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| Marianna Photo Album Things that I would like to share... ... And some funny things You can click on any of the pictures to view them in full size Several updates throughout the page - Aug /Sept |
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Before belly dance... and outside of belly dance...
My heritage: 100 % Hungarian
My life as a belly dancer - how it helped me on so many levels
There are so many belly dancers out there who start their story with :
1. "…I have been dancing since the age of 3 – I had extensive training in ballet, jazz and tap dance, and I always loved dance,
any kind of dance…”
2. “... Ever since I was little I was always drawn to Middle Eastern music, the rhythm and the exotic sounds…”
Or their story is even more impressive
3. “…I am a second generation entertainer, my parents were musicians / dancers / belly dancers / circus performers, etc…”
Well, my story is different. It’s probably not as impressive, but it may be more inspiring.
1. I never knew how to dance. When I was growing up I was never into dancing, I haven’t even been to a club. I was more into
rock music, more specifically, heavy metal (don’t laugh :). In Europe teenagers take this even more seriously, as if they had all
taken an oath to never go near a club, or anything to do with happy, upbeat music with recognizable melody. So naturally I never
thought I had any rhythm or any ability / talent to dance and move gracefully.
2. My parents were certainly not entertainers / musicians / dancers – they had nothing to do with any of these. In my
family I am probably the most musical – at age 7 I played the piano, but stopped the lessons after 1 year [not my choice! :( ] and
in elementary school I learned to play the recorder – on my own. I definitely enjoyed music – in school we had a very emphasized
exposure to classical music. (yes, the education in Hungary focuses much more on a “general” education, meaning you must be
knowledgeable and educated in art as well as science and humanities, including classical music, music history, know who the
famous composers were, their life history and their main pieces as well as learn how to read sheet music).
My sister and I have a talent for drawing, painting (she’s much more talented than I am), but our parents never had any inclination
to art – my mom favors science, and my dad… well, in those days men were not supposed to focus on art, unless they were
Roma, or had some God-given talent they couldn’t run away from.
3. And finally, I certainly had no idea what a belly dancer was. Yes, growing up in Hungary we read a lot of stories
influenced by the Turkish occupation, Turkish culture, etc, I had seen images and descriptions – but I had never even seen a
belly dancer and her performance. Not even in the movies.
In 2002 I walked into my first belly dance class, not knowing what to expect. I mainly did it, because it was becoming very popular
in Hungary, so I was curious. Also I figured, not having any rhythm is o.k. when I try something very different. No one is supposed
to know how to belly dance, so I have a clean slate.
From my first class I fell in love with it. I started taking 2 classes / week right away. I searched the internet for more information
about the styles, history, costuming and the music. I wanted to create my own “harem pants”, skirts and cropped tops, so I
purchased my first sewing machine and learned how to sew. Since then I have learned how to sew professional quality costumes,
and I had made many- many of my own clothes (tops, skirts, pants, dresses).
I have never missed a class. Ever. I was lucky to find good quality teachers (there are so many in San Diego) and after 1 year I
had switched to private and semi-private classes with Bahira. I felt blessed and honored to have known her (she’s retired now) -
she was an excellent dancer, excellent teacher, and a beautiful, generous, encouraging and warm person. She has thought me
(and a lot of local dancers) pretty much everything. I had also made some good friends along the way, whom I am still very close
to today.
Belly dance has taken me back to school. Like most dancers, I always wished I knew what the Arabic singers were singing. I
have always loved languages -while growing up I studied Russian and German in school (4-8 years) , I experimented with French,
a little Japanese and I learned English completely on my own. So I took on the challenge to learn Arabic. It was hard, and I
learned a lot (especially reading and writing) but it’s impossible to know the pronunciation without a live person. So I enrolled at
Grossmont College, and because I loved it so much, I became a full time student. In less then 2 years I earned my Associate’s
Degree in Arabic and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics at SDSU. If it wasn’t for belly dancing, I would
have never thought about going back to school. I was always intimidated by learning in a second language at college level. Also
because I was able to quit my day job about 2 years ago, and solely support myself and my daughter from dancing, I was (am)
able to attend school full time.
So this is my story – now you know pretty much everything there is to know.
