Reading a recent blog on a topic that I find to be quite distasteful has inspired me to write my own thoughts on the subject: The recent facebook phenomena of posting pictures that praise bigger/curvier girls at the sake "skinny women" or that demean women who aren't.
About 3 months ago, a larger lady that I know posted a picture of a beautiful curvy woman on her wall. However, the caption on the picture said something to the effect of "Men prefer curvy women b/c skinny women are like twigs they can snap." I found this highly offensive. But why? I'm a curvy woman. I grew up being called fat, lard ass, Oprah butt, thunder thighs and the most creative joke that people could come up for me was "What are you going to do, sit on me?" Mostly by skinny girls or boys. So wouldn't you think that of all people I would be cheering and saying "Yeah! To hell with you skinny bitches! Men like me better!"
FUCK NO.
In fact, I find this kind of thought process to not only be demeaning of ALL women, but to be incredibly divisive amongst women. And to be incredibly reflective of how fucked up our culture is. The REAL question that we need to be asking is "Why do we care whether or not men like skinny or curvey women?" and "Why do we as women monitor our own self worth and value based upon what men want us to be?"
Now, first of all, it is not my intent to male-bash. I know lots of lovely men that exist with this messed up, sexually frustrated, sexually deprived society that we live in. The target of my fury is why we even care in the first place. Do men post pictures of skinny men and fat men to compare and support their own obesity problems? Or make themselves feel better? They sure don't. And why is that? Because we exist in a society where women are raised to accept men as they are but to not accept themselves.
Not only do we not accept ourselves, but then we look to our beautiful sisters in this world and judge them based on their weight and beauty. We pass value judgements on ourselves based on our weight and then we pass those same judgements onto our friends, family and strangers. What is even more astounding is we then ask the question "Why does society force us to think we need to be a certain way?"
WE ARE SOCIETY. Time to stop being a passive participant in the world ladies and gents and to recognize that we shape our own reality, literally. If we do not want women's bodies to be the barometer of our culture (which they are), then we need to stop buying into it. It only exists because we allow it to exist.
Which takes me back to this whole comparing women thing. Many years ago my brother met this beautiful women in Australia, who is from the Netherlands, when he was travelling there. He brought her home to Canada. This woman is someone who I both admire and respect. However, she is also incredibly slim. Naturally. She is who she is, yet, has been targeted by incredibly mean spirited people who insist she has an eating disorder. She accepts all those around her, never passes judgement and is wise beyond reckoning. And yet, she is dimeaned by other women as being too skinny.
My brother has now married this lovely human being and they have a beautiful family of 2 girls and a boy. And she is still slim. Naturally. Witnessing my sister-in-law's struggle with people judging her weight really made me appreciate how hurtful comments about skinny or slim women really are. And it really pisses me off.
Fast forward to owning a belly dance studio. I am honoured and astounded by the incredible trust that my students place in me. Old. Young. Average. Fat. Thin. Medium. Tall. Short. I look at these women and their incredible courage at just showing up and using their bodies as an instrument of movement. The most shocking moment for me as a teacher of such beautiful women was when I realized that no matter what a woman looks like WE ALL HATE OUR BODIES.
And that really chafes my ass. BIG TIME.
And guess what ladies? Guess whose fault it is? OURS. Not the media, although they contribute to it. Not men, although they also contribute ot it. Not our parents, no matter how fucked up they were. Not the kids at school that called us names. At the end of the day, it is our fault that we are in the position we are in as women because we:
-undermine our friends and ourselves based on weight and appearance.
-allow ourselves to be made a spectacle of.
-don't demand better for ourselves and our daughters.
-use sexuality as a way of getting what we want and then resent the outcome of this approach.
-don't build each other up as sisters and allies.
-take pleasure in watching other women fail or suffer because it's better than it happening to us.
