June in Review : Egyptian Dancer in Hawaii

Wow...  I am REALLY bad at updating this.  I apologize.  With handling dancer business, kids, and my regular work, I just forget!

The beginning of this month was really busy!  The second week was filled with 4 shows!  I got to entertain at the new Kan Zaman restaurant in Kaimuki, which is just awesome.  I absolutely love the new place.  The customers were also very awesome as well!

Karim Nagi came to visit us dancers on Oahu that following weekend!  I was so excited and it was probably the best time I've had.  All the workshops were enjoyable and challenging, which is something I have been looking for recently.  I also had the honor to dance in his show with a new costume I created and designed myself.  I have to say, I learned so much and I was sad it ended...  :(  Until next time!

I also got to start the graduation season with a show last week, which was awesome!  I also broke out the balancing tray, which I had been wanting to do for some time now.  I'm glad everyone had fun!

Recently, I have been taking online courses with Joana Saahirah.  She asked this really important question:  "Why do you perform?"  It's something I haven't asked myself and it really made me think.  We can say "I dance because blah blah blah" but why we perform is a totally different question.  Everyone's answer will be different.  I had to really think about it.  A really great question posed to performers.

I won't be sharing my reasons here as I don't want to influence anyone happening by my little blog.  Is anyone happening by??  No?  That's OK.  If you are, maybe share why you perform!  Let me know!  ...Or keep it to yourself.  haha!

Bring May Flowers!

Wow, April is almost over!  It's amazing how time flies.  This month was quiet, show-wise.  I performed at Freaktastic First Friday earlier this month and then worked on a bellydance challenge at Datura Online!

I think I previously talked about my experience with Datura Online, which is great!  Hawaii has a great community but the amount of traveling instructors and dancers is very little.  I've gone from workshops and shows every weekend in Tokyo to workshops once or twice a year here.

I do go to classes, especially for folkloric topics but I do supplement with these online courses.  It's basically a workshop and even though some are easy for me, it's great to re-visit the basics!  There's also a lot on there that really challenge me (especially Sedona Soulfire's drum solos!).  I really enjoy it and I can do it at home without finding childcare.

Anyways...  Datura Online has their BellyDance Challenge #5.  You have to pick one (or more) specified choreography, learn it, and then video tape yourself doing it.  If they pick your video, you win a one year subscription to their website!  I chose Raqs Assaya by Henna.  In good old Ariyana fashion, I just submitted my video one day before the deadline.  Haha!  I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish in time.

Well, here it is!  I would like to apologize for my room as it's incredibly small.  I had to move the couch over, put the iPad onto our step ladder, and then put the ladder on top of the coffee table just so you can see my feet and assaya when extended.  haha  Definitely was an engineering and creative feat.

I want to thank my boys for giving me one hour scream free sessions so I could record and for my dog hanging out on the couch the whole time!  She usually likes to lay down in view.

Enjoy!  I know I did!

April Showers

Today is rather rainy and humid here in Hawaii.  It's the season to shop for items that will prevent make-up from melting off my face in 10 minutes.

April showers brought me to Freaktastic Friday at Ong King last week.  Ong King Art Center is a really amazing space for dancing.  I always love dancing there.  They also had a small room with local artists selling jewelry and art.

I had to do overhaul re-construction on this costume.  It's a gorgeous and comfortable costume but the hems rolled outwards, showing the hem underneath.  I had some transparent fabric I bought in Japan and it matched pretty well!  So I put a modest panel in to hold the hems in place.

I'm also pretty happy with my weight loss at 8 months postpartum.  

May is going to be very busy!  I have two shows the first week and at the end of May.  I'll be dancing at the amazing Kan Zaman on May 3rd and also at the Kapiolani BandStand on May 6th.  See you there!

Love my Sparkly Belly

Sparkly Belly: Shorts Tutorial

Recently, I have been really getting into making my own costumes.  Being 7 months postpartum has some of my costumes not fitting me properly anymore, especially the bra area...  I'm really sad about that but I thought, "Why not make my OWN costumes?"  That way I'm not spending $400-$800 on a new costume.

I stumbled upon SparklyBelly, owned by Mao Murakami.  It's an amazing website full of inspiring ideas and tutorials!  The one I posted above is for making stretchy shorts for under costumes.

