Mauna Lea Manor

Sunday, Feb. 5th
The Venue
1144 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI 96813
Doors open at 7:30 show starts promptly at 8pm.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, tickets are available at: http://rachelbrice808show.eventbrite.com/

Don’t miss this incredible evening of performance art featuring world renowned dancer, the lovely Rachel Brice!

Additional Performances by:
Shakti Dance Movement
Madam X
Rhythm Renegades
Willow Chang
Garden Nile Belly Dance Troupe
Phoenix Dance Project
Devi Dance CompanyAnd more! Including special outer island quests!Like Stephanie Bolton & Brittany Wilson of
The Big Island's Nouveau Gypsy

Special Musical talents by:
StreetLight Cadence
DJ Emuin

2011-12-03T12:59:00.001-08:00

NEW 10 Week Bellydance/Crafting class

Jan 4, 2012 - March 7, 2012

Dear Stephanie,

This latest offering is a midweek treat to exercise your BODY & MIND!

I've had a lot of women tell me that they wished I had an Incense class for adults, so....

This is a two-part fitness & crafting class designed to cultivate the kind of fun community gathering that gets you through your week!

Adults need to play too! It reduces stress, improving our physical & emotional health... and when mama's happy= the whole family benefits!
When you schedule in a little time for you to relax, exercise & have fun with your gals- you can be the patient, kind, loving person you want to be!
So call up your girlfriends & schedule in some girl time!

This is an opportunity to make new friends or a good excuse to spend more time with friends you already know & love!

Great Christmas or new Year's gift for a friend! Resolve to get fit TOGETHER! Nothing says "I love you" like T-I-M-E together! Show you care & appreciate their friendship by givng a gift that brings you together more often to do something fun!

Part1

BellyDance Class

@ The Dancing Tree Studio

Wednesdays

10am-11:30am (1.5 hour)
We warm up and learn simple, fun dance moves that feel as good as they look- strengthen, toning, & stretching our muscles to exotic, beautiful world music. A workout so enjoyable- you won't know you're exercising! A workout that feels more like a celebration- come join the fun!

Low impact but great results for the body & spirit! Safe during pregnancy.

Tuition

$130.00 for 10 Week Class if paid in full on or before first day of class

(SAVE $30.00 by pre-paying)

-or-

Pay in 2 installments

first installment of $70 due on or before first day of class

second installment of $70 due on or before fifth day of class

(SAVE $20.00 by making two payments)

-or-

You can pay for one class at a time

$16 each class

Part 2

Crafting Class

@Snorkel Coffee

Wednesdays

11:30am- noon (30 min instruction)

(you can stay longer if you wish- 3 great places for lunch right next door)
We can enjoy a beverage together as we learn how to create, embroider, sew, a fun costume piece to dance in. Learn a new skill and make something GORGEOUS that you'll LOVE to wear!
*Part 2 of class is optional & requires an additional material fee for costume supplies

Supplies fee for costuming materials

One time payment on or before class of $70

www.thedancingtree.com has more details or you can email/message Stephanie Bolton mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com 808 854-1270

(If this sounds like fun but you can't make the time/day - consider if you have a group of 4 or more interested in a different time/day and ask if an additional class can be added- happy to work with your schedule to make this class available to you & your friends

Share this class with your facebook friends with this Facebook Invitation

To join this class you must register at The Dancing Tree Studio, in person or online at www.thedancingtree.com by January 4, 2012

*This class is subject to cancellation if a minimum of 4 participants is not met*

Still accepting Registration till Dec 1st for Incense

2011-11-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

We currently have 5 amazing girls enrolled in this program but have room for more.

If you are a teen girl, or know one that you feel would enjoy this program, please email

mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com.

Take a look at what we've been up to after school...

Incense: a S.E.E.D. program

November 2011

Last Month

We have completed our first month of Incense!

It has been a real pleasure getting to know your daughters and seeing them advance so quickly in their dancing.

The girls have learned 6 fast movements, 2 slow, and 2 speciality moves requiring specific finger cymbal rhythms.

They also learned how to use a sewing machine and sewed their dance belts with the help of master seamstress Rose Bolton.

They have learned how to make yarn tassels from scratch and embroider mirrors. They will create and wear a tassel for each fast move learned and embroider a mirror for each slow or specialty move learned. These adornments are visual badges marking their achievements, making their dance belts something they can be very proud to wear.

This Month

Girls received their finger cymbals and are now required to bring these instruments to dance with at every class.

Some girls participated in the Kona Coffee Festival Parade on 11.11.11.

Our float was supplied by The Kona Coffee & Tea Company. Some of my adult students in the Nouveau Gypsy danced to live music played by local band Leche de Tigre. We won 3rd place in 2 different categories!

This month the girls will be be receiving a special visit from an exceptional make-up artist named Mindi Bachand. She will giving a demo and showing us her extraordinary portfolio.

Next Month

Next month there is another parade that we have been invited to participate in:

The Christmas Parade

Dec. 10, 5:00pm

on Alii Drive

Please mark your calendars and let me know if your child will be able to attend.

We are also moving into the Health and Nutrition segment of our program. Female Sexuality will be discussed and if you do not want your daughter to participate in this discussion, please notify me.

We will be visited by a nutritionist, Shannon Broderson. We will also have visits from the Pregnancy center & Planned Parenthood.

Registration for Incense is still open till Dec 1st
Know a teen you think would enjoy and benefit from Incense?

We are still accepting new girls into the program until December 1, 2011. We would love to include more girls in this fun after school mentoring program.

Please feel welcome to forward this email to your friends!

You can refer them to www.incensehawaii.weebly.com

suggest they "Like" our facebook page

Or have them call 808 854-1270 or email mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com

Nouveau Gypsy BellyDance Class
If Incense sounds like fun but you are no longer a teen- this is for YOU!

Beginning in January, The Dancing Tree Studio will be offering a daytime class for adults on

Wednesdays 10am-12pm for 10 weeks

January 2012 - March 2012

In this class we will spend the first half learning & practicing the ancient and evolving art of bellydance. Designed for the complete beginner, you will learn foundational movements, layering, and precise, clean technique for beautiful movement.

The second half of the class focuses on costuming. Now you will not only have the moves but you will also have the look to go with them.

There is an additional material fee for costuming supplies.

You must pre-register to participate in this class, subject to cancellation if minimum participation of 4 participants is not met.

Registration for this class begins December 1, 2011.

You can visit www.thedancingtree.com to register.

____________________________________________________ALSO__

Private Classes are also available at Mauna Lea Manor.

Have a group of 4 or more friends who would like to take classes together?

A regular weekly class can be added to my current class schedule for your group with a one month commitment.

Performances available. Would you like to hire Stephanie Bolton or Nouveau Gypsy for your next party or event? A bellydance show or mini lessons for your guests can be memorable & unique entertainment.

Please call 808 854-1270 or email mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com.

Week Long Dance Camp

2011-09-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

This week long dance camp is an opportunity to sample the Incense program for just $45.
Visit our website to see the exciting guest speakers and activities that the girls will get the opportunity to participate in www.incenseHawaii.weeby.com

Majency Magazine

2011-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

The United Kingdom has a new magazine soon to hit the racks!

It's called

MAJENCY

introducing bellydance, fusion, raqs sharqi, and tribal

...take a moment to check it out...

you'll never believe who's on the cover! ;-D

Stay Updated on Hawaii Belly Dance Workshops in January

2011-08-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

More info that will be continually updated can be found here: http://t.co/RO7jiMJ

pssssssssssssssssssssssst... rumor has it Karim Nagi may be here as well! Think its true?

New Fall Classes...

2011-08-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

JUST FOR TEENS!!!

Incense ...a SEEDs program

2011-07-11T16:22:00.001-07:00

"Seeds is comparable to a full course meal. You have your appetizer, your entrée, and most of all you have your desserts. You appetizers come from the women introduced to you throughout the community. It gives you a start into the world ahead of what you see now. It gives you guidance and a place to start growing. Your entrée is the full art and beauty of belly dance. It is a unique opportunity and a great insight to something different, hopeful, beautiful and worthwhile. And finally, your desserts are the people around you sharing this one of a kind experience and they are the real relationships you build from this program. The Seeds program is sweet, satisfying and delicious, and by the end you are already ready for the next course."

~ Maria Heath, SEEDs graduate Class of 2009

INCENSE

... a SEEDs program (Self-esteem, Empowerment, & Education through Dance)

Aloha,

My name is Stephanie Bolton and I have recently been certified to teach a youth mentoring program for teens called SEEDs. SEEDs is a unique after school offering that helps prepare young women to become contributing members to the fabric of their community by nurturing the skills they will need to be successful once independent.

In very practical ways, the SEEDs program helps girls blossom into responsible, stable, resourceful young adults by teaching them to respect & appreciate their own bodies, by giving them awareness of their finances, and helping them to be successful at setting and achieving goals. Of course beyond the good these skills can do for our community, the personal implications of empowering each individual girl by giving them a safe & compassionate place to grow is the largest contribution this program has to offer.

This program changes lives. Many teenagers from every cultural, racial, and economic class find themselves feeling very alone during these formative years. Ask the teens around you what there is to do in West Hawaii and they are likely to complain that there just isn't much to do. Whether or not this is true, it is a common sentiment and as a result, more and more teens turn to drugs, drinking, sex, and crime to occupy them after school. This program is something that I felt I could offer teens as an alternative that is just "coyote" (as my teacher would say, meaning "edge-y") enough to attract them and hold their interest.

Here is what the program involves:

Learning to Dance

Girls receive the support and encouragement essential to building a healthy body image by learning a dance that wears beautifully on any body type.

American Tribal Style Dance is the dance that is taught in this class. In American Tribal Style (ATS) each girl learns the same vocabulary of movement that she is then able to thread together in her own improvisational dance, leading her friends in a visually seamless "choreography" that is not choreographed at all. Each girl learns to lead and to follow, making this activity the perfect non-competitive physical and mental challenge.

Girls experience all of the same character-building richness of engaging in a team sport without the competitive or aggressive environment.

This dance form has been known to increase

-Self Esteem

-Confidence

-Decision Making Skills

-Creativity

-Positive Body Image

-Body Awareness

-Respectfulness towards self & others

-Positive Attitude

The great thing about this dance is that it is accessible to even the least athletic person but requires a physical strength and endurance that demands that girls care properly for their bodies to achieve the most gratifying results. It a fantastic physical activity improving

-flexibility,

-stamina,

-strength,

-posture,

-cardiovascular &

-circulatory function

in the most graceful and elegant way possible.

