I'm tired...

by Wednesday, December 13, 2006
I'm tired of debating and defending and arguing and considering and tempering and...I'm tired. Today. Tomorrow I may catch a 35th wind. But for today, I am tired.
I feel like I have to defend tribal on two fronts sometimes. From the "outside" with people who would say that tribal isn't even bellydance, and from the "inside" for those would would make it anything and everything you feel on a whim and make sure it never codifies or defines itself on any level.

Bleh.

In other news, I can't stop knitting. Somebody bind my fingers! I got about 1/3 of a way through one project and realized I didn't like the yarn for that project, so I stopped and continued work on project 2, which I was working on simultaneously. I am about 1/2 way through that one, and love it. Then yesterday I started, and essentially finished, another project with a new technique I learned yesterday afternoon from one of Amy's knitting books, which just so happened to be mirrored on the packaging of the yarn I already had! It looks really cool but I am considering unraveling it and trying it again, as I added several rows of knitting by accident near the beginning, so I continued that, and ran out of yarn before it was as long as I wanted/the project claimed it would be. I also used a somewhat smaller needle than it called for, which surely had an effect. So pulling it out seems a good idea. And it only took me about 3.5 hours to make it!!

This week has been Amy-centric! She is on break from school, so we're hangin' out while she has actual free time. On Friday we had a crafty day. On Sunday we went to Canada. I wanted to do a pre-trip for our troupe trip in January, and was disappointed to find very little of interest. But I got a years' stash of bindis, a few saris, and Indian food. We also made a run by Lush, with much rigamarole trying to get just enough Candian currency to park for 20 minutes. In the pouring rain! Today we are trying a water-exercise class, and I will sport a swim cap for the first time in my life. Tomorrow is punk rock yoga before I teach class.

The world can be tiny sometimes...

by Saturday, November 18, 2006


I just got an e-mail from an online friend who lives in Belgium--I know her from Bhuz and tribe. She was apparently vacationing in Iceland this week...and ran into one of my students! Joy has been taking with me for about a year, and was taking a two week vacation in Iceland to attend the Sugar Cubes reunion tour there. They happened to run into one another in a shop someplace, got to talking, and Joy mentioned my name as her dance teacher and the connection was made.
CRAZY SMALL WORLD!!

In other news, my beloved laptop seems to have fallen prey to a newish Powerbook problem (so new, Mac doesn't aknowledge it as a "known issue" yet) which causes it to think that the trackpad is spiking at temperatures as high as 250 degrees, and going into emergency sleep. So it just randomly sleeps while I am in the middle of doing stuff. Sucks major. Will have to back up my entire hard-drive (thank go we recently each got 300Gig externals), and hand it over to the "Geniuses" and pray they fix it fast.

I needs me my Zoe! They better take good care of her!!

Poll: Hula Hoop Fusion

by Monday, November 06, 2006

 Poll #861265 Tribal Fusion Hula Hoop

Do you consider the hula hoop...

bellydance
0(0.0%)
tribal
0(0.0%)
tribal fusion
1(4.3%)
none of the above
22(95.7%)


I'm just putting it right up front: I consider it not at all bellydance, tribal, or tribal fusion. I consider it a fusion dance of sorts (more modern or interpretive), but not bellydance, and not tribal in any way.

Why do people keep doing it and calling it tribal fusion, which is a SUBSET OF BELLYDANCE, which assumes most of the dancing is bellydance and the fusion element is a way of accenting, enhancing, or otherwise SUPPORTING the bellydance aspect of the dance?

I think hoop dancing is awesome and have long wanted to explore it myself.

But honestly, it is MAYBE a hula hoop fusion, using mostly hula hoop with some bellydance moves thrown in, not the other way around. So what the hell....

My theory?

There is a lot of crossover between bellydance, burlesque, and other "body" arts. I think today the same women are drawn to all of these styles of movement which honor the body, allow us to be IN our physical selves, challenge ourselves both creatively and physically in a way that few other parts of our lives allow for. These arts all celebrate similar ideals of beauty in all shapes and sizes, using space in unique ways, and of course the whole sub-culture/anti-culture element that tribal particularly caters to. So I see why the same women do one or many of these different styles of creative movement. But why they insist on jamming them all together and calling it bellydance I don't understand. I am ALL FOR FUSION! But call it what it is. If it is mostly burlesque, do it on a burlesge stage, which has no real limitations on what is or isn't burlesuqe--it's a wide open field. If it is mostly hula hooping, go to Burningman and wow the crowd with your unique combination of bellydance moves thrown in between your hooping stylings. But why oh why must you put a half-dozen disconnected bellydance moves together with ruffle panties, thigh highs, a lightly decorated bra, dread falls, and a neon hula hoop and call it TRIBAL FUSION?!?!

*tearing hair out*

The thing that kills me is when these artists get mad at me for having this opinion, claiming I don't like fusion. YES! I FUCKING DO! I just want you to be honest about what you're doing, in word and deed. Understand what the idea of bellydance fusion MEANS. I love what you're doing as entertainment--it moves me, makes me clap and cheer and laugh and...and then groan when you come to Tribal Fest and pierce your thigh flesh while stripping off your neon fur Ghawazee coat to reveal purple-striped thig-hhighs and fairy wings with a spinning, flaming nipple aparatus, throw in a few (however well executed) undulations and hip drops and then wonder why I "don't get it".

This is my opinion. And despite it's powerfully clear message, it doesnt' mean I don't want to hear YOUR opinion. I love hearing opinions, in agreement and in opposition. Bring it on.

Sassy tribal? New workshop theme...

by Friday, November 03, 2006


So I am ruminating on a new workshop title/subject. Essentially, the workshop would revolve around the idea that you don't have to be serious to have ATTITUDE in tribal! I want to teach a workshop on how to inject sass and moxie and power in your performances WITHOUT pasting on a serious mug. How to be upbeat and positive, accessible and even playful, and still exude control and strength. How to balance serious attitude with happy/joyful, the impact of movement and use of space paired with theatrical practice in facial expression to create a balanced show that runs a gamut of emotions you may wish to portray on stage.
Basically, a lot of people are coming to me asking about workshops, and somewhere in their request is a comment about how all the tribal they are exposed to is so serious and moody, and they aren't into that dark and aloof persona. They want to know how to do tribal (improv or otherwise) with joy and color and excitement. They see me and inFusion as an example of that style, able incorporate all those things without losing that queenly stature they admire in tribal, and they want to learn how to do it too. And that is the "gospel" I would love to spread!

What would you call it? How would you describe it/market it? Throw me your thoughts. And would YOU be drawn to such a workshop?

In related news, just pinned down two more workshop dates! April 31/May 1 in Chilliwack, BC, and June 2/3 in Mystic, CT. Have an inquiry for Madrid, Spain on the table right now, and would love for that to work out. My last Spain host-interest was years ago. *fingers crossed*

Busy, busy, charmed life...

by Tuesday, October 31, 2006


Been a busy time lately, but really good.
Last night was the first class of the "fall" season, and BOOM. I had over 40 students show up. I had to turn people away, and I felt awful about it. :( They were really nice about it, but it just kills me to have people show up and for me to say, "Thanks for coming all this way, but...". They stayed to try the class, and said they would sign up for a future class. And Kym was a huge help to make sure everyone could see someone. Thanks Kym! I don't know what I would do without my beautiful assistants!!

I was so happy some people dressed up! Katy was SO DAMN CUTE in her jester outfit, and Tami's saloon girl costume she made herself was awesome. Kym and DeAnn were orange beauties. I was in my Bollywood outfit through the first half of the evening, but during Basics II, my slickery shirt was making my pants slip down and I didn't want to have to keep hiking them up, so I swapped out my tee shirt. The whole evening was fun, and I had a ton of candy I had to take home at the end from all the offerings brought!

The weekend was rockin'. Three parties in two days, and more alcohol than I surely should have had, but much fun was had! Our partners in crime were Erik and Amy, who went as No 6 and No 9 from the Prisoner, which did my geeky little heart good. Some people even got it! It inspired Chris to finally try and do his Miss Hardbroom costume some year. Which means I could be Mildred, which I would love. :)

Friday night was Circus Contraption at the Showbox. I went as my can-can girl from last year, to give it some more "air time" since it only went out to one party last year. Despite the opening band going a little too long (but very talented and fun, no doubt), the night held a lot of energy and variety! The magic acts were fun (you know I loves the magic!), and lots of audience members in costume was great. My favorite was the group that did wicked martial arts and mock fighting mixed with amazing group juggling! It was incredible! I hope to see them again sometime. I ran into the beautiful trapecia at the bar, and really enjoyed reconnecting with her after many years. Sadly, Sharon-not-driving meant I didn't keep an eye on my drinking. And several doubles later (several being generous), I was begging to go home.
Which we did.
And I proceeded to puke my guts up.
Awesome, Sharon. Hot hot hot.