Let's face is ladies. We need a change. The way we interact needs a serious overhaul and it can start with something as simple as our language. Let's stop trying to judge each other based on weight. Or feeling better because someone else is miserable or suffering. We are perpetuating our own self esteem problems by engaging in this type of toxic behaviour. And then to make matters worse, we expect men to make up for it with gifts and compliments.
I'm getting really tired of these toxic and ridiculous facebook posts. I challenge you to post pictures of women of all sizes and praise your fellow sisters for their beauty at being who they are! THAT is where we start to effect change. That is how we can begin to create a healthy society that we are proud to raise our daughters in.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Las Vegas Series - Special Moments
Through the almost week I was in Vegas, there were several special moments for me that warrant mentioning.
1. My students Julie and Monica were in attendance.
There was something really special about having Julie and Monica in Vegas with me. We did not take all of the same workshops or spend every waking moment together. But as a teacher, I was so excited for them to have the opportunity to experience such masters of instruction. And to see the incredible performances. And to bear witness to special moments of their own which cannot be captured on DVD. And to drink terribly cheap wine with Julie.
The other aspect of this experience was knowing that they were both seeing the festival with fresh eyes. They had no pre-conceived notions of anything. They didn't know who was who or worry about behaving in a certain way. They were just there to freely learn and absorb the environment they were in and that was so exciting as a teacher to know they were experiencing.
2. Sharing the Festival with Former Troup Mate & friend Adriana
Adriana and I have been through a lot together in dance. We generally think on the same wavelength when it comes to dancing. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. We choreographed pieces together. It was incredibly special to be able to share workshops and ideas. All sorts of ideas began to flow as we experienced workshops and talked.
3. Watching Ruby and Delilah goofing off to live music from House of Tarab drum god Erik Brown
This is what makes festivals and travelling to workshops. All of the little things that happen that would never happen if you purchased the DVD. The memorable things. The things that matter. Watching two incredibly accomplished dancers just goofing off and having fun together with music. Even more impactful was looking across the room and seeing Julie watch this and knowing that she doesn't realize that seeing things like this are rare.
I find that workshops in home cities tend to be very stiff. Very rarely have I gone to a workshop in Edmonton or Calgary where the imported talent ate lunch with the workshop participants or engaged them on any sort of personal level. Aziza was a notable exception to this. But usually, they keep their distance, which I think it unfortunate.
The beauty with Vegas is that at one moment you could be taking a workshop with Ahava and the next she could be standing right next to you taking another workshop herself. There was lots of opportunity to interact with talented dancers on a real and personal level.
4. Sade's music in Ariellah's class
I had the distinct privelege with being raised in a home where there was music everywhere and all the time. My mother used to sing but while my friends grew up on country, I grew up listening to Peabo Bryson, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Mariah Carey and more.
My older sister also had (and still has) an incredible ear for music and I found my own tastes heavily influenced by what she listened to at home. One of the most special artists she ever played was Sade. Such a musical and soulful voice. And my sister's favourite.
So imagine my surprise that while in Ariellah's class, which artist randomly pops into her playlist? Why, Sade. And in that moment it was an instant marriage of my childhood love for music and my adulthood exploration and journey into dance where I am blessed to have the opportunity to try and translate music into movement.
5. Responding to bitchiness w/ indifference
With the good also comes the bad, and while I do not want to dwell on it, I would merely like to tip my hat to it and thank it for the life lesson. On the last night at the cocktail wrap up party, Adriana and I were running late. But it's cocktails and everything with cocktails starts an hour later. We arrived and sure enough, people were enjoying themselves conversing (although we missed Elvis. Boo).
I saw Julie and Monica sitting at a table and went over to them. There were two chairs left at the table, but they were on opposite sides of the table (which was round). I asked the ladies to the right of my students if they would mind moving down one chair so that we could sit together. The one lady loudly and rudely proclaimed "NO." I was really taken aback by this very loud and harsh response. I looked and Julie who shrugged in disbelief. The ladies on the other side of the table (who I later found out were Canadians), offered to move over one seat. We were very grateful for their act of courtesy.