I hope my story will inspire those who have never danced and feel insecure about it. Those who feel they have no ability to move
gracefully or do not have the body for it. I dance because I love it, and because I was determined to learn everything I can.
If I can dance – so can you.
There are so many belly dancers out there who start their story with :
1. "…I have been dancing since the age of 3 – I had extensive training in ballet, jazz and tap dance, and I always loved dance,
any kind of dance…”
2. “... Ever since I was little I was always drawn to Middle Eastern music, the rhythm and the exotic sounds…”
Or their story is even more impressive
3. “…I am a second generation entertainer, my parents were musicians / dancers / belly dancers / circus performers, etc…”
Well, my story is different. It’s probably not as impressive, but it may be more inspiring.
1. I never knew how to dance. When I was growing up I was never into dancing, I haven’t even been to a club. I was more into
rock music, more specifically, heavy metal (don’t laugh :). In Europe teenagers take this even more seriously, as if they had all
taken an oath to never go near a club, or anything to do with happy, upbeat music with recognizable melody. So naturally I never
thought I had any rhythm or any ability / talent to dance and move gracefully.
2. My parents were certainly not entertainers / musicians / dancers – they had nothing to do with any of these. In my
family I am probably the most musical – at age 7 I played the piano, but stopped the lessons after 1 year [not my choice! :( ] and
in elementary school I learned to play the recorder – on my own. I definitely enjoyed music – in school we had a very emphasized
exposure to classical music. (yes, the education in Hungary focuses much more on a “general” education, meaning you must be
knowledgeable and educated in art as well as science and humanities, including classical music, music history, know who the
famous composers were, their life history and their main pieces as well as learn how to read sheet music).
My sister and I have a talent for drawing, painting (she’s much more talented than I am), but our parents never had any inclination
to art – my mom favors science, and my dad… well, in those days men were not supposed to focus on art, unless they were
Roma, or had some God-given talent they couldn’t run away from.
3. And finally, I certainly had no idea what a belly dancer was. Yes, growing up in Hungary we read a lot of stories
influenced by the Turkish occupation, Turkish culture, etc, I had seen images and descriptions – but I had never even seen a
belly dancer and her performance. Not even in the movies.
In 2002 I walked into my first belly dance class, not knowing what to expect. I mainly did it, because it was becoming very popular
in Hungary, so I was curious. Also I figured, not having any rhythm is o.k. when I try something very different. No one is supposed
to know how to belly dance, so I have a clean slate.
From my first class I fell in love with it. I started taking 2 classes / week right away. I searched the internet for more information
about the styles, history, costuming and the music. I wanted to create my own “harem pants”, skirts and cropped tops, so I
purchased my first sewing machine and learned how to sew. Since then I have learned how to sew professional quality costumes,
and I had made many- many of my own clothes (tops, skirts, pants, dresses).
I have never missed a class. Ever. I was lucky to find good quality teachers (there are so many in San Diego) and after 1 year I
had switched to private and semi-private classes with Bahira. I felt blessed and honored to have known her (she’s retired now) -
she was an excellent dancer, excellent teacher, and a beautiful, generous, encouraging and warm person. She has thought me
(and a lot of local dancers) pretty much everything. I had also made some good friends along the way, whom I am still very close
to today.
Belly dance has taken me back to school. Like most dancers, I always wished I knew what the Arabic singers were singing. I
have always loved languages -while growing up I studied Russian and German in school (4-8 years) , I experimented with French,
a little Japanese and I learned English completely on my own. So I took on the challenge to learn Arabic. It was hard, and I
learned a lot (especially reading and writing) but it’s impossible to know the pronunciation without a live person. So I enrolled at
Grossmont College, and because I loved it so much, I became a full time student. In less then 2 years I earned my Associate’s
Degree in Arabic and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics at SDSU. If it wasn’t for belly dancing, I would
have never thought about going back to school. I was always intimidated by learning in a second language at college level. Also
because I was able to quit my day job about 2 years ago, and solely support myself and my daughter from dancing, I was (am)
able to attend school full time.
So this is my story – now you know pretty much everything there is to know.