The good news (yeah yeah) is that you get all that nasty alcohol out, so you're not hung over the next day. Well, for the most part I was not hung over. I felt a bit off my game, and my tummy wasn't too keen all day, so we didn't end up going to Ikea as we had planned. Put it off for Sunday and rested up.

Saturday night was two parties: one at a friend of Amy and Erik's in Maple Leaf, and the other at Angela and Besh's over in Ballard. Party number one I was a tightrope walker, with my little skirt and ruffly panties, corset, black bob wig, and parasol. I had a couple favorite costumes, including the beekeepers who brought their dog dressed as a bee, and the guy who came as Lane from Say Anything complete with boom box, beige trenchcoat, and Adidas (which made me think we should plan an 80's movie costume party! The possibilities!). The night revealed many leiderhosen and Heidi's (more of the latter, as usual) and flapper girls. Their house was lovely, and the hosts continued a flashback theme by offering jello shots and beer pong. Oh Yeah.

On the way from party 1 to 2, I started to feel really ungood. Hot flashes and alternately feeling like throwing up versus tummy upset. I felt claustorphobic in my costume (in the little car, no less), and I realize that my carsickness was probably coming into play too. It wasn't alcohol or food--I ate and drank nearly nothing so far. So much to my embarassment, I asked Amy and Erik if we could stop by their house (which was just up the street) for a pit stop. I had brought a set of comfier clothes to put on later at Ang and Besh, which I changed into. But it wasn't a costume, and I couldn't show up to the party sans costume! So, bless-their-hearts, they drove us over to our house (we live only about 5 minutes apart) and I threw together a last-minute comfy costumes. I don't know when it happened that all my best costumes required restrictive clothing, like corsets and the like, but my options were limited. So I threw together a Bollywood dancer costume, with kameez, bangles, veil and Indian headdress over the top of my black wig. It was super comfy and pretty, and all was well.

The party was a madhouse when we arrived. The frat boys and girls from the house across the street were packing the place, so there were snow bunnies and hot schoolgirls and all manner of "the least I could wear=a costume". My favorite costume at this party was the cast of Karate Kid, including Daniel-san and the full complement of Cobra-Kai, including "BOW TO YOUR SENSEI". They had great gis, which one of thei guys had iron-on'd fabulous logos straight from the movie, and the girlfriends were dressed as the referees from the final match (which was also entirely studied and created down to the last detail). Loved it!!

Though there weren't as many of the usual suspects (and James and Steena, James and Queenie, and Jim all crapped out! BOO!), a good time was still had by all. There was a fun name game being played by the chimenea which I will have to remember for future parties, and everyone was very nice and friendly. Besh was overdue, but did finally hit us with Rocky Horror, and we Time Warped and sang and yelled, and ran and screamed all over the house throughout. Then we ran and screamed for no reason a couple more times because it was so much fun. Then Amy and Besh played DJ to our small rave in the living room, complete with homemade glow sticks which delightfully stained our fingers, and Besh continued to hand out shots served in various mad scientist-appropriate glassware. I kept a nice buzz all night--perfect. And though I told Amy and Erik they could go home anytime they were no longer amused, they stayed amused and added much joy to the evening, and we ended up all leaving together...at 6am! Well, it was 5am on the clock, thanks to daylight savings, but it was a long and wonderful party. Thanks to Ang and Besh for an incredibly fun night, and thanks to Amy and Erik for bein' rockin' friends throughout it all!

FABULOUS!

Sunday Chris slept until 4pm. I woke at my usual 11am, ate some crackers and cheese, and came back to bed to nap from 2-4pm, when I told Chris we had to get moving to Ikea. We were both pooped, but really wanted to get kitchen info. So we head down to Renton, and Chris actually wanted to peruse a little! YES! So we walked through the sample rooms at the beginning, and took our time right up to the Kitchens. We strolled and poked and talked and eyeballed and decided we really do like the Liljestad best for our house. We talked to an Ikean, and played with the planner tool, and walked around some more and looked at countertops and door pulls. We choked at the cost of Liljestad, and considered Applad Beige, and I left feeling a little deflated. We are both still in love with the Liljestad, but realize that if we go with it, it will cost a good $1-$2k more than we originally wanted to spend. I think we can do it. Chris has more reservations than me, but I am glad we are having a good dialogue about it. I hope we decide soon, so we can plow ahead. I admit, I am eager to get to the demolition! I want to tear out that wall and pull down cabinets and cover the house in dust! WAHOO!

Spring is going to be so crazy busy, I know that if we don't do this around now, it won't get done. And with Chris having time off around Thanksgiving and Christmas, it would be a great time to take advantage of our free time to hammer it out. So keep your fingers crossed for us!

This weekend Amy and Owen tie the knot, and we, her sisters, will be blessing their wedding with dance. I can't wait! And Sunday we have a game-date with James and Steena. Busy busy. But good!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Oasis West 2006

by Monday, October 16, 2006


Camp was a blast.I am so awful at writing about fun and wonderful things. They feel so big and important to remember that I feel daunted at the prospect of trying to capture it in words. Oftentimes, I feel like I write very dry, play-by-play accounts, lacking any "storytelling" qualities. I am guessing that is how this post is gonna go...


The short start to this story is that Oasis West was in danger of being cancelled this year, possibly for good. Jean, the camp director/organizer, puts her own time and money into putting on these camps, and they can be a big risk for her if enough people don't sign up. This year, registrations were very slow. Add to that the fact that the guest instructor, Meera, would not be able to arrive at camp until two days into the event made it so Jean had to do some fast-changes to her usual plans. That included asking me to teach tribal--be on the official teaching staff at Camp West!

I had offered in past years to teach a little side-class for kicks, during free-time between the other workshops. Every year I got more and more people asking me about tribal belly dance, what it was, how it works, and could I tell them a bit about it? But trying to talk about dance, as they say, is like trying to smell the color 9. I wanted a chance to really let them experience it. And this year was my chance--and not just a little side-class, but a real workshop for the first two days of camp. :) I was thrilled and honored.

Arriving the first day, I set up my vending as usual. This was my 5th year as a vendor at camp, and I kept my inventory lower than usual, figuring my focus would be on the teaching more than selling. I let Hasani have more space in the cabin this time, since she always has sooooo much stuff!! I settled into my bunk in the cabin next door and head to dinner. Lots of familiar faces, but also lots of new campers this year. Most people seemed aware of the risk of Oasis being cancelled, and had convinced new friends and students to attend, making up a whole new batch of excited newbie campers. It was wonderful to have their energy! It really did remind me of what it was like my first year--so magical.

The next two days were the days I was teaching. It felt so strange, the way things set up at camp versus my usual workshops. When I teach, say, a three hour workshop, I start with introductions and a little chat about the dance, we warm-up and get grounded, go over posture, and then get to the meat of the instruction. Here, I had a little over a hour, the dancers were already warmed up, and the class was mixed between people who had never taken bellydance classes before to people who had taken 14 years of Egyptian cabaret. I had to walk in "cold", jump right into the teaching, and try to give them as much as I could in a very short time. Add to that the space we teach in is HUGE, so it feels so echo-y and...well, it lacks intimacy. But here I was...at my beloved camp, with my beloved camp sisters...and FINALLY getting to share my passion for tribal group improv with them.

And they ATE IT UP!

I mean, we're talking they would cheer, clap, and zaghareet after every new move was taught and drilled! I told them I wish they were in my weekly classes, with enthusiasm driving them to applaud every time I taught a new concept. LOL Afterward, they came to me in droves thanking me, telling me what a blast they had, asking where they could find the music, asking if I would be teaching again next year... They "got it"! Jean kissed me and hugged me and complimented me saying I was a great teacher, which made me want to cry.

I actually had more students in the second workshop than they first day. Apparently word spread that the class was fun, and some people who had dismissed tribal as "not their thing" came to try it...and loved it! That was my biggest victory of all! I am not out to "convert" anyone. I just want them to learn how joyful and uniquely exciting and connecting dancing tribal can be. I want them to know that it is not all grim faces and dark moody imagery and music that so many of them are exposed to. It is joyful and expressive and full of energy and... well, it's not what so many people think it is.

At the end of the workshop, they had a collection of a little over a half dozen fast moves and a short list of slow moves. To close the workshop, we did the Tribal Soul Train--for those who don't know, it's two lines jammin' and clapping while two-by-two everyone takes turns dancing down the center. I put on Superstylin' (always a pleaser), and we jammed together. Then we danced in a circle and ended with a bow to one another. The song was still going...and they kept dancing! Jamming all over the room, grabbing people who were walking in for the next workshop and getting them to dance along! It was amazing!!