Later Julie (who was totally flabbergasted) informed me that the negative Nancies had asked Julie and Monica if they could sit at the table with them and Julie and Monica of course said yes. My only real emotional response to these women was pity. Which felt like real personal growth. Haha. In the past, I probably would have gotten angry and spent the evening glaring at them. Something weird took place inside of me. I felt pity and compassion for these women....because it dawned on me that their lives must be pretty horrible if they could not find it in themselves to move one chair to share an experience with a sister in dance. And here we are, after 4 gruelling days of dancing and workshops, where we are in this together, and basic kindness is elusive and out of reach?
Kindness doesn't cost us anything. In fact, kindness lifts us up and nourishes our own souls. In a round about way, this experience felt like real personal growth and was worth mentioning because of it. I'm not upset with them, I'm happy at my response! lol. Maybe it was the incredible bonding that takes place when you are with a group of women who are working hard and pushing through their own plateaus that builds comradery? Or maybe it's the fact that you are out of your home base, where all ties and expectations are gone. But there is a link that exists and it's pretty amazing to experience.
Whatever else it may be, Vegas is a very special place to visit and if you go no where else, save up your pennies and go to the Vegas Belly Dance Intensive.
1. My students Julie and Monica were in attendance.
There was something really special about having Julie and Monica in Vegas with me. We did not take all of the same workshops or spend every waking moment together. But as a teacher, I was so excited for them to have the opportunity to experience such masters of instruction. And to see the incredible performances. And to bear witness to special moments of their own which cannot be captured on DVD. And to drink terribly cheap wine with Julie.
The other aspect of this experience was knowing that they were both seeing the festival with fresh eyes. They had no pre-conceived notions of anything. They didn't know who was who or worry about behaving in a certain way. They were just there to freely learn and absorb the environment they were in and that was so exciting as a teacher to know they were experiencing.
2. Sharing the Festival with Former Troup Mate & friend Adriana
Adriana and I have been through a lot together in dance. We generally think on the same wavelength when it comes to dancing. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. We choreographed pieces together. It was incredibly special to be able to share workshops and ideas. All sorts of ideas began to flow as we experienced workshops and talked.
3. Watching Ruby and Delilah goofing off to live music from House of Tarab drum god Erik Brown
This is what makes festivals and travelling to workshops. All of the little things that happen that would never happen if you purchased the DVD. The memorable things. The things that matter. Watching two incredibly accomplished dancers just goofing off and having fun together with music. Even more impactful was looking across the room and seeing Julie watch this and knowing that she doesn't realize that seeing things like this are rare.
I find that workshops in home cities tend to be very stiff. Very rarely have I gone to a workshop in Edmonton or Calgary where the imported talent ate lunch with the workshop participants or engaged them on any sort of personal level. Aziza was a notable exception to this. But usually, they keep their distance, which I think it unfortunate.
The beauty with Vegas is that at one moment you could be taking a workshop with Ahava and the next she could be standing right next to you taking another workshop herself. There was lots of opportunity to interact with talented dancers on a real and personal level.
4. Sade's music in Ariellah's class
I had the distinct privelege with being raised in a home where there was music everywhere and all the time. My mother used to sing but while my friends grew up on country, I grew up listening to Peabo Bryson, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Mariah Carey and more.
My older sister also had (and still has) an incredible ear for music and I found my own tastes heavily influenced by what she listened to at home. One of the most special artists she ever played was Sade. Such a musical and soulful voice. And my sister's favourite.
So imagine my surprise that while in Ariellah's class, which artist randomly pops into her playlist? Why, Sade. And in that moment it was an instant marriage of my childhood love for music and my adulthood exploration and journey into dance where I am blessed to have the opportunity to try and translate music into movement.
5. Responding to bitchiness w/ indifference
With the good also comes the bad, and while I do not want to dwell on it, I would merely like to tip my hat to it and thank it for the life lesson. On the last night at the cocktail wrap up party, Adriana and I were running late. But it's cocktails and everything with cocktails starts an hour later. We arrived and sure enough, people were enjoying themselves conversing (although we missed Elvis. Boo).
