As far as what differentiates me from other belly dance instructors , students from all over the world who ’ ve either attended my workshops or bought my instructional videos have told me how much they appreciate the way I explain things and break movements down . I ’ ve specifically received good feedback on my attention to details . That means a lot to me as I ’ ve spent a lot of time thinking of ways to be an effective teacher . I feel that I have a unique strength of being preemptive in my teaching ; since I ’ ve had so much experience teaching , I ’ ve basically memorized how students typically react physically to learning specific movements , as
Samba - Photo by Ron Mailloux in the trouble they might have executing the move at first . So by covering those trouble spots up front , I save time in the classroom and catch mistakes before they ever happen .
I ’ ve had a lot of interesting feedback from competitions over the years . Some has been critical of course , but I ’ ve received many positive remarks . Some of the comments I ’ ve valued the most have been compliments on my showmanship and charisma , being told I have “ impeccable technique ”, “ incredible shimmies ”, and that my “ fluidity and transitions are unmatched !” I have also been told that I “ have a good ear for music ” and I “ use drama in all the right places .” Probably my favorite compliment was from one of my mentors , Jillina , who said I have “ Juicy Hips !” One time I got a written comment from a judge who said that I shouldn ’ t choreograph my facial expressions , which was weird , because I have never even considered choreographing my facial expressions . Can you even do that ? It bugged me a little because I was experiencing true joy and happiness when I was performing in that competition . But I won first place so I ’ m thinking she was alone in her judgment of my “ Face Dance .” Why that judge , who didn ’ t even know me , perceived me like that I ’ ll never know , but that ’ s all part of competing ; you take the good with the bad .
Be sure to get the October / November / December 2017 issue of The Belly Dance Chronicles to read Part 2 of Sa ’ diyya ’ s interview with Ma ’ Shuqa . She will share her career advice , what the future holds for her in the ever growing world of belly dance , how she hopes the dance will evolve in America and more !
MA * SHUQA MIRA MURJAN
Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan has been performing , teaching , and coaching Oriental dance for over 40 years . Her Ma * Shuqa Method gives dancers a structure for developing improvised choreography while performing with individualized styling . Her Diva Dancer Intensive workshop is perfect for teachers and dancers who want to enhance performance dynamics and styling . She has authored many articles on aspects of professionalism and performance in Middle Eastern dance . As a dance photographer – what she sees through the camera lens reflects a dancer ’ s professionalism . www . MaShuqa . com
16 The Belly Dance Chronicles � July 2017