Featured Articles - Jaleh - In Loving Memory

“Jaleh”
In Loving Memory
November 22, 1954 - February 21, 2010

No matter where she went, Jaleh left a trail of excitement as well as eternal fans.  She was such a people magnet, each of us drawn to that always present smile, and seemingly endless supply of joy.   The sadness I felt at her passing is simply put as “profound”; leaving a void that is hard for those who did not know her to understand.  But to those many of us who had the honor of being a friend, fellow teacher, looking to her as a pillar of strength in the dance community – you feel that void as I do.

Through her illnesses, not one time did I hear her complain, rather she faced her most formidable foe with the same drive she faced dance; with joy that she had each day, a smile on her face, twinkle in her eye (usually a mischievous one), determination and always wanting to know “how are YOU doing”? 

Jaleh could hold a confidence like few others and could make you laugh at the drop of a sequin.  She and I shared a love for all things leopard and for shoes – each as important as the other (even better when we came upon leopard print shoes ). Our Jaleh was a free spirit who lit up any room she entered, not with a small smoldering flame, but rather the intensity of a bon fire – her zest for life was so far reaching – it seemed that energy entered the room before her - - announcing the coming of (to coin a phrase) “a most excellent adventure”.

This year I hit 34 years since my very first “Belly Dance” lesson.  In those 34 years, there have been a number of dancers who have hugely impacted my life.  Not just my dance career, but “my life”.  Jaleh is in fact in that elite group of people. And there is little I see in the dance world that does not remind me of her. We never really know why someone comes into our life, but we know when they are gone from it, the pain and empty space that is left.  I know for a fact I am a better and more grateful person for having been blessed that Jaleh stepped into my world.  Thank you my dear friend for always, and eternally “being you”. . . . Zaina Hart

(See additional dancer comments below)

Jaleh – A Biography of THE “Belly Dancer Extraordinaire”

Jaleh first started taking lessons in the Seattle area in the late 70’s with Maiya, who encouraged her to take workshops with other instructors such as Badawia.  Jaleh went on to become part of Troupe Ali Baba where she was introduced to some of the great pleasures of belly dancing in America – sharing the dance with a group of women, traveling to events and performances and collaborating on choreographies and costuming.

After several years of dancing in the Northwest, Jaleh moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid 80’s and was soon immersed in the rich dance scene after joining Dunia’s Troupe in San Jose.  They performed at many restaurants and local events and assisted Dunia with the Desert Dance Festival.  She also quickly made friends with the local dancers and played a big role in putting on a very large benefit concert for her very dear friend and mentor, Kamaal, whose partner was suffering from severe medical problems and all the financial difficulties resulting from them.  This was just the first of many times she stepped forward to help by sponsoring fundraisers for people suffering from illness.

Jaleh really came into her own during this time and started training with Ibrahim Farrah from NY, who took a very special interest in her performance and became a dedicated mentor to her.  He appreciated her regal grace and helped her transition from restaurant and close-up performing to La Danse Orientale, his favored style which incorporated elements of ballet with folkloric influences with the more highly orchestrated music which became popular throughout the Middle East in the 60’s and 70’s.  This was the “Modern Egyptian” style, but with a theatrical, big-stage flair that was a perfect fit with Jaleh’s natural stage presence and musicality.  She studied with Bobby for over 10 years and was a devoted student who, in turn, passed on his knowledge to her own students.

Jaleh and her family returned to the Northwest in the early 90’s and she soon started her teaching business where she could bring together all her expertise in the culture, music, costuming, and choreography to share with students.  She regularly sponsored fellow instructors – Fatima & Jamilla Al Wahid, Kamaal, Sausan, Fahtiem, and Fat Chance Belly Dance, to name a few to the Pacific Northwest to help enrich her student’s experience.  She also was an active supporter of the events sponsored by local instructors – Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, Hasani’s Haflas, Double Crown Belly Dance Competition, Saqra’s Belly Dancer Showcase and Emerald Rain Competition, and many shows sponsored by local legend, Mish Mish, for example.  She as well supported events outside her own community by bringing her students and troupe to attend and join in the fun, such as Rakkasah West, The Desert Dance Festival, Wiggles of the West and so many more.