I saw Julie and Monica sitting at a table and went over to them. There were two chairs left at the table, but they were on opposite sides of the table (which was round). I asked the ladies to the right of my students if they would mind moving down one chair so that we could sit together. The one lady loudly and rudely proclaimed "NO." I was really taken aback by this very loud and harsh response. I looked and Julie who shrugged in disbelief. The ladies on the other side of the table (who I later found out were Canadians), offered to move over one seat. We were very grateful for their act of courtesy.
Later Julie (who was totally flabbergasted) informed me that the negative Nancies had asked Julie and Monica if they could sit at the table with them and Julie and Monica of course said yes. My only real emotional response to these women was pity. Which felt like real personal growth. Haha. In the past, I probably would have gotten angry and spent the evening glaring at them. Something weird took place inside of me. I felt pity and compassion for these women....because it dawned on me that their lives must be pretty horrible if they could not find it in themselves to move one chair to share an experience with a sister in dance. And here we are, after 4 gruelling days of dancing and workshops, where we are in this together, and basic kindness is elusive and out of reach?
Kindness doesn't cost us anything. In fact, kindness lifts us up and nourishes our own souls. In a round about way, this experience felt like real personal growth and was worth mentioning because of it. I'm not upset with them, I'm happy at my response! lol. Maybe it was the incredible bonding that takes place when you are with a group of women who are working hard and pushing through their own plateaus that builds comradery? Or maybe it's the fact that you are out of your home base, where all ties and expectations are gone. But there is a link that exists and it's pretty amazing to experience.
Whatever else it may be, Vegas is a very special place to visit and if you go no where else, save up your pennies and go to the Vegas Belly Dance Intensive.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Vegas Series - Ariellah and Artist Expression
There really couldn't be anyone better to teach Dance artistry than Ariellah. While I am not particularily interested in Goth Fusion, Ariellah's talent and beauty transcends genre and is breathtakingly expressed as she teaches and dances. If you have not had the pleasure to see her perform live, you are missing out. Video cannot possibly capture the exchange of soul that occurs between an audience and dancer.
With the delightful exception of Tania Wee and Ariellah, I've always thought goth belly dance to be super emo and way too intense (similarily to priestess worship belly dance). It reminds me of being a teenager writing twisted poems about night and roses and being misunderstood. However, Ariellah is far from emo. Her costume and music choices are more industrial, but as she translates the music through movement as if making the unacknowledged seem understandable.
What Ariellah possesses is a beautifully intense strength and vulnerability. At one moment the stage is furiously beaten by her feet, the next, her arms fold in to reveal a tender spirit looking for acceptance. When Ariellah dances, she tells a story. A beautiful and melodic story that has a beginning, a conflict, a climax and a conclusion....like a conversation.
So who better to communicate the art of artistry in dance? Too often, myself included, I see dancers too caught up in themselves and the movement to truly express and communicate with the audience. When we have a conversation, do we plaster on a big fake smile and proclaim we are hip-happy to be there while our partner in conversation is mourning the loss of their beloved pet rabbit?
Conversations don't work like that. And neither should performance. In music, there are many terms for change in mood; "dimuendo, crescendo" are just a couple of those moods. The art in artistry is creating a conversation and making a statement or having intention in the thing we are doing. So next time you perform, think about having a conversation with your audience. Allow them to respond to you. I know that's what I intend to do.
With the delightful exception of Tania Wee and Ariellah, I've always thought goth belly dance to be super emo and way too intense (similarily to priestess worship belly dance). It reminds me of being a teenager writing twisted poems about night and roses and being misunderstood. However, Ariellah is far from emo. Her costume and music choices are more industrial, but as she translates the music through movement as if making the unacknowledged seem understandable.
