New Year of Belly Dance

It's exciting to begin the New Year with "new" students! I do enjoy the challenge of sharing my dance knowledge. Especially in such difficult and trying times. My blessed to have students who can continue to attend classes. We all need a break and something to get us out of the doldrums. Belly dance does do it for me. There's a new list of names to learn and returning students as well. This year will be MY belly dance year. My plans and goals are to focus, focus, focus, attend more seminars, expand the CD & DVD library. I will try to limit my time on YouTube but I doubt it will happen. There are so many favorites that I must watch! After thinking it over, I'm grateful for my opportunity to teach.

I eagerly await 2 new CD'S and a DVD! Yay, for Ebay.

Reflecting & Looking Ahead

On my list for the upcoming year, I want work on my technique. I'm seriously looking at seminars that are offered here in town & another not too far for me to drive by myself. Giving it much thought and visits to YouTube, I'm satisfied that my money would not be wasted on personal choices. How devastating to take a seminar that leaves you empty! Been there and done that. Word to the wise, read the fine print, find out what's being taught, skill level needed and research the instructor. This is a must. Don't pay for a seminar unless you are comfortable with the instructor OR a style of dance that's not well suited for you. Inquire with others, research or seek the opinion of your instructor or a best belly friend. I love Classical Egyptian, Orientale (aka many other names, this is the area where I desire to acquire more of a polished technique. Do consider other styles of dance as well, this adds more interest to your repertoire. Trying a new style will get you a new prospective that style. Folkloric makes me smile, Tribal is so much fun with a troupe! and the list goes on and on for me.

My classes are not in session the last 2 weeks of this month, Yay....this allows me to take a close look at my accomplishments for this year. I will make note of what I want to accomplish for next year. I must not forget, the break will allow me to revisit old songs, and develop the overall program for 2008. Work on website updates;all thing related to belly dance.

The short/long list, knowing myself, more to be added.

*Watching and rewatching videos on YouTube! (vintage dancers)
*DVD'S to purchase?
*Updating my class CD'S
*FINISHING THE BRA & BELT SETS! ALL OF THEM!!!
*Purging the costume closet, somethings are just not me anymore.
*Look forward to "new" students being added to the line up.

I think I have enough to keep my busy.

Shira Dot Net

Jumping around on the net and finally remember to visit Shira's updated site. I like the blue, the blue costume and so forth. I need to spend more time on the musical part of the website. The clips are very helpful. Thanks Shira for all of your work on the website. It's great info for dancer's. If you are a beginner, it's a must read!

Ruboff complete!

Recently, I purchased a top & pants to wear for class. I liked the top so much that I began to search the web for a pattern similar to the top and pants. Not much luck on these particular designs. I've come to find out that "certain" designs are NOT in pattern form! Well one thing lead to another, after reading blog post on "how to copy a pattern" I tried my hand at this one. It just seemed that this is something I could do. It's simple, using stretch fabric is not too challenging and I do have the proper needles. I selected a white knit in my bundle of don't know what to make with this. I used brown wrapping to rub off the top pattern, it was easy enough. I did past the suggestion of making a muslin of the top first, it would not work for stretch fabric. It came out well. Sad to say I did not have white thread, grey will do it's a trial copy and just for class so why sweat the threads. I have copies of the pants, these I will tackle very soon.

The white top is the rub off. The maroon, velvet is the basic choli pattern from Annabella (she is listed in my links), this pattern is invaluable if you are a dancer. It works in stretch velvet, and other types of stretch fabrics. I've made it at least 10 times. You can also add sleeve drapes, an easy pattern for me. Tip: get the darts just right and listen to music while you work!

www.spandexworld.com stretch fabric galore
www.denverfabrics.com a good selection of costume fabrics

The new issue of Threads magazine(for people who love to sew) is out, nice article on sewing with velvet. www.threadsmagazine.com
Sew Stylish article on "Make Your Own Simple Patterns." www.craftystylish.com

Cold & Snow

I don't like cold weather or snow. No fan of winter. I'll survive, class is this evening. I've worked on the links page of my website. My goal is to do some type of updating here and there.

