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Bridggett Bess, "Badia," Belly Dancer

10/27/2013

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Nicole Fong and Bridggett Bess, Badia
I met Bridggett Bess on a film shoot I worked on. She looked like a movie star. Partied like a rock star. Nah, that last part is a joke (or is it?). Turns out, not only does Bess have the look - and a uniquely beautiful one, at that- but she is multi-talented, holding acting, singing, and belly dancing under her belt.

Currently, she is a professional belly dancer working under the stage name of Badia, in Sacramento, California. Let’s find out more of what inspired her to become a belly dancer, and how you can see more of her!  


Nicole Fong and Bridggett Bess, Badia
  1. What/when was your first experience with belly dancing and what influenced you to study belly dancing? 

    A Prince video believe it or not! In his music video “7,” there was a belly dancer, named Mayte Garcia. I knew I had to learn this art form one day, even though I didn't end up taking my first class until much later. 

    After graduating from college, I needed an activity, and by chance I saw a flier at a local community center in Fayetteville, North Carolina.


  2. What were the steps you took to becoming a professional belly dancer? 

    Honestly, it seemed like a very natural progression. After I moved to Sacramento, I wandered around on second Saturday one weekend and saw Jodette’s Belly Dance Academy. I was so thrilled. I attended classes on a very regular basis, and one day when I was dancing she mentioned that I should do it professionally - that I could make money. That was the start. I continued do research, took more classes and some workshops by some accomplished dancers and masters teachers in California. I later started to compete and perform as a special guest dancer in different showcases. 

    Everyone’s step to becoming a professional might be a little different. But in my opinion, it all starts with your teacher (studio). She/he usually provides the information and resources. 
    However, you must do your own research and train to be great and educated in the art of Middle Eastern dance. It can be quite complex. 

  3. What does a normal day look like for you?

    Ah, it varies! I am usually always dancing, to be honest. In the shower, doing the dishes, ironing, snake arms on the treadmill, and chest pops, LOL. 

    I try to always keep my body in motion. Largely because I have a naturally athletic build and I don’t want to become stiff. I try to dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour of rehearsing (no real structure) at least 4 times a week. 
    But again, it can come on at any time when I feel I want to try something, or practice fluidity and sharp movements. I often play Arabic music so, you can’t help but dance if it’s on in the background! 

  4. In addition to being a belly dancer, you are also an actress and singer. Can you tell us what you enjoy doing most, and why?

    I enjoy acting the most. Character work is the foundation to both my singing and dancing. In belly dance/Raqs Sharki, because my specialty is Egyptian, it is important for me to portray that character truthfully and thoroughly, if that makes sense. If I wasn't an actor, I am not quite sure my approach would be the same. 

  5. If you could perform with anyone you wanted, anywhere in the world, with whom would it be? 

    Gosh, that is a tough question. I have two artists, and for different reasons. 

    As an actor, I would choose to work with Adrian Brody, in Italy. I have always longed to go back to Italy. I have flashes of memories from my childhood and a lot of feelings that remind me of being there. I don’t know why. Working with an actor with as much depth as Adrian Brody in that location would be epic!  

    The other artist I would like to work with musically would be Natacha Atlas (also a belly dancer) on a Massive Attack track – possibly in London! 

  6. You have competed in competitions around the U.S. Can you tell us the process of entering to performing in a belly dancing competition, and what it is like to compete in them? 

    The process is actually pretty direct and to the point. I just do a search online for belly dance competition and pay the registration fee. There are usually quite a few different categories that the belly dancer can choose from. I select the category that my performance style and experience level is the best fit for. Then, I get to work!! Practice, practice, brainstorm, drill, and GO!  

    Oh goodness, I love competing. It makes my heart beat and pushes me to my personal best. Honestly, if it weren't so expensive to compete often, I would do it all of the time! I love putting on my headphones and zoning out before show time! 
    It can be challenging to focus from all of the eye candy back stage! It’s like being a kid in a candy store. Talk about gorgeous costumes!

    It’s really inspiring to compete. 
    There are so many fantastic dancers worldwide bringing their "A" game! As a belly dance competitor your dancing will always improve because it forces you to grow. It always makes me want to be better than my last performance.

