Dear Internet...

...in case you haven't noticed, I moved.  Not too far away, just a point, click and page load from here.  Life in the new home is lovely, I've been writing more frequently and have plans for all sorts of good stories in the new year.  So, come join me...I'll make it worth your time.

Love,
Najla

I'm moving!

I'm officially making the move to take this blog to a different site. Yeah, it kind of sucks to have to change the site after keeping this one for several years. However, in good conscience I could not continue maintaining a blog that had the name of my old troupe in it. Nothing against the troupe, but really...what started off as a blog that would showcase a variety of dance voices, really only ended up being my thoughts and opinions.

And, when I decided to leave the troupe last year I thought about the name behind the blog and decided it still worked for me. I really do consider myself to be more than just a member of Mirage and more than what that institution of dance represents in Austin. Unfortunately, when I started this I didn't have the forethought to begin with a web address matching the title. So, it is time for me to move on, update the blog and hopefully they'll update their site as well!

For now, I'll be doing a little cross-posting on my new blog, as well as importing all my old posts into the site as well. If you're a subscriber to this one, jump on over to the new site! If you've got this listed in your reader or other RSS feed, update the information and I promise not to move again. And, I've got lots of goodies in store and much juiciness to blog about this year.

Happy Shimmies,

Najla

The Artists Way for Dancers

So, if you've read any of my previous posts, you'll notice several references to The Artist's Way. Written by Julia Cameron, the book provides a 12 week (or 12 step) program to help you either heal your creative child, or move towards more clarity and direction in your artistic life. As someone who really appreciates a well-written and organized system of thinking, this book is artfully crafted and really does take you down the path to re-thinking what you are doing creatively.

I completed the book with a group last fall, and I'm in the process of finishing it again this next month. The second time around, I had not planned to dive back in but I did! By default, I ended up in charge of a Meet-up group with about 150 members, all focused around this book and artistic philosophy. And, at the urging of the group, I officially started facilitating a study group on the topic.

Facilitation is not a new technique for me. I used to do this in a previous job/life and really enjoyed helping groups move forward. So, although it seems like the members of the group are getting the benefit of my experience, I really am the one who is blessed by their stories, their presence and their ideas and thoughts.

Call me crazy but I want to do this all again but this time with a smaller group of belly dancers. For me, this book came at a crucial time in my dance life and provided me with an outlet to grieve one former dance life and at the same time embrace another one. It has also really helped me look at other areas of my life, my job, my finances, my time and my relationships.

So, I'm looking for people who want to start this process. Yes, it is a commitment (14 weeks total), yes it takes time on a daily basis and yes...it will require some soul searching along the way. But, if you commit to the process you will see changes in your life and in your dance. My goal is to start in June, and the day of the week is flexible. I'm thinking Thursday nights...for two hours. We can meet a library, coffee shop or a home depending upon who is interested in attending. If you're interested and willing, drop me a note and we'll chat more!

I am going to charge for this series ($75) to cover the cost of materials, handouts I've prepared and to cover my facilitation fees. I also believe that if people invest money in a class or event they are far more likely to follow through with attendance. That being said, if you are interested but short on cash...just let me know. We can do a payment plan or work something else out!

P.S. If you want to buy the book I've included links on the bottom of the blog so you can see which one I'm referencing. You'll need the book, the workbook and journal are optional and you don't have to do Amazon, most book stores have it, even Half Price Books!

Can you dance without moving?

I’ve always been the show-and-tell type of instructor. I spend time breaking down movement and illustrating what I am doing on my own body before I have students complete the movement on their own. I carefully explain what their structure (bones and joints) are doing versus what muscles are engaged or relaxed. I can explain most moves 2-3 different ways and can help people understand adjustments to allow their body to successfully complete the movement.

I have never tried however to teach movement without the use of my own body as the illustration or model. That is, until this week. Starting this week, I will have to re-think my entire teaching paradigm for a few weeks. It’s a bit daunting, but at the same time exciting to see how this exercise could change my teaching style.

I was diagnosed with skin cancer a week ago, and yesterday they removed a sizable chunk of skin from my upper chest. If this had happened on another part of my body, or on someone with a smaller chest, I would not have to make accommodations. Unfortunately the location and size of my breasts require me to limit all physical activity that would move, stretch, bounce, jiggle or otherwise affect the incision site while it heals.

Now the scar will heal and life will settle into a new normal for me, but I secretly hope this will help me teach belly dance more effectively. It means that for both my beginner and intermediate classes I will need someone to ‘model’ the movement while I explain it. For my more experienced students this won’t be so hard, but for my beginners…my baby dancers…this could be difficult. So, I’ve recruited an experienced student who is very clean technically to assist in class. My hope is that this will help her in her training as well as serve as a nice illustration for the new dancers.

In my intermediate class, this turn of events allows me to experiment with teaching movement in a different way. I may have one person demonstrate and the others check and review the movement, or use multiple models to illustrate each movement. The fun part will be the work with zils since my students have varying degrees of proficiency in this area and the ‘follow-along’ method has always served me well. It will certainly be a challenging few weeks for me, so wish me luck!

