evening also saw various group performances by students of Veve Dance.

A special solo performance by student of Veve Dance, Parinaz 

A solo dance performance by Director Veronica.

The evening ended with a free Belly Dance Workshop conducted by Veronica

The Hafla Lounge 

FIRST EVER Hafla Night at ZENZI - 9th June, 2006

The opening of "The Hafla Lounge" happened on the 9th of June, 2006 with celebrities, expats and the sexiest Bandraites women. This was the FIRST HAFLA event in INDIA which was only for women.

The Hafla began with a small talk about the origins, history and new trends in Belly Dancing or Raqs Sharqi. There was also a Q & A session where the frequently asked questions on Belly Dance were answered.

Veronica then proceeded to explain the Fundamentals of Belly dancing like the right posture, balance, isolation of body, rhythm and musical interpretation.

Guests also enjoyed the various types of Sweets, fruits and Tea that was served.

Veronica presented a two piece performance.

1st piece was an "Inta Omri" composition made popular by Oum Kalthum who was an Egyptian singer and musician. One of the best known and most beloved of all singers in the Arab World.

2nd piece was a unique performance on Egyptian and Brazilian Percussion solo on the song Hip on the Beat.

The evening ended with a Free Belly dance workshop conducted by Veronica.