My Blog!
Tues 27 July
I ordered the hafla tickets today, I can't believe how quick time will fly and September will be here! I have also sorted my dances for the B'ham gala show this Sat, and in the end I've created a whole new dance just using a track I've used a few years back. Got to practise it before Sat, plus my isis wings...so much to do!
I was pleased after class tonight, my Worcester group worked hard on their routine and listened when I gave them feedback about small things to perfect their dance - I can't wait to see it performed!
Sat 24 July
I have had a busy day visiting and shopping, and now I've got to work on my dances ready for my performance next week at the Birmingham Dance festival. One of the dances I've performed recently so it's in my memory, but the other needs some work!
There are still tickets available for the show and for the workshops during the day, so check it out, a link is on my other page.
I haven't had much time to make jewellery or work on my costuming but I'm sure when I have to rest for some weeks after my op that I can make use of my time and do some sewing! I've just bought a vintage looking piece of jewellery for another costume I have in mind!
My Sunday ladies are having a picnic after class tomorrow so let's hope the sun come back out to play!
Mon 12 July
Nearly over my cold now, I'm not loving this summer, I've been ill through most of it! Bless Ange for buying me some 'tonic' I never knew you could buy such a thing, let's hope it perks me up! I was happy tonight as we finished our fan dance, and it looked so pretty!
I have also chosen 'dancer of the month' for July, so check out the latest updates page...it might be you! I think I'll list somewhere who was awarded dancer of the month in previous months as a nice reminder, it is amazing how quick the months fly by! This can be an added page, see opposite!
Weds 7 July
Quick update, apologies to my tribal class but I am having to cancel again. I'm not doing too well lately
am I?! I think my immune system must be low as this is the 2nd cold in 2 weeks! My St Augustines class will still run tonight as it isn't as simple to cancel, and as I'm employed by the gym as an instructor there is no-one to cover if I am off.
I think I need a holiday!!
Mon 5 July
The show Sat night at the Greig Hall was great, really nice atmosphere, and an eclectic mix of dance styles to keep the audience entertained! A few minor mis-haps like when my music track stopped half way through, but not the end of the world!
I am looking into the possibility of doing a new class - this will be another fitness base one, but may also involve some choreography, I haven't decided fully yet, it is very much in the early stages! It will be Bolly & Belly-robics! So we'll do both indian dance (bollywood/bhangra) and belly dance. This will possibly be in the Alvechurch/Hopwood area, in a couple of months time, maybe around Oct. So if you're interested check back for updates or email me and I can put you on an email list to let you know when this is up and running.
We are dancing at the Green Fair day at Arrow valley lake this Sunday, 1.30pm, so please come along & show your support for us!
Fri 2 July
Yippee it's Friday again, I have a busy weekend ahead! I have a dance practise session tonight for the dance show tomorrow night at the Greig Hall, Alcester. It's not too late to join us - there's latin, ballroom, linedancing and tap, as well as our troupe with various routines, so it looks to be a good show! All that for £5, (£3 concessions) - call me if you're interested in attending.
I have now filled all the spaces for the Zehara workshop on Sat 18 Sept. I will be organising the hafla line up and tickets during August, so if you know you want to perform, please let me know, my dancers will have preference over performance slots.
For those who may wish to do a solo or duo but have no idea where to start, I am running a choreography workshop on Sat 7 August. Where to start with forming your own dance, tips and advice, as well as ideas for moves and adding variety. This will involve some group discussion. I wish someone had offered me a workshop like this when I was starting out! If you are interested in joining us, email me, it is £10 and is 10 - 11.30am at Webheath village hall.
Sun 27 June
I haven't found time these past 2 weeks to update my website or blog, but I had to write while I'm still buzzing from Raqs Brittannia! I can't say I liked Sheffield as the new venue, bring back Blackpool (never thought I'd say that!) The workshops were great, I did bhangra dance party which was funky and fun! Indian fusion, which wasn't as good as I was hoping, but did have some nice arm placements to use in indian dance. two hours of 'hands & arms' so I have the wrist circle and arm wave down to a tee now!! And the last one this morning, belly dance boot camp, which was my favourite, and I picked up lots of useful snippets of info.