In which she stops to take a breath...

I feel like this year has been a whirlwind of activities, and now we're four months in and finally I'm feeling more grounded, rested and able to catch up on life. It seems like I stepped onto an escalator...and found myself in a different spot. I have lots of pictures to post, videos, links and other inspirations but haven't had the time to sit and work through all of that. So, we'll go with a quick summary in my belly dance life.

• I started the Artist's Way book once again. Well, I started to help facilitate a group who wanted to do the book and got sucked back in. I have to say that the second round has given me much more clarity, inspiration and joy.
• We just finished our second Hip Circle Hafla the last weekend in March, and it was a wonderful success. I am so proud of all my students that I could just burst at any given moment, and I am so happy to have this experience to share with all the wonderful dancers in Austin. Really, I could hug every one of them right now!
• I wished for my classes to fill up and sell out...and as of today, I am almost at that point. I really do think I've hit my stride and built up enough momentum to really move forward with my teaching.
• Including this week's gig at Mirage, I've been booked three times as the head liner for local shows. Two at new venues (one I did last week), and this week at Mirage...my old stomping ground. (or is that shimmy ground...) Seems fitting that I can finally close the show at the venue where I performed my first solo. It's exciting but a little sad since the venue may be going away this summer :-(
• Next weekend I'm teaching my first ever Mother-Daughter belly dance workshop. I was approached with the idea last fall, but got caught up in the 'how'. Then, the lovely Casey stepped in to organize and help promote it. Now, all I have to do is show up!
• This June I will be performing with a live Middle Eastern Band at the Austin Belly Dance Convention (Yeah!!!!!). I've danced to live music before, but more of the drum-circle or fusion style shows. Not classic BD music or traditional formats, and I get a 10 minute set. I'm praying for Alf Leyla as my song choice because I love that song so much. Then, I'm praying that I get through the drum solo successfully.
• I'm working on a whole new belly dance site, that I hope will be as fabulous on line as I have it drawn out to be. I've really been thinking long and hard of what I need now, and what I want the site to grow into.
• I am signed up to take Sahra Saeeda's Journey Through Egypt certification course, starting this month. I love Sahra...love her dancing and when I first saw her I was so new to this dance I could not fully appreciate all the information she had to share. But I'm ready...for a 20 hour workshop at the end of this month to absorb it all.
• I have a birthday this week, and although growing older is a little hard to take at times...I could not feel more blessed in my life as I do now. This feeling, this excitement, this joy...I owe entirely to belly dance, the community that comes with it, and the creative outlet it gives me. And no, this is not just some random, drunken rambling where I declare my love of everything and everyone...it's very heartfelt. So, go hug a belly dancer right now!

And...a little warning...some time in the new future I need to change the web address of this site. Since I'm no longer a part of Troupe Mirage, in all good consciousness I can't keep using that in the web address. I will still use "More than a Mirage" as the blog name, since it seems quite apropos for my situation. I'll keep you posted on that move (and of course invite you to the new site!).

So, that's what I've been up to in a nut shell. I promise to post on each and every one of these things soon :-)

Benefits of Belly Dance: A Short but Sweet List

There are so many benefits of belly dancing. Do a quick Google search and here are some that come up:

• http://www.worldbellydance.com/benefits.html
• http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html
• http://www.radhiyataj.com/Physical.html
• http://www.shira.net/heal-phys1.htm

I have so many things I could add to those lists, but here are the ones that keep coming back to me these past few weeks when I look at the impact of this dance on their lives.

1. Healthy happy moms with brand new babies! (and little girls as well)

2. Empowered women who learn to express themselves through this dance.

3. A shared community of friends, to support, encourage, push and above all laugh together!

Ten Tips for Beginning Belly Dancers

It happens time and time again, the idea of taking a belly dance and the reality of actually doing it are not the same. What looks like such an easy move where you just shake your tush and twirl your arms, in fact, requires training, muscles and coordination. So, what do you do as a beginner if you just can’t seem to get past the first shimmy? Well, to begin with, you have to put in the time to practice and come to class.

In my years of dancing and teaching, I have taught dozens of six-week beginner classes. There is such a difference in the skill and confidence level of students between the fourth and sixth class, but more often than not many students don’t return past a first or second class. There are always the situations where life gets in the way, events come up and belly dance classes slip a little lower on the list of priorities. However, I think there are many cases where students get easily frustrated or feel impatient because it is awkward learning new movements and techniques.

As a teacher, it is hard to strike a balance in class between teaching moves that translate for use at a club or with friends that weekend, and creating a strong movement foundation that will help students several weeks or months down the road. But, the hard work will pay off! So, here are my suggestions for ‘surviving’ the first several weeks and months of belly dance class.