As my own personal contribution to the format of this program, I provide each girl with a belt that they adorn with ornamentation as they succeed at learning each family of movements. This builds a visual sense of accomplishment that they can feel proud of as they are literally dressed with their success, very similar to the concept of receiving a badge of achievement in Girl Scouts.

Journaling &

Talking Circle

Girls learn to hear their own voice through journaling. Then they learn to articulate their opinions and ideas in our talking circles that close each class.

In this respectful environment, they know that they can feel safe to share their genuine hopes and fears. It is here that the girls are able to realize that they are not alone, even if they disagree, they learn how to appreciate one another's opinions.

Not only the facilitator but more importantly the girls themselves hold one another accountable to "live above the line" (a term developed early on when they decide what behaviors are "above the line": good & desirable in a person as opposed to "below the line": undesirable or negative behaviors. Having the girls set the boundaries for acceptable & unacceptable behavior gives them more of an invested ownership in living according to those boundaries).

We discuss issues such as body image, what is art, what is community, how much does it cost to live independently, etc.

We also discuss difficult issues like sex and drugs, things they may be afraid to ask their parents. Here they can know their questions can be anonymous and receive a serious answer from experts on nutrition and health that are brought in to talk to the girls.

(if parents wish their daughters to not take part in these types of discussions, they can leave the room on these days)

"I wish someone had sat me down and went through all of these things with me before I left home." The issues discussed are a reality check but the world doesn't have to be a big scary place; in a loving, helpful, kind way we show girls the challenges that exist and help them to consider how they are going to navigate through those challenges. We don't want to hand them the answers- but provide a space for them to work through their options and come to intelligent conclusions, because if they can learn this skill, when they are out in the world on their own they will be equipped to succeed.

"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day;

TEACH him to fish and he eats for the rest of his life."

-Indian Proverb

Mentorship

This program brings in several experts and professionals from our very own community to talk to the girls on several topics of interest, teaching girls how to resource the information they need to make intelligent decisions regarding their futures.

At the beginning of the program each girl is asked to select a personal goal she would like achieve and list any vocations of interest to her.

Throughout the course of the program, we bring in successful woman in our community who work in those fields of interest to come in and talk to the girls about what it is like to do this kind of work for a living. They discuss the requirements involved. Some guest speakers even take special interest in helping to support individual girls interested in entering their line of work after graduation, so it is a great connection for the girls to make.

We also meet regularly with each girl individually concerning her personal goal and help her overcome the obstacles involved in seeing that goal through to fruition.

Goals can be anything that concerns the girls. Some want to get an A in a difficult subject in school, others want to get a job, some want to finish a project like their first painting or book, or learn to sew their own clothes. Each goal is very unique and helps each girl focus on her personal aspirations.

Each human being is so different from the next and it is really fantastic to be able to honor the individual by giving one-on-one special attention to each girl... she understands that is part of a group but also that we understand she is unique and want to see her develop and excel at her own unique talents- after all, we each have our own dance & if we don't dance it; no one else will.

"Comparing the SEEDs program to any physical possesion is an incredibly difficult task. Its value exceeds all the stocks Google has to offer or the profits from every i pod ever sold. Stocks can't give a scared little girl confidence or turn her into a beautiful young woman, and ipod profits are hardly capable of making friend for life relationships. The closest I can come to a material possession that is on the same plane as SEEDs would have to be some exquisite, antique quilt, probably from the orient, with beautiful patterns hand embroidered into it in gold and silver thread. This quilt would be an heirloom, priceless and one of a kind, but one that you and your mother and father curled up in on those nights when the electricity went out and the rain was pounding outside and the only light was those of the dusty candles that your parents had lit. It is impossibly warm for its light weight, and its touch and smell bring calmness and joy to even the most turbulent corners of your soul. Your grandmother had it appraised thirty years ago, and the appraiser said that its extraordinary condition, total uniqueness, and devastating beauty made it impossible to price. And that was thirty years ago.

The beauty of SEEDs is that it is not physical, but it has all of the qualities of the aforementioned fictional quilt, including the astronomical value. It is an extraordinary program capable of changing lives and improving the world."

~ Casey Casias, SEEDs graduate Class of 2005

CLICK on this photo to see a short video clip of an existing SEEDs program and hear first hand from girls & their parents about how life-changing SEEDs is for young women & their families.

What is so special about SEEDs?

Girls learn to be team players who can think critically on their feet, while creating music & breathtaking movement. In this way, this program is very empowering. Their opinions are respected and they are encouraged to be the change that they want to see in the world.

This program gives parents the support they so desperately need during this challenging time in a teenager's life. This program gives girls a place to channel and release all of their excess energy and angst into flexibility, endurance, strength, and grace (both in a physical & emotional sense).

And the best part is that girls LOVE it because they get to engage in something truly unique and special that is fun and motivating with other girls their own age. They get to experience acceptance and know they belong in this intimate tribe of fellow dancers. They know they are valuable, appreciated, and have the potential to be a very important contributor to the fabric of our community.

***Click on this link to watch this short video to get an intimate look at an existing SEEDs program and learn more about how life-changing it can be for young women and their families.***

Won't you be so generous & consider to help this program happen in our community?

THE GOAL

... to be able to offer INCENSE: a SEEDs program

on the Big Island

for the 2011-2012 school year.

To begin offering INCENSE: a SEEDs program, we are looking for:

A Fiscal Sponsor

We are in need of a non-profit organization who would like to act as our fiscal sponsor so that if supporters would like to make a donation to the program or sponsor a girl, those contributers can receive a tax write-off for their generosity. We would be appreciative for this service and understand that a fee may be required to maintain this relationship. Your non-profit organization would be able to list our SEEDs program as one of your special projects for creating social change in the community. If your non-profit organization would be interested in becoming a fiscal sponsor for this program or you would like to suggest an organization for us to contact, please emailmauna.lea.studios@gmail.com

A Program Location

In order to run this program, we will need a location to hold classes. This location must be large enough for 25 students and 2-4 adults. It must be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from either 3:30pm - 5:30pm or 4:00pm - 6:00pm throughout the months of September 2011 - May 2012. If you have a location that can supply these needs or would like to suggest one that may, please email mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com

Contributers

Donations of any amount are appreciated as we would like to see any girl who desires to be involved to be able to attend regardless of her personal ability to pay the fees required to run the program. We would like to offer as many scholarships as possible to ensure that finances would not detour any girl from benefitting from this program. It costs $2,212.00 per year for each girl to be a part of this program. If you would like to sponsor one girl through this program, you can donate this amount. Other donations that can be helpful are donations of products that we might be able to sell as a fundraising effort. If you would like to hold an event or donate a percentage of sales from a specific service that you offer the community, these are other options. Please inquire before making a donation of this nature to be certain that your donation can be applied to meet the criteria of our needs. If you would like to make a donation or simply receive more information, please email mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com.

Teenage Girls (ages 15 - 18)

Obviously, this program is an outreach to the teen girls in our community. So if you have a daughter, niece, friend, or student that you believe would benefit from this program, please contact us about your interest mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com.
The co-pay for one girl to complete the program is $200 per month. This price includes her education, costume, and finger cymbals. The program runs for 9 months (Sept - May) for 2 hours after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays (with the exception of school holidays & breaks).
This co-pay only covers a portion of the costs required to run this program but is greatly appreciated.
If you are able and would like to help make this program possible for other girls who cannotaffordthis co-pay, you can increase your monthly paymentfor anyamount to receive a tax-deductible receipt for the difference from our fiscal sponsor*

*we are still in need of a fiscal sponsor in order to make this possible

Stephanie Bolton - Incense facilitator

I grew up in Kona graduating from Makua Lani Christian School in 1998 at the age of 16.

I attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA & Istituto San Lodovico in Orvieto, Italy and

Stephanie Bolton with son, Journey

have received my BA in Fine Art. I was a TA at Santa Barbara High School and Laguna Blanca High School.

I work as a professional visual artist, art broker, and contributing writer for 'Fuse' magazine.

For 12 years I have practiced and studied a variety of ethnic dance and I have been teaching adult mixed level dance

classes in West Hawaii for the last 2 years.

I have been happily married for 10 years and I am the mother of three young boys.

In June of 2011, I traveled to Santa Fe, NM to attend SEEDs teacher training with program creator Myra Krien. I received my certification to start & run my satellite SEEDs program: Incense.

"Stephanie is a lovely, soulful dancer, phenomenal painter and a woman deeply committed to her family and the young women of her community"

- Myra Krien, creator of SEEDs Program

You can reach

Stephanie Bolton

By phone: 808-854-1270

By fax: 808-329-5765

By email: mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com

Home from Santa Fe

2011-06-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was away - in Santa Fe!

I have now come home certified as a SEEDs Program facilitator.

What is SEEDs?

SEED stands for Self-esteem, Empowerment, & Education through Dance. It is a program designed for teenage girls by Myra Krien of Pomegranate Studios in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been running the program for 10 years and offering teacher training for 5. There are currently 7 SEED Programs up and running nationwide. Here are links to some with websites:

I am thrilled to be able to offer this program in Hawaii. Right now I am looking into locations and the community support I will need to make this possible. If you are at all interested in this program (as a participant in the program or as a supporter of it) please contact me and let me know:

mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com

The Mission of SEEDs:

To mentor young women in order to create healthy and strong individuals who are socially and fiscally responsible to themselves and their community. This is accomplished through the vehicle of dance, specifically American Tribal Style (ATS) dance, talking circles, journal writing, and presentations.

The Goals for each girl:

To find her own voice and be able to listen to it

To have higher self-esteem and confidence

To learn to plan and achieve goals, generate choices, create options, resources & support

To be ready to face financial independence

To respect, appreciate and be able to care for her own body

To respect, appreciate, and be able to care for others in the community

To respect and appreciate diversity and culture

The Program

Typically, SEEDs accepts up to 25 girls (ages 15-18) for one academic year of after school classes, 1.5 hours each, three times per week. They are taught the elements of American Tribal Style dance which is rich in diverse, artistic cultural movement spanning regions of India, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. The girls participate in talking circles and journal writing during which they discuss issues affecting them. Each girl identifies a personal goal that she would like

to achieve during the course of the program. Guest speakers cover a wide variety of topics from nutrition and body awareness to financial education. Many successful women of various fields that are of particular interest to the girls address the girls each week. Students perform only for student salons for family & close friends. Entrance into the program does not depend on demonstrated talent, standard beauty, or ability to pay the fees the program would require.