Searching around on line, I've found out that Shira.net is updating her website, it's suppose to have a whole new look. I'm giving her 2 thumbs without even seeing it. Her site is one of the best around. I remember when I first surfed on to her site, I finally stopped reading very early in the morning! The place is like an encyclopedia. Tons and tons of information. I wanted to absorb it all, being a new student of belly dance. I've had the pleasure to meet her in person, she's lots of fun. I fondly remember her sharing videos with us at a party, I hosted several years ago. I need to search for the pictures of us....wow, there are stacks and stacks of CD'S with pictures on them or is a regular photo? I'm off searching. If it's found, I'll post!

I guess I'll be up late again to take it all in.

Floor Work

Today I viewed Floor Work Made Simple by Mahisha again. I want to attempt more floor work in the upcoming year. This is another resolution to put on my belly dancer's list of things to do for 2009. It's more for intermediate dancers, it's a thumb's up for this one. By incorporating floor work into your routine, it adds interest, shows skill, strength and grace.

Do not begin this type of practice without stretching. Floor work requires strength in the core muscles and your thighs. Sigh, back to the floor to practice all the drill moves. My goal will be strength.

Basic Posture

I will reluctantly leave the costumes; to put some emphasis on the very basics of belly dance. Posture is so important in belly dance. I can't begin to stress this enough during class. I observe that students are not always adhering to the request of "getting into the basic position". Keeping the knees bent softly, pelvic area tucked, chest up and shoulders relaxed. Oh..... don't forget that you are not in pain! Smile, think positive thoughts as the instructor guides you in your drills. As new and returning students this is so important to properly execute the movements. I can't say it enough, posture is so important. Posture is so important, posture is so important, ok..you got it!

Taking a little more time in front of the mirror really helps. The room I miss the most gave me the opportunity of seeing myself from all sides! This was an eye opener and posture evaluation. There is nothing like a studio with mirrors. One great motivator to say the least.

The Pattern

This is the pattern that we use for the beledi dress. BD #1003 (I failed to insert the photo on an earlier post) I did some modifications and adjustments to the pattern. 1st - I made it longer to the ankle, 2nd - I slimmed down the width of the dress. It seemed to work better for me, if the dress fitted closer to the body. We used stretch fabric, I'm sure you can use something without stretch. The dress is very flattering to all figures. (Radhiya's opinion) If using this pattern, be sure to purchase 60" wide fabric. It can be tricky to lay it out, the sleeves are 1 yard across! If your fabric is not wide enough, you will have slice the sleeves at the shoulder and re-lay them. The pattern can work well for troupe costuming as well as beginner sewers. I did try to find the link to the vendor but it seems as if she is not on-line or perhaps it's just down for now. But I did include a few links above on where to purchase belly dance patterns. Most of the pattern companies are on line, but the basic companies, McCalls, Butterick, Simplicity and Vogue all sell costume patterns.

http://www.squidoo.com/bellydancecostumes

http://www.adiradance.com/dance_costume_c/BD_PAT/Patterns

Attending a Hafla

Why do you attend a hafla? Just to have the opportunity to improve your dance skills, to share them with others or to just socialize? For many dancers it might be all of the reasons fore mentioned. As a belly dancer are you supportive of the dance community in your area? How far are we willing to travel to be a part of a dance community. Belly dance does offer friendships and bonds among women. We meet new friends; while keeping the old. Through dance you have the ability to encourage others to begin or continue belly dance lessons. It can be a form of advertisement for instructors and costume designers. You have opportunity to shop an instructor, and/or fall in love with a new style of dance. Don't be afraid to ask questions, meet someone new. Review the program, know who's who and what's what, by keeping your ears and eyes open you can enrich your dance knowledge.

We all have many reasons for attending haflas.
Support is one of the main reasons that will keep haflas alive.

Holiday Hafla

This evening "Troupe Nayliyat", had the pleasure of opening the show at the Holiday Halfa sponsored by Danse Orientale. It was a cold and rainy night. I eagerly awaited all of my troupe members to arrive. Despite the traffic and unpleasant weather conditions; everyone arrive in one piece. I missed Rania not being the line up with us this evening; her smiling and supportive face was in the audience cheering us on. Our music selection was from the Tribal Bedouin CD by Hossam Ramzey. I'm happy the performance started and glad when it was completed. Another one down and now I'm looking forward to the next event. We survived, a new choreography, and the challenge of keeping hipscarfs in place (safety pins), cheers and all. There is no way we could accomplish this all without our support group. There is nothing like "family, friends and those who love to see you dance". Hey, someone has to take pictures, hold the table, assist with makeup and clap along with us!

