I’ve not posted much of late. I’ve even grown derelict in posting images on my Instagram account. I’m still doing something dance-related (more-or-less) every day. But what I’m doing is simply my personal technique practice. Repeated photos of the same DVDs or class or studio seem… less than compelling shall we say. While I am […]
I have to admit that I am a bit down after the recent election. But it’s times like this that I remember why I dance and why art is important. It gives me a voice. So excuse me while I go dance a little.
I am a recovering perfectionist. A few years back, when I worked in the clothing department of a major retail chain, I was one of the slowest zoners. (Zoning is what they called picking things up and making it look good for the store to open the next day.) But my section always looked good. […]
I’m currently reading a book by Brené Brown and was struck by the following thought: Art is about being real and authentic, while entertainment is about being liked. Each dancer must decide which is more important to them. The answer can be fluid. It may change over time, perhaps even from one piece to the […]
“Zuki Zuki” by Mahala Raï Banda – glutes & arms “Sertab” by Buda – smooth & locked “Take Your Whiskey Home” by Van Halen – twists; focus on keeping the hips level using the opposite oblique, then adding the mid glute “She’s Long Gone” by the Black Keys – downbeat: pelvic 4 ct. (B, L, […]
The lines at the beginning of the first story in The History of (my) Dance are: I love to dance. I always have. Dancing makes me happy in a way that nothing else does…. I dance all the time. I do have a day job. But most of my vacation, weekends, and evenings (along with […]
I recently gave myself a challenge: do something dance-related everyday. That can mean many things: Attending class Reading a book to affect stagecraft Watching videos for inspiration Performing Working out with performance enhancement in mind Costuming The list is endless. But mindfully engage in an activity related to my dance. And document it. I chose to […]
In my studies of various styles of bellydance, I’ve come across 3 basic ways to drive a shimmy: Obliques Glutes Knees/thighs Each of these has its own look; and advantages and disadvantages. Characteristics The oblique shimmy tends to have a softer look to it. It’s produced by lengthening and shortening the internal obliques in opposition. Given […]
“Te Veo” by Palenke Soultribe – glutes & arms “Spider Cider” by Man Man – smooth & locked “Gelin Havasi” from Sulukule: Rom Music of Istanbul – undulations; focus on rolling all the way through the low belly “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees – downbeat: chest slides dbR; upbeat: IHS CCW dbL About drills […]
Sometimes your daily practice gets sidelined. Perhaps you’ve been sick. Maybe you’ve done a different practice, such as attended a dance intensive workshop. Perhaps you’ve created and performed a show about the history of your dance. Any of these would be a good reason for temporarily letting go of your regular daily practice. In my […]