What Ariellah possesses is a beautifully intense strength and vulnerability. At one moment the stage is furiously beaten by her feet, the next, her arms fold in to reveal a tender spirit looking for acceptance. When Ariellah dances, she tells a story. A beautiful and melodic story that has a beginning, a conflict, a climax and a conclusion....like a conversation.
So who better to communicate the art of artistry in dance? Too often, myself included, I see dancers too caught up in themselves and the movement to truly express and communicate with the audience. When we have a conversation, do we plaster on a big fake smile and proclaim we are hip-happy to be there while our partner in conversation is mourning the loss of their beloved pet rabbit?
Conversations don't work like that. And neither should performance. In music, there are many terms for change in mood; "dimuendo, crescendo" are just a couple of those moods. The art in artistry is creating a conversation and making a statement or having intention in the thing we are doing. So next time you perform, think about having a conversation with your audience. Allow them to respond to you. I know that's what I intend to do.
Aging Gracefully - Thanks for another year
I know some of you will laugh when you see that I am writing about age, as I am only 28 years old. But I really felt inspired to write about age and aging by watching a segment on Rachel Ray about a book on concquering your life after 40, instead of living in regret.
I love the fact that the culture around women and aging is starting to change. The adage has always been that men turn into studs as they get older and that women, well, turn into men as they age. I love the "positively ageless" ad campaigns, instead of the "anti-aging" campaigns.
My 29th birthday is in 1 week, with my greatest disappointment being that it is not my 30th birthday! I am so excited about the idea of turning 30. And as a 28 year woman, I look at so many of the 40+ year old women I know and think "Wow! 40 looks amazing!!" There's something so strong and confident and special about women as they age. I admire that strength. I look at 50s and 60s and then on and can't help but admire the dignity and class those women seem to possess.
I love that as women we are demanding to be recognized as more than just old and worn out, no matter what our age may be. I love the fact that women are dating younger men. I love that women aren't being forced to dress like matrons past the age of 40. Or wear poodle hair cuts. Or stop talking about sex after 60. Age is such a beautiful gift we are given. With age comes wisdom, knowledge and the understanding that we are here on this earth for more than just ourselves.
So cheers to all you fabulous ladies young and old and remember that for every woman that turns 50, there are five 20-somethings wishing they had that kind of confidence and certainty.
I love the fact that the culture around women and aging is starting to change. The adage has always been that men turn into studs as they get older and that women, well, turn into men as they age. I love the "positively ageless" ad campaigns, instead of the "anti-aging" campaigns.
My 29th birthday is in 1 week, with my greatest disappointment being that it is not my 30th birthday! I am so excited about the idea of turning 30. And as a 28 year woman, I look at so many of the 40+ year old women I know and think "Wow! 40 looks amazing!!" There's something so strong and confident and special about women as they age. I admire that strength. I look at 50s and 60s and then on and can't help but admire the dignity and class those women seem to possess.
I love that as women we are demanding to be recognized as more than just old and worn out, no matter what our age may be. I love the fact that women are dating younger men. I love that women aren't being forced to dress like matrons past the age of 40. Or wear poodle hair cuts. Or stop talking about sex after 60. Age is such a beautiful gift we are given. With age comes wisdom, knowledge and the understanding that we are here on this earth for more than just ourselves.
So cheers to all you fabulous ladies young and old and remember that for every woman that turns 50, there are five 20-somethings wishing they had that kind of confidence and certainty.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Vegas Series - Jazz Fingers and Ballet Toes
Dear Belly Dancers,
One of the most repeated messages throughout the whole weekend of workshops in Vegas was the importance of having a firm grasp on the basics of dance vocabulary provided by ballet and jazz. From Ariellah to Cassandra Shore to Delilah to Deb Rubin to Ruby, these world class instructors lauded the importance of having a solid basic understanding of Jazz and Ballet movements.
I have heard arguments that a ballet dancer wouldn't research belly dance to become a master in her craft, so why should a belly dancer research ballet? Modern Oriental dance is incredibly heavily influenced by jazz and ballet. In fact, most of us perform jazz or ballet movements and footwork without even knowing it.