As usual, we were spoilt for choice with the biggest souk I've ever seen, so it would have been rude not to buy a hipscarf or two! I also bought some nice trousers, a CD, a very funky trouser costume, and a sparkly cane! there may have been 1 or 2 other purchases...it was easy to forget over 3 days how much you have bought!
The BDSS show on Saturday was great as usual, but not so many 'big names' as when I used to see them a couple of years ago - I miss not seeing Sharon & Jillina, and I loved Ansuya last year. But it still had heaps of energy and sparkle!
Friday 18th June
I love Fridays, especially when I've got the day off! An update for Zehara's workshop for my students, I had a great interest to my initial email and therefore there is only 1-2 places remaining! All those who emailed me expressing an interest I have put your name on a list, if you change your mind, no problem, just let me know so it frees up a space for someone else. Depending on if the room is free earlier, there may be scope for another, earlier workshop if there is still demand from other dancers once this one is full, I will keep you posted.
I am spending a few hours this morning trying to create a new costume, well, at least make a start! I love getting all my 'treasures' out that I've collected, and putting them together to create a belt, or decorate a top. Then it calls for another shopping trip to buy more supplies!
Sun 13th June
What a busy day, it was a rush this morning getting everything ready for the bazaar! Thanks to those who turned up, and everyone who baked cakes and helped set up and tidy away - shame not more ladies turned out though, as it is a great chance to buy some hardly used or new belly dance clothing, hip scarves and jewellery, and is good to meet with other dancers and have a natter and some cake! I am hoping if I arrange another around xmas time that it will be more popular, maybe a Saturday is a better day to have it.
Raqs Brittannia is in a few weeks and I'm excited about all the workshops I'm booked on - lets hope my hayfever improves else I'll spend more time blowing my nose than dancing! I needed to raise some money at the bazaar today in order to buy a new hip scarf whilst I'm there - it always happens!
Sun 6 June
What a lovely few days! The sun always makes you feel inspired to do more, except when you've got hayfever and are feeling lousy! I struggled in class this morning as I had a banging headache and was so tired as I'm not getting much sleep, so apologies to my ladies if I wasn't as chirpy!
I'm happy with how the routines are coming along, and we're making good progress so hopefully taking a few weeks out in August won't impact too much. I've had a productive week making a new tribal belt and bra, which I can't wait to try out! It's black and turquoise and has been made from bargains that I've collected so it hasn't cost the earth, and I love having a new piece to wear, especially as I'm getting rid of some of my other belts etc at the bazaar on Sunday! We'd love to see lots of you there so please come along and browse - bring the family and have some coffee and cake, and enjoy what's on offer - there's such a variety of stalls this time!
Fri 28 May
Bad news for my dancers! I have had to pull out of the Guinness World Record attempt, and cancel it for now. I have to go into hospital for an operation mid- Aug and won't be recovered in time for Aug 22nd when it was planned. So regrettably I had to cancel it for the time being. It is frustrating and I hate letting people down, but I can't prolong my recovery time by dancing sooner than advised, it would be silly. I am still hoping to be well enough to attend the festival as it is set to be a great few days!
This will also impact on my classes in the lead up to the hafla - good job I changed the date for the hafla! Anyway, we will cross that when we come to it. For now we will crack on and put all our energy into learning the routines and having a good old shimmy!
Weds 26 May
I'm a bit fed up this week! My arm is aching still, even if I only use it a little, and it's so frustrating! I think i will suffer after 2 classes back to back tonight, but it can't be helped, I can't take any more time off.
A few new pages will be added shortly to this website. The first is where you can browse and buy jewellery and accessories - both hand made by myself and items bought in. I will see how it goes, but if something ever catches your eye and you'd like me to bring it to class to see it before you choose to buy it, please just drop me an email. I will also be adding hand decorated belly dance tops - bra's and vest tops, plus belts and accessories. I am trying to use all the bits and bobs i've stashed in my "aladdins cave" to create some lovely pieces to sell, as I have too much stuff!
The other page will be dedicated to the Guinness World Record attempt for belly dancing, takign place on Sunday 22 August - please take a look when it's up and running and join us to smash the current record which standsat 535 dancers!