Please watch this short video to see what the program is like and hear from the girls & their parents about what the program has done for them:

http://pomegranatestudio.org/index.php?page=video-2

Best Magazine for the tribally inclined...

2011-05-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

I LOVE 'fuse'!

It is, simply put, a beautifully done publication with so much to read and look at at- definitely not a "one sitting" magazine. I highly recommend you check it out- if you like tribal, you'll love 'fuse'.

'fuse': a tribal and tribal fusion bellydance magazine is your link to the tribal fusion bellydance community at large worldwide. See show reviews, the latest cd & dvd releases, festivals, interviews of your favorite dancers, costuming tips, history, issues, advice, and so much more!

Let 'fuse' be your muse!

http://fusetribalmag.com/Preview_issue.html

click on the link to take a preview of fuse: a tribal and tribal fusion bellydance magazine

If you want to be sure that you get the Spring issue included in your subscription,

be sure to order by May 31, 2011.

Subscribe here:

http://fusetribalmag.com/Subscribe.html

it's only $15 for a year subscription online!

Print & online subscriptions available

what are you waiting for?

get inspired!

Photos from the Leche De Tigre Concert in Honokaa

2011-05-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

pre-concert in the glow of the street lamps

that's me, Danielle Bolton (my sister... not really), & Still Waters

Leche De Tigre- Latin Gypsy Funk band

this picture excites me cuz we are actually together ;-)

big joys- I am sure other instructors know the feeling...

you are never sure exactly what may be going on behind you

So stoked my buddies are making me look good - thanks gals!

Our costumes were "orchid" themed

Gypsy headdresses & matching belts courtesy of Huluwuwu (link in sponsor section)

People kept calling us "pirates"... not quite what we had been going for but...

ARRRRn't we spendidly orchid-y?

See more photos here... and perhaps elsewhere

there must have been at least 600 people (inside joke)

I will be bellydancing at this concert this Saturday!!!

2011-04-26T15:25:00.001-07:00

Yes Sir, I have indeed been painting...

2011-04-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Iman of www.raksadiva.com

Just For Erik

2011-04-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Dancing Tree Studio- where I teach BellyDance is hosting an Open Stage Event
The theme for this one is FIRE- oooo, isn't that HOT?
You can dress the theme, perform the theme, sing the theme, act the theme, etc.
This event is FREE to attend & FREE to perform at.
If you are interested in performing, the studio accepts acts in music, singing, dancing, acting, comedy, poetry, fashion/art exhibition, so just contact Seatree at thedancingtree@ymail.com or me! mauna.lea.studios@gmail.com to reserve your spot to perform *you can do more than one act but please limit each act to 6 minutes or less.

Here is the poster & some pics from my performance at the WATER themed Open Stage:

The Agenda...

2011-01-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

.I am a busy girl! Here's what's going on in my world...

Upcoming art shows:

Casablanca @ The Dancing Tree Studio for the month of February 2011
Reception is 7:00pm - 10:00pm Feb. 6 Sunday expect exceptional live entertainment
Mixed Media Belly Dancer portrait collection will be on display.

Painting Demonstrations:

Every Tuesday & Friday from 9:30am - 1:30pm
@ Kohala Coast Fine Art Gallery
in the Kings Shops Waikoloa

Upcoming Bellydance Performances:

Enamored @ The ArtZone Honolulu 7:00pm - 10:00pm starring Zoe Jakes, Shakti Dance Movement
& me! among various others $15 pre sale/ $20 at the door

Rockstarz in old industrial Kona Feb.4 2011 8:30pm me & my girls (aka the "Special Guests") will be dancing to the live tunes of the sensational LECHE DE TIGRE band... as Dan would say: Ole!

CASABLANCA Open Stage @ The Dancing Tree Studio Feb. 6 Sunday 7pm- 10pm FREE EVENT

AVOCADO FESTIVAL 2011 Saturday Feb.19th @ Keahou Beach Resort 10am - 4pm

PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT Feb. 25 8:30pm -???

Ongoing Bellydance Classes:

Wednesdays
@ The Dancing Tree Studio
WAKE N SHAKE 10:00am-11:00am
$10 to drop in/ $35 for the month

Thursdays
@ The Dancing Tree Studio
WAKE N SHAKE 8:15am - 9:15am
$10 to drop in/ $35 for the month

Fridays
@ The Dancing Tree Studio
FUN NIGHT OUT 5pm - 6pm
$10 to drop in/ $35 for the month

@Yoganics Studio
FUN NIGHT OUT 6:30pm - 7:30pm
$10 to drop in/ $35 for the month

Punch cards are available for those who want to come to class more than once a week:
$60 for 2x weekly @ The Dancing Tree Studio (any 8 classes that month)
$90 for 3x weekly @ The Dancing Tree Studio (12 classes)

Hope you are enjoying the new year- and hopefully you are also so busy that you didn't notice how neglectful I have been to my dear old blog ;-)

The Nouveau GYpsy rides again

2010-12-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

I would love to see you at this event:

The Kona Coffee & Tea Company

presents

Artist Stephanie Bolton

December 18, 2010

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Artist Reception & Open Stage Event

dance/music/poetry

come share your talents!

Bellydancing, coffee, pupus, & art!

I will be exhibiting my collection of BellyDancer portraits.

19 mixed media portraits

The Kona Coffee & tea Company Coffee Shop is behind the Tesoro Station across from the Marina.

Neglecting the blog

2010-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

So I got a little neglectful of dear ol blog- but here's why:
two upcoming art exhibits,
5 bellydance classes,
2 upcoming bellydance performances,
2 portrait commissions,
3 new galleries requesting work,
parents flying in for the holidays,
2 sets of old college buddies flying in too!
KIDS with field trips, birthday parties, christmas parties, end of year school projects...
Finding a new tenant for my beautiful, charming, but currently unoccupied studio cottage.
Husband just had a birthday!
But amongst all this fun stuff.... I knew three magazines were publishing my artwork this winter
Belly dance Magazine & Yallah & Zaghareet
but this was a surprise:

Somerset Studio Gallery!!! Winter 2011 issue!!!

...I wonder what they published? I don't remember what I sent in (that is pretty bad- my memory is getting dreadful, i swear!)

They suggested I set up a meet & magazine signing at my local bookstore
Hmmm... never done that before- it would cool to meet the other readers who love that mag in my town
Wonder if that is something I ought to do for the other ones, too- it would be fun to meet people in my town with similar interests
have any of you ever tried that? is it a good experience?

...just so you know, I wouldn't expect too much quality reading here till next year- I need to hibernate for a little while and attempt to relax- hope you have a relaxing Merry Christmas & a Joyous New Year!

Makara's veil dance

2010-11-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

A little birdie told me that your favorite color was pink and so I pulled a fairy godmother dress color change on you!

worked from this photograph

and now to see the amazing Makara in action

Makara... unveiled

2010-11-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

I became interested in Middle Eastern dance when I saw a belly dance troupe perform at the renessance festival in Arizona. I knew right away

that I wanted to be a belly dancer.

Dance keeps me healthy and happy. Without dance I would rarely get exercise. To me, dance doesn't feel like exercise, I am getting a workout

but it doesn't feel like it. Dance also keeps me happy spiritually. It allows me to express my emotions. I dance when I am happy, sad, overjoyed, angry, etc.

I consider myself a fusion dancer. I take a great deal of workshops from belly dancers of many different styles. And if I see a dancer do

something in a show that I really like, then I track him/her down and take their workshop. I guess the reason why I have not really settled on a

particular style is that I love them all.

I have only recently moved back to Arizona. I was just living in Hawaii for the past nine months but, previously had been living here in Phoenix for

about 8 years. So, I am now only getting classes started. I will be teaching at the Plaza De Anaya world dance studio in Tempe Arizona beginning every monday, October 25th, 2010 at 6:15pm. This class will be double veil. I also will be teaching, starting the beginning of November a Belly Dance Fitness class and a Beginning Belly Dance Basics class. The details are still being ironed out but, you can always go to my websitewww.makarainternational.com for updates and information on classes and workshops.

I currently do not perform regularly at any particular venues. As I have recently returned to the valley I have not set anything up just yet. But, am hopeful to be getting back to performing regularly. The most unusual place...... hmmmm...... Maybe not the most unusual but definitely the most heartfelt was performing at the Phoenix Children's Hospital. I was a dancer at the Arizona Renaissance Festival and they asked for volunteers to go and perform for the children at the Phoenix Children's Hospital. So, I thought that sounded like a really cool thing to do and I volunteered. It was the best thing I ever did! The children had the biggest smiles on their faces. They appreciated us being there so much. You could see it all over their faces. It still brings tears to my eyes when I remember it. If anyone gets a chance to do something like that they definitely shouldn't pass it up.

I am a solo dancer for the most part. However, I have been in a troupe before. My first style of belly dance was Tribal Style and I eventually became a part of the sister troupe to DOMBA!, Bedouin Tribe. I really enjoyed my time dancing with Bedouin Tribe. We had so much fun! Being a soloist is not as lonely as it sounds. I often collaborate with other dancers to put on shows and events around the country. I think being a soloist allows you much more flexibility in your activities as a dancer. But, I also miss the feeling of sisterhood and connection that being in a troupe can give you. There is a bit of a trade off.

You know, I have wondered what it is about my performance that audiences like and I watch videos of myself perform, and you know we are the harshist critics of ourselves, and I try and see what they see. I think it must be my emotional expression of the music. I believe I am a kind of "in your face" dancer. You know I am in the room. I see myself as being a bit of a spaz to be honest but, audiences seem to like it and like I said, we are our harshist critics. I recently had a close friend and dancer exclaim after a recent performance, "Wow! I didn't know you could be so graceful." I thought oh geeze I really am a spaz. lol She meant it as a compliment but it still makes me laugh and smile.

There are several aspects to what I would say makes up my philosophy toward dance. I can say what I love most about this style of dance is that anyone of any age and body type can do it. I have seen women of many ethnicities and from many different countries perform this dance and do it beautifully! In belly dance you don't have to be a size 0 to do it. You don't have to be in your 20's. You have to just want to do it and take the inititive and do it. Too often we talk ourselves out of doing something we want to do before we ever give it a try. Its just fear and we need to let that go.