I got inquiries about workshops in other towns, and people buying costumes and videos to take home with them. Some even decided they wanted to join the ranks of Tribal Bad Girls. *grin*

Meera arrived Friday night, in time for the hafla. She is so sweet and fun to talk to!! The hafla was amazing, as always. I was completely filled with awe at the way each dancer develops every year--seeing them tell their stories...more importantly, learning how to better express their stories through the dance. Looking us all in the eye and giving us all they have. I am so moved every year, and this year was no exception. In fact, I felt even more effected than usual this year--a mix of beautiful skill and the fact that I wasn't performing that night and could sit back and watch and enjoy fully!

After the hafla we snacked and danced. Meera came up to me and, with uncharacteristic shyness, said "Can I ask you kind of a silly question? Is all tribal so dark and...serious and...distant all the time? I admit I haven't seen much tribal, but everything I have seen seems to be like that." I laughed and told her it wasn't a silly question at all, but instead a very common one, and gave her my usual "no, that is not all tribal is" speech. She said in LA the community doesn't really talk much (she made imitations of of snobbery and snubbing) and she never felt free to ask before. That made me sad for her, but glad she had a chance to ask SOMEONE. I told her she would see what it was like the next night at the benefit.

Ah the benefit... we'll get to that.

First, the next two mornings, I ended up going back to bed after breakfast. I wasn't sleeping well enough, and wanted to be fresh for teaching, vending, and taking Meera's Bollywood choreography classes. So each day went eat breakfast , read a little then sleep, eat lunch, vend, teach/attend workshops, dinner, evening activities. Meera's choreography was TONS OF FUN! It was a cheeky Bollywood choreography to a song called "Joke Joke" (jo-kay), which means "warning" or "back off". (Here is a YouTube video of her performing the choreography at Ahlan Wa Sahlan--it doesn't do it justice, but you get some idea). I was surprised how much I took to it, for being such a foreign way to move, and so cutesy, which I don't always resonate with. It was a lot of fun, but moved very fast for this group of women. As I said, it is a real mixed bag, but most of them are hobbyists at best, so trying to learn 5 minutes of swift choreography in three short sessions was a challenge. She did get through it, but most of them weren't really retaining it unless they had her up front to follow behind. BUT despite the "griping" (not really) at how hard it was and how they didn't feel they were really learning it well, they all said they were having LOTS of fun doing it! I call that a success in any case!

This year, as part of all the rearranging, we had the hafla on Friday night, and Jean and Sherry (the camp cook) arranged for the staff to perform at a benefit at the Vashon Eagles Hall. We had originally planned one set, but the folks working out the benefit wanted the dancers to fill more time, so we offered to do a second set, and include our Bhangra Fusion in honor of Meera's visit. This was a little nerve-wracking, too, knowing that Meera, a "native" trained in Classical Indian Dance and who dances Bhangra, would be watching. Whew!

We were additionally concerned about the venue. We have definitely had experience with dancing in Eagle's Halls, and all the drunken redneckery it can entail. We were pleased to mark that the smoking ban does extend to private clubs such as this, so at least that wouldn't be an issue. But we were ready to jump in with both feet to help raise money for the Vashon Food Bank.

My gals arrived just before dinner, and came and ate with all of us, then we head back to the cabin to get ready together. We only had a short time to get ready before heading out to the venue, all the campers caravaning along Vashon highway. We arrived to our lavish dressing quarters--the auxiliary office--and prepped for the show. The office was stuffy so we hung out in the lobby area, which was an iffy proposition. We joked that we should have had a contest for the most times being hit on by dirty old men. I was hit up twice to join the Eagles in the first half hour, to boot.

The performance was so much fun. Me and my gals were joking and laughing together all night long. The crowd was WILD WILD WILD for our brand o' tribal. Both sets we did completley improv (with only opening/closing staging combos type thing) The performers all night were top notch--I was honored we were among them! There was a live band playing for nearly everyone but us and a few other performers, so that was an extra treat. To see my drum-chick heroes, Nicole and Jane, jamming together again was a treat in itself. Jean opened, then us. Then Vashti, Leyla, and Meera, who did two Bollywood songs, including Joke Joke which we all sang along with, and rocked our socks. We were treated to Lila Perry and Hasani before ending with the incomparable Cassandra. Her skill, her humor, her charisma on stage...And her finale was this INCREDIBLE ZAR! Yes, in full bedlah, she did a completely riveting zar that had us all completely caught up in the moment. Then she recovered and finished with her denoument and exit! Usually, that is the part where someone has to carry the person offstage, ya know? And here she was smiling and dancing off. It was jarring and strange and amazing!

Afterward I was open dancing! I got the chance to chat with Meera more, hear about her background and all. We ended up talking when I walked past her and she grabbed my arm and gushed that our Bhangra performance was the *best* Bhangra fusion she had ever seen, and she wasn't "just saying that". High praise indeed! It felt so incredible and validating to have someone who really knows Bhangra be impressed with what we do. :)

But by far, the coolest most magical part of the whole thing was on the dance floor. We were jammin' together, me and my gals, as we do. We talked about how we felt bad that it seems so cliquish when we dance together at events like this. You know, everyone is dancing their style that they love during open dance. Everyone else's just happens to be solo while ours happens to be a group style. But we still are very sensitive to appearing to be closed off to others, so we kept trying to catch the eye of other dancers outside the circle when we could to let them know we weren't shutting them out. As luck would have it, Lauren and my Port Angeles girls were the first to look interested, and I beckoned them in. Sarah threw the lead to me, since I knew what they had learned at the workshops...and before you knew it, the entire dance floor was in one giant tribal circle!! AH MAGIC! THIS IS WHAT TRIBAL IS ABOUT! Being connected like that, being able to dance together in the moment no matter where or when... I was thrilled. Unfortunately, the band changed to a difficult rhythm, and we couldn't keep it up any longer.

The dance floor was getting strange. Drunk Eagles men were coming out and hitting on everyone, grinding up behind us, trying to get in on our dance circles. Kym returned from a simple walk to the bathroom and breathlessly sidled up to us saying, "Don't leave me alone!" as she glanced warily toward a man following her through the door. We seemed to be rescuing each other all night long, trying to close ranks from harrasing men. So we went outside to get some air...where we got hit on, of course.

And before you knew it...the night was over! My gals were catching a ferry, and I was back at my cabin sipping wine and exchanging stories of the icky Eagle's men (like one walking up to a voluptuous camper saying "Do you want to go home with me and have sex?"). The absolute worst (yes, worse if you can believe it) was the fact that one man showed up late and there were no more seats for the show...so he offered to pay $100 so he could STAND IN THE BUSHES AND WATCH THROUGH THE WINDOW. If that isn't weird enough...the Eagles putting on the benfeit said YES! WHAT THE HELL?! So all night there was this balding 60 year old man farting away in the bushes watching us. EW!!! Par for the course at performances at the Eagles Hall...

The next morning, we recorded the video. Every year, the teachers lead the campers through their lesson or choreography for a video camera. It is put on the camp video, which you can purchase. The video includes footage of the hafla (and this year the benfit as well), and the choreography film so you are able to have a visual reminder of what you learned. So we put on the funky tunes, warmed up and reviewed what we learned, and danced a full song for the video. it was very simple, and I did my best to try and pair each of the moves together in some combination, so they can see how they transition smoothly. I know I didn't smile enough, but I just kept thinking, "I am a teacher on the camp video! I am a TEACHER ON THE CAMP VIDEO!" I know that sounds silly, but it was such a big milestone for me to be there, in that role, at the camp I love so much.

I packed up my vending stuff and had an hour before lunch. I wandered over to the lodge, and found Jean packaging gifts for the camper awards. We chatted a while about the fact that Camp West may not happen next year, that Camp South is not even happening this year due to low registrations. They may be switching to a weekend workshop format in 2007 for West and South, which would be a terrible shame. Jean had some valid concerns, including feeling like she is limiting Cassandra's exposure as a teacher, and wanting her to be more accessible when she travels. Having workshops or shows near Seattle, and/or moving any future camp to a location which doesn't require a ferry trip, is her hope. But of course it has to be affordable, to boot. tough bill to fill. She seemed to be hinting at wanted me to help her produce a show locally next year, but I told her I didn't feel I was qualified to promote such a show. I do haflas, and host workshops, but a full fledged stage show is not something I am interested in taking on right now.

Sadly, what I love most about Oasis is...it's CAMP! I can't say I would go out of my way to take workshops with Cassandra if she came to town. But it is worth it to me to take from her as a part of camp, because the experience of being at camp with all those amazing women, and sharing in all the fun and community, sharing our dance together...THAT is what makes it an annual pilgrimage for me. And I think the guest teacher is important too. Her list of requirements for the guest instructor is an interesting one, including some vague idea of scholarly background in their field. Which of course, anyone teaching you would want to be assured they knew their business. But it sounded more like...I don't know. It just seemed limited. THe dance world right now is riding a wave of fusion fanaticism that I think they could benefit from taking advantage of. And I feel like what she loves in a dance teacher (she specifically mentioned Denise Enan being one of her favorites guest teachers...who was specifically my LEAST favorite ever in 7 years of camp) may not necessarily reflect that of the audience she is trying to tap. Camp has to diversify more, and definitely advertise more. She asked me to help her with marketing and promotions online, and that is somethign I feel I can be really helpful at, so I said of course.

