Links.

Picture
MUSIC

Hollywood Music Center
Online shop for belly dance CDs galore. Big plus: sample tracks before you purchase albums. Detailed descriptions of instruments/arrangements.

Melody Record Shop
Sleeper resource for Arabic CDs in the heart of Dupont Circle.

Gibraltar
This is the live stuff! Authentic and fiery North African band from Algeria and Morocco that performs locally.



COSTUMES/PROPS

Turquoise International
Yillah's favorite source for costumes, zills, hip scarves, etc. Costumes are imported from Egypt. Knowledgeable and helpful staff.


The Flea Market at Eastern Market
Hip Capitol Hill open-air market. Vendors of hip scarves and Turkish treasures are often on site.


DC-AREA SISTERS IN DANCE

Marta
Asharah


PHOTOGRAPHY

Lina Jang Photography - Veiled Visions
Lina Jang is responsible for most of the pictures on this site and shoots the way a painter paints; the best belly dance photographer in the biz.


INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
NOTE: Yillah recommends real live teachers over videos, however she endorses the following as premier sources for supplementary at-home practice.

Visionary Dance Productions
Home of superstar Delilah. Delilah's Belly Dance Workshop I is a veritable must for every dancer's collection.


Serpentine Communications
Home of the legendary DC-based Artemis, who taught Yillah everything she knows about restaurant work.

Suhaila Prodcutions, LLC
Home to the online catalog of Raqs royalty Suhaila.


RESTAURANTS IN DC

Marrakesh Palace
Moroccan cuisine in Dupont Circle. Like walking into a medina - very authentic. Belly dancers nightly.

Mezè
Turkish cuisine in Adams Morgan. Sunday night is "Harem Night" - Middle Eastern music and free belly dance lessons.


RAQS INFO & MORE

Belly Dance Styles Based on Country of Origin
Comprehensive breakdown of belly dance styles from Atlanta Belly Dance
.

Dina Jamal on YouTube
Video of Yillah's muse, Lebanese dancer Dina Jamal. Springboard for other Dina Jamal video links.



YILLAH SUPPORTS

Amazon Conservation Team
Organization working in partnership with indigenous people in conserving biodiversity, health, and culture in tropical America.

Adventure Holidays Perú
Top-notch adventure travel guides and services to Machu Picchu and surrounding areas. Yillah traveled with them in 2008 and swears by their tours and expertise.


photo by Lina Jang © 2006