One of the problems as I see it for Belly Dancers is that Ballet isn't typically an inclusionary dance. In fact, it is a exclusive dance for dancers who are exclusively a certain body type and shape. Which is entirely contrary to Belly Dance.
I'm not suggesting (and neither were the incredible masters I studied with) that you go out and try to become a ballerina or buy a tutu and point shoes. But learning the basics of ballet and jazz will improve your own dancing in terms beyond explanation.
This is why I am offering jazz and ballet classes at my studio. My vision is to offer classes to create the best dancers possible through yoga, pilates, jazz, ballet and other training. Even if it's only one class, adding a bit of jazz hands and some pointed toes to your repetoire will benefit you as a dancer.
One of the most repeated messages throughout the whole weekend of workshops in Vegas was the importance of having a firm grasp on the basics of dance vocabulary provided by ballet and jazz. From Ariellah to Cassandra Shore to Delilah to Deb Rubin to Ruby, these world class instructors lauded the importance of having a solid basic understanding of Jazz and Ballet movements.
I have heard arguments that a ballet dancer wouldn't research belly dance to become a master in her craft, so why should a belly dancer research ballet? Modern Oriental dance is incredibly heavily influenced by jazz and ballet. In fact, most of us perform jazz or ballet movements and footwork without even knowing it.
One of the problems as I see it for Belly Dancers is that Ballet isn't typically an inclusionary dance. In fact, it is a exclusive dance for dancers who are exclusively a certain body type and shape. Which is entirely contrary to Belly Dance.
I'm not suggesting (and neither were the incredible masters I studied with) that you go out and try to become a ballerina or buy a tutu and point shoes. But learning the basics of ballet and jazz will improve your own dancing in terms beyond explanation.
This is why I am offering jazz and ballet classes at my studio. My vision is to offer classes to create the best dancers possible through yoga, pilates, jazz, ballet and other training. Even if it's only one class, adding a bit of jazz hands and some pointed toes to your repetoire will benefit you as a dancer.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Viva Las Vegas!
Oh my god! I'm back from Vegas! And I gotta blog about it STAT before I forget all of the wonderful, fabulous, amazing, delicious fantastic things that I have been thinking about and can't wait to share with all of you!
In super cheesey fashion, I learned more than new moves and combos....I learned a lot about myself as a human being existing in this mortal coil, honoured to be a part of this phenomenon of Belly Dance and the grace of being amongst some of the most incredible instructors in the world. I will be writing a series of blog entries describing my experiences and what I learned.
Some of the highlights:
-Ariellah - hugely impacted by Ariellah. What a talent. *le sigh*
-Frank Ferrinero - like your best girlfriend rolled up into a yummy fabulous insanely talented dance package.
-That teaching is as much about creating a dialogue and connection as performing is.
-Double. Veil. Enough. Said.
-Rom Deussen - a clever and intelligent Rom woman sharing her beautiful culture and dance
-Deb Ruben - Can I say wowza?
-Ruby Beh - probably one of my favourites. Her style and movement emulate the goals and dreams I have for dance.
-Bright lights. Shiny Sparkly Things. Big accents. Big hearts.
-Incredible dance shows! OMG! *grasps heart that is pounding out of chest*
Oh god! I need to start blogging in more detail about all of these! What an amazing experience. Vegas is such a special place. Ugly by daylight, it's beauty is held in a night time spot where a gal can drink a triple while buying eye shadow (oh yes. this happened. and yes. I did come home with the wrong color.), look up and be taken away to far off destinations like France and the Bahamas, enticed by the dancing lights and taken aback by the power of constant club music and parties.
Would I live there? HELL no. But what an incredible place to visit. What an incredibly well organized and well run festival. What an incredibly delicious time. And how bizarre that I managed to find a sense of peace standing next to a room full of whirling lights, loud club music and sad looking gogo girls? Vegas is called fabulous for a reason and I plan on sharing my experiences with you....cause I just can't let what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas.
