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 […]
I’ve just spent the past week in the middle of the desert in northern New Mexico on a dance retreat with Mira Betz. Mira offers many types of intensives, and I’ve enjoyed them all. But her retreats are my favorites. Mornings give me a chance for some awesome fusion drilling and technique work. Afternoons and […]
We finished our run at the 2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival last night with our show The History of (my) Dance. There are still 2 days left of the festival, and I will be relaxing, and enjoying shows during both. I’m sitting here, enjoying my lunch and a little down time, and trying to process a […]
“Kotyka” by Goulasch Excotica feat. EtnoRom – glutes & arms “Everlasting Light” by the Black Keys – smooth & locked “Hati Kass el Rah” by Helm – chest circles; focus on options: leaving the shoulders as quiet as possible, adding shoulder circles to enhance the chest, etc. “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant – downbeat: […]