!Need Your Help! What is Pride for?

Hi all, this is Nisreen from Tokyo.

A friend of mine recently had a horrific experience at Tokyo Rainbow Pride, and needs your help to get some modicum of justice. 

I would greatly appreciate if you spare a few minutes to sign this petition! The deadline is tomorrow, 9th of May.

https://www.change.org/p/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E5%AE%9F%E8%A1%8C%E5%A7%94%E3%81%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9D%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E6%8A%97%E8%AD%B0%E3%81%97%E3%81%9F%E7%94%B7%E6%80%A7%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%AF%BE%E5%BF%9C%E3%81%AB%E5%95%8F%E9%A1%8C%E3%81%8C%E3%81%82%E3%81%A3%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A8%E8%AA%8D%E3%82%81-%E8%AC%9D%E7%BD%AA%E3%81%97%E3%81%A6%E3%81%8F%E3%81%A0%E3%81%95%E3%81%84?fbclid=IwAR2h1lUt8uRD7CXUZViwoEN0kDCtYUmIFPfG_ewkT-4pWcAGBdLt0FTA_WM

Takanori (not real name) protested in front of a booth set up by one of the sponsors, car insurance company Axsa. He was drawing attention to the fact that they had refused to allow him a spousal discount to his long-term male partner, despite applying several times. How, he asked, could a company claim to be an 'ally' when it denied the legitimacy of same-sex relationships? 

Though Takanori's protest was carried out alone and peacefully, a staff member of the Tokyo Rainbow Pride immediately called the police. Their justification for this escalation was that they were protecting the security of their staff and the participants  (though Takanori was protesting peacefully) and preventing disruption to the event (though Takanori was protesting alone). 

Fortunately, the police who arrived judged his protest was neither of these, and did not constitute criminal activity. They even expressed sympathy towards him when Takanori explained the motive of his activity.

Huffington Post Japan reported on the whole incident afterwards. The Tokyo Rainbow Pride committee issued a statement explaining their actions. However, they offered no apology whatsoever to Takanori for the distress caused to him. 

This petition seeks, first, to receive a full and complete apology from the Tokyo Rainbow Pride committee for causing the distress to him. Second, it asks Tokyo Rainbow Pride to re-evaluate and publicly clarify what criteria it uses to deem a company to be an 'ally' -- and explain how a company that makes no allowance for same-sex couples could be given this position. 

Article by Huffington Post Japan

Statement by Tokyo Rainbow Pride committee

[Bilingual post] - Blooming Hafla 2022

こんにちは。オリエンタルを日々是研究、Nisreenです！

Hi all, This is Nisreen from Tokyo.

２年ぶりに生徒の方々とハフラに出席しました！

I attended a hafla/party with my students for the first time in two years!

場所は横浜のトルコレストランNew Alibabaです。

It took place at a Turkish restaurant called New Alibaba in Yokohama.

下記より生徒のKanaさんとTsugumiさんのパフォーマンスのビデオが見られます。

You can check out the performance by my girls, Kana and Tsugumi from the link below.

生徒のKanaさんとTsugumiさんのパフォーマンス！お二人のIestemem Babacimから、Tsugumiさんのソロのヴェールダンス、Jamillehに移ります。

The finger cymbal piece "Iestemem Babacim" by the two is followed by the solo veil performance, Jamilleh by Tsugumi.

このパフォーマンス、私は全く振り付けたりしていなくて、彼女たちの即興なんですよ！音楽性と、自然に思いやり合って踊っている様子が素晴らしいと思いました。

Can you believe that this performance was completely an improvisation?? I literally did nothing when it came to choreography. I was very impressed by their musicality and the way they supported each other naturally during the performance.

主催のFarhanaさん、本当にありがとう♥Suboさんはビデオをとってくれてありがとう

Many thanks to Farhana, for organising such a lovely party!

Special thanks to my beloved Subo for filming the video xx

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

週１回のOnline lessonでもこれだけ伸び伸び表現できるようになります！

お家で無理なくオリエンタルダンスに親しみたい方、少人数で丁寧に指導してほしいという方、そして温かいダンスメイトと一緒に学びたいという方、お気軽にご連絡ください✨

レッスン詳細

Discrimination Against Migrants in Japan

 Hi, how are you?

This is Nisreen from Tokyo.

Today I'd like to talk about two films pertaining to discrimination against migrants in Japan.

On 18th of March, I watched a documentary film about the inhuman treatment of asylum seekers in immigration detention centers in Japan, "Ushiku". I had been longing to watch this film, since I had found the project through a lovely friend, Daniel Ndevu who was the impact producer of the film.

Now that I've watched the film, I'd say that this work should be watched by all humans! It's not only important, but also a beautifully crafted movie.

It left me completely speechless for revealing cruelty of the bureaucratic system here and the violence inside of the facility. It also made me speak non-stop with Subo about what I've just seen.

What broke my heart most was the part where this man said it might have been better if he had just died in the war in his home country than having to going through such struggles in Japan.

In addition, on 27f of March, I attended a screening party of a documentary film about two young Kurdish men who are living in Tokyo. The director was also present and had a talk session with the audience.