I hope my story will inspire those who have never danced and feel insecure about it. Those who feel they have no ability to move
gracefully or do not have the body for it. I dance because I love it, and because I was determined to learn everything I can.
If I can dance – so can you.
My hometown is Nyiregyháza - almost impossible to pronounce for non-native
speakers. Sort of like Neerajhaaza, but it is much different, as one of the sounds
does not exist in English.
We speak Hungarian and a lot of other things - Hungarian is the official language, but
because no one else speaks it, we must learn at least one other language to be able
to communicate with others. Most common languages are English, Russian, German,
French, Spanish and Italian.
Every elementry school has at least 1 foreign language (starting very early such as
3rd grade or so) maybe more.
On a side-note: as you see, no, Hungary is not shaped like a "stomach" and has
nothing to do with being hungry. It is from the Hungarian name of Hungária.
Similar to Turkey having nothing to do with the bird, that is from the Arabic name: Al
Turkiya (التركية )
speakers. Sort of like Neerajhaaza, but it is much different, as one of the sounds
does not exist in English.
We speak Hungarian and a lot of other things - Hungarian is the official language, but
because no one else speaks it, we must learn at least one other language to be able
to communicate with others. Most common languages are English, Russian, German,
French, Spanish and Italian.
Every elementry school has at least 1 foreign language (starting very early such as
3rd grade or so) maybe more.
On a side-note: as you see, no, Hungary is not shaped like a "stomach" and has
nothing to do with being hungry. It is from the Hungarian name of Hungária.
Similar to Turkey having nothing to do with the bird, that is from the Arabic name: Al
Turkiya (التركية )
Did you know...
Updated Aug 29th
- In Hungarian there are two words for "love"?
One word refers to love someone, anyone, a relative, a friend, an animal, a thing, it also refers to romantic love. But we have
another word "being in love". (whereas in English you either love, or are in love, but it's the same word). What is interesting is that
"to love" is expressed by a verb, fully conjugated in all kinds of ways, in my opinion, showing that we are fully aware of it, it is
something we are doing. But the other word is an adjective, which - I think - shows how we have no control over it, it just changes
us and we have no choice but to surrender.
well, this is just my opinion. But Greek actually wins this race because they have five different words for love.
(imagine that - it must be confusing to be Greek. Or at least to love:)
However, we also have two different word for hate: one is to hate someone, something, the other one is to passionately hate.
Usually when this word is used, one does wonder: did she say she hates me or love me? there's so much passion in it. And of
course they are both verbs.
- The history of the crescent is Hungarian
When the Turks were invading Hungary in the 15-1600s they tried to use clever tactics to overcome the Hungarians defense.
Present day Vienna was a Hungarian city back then, and the Turks were trying to build tunnels under the city to attack. (1683)
The Hungarian bakers who were working early (dawn) heard the rumblings and noises, gave the alarm, the Turks were caught
and their attacks failed. To remember their success the city bakers baked bread in the shape of the Turkish Empire's emblem:
the crescent. This was called kifli in Hungarian (pronounce: kefle) and became very popular not only in Vienna but in Budapest.
In the 18th century, Marie Antoinette may have brought "kifli" back to Paris, inspiring the French to make their own version: the
famous French croissant. (and we adopted it as crescent)
Kifli is originally made without sugar, the same dough is used as in rolls. It is made by cutting triangles and rolling them up, then
baking them. After it's done, you may eat it by itself, or cut it lengthwise and make a sandwich out of it. You can also cut it in
pieces, soak them in milk and bake them with sugar, poppy seeds, cinnamon, etc. Crescent are also baked sweet.
- Why do the church bells ring at noon every day? Well, In America and most parts of the world it is to signal to time for
worshipping (as they often ring at every hour, or several times / day), but in Europe it is to mark the Hungarian victory over the
Ottoman Turks. After capturing Constantinople, Sultan Mohammed II attacked Hungarian Belgrade in 1456. János Hunyadi
defeated him and Pope Calixtus issued the decree for church bells around Europe to ring at noon to remind us this victory.
Europe did very little to help Hungary at the time of the Turkish occupation, and this tiny country did everything it could to defend
itself. However, in 1521, the Turks finally did capture Belgrade. In 1526, the Turks entered Hungary through Mohács. Soon the
rest of the country fell to the Ottomans, who brought 150 years of Muslim rule in Hungary.