  7. What is your favorite part of belly dancing? What is the worst?  

    My favorite part of belly dancing stems from co existing with the music. I also love that it inspires me to be aware of my body. The rhythms and melodies in Arabic music are magical. No words; only the body can express the feeling. In belly dance, there are no rules, just understanding/learning the authentic technique and music, in my humble opinion. You then let your body do what it feels. I love that. It’s very liberating. 

    The worst part is the cattiness among each other due to limited opportunities (i.e. performance venues and income). However, on other side of that lies a very beautiful opportunity to connect with a group of women that share the love of the art of belly dance. I have met some very special people that I have formed relationships with. I would have never met them had I not been a part of the belly dance community.


  8. What was the most memorable experience you have had while performing? 

    Bellydancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach when I entered the “Taxim” Category. It was purely improv. The anticipation and longing to completely shut off my brain and let my body walk with the music during a competition (where the stakes were high) was exhilarating! 

    I placed first runner up, and after receiving my trophy, an Egyptian lady approached me and gave me feedback that made my heart smile. It felt good to know that my interpretation of the music was not contrived through choreography…and to have someone of the culture feel moved by my performance was so humbling. The victory was a shock!

  9. Who are your inspirations in life?

    My inspirations are my family because of the values that were ingrained throughout childhood and even now. 

    My other inspiration is Prince. Since I was a kid, Prince has inspired my artistry. There are others, but I can really go on forever. Eartha Kitt, for sure, is on the list!


  10. Where do you hope to be in 5 years, and what are the steps you plan to take to accomplish your goals?

    In five years I see myself continuing to tell stories via television, film, and theater.  

    There is no formula really, other than to map out my goals and take it day by day. I've realized while on my journey that the steps rewrite themselves over and over. I wish I could map it out in plain English. God knows I try, and things always change. So for now, I pray, and pay attention to the signs.


  11. What would your advice be to someone who would like to start belly dancing or dance professionally? 

    Ask yourself why you want to do this, and be honest. Research, search within your soul, and pursue it from there. If you are in it specifically for the money and sparkly costumes, find another profession. 

    This art form is something that you must truly connect with, have a passion for, and be objective and realistic about what your goals are.

    It IS possible to have a professional career as a belly dancer. I have seen many successful women do it full time! It takes a lot of work and dedication. As with anything, the sky is the limit. Just try to keep a pure heart and maintain integrity. Seek out positive relationships and opportunities to grow.
Nicole Fong and Bridggett Bess, Badia

Thank you so much Bridggett, for allowing us to enter the mind of such a talented young woman. We hope to see much more of Bridggett Bess/Badia in the future!

Nicole Fong and Bridggett Bess, Badia

You can see Badia performing at Kasbah Lounge in downtown Sacramento, CA. For additional information on Bridggett, or to see where she’s performing next, check out: www.raqsharki.com, www.Bridggettbess.com, or her Facebook page.
Nicole Fong and Bridggett Bess, Badia
2 Comments

Tony Bragano, Jazz Saxophonist

10/5/2013

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Nicole Fong and Tony Bragano, Jazz Saxophonist, Nicole Fong Photography

When you hear music that moves your soul, what do you do? Perhaps you start dancing, swaying to the beat, or maybe even start singing along to the lyrics. It might make you feel emotional, whether happy or sad - even move you to tears, while you bail along to the lyrics of your favorite sad song. This is the power of music. 

The first time I heard jazz saxophonist Tony Bragano play, I was captivated by his music. My family and I were passing through Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. Bragano was playing the saxophone, along with his friend who was on bongos. Together they created an amazing collaboration, which charmed and enticed passersby to stop and listen to their music.

When Bragano plays, the soothing music sails from his saxophone seemingly effortlessly. I wanted to know a little bit more about him, and how he came to become a jazz saxophonist. Recently, he graciously took the time to answer some questions I had for him. Let’s find out a little more about this talented saxophonist, whom you’re sure to start hearing more of soon! 


Nicole Fong and Tony Bragano, Jazz Saxophonist, Nicole Fong Photography

1)    What are the steps you took to go from playing the saxophone as something you enjoyed into making it a career?