When I received feedback from the judges at Tokyo International Bellydance Competition in 2014, one comment came out at me:  wear a garment that matches the color of your costume.  My costume had a nude insert but when dancing, it can look like I have nothing there!  I had a purple costume that I was re-working, so I made shorts out of it and I still use them today!

Are you not handy with a sewing machine?  A suggestion I could give is swimsuit bottoms.  They always come in a variety of sizes and are relatively inexpensive.  You can also visit google and search for "dance shorts".  These are also lighter and thinner than bikini bottoms and still inexpensive.

I'm a firm believer in wearing the proper undergarments for dance!  Also, make sure it's not leaving a line on your costume, as that is not aesthetically pleasing either...  HOWEVER, it's important that when an audience member accidently gets a view of your underskirt, they are not thinking "OMG!  I saw underwear!"  or worse yet "OMG I saw....  nothing....."

March Shows

Aloha everyone!  I'm here to announce my March shows.

KAN ZAMAN
http://kanzamanhawaii.com/

March 29th, 2017
7:30pm - 8:00pm
Dancer: Ariyana
Reservations recommended so visit the website for details!

You can also reserve through Open Table for Kan Zaman.

I hope to see you there for The Beauty of Belly Dance!

Datura Online Review

I apologize for the long silence.  Taking care of babies is tough business.  Tougher than dance!

In Hawaii, there's a small community of bellydancers.  There's not the weekly event or workshop by master teachers and dancers like on the mainland or Japan.  So, I've finally turned to online lessons from teachers I admire to keep up with my studies.

I recently subscribe to Datura Online.  I have a dancer friend, Henna of Portland, who is a teacher on the website.  This was my first time trying online instruction.  I've done private one-on-one lessons with other teachers but nothing like this.  I'll go through several points that I found especially helpful for this review.

1.  The price is pretty amazing.  You do get one free video with signing up.  If you like the video, you can choose to pay per video you rent, pay $25 a month for unlimited access to instructional videos or pay for a whole year for $260.  Right now, I'm trying the one month.  I've competed my first month and  I'm making numerous playlists of what I would like to learn or practice.

2.   You can learn anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.  Be it a computer, iPad, or even an iPhone!  I definitely used a few videos while I recently traveled.

3.  The variety!  There's Egyptian, ATS, yoga, pilates, American Cabaret, and more.  You can dabble in ATS if you're strictly an Egyptian-style dancer or American Cabaret if you are tribal.  They also have guest teachers like Tamalyn Dallal, Sadie, and more.  It's definitely a cheaper alternative to trying that style you're just not sure about.

I've already extended my membership because I haven't tried all the videos I was interested in.  I'm definitely learning a lot more than I expected to.  So, definitely check it out if you can!

Happy Dancing!

Postpartum Bellydance

I can't believe it's already been two and a half months since my bambinos came into my world!  They are so cute!

However my postpartum body hasn't returned to a few degrees away from normal.  I know it's only been two months but I want to shrink my tummy now!  However, that's what is great about Bellydance.  No matter you body type, you can dance.

I'm looking forward to getting back out to dancing and sharing my love of this art form.  I am working on a short maternity choreography that will be free to the public!  If my two bosses sleep lob enough for me to film it, I hope to share it with you soon!

Maternity Leave for a bellydancer

I apologize for not writing more.  I spent the past 9 months pregnant with twins and my dance activities took a short break on the back burner.

The last time I danced was at Ala Moana Center stage with the fabulous Malia Delapenia and her Bellydancers in Paradise!

It's pretty amazing to dance 28 weeks pregnant and with twins.  The funny thing was, dancing was much easier than doing many day-to-day things.  Even walking!  When I entered the stage, the volume of the collective gasps were pretty awesome.  I had a friend in the audience and the lady next to her kept saying "Is she really pregnant??  That can't be real!"  To which my friend assured her it was definitely real.  It goes to show that being pregnant doesn't stop you from doing the things you love!

I'm really grateful I was able to dance for as long as I could, and I always loved surprising people with my large stomach while dancing.  I'll miss it however, I now get to wow people that my body returned to normal after having twins!  

This inspired me to start a maternity bellydance video series.  It'll be a short and simple choreography that uses simple movements to keep you feeling your best without much exertion.  I will incorporate the advice my mentor gave me when I first found out I was pregnant.  I'll post a video once a week for four weeks (I hope!  Maybe it'll go longer...).  Please check it out when it's posted!

