Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009....change in the parking lot for performers this year! Walking down hill on a windy day is fine, walking up a hill back to the parking lot not so much fun. I have allergies, so a little suffering was involved. I missed the usage of the pavilion! This year the crowd seemed larger to me or was it due to everyone sitting on the bales of hay?

We choose the color scheme of blue, or purple. Seems to be fitting for a gypsy dancer. Troupe Nayliyat performed on the grassy stage, challenging to a dancer's feet. Twigs, dips and so on. If you dance you will relate. This was another opportunity for us to demonstrate our love for the dance. This year we had a few novice students to join in on the festivities, with butterflies and all. They did a good job. A first public performance brings on a case of the jitters! After all is done; a sea of calm returns. I remember my first public performance. My goal is to make everyone a comfortable as possible. It's not always possible, but I do try help extreme cases of stage fright.

Our support staff recorded the event and the troupe photographer had a chance to capture our best smiles. I'm pleased with the video (will post) and photos!

Hopefully, everyone attending the Earth Day event got the message of Earth Day and saving the planet for generations to come. Let's go and think green, while wearing other colors.

National Dance Week

National Dance Week is the beginning of our performance season. This year it was beautiful windy weather. Our dresses were in my opinion a great selection. Performing at an outside event "folkloric" dresses are pleasing. The dresses were made by several members of the group. Having troupe members with sewing skills are invaluable to say the least. All things went well. Very unfortunate this year there was no video recording done. Personally, I was looking forward to receiving the usual "free" DVD. We can always dress up again to do a demo.

The event featured various belly and non belly dance groups in the St. Louis area and beyond. This always gives us a chance to see old friends.

Getting the group together for pictures, what a blast. Smile!

Shimmy into Spring

Spring brings on new life, flowers and a cleansing of the Earth. This is a time for us to consider our belly dance life and adventures. As the weather turns, turn to your inner dance diva. Make the decision to step out of your comfort zone, explore another style of dance. Having butterflies can be good. Push yourself to higher heights, drill harder. Challenge yourself. Shimmy, Shimmy and more shimmies.

I have a few challenges on my plate for the upcoming season...I'm anxiously waiting to get to dancing!

In June, I have committed to two (2) Saturday's in June with BDU. Costume change for sure, music to pick and choreography to work on. Another challenge, this makes me happy. Let the shimmies begin!

It's all about the Tribal Belt

The winter months are s l o w, not many festivals. But Spring is here! You could not tell by the weather in STL. There will be 2 events for the troupe to look forward to National Dance Week, Earth Day and our monthly Raks Sharki meeting!

Dusting off my costumes, some adjustments to be made and maybe an refurbish to one of the tribal belts. I like the more textured yarn that I'm seeing used on the belts now. I'm pondering what color combo to use, all 3 in the veil or just 2? Decisions, decisions.

The picture posted is of Rania's belt! I adore the various textures & colors. It worked well with her costume. I could easily see this as a crossover belt. Puts me in the mind of a tribal gypsy, if there is such a thing.

National Dance Week, Saturday, April 25th @ Union Station
http://www.nationaldanceweekstl.com/

Earth Day is Sunday, April 26th in Forest Park
http://www.stlouisearthday.org/

Raks Sharki in STL....Sunday, April 26th (Should I do a costume change???)

BDU

I've really neglected my blog lately; I miss blogging. But due to such a crazy work schedule there seems to be a problem. Any-who....having the opportunity to dance at the Missouri Theatre for the Arts in Columbia was a treat. The theatre is a smaller version of the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. I'd love to have my dance troupe dance on this stage. This is a excellent space for large troupes. The theatre has gone under renovation, the college put lots of work into the space. Too bad more haflas and or belly dance shows are not held at this location. It's the home of BDU and I'm happy!

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, lower than expected turnout :(
What did I like the most? Of course costumes!!! They were all on the creative side of belly dance. More photos are on the Belly Dance United website.

www.bellydanceunited.com

"Wilderness" is Saturday!

I'm trying to control my excitement regarding the production of "Wilderness"!
I'm sure many people/folks know by now I'm in Belly Dance United.(www.bellydanceunited.com) The show is this Saturday. Of course, I'm checking and rechecking my costume, making sure everything is so-so. I don't want to forget or leave something! I'll pack and recheck the packing, JUST TO BE SURE! In the back of my mind; I remember what occurred on my last road trip.

This show will not be the normal belly dance production, it's on the wilder side of dance. Each performer will be a particular creature. Some different and creative. I can't wait until the entire show is completed, I can sit and watch the video!

http://www.motheatre.org/

The Calendar

Sometimes the best planned calendar does not work. I worked diligently on my belly dance calendar for 2009! I had it organized and worked out all of the weekends; workshops and seminars that I wanted to attend. Funny how things change, when you see an opportunity for spreading your wings. I was laid off work in May 2008....now I've been called back. So off I go and my calendar has changed again. In such uncertain times, I'm grateful to have received the call back. So many people are being laid off without having the opportunity of returning. It could be worst.