1. Be patient with yourself. I can’t tell you the number of times people seem anxious that they don’t have a move down after 15-20 minutes. When I remind them of this fact, it seems a little silly, but it really does happen. So, remind yourself that this is a new experience and proficiency won’t happen within the first hour!
2. Don't compare yourself with other students. Each student comes to class with different physical experiences. Some people work out a lot, but skill in those activities does not easily translate to belly dance. Others may be involved in limited physical activity and need time to just get their body used to the movements. So, don’t compare yourself against others in the class and instead compare yourself against where you were an hour ago, a week ago or even longer.
3. Embrace the awkward. Don't worry if your moves don't look like your teacher's movement after a few classes. The truth is, dancing well takes effort and time, and there are many unglamorous and awkward moments along the way.
4. Recognize that there is a learning curve. One thing I love about this dance is the fact that it is an equal opportunity activity. Believe it or not, students don’t always struggle with the same moves. Some people understand undulations in a heartbeat but can’t figure out the traveling moves. Others have an innate ability to pick up staccato movements, but the squishy stuff like circles, figure-eights, mayans and sways just elude them.
5. Acknowledge (and trust) that your body will progress at its own pace. It’s been my experience that you may mentally understand a movement, but your body needs a little more time to either relax, let go or just comprehend what it needs to do.
6. Dress the part. I know it sounds funny, but if you wear loose fitting, baggy, unattractive work-out gear, the chances of you feeling graceful, sultry and beautiful in class are pretty slim. You may have to work up to it, but over the course of weeks, or months I see students go from baggy to fitted pants, over sized tops to crop tops, and not only do their moves improve but so does their attitude!
7. Ask questions. A skilled instructor can explain a movement to you half a dozen different ways if you're having troubles with it. So, if you aren't feeling it...or seeing it...ask for clarification. I almost quit belly dancing because I could not do an undulation. Really. So, when I started with a new teacher, that was my first question (or was it last desperate hope?) And guess what, she had me undulating in minutes. So, go ahead...don't be afraid to seek clarification.
8. Understand that one class does not define an entire teaching series. The reality is each class is a different piece of a puzzle, and just making a decision on dance class based upon one experience may not be prudent. You can certainly figure out if you like the studio, the instructor, the location, the cost, or even the time of the week. But, if you’re serious about learning the dance, give yourself time to see how things unfold.
9. Keep coming to class. If you miss a class, don’t be afraid to come back. Yes, there is a chance you may not understand everything that was covered in the last week or more, but just being in class on a regular (or semi-regular) basis is much better for you body than not coming at all. It is very common to have a mix of belly dance experience in one class, so don't worry usually know how to adapt a class based upon student skills. Personally, I’d rather see your lovely face in class and help you get back on track than wonder if you just got too discouraged to come back!
10. Relax and enjoy the process. Really! The benefits of belly dancing go far beyond physical changes. This dance really is transformational and if you stick with it, you'll typically find lots of new friends and experiences along the way. So, keep plugging away at those shimmies, and have fun while you're doing it!
    

Time for a deep breath

Preparing for a performance at any level can be tiring, even down right exhausting. Performing with a group of 10, to non-traditional belly dance music, with costumes to make and steps to perfect could, in essence, suck the life out of you. However, if you can find that sweet spot between creative inspiration and group collaboration, the experience is different. It's an exciting, joyful ride that leaves you a little breathless at the end. Such was my feeling after this weekend.

Friday's show marked the debut of my first big performance and choreography since leaving Troupe Mirage, and showcased Baharat Belly Dance Ensemble. I took the name of my student troupe and expanded it a bit. It was the perfect solution for me because right here and now, I need a group over which I have creative control...just to keep me sane. So, I took students from my class and brought in dancers from the community that I respect and enjoy (as dancers and friends) and mixed up a whole new concept. Consider it my version of a belly dance hook-up. Minimal obligations for invited dancers, limited commitments, but maximum rewards!

The wonderful part of this journey was the enthusiasm and professionalism of all the dancers. They showed up early, stayed late to practice as needed, volunteered to help out and kept me posted on their schedules on a regular basis. And the relief I felt in knowing that everyone would follow through on their promises was priceless...really priceless. There were so much time before we performed (we got to close the show) where I had nothing to do...nothing! I just could sit and relax. No stress or worries! In fact, minutes before we went on stage I found myself counting dancers (there were ten of us you know...), not because I was afraid someone would go missing, but because I needed something to think about to occupy my time. And like counting sheep, counting dancers actually had a calming effect on my nervous (actually excited) energy.

And the costumes! Seriously very hot. We chose a take on menswear, but with a girly twist to go with our Michael Buble song. My favorite part of the whole costume making experience (yes we made all of these), was the group effort. I can say that in every costume there is a little piece of each dancer. We picked a couple of days for a sewing marathon and banged out costumes in an assembly line process. One person cut, another stitched, another ironed. Buttons and other bling were carefully added by another person. It was a community effort and such a bonding experience. And just what I needed to give my creative spirits a lift this year. I plan to do more collaborations and involve other dancers in the community. Right now, I need a little sleep, a little rest and nice big breath!