Aloha!

Malia Delapenia website

http://www.maliadelapenia.com/

Kan Zaman

I want to thank all the guests who joined me once a month at Kan Zaman in Honolulu!  I'll be taking a brief break from Kan Zaman but plan to be back by November!

I hope to see everyone's smiling face again soon!  In the meantime, please go to enjoy the fabulous Malia and Cassandra!

I'll still be performing at local events until August!  I hope to see you there!

Kan Zaman restaurant show

I'll be dancing at Kan Zaman restaurant in Chinatown this Wednesday at 7:30p!

Kan Zaman has delicious Moroccan and Lebanese dishes in a romantic atmosphere.  Belly dance shows are complimentary!

Moving Blogs!

I'll be moving to another blog since this one is connecting directly to another blog I own.

Please go to...

Ariyana Raqs Hawaii

Thank you!!!!

On to Hawaii!

http://shes-got-hips.com

I've recently moved to Hawai'i and haven't been able to update much about dance.  I'm going to use this blog in a variety of ways.  Not only to chronicle my own journey but to introduce the teachers and dancers I love and respect!

The first dancer I'm going to introduce is Mahin of Arizona.  Her link is listed above.  She is known for her Bellydance Quickies and she updates daily with 4-6 minute long videos and various blog posts.  She covers everything about Bellydance and has heaps of tips and tricks that are valuable for beginners and professionals alike.  I highly recommend subscribing to her YouTube page!

Happy dancing and Aloha!

Virginia Workshop 2014

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure in taking Virginia's lessons!  She is always such a wonderful teacher and dancer!  In 2011, Japan had the huge earthquake and a large amount of overseas dancers cancelled their workshops...  

But not Virginia!  She was one of the very first workshops I took in my beginning path as a dancer.  I love her because she is the same height as I but she's powerful, strong, and has great presence.  I thought yesterday that I would like to be that kind of person more, on stage and off.

I'm really glad I got to take her lessons before I leave Tokyo.  

Yes!

That's right.  I'm leaving Japan.  I've been here 7 years, started dancing here and feel in love with it.  Never thought I would have my chance to perform on stage at big events, win 2nd at a competition, and meet so many wonderful dancers from Japan AND overseas.  

It's time to take the journey to new places and I'm excited to see where my dance goes from here!

So much after so long!

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.

I

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

Luxor show March and April

I totally forgot to update about these!  I had two shows at the same place, Luxor in shinjuku.  It's a very nice Egyptian-themed bar and restaurant with shisha.  Shows for the studio are usually on Mondays so it's really hit or miss with a full house.

On March 17th, I danced with Shigi!  The last time we danced together was in July 2012 for the Dina show.  She's really really sweet so it was nice to dance together again!  I danced Virginia's Asaya and Hadia's talakik choreography.  Asaya was almost a disaster when the asaya decided to waver a bit too much on top of my head...  Here are some pictures!

The other day, I danced again at Luxor with Luli.  It was her first time to dance a solo but she did really well.  We had a much larger audience this time.  I danced asaya again which went better, and also arabawy by Tito.  I got a compliment on my back chub.  Haha!  So now I don't want to lose too much weight!  The compliment came from a beautiful woman named Katherine.  

After a very rough start to my bellydance year, my friend Natsuka gave me a very wonderful compliment.  She told me that my dancing style has gotten so good and felt so happy by seeing that.  That made me so happy. Now, I feel much better about dancing.  I should need verification from others but it's really really appreciated and nice to hear.  A wonderful push to keep you going and trying harder.  :)

Show time!

It's spring time in Japan!  Finally!!  Today has been the most beautiful so far this month.  

Wednesday I was planning to go into the studio but I ended up getting a cold... Fever, coughing, sore throat...yuck!  Anyways I was supposed to go to the studio but I couldn't because I was so sick...  I rented the studio for three hours.  I was upset that I couldn't go practice...  I have a show this Monday on March 17 but I've only practiced for two days for the show.  I am worried about one choreography but, it's pretty easy so maybe I can improvise if I forget.  :)

I've decided some things about my belly dance career recently.  After Hadia's teachers training I decided that I will explore different things about Bellydance and different teachers.  I'm really excited about exploring other things because of a lot of people supporting me.  I feel excited when I think about doing new things, studying with new teachers, and meeting new people!  