Now I am home, loving my pups and hubby. It looks like fall fell in the last 5 days since I was away. Literally, the trees exploded with color, and leaves are fluttering to the ground all over the place.

Back to reality, it's time to start planning Amy's wedding dance. Me and the gals worked on it this last week and have it pretty much staged. Capitol Club is this Thursday, and Nomaditude is getting ready for their Winter Fest performance. Good times!

Amazing what a little free time feels like...

by Tuesday, October 10, 2006
So the funny thing about my life is that *part* of the reason I started my own business was to be able to work on my own time--not tied to the 8-5 schedule, so to speak. And for a few years, it worked that way.

Now that I teach so much more, and do so little work at home these days, I am feeling a bit tied down again. Every night at 8pm I have commitments. During the day I am lesson planning, updating websites and mailing lists, etc. My time is still more flexible than it was when I worked in an office, but...for me, I really need that feeling of "I have nothing I have to get done today, so I am going to get a TON OF STUFF DONE." I don't know why my brain works like that, but give me a day with no plan, and I will work like the dickens. Give me a day with even one commitment, and my entire motivation screeches to an ugly halt.

So yesterday, I didn't have class in the evening, since I will be out of town the rest of the week and I like to keep my classes as in-line with one another as possible. I leave tomorrow for Oasis Dance Camp, and have some tagging and packing to do, of course, but beyond that, I had a pretty open-ended day. Certainly, I wasn't running off to class at 6:30pm. So what happened? THE BEAST WAS UNLEASHED!

It started as simply cleaning the stain off the windows. Over the weekend, Chris and I stained our French doors this rich dark brown (sooooooo beautiful!), and I wanted to wait until the stain was really "settled" before I took 409 to the panes to get the oil and color off the glass. The doors are big and many-paned, so it took about and hour of concentrated work to get it off (and it still looks a little streaky), but it looked so great when I was done.

While I was down at the floor working the lower panes, I thought, "Hey, I bet I have some matte sealer to put on the kickboard", which I did so I sprayed that on.

When I set the can on the table, I remembered Chris saying he really wanted me to clean my crap off the table, and I figured *shrug* why not. He is always cleaning house when I am away, and I wanted to leave the house as clean and clutter-free as possible when I leave for camp, so he can relax and do what HE wants to do and not clean up after me! So I put some stuff away, organized the rest "for now" and wiped off the table.

Now the table runner looked wrong. So I went to find a different runner that would match the new room colors better. Voila.

But while I was looking for the runner, I was reminded I had some junk piled in the corner of the living room I kept meaning to pick up and put away. So I did.

Oh wait! I should really get some laundry going while I am puttering about. So I gather up all the laundry, including Chris' "stash" in the corner of the bedroom, and start on a pile of laundry.

I run upstairs to make some tea, and I remember Chris saying that "wouldn't it be nice" if we moved some of the larger, lesser used appliances from the kitchen into a shelf in the garage? That way we only pull them out when we need them, and free up our small kitchen's overcluttered counterspace. So I move the Kitchen-Aid out into the garage, and come back for the blender.

Hrm, this blender has been sitting on the baker's rack a long time, and look at all this crap that has accumulated here! And Chris said something about keeping the recyclables underneath if there were an open receptacle to drop them in... And look at all those half-empty liquor bottles, gathering kitchen-goo on the top shelf. And why do we have these old shopping lists and expired coupons on here?

Out comes the 409 again, and I have completely taken apart the baker's rack contents, wiped every surface clean, and put everything back in new order. I move garbage out and away, and move lesser used items into the garage along with the appliances. Now the counter looks dirty and cluttered. And I bet I could move the fruit and bread to be stored on the baker's rack from now on, and salvage more space over by the stove and sink!

So I take everything off the counter and clean it from end-to-end, reorganize all the appliances so they are accessed more easily, and clean the inside of the microwave for good measure. And really these dishes need to be done so I can finish cleaning properly...

Dishes are done, sink is full of bleachwater to try and get out some of the stains. The chrome appliances look really sticky. Wouldn't they look nice all shined up?

A good hour of straight-up scrubbing and polishing, and the toaster is gleaming. But hey, that windowsill looks really grimy. And look at the window itself!

I get out my stepstool, clean off the sill and clean the entire window, including the grimy sticky top of the sash which has accumulated years of dust and crap. I finish up and go to put the stepstool away and...man, this stepstool feels really gross... I finish the window and...

409 to the rescue! I clean off the stepstool, which has old paint on it from when we painted the living/dining room, plus some build up of kitchen goo from being near the stove. I run out of paper towels as I am finishing this project, and I am spent.

Even if I wanted to clean anything else, I couldn't because I am completely out of paper towels (went through a roll and a half), and my fingers are pruning from the water and cleaning products. I want to scrub the kitchen floor to finish off the project, but realize I should just call it a day.

I am dangerous with free time!

Today I have to be on task! At 3pm I get my HAIR DONE! HOORAY! So I must get a jump on my tagging and packing!

Not very noisy, but here I am!

by Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Sorry I have been so out of touch, dear friends. I just have not had time or inclination to write. Feels like a ton has happened, but *shrug*

This past weekend Chris and I attended his little sister's wedding. I am sure most of you know what I am talking about when I say that there are a handful of weddings you attend in your life that feel...perfectly...right. Where the couple is so obviously right for one another, you feel honored and full of joy at being witness to it. Stephanie and Nathan's wedding was one of those rare, beautiful unions.

The wedding was on a beach in Morro Bay, CA. The backdrop was this sandstone wall, overgrown with hanging shrubery, with a small creek cutting along the front of it. We were seated on a sandy bar facing the wall and creek, with the ocean crashing against the rocks to our left. It was overcast, but warm enough, and the rays still managed to burn us a bit. The wedding attendees were limited to a small number--parhaps 30+ of us in all.

The ceremony included a multi-stage water blessing. On the alter was a pitcher of water, and as guests arrived, we were invited to walk up, hold the pitcher of water, and "bless" it with good thoughts and feelings for the couple. Chris and I did so, holding the pitcher between us, and kissed over it, infusing it with love and successful marriage juju. The ceremony itself was very personal to them, for certain, and various readings enumerated the significance and symbolism of water and the color green (their wedding color) in their relationship. The attendants had processed with tall staffs topped with multi-colored ribbons, and stood like sentries creating a circle around all of us--keeping all that juju in! My favorite part was when the two entwined their fingers to form a sort of bowl with their upturned palms, and the many qualities of the blessed water was invoked as it was poured into their hands. Then they walked into the creek along with the officiant for a private exchange and blessing, after which they said their vows and exchanged rings. Seeing Stephanie kiss his ring before placing it on his hand makes me tear up to remember it even now. And the imagery of she in her beautiful silk gown and Nathan in his kilt standing in the rushing creek...so beautiful.

Afterward, they had a lot of people taking various photos, and Stephanie reminded Chris that she had asked him to take "official" photos. He didn't remember that, but we had been in this role before and enjoy it very much. And it had the added bonus of Chris getting to play with his new camera I got him as a belated anniversary gift (which is freakin' sweet!) Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't hire out to do wedding photography together...it's fun! I do the "staging"--they stylist if you will. We frame them together, and Chris does the magic with the camera (aperature values? huh?) Having this beautiful beach as a backdrop, and two willing subjects (and their family and wedding party) made for a fun and creative time. Chris has offloaded the photos, but I haven't seen them yet. Can't wait to see how they turned out.

I was bummed that we didn't have more time to explore the beautiful region. We flew in Friday night, went straight to the (delicious and beautiful) Italian rehearsal dinner. Then Saturday at 11am was the wedding, we did photos, then rushed to the park to help decorate and set up for the barbecue reception, then hung there for hours eating and chatting, then back to the room for me to nap in preparation for an intended night out with the bridesmaids. We were on our way out to dinner when Gina stopped by and admitted she and the gals were too tired to hang out after all (they had been running around taking care of all the details the entire weekend). We tried to find a place open to eat, but everything was closed around 9:30. We picked up dinner at the local Albertsons instead, and had a "romantic" meal of pizza and salad on our hotel room bed.

Sunday we checked out at 11am, got some breakfast at a lovely little cafe in San Luis Obispo, and then hung at the tiny airport until our 2:30 flight to LAX, to continue through to Seattle.


