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!