JALEH AND IBRAHIM FARRAH (Bobby)

Her mentor, Bobby Farrah, passed away late in the 90’s and Jaleh did not stop seeking higher level learning and turned to Cassandra of Minneapolis and Hadia of Canada.  Both of these highly accomplished teachers provide annual Instructor Training weeklong classes that Jaleh looked forward to attending and she always brought back a lot of exciting new techniques to share with her students.  She also began mentoring more of the younger generation dancers, such as Susie (Alaska), Nadira (Seattle), and Claudine (Poulsbo), finding great delight in their successes.

Jaleh was a devoted instructor and loved by her students dearly.  She celebrated their successes and bragged to anyone who would listen about how well they were doing.  She got her students into safe performing venues and kept them scheduled so they could gain confidence and accomplishment.  It was a great joy for her that they continued after she was diagnosed with brain cancer.  After her first brain surgery, teaching was difficult for her, but she continued to attend their weekly classes to observe as her more experienced students took on the responsibility to pass on their knowledge to the beginners.  It was incredibly fulfilling to her to see the dance get passed on by her students.  She attended performances by her students as late as this past summer – frankly, she would NOT miss their performances and went to great lengths to get to them.

Jaleh chose the by-line of “Dancer Extraordinaire” in the early 80’s, when she was what we would consider an intermediate dancer.. to the amusement of some. Over the years, she was frequently invited to judge at dance competitions and occasionally entered them, herself.  To her great delight, she won the Masters Award at the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition in 2003.  Shortly after that, she was recognized by the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition organization in 2006 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which touched her deeply. Over these 30-plus years she truly grew beyond her byline of "Belly dancer Extraordinaire" and is thought of as a dear friend, collaborator, and sounding board by some of the biggest names in the business: Bobby Farrah, Fatima Al Wahid, Jamilla Al Wahid, Zaina Hart, Gaylene Dover, Kamaal, Sausan, Zeeta, Mezdulene, Mish Mish, Dunia, Jordan Dancer, Cassandra, Hadia, Siwa, and the Babs.   She will be missed by many many people and remembered for her bright smile, her loving heart, and her passion.

Fellow/Sister Dancer “Friend” Reflections:

Having shared hotel rooms with Jaleh I was always fascinated at how in the room she would be a all round earthy regular person and when she would get up the next morning she would put on her make up and sparkles and she would go out as a classy elegant social butterfly to meet the belly dance community. Both ways she was fun to be with. Jaleh was a great companion sharing our common Love in Belly Dance. In the last couple of years we became very good friends where I got to know her students and family who I became to love too. Jaleh truly was a Bellydancer of Extraordinaire AND a very good friend yet I don't think I have to tell many of you this. . . Zeeta

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Standing in the hallway at the Emerald Rain Competition I was so nervous.  My second competition and the alternative category.  I had practiced so hard to combine belly dance with cha cha.  And Jaleh had supported me every step of the way just as she did my very first competition in the beginner’s category.  Jaleh's husband and son approached me in the hallway.  "Jaleh is so excited, she cannot wait to see you dance."  The fear melted away.  I just wanted to have fun and enjoy my dance.  I placed 2nd that day.  It is my most favorite and memorable performance.  I regret never telling Jaleh it was “her” confidence in me that gave me such courage.  She was always so proud of her students.  She loved them dearly.  And her love and passion for dancing was contagious.  She was always there for me beaming with joy.  I will miss her.  And every time I dance I will think of her and all that she has given me…Nafiah Uz