On the trip home we experienced continuing exception to an otherwise uneventful trip, which is due to the fact that "Christopher Moore" is a name on the friggin' no-fly list. So thanks to George W, Chris (and I, with him) can never do electronic check-in, and they have to take our ID's into some back room and cross-check his birthdate and description with the guy who shares his name (which includes this other poor guy who is also not-guilty-but-treated-like-he-is). In LAX, they were having various issues with planes and computers which had us switching to a different flight (which was a 1:30 flight which was delayed to OUR flight time, which we switched to, and OUR flight was delayed an hour), and that combined with Chris' name being George W'd, we stood in line for (no exaggeration) 2 hours! Yes, our entire stopover was spent standing in line and at a counter waiting for a guy making calls all over the place to verify Chris' identity as an Honest To Goodness Law-Abiding American. I pressed the gentleman (who was very nice, though frustratingly un-forthcoming in sharing with us when the computer delays persisted) to allow us to step away from the counter long enough to get some food to take on the plane, and when we got back, they had finally cleared him. Then they issued tickets for the wrong flight, and we had to change that over before rushing to use the bathroom and right to the gate to board immediately. Chris is eager for a new President to take office, and hopefully fix these ridiculously ineffective procedures to "keep our air travel safe". *snort* While we're at it, chalk up the carriage of liquids and gels on planes. I packaged some of my products, but left the rest in my carry-on, and nobody said boo to me. I mean, come on. Why in a labeled package? I could put ANYTHING in a "Herbal Essences" travel bottle--the label does not do a damn thing. Limits to 3oz is also ridiculous, considering I can fill a gallon sized bag with multiple 3oz containers; not to mention I could have 2 friends do the same thing, and pretty soon we have over a pound of "shampoo" on the flight. *waving dismissive hand at the government*

But I digress!


Sadly, a quick drive through Burien revealed I was again to be completely disappointed I couldn't get my Wah Kue's! They closed and locked the doors as we drove up at 8:30pm! WHAT THE?! We picked up some Mandarin Gate (poor substitute) on the way home, and when we got there...the house felt sooo empty! NO PUPPIES! WAH! We pretty much pined all night for them.

In the AM, Amy and Erik's friend Pawl came to get the old couch we were giving away (they grow 'em tall in that part of the country!). Anyway, he took the sofa, and we head out happily to get the pups. Ah, family! The report card from the Doggy Haven staff said they didn't eat as well as their last visit. And Gretchen was timid around th big dogs, which is a new development. We need to get them back to the dog park... So they put Gretchen in with the little dogs area. Both Loki and Gretchen apparently threw a FIT when they were separated ("1-2-3-AAAAW!"), so they put Loki in with the little dogs along with her, and apparently they BOTH were a million times happier in there, and the rest of their stay was a happy one. :) The report also gushed about how sweet and cute Gretchen is and how much all the staff adored her. We have the best puppies.

Home again, we cuddled and coddled the pups for a while, but had to head out again...this time, to finally begin our "Ikea collection" with a new Ektorp chair. Doesn't matter how few things you come for, you walk out with more, and this was no exception. We wandered through the store, sitting in different chairs and taking in different inspiration ideas. We discovered that the slipcover we thought we wanted for the chair was waaay brighter red than we realized AND was this fluffy corduroy fabric. The other options were entirely not right for us, but we resigned ourselves to the plain beige, with hopes that they would come out with a different color cover in some future year that we would want.

We grabbed several other items, including the rug I have wanted for a while and thought would look good in the new dining room (it does!), and on our way out was checked the As-Is section...and tada. Another Ektorp chair--a display model with a few scuffs on the slipcover--was for sale at a very discounted price. And to boot, everything in the As-Is section was an additional 25% off that day only! Over $100 off total. It had a white slipcover, which was not our plan, but we figured using white in the interim--washing it as best we could, and swapping it out when we get a color we want--would work fine. So home we went with two WHITE Ektorp chairs. WHITE. With two BLACK HAIRED DOGS. With the wet, muddy Seattle WINTER COMING ON. Yes, it is temporary, but it still felt (and feels) so...wrong!!

We took the next two hours before I left for class playing rearrange. Sadly, the way I dreamed we would arrange the room will in NO way work. Particularly when we get the Ektorp sofa-bed to match, which is a foot longer than the current little loveseat, there is simply no other way to arrange the room than the way it is currently set up. So I got no satisfaction in that arena. But Chris was realy determined to get a layout I was would be happy with before I had to dash off to class. He made some great suggestions on re-orienting the current layout, and when I was in the shower hosin' off, he cleaned the room and set up lots of beautiful candles. It looked lovely, but still felt "off". Bottom line: part of it is the fact that the chairs are white and larger than the loveseat--making them stick out and seem larger than they are. It also makes the loveseat look "freakishly small" (Chris' words), which makes us all the more eager to get the sofa ASAP. The current TV stand is small and very different than the other furniture in the room, and combine that with it being all the way across the room, and the rest of the furniture is cuddled around the cozy red rug, it feels very separate and different. Once we get the TV bench on our list, it will help tie it together, and give us room to store our DVD collection. And last on the list of furniture "to-do's" is to get a large, square coffee table. This narrow one we currently have adds to the tunnel-feeling of the room as it is oriented now.

The good news is that the room feels very opened up! It feels cozier--more conversational-nook feel than it had before. The whole room feels softer since we angled some stuff to take some of the sharp corners out, and the furniture feels larger and more "overstuffed" in the small room (but without actually BEING bigger--we downsized overall). We are eager to get some new art up, as the walls are more exposed now, and the blank canvass it reveals is begging for attention. As it sits now, Chris and I each have our own easy chair. Gretchen says, "FINALLY! I have the couch to myself I always deserved!"

Now what to do for the bedroom when we're done in here. Or shall we work on the kitchen...? So many plans!


Today is my first troupe night since Renee has left for Germany for the rest of the year. I am trippin'! I feel so WEIRD! Renee is so much a part of my dance life, it's like a limb has been cut off, and tonight I have to try and work without it. I know that sounds dramatic, but it really feels more acute than I realized. I hope she gets a chance to e-mail soon. I wonder how her trip went, and how things are shaping up? They have been there about 3 days by now. Only 10 weeks and 4 days left... Heehee

No more Domba

by Tuesday, September 26, 2006
From the Domba! Tribe:
Hello everyone!
This is a difficult letter to write and I’m not even sure where to start, but wanted to let you all know the changes happening with Domba.

It’s been a year of lots of changes for myself personally and a year of reflection on where to direct my energies and time. My entire year has been one of endings and beginnings in nearly every aspect of my life. Earlier this year, I decided to sell the Domba Studio in order to have more time for my family. My girls are growing up so fast and I unfortunately did not have the time needed to continue running the studio. The Studio needs love and attention to keep growing and I realized that someone else could better fill those shoes. So the Studio was purchased by one of our dancer students, Missy, who has kept it alive and well under the new name the Mystic Jewell. For class schedules and events, you can visit her web-site at www.mysticjewell.com

After the Studio was sold, other Universal events made it clear to me that my path is not with dance at the moment. My miscarriage during our summer tour of the UK was unfortunately the trigger to finally make me realize this! It has taken me a very long time to come to terms with this, as dance is my heart and soul. It has been very difficult to let go of, however, I have made the leap and have decided to formally stop dancing in regards to performance and Domba. I may still teach a local class here and there to keep myself in shape and stay connected with the dance community, whom I love so much, but the workshops, performances and traveling have all had to be put aside.

The Domba gals and I have gotten together and decided as a group, that the best course of action is to let Domba go out in the light of this year. We were nominated and won Troupe of the Year through Zaghareet Magazine and are so thrilled to have this beautiful award! So many big thanks to all our fellow dancers who voted for us! We’ve finally completed our first two instructional videos and they will be on the market later this month. We also finished up our second tour of the UK and Ireland this year and are so happy to have met and danced with so many of the UK/Irish girls! What better way to go out than with all this on our plate!

The Domba girls are still dancing and performing, and working on both individual and collective dance avenues. If you’re interested in workshops or performances with them, I know that all of them are all still very excited about dance and teaching, and they have tons of fun stuff going on! If you’d like to contact them, I’ll list their contact info at the end of this email.

I will also still be making the trademark Domba costumes! www.domba.com is still up and running and I will continue to sell costumes on-line and at Renaissance Faires, as well as at the Mystic Jewell Studio.

In October, I will be closing down the Domba Tribe on Tribe.net.

Many many thanks to everyone who has been a part of Domba throughout the years – either directly or as an audience member giving us your energy! There are so many over the past 19 years that I’ve been dancing! From my humble beginnings as a student trying to get some coordination, to all those who hosted us in workshops and helped form our direction, to those whose creativity and passion changed the course of Domba with their influence, and everyone who supported us in all our projects and endeavors. It’s been a lifetime of experiences and memories that I am happy to have!

Personally, I cannot express how much appreciation I have for everyone that has touched me over the years, taught me lessons, guided me and supported me. We’ve had so many good times and laughs and travels, and my life and heart has been filled with joy from it. The community that is created through art and dance has fulfilled me and made me so happy for so many years. My heart still cries for it, but I know that I am following my path by moving onto other things. I don’t’ know what that path is yet, and it’s scary to be out here in the dark with no direction, but it still feels like the right direction to be moving.