Its important that you are having fun! Whether your a beginner or a seasoned professional, it is important that you are still having fun dancing. That what you are doing still brings you joy. If not, then why do it? Just before a performance I often tell my students not to stress about the performance, or grill themselves over and over again about the choreography. They are not going to learn and retain anything new. What they now know is what they know and to have confidence in that. That it doesn't have to be perfect. Just have fun.

We are such critics of our bodies and self image. I rarely find a woman that comes into my class that doesn't feel self concious about some part of her body and that can really affect how she dances. It shows in her body when she dances. What is important to me is not whether or not you get the moves perfectly but, that you leave my class feeling a little bit more confident, sexier and a whole lot happier than when you walked in the door.

I ask that all my students be patient with themselves. Understand they are teaching their bodies to use muscles they might not have concously used before. That learning to control and isolate individual muscle groups is a great challenge and one that requires a great deal of patience and perserverance. They will eventually get it and that we all learn at different paces. So its important not to compare yourself to others around you. What might come easy for another dancer might be a lot more difficult for you to master and vice versa. However, practice is important because the more repetitions you do the quicker you develop muscle memory.

That gets me to taking care of your body and treating yourself right. As dancers its important for us to listen to our bodies. Make sure that if you feel pain or discomfort that you stop whatever it is that you are doing that is causing that. Dance should never cause you pain. And due to limitations from injuries and sometimes just body structure not everyone will necessarily be able to do all the same moves. The good news is that there is such a huge vocabulary of moves a dancer can do in belly dance that even if you cannot perform one move there are a hundred others that you can do.

I guess my advice for other dancers and would be dancers would run right along with my philosophy toward dance. To make sure your having fun, be patient with yourself, take care of yourself and listen to your body, and don't be so harsh on yourself.

October 16th, 2010 there is a show called One With the Music. There will be 7 soloist dancers and 7 musicians and they will be pairing up for an evening of improvisational music and dance duets. When I was offered the chance to do this show I immediately snapped it up! I am for the most part an improvisational dancer and this just seemed like not only a great challenge but a lot of fun! I love to dance to live music and I think this is most definitely an event you don't want to miss! http://www.shes-got-hips.com/Events.html

October 23rd & 24th 2010 is the Arab American Festival. The festival is a weekend of concerts, performances, food & shopping and so much more. It is a major event in Phoenix and has had over 50,000 attendees in the last two years! I am honored to be performing this year as the 2010 USA Belly Dance Queen. http://arabamericanfestival.com/index.php

October 25th, 2010 Double Veil Class with Makara at the Plaza De Anaya World Fusion Studio. Classes will be held on Monday nights at 6:15pm

Double Veil is one of my favorite belly dance props and I am excited to be sharing some of my tips and tricks and knowledge. It's just one of those props if done right is a show stopper!! http://www.plazadeanaya.com/

October 30th, 2010 Mystique in Motion will be holding the Mystique in Motion Masquerade Ball at Mijana restaurant in Scottsdale. The evening is sure to be an event to remember as some of the valleys most talented dancers gather for an evening of masked festivities and performances. I love doing shows where your imagination is put to the test. I am going to have to come up with something quite imaginative and special for this performance. www.mystiqueinmotion.com

November 2nd, 2010 Belly Dance Fitness and Basic Beginning Belly Dance classes with Makara begin every Tuesday morning from 9 to 10am and 10:30 to 11:30am in Chandler, Arizona at Arizona Wado Karate & Martial Arts studio. To keep up to date on current classes and workshops you can got to www.MakaraInternational.com

November 6th, 2010 is the Fall Festival of Music and Dance which will be held at the Alwun House in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will go from noon to 9pm on Saturday. There will be performances going on through out the day, shopping, food and hookah, live drumming and lots of fun surprises! The gala show begins at 7pm and I will have the honor of performing in that show with Princess Farhana and several of the valleys top dancers! This event is held annually and every year is different from the last! http://www.levantalsonora.com/fallFest2010.html

December 5th, 2010 Black Belt Belly Dance Intensive mini workshop series will be held at Arizona Wado Karate & Martial Arts Center on Arizona Ave & Warner in Chandler, Arizona. Rukshana will be teaching a workshop on balance props such as tray, sword or basket. Carrie Konyha, who is also the 1st runner up 2010 USA Belly Dance Queen, will be teaching a workshop on Musicality which is a highly important skill in dancing. I will be teaching Beyond Shimmies which is a workshop that focuses on bringing dimensions and layers to your shimmies. We will be doing lots of layering exercises and combos and will go up to 5 layers and perhaps more. Classes are going to be only 20 dollars each or take all 3 workshops for 50 dollars. That is a steal but, we realized it was in the middle of the holiday season and wanted to give dancers a chance to work off that Thanksgiving feast without breaking the bank. www.MakaraInternational.com

My website is www.MakaraInternational.com

My competition record is as follows....

2006 Miss Bellydance USA Competition in Canyonville, Oregon

Categories: Miss Bellydance USA (did not place)

Dance of the Seven Veils ( 3rd place and 1st place peoples choice)

2009 Wiggles of the West Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada

Category: Entertainer of the Year (made it to the finals)

2010 Wiggles of the West Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada

Categories: Alternative Soloist (3rd place)

Tribal Fusion Soloist (3rd place)

Entertainer of the Year (did not place)

2010 So You Think You Can Bellydance Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada

Category: Ultimate Bellydance Artist (made it to the final 6)

2010 USA Belly Dance Queen Competition in Phoenix, Arizona

Category: USA Belly Dance Queen (1st Place)

I decided to compete originally because I wanted to see where I stood in skill level within the belly dance community and I thought it was an excellent forum to get feedback from some of the worlds most respected bellydance judges. I was interested in using it as a tool to improve my dancing. What I did not expect to get was all the other wonderful things that come along with it, such as the friendships I have developed and the wonderful people I have met. I feared the atmosphere might be one of negativity and cattiness. However, I have not found that to be the case but, actually rather the opposite. I have always felt an overwhelming amount of support and comraderie from other dancers that I compete with. I love being able to watch my fellow competitors dance and see what they bring to the stage. It is a very exciting time as we all bring out the best in each other and it is always a treat to see each other dance. After all, we all love the dance!

The first thing I do when before I even decide if I will enter a competition is look at the rules for the competition and the rules for the individual categories I might be interested in entering. I check to see the length of time I am allowed to perform, if props are allowed, what style of music must be used in that particular category and so forth. I also look over the sample score sheet and see what the judges are looking for. I look to see who is judging the competition and finally what workshops if any are going on in conjunction with the competition. If I decide to enter the competition then I decide what it is I want to portray during my performance whether it be an emotion, character or whatever. I look for my inspiration and I build on it. I choose music and costuming and props based on what my inspiration is. I have a general idea of what I want to do during particular portions of the music but, as of yet I have not choreographed any of my competition pieces. I am actually considering some choreography for 2011. I make sure I know my music from front to back. Every note, sound, melody and drum beat. I know I am ready when I can hear my music in my head if I so desire. I stay sharp on my techniques by taking classes. Yes, I still take classes. It is important to always be learning or else you stop growing. I take classes online from other professionals in the business that I respect. I am constantly taking workshops from other dancers across the nation. I practice, practice practice. I find if I don't my technique gets sloppy. My isolations are not as sharp and some moves not as smooth. It is also important to maintain my flexibility as well. Therefore, I spend time stretching daily. I try to make sure I eat healthy meals and not over indulge on anything in particular. Must be the libra in me, I try to maintain balance.

That is easy! Winning the 2010 USA Belly Dance Queen Competition is hands down my most memorable contest experience! This competition meant a lot to me because it was put on by the Arab American Association. The dance we do has its roots in the Arab culture and I consider them to be the foremost experts in this dance. Everyone on their panel of judges were people I had a great deal of respect for. So, when I was chosen as the Queen I was really overwhelmed.

Being the USA Belly Queen is really such an honor for me. It really validates all the years of hard work I have put in to my dancing and still continue to put in. It really inspires me to continue to work hard and to keep on learning. I find myself wanting more than ever to expand my belly dance vocabulary to learn more about the culture and history behind belly dance, to continue studying the drum rhythms and zill patterns. It makes me want to never stop dancing!

The next step for me is to expand my belly dance world. I would love to go to Egypt and Dubai this year both to study and perform. I plan on competing again in 2011. I will continue to teach classes and workshops and do what I can to support my fellow belly dancers and our dance community. I hope to be traveling a lot in 2011 teaching workshops and performing across the country.

I would like to compete in next years Bellydancer of the Universe Competition. I will definitely be back to the Wiggles of the West competition next year in Las Vegas and I am considering a couple more as well but, haven't made any definite decisions.

My advice for dancers considering competing is this..... Some people say enter the competition expecting to win. I say enter knowing you can win, expecting the best, understanding that dance is art and art is subjective, and being able to lose gracefully. Know that the competition does not reflect who you are as a person. Allow the experience to be a positive event in your life by looking for the best. Even if you don't win the trophy that year you have gained so much in experience. Make sure you are entering for healthy reasons and go with a good attitude. Talk to the other dancers. Don't be shy introduce yourself. Competitions are a great time to network with other dancers! Be friendly and open. You never know you could win something better than a trophy like a friend for life.

Next Dancer I am painting is my beloved...

2010-11-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

MAKARA

not just the face but the inner depths will be revealed tomorrow...

you'll want to be sure to return and discover the woman

behind the veil!

Khadijah in Paint... among other things

2010-11-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my painting of Khadijah

It was interesting because it almost looks as though she is holding back some laughter as she plays her ziller. The mirrors on the banjara embroidered top are actual shisha mirrors that catch the light.

below are some shots of the work in progress...

Interview with Khadijah...

2010-10-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

How do you define “Belly Dance”?

Is a dance that holds a strong cultural background that has been passed down for

generations. This danced has been preserved to tell “stories” about out ancestors.

The dance has a strong focus on an internalization and reflection of the music and the

emotion therein. The music is as important as a vocabulary of movements from which

to draw, and therefore the most revered of dancers will generally be those who are

either the most charismatic or the most emotionally projective (even if their movement

vocabulary is limited). The dancer becomes the vehicle of communication to make

sound and emotion visible to the audience

How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?