In super cheesey fashion, I learned more than new moves and combos....I learned a lot about myself as a human being existing in this mortal coil, honoured to be a part of this phenomenon of Belly Dance and the grace of being amongst some of the most incredible instructors in the world. I will be writing a series of blog entries describing my experiences and what I learned.
Some of the highlights:
-Ariellah - hugely impacted by Ariellah. What a talent. *le sigh*
-Frank Ferrinero - like your best girlfriend rolled up into a yummy fabulous insanely talented dance package.
-That teaching is as much about creating a dialogue and connection as performing is.
-Double. Veil. Enough. Said.
-Rom Deussen - a clever and intelligent Rom woman sharing her beautiful culture and dance
-Deb Ruben - Can I say wowza?
-Ruby Beh - probably one of my favourites. Her style and movement emulate the goals and dreams I have for dance.
-Bright lights. Shiny Sparkly Things. Big accents. Big hearts.
-Incredible dance shows! OMG! *grasps heart that is pounding out of chest*
Oh god! I need to start blogging in more detail about all of these! What an amazing experience. Vegas is such a special place. Ugly by daylight, it's beauty is held in a night time spot where a gal can drink a triple while buying eye shadow (oh yes. this happened. and yes. I did come home with the wrong color.), look up and be taken away to far off destinations like France and the Bahamas, enticed by the dancing lights and taken aback by the power of constant club music and parties.
Would I live there? HELL no. But what an incredible place to visit. What an incredibly well organized and well run festival. What an incredibly delicious time. And how bizarre that I managed to find a sense of peace standing next to a room full of whirling lights, loud club music and sad looking gogo girls? Vegas is called fabulous for a reason and I plan on sharing my experiences with you....cause I just can't let what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Seeking Sekhmet - After the show
It is the most incredibly surreal feeling to call up all the dancers at the end of a show: students, guests and colleagues and stand in front of the audience knowing it was your show that you put on and you are responsible for the success or failure of the event. As I was standing and looking between the lovely dancers and the audience, a thought came "So when's the director gonna come in and take charge of this shindig?" And then the reality check of "Oh wait. That's me." After the several shows from this last year, I am still not used to the feeling that I am running the show.
I was really surprised by the Tribute from my students. It was really cool to see them stand there and start to shimmy to the music that inspired me to shimmy and be a better dancer many years ago. That is why I still use that song to this day. It was the moment where I said to myself "Stephanie, kick it up a notch." So to see my students reflect that spark back to me was a really amazing moment.
I had a couple of tips offs in the evening that hadn't registered until it started. One of my little kids came up to me and said, "We're just gonna be outside for 10 minutes and then we'll come back and do the 5 minute shimmy." And I was like "ok, whatever crazy child." Haha. And then when I was about to go out and perform this same kid is like "Are we dancing with you now?" And I just thought "Oh you're such a diva." Hahaha. When the shimmy music started up I started to laugh because I realized this kid had let the bomb slip twice and I hadn't even noticed because I thought she was being a drama queen.
I was really impressed with my students last night. This session I gave them some very challenging pieces to perform. My beginners had a challenging drum solo, which they pulled off perfectly. My Intermediates danced a very challenging oriental/saidi styled piece, one of the most difficult they've been given to date. And for my student soloists: Rachel I made her slow it down and she smouldered on stage. Amanda emoted like a goddess, so much so I felt it at the back of the hall, and Brittany very impressively put together a choreo that I forced her to do with 2 weeks notice.
Due to some major costume changes (4 to be precise), I missed a lot of the show, which is unfortunate. I am looking forward to watching the video. I loved what I saw of Tridevi Tribal. For a new group, they danced incredibly well together. I was impressed. And Silk Sirens. *le sigh* What can I say about Silk Sirens? They are just so absolutely delicious to watch. They emote, they're together, they are technically excellent but are not techno-robots. I am so thrilled to have them joining my studio this fall. I managed to catch some of Eclipse's performance: SO cute (the concept, the ladies were HOT!)! I love Vanessa as the femme fatale, the costuming is spectacular as usual, the choreography tight, the dancing sharp and concise. Loved it. I saw part of Michelle Kaplan's solo. Wow. Michelle has such energy and strength on stage. I love her vibe.