Originally I was playing saxophone as a hobby while attending college and working part time.  Incorporating music into my life gave me a sense of balance, and kept my creative juices flowing.  Of course I had dreams of possibly playing music as a full time career.  Then, in 2008, I graduated with my MBA (from the University of San Francisco) ambitiously ready to find a respectable, stable decent paying job.  However, that was also right when the economy decided to take a dive. I spent a lot of time interviewing and trying to find a business job but it wasn't working. So I continued working my part-time job and put all my energy into music...developing skills, writing new material, and selling myself.  I had nothing to lose. 



The saxophone is just a tool, but the music is a product of my experiences, perceptions, body, imagination and soul. I am the instrument. I also support the definition that music is a language of emotions, and that music can speak emotions that words cannot. I like to think of myself as an artist that expresses and speaks this language. So with that being said, being an artist with the saxophone is my full time profession. I don't have any other job.

I am thankful that I currently have this opportunity, but I have gone back and forth between being a full time musician and being a part time musician, so I know it can change at any time. 

I thank everyone who has supported my music by purchasing my songs and booking me. :)

2)    What's your favorite part about playing the sax, and why?

MAGIC – The out of body experience and being in the zone feeling you get when you’re in a state of “flow.” It’s as if the saxophone is playing you, as opposed to you playing it. There is a direct link to the imagination and no thinking, it’s subconscious. This is where magic happens; and you accomplish what you thought was impossible.

FRUITS OF LABOR - When you want to get to a certain playing ability (having more control over the instrument) you work hours and hours to develop this. And then finally, one day it happens.....you have developed more strength and control over the instrument, and she takes you to another world.

3)    What are the not so ideal/boring parts about your career that you'd rather not have to deal with?

Dealing with marketing paraphernalia. Traveling. 

4)    Can you tell us about a really memorable experience you had playing the sax and why it impacted you so?

While playing live at a wine bar once, someone asked if we could play “Happy Birthday” for someone at the party.  Somehow I started playing some of the national anthem in the middle of the song - a little improvisation - and then went back to playing “Happy Birthday.”  My friend, Andres, who was playing the bongos, was dying laughing while all this was going on. But the party was happy and everyone was having a good time. The impact comes in that music isn’t engineering its emotion, and there’s no need to overdo it technically, or take things too seriously.

5)    What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

Despite my soothing and smooth music, I am actually kind of hyper. Music is my outlet to meditation and relaxation.

6)    Could you walk us through a typical day in your life? 

One of the fun things about being a musician (at least to me) is that you don't have the usual repetition that you might have in a 9 to 5 job. I definitely put in a lot of hours each day - 12 plus – but I am always learning new stuff and working with new people and playing new gigs.  As the saying goes, “You'll never work a day in your life, when doing what you love.”

One thing that is consistent is that I work seasonally. During the winter I write music, and do a lot of studio production work (i.e. making the product, and working with featured artists). I like to have new material ready by summer, so in the spring I am getting a lot of business stuff in place like album covers, ordering CDs, booking gigs for the summer, making marketing paraphernalia, etc. (busy work). Come summer, it’s all about performances, playing gigs, and selling myself and the music. Also, right before winter, I do a lot of holiday gigs.

My practice philosophy is based on: consistency, desire, and rest. What I mean by that, is I make sure I consistently play the horn for at least 4 hours a day, so I don't get rusty. But I have also experienced overkill; you can burn yourself out by not letting your body rest and recover. Desire comes in to play in that if I'm not feeling it, or don't want to play it, I don't do it. So I play songs that I am going to play live and just get my practice in by playing them. When a song gets boring, I just throw it away and stop playing it. If I want to practice some scales or technique, I just play around with it in the song.

7)    What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians hoping to follow in your footsteps?

No matter how much judgment comes your way, be yourself.


Nicole Fong and Tony Bragano, Jazz Saxophonist, Nicole Fong Photography

Thank you Tony, for taking the time to give a little more insight into your thoughts and career!

If you would like to find out more about Bragano, listen to his music, or see where he is performing next, you can visit his website, TonyBragano.com, Facebook, or Youtube.  


Nicole Fong and Tony Bragano, Jazz Saxophonist, Nicole Fong Photography
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