Even though the two protagonists, Ozan and Ramazan grew up in Japan and got education here, the government does not grant them permission of residence or refugee status. It results in the extremely difficult situation where they are not allowed to work or have the national health insurance and they have to get bureaucratic permission every time they have cross-prefecture trip. They are also exposed to threat of getting caught in immigration detention facilities for years --Ramazan's uncle has gone through that-- without enough medical support.

I'm shy to admit it, but I didn't know that there are over 2,000 Kurdish migrants in Japan. And it's appalling to find out that the Japanese government has never granted refugee status to any of them.

More details:

https://mainichi.jp/.../arti.../20210705/p2a/00m/0na/025000c

Now I feel more urge to learn about these issues and raise awareness in the society.

Love,

Nisreen 

Seven Strategies for Coping During the Pandemic

Hi all!  This is Nisreen from Tokyo.

How are you? Me, I'm the same old same old -- surviving!

Let me share my seven strategies for coping during the pandemic. These make my life a little lighter, and a little brighter.

 

1. Light a candle.

In the evening, take some time to turn off the bright room lights, the phone, and the computer.

Light a candle with a nice scent instead! Breathe and relax. Be careful don't knock it over -- especially in those wooden Tokyo flats!

 

2. Yoga routines are life savers.

I can't brag too much, since I'm just a baby-level self-taught yoga practitioner. An app called Headspace has given me chances to watch yoga routine videos and meditation guidance. Since I started doing yoga on lunch breaks and in the evening, I've become less stressed, and feel more fulfilled. It certainly feels like  "mindfulness", a term that's used a lot in yoga. The routines also have tremendous workout benefits, such as enhancement of core strength and flexibility. 

 

3.Go to bed before 11:30 P.M.

This is easy to say, hard to do.. I just have to admit that my skin is much clearer on days following a good night’s sleep than otherwise. I do though sometimes allow myself to stay up late and do random things like reading comics or indulging in YouTube Michael Jackson video marathons.

 

4. Use fancy body scrubs and lotions.

The body scrub from Sabon makes you feel like a queen...I know it's not cheap, but you deserve it!

 

5. Wear lovely coloured leggings and funky socks

Staying home and not having to dress up doesn't necessarily mean that you don't enjoy fashion. Dress up and be cute just for yourself. Summon your inner Fab 5!

6. Use colourful paints.

Painting, especially abstract painting with bright colours, can be a liberating experience. It unleashes your passion and creativity. It helps you to be more in the moment. Materials can be crayons, pastels, oil paintings, or acrylic paintings. Get your hands dirty!

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Nisreen BellyDance(@nisreenbellydance)がシェアした投稿

 

7. Dance.

Of course -- dance! HipHop, Ballet, Flamenco, Samba, Bollywood -- any dance form is good, as long as you enjoy it and feel like yourself.

I, of course, enjoy Oriental dance (belly dance) more than any other dance forms. I can really feel and express a deep feeling of joy when dancing to Middle Eastern or Turkish music. It is such an energising experience that never fails in reminding me of my biggest fortune -- being alive!

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Nisreen BellyDance(@nisreenbellydance)がシェアした投稿

Love,

Nisreen 

ダンスとお金の話

  こんにちは！オリエンタルを日々是研究、Nisreen(ニスリーン）です。

皆さんお元気でしょうか？

突然ですが、ダンスとお金について考えていました。

正直な話、ダンスをすることはお金がかかりますよね。

私自身は夢のような事ばかり考えて生きていたいのですが、そうもいかないことも世の中にはあると思います。

レッスン費用だけでも出費なのですが、

パフォーマンスをしたり、もっとパフォーマンスの機会を求めたり、さらにプロとして活躍したいなどと思った場合はさらに無限です。

・衣装　（小道具を含む）

・メイクアップ

・アクセサリー

・音楽

・交通費

・リハーサルや練習のレンタルスタジオ

・場合によっては特訓で追加のレッスン

・他所のショー、舞台作品観覧

・海外のダンスイベントに参加したり現地を視察するための渡航・滞在

・海外の先生の講座（ワークショップ）

すぐに思いつくだけでもこれだけあります。

実は、オリエンタルダンス（ベリーダンス）の衣装の価格帯はバレエや社交ダンスなどの他のダンスに比べると手ごろな方ですが、それでも出費なことには変わりありません。

人前に出てパフォーマンスをするとなれば、大なり小なり、（どの程度、何をするかは人によります）上に上げたような点に投資し続け、進化させ続けることは欠かせないと感じています。

自分への投資を止めればどうしても実力は後退していってしまうことでしょうし、観客に夢を与えられるような美しい姿に装うことは難しいでしょう。

そして、ショーやイベントにそれなりの頻度で足を運ぶことは、パフォーマンスをしたい人の場合人脈作りのためにも、そして観客の目から見たショーについて学ぶためにも必要だったりします。

また、実は何より高価なのは、時間だと思います。

貧しければ貧しいほど、人は労働してお金を稼ぐことに時間を使わなくてはならなくなります。しかし、練習するための時間、場合によっては他のダンサーと時間を合わせてリハーサルをするための時間、これを確保しなくてはいけない。