I will miss seeing you all and dancing with you, but I know that we are always connected through our love of dance.

Always,
Heidi

You can reach the Domba girls at:
Samantha: www.boomboombollywood.com
Gina: severina_demonia@yahoo.com
Joy: plantfaeries@yahoo.com
Sherry: sherryv@trueharmonywellness.com
Suzi: domba@cox.net
Haven (who has moved to San Francisco): whereisyourhaven@yahoo.com

They have been a huge influence in the tribal community, and will be missed...

Moving closer to Me...

by Monday, September 11, 2006
I am enjoying the evolution of Me.

Seems every year I get closer and closer to Myself. In little steps. I have always been on pretty good terms with Me, throughout my life, but oftentimes without knowing Why. That is, I didn't really know who I was, but I felt pretty good about whoever I was...

As I grow older, I am coming into my own in a way that I Know Who I Am better than ever before. It's kind of exciting to finally "get" what a lot of people were talking about when they said they loved turning 30 because they felt better about themselves than they ever had. A lot of people hated their 20's, feeling very confused and disconnected with themselves. I just didn't experience that, but it was because I didn't KNOW that I didn't know who I was. And here I am, discovering a little more about Myself all the time.

Getting my large back tattoo was more of a step in my life than I realized at the time. I knew I was doing something significant, but not the depth of it. Then the nose ring was another step. My hair was another. The outward Me that everyone sees keeps getting closer and closer to the Me I have gotten to know inside. And that is a very cool feeling.

This weekend was a joint step for Chris and I in moving toward who *we* are as a couple. As shallow as it may be/seem, it was painting our living room, but the paint is SYMBOLIC you see!

When we first moved into our house, we were living together for the first time. We were combining our hand-me-down bachelor-life furniture, and trying to kludge together the pieces of two different lives. We weren't sure who we were or what we wanted separately, let alone together! So I feel like our house kind of reflected that. It was bits and pieces we did our best with, and we painted the house a pretty neutrally to accomodate the mish mash. Looking back, I also remember choosing some of the colors because they seemed "mature"--we were a "grown up married couple" now, and it seemed important that our decor attempted to reflect that, however pathetically. LOL

Over time, "Our Style" has emerged. It is highly influenced by my personal style, being that I am The Woman, but Chris always has a say in these things, and really participates in ways that most men don't, so it truly is a reflection of both of us. We've collected more bits and pieces over the years which fit in with our emerging collective selves, and the house as developed more of a personality which speaks with our voice. It's been fun to see it happen in stages. This weekend, we repainted, and it was like a wash of US on the walls!! :)

The main color was one we had talked about for years, and as we discussed what we wanted to do going forward, how we want to redesign the room, new furniture we want to purchase in the coming year to rearrange and redesign our space together...and it feels like US. We looked around and were literally giddy with the results. SO US! And even better is that we are downsizing a bit, all over. Removing the useless clutter, downsizing the furniture, and upping the personal elements like art and pictures.

I guess I am rambling now, except to say that a seemingly small move like painting the living room reminded me how every day, I am getting to know Me better. And I am digging it. :)

Vintage Birthday Party

by Tuesday, September 05, 2006


Lookie! Me in my 1950's git-up, next to the beautiful Amy, my co-hostess in crime!

I made that dress in one day. Bought the fabric 24 hours before, and whipped it up the very first day I felt better from my strep...which was the day before the party. I found those snazzy shoes at Payless that same day I made the dress. Too bad it hurts me feets soooo bad, I had to take them off after less than an hour, and still was suffering from bruised feet the next day!

Amy made her dress the week before the party as well. Isn't that orange just stunning?! And dig that she made a matching tie for her hubby, to boot.

And Amy is responsible for ordering this completely awesome (and INCREDIBLY YUMMY) cake to match the theme o' the cocktail party:


PS Would it ick you out if you were in a public bathroom at a shopping store, and someone walks in on their cell...and proceeds to continue to talk while they use the facilities?! ACK!

Foot issues continue

by Monday, July 31, 2006


Some of you know I have had mysterious foot pain for several weeks now. When I thought it was improving, it flared up again when I taught the Kamloops workshops (duh, 8 hours of workshops, plus performing and general ambling about socially).
Today I finally saw the doctor, and she seems to not have a clue. She suggested three *possible* things, one of which was a stress fracture, another was a kind of swollen nerve thing that Renee's friend has (and I was convinced I might have until now).

The third was a swelling issue, which would have been helped by icing, which never worked for me when I tried it (short of numbing it, it didn't improve the symptoms), so the doctor doubts that is it.

She also doubts it is the swollen nerve thing, because most people experience that in a slightly different location, and can feel a sort of nodule--like a little marble--when you walk or touch it, which I don't feel. Though the toe-spreader suggestion I was given via Renee helped, so I think that threw her off (not being a foot specialist of any kind, and referring to a medical book throughout our discussion).

So the most likely, at this point, is a stress-fracture. I was sent down to Xray, and told to stay off it as much as I can until we know what is up. Har har. Stay off it she says... I should know the Xray results tomorrow at the earliest.

In the meantime, in addition to staying off it, I have been told to try and locate a Metatarsal Pad. This is not apparently the same thing as the toe pad/cushions which go into the shoe and make direct contact with the area of pain, but instead actually goes directly *behind* the area in question, and apparently does some kind of redistribution of weight to alleviate some of the pain when walking. It is further suggested that when I do walk, I choose a shoe with a wide toe box and a fairly rigid sole (I wasn't sure why, but that is what she said and she didn't elaborate and I didn't think to as at the time).

Well, apparently you can't just run by your local drug store to get these special pads--you have to buy them online. So I have to order some and won't be able to walk around with them this week leading up to TQNW (hopefully I can get them in *by* the fest to take with me!)

If I don't get more volunteers for the booth at TQNW, this will be a moot point, as far as my dancing on it. Seems everyone I know is taking the same workshops as I am, and are therefore unavailable at the times I need them to watch the booth. So if I don't get more volunteers by tomorrow, I will be selling my workshops and planning to sit around in my lame rigid shoes with pads all week-end long. *not pleased in the least*

Edit: A little good news. I was really upset about having to wear shoes in order to use these insole thingies since they stick inside a footbed (and doctor did recommend it, but I am a barefoot girl...) But lookie here--one that slips on the foot like Dancepaws! I am getting me some of these fer sure. Hope they can come in before I leave on Thursday.

Born to do what they do...

by Wednesday, July 26, 2006


I have to say that aside from love, my second favorite thing to witness is seeing someone do what they are born to do (which is a lot like love, I think).
Chris and I are watching "America's Got Talent", which is surprisingly entertaining, to be honest. But the biggest treat and surprise tonight was a guest artist who played on the results show tonight: Teddy Geiger. As Chris put it, he is kind of a young Joss Stone (which is kind of a joke, since Joss Stone hit her fame at 17 as well, though I think she is 20 or 21 now...).

He is awesome.

Great voice! Within two bars Chris was asking me to e-mail him a link to his website so he could find his music online. Then we looked up his website (cool design, bad coding--very slooooow), and saw that not only is he only 17, but he plays piano (which we witnessed tonight), guitar, bass, and drums on his own album, "Teenage Thinking".

I can't wait to hear what else he can do!

He is clearly born to do what he does. And yes, I know that studying from a young age helps, but there is not only a passion, but a...rightness to what he does. And that is so amazingly inspiring!

GO TEDDY! We'll be listening...

Kamloops - the hottest place on Earth...

by Monday, July 24, 2006
Spent the weekend in Kamloops, BC teaching four workshops on tribal and tribal fusion. I was hosted by Bonnie (Shaherezade), and had Gen in tow as my faithful assistant and constant companion. We laughed pretty much the entire weekend, and I had a complete blast with her along. :) This is my third weekend of workshops I have taught in Canada, and I have to say that I find Canadians to be far more unaffected and open than Americans. Not that I haven't had complete blasts at every workshop I have taught (no joke--what a life I get to lead!), but the Canadians I have met and spent time with on these trips strike me as so friendly and unpretentious in a way that makes you feel like an old friend right from the start. Gen and I were made to feel at home right away. :)

We drove up, and it took 7 hours, when Mapquest said it would take 5. Somehow we must have killed those two hours at lunch, the border, and potty breaks, because the ride home was much faster at close to the 5 hours stated. Weird!

Anyway, we arrived at the church hall where the women were setting up. The weather had been around 100 degrees for most of the drive, and was hovering at 85-90 when we got into town at 7pm. They welcomed us warmly, we helped decorate the hall a little, and then head over to a nearby pub for something to eat and some refreshing ciders. It was fun to chat them all up and relax after a day on the road. Then the lovely Martina lead us caravan-style out to her place.