Shaking it or faking it?

It happens over and over again in conversations I have. Women find out that I belly dance and then they either confess that they are belly dancers or know a dancer. Maybe it's just a sign of the time, but upon further prodding I typically find out their definition of "dancer" means classes that consist of 6-8 lessons at a gym or dance school. And that friend who dances? Not much more training there either. It seems that applying the term belly dancer happens all too easily, as if one class, one hip drop or one shimmy with a coin scarf satisfies any needed qualifications.

So just when can you call yourself a true belly dancer? A similar discussion emerged when I first started taking martial arts class. Our Sensei would ask the class , "When do you become a true martial artist?" Did it happen when you achieved black belt status or the rank of Master, was it when you successfully landed your first punch or kick, applied a block or take down correctly. Or, did it happen when you first put on the gi (uniform) or simply make the decision to enter a dojo or training facility?

For me, the first time I felt like a true martial artist was the day I was able to focus my mind and energy, overcome my fears and successfully break a board during class. It wasn't the cliche of the board breaking that did it, it was the culmination of everything I learned converging into a single, well-executed, singular and beautiful action. It was, the sense of mastery over that single moment and obstacle.

I admit in belly dance, you have to get students intrigued and excited about the dance. You 'hook' them with coin scarves and shimmies and fun movements. I try not to throw complex or obscure music and movements on beginners, but try and keep with simple, easy rhythms. My secret hope is that they will be hooked and want to learn and study more, just like I did.

When I first started dancing, I went through the motions, dressed the part, learned to use the props and execute the dance moves. But it took time before I really considered myself a true belly dancer. Unlike my martial arts experience, there was no single defining moment. It was more of a slow spiral and gradual realization that I had evolved into that role. One day I realized that I would hear classic Middle Eastern music and it made sense to me. I got it. And, even better, I understood how to dance to it...the right way. I was no longer thrown off by all the strange rhythms or the blast of a mizmar. It just all flowed, and listening to the music made my heart sing and my hips start to move!

Now I meet so many women who claim they belly dance, but also tell me that they either just don't want to dance to traditional music or simply can't stand it. I think that's a dead giveaway that although they do have belly dance moves, that they haven't really studied how to be a belly dancer. They are hooked on the image or allure of the dance, but seem to shy away from the meat of the matter, the really good juicy part of the dance...the culture, the rhythms, and the emotional connection between dancer and audience.

Princess Farhana posted a wonderful story about the need to honor our past as dancers. Her words struck a chord in me, because over the past few years I've been drawn more to "old-school" dance than fusion styles. Now, I love fusion, but I realize that the older, more traditional, folkloric style has a greater pull. It's a need to 'up' my skill level and challenge myself to truly represent this dance and culture. And although executing a perfect hip drop is important, that one movement only represents a small part of this dance form.

So I've made it my personal goal to work more on studying the culture and music. This year I'm excited to start Sahra Saeeda's Journey through Egypt program and work on passing this information onto my students and fellow dancers. Because I want people to know that some times you may dance and use belly dance moves, but it's not belly dancing. And knowing that difference is important to me...and it lets me know if you really are shaking or faking it!

My new anthem

So what happens when you're told as a belly dancer that there will be a show coming up but the catch is not using belly dance music. Well, the wheels start turning, you consider all the possibilities and then--wham--inspiration hits.

Last fall when Austin Belly Dance Association announced a "Jukebox" belly dance show in January, I was excited about the possibility. My students were more than eager, and their music suggestions were numerous, varied and frankly a little overwhelming. I was torn between something jazzy and a Janet Jackson song when a little bit of serendipity came into play.

The lovely Naima, who's blog I read on a regular basis, posted a video with this song. Seriously, it was like God speaking to me when I watched it (maybe not in such a serious tone)...but it felt like divine inspiration. I've always loved this song and I've always wanted to perform it, but never had the right venue, or the right group of dancers...until now.

So here we are three months later, the show is this Friday and damn! It's been all-consuming, between the practices and the costumes (wow...the costumes...including fedoras), but it has been , uplifting and so inspirational. And yes, I stole several of Michael's moves for the performance (in particular see minute 2:37 below). We've got ten dancers, we're closing a really big show at the Dougherty Arts Center and we're going to kick butt. I've never seen a group of women so excited about what they are performing, wearing, and the amount of cleavage involved.

I've decided this is my anthem for the new year. So if you see me and wonder how I'm feeling, please refer the clip below.

What I Did on Summer Vacation

Whew, long...long time in posting. Life's been busy and very tumultuous. So, here's the short list on what I did this summer.

