Spirit of a Dancer
Spirit of a Dancer Newsletter – April 2010
April 24, 2010
Shimmying in Spring All Over the Nation!!
Yes, I know that this is late… that April is almost over and I am just now writing this. But, trust me there was a reason for waiting. April 24, 2010 was a great day in the dance world and it seems that everyone was doing something! I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop with the lovely and talented Aszmara here in Pennsylvania, but there was also A Day of Dance for Autism going on in Hampton Roads, VA!
Spirit of a Dancer Newsletter – April 2010
April 24, 2010
Shimmying in Spring All Over the Nation!!
Yes, I know that this is late… that April is almost over and I am just now writing this. But, trust me there was a reason for waiting. April 24, 2010 was a great day in the dance world and it seems that everyone was doing something! I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop with the lovely and talented Aszmara here in Pennsylvania, but there was also A Day of Dance for Autism going on in Hampton Roads, VA!
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of being able to attend my first local belly dance event since moving to PA and I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out. The event was held at The Cottage in Ebensburg and was attended by dancers from all over PA and even into Maryland. The sponsors for this event were Ileena and Adrianna who I have been taking some classes with and really love. Adrianna also provided the vending for the event. Unfortunately, I think I am going to have to follow her up to Pennsic and buy everything that I wanted to buy that day and couldn’t. I was able to meet some really awesome local dancers and was just so happy that I finally felt at home.Aszmara was amazing!! She is a little firecracker and really made us work for every ounce of the lesson, but like she said everything worth having in life, is worth working for! But, she made the workshop sooo much fun, made us relax, and made us see the beauty of the performance when you don’t “overdance” the music. Her words of assurance to me after the workshop made me really feel empowered to persevere and keep working at this, despite my feelings of doubt.
I tried to take everything that she said in when I danced. I used my intentions to move me throughout space and not my feet and let the music guide the dance. I have to admit, I was very nervous when I was about to go on. I had decided to dance to Derwood Green, because I felt like I had it pretty engrained in my head. But still, it’s a long song to dance to all by your lonesome… for your (shhh don’t tell anyone) first solo performance. And (shhh, don’t tell anybody) come minute five, I went blank and felt the need to start dancing into the audience (making ‘you know what’s look good since 1982, right?).
I tried to take everything that she said in when I danced. I used my intentions to move me throughout space and not my feet and let the music guide the dance. I have to admit, I was very nervous when I was about to go on. I had decided to dance to Derwood Green, because I felt like I had it pretty engrained in my head. But still, it’s a long song to dance to all by your lonesome… for your (shhh don’t tell anyone) first solo performance. And (shhh, don’t tell anybody) come minute five, I went blank and felt the need to start dancing into the audience (making ‘you know what’s look good since 1982, right?).
I wasn’t the only “raq-star” of the group, though. I really enjoyed the performances that I got to watch. Pam did an incredible drum solo and jumped right into a number with Michelle and Pat doing a Tarkan choreography by Adrianna. I had heard that was some of their first performances… but I sure couldn’t tell!! Adrianna also did a really awesome raks assaya number to Sheridan (in addition to being the night’s emcee!). She was so incredibly graceful and her dress was to die for. Another group that really impressed me that night was the Tears of Aset (http://sitamun.com/troupe.html) they did two gorgeous numbers and also did a very impressive cane routine.
The two stars of the night; however, were Angela Prato (http://www.angelapratodance.com/) and of course Aszmara. Angela’s veil routine was the first I’ve ever seen that actually made me want to pick up a veil and learn. She had done a routine to Amr Diab that was so fluid and beautiful that it made me want to cry. She later admitted that it was her first full length veil routine and then I really did want to cry!
And then of course, there’s Aszmara… and Oh My God. She was the epitome of the term “Awesome Sauce.” I have never seen a dancer in person who was more fluid or entertaining with that much fire and who moved so quickly across the floor with such grace. Her emotions and passion bled through her veil and spilled out onto the floor. I would really love to take from her again. I wonder if she does veil workshops? 
The First Annual Day of Dance For Autism
http://dayofdanceforautism.weebly.com/event-information.html
Virginia Beach, VA
Unfortunately, I have not yet developed the ability to be in two places at one time. But, if I could I would have definitely flown home to be a part of the Day of Dance for Autism hosted by Kalaa (http://www.kalaabellydance.com/).
Kalaa always hosts great events (my first ever belly dance performance was at one of her Haflas) and from what I have heard, this one was no exception. I will be able to tell you more once I have the DVD in my hot little hands, but I can tell you who I am looking forward to watching.
JaLe and the Nawaar Dancers (http://www.jalebelly.com/id14.html):
JaLe is another dancer who I think is covered in the proverbial awesome sauce and can’t wait to see how her troupe is doing.
JaLe is another dancer who I think is covered in the proverbial awesome sauce and can’t wait to see how her troupe is doing.
Hippy Chicks Raks (http://www.chandani.net/Troupe2.htm):
Of course. Any time RanaNahid and Zahirah are in the mix, it’s a good time.
Of course. Any time RanaNahid and Zahirah are in the mix, it’s a good time.
Katerina:
I haven’t seen her before, but I heard she was reeeaaallly good.
I haven’t seen her before, but I heard she was reeeaaallly good.
Johara:
My favourite Northern VA dancer with killer laybacks and zils.
And… and of course
My favourite Northern VA dancer with killer laybacks and zils.
And… and of course
Serenity Tribal (http://www.serenitytribal.com/):
The world’s bestest ATS duo in the whole wide world (but we all know, I’m a teensy bit biased)
The world’s bestest ATS duo in the whole wide world (but we all know, I’m a teensy bit biased)
I recently have developed a cane fetish. I think that it reminds me of my old Color Guard/Marching Band Days.
Here is a performance by the lovely and talented Angela Prato. I really enjoyed it because it has a really lighthearted, folkloric feel to it.