- what is a similarity between the Japanese and Hungarians?
We both have our last names first and first name last. Confusing? Not so much. It is - in my opinion- much more logical to be
identified with your family name first (marking which group or family you belong to) and only after be identified individually by your
first name. Even here, in official forms last names are written first and only after that first names.
(Also some people heard a myth that Hungarian and Japanese languages are related, but that's not true. They are pretty far way
from each other. I think this myth may have come from the above or from the fact they both languages are only spoken in their
countries. But while Hungarian is similar to Finnish as they are from the same language family (Uralic, and not Slavic !) Japanese
is a language isolate, meaning it does not belong to a language family / group shared by any other language.
- what is common between Turkish and Hungarian languages?
Both languages are phonetic, meaning the writing system faithfully resembles the pronunciation. This is results in more letters in
the alphabet, as each sound has a corresponding letter, and these rarely ever deviate. In order to this we have accents on
letters, Hungarian has even more than Turkish, for example: ö - ő - ü - ű - ú - é - á , etc. (Turkish actually only has ö and ü) but
they mark some of their consonants in addition). So you can actually easily learn how to read these languages, as long as you
learn which letter is which sound. (As opposed to English, where the "a" can be pronounced in a number of ways, such as "sat",
"ate", "father" , "that" etc.
Also in both of these languages we fully conjugate the verbs, which makes pronouns unnecessary. We have several cases for
nouns to mark objects (accusative) locations (locative), possessions (possessive), etc.
Instead of a lot of prepositions we use post positions (which is in my opinion logical as well, because you first present the noun
and then the details), and we use a lot affixes (prefix and suffix) in a very similar way.
Did I say I LOVE languages?? :)
Did you know that...
- in Hungarian customs when going to visit someone, you are supposed to refuse offerings (food, drinks,sweets) 3
times to be polite?
Usually when you visit someone in their home they offer you some snacks - something small to eat, drink (soda, juice or
coffee) and sweets. However, according to our old customs, you are not supposed to just accept it, because that could
imply that you arrived on an empty stomach, hoping that you would get to eat something once you're arrived. So you are
supposed to politely refuse, the host / hostess offer it again, you refuse again and so on. You can - and should - use all
sorts of polite excuses, as "I don't want to be any trouble", " I just ate before I came" "I won't be staying long", etc. After
the 3rd time if you still refuse then your host understand that you are really not hungry / thirsty / in a rush / leaving soon
however if you want to accept it now it is considered polite.
This is all great if you're used to it, you don't even notice it, but problem do arise in cross-cultural settings.
I will never forget the time we were in Germany and stayed with another family . In Germany (just like in a lot of places),
when it's time to eat - you eat. At breakfast they place everything edible on the table and you choose. Everyone puts
whatever they want on their plate and eat, drink, etc. Except for my Dad, who didn't want to eat because that would not
had been polite. He was waiting for our hosts to offer the food again, (well, it was laid out all over the table), so he can
refuse a few times before he starts to eat. For our hosts such silly rule never existed, my Mom tried to explain to my
Dad that you are bound by the rules of each culture's own. My Dad wouldn't accept it - I guess it is really hard to ignore
your own values and habits. So he stayed hungry all day because this continued at lunch and at dinner. He was pretty
mad, too, thinking that our hosts do not have very nice manners. If I remember correctly by dinner he realized that if he
wants to stick to his own traditions he will stay hungry, so he gave in. This was a very long time ago, but I still remember
- this was my first chance to see how other cultures differ and how we must adapt at least a little to get along or to
survive.
So next time you find a Hungarian in your house, make sure you offer snacks at least a few times - but don't take their
word for it until after you bugged them for awhile.
- up to about 15 years ago, and even today, you can only name your child certain names in Hungary? You can't just pick
anything.... and we have name days and celebrate slightly differently than birthdays...
- our Santa Claus comes on December 6th? But we still have Christmas. How is that possible? Also why would every
child in Hungary put one of their shoes / boots in their window on December 6th?
- why so many countries - including Hungary - has red, white and green as their flag colors?