Last week I went to a class that teaches you how to dance with a live drummer.  It was really fun to hear the live music and I wished that where I am now had opportunities like that.   I feel at this point, it's up to me to teach myself and make what I want happen.  

Here's to my bellydance adventure!!

This week in the life of Ariyana

Hello All!  Who reads this journal??

This week I got my butt kicked my the stomach flu...  It only lasted one day, but I was down for about 3 days.  I'm feeling much better now but I had to miss my bellydance practice and formation check lesson on Tuesday... 

It seems that every beginning of the year I get hit with a BIG sickness...  How is this possible??  Last year, I got pneumonia and this year it's the stomach flu.  It wasn't that bad but it's always before something big happening.  Last year it was moving, and this year it's Hadia Teacher Training at the end of the month. 

So I have that to look forward to!  I'm so excited to see Hadia and lots of other of my favorite Japanese dancers on stage again this year!  Plus I'm looking forward to the teacher training!  Four days of Hadia!

Can you tell I'm excited??

Anyways, I have my first show of the year next Tuesday!  I'll be dancing with one of my favorite partners Yuyu and main dancer Yurie!  Plus, it's at my favorite curry restaurant Mumbai!

My Dance Life

So this year is not off to a good start...  I found out from my co-worker, who is into astrology, told me that one month before a birthday, it usually is craptastic.  I had my birthday on Saturday the 25th so things before that were really ugly and yucky in all areas of my life.

The things that happened before that really made me see what I want in my life and what I need to be doing.  I'm still young but I'm not getting younger!  So, I have to start really working towards my goal.

Starting at the end of February, I'll be taking Hadia's teacher's training and workshops!  I love her so much.  She's my favorite teacher!  Then, it will be Gamal and Khaled's intensive workshops during Golden Week!

I just have to keep my chin up and keep working hard towards my goal. 

Holy Moly!

Well, it's been a while since I posted about anything!  

The Hubs and I prepared to go to the states so he could meet my family.  I really love Autumn so going back in October was really nice!  

After that, I prepared like mad for an event that I would be dancing my first 20 minute show at!  I picked Raksa as the first song I would ever make the choreography for and it was a bit difficult.  I think the song is a bit too complex for a beginner, like me.  However, I did manage to get through til the end and had something I was happy with for the event.  

The event was held by my hairdresser.  He had recently started a band with his friends and wanted to put on a live show.  The Hubs was also in the show but he played with a different band.  They stuck me in the middle!  Here was the set list for the event...

Raksa

Raks Al Asaya (choreo: Virginia)

Lonely lullaby (veil fusion piece)

Crazy drum solo (by Serkan)

I was really happy with how the event went!  The audience was a bit shy so convincing them to get near the stage was difficult.  I had dance time but only one guy humored me.  I did surprise a girl as she was coming back with her drink.  I was going through the crowd to exit and surprised her.  No drinks were lost!

He asked me again to perform!  I would like to do it but it depends on my schedule. Hopefully I can!

It was a really good learning experience.  It definitely showed me that I have to approach this kind of crowd (one that doesn't  regularly attend belly dance shows) more differently if I want them to dance or be involved!

It's almost December so I'm taking a break from shows and just enjoy being a student.  This year was pretty full of shows and events!  I'm looking forward to next year being the same too!

Oh....  Happy thanksgiving !

September Shows

I always tell myself that I will take a break from shows in order to practice on my own technique, improv skills, and such.  Well, I half keep the promise!

I only do shows if someone asks me or it is offered to me.  That way I save the trouble of having to find a partner and dancing the same choreography over and over.

I have a show at Siddique Palace in Azabu Juuban on October 28th (WED).  Very very nice restaurant and really good food! 

I also agreed to do a show on September 28th (SAT) at Nuland by Zoshiki station.  It'll be my first time there and I'll be dancing with a very nice woman  :)

In other news...  I haven't touched any sewing stuff in ages.  I just don't feel compelled to finish stuff.  I also think, "I could be dancing, not sewing" but, I should be doing both. 

Today at the studio, I decided to arrange my own choreography to "RAKSA" by Amir.  I got through about 2 minutes in 4 hours...  Mind you, this is my first attempt at making choreography so, it's a learning process!  I'm really happy that studio time was very productive!