20 minutes into the drive I thought surely this was some ruse to take us out in the wilds and kill us! We hit dirt road and kept driving and driving and driving...Martina in her Jeep ahead driving like a maniac, spitting up dust so we couldn't see a thing in the pitch black on a sharply winding road ever traveling up a hillside, with not a peep at civilization in sight! No houses. No other cars (on a one-lane road, thank goodness!), and just the sparkling stars above. We finally arrived...and this house could be in some architecture magazine! STUNNING! On 40 acres of land, with 10 horses and a myriad of other animals and stock. Martina is this super cool, funky German woman, likely in her 40's, with blue wool woven into her braids and Melodia pants in every color and style, is a Rachel Brice devotee of the highest order, and teaches yoga and yoga dance fusion...lives on 40 acres of farmland in this architectural monument, decorated in an understated but impeccably detailed retro-Danish style.

We got the grand tour of this concrete-construction home, and just had our jaws dropped the entire time. Windows on every conceivable surface, painted concrete floors, yet with wood accents that made it feel warm despite all the glass and stone. Not a curtain in the place--sunlight welcomed in at its leisure.

After the tour, we met her two doggies--sweet and hyperactive, and then were shown to our room where we wanted so badly to collapse into sleep. But the weather was having none of it. The heat was unbearable, and this wonder-house seemed to have every detail in the universe, save for central air! Gen slept eventually, but I tossed and turned all night long, barely getting a wink, and woke up feeling sticky and groggy. Over breakfast of organic berries, we had to admit to Martina that while we appreciated her hospitality and her beautiful home so very much, we desperately needed the comfort of air conditioning the next night, in order to get a good night's sleep. She felt bad, but understood. We felt awful, as we would have loved to have spent more time in her home with her, we couldn't stand the idea of trying to pass another night hot and sleepless.

We hit the workshop and got a little bit of a late start. Seems that that elementary school where they had rented for the workshop had screwed them over--not only had they literally disconnected the lights in the gym, but also the air-conditioning! So the room we planned to be in was dark and hot. They opted to move us to another room, which was half lineoleum-over-cement, and half berber carpet. We made it work, though no air-conditioning was tough. Bonnie kept apologizing, but I felt bad for HER. How frustrating that must have been for them!

We kicked things right into gear, getting to know one another a little and then kickin' it improv style. At the break for lunch, Bonnie approached me about the hotel situation, and though I insisted I could pay for it since it was my decision to get a hotel, she refused my money and paid for it herself. We opted for the Travelodge that was practically right across the street from the hafla location, so we could head back after the workshop, clean up and rest, and walk to the venue.

The afternoon was Bhangra. Whew! The heat of the day was at its peak and we had just eaten lunch, but we worked it anyway! The women were so jazzed, and worked really hard, pushing through exhaustion and overheating, and just sweat and danced and laughed! They were jamming all over the room, laughing and smiling; and when it was all over, still wanting more! I loved them for that! As for me and Gen, we were wiped. This heat is not something we are used to, and on top of little to no sleep, we were cooked...

We head back to the blissful hotel, where the air conditioning was already on high, and it felt like walking into a refrigerator. Ahhhh. We collapsed on the bed, and were tempted to try and squeeze a nap into our 4 hour break, but we had to shower, eat something, get dressed and coiffed, and still figure out what we were doing for the hafla that night, since we hadn't figured it out yet. So that is just what we did, and then head over to the hall.

All that showering felt for naught when we got there. The hall wasn't air conditioned either, and the ceiling fans seemed to be moving the air around up at the ceiling, and not anywhere else. We were fully made up and dressed...and the last act of about a dozen in the lineup. We sat sweating and delirious at the back, trying to appreciate all the performances, but eventually I couldn't even bring myself to clap! so we head to the basement, where the dressing room was, and sat on the cool cool linoleum floor for the rest of the show. When we hit the stage, the room was packed to standing room only, adding to the heat. And then the stage lights. We were litterly bleary! We struggled through our performance, but smiling across at Gen and throwing her sassy glances and getting them in return made my night! it was rough, but I for one had a complete blast dancing with her. :)

Bonnie came onstage at the end and gave me flowers (so sweet! I don't remember the last time someone gave me flowers for a performance!), and then her students gave her flowers. I wanted to tear some off and hand them to Gen, but they were dripping water all over--I had to cup my hands under the stems to keep them from slathering the stage--so I just considered it accepting them on behalf of both of us. :)

After the show, the ladies invited us to the pub for a celebratory drink. We had already planned to grab a bottle of wine and some food at the store and go back to the hotel room to cool off and rest, but said we would come by for one drink. But once we got back to the cool room, and the adrenaline was wearing off, we were crashing hard. With the prospect of another energetic day on Sunday, and a long drive home directly after, we had to beg off. We texted our regrets to Martina, and sat on our beds eating Cheesy Poofs and sandwiches, and drinking wine (and water) while watching Gladiator on TV. We crashed out at midnight, and I know I slept blissfully well!

Woke up refreshed and ready for the day. The wall of heat once we walked out of the hotel was a reminder of the work yet ahead, but we were ready! More tribal improv in the morning, then Spanish improv stylings in the afternoon. The women were incredibly enthusiastic yet again, and though the second day of workshops was smaller (lots of people could only do one day or the other, due to family obligations), it worked out because the skirtwork needs more room, and it could've been overcrowded. My foot issue returned with a vengeance, but I tried to ignore it and just jam. At the end we took all kinds of photos and answered questions and then packed up to head home.


Quick stop for gas and snacks, and we hit the road. We ran into some issues of feeling lost, thanks to being redirected off the highway due to a motorcycle accident on the Trans-Canadian Highway. We tooled around trying to find another way SW, but everything was a dead-end. At the exact moment we exhausted all of our options...the cops started direction traffic back onto the freeway! HOORAY! Even with the delays, we made it home in quick time, and I was home before 10pm. Got to have sushi with my hubby, drink some beer on the deck, watch Stargate SG-1, and get my hands massaged while we watched a Muppets Episode in the air-conditioned bedroom. Ahhhh...

The weekend was really fun and very successful. Bonnie was an excellent hostess, and her support crew (like WARREN!) were also just completely kind and accomodating. Got a lot of inquiries for future workshops in other cities, and felt relaly good about the entire weekend. Gen was awesome in every way, and I had a ton of fun with her. Our talks there and back made the trip seem shorter and so enjoyable. The dancers were just incredibly nice and excited--they have the tribal fire now!! Go go go my super Canadian dance sisters!

Good times...

Feeling like hell

by Thursday, July 20, 2006
So yesterday I started to have a strained muscle feeling in my shoulder and neck on my left side, and didn't really do anything about it. When I tried to sleep, it was miserable. It was miserably painful all night, making my rest fitful at best (rest, not sleep...). At about 5am I got up to try and find some Advil, and my stomach lurched, and I spent about a half hour in the bathroom feeling like I was going to throw up.

I woke up stiff as a board, with pain shooting through my shoulder and neck. I found the Advil and took it, and am feeling a little better, but tummy is still acting strange.

I would cancel performing tonight if it weren't for the fact that I have a lot of fans coming to see me.

Speaking of which, sorry I haven't had time to promote this as much as I would have liked. I am a guest star at the Rebar show tonight:


I will be here shaking it tonight, if you want to see me.

But you have other options! If yer into da bellydance, you will definitely want to head over to Capitol Club for Third Thursday with inFusion Tribal. Two unique sets, one at 8pm one at 9pm, fab food and drinks, all in one of the loveliest restaurants in town.

Attachment...

by Wednesday, July 19, 2006
So in my recent readings into Buddhism, there is one concept that has been resonating with me. And that is the idea of not being attached to the outcome of any situation. The concept that you put things out there into the universe, and then realize that after that, you can't be responsible for it any more. Where it goes, what someone does with it, how it is perceived... In simple terms, you do what you can do, and after thatn, you have to let it go. And worrying about what will happen is not only a waste of energy, but isn't good for anyone around you. Tied to this is ideas of forgivenes and patience, of course. So it's a good lesson for me to be working on.

I am finding that when I tell myself "It's gonna be okay, either way. You may not like the outcome, but that's okay, too... Don't let it worry you, and don't get all bent out of shape if things don't go your way," I feel a little more relaxed and am able to only obsess a *little* instead of my usual *BUNCHES*.

You're all laughing at this point, I am sure. Sounds really easy and obvious to some people. But I am The Sharon. I am a Virgo, no doubt, and being tied to an outcome is part of what drives me! What I am learning is that you can still be motivated and driven, but that doesn't have to control you--your actions and emotions. You can strive for success and a level of organization and professionalism in your life, but that doesn't mean you have to be obsessed with it, or generally fret about it. You do what you can do...and let it go... Don't be attached to the outcome.

I am practicing *really hard* today.