First encountered this dance as a child (I was 6 years old) in an “after school/day

care” program. There were many choices to choose from; basketball, kickball (VERY

popular overseas) or dance… of course chose dance.

How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?

I have been training hard (yes, we are athletes too) for 12 years and professionally

teaching and performing for 8 years.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in Saudi Arabia and I currently reside in Denver, CO

Where is the most interesting place that belly dance has taken you?

This dance has taken me as far as Egypt. Back to where it ALL began, Egypt is like

my home… opps correction, Egypt IS my home!

Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?

My biggest inspirations in this dance of course are the pioneers of this dance; the

legendary Mahmoud Reda and Farida Famy. I LOVE Randa Kamel, and she is a great

representation of a strong Egyptian/Raqs sharqi dancer should be. Last but not

least, My grandmother is my biggest inspiration. She has supported me in more

ways than one. I have been told to just quit to get married and have children…. My

Grandmother always have told me to continue to do what I love and don’t listen to

the negativity of this world. She believed in me when no one else did. I love her so

much and I do this because of her.

What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?

Practice, practice and PRACTICE some more, we ARE athletes too, just like a football

player drills his drills everyday … we MUST do the same! Make sure that you are

getting into this dance for all of the right reasons. When performing this dance, do

NOT forget that you are representing a strong nation/culture of people. Of course

know the music and instrumentation, if you don’t know Arabic please have it

translated for you. Also know the appropriate costuming that goes with your music.

It also helps to educated you on the history and religion of the Middle- East and

beyond. The MORE knowledgeable you are the stronger the foundation you have in

this dance.

What is the most unusual experience you have had belly dancing?

I have only experienced this in America (and NO other part of the world), but

many people seem to “approach” belly dance artists as if they were approaching

a stripper? I think many Americans that are uneducated about movement/

dance that contains undulating movement will resort their thinking to whatever

seems “familiar” to them, and that’s to exotic dancers or sex? I do my best to educate

everywhere I perform, but as they say, you cannot educate the ignorant and it’s so

unfortunate.

What is the topic of the article you are contributing to Zanbaka’z Belly dance for

the Versatile Dancer Vol.4?

The proper representation and approach to Arabic dance and music.

Do you have any other special talents/skills/occupations besides (or that

compliment) your belly dancing?

I am a scientist and a performer. I hold a degree in Veterinary medicine and I have a

deep compassion for animals. This has always have been a life dream of mine right

along with performing Middle-Eastern dance. Science and movement for me is a

perfect balance in my life.

What is your favorite or signature style of belly dance that you teach or perform?

Do you have a specialty that people recognize you for?

I am known for my upbeat energetic Egyptian style (raq sharqi) and folklore. I am

mainly and widely known for my expertise in performing Khaleej style dance and

musicality.

Do you have any special projects you are working on personally that you would like

to share about?

Currently my best dance friends we have formed a trio by the name of “A’dawiya” it

means “wild roses”. The trio consists of: I (Khadijah), Taka and Sonia of Denver.

Here is a clip of us performing at a Denver community event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoXgSHwBnlg

Why do you love belly dancing?

This dance helps me to tell “my story” without saying a word. The stage is where my true

personality comes out. When sound of the music fills my ear, the feeling that comes over

me is completely unexplainable. This feeling is a spiritual feeling almost next to God. The

benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing is a good cardio-vascular

work out and helps increase flexibility. It is suitable for all ages and body types and can be

as physical as the dancer chooses to make it. Mental health benefits, for many bellydancers,

include an improved sense of wellbeing, elevated body image and self-esteem as well as a

generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise.

What is your favorite music to dance to? Why? Any favorite bands/groups/artists?

I LOVE Khaleej music especially from Iraq and Kuwait (VERY African influenced).

I love sha’abi. My music collection is very extensive I have over 7,000 songs on my

Ipod anything from classic rock, classical to hip hop.

Favorite costume elements?

ANYTHING bright! I love bright colors; they go best with my dark skin tone. I get

my costumes designed in Egypt; I buy Egyptian only, for Khaleej style I purchase

straight from the Gulf. I love big heavy jewelry. I love anything silver or turquoise.

I tend to mix silver and gold together, the more the better. I do my own stage make

up. I love creating the “Arabic make up style” w/ heavy Kohl around the eyes and

for the brows. I love deep purple, orange, silver, cranberry, fuchsia, shimmery

browns and gold. My favorite props to use are assaya (cane) or my 48” Indonesian

swords (2). Shoes I tend to dance barefoot, if I am dancing on a surface that looks

dangerous, I will wear ballet slippers.

Favorite Colors?

I love blue, burnt orange, black, gold and maroon.

Favorite Quotes (regarding dance or life):

Never give up what you want in a lifetime ... for just one moment (life)

It Takes an Athlete to Dance, but an Artist to be a Dancer (Dance)

And the next dancer I am painting is...

2010-10-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

KHADIJAH

Khadijah is a dancer who actually grew up in the Middle East.

She shares her dance knowledge with first hand cultural experience that will enrich your understanding of Middle Eastern Dance. Come back tomorrow to read her interview!

I was thrilled to discover that you can find a great article about her in this month's issue of

Belly Dance Magazine: A Raqs Sharqi Magazine

The moment you've all been waiting for...

2010-10-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Not that there is such a thing, but if there were...

Masha would be the textbook belly dancer.

Tall and beautiful, skillful dancer, sweet disposition, musical, with a classic aesthetic.

The heavy dark outline comes from the somewhat cliche Nouveau influence that afflicts all bellydancers- belly dancing artists in particular.

I gave her a gift... added an anklet to the costume that wasn't there but I thought she could use one.

Persian flower motif decorates the left side in metallic gold.

Background scene is a Ukrainian landscape in California Impressionist style to reflect her "background" (pun intended).

Do you want to recommend a title for this painting?
(not yet sure what I'd like to call it)

Learn about Masha

2010-10-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

How do you define “Belly Dance”?

I define “belly” dance as a celebration of life in the present, past, or future; It is a very personal expression of existence. Also, a celebration of femininity. Although “belly” dance is most often revered as a dance of Middle Eastern origin, I also believe it cultivated from nomadic Gypsy culture as well. Belly dance is about being in total unity with the music and your own emotions... no fear or insecurity.. ideally, total self confidence and acceptance.

How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?

I first encountered belly dancing in Pacific Grove, California. I was about 13 yrs. old and noticed there was a belly dance class being offered in a small yoga studio, downstairs from the restaurant I worked at. I was intrigued, so I tried a class then suggested to my mom that she try the class as well ( her boyfriend at that time was Jordanian.) My mama and I began learning belly dance together.

How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?

I have been belly dancing professionally and teaching for about 4 years now. However I’ve been dancing in other forms since I was 4 yrs. old (starting with ballet.)

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born in Odessa, Ukraine (along the Black Sea) and raised there until age 5. Both of my parents were/ are artists ( they divorced when I was 3 yrs. old.) When I was 5 yrs. old, my mother got the opportunity to go to America and took me with her, right before the impending collapse of the Soviet Union. She had a 1 yr. student visa but we ended up staying and living in the US for the past 19 yrs. Since that point, I’ve grown up in central California, specifically Monterey Bay. I currently live in the Monterey area. I feel we were very fortunate to end up in such a naturally beautiful, scenic part of the US. I became an American citizen last month... July 2010. As soon as I applied for my expedited passport, I bought a ticket to Ukraine.

Where is the most interesting place that belly dance has taken you?

The most interesting place that belly dance has taken me is into the depths of my hidden/ subconscious emotions. I’ve grown to love classical Arabic music... the compositions are so rich that they bring me to tears sometimes... for reasons I am not even fully aware of.

Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?

All of my teachers in various dance forms have been my mentors and inspirations: Various ballet instructors throughout my childhood ( most recently in my adulthood, Deanna Ross.)

Valeria Batista-Mason: my first belly dance instructor ever.

Alicia Morena Di Palma: my Flamenco teacher during my teenage years.

* Janelle Rodriguez and Crystal Silmi of Santa Cruz: the teachers who’s belly dance class isolation and layering techniques challenged and excited me to get back into belly dancing.

* A primary reason I decided to commit to learning belly dance again, in addition to the challenging technique format I was exposed to, was that my grandfather in Ukraine passed away during the same time I began trying the classes in Santa Cruz. I had never got to meet him since leaving Ukraine at age 5, and was distraught at his passing. At that point in life, I wasn’t doing much for my self other than working double shifts to pay the rent to live with a boyfriend I wasn’t compatible with. I decided in my grandfather’s memory, to commit to doing something beneficial for myself... and that’s how i got back into dance ( after a number of years hiatus from dance of all kinds): my mom told me about some interesting instructors in Santa Cruz and we began to drive up, every week, to take their belly dance classes there together (sometimes 2-3 times week.)

Authentic Middle eastern Dancers inspire me, particularly Egyptian style dancers.... Most recently, Mohamed El Hosseny ( he is an excellent Egyptian dance instructor currently based in Finland. His passion for the art form is very inspiring.) Yousry Sharif has also been an Egyptian Dance inspiration ( It’s funny how these men can sometimes belly dance better than women... but it is their culture after all.). I also admire Dina, Fifi Abdo, Randa Kamel, Maria Shashkova (Russian) and the list goes on of international belly dancers I admire.

I am inspired by ALL talented dancers I see... of any genre. Flamenco dance, Gypsy dance, Persian, Ballet.. everything that catches my eye.

My mother has always been an inspiration as well... she is the most creative, productive, multi-talented woman I have ever known.

What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?

First and foremost believe in yourself, follow your passions/ interests, be disciplined in your training and practice, educate yourself about the art form culturally and historically, study from as many instructors as possible and with the best instructors available, challenge yourself, and never NEVER stop learning... you will never know it all, but strive to learn as much as available to you. Also, don’t let the critics get to you.

What is the most unusual experience you have had belly dancing?

The way my solo performing “career” began is rather unusual, I think.

In 2007, my mom decided to set up a weekly variety show in the middle of a shopping mall in downtown Monterey. She hung a roll of fabric off a stairway balcony as our “stage” backdrop, and she and I and as many other dancers/ performing artists as we could round up would perform every week for the public, free of charge/ by donation. We had belly dancers, musicians, and even a magician. It was called the “BellySema Mystique Show” named after our dance troupe’s name “BellySema”. Our show became rather popular, we had our regular audience members showing up every week. This went on for over a year, and then the show had to end due to the owner of the building citing ‘insurance liability” issues.