Most colors are considered symbols and carry meanings. Red is one of the most powerful colors, symbolizing power,
sexuality, love, feelings, blood, thus war... In every country on this earth there has been at least one war in which people
shed blood, so red is definitely an important color in a flag, symbolizing war, lost blood and power.
White symbolizes innocence, pureness and peace. Each country hopes to achieve peace and .... freedom, which is
symbolized by green.
That's why so many flags have red, white and green in them: Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Bulgaria, Burundi, Equatorial
Guinea, Iran, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Oman and Tajikistan.
I will give you more details soon so come back to check on it :)
Updated Aug 29th
- In Hungarian there are two words for "love"?
One word refers to love someone, anyone, a relative, a friend, an animal, a thing, it also refers to romantic love. But we have
another word "being in love". (whereas in English you either love, or are in love, but it's the same word). What is interesting is that
"to love" is expressed by a verb, fully conjugated in all kinds of ways, in my opinion, showing that we are fully aware of it, it is
something we are doing. But the other word is an adjective, which - I think - shows how we have no control over it, it just changes
us and we have no choice but to surrender.
well, this is just my opinion. But Greek actually wins this race because they have five different words for love.
(imagine that - it must be confusing to be Greek. Or at least to love:)
However, we also have two different word for hate: one is to hate someone, something, the other one is to passionately hate.
Usually when this word is used, one does wonder: did she say she hates me or love me? there's so much passion in it. And of
course they are both verbs.
- The history of the crescent is Hungarian
When the Turks were invading Hungary in the 15-1600s they tried to use clever tactics to overcome the Hungarians defense.
Present day Vienna was a Hungarian city back then, and the Turks were trying to build tunnels under the city to attack. (1683)
The Hungarian bakers who were working early (dawn) heard the rumblings and noises, gave the alarm, the Turks were caught
and their attacks failed. To remember their success the city bakers baked bread in the shape of the Turkish Empire's emblem:
the crescent. This was called kifli in Hungarian (pronounce: kefle) and became very popular not only in Vienna but in Budapest.
In the 18th century, Marie Antoinette may have brought "kifli" back to Paris, inspiring the French to make their own version: the
famous French croissant. (and we adopted it as crescent)
Kifli is originally made without sugar, the same dough is used as in rolls. It is made by cutting triangles and rolling them up, then
baking them. After it's done, you may eat it by itself, or cut it lengthwise and make a sandwich out of it. You can also cut it in
pieces, soak them in milk and bake them with sugar, poppy seeds, cinnamon, etc. Crescent are also baked sweet.
- Why do the church bells ring at noon every day? Well, In America and most parts of the world it is to signal to time for
worshipping (as they often ring at every hour, or several times / day), but in Europe it is to mark the Hungarian victory over the
Ottoman Turks. After capturing Constantinople, Sultan Mohammed II attacked Hungarian Belgrade in 1456. János Hunyadi
defeated him and Pope Calixtus issued the decree for church bells around Europe to ring at noon to remind us this victory.
Europe did very little to help Hungary at the time of the Turkish occupation, and this tiny country did everything it could to defend
itself. However, in 1521, the Turks finally did capture Belgrade. In 1526, the Turks entered Hungary through Mohács. Soon the
rest of the country fell to the Ottomans, who brought 150 years of Muslim rule in Hungary.
- what is a similarity between the Japanese and Hungarians?
We both have our last names first and first name last. Confusing? Not so much. It is - in my opinion- much more logical to be
identified with your family name first (marking which group or family you belong to) and only after be identified individually by your
first name. Even here, in official forms last names are written first and only after that first names.
(Also some people heard a myth that Hungarian and Japanese languages are related, but that's not true. They are pretty far way
from each other. I think this myth may have come from the above or from the fact they both languages are only spoken in their
countries. But while Hungarian is similar to Finnish as they are from the same language family (Uralic, and not Slavic !) Japanese
is a language isolate, meaning it does not belong to a language family / group shared by any other language.
- what is common between Turkish and Hungarian languages?
