Oops... Looks like I haven't written here in a long time!
Last time I wrote, I had some shows in spring. After my last show at Saray in Ginza, I left the studio to make it on my own.
I got an offer from a friend, who was pregnant, to dance at an Indian restaurant. I thought it was a one time thing but the restaurant owner liked me so much that he requested I come back! I did a complete two stage show by myself for the first time. I think it went really well.
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I then entered last minute in the Tokyo Belly Dance Competition. I ended up being a finalist!
In February, my teacher, Hadia, just happened to use the song I decided on if I were to enter a competition. Luckily, I already had an idea of what I wanted but I did end up using a small portion of it (with her permission of course). I tried to incorporate things I liked about all the people I have learned from... My first teacher's arabesques, Aziza's arms, and Hadia's feeling. I didn't really have anyone check my choreography and I had to research tips and tricks for what you should consider in a competition.
I was a bit nervous and the music was hard to hear when it started. I had a feeling I would be late entering. All in all, I had A LOT of fun and enjoyed talking to the other competitors! I ended up taking second place!
I did cry... Haha It was just such an emotional point! I was never so nervous! I was more nervous waiting to see what place I got, if any, than I was actually performing. I felt like throwing up and fainting! With going in last minute and giving myself only a month to get all the choreography together, I'd said the outcome was pretty good. Although, I don't think competitions really judge who is a good dancer or not, I'm glad I did it once to say I did do it. It was definitely a wonderful experience!After the competition, I had a solo show at a turkish restaurant. Sold out seats and even a tip! It was really fun and they asked me back again. However, due to a misunderstanding with the date (not on my part) and me not being available suddenly, I think they moved on... Sad but it's probably for the best.
I haven't done a show for a month until last month! Since I'm moving from Tokyo, I asked my friend Monica to dance with me at the Indian Restaurant again. She is moving to Ishikawa-ken so it would be a great memory for both of us!
I had fun but I felt I could have done better. Sometimes I feel "I have to do this...?", but I LOVE dancing and I have been lacking my passion for it. At this show, I really should have practiced a bit more to get out of my funk. With moving at the end of the year, I guess I've been preoccupied....
Now we are in November! I have another show at Samrat with a different set of dancers! I'm looking forward to it!
Ariyana
