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Interview with Rachel.
What is the song that your are dancing to in the video and how did you select it?
The song in the video is off one of those random Arabic cds that you buy with only one good
song on it, and that was it. It is all written in Arabic so I am not sure what it is called, but
there is a dancer in costume walking on the beach and her costume is blue. Wish I could find
another copy because my copy is getting scratched.
Did you improvise or choreograph? Which do you prefer?
I know this song well because I have used that piece for about 10 years. That particular dance
was done all improv. I think that improv is so exciting because it is spur of the moment and
you can vibe of the audience’s energy and play back and forth with them. That makes for
such an entertaining show!
I also really like choreography. The main reason is because after memorizing specific
movement it becomes written in your muscle memory for easy access later. I am a big fan of
improv, so when I improv I usually tap into a lot of the combinations and movement I have
learned in choreographies. Some of my favorite stuff is from choreographies.
Who has had the greatest impact on your dancing that is not a dancer?
The person who has impacted me the most who is not a dancer would by far by my mother.
She has always been there for me through the struggles and fun times; through the wins and
losses and has always encouraged me to do what I love to do. So I do.
What has been the most unexpected experience that you have had with belly dance?
The most unexpected experience I have had is when I won the 2002 Double Crown
competition. That time in my life was very hard for me. I was in the middle of an abusive and
emotionally violent relationship with a Persian man and the last thing I expected was to win
something. I went to that competition an hour after I got up from doing my shows the night
before in the clubs till 2am. My costume still had the stale smoke smell from the previous
night.
I knew there some big names competing so I figured I didn’t have to worry about winning so
just looked at it like another gig. I was first to perform of I think 17 girls. The whole time I
was on stage all I could think of was I had to do a good job so that my mom could be proud,
and how hurt I was that my Persian boyfriend hated what I did. When they announced 3rd,
then 2nd, I was ready to go home. Then they said my name for first! My mom started crying
and that made me cry. I had never won anything before, ever in anything! So that was so
unexpected.
What is the best piece of advice that you can offer to fellow bellydancers?
The best piece of advice I can offer is to always dance with your heart. Sometimes the heart is
raw, but that makes a more intense artist. It’s okay to listen to your heart and follow what
you dream. The road is not always short, but if you stay on it, you will find your dreams.
What are your future plans?
For the future I plan to move back to San Diego for the sun in September 08. Oregon is just
too wet. I will continue teaching and performing till I can’t do it anymore. The night clubs I
will be done with in about 4 years. I am planning to certify for Suhaila’s level 3 in February
09 and continue on from there to keep training and finish to level 5. After that maybe work on
a family?
What is the song that your are dancing to in the video and how did you select it?
The song in the video is off one of those random Arabic cds that you buy with only one good
song on it, and that was it. It is all written in Arabic so I am not sure what it is called, but
there is a dancer in costume walking on the beach and her costume is blue. Wish I could find
another copy because my copy is getting scratched.
Did you improvise or choreograph? Which do you prefer?
I know this song well because I have used that piece for about 10 years. That particular dance
was done all improv. I think that improv is so exciting because it is spur of the moment and
you can vibe of the audience’s energy and play back and forth with them. That makes for
such an entertaining show!
I also really like choreography. The main reason is because after memorizing specific
movement it becomes written in your muscle memory for easy access later. I am a big fan of
improv, so when I improv I usually tap into a lot of the combinations and movement I have
learned in choreographies. Some of my favorite stuff is from choreographies.
Who has had the greatest impact on your dancing that is not a dancer?
The person who has impacted me the most who is not a dancer would by far by my mother.
She has always been there for me through the struggles and fun times; through the wins and
losses and has always encouraged me to do what I love to do. So I do.
What has been the most unexpected experience that you have had with belly dance?
The most unexpected experience I have had is when I won the 2002 Double Crown
competition. That time in my life was very hard for me. I was in the middle of an abusive and
emotionally violent relationship with a Persian man and the last thing I expected was to win
something. I went to that competition an hour after I got up from doing my shows the night
before in the clubs till 2am. My costume still had the stale smoke smell from the previous
night.
I knew there some big names competing so I figured I didn’t have to worry about winning so
just looked at it like another gig. I was first to perform of I think 17 girls. The whole time I
was on stage all I could think of was I had to do a good job so that my mom could be proud,
and how hurt I was that my Persian boyfriend hated what I did. When they announced 3rd,
then 2nd, I was ready to go home. Then they said my name for first! My mom started crying
and that made me cry. I had never won anything before, ever in anything! So that was so
unexpected.
What is the best piece of advice that you can offer to fellow bellydancers?
The best piece of advice I can offer is to always dance with your heart. Sometimes the heart is
raw, but that makes a more intense artist. It’s okay to listen to your heart and follow what
you dream. The road is not always short, but if you stay on it, you will find your dreams.
What are your future plans?
For the future I plan to move back to San Diego for the sun in September 08. Oregon is just
too wet. I will continue teaching and performing till I can’t do it anymore. The night clubs I
will be done with in about 4 years. I am planning to certify for Suhaila’s level 3 in February
09 and continue on from there to keep training and finish to level 5. After that maybe work on
a family?
| Hipdrop Featured Artist Rachel George Portland, Oregon |
About Rachel Rachel’s dance was inspired by Aziza in 1995, and Suhiala Salimpour in 2000. Her dance is dramatic and emotion felt combined with energetic enthusiasm for the art. Rachel’s ability to interpret different timed rhythms is apparent in her ability to execute layered isolations in drum solos and orchestrated melodies. 2007 Entertainer of the Year, 2006 Belly Dancer USA, 2006 Emerald Rain, 2002 Double Crown. Dance is the hidden language of the soul. To learn more about Rachel go to www.RachelBellydance.com or click the on the photos to the left. |
To view Rachel's video click on the photo above
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