Both languages are phonetic, meaning the writing system faithfully resembles the pronunciation. This is results in more letters in
the alphabet, as each sound has a corresponding letter, and these rarely ever deviate. In order to this we have accents on
letters, Hungarian has even more than Turkish, for example: ö - ő - ü - ű - ú - é - á , etc. (Turkish actually only has ö and ü) but
they mark some of their consonants in addition). So you can actually easily learn how to read these languages, as long as you
learn which letter is which sound. (As opposed to English, where the "a" can be pronounced in a number of ways, such as "sat",
"ate", "father" , "that" etc.
Also in both of these languages we fully conjugate the verbs, which makes pronouns unnecessary. We have several cases for
nouns to mark objects (accusative) locations (locative), possessions (possessive), etc.
Instead of a lot of prepositions we use post positions (which is in my opinion logical as well, because you first present the noun
and then the details), and we use a lot affixes (prefix and suffix) in a very similar way.
Did I say I LOVE languages?? :)
Did you know that...
- in Hungarian customs when going to visit someone, you are supposed to refuse offerings (food, drinks,sweets) 3
times to be polite?
Usually when you visit someone in their home they offer you some snacks - something small to eat, drink (soda, juice or
coffee) and sweets. However, according to our old customs, you are not supposed to just accept it, because that could
imply that you arrived on an empty stomach, hoping that you would get to eat something once you're arrived. So you are
supposed to politely refuse, the host / hostess offer it again, you refuse again and so on. You can - and should - use all
sorts of polite excuses, as "I don't want to be any trouble", " I just ate before I came" "I won't be staying long", etc. After
the 3rd time if you still refuse then your host understand that you are really not hungry / thirsty / in a rush / leaving soon
however if you want to accept it now it is considered polite.
This is all great if you're used to it, you don't even notice it, but problem do arise in cross-cultural settings.
I will never forget the time we were in Germany and stayed with another family . In Germany (just like in a lot of places),
when it's time to eat - you eat. At breakfast they place everything edible on the table and you choose. Everyone puts
whatever they want on their plate and eat, drink, etc. Except for my Dad, who didn't want to eat because that would not
had been polite. He was waiting for our hosts to offer the food again, (well, it was laid out all over the table), so he can
refuse a few times before he starts to eat. For our hosts such silly rule never existed, my Mom tried to explain to my
Dad that you are bound by the rules of each culture's own. My Dad wouldn't accept it - I guess it is really hard to ignore
your own values and habits. So he stayed hungry all day because this continued at lunch and at dinner. He was pretty
mad, too, thinking that our hosts do not have very nice manners. If I remember correctly by dinner he realized that if he
wants to stick to his own traditions he will stay hungry, so he gave in. This was a very long time ago, but I still remember
- this was my first chance to see how other cultures differ and how we must adapt at least a little to get along or to
survive.
So next time you find a Hungarian in your house, make sure you offer snacks at least a few times - but don't take their
word for it until after you bugged them for awhile.
- up to about 15 years ago, and even today, you can only name your child certain names in Hungary? You can't just pick
anything.... and we have name days and celebrate slightly differently than birthdays...
- our Santa Claus comes on December 6th? But we still have Christmas. How is that possible? Also why would every
child in Hungary put one of their shoes / boots in their window on December 6th?
- why so many countries - including Hungary - has red, white and green as their flag colors?
Most colors are considered symbols and carry meanings. Red is one of the most powerful colors, symbolizing power,
sexuality, love, feelings, blood, thus war... In every country on this earth there has been at least one war in which people
shed blood, so red is definitely an important color in a flag, symbolizing war, lost blood and power.
White symbolizes innocence, pureness and peace. Each country hopes to achieve peace and .... freedom, which is
symbolized by green.
That's why so many flags have red, white and green in them: Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Bulgaria, Burundi, Equatorial
Guinea, Iran, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Oman and Tajikistan.
I will give you more details soon so come back to check on it :)
A photo shoot by a wonderful photographer,
David Hernandez.
David Hernandez.
Lots of fun at Zorba's Greek Restaurant. After years of dancing there I left, but I will cherish the memories.
A party on March 3rd, 2007 with Nadirah and Stacey.