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It’s hard for me when a friend disappears from the mosaic of my world.  With thousands of multifaceted pieces I feel so unprepared for the hole that one disappearance leaves, even on the outskirts of the total. But you’re forced to accept that the one tiny piece with the bright and true gypsy colors, the island girl flowers, the leopard spots and sparkles – a small packet of fierce yet passionate nature is now  - just absent from your world. You notice - and it prickles inside for so many reasons. Not the smallest is “how can someone so spirited – fade away” – frightening.  With time you realize – you still remember the unusual version of Miserlou she danced at a local showcase, the one that sent you on a music search for months J and I can still see the blaze of sequins that she loved to pair up with the unexpected flounces in her trademark costumes.  I can smile over the exotic strappy heels that dressed her feet – chuckle because like most of us she loved princess jewelry.

Even in illness you remember a stroll with her and a dear friend around the colors and sounds of Rakkasah – the memory of the two of us watching her now uninhibited delight as she giggled and caressed all that tickled her senses, reminding us for that moment of the true sense of pure enjoyment. The fact that through it all, good and bad, she was still the pretty, fashion baby with the dazzling smile and character of heart that made everyone around her connect. These are my best memories of my friend Jaleh who I realize will always be a real and present piece of the mosaic of my life – all those who knew her better than I are truly blessed….Oberon

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Our first public dance as a troupe was a mixture of beginners and her "Divas" and we had so much fun.  The photo was taken at Yelm Art Walk in 2007, I believe it was April, so her beginners had been dancing for about 6 months at the time and we had learned three dances.  We were all very nervous, but we had so much fun after the first number we didn't want it to end.  She really infected all of us with her love of the dance….Bahijah

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While I gave up dancing a few years back, Jaleh certainly meant a lot to me.  She taught me to love the body I was in and to realize that belly dancing was the one thing that I could do for me alone and not feel guilty about it.

I had fallen out of touch with her and many others that I had danced with, but she certainly is close in my thoughts and I have extremely fond memories of my time with her….Kim Flannagan

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Jaleh.... she loved her margaritas and white Russians and hated mornings. I am a morning person and try as I might, I could never be quiet enough.  So I would go for a "big" pot of coffee and bring it back to the room. We always needed it, because at Powers we stayed up all night laughing and visiting. The security guards came by more than once and we always invited them in.  We would hear people talk about the group that kept them awake all night partying.  HMMM.... I wonder who that could be???  Jaleh and I would sneak away quietly and then break into fits of laughter.  She had a favorite restaurant in Yakima that we always went to for Pitcher sized Margaritas. They were so good and we were allowed only one...because we had to go and dance.  And because we were to have only one..it had to be the biggest!!!  I liked her way of thinking!

There are way to many stories floating around in my head about Jaleh. And I will pull them out from time to time... thanking heaven for memories.  Nadima

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My most vivid and inspirational memory of Jaleh is that she taught us that if we were not perfect in a performance, “it was ok”.  She said to smile and dance on. For me, that set the stage. My fondest memories were at our dance lessons. Jaleh always wore a smile, had a positive outlook and was eager to teach us what she knew best, “belly dancing”.

My funniest memory was when she was handing out stage names; we had so much fun and laughed and made jokes.  She said to me, Sadia means happy and you are always happy.  I joyfully accepted.

Contagious smile, Loving personality and a Beautiful woman, that's our Jaleh, then and forever in our hearts.  I feel so blessed to have been a part of Jalehs' love.

With Shimmies and Love…Sadia-Michele M. Fox

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Jaleh was a beautiful, graceful, and elegant dancer. She inspired me in so many ways. I remember getting home from class and repeating the things she said over and over so as not to forget. Scoop the peanut butter, drop drop not bump bump, wear your make up closer to streetwalker -- less like a clown. Her sense of humor mixed with her extensive experience created a personality that drew people like flies to sugar. I remember a lady drove two hours - one way to take lessons from her; she was that unique and talented. Of all the things I remember I would say two things stand out the most to me.