There, an admirer ( our dance student/ show videographer/ now friend) consistently tipped me one hundred dollar bills, every week, for a couple of months.. until he ran out of money I guess.. haha.. or realized he could not buy my love ( also, there he met his girlfriend in the audience.. now ex, but good friend.)

Do you have any other special talents/skills/occupations besides (or that compliment) your belly dancing?

I feel that my background in ballet and Flamenco dance has enriched my belly dance style/ vocabulary greatly.

I also played cello for three years in middle school, so I believe that my musical experiences have also helped me in understanding/ translating music into movement. I have a natural sense of timing. For a period of time I was instructing basic Middle Eastern Rhythms for the Doumbek classes in Monterey.

What is your favorite or signature style of belly dance that you teach or perform? Do you have a specialty that people recognize you for?

I admire classical Egyptian style belly dance... but I like to fuse that inspiration with other dance experiences... I don’t want to copy anyone.. we all take and borrow from our inspirations, but i strive to find my own presentation. I’ve been told my dance style is very fluid.

Do you have any special projects you are working on personally that you would like to share about?

I hope to soon make a website for my mother’s belly dance costume designs. It will most likely be titled “BellySema Couture”. My mother is an artist but her creativity extends to many directions, fortunately or me: costume design. She hesitates to advertise her costumes to the public because they are very time consuming, one a a kind, hand sewn creations. She prefers to focus on her art work as that is her profession. However, I get so many compliments on her designs that I feel if someone fully understands the value of her rare creations they should be able to inquire about owning or commissioning one of her costume designs.

Why do you love belly dancing?

I love belly dancing because anyone can learn it with enough focus and training... and it is especially complimentary for female overall well-being. The dance form itself does not discriminate based on age, body shape, weight, height, sex.. etc. Any one can be a belly dancer with enough dedication.

I also like belly dance because it partially stems from Middle eastern social dancing. I’ve noticed many people are afraid to dance in public, and I like to set an example for them/ inspire them to get out of their shells and live a little more. Seize the moment.. we are our own worst critics, so it’s only our own judgements we have to conquer.

When I studied ballet as a child, I never felt I would become a ballerina because i didn’t fit the standard ballet body type: I was tall and later curvy, and that wasn’t ideal for ballet. In studying Flamenco dance, my feet began to hurt having to wear the traditional heeled Flamenco shoes, and I have have bunions which made performing Flamenco even harder on my feet. I liked that belly dance can be performed with out shoes.

I love the fluidity of belly dance, the richness of it’s cultural origins, the variety of styles in the dance form, the complexity of it’s music, and the overall health benefits of the dance.

What is your favorite music to dance to? Why? Any favorite bands/groups/artists?

I LOVE the accordion... it’s nostalgic to me, i think because it reminds me of Russian music from my childhood. I also love Baladi songs... something about the music suddenly dropping into that heavy rhythm grabs at my soul. In general, since I admire the Egyptian style of belly dance, I listen to a lot of Classical Egyptian/ Arabic songs. The music is very complex and it takes me a few days of listening to the same song to fully grasp all of the subtle accents in the classical songs I am captivated by. I also like the “classical’ songs because of the way Middle Eastern audiences react so emotionally to them. I try to research the translations and emote the corresponding sentiment into my dances because i know that Middle Eastern audiences appreciate that... and it’s an homage of my respect/ admiration for the music and artists of their cultures. Some favorite composers include Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Abdul Halim Hafez (singer.) Recently, I’ve fallen in love with Om Kalsoum.... her song “Ba’eed Anak” ( Far From You) is on repeat in my play-list right now. I’ve also taken notice of her song “Ana Fi Intizarak” ( I’m Waiting For You).. the composition is by Mohamed Abdel Wahab and the intro that song is striking. Another musician I enjoy is Hossam Ramzy... he’s an excellent drummer. When I feel like dancing a fusion style, I am inclined towards gypsy/ flamenco-esque music. I feel that my mom and I are gypsies... but sometimes I like random funk, pop, rock, or rap songs too ;p

In terms of “local” musicians, I love the music of George and Elias Lammam ( Lebanese musicians/ brothers) based in San Francisco.. the are excellent musicians and I’ve had the opportunity to dance to their live musical accompaniment a number of times.

Favorite costume elements?

Very fortunately for me, my mama is my personal costume designer and 99% of my costumes have been created by her. I like floral designs.. roses... Russian shawls. I only shop for jewelry.... earrings, bangles, anklets. Also, I like mysterious head pieces ( which may only reveal the eyes) and Afghani tribal style mirrored or Bangara style accessories. I also like cymbals and drums.. musical instruments as props.

Favorite Colors?

I like bright colors: Red, purple, blue, hot pink, piercing tropical blue.. also, I like metallics: gold, bronze, silver. I am generally fair skinned so pastel or light colors don’t complement my complexion as much (sometimes not enough contrast.)

Favorite Quotes (regarding dance or life):

“ We ought to dance with rapture that we might be alive... and part of the living, incarnate cosmos. “ - H.D Lawrence

“ Dancing is my religion. Movement is my practice. When everything is in sync, music and movement are my direct links to the divine.” - unknown

You are originally from Odessa but have grown up in the US. You have recently returned to Odessa after 20 years- this must be very exciting for you. Is the place how you remember it? You were quite young when you left, did you even remember much?

(I am right now responding to these questions from Odessa.)

I have a few childhood memories of Odessa... mostly of the city.

I have a memory of learning to swim.. my mom (and/ or her boyfriend at that time) took me took the beach, and later to my surprise, threw me into the Black Sea, simply telling me to swim back to them.. and that’s how i learned to swim; survival instinct.

I remember the apartment I lived in with my mom in downtown Odessa, and the grapevines in the center of the apartment courtyard. I remember our neighbor and her grandchildren who I would play with when they came to visit. Our apartment itself was one large room, and we had to go out into the communal hallway and enter another door to get to our kitchen. I remember for having a box of yellow baby chicks in our kitchen for some time. In that apartment complex, we had to share one bathroom among several families living on the same floor ( again, had to go out into the communal hallway to access it.). I have a strange memory of levitating... hovering a few inches above the floor in the living room as my mom stepped outside onto our porch, and when I called her name to come back inside and see what was happening, my feet had lowered to the floor by the time she returned ( I realize now that, logically, it was most likely a dream.) I vaguely remember my mom having a female friend/ model over, posing nude, but tastefully draped in fabric ( in our living room ) for her painting.

I remember walking by the bakery downtown and seeing “bubliki” ( similar to thin, dried bagels) threaded in a row, hanging in the bakery window.

I remember the in-comparable delicious taste of home-made apricot ice cream being sold at the beach/ boardwalk/ port area where my mom would sketch portraits outside for people.

I remember walking down the sides of the Potemkin Steps ( at the sides were larger block shaped steps, which seemed very large to me at that time.)

Did you keep in contact with your relatives there or do you feel like you are meeting many of them for the first time?

Ever since we left, my father’s parents have called me every year for my birthday to congratulate me and give me their blessings. My father’s father, Grisha (short for Gregory) passed away about four yrs. ago, and sadly I never got to meet him again. I remember the last time I spoke to him, he and my grandmother had called me on my 18th? birthday and he was wishing me a happy birthday yet crying at the same time... telling me he loved me.. it was always very emotional getting phone calls from them. It was frustrating knowing I had family in Ukraine who loved me but not being able to go visit them due to legal issues and my mom’s fear that we would not be able to return to the US if we went to Ukraine before becoming American citizens. My grandmother was the one who consistently called me ever year after that.. my father was always shy for some reason... it was also frustrating because I couldn't communicate with them very well.. I stopped learning Russian once I came to the US, so my understanding was very basic.. and they didn’t know any English.

Last year, I saw my father of skype video chat for the first time. Last week I met him in person for the first time as an adult.. it’s all still very emotional for me but i try to focus on the positive and be happy and enjoy the somewhat sureal present moments rather than allow myself an emotional breakdown.

My mom didn’t keep much contact with her family throughout the years (or vice versa) so it was definitely like I was meeting them for the first time.

Actually, it feels like I have met all of my relatives for the first time.

Do you think you will be doing any performing or teaching dance while you are there? What is the belly dance “scene” like in Odessa?

I definitely intend to find a few “gigs” while I am here.. we shall see how that goes. I would also like to take some dance classes while I am here.. but that is yet to be arranged. I have not seen any belly dance performers or venues yet.

You are going to be performing in a competition before returning home to Monterey, right? Can you tell me a little bit about that?

I’ll be performing in the Miami Belly Dance Convention competition in early September. Last year I entered that same competition at my mother’s urging.. it was my very first competing experience.. and last year I knew I wasn’t ready or prepared.. but my mother urged me to do it anyhow, so I did. There are many good dancers in Miami.. I look forward to the event again.. and I approach it as a learning experience... I am not a competitive person.. I do it more for the experience and exposure. And to see who my international contemporaries are. My mother is my biggest motivator.. without her support, I definitely would not be where I am now.

I got to take my family on more than one occasion to a restaurant in Pacific Grove called the Persian Grill to see you dance. The food was excellent and you really put on a good show. How long have you been dancing there? You seemed very close with the restaurant owners- do you have a personal connection with them?

I have been dancing at the Persian Grill ( in Monterey) for about 2 years now.. and that also began at my mother’s urging (she’s like my agent.. haha.) I definitely have a connection with the Homami family ( the owners of the restaurant.) It’s an intimate, family owned business and they are very sweet people. I’ve never had any problems with them in terms of business and getting paid (unlike other restaurant owners I’ve dealt with.) The Homami’s have always been very loyal and consistent with me in regards to my dance gig there, so I try my best to treat them them with the same respect.

When you return you will resume performing & teaching … how can readers find out where you will be performing or teaching so they can come see you?

I update all recent info regarding my class and performance schedule onto my website: www.MashaRaqs.com

( “Masha” is my name.. “Raqs” means “dance” in Arabic, for those who may not know.)

Now it is YOUR turn to ask the question!

Masha wants to know:

“ Who is the biggest inspiration in your life and how have they altered the course of your existence?”

The next dancer I am painting is...

