| Marianna Photo Album (Please be patient - it takes awhile for the pictures to load) You can click on any of the pictures to view them in full size |
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2002 - 2003
Pictures with friends and other dancers
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. Update: in May
2009, I have also earned my Bachelor's degree in Linguistics (with a minor in Anthropology) and I in April 2011 obtained my Masters in Education with
a Single Subject teaching credential. I have been working Iraqi students for the most part, which has been very rewarding and interesting. Although
my Arabic language skills are limited, I am able to put it in good use.
If it weren'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 3 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. Update: in May
2009, I have also earned my Bachelor's degree in Linguistics (with a minor in Anthropology) and I in April 2011 obtained my Masters in Education with
a Single Subject teaching credential. I have been working Iraqi students for the most part, which has been very rewarding and interesting. Although
my Arabic language skills are limited, I am able to put it in good use.
If it weren'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 3 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 )
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 )
A photo shoot by a wonderful photographer,
David Hernandez.
David Hernandez.
A party on March 3rd, 2007 with Nadirah and Stacey.
At Tito's workshop in Las
Vegas August 2007
Vegas August 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
With the crew of "As Is" persian comedy show (actor Ali Dean)
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)
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?
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.
a funny party hat. No, I didn't dance in it,
but maybe I should have? It matched the
costume and the occasion.
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
Violeta, Aimee, Dilek and
Lily
With Greek Singer Phillipa
A photo shoot in March, 2005 at Bahira's house. Photographers Hadia and Bahira.
KUSI Commercial with Rod Luck.
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.
My grandma My hometown: Nyiregyháza
With my big sister Zsuzsi and 2 years in preschool
(pronounce as if in French:Jouji
at age 1 month
(pronounce as if in French:Jouji
at age 1 month
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.
Sept 2007
Oct 2007
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.
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.
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).
March 2008
June 2008- Persian Comedy Show with Ali Dean "As Is" - Beverly Hills, Ca
June 15th - Marianna's Beginner and Intermediate students.
From top left: Marianna - Sara - Diana - Alicia - Maria. Bottom
row: Natalie and guest dancer Aimee
From top left: Marianna - Sara - Diana - Alicia - Maria. Bottom
row: Natalie and guest dancer Aimee
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.
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.
Sept 7
Performing at the House of India - Aug and Sept 2008
Hanging out at Zorba's with my
friends Heni and Tom - Sept 20,
2008
friends Heni and Tom - Sept 20,
2008
Hungarian Fire Roses - a Hungarian Gypsy Style Dance group in San Diego.
Sapphire Hookah Lounge, Bonita Ca
Dec 5th 2008. To the right: With Aimee, Dec 19th
Dec 5th 2008. To the right: With Aimee, Dec 19th
2009
With Flamenco dancer Paloma (of
Cafe Sevilla) and my student Sara.
From left to right: Marianna - Sara -
Paloma Apr. 24 2009
Cafe Sevilla) and my student Sara.
From left to right: Marianna - Sara -
Paloma Apr. 24 2009
Performing with fire - tray;
Apr 24 2009 Cafe Sevilla
- Gypsy Fusion Show with live
music and flamenco dancer
Apr 24 2009 Cafe Sevilla
- Gypsy Fusion Show with live
music and flamenco dancer
Feb 2009
Sapphire Lounge - March and June 2009
Greek Town: July 18th / Aug 10th - live music with Faiz Sheet - every Friday and
Saturday night. Photos by Lester
Saturday night. Photos by Lester
Hanging out with friends at the Sapphire Lounge after the show
June 2009 December 2008
June 2009 December 2008
January 2010 - Photography by David Hernandez
Jan 16, 2010
Marianna and Paloma at Cafe Sevilla
Marianna and Paloma at Cafe Sevilla
2010
February 13, 2010
Marrakech Morroccan Restaurant - April 2010
Greek Wedding March 20 2010
July 23rd, 2010. Blue Flayme Hookah Lounge, Spring Valley, Ca
Cafe Sevilla - Long Beach Ca, Aug 7 2010.
With Flamenco dancers Linda (San Diego)
and Lisa Solar (Los Angeles).
With Flamenco dancers Linda (San Diego)
and Lisa Solar (Los Angeles).
Cafe Sevilla, San Diego Ca. Gypsy
Fusion Flamenco Show
Marianna - Joef of the Gypsy Kings -
Flamenco dancer Linda
Fusion Flamenco Show
Marianna - Joef of the Gypsy Kings -
Flamenco dancer Linda
Crystal Ballroom, El Cajon, Ca
July 2010 - Chaldean Wedding
July 2010 - Chaldean Wedding
August 20, 2010
Linda's Toga Party
www.flamencalinda.com
Linda's Toga Party
www.flamencalinda.com
Sapphire Lounge, Bonita - August 14, 2010
Sapphire Lounge, Bonita, Ca - August 6, 2010
Marianna, Lisa Solar (Flamenco Dancer)
and Natasha - Cafe Sevilla, San Diego,
after the last show on September 25, 2010.
and Natasha - Cafe Sevilla, San Diego,
after the last show on September 25, 2010.
2011
Middle Eastern Fashions, May 2011
Melaya Dresses --------------------->
Also called Iskandarani Dresses
Also perfect for Henna parties / very
popular within the Chaldean
community
Also called Iskandarani Dresses
Also perfect for Henna parties / very
popular within the Chaldean
community
Middle Eastern Fashions - August 2011