1. Rushed from the end of Mirage season into workshops, performances and teaching.
2. Decided spur of the moment to get some professional pics taken, and then decided to make a new costume in less than 10 days.
3. Realized that my belly dancing rut had more to do with life in general and decided it may be time to make some changes, big changes.
4. Decided I wanted to take a sabbatical from Mirage in the fall, and re-group.
5. Discovered the Artist's Way and realized it may just be what I needed to restart my creative juices.
6. Found an Artist's Way group starting the book in September...and joined them.
7. Was invited to join Bahaia and Stacey Lizette in a twice a year student recital, that we named "The Hip Circle Hafla" in which performances would be limited to our students.
8. Joined forces with Jamie Lynn to create a one-day costume workshop to teach people how to make and alter cabaret-style costumes.
9. Announced to Mirage that I would be taking a sabbatical...interesting and enlightening conversations ensued, then...
10. Decided to quit the troupe after 8.5 years as a member.

I felt like I ended a long-term relationship when I wasn't quite ready to make that change. I cried, I felt alone...and then I felt inspired and invigorated. When I started this blog I intended to have stories beyond just reviews of the show. How ironic, that now it is really about me finding out who I am as a dancer outside of Mirage.

Mirage was the place I got my 'hips' wet, performed my first solos, directed my first choreographies, was given the opportunity to teach, and above all else, the honor of meeting and dancing with so many wonderful women. Now, I get to learn if I am more than just a member of the troupe. How fitting this blog title now seems!

Problems with Posing

The last week has been a whirlwind. I completed a costume for a photo shoot I had lined up and that alone seemed like a race to the finish line. The photo shoot was an impulse event spurred on solely by the fact that a really wonderful dance photographer was going to be in Austin for a couple of days only. Pixie is her name, and very cool photos are her game.

I knew I had less than ten days to get everything ready to go. Although I knew I couldn't lose 20 pounds in that time, I wanted to feel completely confident and fabulous. The costume was more work than expected but came out wonderfully. I tried waxing my underarms for the first time (ungodly painful....but actually worth it), did my nails (which means I can't type fast right now), and even practiced eye make up applications several times.

I spent so much time working on the logistics I forgot about the emotional and physical sides of this. I've done shoots before but they were much more posed and choreographed. Imagine my surprise then when she wanted me to move more, but not in the way I was used to dancing. Every little nuance that would work on stage looked really bad on film, which now explains why my dance photos rarely turn out!

Between her barking out instructions and my mind rushing to interpret them, somewhere along the way my self-confidence and ego were just shattered. I felt overwhelmed, stiff, uncomfortable and awkward. Even my hands didn't know how to behave! I'm known for my graceful hand and arm movements but apparently they took the day off. It was an incredibly long hour and I truly felt stripped, exposed and not very joyful.

That one hour taught me more about where I need to improve as a dancer than any workshop I've ever attended. It was such a hard lesson to learn and not at all what my ego was expecting this week. She wanted joy, but I fell short. She wanted smouldering, and I fizzled. She wanted warrior and I wimped out. She wanted confidence and grace and I had none. In the end I felt like I had run a marathon without the endorphin rush.

I did learn that what translates on stage doesn't always translate to photos. You can make grand sweeping gestures, flick your hair or dazzle people with spins, however one on one with a camera those moves don't matter, they don't count and they don't work. I learned yesterday that I hide behind a variety of moves in my dance that may not always serve me well. So, my work is to let go of them, explore different movement and really assess how I want to be perceived as a dancer.

In the meantime, I do have some lovely photos to enjoy. I walked away with over 200 photos taken, about 35 that I'm pondering, and I'll end up with 12-15 that will be edited for publicity purposes. So, there were moments where I triumphed, where I hit the mark, where I was completely in the moment but it sure took a lot of work to get there!

Moving along...

Well, I have five days left in my quest to make a costume in time for a photo shoot. Although it doesn't seem like I'm very far along, I do believe I'm over the hump. Personally, I think the bra construction is really time consuming in order to get a good fit. Once that is done and it's covered, then the decorating can begin. I really should have starting taking pictures from the beginning, but here are a couple of shots so you can see the behind the curtain. The first one is just the back of the bra strap. This, along with the inside of the bra will be lined with felt (so you can sweat in it) at the very end. I tried to make my corner as neat as possible.

Here's the insider of the bra. I just happened to find a pink bra (maybe that was a sign) but really, it could have been any color you just need to worry about shape and fit. The original straps and elastic on the sides have been replaced by buckram and grosgrain ribbon, covered in fabric and then stitched down. Not so pretty on the inside, but very functional. I've also made numerous adjustments to the fit at this stage of the game because it's much harder to do once you've covered it.

The infamous beading? Well, here it is in this photo. The color is a little wonky on the close up but you can see the trim. This is going around the edges of the bra, belt and arm cuffs. The bra, including all edges and lines was about 120 inches of beading. The beads are in sets of six sitting on top of each other in a semi-herringbone pattern. By my calculations, I used over 5,000 seed beads to complete the bra. The belt won't take nearly as much!