2010-10-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

MASHA LOUKIANENKO

I had the privilege of taking some classes with Masha this last summer in Monterey.

She teaches in the most beautiful studio on Lighthouse Ave called "Shall we Dance"

My family & I also saw her perform at The Persian Grill multiple times.

Her show was so exciting- she danced with her veil, played her ziller, balanced vessels & a sword on her head IN THE TINY restaurant - my kids loved it! The food was also delicious!

She is so stunning I just knew I had to paint her.

So get to know a little more about her tomorrow and see if I am able to do her any justice.

The Nouveau Gypsy Part II

2010-10-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

see more photos at this blog post on a fellow gypsy's blog ;)

ccdoodle booth

E. Lily Art's debut showcase of her photography & paintings

Magharet Rahr of Rahr Bazaar

Wendy Rosen of Stir Crazy Hawaii

Mahelani vending Graffiti Bikinis & OrchinLan Handbags

Tori & her beautiful jewelry & up-cycled clothing

Lynn of Lynn's treasures & me!

Kathryn of Resoul'd Designs

Michelle making some sales ;)

Art on Plywood!

Me & Danielle BOLTON (my sister- see the resemblance? Other people seem to)

Below are some extra super cool guests who came to our event in costume!!!

Sunrise over Honolulu

Tara Bowman on canvas!

2010-10-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Starts with the underpainting- I usually use green or blue depending on a person's skintone

The background is really thickly spread paint to imply a thick stage curtain behind her

Next comes in the flesh tones and blocking in major areas of color

Next comes all the fun little embellishments of coins, beads, sequins, and medallions

It is so fun to be able to show you a subject right beside her portrait!

Here is Tara holding the painting of her.

Here is a photo of me with Shakti Dance Movement & the paintings of them.

Interview with Tara Bowman

2010-10-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

How do you define “Belly Dance”?
Ever evolving dance of the feminine devine

How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?
I was at a hindu dicussion group and they were palying some indian music and I was daydreaming and moving my body in my mind, dancing fluidly and snake like. The next weekend I was taliking about the moment I had and that I wanted to get more in touch with my femininity and wanted to take belly dancing classes and two of the girls I was talking to invited me to their dance class which was a private class at thier friends house. Kalae was super surprised when I showed up at her house, the first one there and a total stranger.

How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?
6-7 years

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Massasachusetts, Oregan, California, Montana, and Colorado. I live on Oahu now in Kailua.

Where is the most interesting place that belly dance has taken you?
Tribal Fest in Califonia, LOVE that event

Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?
Well in belly dance Kalae who is my best friend has been my primary inspriation but I have also been inspired by Kami Liddle and Zoe Jakes whom I also have developed loving relationships with. I think I am most spired by those that I love.

What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?
Stay motivated and explore new things to stay inovative and inspired

What is the most unusual experience you have had belly dancing?
We got hired to dance at a total strangers wedding in a hotel and we were kind of inapropriatly dressed for the event, I was super embarassed and there was some little old ladies that I think were as well, the audience was almost totally unresponsive. It was all around one of our most awkward moments as a troupe.

Do you have any other special talents/skills/occupations besides (or that compliment) your belly dancing?
I surf, I'm a nurse, and I give good masages and am a good listener.

What is your favorite or signature style of belly dance that you teach or perform? Do you have a specialty that people recognize you for?
I think fusion dance, but I think people recognise me most for my playful stage presence

Do you have any special projects you are working on personally that you would like to share about?
My life

Why do you love belly dancing?
Love the relationships I have with the dancers, I love playing dress up, and I just love dancing

What is your favorite music to dance to? Why? Any favorite bands/groups/artists?
electronic, balkan, hip hop,

Favorite costume elements?
Medina Maitreya is my favorite costume designer and I love flowers and feathers

Favorite Colors?
Black

Favorite Quotes (regarding dance or life):
Move it or lose it

Tara's Question for yoU!
If you could have a super power what would it be and why?

Next Dancer I am Painting is...

2010-10-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Tara Bowman!

Tribal fusion dancer for Shakti Dance Movement.

Interview comes at ya tomorrow!

Stay tuned ;)

THE NOUVEAU GYPSY Part 1

2010-10-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Before

After

In that first photo you get to meet the ladder that I got to climb up and down at least 90 times.

The Chinatown Courtyard was transformed into a gypsy souk!

First Friday had the streets PACKED with strollers!

view from across the street

Full house of guests!

Julie Bonk and her Lala B. Koa earrings

Michelle Douglas setting up Meg By Design

Anneliese giving massages

blogger is taking a long time to load photos SO more pics to come later!

Portrait of a Phoenix

2010-10-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here is the portrait of Natalie who performed at The Nouveau Gypsy Show

this weekend.

Since she was performing in Chinatown, you can see the origami paper, chinese coins, red & gold to bring Chinatown to mind. After meeting her, I realized I gave her a bit of a boob job however I think we all agreed that nobody will mind ;)

Here is Natalie with her painting

Here is Natalie dancing with Tara Bowman & Kalae Kaina at The Nouveau Gypsy

My apologies about the camera angle- just give your head a tilt & you'll be able to appreciate the dancing ;)

Interview with Natalie Phoenix

2010-09-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

How do you define “Belly Dance”?

Wow, simple yet somewhat difficult question... Belly dance is a one of the dances that has long history. Through traveling gypsies, the ancient temple dances transformed into distinct movement as belly dance. It carries many beautiful elements of various tribal dances of the orient, Middle East and the Mediterranean areas. Some seek importance in maintaining the Egyptian or Turkish style of belly dance. Some take the basics and add elements from other dances. I view belly dance as something very spiritual, getting in touch with every little part of the body. There is a sense of trance when the soul connects to the music and translates the music into movements. Because I feel that belly dance has deep history that is subtly embedded within each movements, and some emotions of solitude, strength, communion, happiness, sadness etc., it is a powerful dance form.

How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?

There are many instances that were the trigger, but the very first encounter was probably when I danced in a kindergarten dance recital... I was picked to be in the group of girls that had to perform a dance that was over-simplified version of Arabian dance... I remember feeling really good doing it. Since the time I was really young, I used to watch documentaries on different cultures, and when I saw the costuming of belly dance as well as the dance movements, something grabbed my soul.

How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?

I have been passionately learning belly dance for 6 years. I started performing at night clubs and events around town about four years ago, and I have been teaching for three years. I’ve been doing solo performances on top of dancing in Shakti Dance Movement.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in Fukuoka, Japan until the age of 16. I have been living in Hawaii for 11 years. (Living in Waikiki for 6 years) It’s my second home.

Where is the most interesting place that belly dance has taken you?

Belly dance has taken me to a lot of places (traveling to take workshops and perform, meeting other dancers, having dinner with the belly dancers I worship etc.), and I can’t really say where the most interesting place was... Let me answer with a different twist... The most interesting place that belly dance has taken me is the current place in my life. Through belly dance, I have met my boyfriend, my love of my life, and through belly dance, I have met so many great awesome people and established friendships. It really opened up my perspectives. Without belly dance I would not have had the life I have.

Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?

Who I get inspired and get the most influence by are Ansuya, Sabrina Fox, Zoe Jakes, and Kami Liddle, and the Shakti guru Kalae. There are many great dancers in the world, but I got to take classes by those dancers more than any other (being in Hawaii, it’s hard to go to workshops in the mainland as often), and their live performances always blow my mind. They are my inspiration.

What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?

The most important thing is the love of the art form. If you love it, you will work hard to practice the techniques, go out of your way to make things happen, and things will naturally fall into place. As human being, we constantly strive to improve, evolve and go through metamorphosis.

When I first started, I was able to think of how I wanted to dance but my technique could not catch up; I could not dance the way I wanted to. Over time, with experience (e.g., good performance, bad mistakes, self-realizations, working with other dancers, getting inspired etc.), you will become a stronger dancer each day. It’s a process of metamorphosis.

What is the most unusual experience you have had belly dancing?

Unusual experience... perhaps it’s when I got to dance at the Blaisdell Arena. I belly dance when Kings of Spade (my favorite band, and my boyfriend is the guitarist) has a show, and this particular time, they were chosen to open for Bon Jovi. I was very fortunate to be able to stand on the big stage in this occasion.

Do you have any other special talents/skills/occupations besides (or that compliment) your belly dancing?

I have other random skills besides belly dancing... I do translation and interpretation in Japanese/English (Japanese is my first language). I have a MA in Japanese Linguistics, and a teaching license and a massage therapy license. I can do simple web designing, and video and music editing. I can play some musical instruments... I am currently finishing up my job of video editing, and contemplating what to focus in life.

What is your favorite or signature style of belly dance that you teach or perform? Do you have a specialty that people recognize you for?

The style of belly dance I perform and teach is Tribal Fusion Style Belly Dance. Taking the basics from the American Tribal Style belly dance, I fuse some movements from other dance forms, such as flamenco, hip hop, modern dance, and classical Indian dance.

I didn’t know about this dance style when I initially started belly dancing. I used to dance Egyptian cabaret style, however, when I discovered Tribal Fusion Style, I immediately fell in love with this style. The movements are very grounded, muscular, rigid yet smooth, dark yet soft. I love everything about it.

People say that my characteristic of dance is flowy and slow. I personally choose to dance slow and big, but I change the mood and dynamics depending on what kind of music I’m dancing to.

Do you have any special projects you are working on personally that you would like to share about?

I formed a troop that consists of me and my belly dance students. We started off as a simple student troop, but we recently names ourselves Phoenix Dance Project. We are putting together a new performance piece for next Camera Obscura hosted by DJ Nocturna at the Manifest on September 11th.

Links: http://www.djnocturna.com/ http://www.myspace.com/808cameraobscura

my website (currently still under construction): nataliephoenix.com

Why do you love belly dancing?

Because my soul connects to the dance form. I love the movements, and I adore the arts and crafts, music and people that are connected to it.

What is your favorite music to dance to? Why? Any favorite bands/groups/artists?

I love many different genres of music, but when it comes to performing, I tend to choose electronic music that has good beats and melodies that have a hint of world music like Indian, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, and Balkan. I especially love melodies played by string instruments such as the guitar, oud/lute, and violin. Something about the sound of string instruments “gets” me. ...So it’s pretty important to have the bass line, drum beat, and the melody that I feel connected to, because I want to express those parts of the songs through my dance. I feel good when I can express certain moods of the music with the dance, and that’s when I can capture the audience.

