April 2001: Rakkasah Special

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Shopping Tips:

"Hey, What's in Your Bag?"

Have you ever wondered what other folks are carrying around in those bulging shopping bags? This year, anyone who stopped by my table for a chat, to look at my books, or to get a massage, I asked them, "Hey, What's in your Bag?" Here are some of the results of my very informal and unscientific poll. From the most popular items to some of the strangest, here are a few things people picked up at Rakkasah West, 2001.

Music ­ This was the most common item hidden in nearly everyone's shopping bag. There were a wide variety of new titles as well as classic performers. The ones most frequently mentioned by name included.

Solace ­ Many of his CD's were hot sellers this year. Both the Gathering Season and Sha'Waza were popular among shoppers.
Susu - There was a new CD by Susu that was snapped up by quite a few shoppers.
Hossam Ramzy ­ "Sabla Tolo" seemed to be a hot mover but there was a smattering of other titles as well.
George Abdo ­ He's one of the classic musicians and his works are the workhorses of students and teachers everywhere.

Shimmy Belts ­ Practically every dancer who stopped by my booth had a shimmy belt tucked into their bag. From sexy beaded versions to a simple edging of coins, no matter WHAT style of dance a shopper favored, there was a shimmy belt to fit into their wardrobe. The most popular color was a black base with gold coins. Teal, blue-green, aqua and seafoam were very popular when mixed with silver or gold and white accents. Red was very popular too.

Jewelry ­ From heavy tribal pieces to elegant rhinestones, jewelry was hot at this year's show. From bracelets to earrings, chokers to tiaras there was something for everyone and at every price point.

Bedlah ­ Bra and belt sets appeared frequently in the bags of folks who swung past my booth. Prices were all over the board. I saw a used bra and belt set for $275, it was a white crystal and pearl appliques on a white base of sequins with swagged fringe. I saw several new costumes in the $400 - $500 range, most of these costumes were in the basic colors, including combinations of black and gold, red and gold, and jewel tones. One dancer showed me a beautiful $450 costume in dusty rose coated with bugles, seed beads and pale pink sequins in a lovely floral pattern. Many pricier designer costumes were available, and I saw a red georgette crepe with clusters of crystal fringe and rhinestone trim. The straight skirt was attached to the belt, and the price included a crown, gauntlets and a choker that the dancer 'talked down' the vendor to $975.

Videos ­ How to videos seem to be more common than performance by nearly two to one. The most popular instructional videos I spotted were by Suzanna Del Vecchio, Delilah and Suhaila. The instructional series by Hahbi Ru seemed to be quite popular with tribal dancers.

So, you might wonder, what was the oddest thing I saw?

Belly dance costume for a Barbie Doll ­ Definitely for the SERIOUS collector!
Stuffed Camel ­ At two foot tall, this lovely plush animal was CUTE!
Belly Dance Comic Book ­ Alexandria was selling these wonderful little comic books, I loved the art.
Rubber Stamps ­ Artemis Imports had these little rubber stamps, they would make wonderful gifts for the crafter inside us all.