Here's a shot of the trim that will be going on the costume. I'm not beading the entire thing, but I have loads of these chains. They are actually rhinestone belts that I snatched up on sale at Kohl's last year (go figure). My plan was to finish adding them to the bra tonight, but I can't seem to find my pliers so that may be tomorrow's plan.

In the meantime, I got my skirt fixed (thanks D'Anne) and received my L-Rose arm bands and belt I'll use on my base. Those should be easy to get through hopefully. Finally, in the absence of trying to bead, I worked on my technique for drawing leopard spots on myself. There's certainly a plan here (not related to the photos), and it's quite fun. In fact, this is the first time I could really imagine myself with a tattoo...hmmm...

Next posts should have some really cool bra photos and perhaps a semi-finished costume!

Counting to six

In an over exuberant moment I decided a few days ago to start on a new costume to wear at a photo shoot scheduled for July 20. It's an impulsive decision, and my right arm is stiff from sewing beads. I feel like this a race to the finish line, and I just hope I make it.

I've written about being in a dance funk, but I haven't written much about the happy things in my life. Among them, a shorter, brighter, sassier hair cut, wonderful dance plans for my students (and myself) this fall, and a professional photoshoot with an amazing artist!

I've wanted photos for quite awhile so when I learned this last week that Pixie was coming to Austin I knew it was time. I've never met her personally but I've seen her dance photos of other dancers and I'm just blown away by her work. She seems to really capture the personality and beauty of each woman. Besides, who wouldn't love someone named Pixie????

Although I have several back up cabaret options, I really wanted something different, something new. I did a little online shopping but didn't really see what I wanted (in a price I was willing to spend right now). Then, I thought about the supplies for a fuchsia costume that have been sitting in my closet for over a year now, and now I'm off on this mad frenzy. For a gal who shunned pink most of her life, I'm feeling quite obsessed about it right now.

I ordered upper arm cuffs and base for the belt from L-Rose on Thursday (because they have matching velvet fabric) and had them do a rush shipment. (Which they did...at no extra cost...yeah!). Friday after the Patsy's show I went bra shopping and found a new base for the bra, tore it apart and reconstructed it in one evening. Saturday I covered the bra in charmeuse satin and velvet ribbon and began beading.

Today (Sunday) I'm still beading, and in fact have spent way too many hours counting out tiny glass seed beads in sets of six just to make the correct edging. If I make it through the next week I'll have a fabulous new costume and no feeling in my right arm. Wish me luck.

P.S. Here's a photo of the bra as of Sunday afternoon, around 4ish. If I can move my arm tomorrow, I'll check back in with everyone.

Funk Update

I've posted off and on this last year about feeling like I'm in a dance funk, and in the recent months I've been working on how to get out of that funk and on to to other things. I've realized several things in the process. First is I've been performing way too much given all the other things going on in my life. I work a full-time job, teach 2-3 classes a week, take 2-3 martial arts classes a week...and oh, then there's the laundry. On top of all of that, I've been performing 20-30 times a year.

Most of the performances haven't been strategically planned, they just get scheduled or rather I get asked to dance, or I think 'how fun' that would be. For many dancers, this would be wonderful and exciting, but I really have moved beyond the phase where I feel that I should dance at every possible opportunity into a phase of selective solos.

That being said, I've got a solo planned tonight at Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe. Yeah, don't laugh...this is Texas. It's a quirky little place that I haven't danced at since last November when I had a really nasty stomach virus (not related to the restaurant) hit me literally less than an hour after dancing. It's a fun venue and you get to eat queso after dancing!

But, here I am still at work trying to get in the mood. And, after deciding this summer I would no longer put myself in this position, I'm actually a little miffed at myself. I've been working so diligently on my 'plan' for this fall to get back in the groove and focus more on my creative energies, my dancing and myself and this one just isn't fitting in.

My biggest dilemma for the evening? What to wear and what to dance to. Here's the TMI portion of the post: I haven't shaved my underarms and don't want to because I want to get them waxed next week (which is big news for a woman who's always shaved). I have a couple of more casual/fusion outfits with sleeves that would be perfect for the venue, but I'm not feeling the fusion-y dance vibe. I've been feeling very cabaret classic lately. So I may just go with the more traditional song and less traditional outfit, 'cause I'm thinking the cowgirls may not know the difference :-)

If Emily Post had learned to belly dance

I've realized that over the years I've accumulated a great deal of belly dance knowledge and etiquette. Maybe it's a sign of me growing older, but I'm often disappointed or even worse, shocked at some dancer's behavior in and about town. I consider myself the Switzerland of the local belly dance scene. I get along with most everyone, I can be invited to almost any event, and I don't start any wars!

So, in the spirit of neutrality and with the hopes of providing some nuggets of information or resources to newer dancers, I've decided to start my own, "Dear Najla" column. I posted recently some tips about attending a workshop but now I'm the process of working on several posts about dancing at events, getting invitations to perform and being a gracious guest or dancer. Don't even get me started about costuming issues either...we could spend sooo much time talking about how regular bras are not dance bras. (I'll save that one for later).