On the program were dancers from the metropolitan STL area. I had several costume favorites, the Ghawazee Coats, a dress that sparkled, and some of the "new" Lycra spandex ensembles are beginning to grow on me. Oh my, how could I forget to mention the menu? Yummy, Middle Eastern cuisine! Wow, I now have to unpack my bag.

Hafla's!

Scared, petrified and uncomfortable was how I felt at my first hafla. My costume constructed with personal hand stitches to my bra, harem pants & veil. My color combination was of purple & gold. Purple is a color of royalty, so why the involuntary shimmies? Previously, I've attended many hafla's (belly dance recital). To perform for the very first time is exciting! I still have butterflies today as I prepare to go on stage. It's never changes for some, for others it begins to be old hat. I did get through my performance, I did a veil dance. I forgot most of the choreography, but quickly recovered. I was pleasantly surprised the crowd clapped. It's always nice to encourage a new student dancer. As time goes on; you strive to improve your technique. I have had the pleasure of witnessing others starting off as students, and achieving status of the accomplished belly dancer.

As a student,be prepared to do your best. This is all you can do.
Listen to your music over and over again. Never solo on music you don't love. When performing with a troupe, know the cues, attend rehearsals, practice at home!

Hafla's are fun events, costume shopping, dining, if provided, taking picture & being entertained by other local performers. This is a great time to seeing various styles of belly dance, skill levels and costumes. Sometimes you will also see alternative styles of dance, related or not to belly dance. This is a treat. Some performers will put on a mini show with in their performance.

It's a good idea to take a camera with you, this gives the opportunity to capture pictures of local dancers. Make it a point to meet someone new, try out the cuisine.
If you are performing be sure to wear a cover-up before and after your performance; this is part of belly dance etiquette. Set back & enjoy the entertainment.
Hafla's are a great learn experience for all dancers no matter what skill level you have reached. Invite a friend, introduce someone else to the art of "belly dancing"!
Zaghareeting.............

Our Red Beledi Dress

One more red costume to complete, still working on the bra....the dress is all cutout, waiting for the pieces to be serged. It's a drag to change the threads on the serger, but necessary. Covering a bra is challenging but fun; I do enjoy hand sewing. If I could just stay off line, I'd be done. I chose the BD Pattern # 1003. Sewer beware, I'd suggest only using 60" wide fabric. I learned the hard way and had to detach the sleeves on a couple of the dresses.
Sad to say the fabric was not wide enough. My "test" costume, was shorter than I liked. The shorter version works well with harem pants. Adding length makes a perfect "beledi dress". I found the orginal fabric at a WalMart. At $1 per yard I purchased the entire bolt! It was not enough for everyone, so we had to go with alternate choices of fabric.

I made 4 of the dresses on the picture, I not going to tell which ones, but I'm so very proud of my troupe. We are blessed to have a talented blended group. This is a supportive group of women. I "heart" them all.

Girl Scouts & Belly Dance

It's been many moons ago, but believe it or not I was a Girl Scout! (Making a note to find a pictue.) So, when I was invited to do a class for a local group of girls, my response was yes. Yea, another opportunity to share my love of dance. This class had a variety of ages, several Moms and leaders joined in on the fun. We all broke several beads of sweat! (I mean we glistened!) The girls did very well on the Egyptian Walk, Circle Dance and of course Shimmies. The Moms agreed it takes concentration to isolate specific muscle groups. It's all muscle memory, with time, and practice it all falls into place. It's made me happy to share the excitement of it all.
Who knows, it might be a badge idea.

I've reclaimed: Radhiya Raks

Wow....nothing since 2005, that's a long time. An enoromous amount of events have taken place since the last post. Many performances and changes in my belly dance world. I look forward to sharing, I've reclaimed my Blog!

Bellydance has claimed a large part of my social and personal life. Now the writing begins.