I wrote a longer article about my new dance project here:
http://hubpages.com/hub/100-Reasons-to-Dance Don't let dance slip out of your life. Find ways to keep yourself motivated. I'm looking forward to dancing today.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
World Belly Dance Day
I just found out about World Belly Dancing Day on May 9. I found a local event I can go to but it might conflict with some Mother's Day plans. http://www.worldbellydanceday.com/join_world_belly_dance_day.html Go ahead and go to their website to see what's shakin' in your area. If I go, it will be to the one in Yorba Linda, CA.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Cairo Carnivale
MECDA's Cairo Carnivale will be on the Queen Mary this year. Impressive. It's in June. I haven't been in a few years but I'm sorely tempted because of the venue. The last time I was on the Queen Mary was for a Scottish Highland Festival. I've probably been to maybe 6 Cairo Carnivales. I danced at one, volunteered at 2 and was a tourist the other times.
There is always great shopping and many many dancers to enjoy. And an amazing photo opportunity.
There is always great shopping and many many dancers to enjoy. And an amazing photo opportunity.
Teacher From My Past
I was surfing photos on Flickr and ran across a listing about one of my former belly dancing teachers. I'm glad she's alive and well. While my troupes have always flopped, hers have always prospered. And I found out the troupe has a website so here you go: http://www.benatseratdancers.com/ I think I first met her in the early '80s. And as far as I know she's always taught for Morro Bay Park and Rec. I've been all over California several times since then. I have to admire her stability. Go Patti GO!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tribal v other types of belly dancing
Following is a question a former student asked me and my answer:
> Hi, Fayme, I know it's been a long time.
>
> Yesterday I did some belly dancing with some
> women who are in the SCA. They do tribal belly
> dancing and I didn't know how to that. Which
> leads me to this question. What is the
> difference between tribal style of dancing
> compared to what we did when I took lessons from
> you?
Ah yes, time marches on.
What I teach is a combination of Egyptian, Arabic, Cabaret and Tribal belly dancing.
Up until about 1987, belly dancers at Renaissance Faires were doing cabaret belly dancing and dressing in that same style.
It didn't fit in too well. So a group in the SF area called Fat Chance belly dance came up with a 'look' they called tribal. It was an eclectic blend put together in the way only Americans could have done, blending together costuming from India, Egypt, Afghanistan, Africa, and wherever else seemed appropriate. Then they started dancing in a synchronized way, all doing the same moves. The closest thing I can think of is the Rockets. Tribal is the chorus line of belly dancing.
Then as the years went on, things evolved even further. More tribal groups sprung up and evolved in different directions. Some of it may barely resemble the tribal style that is credited to Fat Chance Belly Dance. Since I can't see the style you are watching in your SCA group, I can't pin it down exactly. But the background you have should not be too far away from picking up the local style. Just remember tribal is a fabrication, and not historical at all, so don't let them bully you. They'd never document it in a pentathalon for example. Tribal evolved from the steps you already know.
Lately dancing has been evolving in the direction of 'fusion' and including more and more robotics. Some of the new trends can be found on youtube by googling up 'steampunk belly dance', 'fushion belly dance', 'gothic bellydance' and 'raks gothique'.
Hopefully the SCA dancers are teaching you their choreography. If they are then you'll soon see you have a foundation for it.
> Hi, Fayme, I know it's been a long time.
>
> Yesterday I did some belly dancing with some
> women who are in the SCA. They do tribal belly
> dancing and I didn't know how to that. Which
> leads me to this question. What is the
> difference between tribal style of dancing
> compared to what we did when I took lessons from
> you?
Ah yes, time marches on.
What I teach is a combination of Egyptian, Arabic, Cabaret and Tribal belly dancing.
Up until about 1987, belly dancers at Renaissance Faires were doing cabaret belly dancing and dressing in that same style.
It didn't fit in too well. So a group in the SF area called Fat Chance belly dance came up with a 'look' they called tribal. It was an eclectic blend put together in the way only Americans could have done, blending together costuming from India, Egypt, Afghanistan, Africa, and wherever else seemed appropriate. Then they started dancing in a synchronized way, all doing the same moves. The closest thing I can think of is the Rockets. Tribal is the chorus line of belly dancing.
Then as the years went on, things evolved even further. More tribal groups sprung up and evolved in different directions. Some of it may barely resemble the tribal style that is credited to Fat Chance Belly Dance. Since I can't see the style you are watching in your SCA group, I can't pin it down exactly. But the background you have should not be too far away from picking up the local style. Just remember tribal is a fabrication, and not historical at all, so don't let them bully you. They'd never document it in a pentathalon for example. Tribal evolved from the steps you already know.
Lately dancing has been evolving in the direction of 'fusion' and including more and more robotics. Some of the new trends can be found on youtube by googling up 'steampunk belly dance', 'fushion belly dance', 'gothic bellydance' and 'raks gothique'.
Hopefully the SCA dancers are teaching you their choreography. If they are then you'll soon see you have a foundation for it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
I love this graphic
Comments - Graphics - Layouts - Photobucket
Use art for costume inspiration. Use color schemes that appeal to you as well. Use themes to make a new look for yourself.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Steampunk Belly Dance Costuming
This video is short but has lots of inspiring ideas in it. Since my goal is to design a steampunk belly dancing costume for myself, I am keeping an eye out on new videos in that genre.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Weather is Gorgeous in S. Calif.
The weather is gorgeous today and I'm thinking of reclaiming my dancing space in the backyard. The flower beds have encroached on the patio and need some major maintenance. Also, there is a lot less space on the patio than there used to be because of our archery projects and furniture people have given us. Why is it so hard to keep space free for dancing? I struggle with it constantly. Once someone parks a table and benches or chairs somewhere it seems as if they are there forevermore.
I used to dance out there quite a lot but then two neighbors moved in and had babies. Now I am self-concious about making noise out there. You know, like drumming and finger cymbals and belly dance music? I doubt my neighbors are as fond of it as I am.
Oh how I miss having my own house and yard.
I used to dance out there quite a lot but then two neighbors moved in and had babies. Now I am self-concious about making noise out there. You know, like drumming and finger cymbals and belly dance music? I doubt my neighbors are as fond of it as I am.
Oh how I miss having my own house and yard.
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