For you the reader, I hope you enjoy. If you have any topics or suggestions you'd like me to take a stab at or have pet peeves you'd like addressed, leave me a comment. But be nice, be gracious...be like Switzerland.

In honor of Judd's pants

Cottonwood Heights Elementary---late 70's---Salt Lake City, Utah---Fifth grade---Judd Adams. I know we all have those geeky awkward stages of our lives that we'd like to forget but show up through family scrapbooks or now, Facebook posts. I don't need a photo however to recall Judd Adams' pants. They were made out of that dark navy, fake blue jean stretch fabric that was such a rage in those days. Judd's particular pants had extra wide bell-bottoms with red, white and blue flag fabric inserted into the flair on the side. By themselves the pants would have been quite a sight, but on Judd who was very tall, and gangly at that age they seemed to only accentuate his long, angular lines. Now whether or not Judd loved these pants or just didn't have many wardrobe options we may never know but I do remember he wore them quite often.

Now, when I started belly dancing we didn't wear pants, unless they were the harem style. However, with the influence of tribal, fusion and goth styles and the popularity of Melodia-style pants, belly dancers everywhere traded in their requisite chiffon circle skirt for flared or bell bottom pants. Initially I resisted, especially because of my memories of Judd's pants and the fear of looking ridiculous at my age. But I did give in and became very fond of the way these pants flatter and fit all shapes and sizes. Now, my dance wardrobe is not complete without them.

Some of my all-time favorite flare leg pants come from Brandy Bollin with Tribal Evolution in Dallas. I wear them when teaching, and for some of my fusion performances. I was saddened to hear at the Austin Belly Dance Convention that she was taking a break from making the pants. (Okay, I was sad until I found out they were all on sale for $20 each, woo hoo!!!) So, despite my plans for other purchases that weekend I spent a large majority of the weekend in the bathroom trying on every conceivable pair of pants that may fit me and walked away with a nice new stash.

There was one pair I just could not add to the pile. They were dark, heavy, navy-blue stretch fabric and the only difference between these pants and Judd's was the lack of a flag fabric insert. I tried them on several times, but kept putting them in the reject pile. All I could see looking in the mirror was that tall, awkward kid from my past wearing those goofy pants. On the last day, at the last minute, I gave in. In a spontaneous gesture I picked them up, and purchased them simply because I couldn't let such a good deal pass me by.

I'm happy to say I now love my pants, and they may become my staple while teaching classes. I'd also like to think that somewhere right now Judd is telling his kids or friends about these super-cool pants he had in elementary school but still misses to this day. So Judd, wherever you are...I'm keeping the memory alive...but in a much more attractive form!

Post-Workshop Additions

Okay, I'm awfully tired and sore...but very happy after a long weekend of dancing, drinking, socializing and classes. All in all, good stuff. However, while it's on my mind I thought of something else should be including on my top ten list. Don't forget to pack the Advil, Ibuprofin or any other related drugs to help you with muscle soreness, headaches or late nights dancing and drinking really cheap booze. If you're really planning ahead you can add an extra toothbrush and jammies to help out that roommate you weren't expecting. Your dance friends will appreciate your generosity!

I'll do my best to post more about the Austin Belly Dance Convention later on...after a little recovery time.

Najla’s Top Ten Tips for Belly Dance Workshops

Workshops have always been a part of my dance education, and I have been lucky to take from amazing dancers over my career. I originally prepared this list for my students last year, and I’m dusting it off, changing a couple of items and sharing it with the rest of the community in honor of this year’s Austin Belly Dance Convention. If you have any other suggestions to add, please feel free to comment!

1. Clothing:

• Wear comfortable work out clothes that you would normally wear to a class, but stay away from anything too “costume-y”. We all know you’re proud of your new skirt/pants/choli top, but a class is for learning. Save the cute outfits and costumes for the shows and performances. Seriously, I’ve seen cabaret style belts worn in class, and there is nothing attractive or exotic about that.
• Think in terms of layers. Pack clothing that is easy to take off and on depending upon the intensity of the class, and the temperature of the room. Air conditioning in hotels and conference centers is often too cold. Its fine when you are working and sweating, but not so good if you cool down too fast.
• Speaking of sweating, if you sweat a lot consider bringing an extra top or t-shirt to change into as well as a towel to help keep you fresh! Your neighbors will greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness on this one.
• Bring something to wear over your work out gear when you go to lunch. Advertising for belly dance shows is good, but dancers with bare and/or sweaty tummies eating lunch…not the same.

2. Footwear:

• Consider slipping some dance shoes, ballet slippers or socks into your bag. Hotel ballrooms are not always feet friendly, or the carpets are not fabulous to sit or walk on.
• Bring a pair of sandals or flip flops to slip into if you need to run out to the bathroom or hall quickly.
• Remember to stretch your calves, hamstrings and feet regularly. If your feet hurt too much, you can’t dance. So take care of them!

