Ya Halla
When Isis and Dell first called me about honoring my mother at the 2009 Ya Halla Ya’all Festival in Dallas, Texas I was thrilled. They have been such a positive and supportive force in the belly dance world for many years, not only with the work they do in their community and studio, but with their magazine, The Chronicles, and with the biggest festival in Texas, Ya Halla. I was one of their instructors the first year they produced this event. Since then, I have been an instructor many times and feel honored every time asked to participate. The event is very well produced and both Isis and Dell are easy and warm to deal with. This year was special since they wanted to give my mother the life time achievement award they honor during each festival. They were very gracious and together we wanted to make it special. We were to show the 12 minute documentary of my mother and Bal Anat from 1972 and then I was to give an acceptance speech. I would teach a workshop, but not perform in the evening show making sure to focus on accepting the award. We all felt good about this since the night should be about my mother and her accomplishments. Before the documentary I felt it important to give a speech, not just to thank Isis and Dell for the award, but to also give a glimpse to what my mother went through as both an artist and a woman in the 60’s and 70’s. It wasn’t just about making up names to steps that revolutionized this dance form and was to become the foundation of the 90’s creation of ATS. It was about the struggle and fight each day to raise a little girl alone in an abusive home. It was about a women that would end up a widow only to have the dance as a bond between her and her daughter. After my brief, tear-filled speech the lights went out. The audience was packed and with a huge screen on the side of the stage (just like a rock concert), my mothers’ documentary was viewed. I could see the understanding of the woman behind the name being revealed as each audience member was impacted by her presence. We have all heard the name Jamila Salimpour, but who is this woman? When the documentary was over Isis brought me back up on stage to hand me the award. I held it high over my head and the audience cheered and stood on their feet. I laughed and cried all at the same time. That night I was not Suhaila Salimpour, I was Jamila Salimpour’s daughter and I was filled with pride.
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2 Responses to “Ya Halla”
I was there for that beautiful event, my first in Texas since my California move, it was so moving and memorable, and a pleasure to meet you and share this so deserving award.
Suhaila, My daughter and I were honored to have been there during that wonderful night in Texas this past August. For years we have been your students from a distance through the Fitness Fusion Series (which is great by the way). I was the one during cool-down of the workshop who asked about needing more ‘bun’ training – you’re right that F.F.B. really does help with working it out for better control.
The documentary honoring your mother is an inspiration that every dancer (and daughter) should see. It solidified in my mind that no obstacles should be allowed to extinguish our dreams. All of the Salimpour women are strong, both physically and mentally.
We were so proud to have travelled to Texas from Louisiana to witness and cheer you on in accepting the lifetime achievement award on behalf of your mother Jamila. Congratulations again!