1) Jaleh looked stunning in teal, which is also my favorite color unfortunately for me since I didn't wear that color during the year and a half I was lucky enough to dance with her. Not because she wouldn't allow it but because I respected her so much and couldn't compete with her in skill or persona. She had a stage presence that was mind blowing. 

2) She was a superb zill player. I remember the student night the first night I was to perform it was close to Christmas and Jaleh came out - she was dancing to jingle bell rock and all of a sudden the zills chimed in.  She was flirting with the crowd and rocking out on those things. It was amazing! I drove to Seattle that weekend and picked up my first pair. I have yet to attain her level of excellence though I haven't given up.

Jaleh was a loving and supportive teacher. She always did more then just teach. She was a friend. She exhibited self-confidence and inspired that in every person that had the pleasure of being taught by her. She got me to stop slouching and hold my head up. She will be missed by us all. All I can say is “shimmy shimmy Jaleh, the original Dance Diva” may you dance among the stars….Katie Hanson (Zohar)

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Siwa and Jaleh, 2005 Double Crown Belly Dance Competition
Siwa 2nd place, Jaleh - Master 1st place

I first met Jaleh when I started belly dance back in 1999. She was a judge at the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition and I had entered the advanced category. I remembered the euphoria of the competition weekend and getting my score sheets back. Of all the judges' comments, Jaleh's was the one that jumped out at me. She said to wear more makeup! I sought her out and asked her to do a makeover on me and she really made me up. She loves her blues and purples. It took some time to get over the shock of just how much makeup to wear for stage but she said it looked good so I went along with it. That was the beginning of our friendship.

Of all the experiences in dance, there are a few that really stand out. One such experience was our trip to Vancouver BC for a dance workshop. Siham, Jaleh, myself and a few others piled into Jaleh's van with leopard interior, rhinestones and glitter everywhere and cassette tapes blaring Arabic music in the background. We had such a blast that weekend. Jaleh was our tour guide of all things dance and we had smiles plastered on our faces all weekend long. When it was time to come home and it was our turn at the border crossing, Jaleh pulled up to the booth. The guard, needless to say, was a bit surprised to see a gaggle of glitterati women pull up with Arabic music blaring off her radio. He was borderline speechless as he asked what we were doing in Canada. We all shouted out "dancing!" and giggled like a group of teenagers. Jaleh flashed her fabulous smile and we were ushered through without another question!

Nadira and Jaleh

Jaleh has had such an influence in the dance community as well as in our lives. She was not only an amazing dancer but as well “woman”. Her kind eyes, smile and loving spirit have touched so many of us. No matter what was going on in her own world, Jaleh always had a smile and hug to give. I am a better person for knowing and having been part of her life. She will be greatly missed but her love and fabulous memories will remain in our hearts….Nadira

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As a long time attendee and staff member of the Annual Powers of Belly Dance Conference, I must say that without having Jaleh there, it’s just not been the same. She has been, and will be missed these next and last two years of the Conference (2011 will mark their 25th year.) Jaleh was always there, running the fashion show, performing a beautiful solo, and dancing with and encouraging her entourage of students she brought along. I remember one year, we were having our big Saturday lunch and Jaleh was recognized as the instructor bringing the most students ever. She was beaming, she was so proud. I still visualize right where she was standing, and I will remember her again in May as I dance on the stage she so often graced….Nizana

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BAHAR DANCE TROUPE

When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, Jaleh sponsored a workshop I attended.  I knew no one there, but her kindness and loving spirit helped me to feel at home.  I will always treasure the memory of her beautiful, glowing smile and her mischievous sense of humor.  Thank you, Jaleh, for sharing your spirit with me! …Maia

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Jaleh was a student of mine when she lived in California. She was always such a beautiful graceful dancer. Once she created a really stunning look for dance - turquoise contact lenses to match her turquoise costume….MaShuqa Mira Murjan

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