3. Accessories:

• If you love hip scarves with coins, don’t forget to also bring one that is decorated with fringe or beads and much more quiet. Some instructors may not want everyone in class wearing noisy scarves, and others may be perfectly fine with that. Be prepared for either option. I usually go the quiet route because it takes up less space in my dance bag.
• Pack a veil and zils, regardless of what the fliers indicate. It’s the belly dance motto where you should always be prepared, except in our case it’s usually something shiny or silky that we have to pull out!

4. Hydration and Nourishment:

• Bring your own water; preferably in a reusable container (let’s not forget the environment!). There is usually water available but the line may be long and it’s just easier to have your own stash.
• Think about dropping some Gatorade or Propel/fitness water packets into your bag. I always have a couple in my dance and workout bags if I want something with electrolytes for my water.
• Bring snacks or fruit to nibble on during short breaks or if you feel a little lightheaded. Workshops tend to run much longer than regular classes do and unless you’re prepared for three hours of physical activity it can take a toll on your body. But if you do have to stop for a snack, be discrete!

5. Respect:

• Workshops are a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Be open to new ideas and opinions in and out of class. You may be the self-proclaimed expert on all forms of hip drops, but if you’re not teaching that day, let the instructor explain it her own way.
• Be on time. Yes, I know that workshops often start late but that does not mean you should presume they will. Show up when and where you’re supposed to out of respect for the instructor and fellow workshop participants.
• Be flexible. Schedules change, show line ups may vary, life shifts...so don't be too married to a schedule/date/dancer or topic.
• Keep talking and chatting to a minimum. I know, it’s all very exciting and lots of fun especially when you get to hang out with fellow dancers. However, don’t talk during class even with the vendors sitting on the side. Believe me; it’s incredibly distracting and annoying!
• Be aware of other dancers during class. This means not hogging the space on the front row or believing that you can use as much dance space as you would like. It may be crowded, and hard to see the instructor at times, so work together, share the space and be gracious.
• Pay attention to any signs about taking photos or videos. With all the advances in technology, it's easy to take the shortcut and make your own clips from the weekend. However, it's considered very poor taste professionally and artistically to take videos and photos on your own, when the workshop promoter and instructors have explicitly asked you not to. Believe me, this is a close knit community and we all know how to use Google and YouTube!
  

6. Shopping:

• Bring extra cash for food, and for things that may catch your eye. That being said, most things at belly dance events will catch your eye, that’s the intention, so think of spending budgets!
• Think in terms of key items that you really need to help build your dance wardrobe. Then leave room for impulse items. Some of my favorite items were bought on impulse, but I’ve also regretted the times I did not buy the ‘key items’ first. Be strategic, and then you can go wild!
• Talk with vendors to learn what they stock on a regular basis. They may not have what you want sitting on a table, but they may have it sitting and home ready to be shipped off to you! One of my favorite veils was acquired this way. I saw someone looking at it, and assumed it was the only one. When I asked the vendor he said he had another one at home and it was shipped to me in days! Yeah!!!
• Try on costumes during breaks. Don’t wait until you’re ready to buy to start figuring what styles, shapes and colors work best on you. Vendors are usually happy to let you try things on (be nice though), and you never know when you’ll fall in love with something unexpected.

7. Information Overload:

• Everyone gets overwhelmed by all the information, moves and materials. Best advice is to try and take 1-2 things away from a class that resonate with you and you can work on.
• Don't stress too much (some people try to write everything down, etc.), and enjoy the opportunity to try some different styles.
  

8. Learning new moves:

• It’s okay to sit out a portion of a class if you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. You can learn things from watching as well, just be respectful of those who are still taking the class.
• If you’re struggling with particular moves, don’t worry. Although you can ask clarifying questions during class, keep in mind that the instructors are not there to teach you everything in this dance form.
• Let your own individual teacher help you with the more involved technique questions when you get back to class. That is their job!
• Give your body a break. It takes months to internalize any new movement. Don’t expect to learn technique in one or two days.

9. Networking:

• Talk with other dancers, instructors and vendors during breaks. Workshops are wonderful opportunities to meet people you'll run into time and time again!
• Find out what inspires and motivates other women in this dance form. You may find some interesting ideas for yourself.
• Exchange numbers and emails. It's wonderful to find new friends in this community.
  

10. Enjoyment:

• Relax and enjoy the weekend.
• You can "enjoy"the experience, but be careful of enjoying it a little too much. Hangovers and dehydration don’t look that attractive in a Sunday morning workshop.
• That being said, a glass of wine, good friends and a great show are always wonderful ways to spend the weekend!

Start Packing Early

Okay, for the early birds among all of you dear readers, here is the Fall 2009 Mirage schedule, hot off the presses (or email actually). Now you have no excuse for being absent at any upcoming shows, right?

Sept 10, 2009
Sept 24, 2009
Oct 8, 2009
Oct 22, 2009
Nov 5, 2009
Nov 19, 2009
Dec 3, 2009