Color Blocking Choreography Notes

I decided to color code the lyrics of the next song I intend to choreograph so I can keep track of each section better. I will print this out with 2-3 lines of space between each verse so I can add choreo notes in between.

Samira Said - Howa Ana Geet Ganbak (Did I do something to you), from Aweeny Beek. (3:09)

Howa ana geet ganbak / Did I do something to you (literally: did I come next to you)?

Tab dana belzat omri maz'altak hata bikilma / Especially when I never made you angry even with a single word.

Howa ana geet ganbak / Did I do something to you?

Tab leh makhasemny wa za'lan minni / Why haven't you talked to me and you are angry with me?

Ana keda mush fahma / I don't understand this

REPEAT Howa ana geet ganbak / Did I do something to you (literally: did I come next to you)?

Tab dana belzat omri maz'altak hata bikilma / Especially when I never made you angry even with a single word.

Howa ana geet ganbak / Did I do something to you?

Tab leh makhasemny wa za'lan minni / Why haven't you talked to me and you are angry with me?

Ana keda mush fahma / I don't understand this

Za'lak keda mabea'gibnish / I don't like your being angry this way.

Wa law asa'lak betquli mafish / And when I ask you, you tell me there isn't anything [wrong].

Tab leh el hira deya / So why do you make me wonder?

Min gher kalam teza'l fi sokat / Without words you are angry silently.

Min gher sabab ta'mil hekayat / Whitout reason you make stories.

Erham nafsak shwaya, erham nafsak shwaya / Give your self peace!

Kol youm teza'l wana / Everyday you are angry and I

olt lik aish el haya / told you to live your life,

aishha keda bishula / live it simply.

Quli leh ta'mil keda / Tell me why are you doing this?

Di el haya bil shakl da / Life this way is

haga mish ma'qula / just something impossible.

REPEAT Za'lak keda mabea'gibnish / I don't like your being angry this way.

Wa law asa'lak betquli mafish / And when I ask you, you tell me there isn't anything [wrong].

Tab leh el hira deya / So why do you make me wonder?

Min gher kalam teza'l fi sokat / Without words you are angry silently.

Min gher sabab ta'mil hekayat / Whitout reason you make stories.

Erham nafsak shwaya, erham nafsak shwaya / Give your self peace!

How to Barter in Egypt

Many dancers at some point decide to make a trip to the mecca of bellydance - Egypt. One of the main reasons for going, aside from classes with Egyptian teachers, is shopping direct from the source. I found this article on eHow.com about how to barter in Egypt.

I for one, would probably suck at this considering I don't like to talk to strangers, (especially on the phone), but seeing as how I don't have plans to go to Egypt any time soon I should be able to keep my money in my pockets.

How to Barter in Egypt
Shopping in Egypt can be a culturally gratifying experience and a lot of fun. Expect to barter on goods and prices at the markets or khans catering to Egypt's tourists. This is an excellent opportunity to chat with the locals, enjoy a good cup of tea, and grab a great bargain. Below are the basic steps to the bartering system in Egypt.

Step1
Greet the shopkeeper or store assistant in a friendly manner and immediately begin browsing. A look of slight disinterest should give you the breathing space to browse before the assistant begins to inquire after your needs.

Step2

Find an item that you like and consider what would be a fair price for its purchase. Whether you manage to get a 5 percent, 10 percent or 20 percent discount, remember, you are still getting a bargain after considering the exchange rate. Ensure your price bid will be fair and not insulting.

Step3

Converse with the assistant, throwing in a few flattering remarks about the establishment before inquiring as to the price of the item. Reject the price with a polite laugh and move on to another item.

Step4

Reply absentmindedly to the assistant's inquiry as to how much you would be willing to pay for the item under discussion. Choose a price lower than your fair price and offer it in an inquiring, almost apologetic tone to the assistant.

Step5

Ask the assistant what would be a fair price after he/she has dramatically claimed the original offer was impossibly low. Whatever the offer, respond with your fair price. More back and forth, along with a cup of tea and a chat may be required for larger items of buying in bulk; over bartering for cheaper items is impolite.

Step6

Agree on the price with a firm handshake, nod and smile. This is another opportunity for flattery, usually ending with a return invite to the store, introductions and more tea, all of which indicate a successful exchange.

Step7

Close the deal by exchanging item for money, saying thank you several times and leaving the shop. Lingering will result in more tea and more bargaining. Return visits usually result in further discounts and further socializing which can only enrich your Egyptian experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rush through your transaction, take your time and adopt a very polite yet conversational tone. Egyptians do not like to rush through anything and have a great respect for the process.
• When vendors suggest outrageously high prices, practicing the Egyptian method of dramatic disgust is often very helpful.
• Bartering should be kept to markets and street vendors. Attempts to barter in local shops or large stores is considered extremely presumptuous and impolite.
• Make friends with some locals to help steer you towards fair trading prices.

~N

Now playing: Dead Like Me season 1
mood: chicken and broccoli

Random Dance Tip

Keep a couple of safety pins pinned on the inside bottom hem of your Cover-up. This way you always have them handy up to the moment before you go on stage. No one will see them either. I've been doing this for about 3 years now and you've never noticed have you?