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!

Dance

I have a show next Wednesday!  This one I'm really looking forward to because all my dances are solo and the other girl is solo too.  We both feel relieved because thinking of formation is a bit tedious.  

I've been in a bit of a creative rut.  I feel like I want the challenge of a completely solo show.  I've been learning a little over three years now and I'm a bit spent with duo shows (main dancer plus two of us support dancers).  I think the problem is I'm not challenged enough.  Not so much choreography but I want to be challenged in improv and getting deeper into the music.  I'm looking for someone to help me but I'm thinking this is something only I can do for myself.  After the show next week, I'm going to practice improv.  

I might do a show by myself at my hairdresser's live event!  That would be cool!  I have to practice some other choreography or a simple song to improv.  I think drum solo might be easiest....  We'll see!!

Speaking of hairdresser, I badly need a haircut....  I haven't gone in a year!  My fiancé and I are going soon, I hope!

Yes, that's right!  I'm getting married!  Yay!!  And we are thinking of moving to Hawaii.  It keeps me going to work for something achievable!  It's also fun to plan and research!

Aloha!

Excursion vol.3 at Alhambra in Nishi-Nippori

I'm on my way home from Farasha's Excursion show!  I'm starting to go out and see the dancers I really like.  I've been lacking motivation recently, and seeing shows like this really inspire or help me get the motivation.  

This show is mostly a student troupe showcase but my favorite Japanese dancers were guests/teachers!  Sali, Izumi, and Farasha!  I've worked with them or danced at the same shows with them so it's nice to go and see their shows.

It was really wonderful!  I'm so glad I braved the Japanese heat to see it!  

As I said earlier, I've been in a dancing slump.  I'm not sure what to do.  Yesterday, I went to Miharu's class and really enjoyed it!  It was Spanish oriental.  I like it much more than the previous one!  So, I'd like to keep going to learn more.  

Maybe I've gotten into the mundane schedule of mine and lost that excitement I felt before class or before a show.  It's been stressful recently at work so that might be seeping into my personal life too...  

I should work on costumes!

Belly dancing break

With the last show, I got pretty tired of practicing choreography I've danced several times. Don't get me wrong! I live dancing Tito and Mercedes choreography! But, I just into things that made me feel I wasn't good at dancing.

I decided that I need a break from group practice and shows. Just one month at least. Also the feeling of dancing solo has been really strong.

But anyways! I've been feeling better even this past week with just going to class! I feel I really want to learn more than practice a formation constantly.

Costume fixing

Last month, I bought a costume I have wanted to custom-order but found on a forum used for cheaper. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail.

I took it out and my jaw dropped to the ground... The bra was big enough to hold my face! Also, since the cup was so big, the heavily beaded side was wrapping something awful. I was wondering if I should sell it or make a trade with my teacher but its so pretty that I decided to do some major surgery on it.

After searching online for instructions, I found Shushanna's idea of cutting down the middle of the bra, slicing out some pieces and then attaching it back together.

It took several hours, after discovering the fabric was HOT GLUED ON.... I was in utter disbelief. I heard about hot glues costumes but this was my first time. So, you can imagine trying to sew through that mess... It was almost impossible to peel it off...

Right now, I've put in shoulder pads to make the cups more shallow and will reattach the lining and stuff with cotton. Then it's time to fix the skirt!