I'm hoping for the best, and a weekend here and there! Saturday's can be downers.

Katherine Dunham

I ran across these pictures online of course. I'd thought I'd share them with others. I can't hear the music, but I do feel the drum as I admire the photos!

http://www.kdcah.com/index.html

Inspiration for Dancers

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.
George Bernard Shaw

Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.
John Milton

If you dance, you dance because you have to. Every dancer hurts, you know.
Katherine Dunham

Dance is the hidden language of the soul.
Martha Graham

The dance is a poem of which each movement is a word.
Mata Hari

Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.
Oprah Winfrey

A poor dancer will be disturbed even by the hem of her skirt.
Polish Proverb

To shake your rump is to be environmentally aware.
David Byrne

Dance is bigger than the physical body. ...When you extend your arm, it doesn’t stop at the end of your fingers, because you’re dancing bigger than that; you’re dancing spirit.

People come to see beauty, and I dance to give it to them.

Judith Jamison

Performing @ Saviour's Day In Chicago, IL

I had the pleasure of attending and performing at Saviour's Day 2009 this past weekend, in Chicago, Illinois.

We stayed at the Hotel Sofitel (Luxury to say the least) this is a wonderful choice if you are visiting Chicago. It's not close to the inner city, but a short distance form the O'Hare Airport. The hotel has excellent customer service and room service is tops! Hotel Sofitel gets a 5 star rating from me. I do regret that I did not take pictures in the lobby. I dined in the main restaurant and French Cuisine is tops. www.sofitel.com

We travelled around town during our stay and the Phoenix Restaurant serves Greek style cuisine. The service and portion sizes were very generous to say the least. Be sure to order the salmon plate, if in Chicago!

Basilico Resitorante was another one of our stops. Italian cuisine and very large portions, I was unable to devour it all. Too bad I could not take a bag home.
www.basilico.net

It was a rainy drive and not pleasant to pass the 18 wheelers, so be careful when doing highway driving in this situation. Caution is the key!

My lifesaver of the trip was Audrena, I discovered while driving I left my sword. Panic set in. How could I have done such a terrible thing. I remembered I had packed my bag on the bed with the sword under my bag. I will always keep a sword in my car, I will always keep a sword in the trunk of my car. I should know better. I drove out to her house and purchased a bronze sword.
www.audrena.com

As the announcer introduced me I had a different kind of butterflies, I was more than just nervous. I want to make a good impression, avoid offending anyone and it was to the utmost importance to present the art of Middle Eastern Dance in a respectful way. I choose to do a sword dance. For some reason I feel comfortable with the sword on my head. It was not my usual one but it was fine for a stand in.
Walking across the stage as the music I began to feel at ease and once the music soon passed the introduction I was beginning to settle into my dance. There was applause after the performance and I survived. It was an honor and every stitch that is took me to make my costume was sew very worth it!

I need to download the video of my performance:) My husband captured it all for me-how sweet.

Blogging from Chi-Town!

Driving to Chicago, it rained most of the way. Of course this would happen after I took the wheel. Good experience for me especially passing the 18 wheelers.
The most important thing of all is to CHECK your bags before you get on the highway. While listening to my CD, going over the choreography in my mind, I realized that I had LEFT my sword! I all but screamed, they were both on the bed in my sewing room. Not good, but a fast call to my right and left hand....assistance was on the way! Having a dance buddy is PRICELESS.
Zelda understood and found a vendor in town that would place one on hold for me.
Audrena is a lifesaver and having a Garmin does not hurt. I got an excellent deal on a bronze sword. I peaked at the special order costume laying out, it was a stunner, gold with eye popping purple stones, something I don't need but want! Now I'm trying to budget it in sometime this year!

Moral of the story, check and double check your bags before you pack for a trip.

I'm a Political Junkie Also.........

Yes, I'm one of those people who follow the news to a fault. But I really like CNN, MSNBC and Fox is not a favorite of mine. Hardball, Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow are all tops on my list. I posted a pic of Donna Brazile, so she on the list as well. The anchors at CNN also, too many to name, Anderson Cooper and Jack McCafferty (sp?) make me laugh.

But yesterday as I watch the news I'm disturbed by the cartoon that ran in the New York Times. I don't read the paper, but did look on line at it today. I'm not going to re-post the tasteless cartoon. I feel it's degrading. At a time when the country and economy is in such bad shambles, I'm sure they could put more energy into more positive reporting. Cartoons should be funny not insulting, racists or disrespectful.

Hopefully, New Yorkers and others will boycott this paper. Wondering if they will issure an apology?