At Tito's workshop
in Las Vegas (he's
from Egypt) with
Violeta on August
7th, 2007
in Las Vegas (he's
from Egypt) with
Violeta on August
7th, 2007
A photo taken at Greek Town,
in October 2007 by Atheer Al
Wadi - an Iraqi singer from
Canada, now living in San
Diego
in October 2007 by Atheer Al
Wadi - an Iraqi singer from
Canada, now living in San
Diego
These are pictures from our monthly Persian PLay "As Is" - a comedy in Farsi. I don't speak Farsi, but by
judging the audience's reaction, it's hilarious.
judging the audience's reaction, it's hilarious.
With Actor Ali Dean; with Violeta and Ali, with Violeta and Hollywood Agent Jerry. And that's us, backstage.
I have met so many wonderful people at
Zorba's:
Phillipa, Greek singer.
Debbie Akins, owner of D.Z Akins restaurant
Salam, owner of Al Bustan
Riyadh, owner of House of India
My two Brazilian friends, Ida and
Tarciana (another belly dancer)
Zorba's:
Phillipa, Greek singer.
Debbie Akins, owner of D.Z Akins restaurant
Salam, owner of Al Bustan
Riyadh, owner of House of India
My two Brazilian friends, Ida and
Tarciana (another belly dancer)
Dilek, Steve, Yanni,
Tricia (also a dancer)
and Phillipa.
My two very very
good friends: Aimee
and Violeta
My fire sword. Just like it
looks, it is very dangerous.
The flame is huge and hot.
Very hot.
Don't tell any one but I am
actually afraid of fire. I still
can't light anything with the
small matches. I need the
long, thick kitchen matches,
with which I feel safe.
Interestingly I have no
problem putting flaming
trays or swords on my head,
and swing lit fans around.
Isn't that weird?
looks, it is very dangerous.
The flame is huge and hot.
Very hot.
Don't tell any one but I am
actually afraid of fire. I still
can't light anything with the
small matches. I need the
long, thick kitchen matches,
with which I feel safe.
Interestingly I have no
problem putting flaming
trays or swords on my head,
and swing lit fans around.
Isn't that weird?
That's me (duh:) after my New Year's
Eve performance in a funny party hat.
No, I didn't dance in it, but maybe I
should have? It matched the costume
and the occasion.
Eve performance in a funny party hat.
No, I didn't dance in it, but maybe I
should have? It matched the costume
and the occasion.
Again, dancing at Zorba's. I have danced - and dance - at so many other places, interestingly I really don't have any
pictures from there.
pictures from there.
I learned how to dance the Zembekiko, which is a lot of fun,
but it's not easy.
but it's not easy.
New Year's Eve show with
Violeta, Aimee, Dilek and
Lily
After the show with
Aimee, Violeta and
Maryam
Violeta, Aimee, Dilek and
Lily
After the show with
Aimee, Violeta and
Maryam
With Greek Singer Phillipa
A photo shoot in March, 2005 at Bahira's house.
Photographers Hadia and Bahira.
Photographers Hadia and Bahira.
This picture perfectly portrays
people's image of belly dancers:
we are just lounging around all
day in our costume waiting for
them to call us to dance at a
party.
Oh no! Please book us as soon
as possible as this does not
exemplifies our daily lives. I wish I
could just lay around. Ha-Ha.
people's image of belly dancers:
we are just lounging around all
day in our costume waiting for
them to call us to dance at a
party.
Oh no! Please book us as soon
as possible as this does not
exemplifies our daily lives. I wish I
could just lay around. Ha-Ha.
KUSI Commercial with Rod Luck.
Violeta, Marianna, Nadirah and
Maryam.
Violeta, Marianna, Nadirah and
Maryam.
Again.. at Zorba's. With Isis Turkish Drop
A photo shoot in November 2004 by Heidi Paris
Zorba's - 2004
My first photo shoot in May 2003 by Heidi Paris.
Although I started taking classes in January 2002, and started performing at showcases within a few months,
I do not have any pictures from that year.
I do not have any pictures from that year.
1992 1994 1998 1998 1999
La Jolla, 1999
My grandma My hometown: Nyiregyháza My parents on their wedding day in 1968
With my big sister Zsuzsi
(pronounce as if in French:Jouji
at age 1 month and 2 years That's me in preschool My mom and my niece, Vivi
(pronounce as if in French:Jouji
at age 1 month and 2 years That's me in preschool My mom and my niece, Vivi
After the flaming sword
came the fire fans. I had
so much fun with fire, I
had to have more of it.
