Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Henna @ Life in Deep Ellum
I did Henna last night at Life in Deep Ellum presents a community barbecue. As always the Life in Deep Ellum events are just the right size, relaxed and lots of fun! I enjoyed the Tree Yoga demo, while creating some awesome art on folks. Here is a pic from last nights festivities!
I'll be out at the same location next Saturday night from 8pm to 12am as one of the featured artists at the Girl Show! Come on out and hang out in my Henna Tent, get some groovy Body art, and check out some of the most talented female artists in the DFW area! I encourage you to get your tickets ahead of time at Art Love Magic it is going to be an amazing show, don't miss out!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
ok... Zumba looks fun, but....
So after setting a setting a goal of attempting to increase my student population, I have been investigating the "dance" craze Zumba. So at first look, it looks like a fired up, and fun aerobics class, nothing more. Taking a closer look, it seems that zumba instructors are attempting to "do" belly dance moves in these classes. They really aren't, they aren't even getting close to traditional Belly Dance, let alone anything in the Tribal realm.
Let me say, these moves that are being done, are being done with no attention to posture, and any potential student doing that could be hurt badly. Posture is so important, and it seems to be there is no thought given to that, and that scares me. Belly dance moves take time and practice to learn, don't rush it! In short, if you want to learn how to Belly Dance, take a belly dance class, you will get more for your money.
(yes, I know some Zumba instructors, this is not a dis directed at those folks, I am more shocked at how zumba claims to be ethnic dances, but the ethnic dances aren't even done correctly, and how somebody could get hurt...)
Carry on...
Let me say, these moves that are being done, are being done with no attention to posture, and any potential student doing that could be hurt badly. Posture is so important, and it seems to be there is no thought given to that, and that scares me. Belly dance moves take time and practice to learn, don't rush it! In short, if you want to learn how to Belly Dance, take a belly dance class, you will get more for your money.
(yes, I know some Zumba instructors, this is not a dis directed at those folks, I am more shocked at how zumba claims to be ethnic dances, but the ethnic dances aren't even done correctly, and how somebody could get hurt...)
Carry on...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
$10 Drop in class, thursday!
Come on out and give Tribal Belly Dance a try! $10 drop in class this Thursday!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Belly Dance, a holistic approach to healing?
Soo I have a little saying that I mention to my students frequently; Shimmying is good for mind, body, and soul. Here is why...
Mind: Physical exercise promotes focus and calm, which can really help put any day into perspective. Exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel good. To top it all off, dancing in a group that promotes respect for others and to honor your body, does a lot to help ward off depression, and promote a positive self image due to higher self confidence.
Body: Belly Dancing is a form of exercise that has evolved from women dancing for thousands of years, so it is the perfect way to keep moving in joyous way. It keeps your heart strong, helps with weight maintenance, and promotes flexibility, and strength.
Soul: What a better way to celebrate being a woman, than creative and joyous movement with fellow women.
Many women choose to belly dance because they want to loose weight, I understand this, I really do being a plus size woman in a society where un-realistic expectations are often pushed upon it's populace. However we are also a society of instant gratification, where we want to see 20 pounds gone in a month. Because of this mind set, I see many women have a great deal of interest, and sign up for belly dance classes, but once they realize, that they will have to work, they can't even make it through four, one hour classes in a month. This is a sad reality, that I see every month.
However, if women could stick with this type of exercise, for 6 months or longer, they would be able to honor and respect their bodies, choosing to fuel their bodies with better food, and drink. Giving their bodies enough rest to think clearly, and just simply loving themselves for who they are, and what they are capable of. For one woman who may have started out as "wanting to loose weight to look good," 6 months later turned that goal into "wanting to loose weight so I can feel healthier, and live a long and beautiful life, because I love who I am."
It's pretty power stuff, truly, but that is how belly dance can be a holistic approach to healing our bodies, minds and soul.
On a side note, yes, I do teach Tribal Belly Dance, but I am also a woman who lives with bi-polar disorder, and Belly Dance has been very instrumental in my management of this mental disease.
Mind: Physical exercise promotes focus and calm, which can really help put any day into perspective. Exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel good. To top it all off, dancing in a group that promotes respect for others and to honor your body, does a lot to help ward off depression, and promote a positive self image due to higher self confidence.
Body: Belly Dancing is a form of exercise that has evolved from women dancing for thousands of years, so it is the perfect way to keep moving in joyous way. It keeps your heart strong, helps with weight maintenance, and promotes flexibility, and strength.
Soul: What a better way to celebrate being a woman, than creative and joyous movement with fellow women.
Many women choose to belly dance because they want to loose weight, I understand this, I really do being a plus size woman in a society where un-realistic expectations are often pushed upon it's populace. However we are also a society of instant gratification, where we want to see 20 pounds gone in a month. Because of this mind set, I see many women have a great deal of interest, and sign up for belly dance classes, but once they realize, that they will have to work, they can't even make it through four, one hour classes in a month. This is a sad reality, that I see every month.
However, if women could stick with this type of exercise, for 6 months or longer, they would be able to honor and respect their bodies, choosing to fuel their bodies with better food, and drink. Giving their bodies enough rest to think clearly, and just simply loving themselves for who they are, and what they are capable of. For one woman who may have started out as "wanting to loose weight to look good," 6 months later turned that goal into "wanting to loose weight so I can feel healthier, and live a long and beautiful life, because I love who I am."
It's pretty power stuff, truly, but that is how belly dance can be a holistic approach to healing our bodies, minds and soul.
On a side note, yes, I do teach Tribal Belly Dance, but I am also a woman who lives with bi-polar disorder, and Belly Dance has been very instrumental in my management of this mental disease.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Costumes and more costumes
I love to sew, many folks know that! but I have been able to get some mundane sewing tasks out of the way making room for some dance projects. new coin bra, rajasthani style choli, etc...
Plus, classes have a slow start, but I know they will be strong in a few months, take Belly Dance!
Plus, classes have a slow start, but I know they will be strong in a few months, take Belly Dance!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Concerning Ink
As many know I create quite a bit of Henna Body art on many willing canvases. This temporary ink, is a great choice for many folks, and really helps add a lot of detail to any tribal costume, especially a dancers hands, which can be very expressive, I know mine have acquired a reputation for that. When it comes to Tribal dancers, permanent Ink runs amuck! ( I love that!) I know that hopefully within the next month or two, I will be getting my first tattoo, A Nile Goddess holding a lotus. I am very excited to be getting some permanent ink!
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