I missed Moon Unit due to a costume change, but I am quite certain they were spectacular. Marie Habib was her usual crowd thrilling self. The audience loves ya babe! That sax solo is one of my favourite songs actually. It's such a sexy piece of music. And Maya. *sigh* Maya. So phenomenal. We are just so blessed to have her in this city. She has so much talent to offer and so much knowledge.
It is moments like this where all the blood, sweat, tears, tantrums, depression, anxiety, fear, anticipation, excitement, exhilaration is worth it. It's funny, even as a dancer, I didn't realize how much work went into putting on shows until I actually put one on. It's a lot. A LOT. But it is worth it. As cheesey as it sounds, it's like building a conduit of joy. All of the effort is being directed into a positive goal = entertaining the audience, supporting each other as women and dancers, and building on a community of dance.
I was really surprised by the Tribute from my students. It was really cool to see them stand there and start to shimmy to the music that inspired me to shimmy and be a better dancer many years ago. That is why I still use that song to this day. It was the moment where I said to myself "Stephanie, kick it up a notch." So to see my students reflect that spark back to me was a really amazing moment.
I had a couple of tips offs in the evening that hadn't registered until it started. One of my little kids came up to me and said, "We're just gonna be outside for 10 minutes and then we'll come back and do the 5 minute shimmy." And I was like "ok, whatever crazy child." Haha. And then when I was about to go out and perform this same kid is like "Are we dancing with you now?" And I just thought "Oh you're such a diva." Hahaha. When the shimmy music started up I started to laugh because I realized this kid had let the bomb slip twice and I hadn't even noticed because I thought she was being a drama queen.
I was really impressed with my students last night. This session I gave them some very challenging pieces to perform. My beginners had a challenging drum solo, which they pulled off perfectly. My Intermediates danced a very challenging oriental/saidi styled piece, one of the most difficult they've been given to date. And for my student soloists: Rachel I made her slow it down and she smouldered on stage. Amanda emoted like a goddess, so much so I felt it at the back of the hall, and Brittany very impressively put together a choreo that I forced her to do with 2 weeks notice.
Due to some major costume changes (4 to be precise), I missed a lot of the show, which is unfortunate. I am looking forward to watching the video. I loved what I saw of Tridevi Tribal. For a new group, they danced incredibly well together. I was impressed. And Silk Sirens. *le sigh* What can I say about Silk Sirens? They are just so absolutely delicious to watch. They emote, they're together, they are technically excellent but are not techno-robots. I am so thrilled to have them joining my studio this fall. I managed to catch some of Eclipse's performance: SO cute (the concept, the ladies were HOT!)! I love Vanessa as the femme fatale, the costuming is spectacular as usual, the choreography tight, the dancing sharp and concise. Loved it. I saw part of Michelle Kaplan's solo. Wow. Michelle has such energy and strength on stage. I love her vibe.
I missed Moon Unit due to a costume change, but I am quite certain they were spectacular. Marie Habib was her usual crowd thrilling self. The audience loves ya babe! That sax solo is one of my favourite songs actually. It's such a sexy piece of music. And Maya. *sigh* Maya. So phenomenal. We are just so blessed to have her in this city. She has so much talent to offer and so much knowledge.
It is moments like this where all the blood, sweat, tears, tantrums, depression, anxiety, fear, anticipation, excitement, exhilaration is worth it. It's funny, even as a dancer, I didn't realize how much work went into putting on shows until I actually put one on. It's a lot. A LOT. But it is worth it. As cheesey as it sounds, it's like building a conduit of joy. All of the effort is being directed into a positive goal = entertaining the audience, supporting each other as women and dancers, and building on a community of dance.
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