As you can see it's much
more dangerous, so I
need to wear pants with it.
came the fire fans. I had
so much fun with fire, I
had to have more of it.
As you can see it's much
more dangerous, so I
need to wear pants with it.
After all this excitement I let go of my old
swords and bought a new one. This one is
real, very heavy, pointy and sharp. (It's
battled certified for war - reanactments and
faires).
What can I say? I like danger. As one
customer put it: "you're living on the edge".
swords and bought a new one. This one is
real, very heavy, pointy and sharp. (It's
battled certified for war - reanactments and
faires).
What can I say? I like danger. As one
customer put it: "you're living on the edge".
Sept 2007
Oct 2007
Updated - August 31st
YouTube: Tell me there's a Heaven A beautiful song by Chris Rea
YouTube: Kell ott fenn egy orszag Hungarian version, sung by Zoran. The words are slightly different, but it's even more beautiful. (If you are
Hungarian, I'm sure you will cry) - I fixed the link
Hungarian Folk Dance
Hungarian Roma Dance - Cigány Csárdás a very old but authentic footage of Hungarian Roma dance.
Hungarian Folk Dance Isn't this better than tap dance?
Monti Csárdás by Maxim Vengerov Wow ! Amazing talent!
Brahms-Hungarian Dance # 5 by Maxim Vengerov
NOX: Forogj Világ Hungarian folk dance elements incorporated into pop music
YouTube: Kell ott fenn egy orszag Hungarian version, sung by Zoran. The words are slightly different, but it's even more beautiful. (If you are
Hungarian, I'm sure you will cry) - I fixed the link
Hungarian Folk Dance
Hungarian Roma Dance - Cigány Csárdás a very old but authentic footage of Hungarian Roma dance.
Hungarian Folk Dance Isn't this better than tap dance?
Monti Csárdás by Maxim Vengerov Wow ! Amazing talent!
Brahms-Hungarian Dance # 5 by Maxim Vengerov
NOX: Forogj Világ Hungarian folk dance elements incorporated into pop music
April 25th, 2008 - Dancing with Fire Tray at Al Bustan (Downtown, San Diego).
It's a beautiful, huge restaurant with a dance floor and very high ceilings - we
don't need to worry about burning down the place, right?
It's a beautiful, huge restaurant with a dance floor and very high ceilings - we
don't need to worry about burning down the place, right?
March 2008
June 22nd - Persian Comedy Show with Ali Dean "As Is"
Violeta and Marianna - Beverly Hills, Ca
Violeta and Marianna - Beverly Hills, Ca
June 15th - Performances with the
International Dance Company - Students of
Marianna's Beginner and Intermediate classes.
From top left: Marianna - Sara - Diana - Alicia
- Maria
Bottom : Natalie and guest dancer Aimee
International Dance Company - Students of
Marianna's Beginner and Intermediate classes.
From top left: Marianna - Sara - Diana - Alicia
- Maria
Bottom : Natalie and guest dancer Aimee
Updated - Aug 24th 2008
August 24th 2008 - International Lawn Program at the House of Nations, Balboa Park (with the House of Hungary)
1. Marianna with Roma violinist
2. Kati, Heni, Marianna and another Heni :) performing traditional Hungarian Roma dances to violin
3. We're posing for lots of pictures with a Hungarian folk dancer afterwards.
That was lots of fun! I've never seen this many Hungarians in San Diego at the same place :)
and a video is coming soon...
1. Marianna with Roma violinist
2. Kati, Heni, Marianna and another Heni :) performing traditional Hungarian Roma dances to violin
3. We're posing for lots of pictures with a Hungarian folk dancer afterwards.
That was lots of fun! I've never seen this many Hungarians in San Diego at the same place :)
and a video is coming soon...
Aug 2008 - performing at the House of India
With Violeta
Sept 7
Sept 7
Performing at the House of India - Sept 20, 2008
Hanging out at Zorba's with my friends
Heni and Tom - Sept 20, 2008
Heni and Tom - Sept 20, 2008
Updated Sept 21st