Sewing Desk

I needed a sewing table, so I surfed the web. The more upscale tables I found are just great, lots of storage, but a bit too pricey for me. So I called the closest Hancock Fabric store. I was surprised to find they offer several types of tables. Reasonable to expensive. I did find a portable table that was on sale. Besides not really liking the color of the table, the table is functional for my sewing needs. It has 4 good size drawers, I can organize my sewing supplies. I still have spillage. I decided to get another one of the tables, they were on sale; so why not go for it? I double my much needed drawer space and have a place to place both of my machines. At this time I'm deciding on how to best place them so I can have a "L" shape workstation. Once the room is complete, I'll post a pic. The table construction offers the opportunity to have the drawers on the right or left side and the foldout has enough surface space for larger garments. Not as much as I'd like be it will work. Organization is necessary in a sewing room and in life!

Sullivan is the manufacture of the table. It's white and the model number is 739301125654. It is priced at $129 and was on sale for $99.

The link below is a picture of the table! Take a peak.

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03783-0074.html

Donna Brazile

The Saint Louis Public Library hosted the Political Analyst, Donna Brazile. When not dancing, I can be considered a political junkie. I felt at home will all of the others who were as interested in this speaker as myself. After watching her on CNN, it surreal to see her in person. Excellent speaker. Too bad the library ran out of books, I want an autographed copy. I hear the are also out of print! Amazon, get going, I'm waiting on a copy. My settlement was an autographed copy of the program.

Black History Month 2/2009

Turbans have that prominent look, they are striking and look good on all dancers. I love the way that the turbans allow you to focus on the features of the face.

This was our first performance of 2009! Troupe Nayliyat in performance, Forest Park Community College, Black History Month Celebration.

The Ghawazee Coat

I've been on pins and needles, the fabric finally arrive. I ordered a combination of fabric from www.fabric.com It was easy enough, since my amount was over $35 the shipping was free. After opening the box--the fabric did match the swatches that I selected on line. This is a good thing, I don't order much fabric on line. But searching several fabric stores, unable to find what I wanted there was no other choice. JoAnn's in North County was closed for business permanently!, another sign of the times. Hancock's & Jackman's did not have my color selection. Jackman's does have excellent selections in the area of home decor (South location). I did not mention Antol's, designer outlet of fabrics; if you sew for home decor or gowns/or costumes this is the place to look. They carry a large selection of trims (BEADED to die for!) The Ghawazee Coats on line look good, some were not to my liking. Others too pricey. The Velvet Peacock on line store has the BEST! They are made to order and expensive. The only other alternative is to start up the machines. It's not like I can't make a coat, I've made others. Now I have to re-visit the old BDPattern I used before; I'm SERIOUSLY considering using the Turkish Dancer pattern by Folkwear. This pattern will offer me faster construction. I'm pressed for time. This costume needs to be ready by the 28th of February! Honestly before that I need to practice in costume and have pictures taken BEFORE the performance. My decision is to have the coat, pantaloons and a tunic top. Of course a my turban. I will ad a motif on the front and back of my coat. Topping it off with jewelry and hip scarf? Is it possible to do a tassel belt? I know I'm really pushing it.

Blog, Tassel Belt, Blog, Tassel Belt.

Red China Silk, Maroon Tone on Tone, Red Gauge-ordered on line.
Wow...I just happen to have the Maroon Satin, thx, WalMart!

www.hancockfabrics.com
www.jackmansfabrics.com
www.bridalfabric.com

It's Wild!

This is the promo picture for the March 28th show "Wilderness"!
Go to www.bellydanceuntied.com for more info

Columbia, MO

On my way to Columbia, MO..for the rehearsal! I decided to take my camera along. This is the picture I took while on the Highway 70. We arrived within a couple of hours.

Watching the other dancers gave me some insight on their individual creative talents. Everyone has choreographed a dance to match the animal they are portraying. It's definitely going on the wild size of belly dance. Belly dance/animal costumes and makeup filled the room, along with traditional and non traditional musical selections. I can't wait to see the finished product. Oh, but I will be in the production! I think it's called "someone" needs to be holding a camcorder for me.

Snow & Cold Weather

Most people know I don't like the cold weather. Perhaps, it has something to do with being born in JULY. (focus on not being cold, it could be worst) Class was cancelled last night. I wondered why it took so long to make the decision. Personally, it's not worth the risk. Two days of snow and ice is enough. Any temperature above 45 would be bearable, 50 or more, I'm grateful. Missing class is a drag, but there's an opportunity to listen to music, review DVDs and so on. Or just watch TV. I wonder does anyone else feel out of sorts when classes are cancelled. I find myself in an odd state. My body does know I should be dancing.

Raks in STL

The first Raks of the year had a good turnout. I'm always excited to see what costumes will be worn and props used. They say thought travels so many miles per second; I guess 3 of us were all thinking alike. This worked out well, I decided to add in an additional group sword dance.

The new students in attendance got a chance to see us in action. Haflas give me inspiration to train harder; wanting to do some of the new movements & combos that were displayed.

Thinking, wow, I want to learn that! Now it's, I want to add an additional layer on top of this. There's always something new and challenging.

This year has just begun, I have many more Raks upcoming.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RaksSharkiStLouis/