ダンサーの仕事一本で十分に稼げれば良いのですが、それが出来ている人は正直あまり多くはないでしょう。

人によっては、時間の自由を確保するためにフルタイムの仕事を辞めて、パートタイムの仕事を掛け持ちする人もいます。

またこれは私の意見ですが、美容に気を遣ったり健康な体作りを続けるためには、栄養を考えた食事を用意したり必要な時には休んだりするための、ある程度の気持ちの余裕も必要だと思います。

もし、オリエンタルダンス（ベリーダンス）を始めようかなと考えている方でこれを読んで「そんなに大変なの？」と不安になったらごめんなさい。上に書いたことは、あくまでもパフォーマンスなどに貪欲になっていった場合のことです。

ダンスレッスンを受ける生徒さんについては、先生によっていろいろな考えがあると思いますが、私は基本的に、ご自身の投資できる金額や時間に無理のない範囲で続けて頂くのが一番良いという考えです。

そして私自身はというと、自分の中で諦める部分、諦めてはいけないと思う部分を交渉しながら、それでもやはり楽しんで踊ること、教えること、学ぶことを続けています。

パフォーマンスについては、感染症が広まる中で思うようにできなくなってしまいましたが、時間をかけて自分が納得できる形に磨いてまた人前に立てたら、と思っています。

ただ、ダンスを続けるためのこのような現実的な側面での苦労について語られることはあまりないような気がして、

それが誰かを追い詰めていることもあるのではないか？

と思ったので、正直に考えたことを書いてみました。

もし、人生の中で優先順位が変わったり、お金の心配が大きくなったりして、ダンス、パフォーマンスを続けられなくなったり、思うようにできなくなった方がいたとしても、

それで自分を責めたりしないでほしいなあ、と私は思っています。

ダンスに没入し続けることは、大変なことだからです。

ダンスを自己実現の意味で、続けられることは、やはり大きな特権です。

もちろん、人によって大きな犠牲を払いながら出来ていることかもしれませんが、それすらどうしても「出来ない」場合というのもあります。

ただ、ダンスそのものが逃げてしまうわけではないから、

色々と関わり方に変化はあったとしても、長い目で見て、一生通してダンスと関わっていける、そういう方が増えたらいいな。そう私は思っています。

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The Last Class in 2021

Hi all,

This is Nisreen from Tokyo!

How are you?

 

The End of Summer/ Painted by me

I had the last online class of the year 2021 with my students on 18^th of December.

In the class, we watched their dance videos improvising to the theme of the year -- Geceler and Çile Bülbülüm played by John Bilezikjian -- together. Then we looked back the individual goals that we’d set around the same time in the last year. It is not easy to improvise, especially to the song where both passion and softness are required! I was truly impressed by their creativity and eagerness to take on a new challenge. There is nothing more satisfying for a teacher than seeing students conquer each challenge and express themselves through dancing.

 The link to the music

In the morning of the same day, I also had my last online class as a student this year, with my teacher in New Jersey, TarikSultan.

After a year and half training with him, I have to take every chance to say this. Tarik's online dance class is fantastic! It has helped me to become more solid on my dance techniques and musicality. It also showed me the way real teachers teach.

 

He is one of the most patient teachers I've ever seen. He repeats the movements until we really get it, which is the best way to learn. He does not do choreographies in the class. However, I have become better with memorizing choreographies since I started taking his class. In my view, it is because his approach helped me to develop my body awareness and better observation skills.

 

Although I have been dancing for years and performing in mainly AmCab or Turkish influenced styles, I had not gone really in depth with Egyptian Oriental Dance. I believe I've become more comfortable and confident with this field now. He's deeply in touch with the root of the Egyptian Oriental Dance – the sensuality and joy from the music. By following his movements, students can comprehend how to interpret the music. There are few teachers who can do that.

 

I’m grateful for the fruitful time I have spent with wonderful people learning and teaching. Although the pandemic has been preventing me from performing, my love for dance has not faded away. On the contrary, this time has taught me how essential the art was for me.

 

Photographed by Fuka

Love,

Nisreen

 

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[Bilingual post] My Inspirations 私のインスピレーション

  Hi all, this is Nisreen of Tokyo.

みなさんこんにちは。オリエンタルを日々是研究、ニスリーンです。

How are you? I 've been happily steeped in Art and Dance.

私はダンスとアート漬けの日々を過ごしていました。

Today's post will be a bit different. I'll just randomly  share some of my inspirations that are not Belly Dance/ Oriental Dance related, without any explanation!

今日はベリーダンス/オリエンタルダンス関係以外で私のインスピレーションになっているものの一部を、説明なしで思いつくままに紹介します！

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (Live from Celebration Day) (Official Video)

Garbage - The Men Who Rule The World (Official Video)

Raul Dufy's art

 Adam and the Metal Hawks - Hey Hey Mama

 

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Kite Runner

What art  is making you "you"? It might be fun to list those inspirations!

みなさんの糧になっているアートはどんなものですか？リストにしてみると面白いと思います！

Nisreen

17th of July, 2021