Surprisingly good, surprisingly bad...

by Saturday, June 17, 2006
I don't remember seeing ads for this movie back when it came out (1998), but caught a moment when it was on TV, and had Tivo grab it. I really enjoyed it! Eddie Murphy is really at his peak when he is not doing uber slapstick--I like his gentler roles very very much. Jeff Goldblum is always remarkable to me--how can such a goofy lookin' man be so sexy? X-Factor at its finest.

Not surprisingly good-- nay, I expected it to be good: the original movie "The Producers"
Gene Wilder blew me away in this movie. I always liked the man, and found his uniquely quirky humor to my liking, but this movie was Gene Wilder at his finest. I really loved it. I expected it to be good, but had no idea I would enjoy it so much.

Surprisingly Bad: the latest version of "The Producers"
Nathan Lane is perfectly cast--I knew it before I saw it that he would rock the role. But Matthew Broderick was HORRIFICALLY BAAAAD! I ache it's so bad. Cheeeesy, and not in a good way. Maybe his work in this role on Broadway reads well on stage; but in the medium of film, it makes me want to throw the fuck up. Mortifying. I am SO GLAD I saw the old one before I saw this one, or I may have skipped the original altogether. This newest one was so hyped, I expected it to be at least good. But no...just goes to show that if you spend enough on marketing, you can make anything look appealing, even this tripe.

Long, busy, good weekend...

by Monday, June 12, 2006
While I did get to spend some time with my honey, it was all very scattered--broken up by responsibilities, running around and working, et al. So I really miss him today, feeling like I didn't get my fill of my best friend's company. *sigh*

Friday night we had dinner, I tagged merchandise and did some packing for my vending, picked up some games at GameStop for the PS2, played some, watched TV, and head to bed. Not much of a date night.

Saturday I had a lot of errands to run for the hafla, more packing and loading the car, and head to the venue early to get the sound system cabinet open and start setting up. Then we were underway! My new student troupe, Nomaditude, was performing their debut! They looked so lovely, and I was insanely excited for them.

The show was a test of organization. The first act didn't show up at all, the third act came late, and the fifth act's music wasn't working. Luckily, we have som kick-ass talent and professionalism with most all our acts, so smooshing things around worked out well. Hasani graciously agreed to open the show (what a fabulous way to begin!), then my gals took the stage.

Wow.

They....made me....so freakin' proud! *beam* Not only did they have great energy, and had all their staging down pat, but they smiled the whole time, and didn't "watch" the leader. Considering the group had just formed two weeks prior, they had gotten their costumes two days prior, and had only one rehearsal away from the mirrors (and only two run throughs aside from that with everyone in attendance!), this was far more than I could have possibly hoped for. They obviously all worked hard at home, and worked very well together. Afterward, they were all beaming smiles, telling my how much fun it was, and they are already looking forward to the next time. :) I will be putting their video on YouTube soon, for them to see, so you will be able to see it, too.

After the hafla, we head home, had burgers, played some more of our game (finished it actually--lame game), and off to bed.

Sunday morning I had a troupe meeting (went very well--I am so blessed...can't believe it :), then Chris and I were going to play the X-Men game we got. But, yet again, the Playstation was giving us the Disc Read Error from hell. For the third time we cracked it open to try and realign the laser, with no results. So we looked up some other ways to take it apart--including removing the laser assembly, and realigning and cleaning other portions of the machine. But yet again, nothing. It had finally given up the ghost. And us with 6 new games (major used game sale on right now!). So two of our three hours had been completely killed trying to fix the console, and I was sick of it anyway--disc read errors are more common than not with my old PS2, and I wasn't going to stand it any more. We deliberated about whether we really wanted to prioritize buying a PS2 right now, and decided that yes, we really didn't want to be without one, particularly with the new games burning a hole in their cases.

We hit the bookshelf for old games we aren't playing, to put toward some trade-in money, and ran out to the GameStop yet again. We got a good trade-in deals on several games, plus a bonus $10 for having more than 5 games to trade in, so paid only a little over $70 for the $130 system. Not bad at'tal. But that plus a quick stop at the grocery store meant I had to dash immediately out to teach my workshop at Delilah's studio as part of BellyCon Week.

I had 6 students signed up, plus Delilah stayed for the first part of the workshop. The ladies were absolutely burnin' with the fire--they were thrilled to be taking their first tribal workshop, and at the end, were gushing about taking my classes once they are done with their parade commitments. I really enjoyed having them--smiling and quickly absorbing the moves and concepts I threw at them, willing to try new things. And the sunshine and cool breeze blowing through the doorway made the studio even more pleasant and lovely to teach in. At the end, Delilah suggested I come teach at her studio, though as nice as her studio is, teaching 6 classes a week is plenty. :) All-in-all, I had a fun time.

Back home, Chris had waited patiently for me to return and open the PS2 box. He didn't even peek inside the entire 3 hours I was gone, waiting for me to come home and do the honors! He is so freaking sweet to me!!! So I got the pleasure of breaking the seal and cracking into the new game console. IT IS SO SMALL! I had no idea. I mean, I knew it was slimmer, but didn't know it was...like...barely bigger than the DVD sized boxes the games come in. It's miniscule. And happy happy joy joy...no more stupid disc read errors. We spent the rest of the evening trying out some new games.

I had long wanted to play Hitman, which I understood to be a great series (and I love this style of game, where I get to be a superspy!), but the dual-control stick action was confusing, as was shooting with R2. So we switched to Splinter Cell, which I had also long wanted to play, and was a lot more fun. I only got to play a little bit, tho, before it was bedtime.

That was my weekend. Voila.

Tribal Fest 2006 - inFusion Tribal

by Sunday, May 21, 2006
Long weekend. The added Friday was rough. But the days themselves were less draining. I am CERTAIN part of it was the cooler weather and rain--made it much less sicky and exhausting to deal with the sweaty heat in the main hall. Part of it is also just building greater tolerance over the years to vending long weekends. And having Renee (and sometimes Sarah, and the occasional drop-by visitors) to keep company, give me time away to pee break and shop and visit helps a ton.



I am *always* reminded at these events how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazingly sweet, hilarious, kind, intelligent, talented, beautiful women...as part of my job no less, but as friends and colleagues and partners and sisters. What a blessing the women in my life are.



To my Unmata girls--the more time I spend with you, the more time I wish I had to spend with you. The more I meet your circle of sisters, the more I consider them part of my own. You are all incredibly talented and generous of spirit. Can't wait to see you next time... You bitches got mad skillz. You are so inspiring to me.



My Gypsy Fire girls--dayyyyyyum girls. You are fucking hilarious, and just awesome to spend time with. I feel so full in my heart and soul to laugh and share in this love of dance and life with you. I am one of your biggest fans, and look forward to every single moment we get to spend cracking up and patting each other's bums (in the night). Why oh why can't we live closer together? But absence makes the heart grow fonder. Each and every one of you is so beautiful, I ache. She puts the mango in her mouth...

To all the amazing tribal and tribal-passionate women and men I have the pleasure to know and hug tightly to me each year (Teri Walden, Palika, Tempest, The Damsels and Brandi (La Devs? ;), katie k, Brad Dosland, Cynthia Todd, Colleena, K-Lee...the list goes on), I lament every single year that we only get to meet up but once or twice every 12 months. Our encounters are always so brief and feel rushed and distracted. What I wouldn't give for a little down-time to just look into your eyes, listen to your stories, and enjoy your company for more than a moment. It is funny to call you my friends when we see one another so rarely, but I do. I feel a connection with you all, and would love to absorb more of your "being", if only we had the time...maybe someday.



And my inFusionistas. *sigh* *struggling for words* What CAN I say? *speechless* The connection we share is like nothing I have ever known, and it fills me completely to the brim with joy and contentment to walk this path with you. I am honored you are willing to walk it with me, and entrust me (and Renee) to guide you on the journey. Your trust in us, even when you are most afraid, is so amazingly humbling--and didn't it pay off? We wouldn't steer you wrong, scouts honor. Our performance together this year is a demonstration of how powerful we are if we band together, and just work hard and believe in what we create. How fucking amazing it was to find that we are more than we imagined ourselves to be--faster, stronger, and IMPROV BABY!

If I sound sentimental, it is because I feel it quite intensely tonight (and no, Renee, I am neither buzzed, high, nor PMSing--you know I get this way sometimes. Suck it up!). I am about to crawl into bed and drive the long trip home beginning early in the AM, heading back to my beloved city, but without my beloved extended family. How I will miss you all until next we meet. And how I look forward to seeing my sisters back on our home turf, to revel in our accomplishments, exchange tales of shopping treasures, and on Thursday, jam in our "living room". Thank you got all you bring to my dance and to my life.



Yeah, I am so fucking lucky...

Thank you, God.

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On this blog I share my personal posts about cooking and knitting, travel and other musings; while I will blog about dance-specific topics over on the Deep Roots Dance blog:
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