Bahiya, known in the bellydance world as Jawahir Bahiya, is an award winning Belly Dancer, studying Middle Eastern Dance since 1998. In more recent years, Bahiya has explored "experimental" dance and Ankoku Butoh (Japanese Dance of Darkness).
Jawahir Bahiya performs, and offers workshops and classes on a variety of belly dance topics in Colorado and nationally. Jawahir (aka Jewl) is a member of the Bohemian Artists' Guild in Denver participating in local events/collaborations with other artists.
Jewl is also a dj, seasoned musician, massage therapist, reiki master, owner of Sensorielle (a natural/sustainably built wellbeing spa), is vegan, enjoys yoga, community, healing arts, painting, and is the proud mother of Terra, amazing little girl born in 2005 who is "more a teacher to me than I am to her".
Bahiya Experimental Dance: Jewl has been performing to electronic/experimental music for over 5 years. Bahiya is an extension of this, including other dancers when possible in an exploration of experimental dance and performance art to live and recorded sound art. Performances may include choreography and/or improvisational dance with an underlying concept. Jewl is coordinator and choreographer.
Jewl has more recently taken interest in Japanese Ankoku Butoh (dance of utter darkness). Her introduction to the dance form was several years ago watching P.A.N. Butoh out of Seattle. Seeing this amazing group perform, Jewl was inspired to learn more about the dance form, which strongly speaks to her spirit. Butoh connects us with our dark places, those places we have not yet explored, using imagery and breathwork. Butoh allows us to share with others what we have not before revealed. It can be grotesque in its presentation, yet is always profoundly beautiful. Jewl has studied and performed with Jennifer Hicks & chimeraLAB (Boston/Boulder), and Katsura Kan, and has taken workshops with Maureen Freehill (momo) of Seattle.
please view this "year in butoh" channel on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/user/YearOfButoh. It is a wonderful project for daily dance in 2009!
sound art: Jewl/Bahiya debuted her solo violin sound art in March of this year. Her new sound project is evolving into a performance aspect as well as music. She is also working on a project called Sonolumina with bios+a+ic, which we call "transglobal IDM" for lack of a better label. The two are also working on a noise project called usa, which will debut at transistor electronic sound art festival, June 12-14 2009.
dj bahiya: Jewl does transglobal and eastern-inspired dance beat dj sets for parties, and events. You can also find her on myspace at myspace.com/djbahiya.
"You are the most amazing woman! I loved your performance piece at the CDAF! It touched me somehow and I am not really sure how, but I felt something..............beautiful.
You are a beautiful and powerful performer and a consummate professional! Not to mention you have some serious skilz at spinning tunes! It was so great to see you and bask in your loveliness! You are an inspiration to all that is Goddess-like~I could just kiss you all over!"
~ Tina Striegel, aka Saira, beautiful Denver Dancer (and local Goddess)
regarding Butoh inspired experimental dance & dj/emcee at Colorado Dark Arts 08
To book Jawahir Bahiya Bellydance, or dj bahiya for your next party or event, please send an email.
"...I especially liked how you shimmied to the drum roll, yet hit each accent beat with the rest of your body..." -- Janice "Roxelana" Wing of Seattle, Creator of the comic strip "Belly Laughs" and director of award-winning troupe, Sticky Veils
"I am so impressed with Jawahir's finger cymbals and dance combos!" -- Yasmin of Seattle, WA, about Jawahir's dancing with finger cymbal workshop
Jawahir dances "beautifully...mischievously...gracefully" -- Madeline Dixon, Irish Dancer, Everett, WA
Dancer tip: Spot choreograph. Your routine doesn't always have to be entirely choreographed. Pick a few phrases from the music and choreograph them. Then fill in the blanks with improv. If you spot choreograph sometimes, you'll be much more comfortable improvising if you forget parts of your full choreographies. If you are doing improv only, as in dancing with live music, come up with a couple combinations or tricks and work them in where the music seems to fit. That way you don't feel like you're doing the same move over and over again.
More tips
Wednesdays 6:30, 1 hr 15 minute classes
January 13-February 10
Learn basic isolations, shimmies, and combinations to develop a core foundation in Bellydance. We will also dabble with basic finger cymbal rhythms and veil work.
Studio Darshan
188 East Street
Nederland, CO
303-258-1313
$55 for 5-punch card
$100 for 10-punch card
drop-ins welcome
(pre-register for the session through the studio)
5-week session recommended for a complete foundation - generally beginners will want to take the session at least twice to gain a solid understanding of the movements. Intermediate class option upon instructor recommendation.
Bring a yoga mat/blanket (we will have some available to borrow), water, and comfortable workout clothes. Clothing should allow instructor to see your legs and torso to ensure proper movement. No shoes needed. We dance barefoot! This is a low-impact workout. However, you may wear indoor dance shoes if desired. There will be hipscarves, finger cymbals, and dance veils available to borrow and for sale. Or bring your own if you have them.
This 3-hour workshop will drill isolations, pops, locks & shimmies, and tie them all together into a drum solo choreography. We will talk about the elements of the drum solo itself, and movements that make sense.
February 28, 11-2
$40 per person, limited to 8 students (register early to ensure your spot!)
Uprising Arts Studio
3710 South Grant Street
Englewood, CO 80113
Pre-register by sending payment by check to: Julia Petteway, PO Box 776, Nederland, CO 80466 or ...
Paypal $42 (includes $2 paypal fee) to jawahir@raqsjawahir.com
Please include contact information, and your previous dance experience with payment.