Favorite costume elements?

When you see me wear pants for performance or practice, it’s by Melodia Designs almost all the time. Melodia makes really cute dance pants and the tribal fusion dancers cannot get away from them :) The tribal jewelry that are used as embellishments of the costume are from the Kuchi and Turkoman tribe of Afghanistan. I wrap many shawls around my hips to have the gypsy look. I personally really love the steampunk fashion and accessories (growing up watching many Japanese fantasy animations), so I attach gears, and old buttons on my costume as well. 1920’s vintage fashion style has become a bit of a trend, and I really love the antique lacy fabric and rhinestones. I can see the ebb and flow in tribal fusion fashion as we move back and forth from and to the good old Egyptian style and Tribal style.

I use scimitar swords for my dance performance many times, and the sword is made by Saroyan. I used to dance with zills (finger cymbals) more before, and those are by Saroyan as well. Saroyan makes really good quality zills and swords.

As for make-up, I use Mac. I dab on lots and lots of black (or dark blue) on my eyelids and beyond. I might use another metallic color on a small part of my eyelids. Then, I put a thick layer of eyeliner and long fake eyelashes. Audience are far away from the stage usually, and being Asian, I need to try harder to make my eyes pop up.

Favorite Colors?

Mmmm... depends, but material wise, I like dark red, black, and cream (off-white). Around my living quarters, I like brown and off white. I like purple and blue stones and silver jewelry. My absolute favorite is the color of the atmosphere, the crisp air with the sense of solitude and comfort around 5pm where the sun is at the angle between mid afternoon and dusk.

Favorite Quotes (regarding dance or life):

“Beauty is a manifestation of secret natural laws, which otherwise would have been hidden from us forever.” - Goethe

“A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” - Confucius

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” - Einstein

You were studying belly dance and had your own troupe before you joined the Shakti Dance Movement. Can you tell me a little bit about your troupe and the sort of performing that you guys did?

The troop I had before Shakti Dance Movement was called Nadeshiko. It comprised of seven other Japanese belly dancers who I met in Hawaii through belly dance. Each one of us had different taste in dance with different dance backgrounds. Since I facilitated the troop, I decided to have a uniformed style as a group, and I chose to do group performances with many pieces from ATS (American Tribal Style), which is made up of universal sets of movement combinations that are distinct to this style. Many of us were not used to dancing in a belly dance troop, let alone tribal style, so I figured it’s the best to start by learning and performing ATS (which is the basis for the Tribal Fusion Style that I now do). The ladies in Nadeshiko also danced salsa, so we performed at many salsa events. That was a change of scene for the salsa community for sure... that inspired some other ladies from the salsa community to do salsa fusion belly dance. Nadeshiko went on for over a year before each of us started to follow our own passion (some Egyptian style, some pursuing salsa, and me-tribal fusion).

What was it like to meet Kalae and become a part of the Shakti Dance movement?

I had seen Kalae dance at haflas when either of us used to dance Egyptian style. A few years after she started the tribal fusion belly dance troop I started going to her belly dance classes. That was around the time I was performing with the Nadeshiko girls. I quickly learned the choreography in class and started to perform unofficially as a part of Shakti Dance Movement. A couple months down the line, I asked if I could be a member of Shakti, she the girls said “Of course. You were pretty much adopted at this point.” I was really happy to join a troop of strong dancers, and moreover, it’s tribal fusion style belly dance, which I connect to the best. Kalae especially strives to make our performance really tight, so she has us drill the moves a lot and makes sure I have my attention to every single parts of my body to present good posture. I learned a lot through dancing in the troop, and my dance techniques definitely has improved a lot. The girls in Shakti are very passionate about dancing, and I love being around them.

You have one the most sensational tattoos! Can you tell me about your phoenix tattoo? What does it signify for you and a little about the design, did you design it or is it a historic design you discovered somewhere?

Thank you very much for the compliment on my tattoo :) It is an Asian Phoenix. It is called “Hoo-oo” or “Suzaku” in Japanese. Hoo-oo is a mythical king of birds having different parts of the body from different types of birds. The realization of phoenix comes out to be different from culture to culture, but the concept and the representation of phoenix exist all over the world. Suzaku is from the Chinese constellation and it is translated as the vermilion bird of the South. It is the guardian of the direction of South, and it represents the element of fire and the season summer.

I did not come up with the exact design until I went to the tattoo artist. He trained in Japan and knows a lot of Japanese art. I made a rough sketch of how I want the phoenix to look and the placement of it on my torso, and showed it to him. I completely trusted the tattoo artist so he began to freestyle and draw the phoenix right on my body with a marker (without coming up with a sketch on paper), I liked it so we just had it inked right away. I didn’t really specify the coloring of the phoenix so it was completely his taste. I did not like the coloring at first (it wasn’t what I imagined it to be...)... but it grew on me... also many people (even random people when I’m out shopping) have complimented the colors so then that helped me boost my liking. And the last thing that helped me love the tattoo was when I went to Japan and saw the phoenix painted on a temple wall... it had the exact same colors. Then I realized that the tattoo artist really knew what he was doing.

I love what phoenix represents (in all cultures). I like the concept of rebirth and metamorphosis... like the Asian philosophy of “change is constant,” and like the quote by Heraclitus “everything is in a state of flux” (which is my other tattoo on my mid-back written in Greek). Also, I was born in summer and I am obsessed with the direction South (from what Suzaku respresents). Someone once told me that my guardian angel is a big bird. So I’m very connected to phoenix.

I have been using the stage name Natalie Phoenix (N. Phoenix to be precise) since I was 12 years old when I used to go to comic conventions in Japan and sell my anime art :)

You also teach tribal fusion belly dance. When and where do you teach?

I teach tribal fusion belly dance every Saturday at Manoa Dance Studio.

2-3pm is technique drills, and 3-4pm is choreography class.

I hope you will come to see Natalie perform this Friday October 1st at the

Chinatown Courtyard in Downtown Honolulu

5pm - 7pm

The Nouveau Gypsy

art exhibit & bohemian night market

The Next dancer I am Painting is...

2010-09-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Natalie Phoenix

of Shakti Dance Movement

Natalie will be performing at my art show

THE NOUVEAU GYPSY

at the Chinatown Courtyard in Downtown Honolulu

THIS FRIDAY!!!

So if you are on Oahu October 1st 5pm-7pm

come see Natalie dance!

West Hawaii Today- Art Section 9/24/10

2010-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Nouveau Gypsy makes Big Island Papers!
I hope we get a good turn out.

I think the writer was a little confused though- because they put my photograph in the paper with a caption that this was a photo of the performer... oops! Oh well- what can you do?

http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2010/09/24/features/features01.txt

Portrait of a Flamenco Dancer...

2010-09-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of Rubina Carmona: Flamenco Dancer & Festera

I always admire painters who can make a painter come alive with realism. The paintings where you can almost reach into the painting and touch something that is cold and hard shiny metal or soft silky fabric.

Those are the paintings that can fool you into wondering "what am I looking at? A photograph? Or a painting?"

But when I consider the paintings that I enjoy the most- they are paintings that look like paintings. I really love especially giving near realism attention to one detail in the painting and then leaving the rest rough and painterly. Perhaps this style annoys the perfectionist in some, because to them, the painting looks unfinished. But to me, it is the privilege of the painter- to be able to do something that does not exist in nature. This is the sort of artwork that a photographer couldn't do... not without graphic special effects at least. To pick and choose the level of detail to reveal and to do so liberally, is one of the advantages of working with paint.
In this painting I am revealing two things- one being the obvious: my subject, Rubina materializing out of a swirl of thick chaotic color...
but the other is my medium: by working thickly with them in the ways in which I can use them- thin, watery washes, clumpy juicy textural globs, .... I am revealing their nature and their potential.
So you see my idea and my means to express it- even in the photograph I think it easy to recognize the three dimensional characteristics of the medium.
What is harder to see in the photograph is the silky iridescence of the silk scarf. Using Metallics underneath a thin wash of burgundy, I was able to achieve that sparkle one sees when you walk past something silk that catches the light.
If you want to experience that special detail, you'll have to join me at

This painting of Rubina (along with all the other dancer portraits I have been doing) will be on display for the first time at this art exhibition and night market.
OCTOBER 1st FRIDAY 5- 10pm
at the CHINATOWN COURTYARD
in DOWNTOWN HONOLULU

I do hope you'll join us!
RSVP to the official invite here

Interview with Rubina Carmona

2010-09-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

hehehe still teasing you- I will show you her face next time

Hi Stephanie;

I'm going to start on these questions.

1. I first encountered flamenco in the early 1960's in San Francisco, almost by accident. I was wandering around North Beach, San Francisco, and walked into the Old Spaghetti Factory, a well known flamenco hangout for decades.

2. I have been teaching and performing for over 40 years.

3. I grew up in the S.F. Bay Area, and have lived in Seattle for over twenty years. I've live nearly 4 years in Spain and 14 years in Los Angeles.

4. The most interesting places I've been are Sevilla, Jerez and Cadiz, the "flamenco triangle" where the artform was born and recognised.

5.I started in San Francisco in 1964 with Isa Mura and Sara de Luis, then proceeded to Madrid with Mercedes and Albano Leon and singer Bernardo de los Lobitos. I subsequently studied intensively between 1970-73 with Matilde Coral in Sevilla and with singer Joselero de Moron.

6. The most important thing a flamenco dancer can do is Listen to the singing (cante); understanding that is key to dancing well. Of course practicing technique and building strength is also very important.

7. My most unusual experience was being called up on stage by La Fernanda de Utrera (the late, beloved singer) to dance bulerias in the Caseta de Alcala at the Feria de Sevilla in 1971.

8. The main topic of my article is some background history on flamenco. Then there is a portion on the different styles and rhythms, and some background on me.

9. I am semi retired from dancing now (at age 67), but am still actively teaching. I am also one of the most accomplished singers in the U.S. (Rachel is now studying cante with me, along with numerous other people.)
I also design and construct my own costumes.

10. I like the "festero" style of singing and dancing popular songs por bulerias or por rumba. I have also loved Alegrias as both a cante or baile (song or dance) and have combined the two functions in one number. I also love reciting poetry to flamenco rhythms. People recognize me as a "festera".

11. I direct and choreograph for "La Peña Flamenca de Seattle", a group of advanced students of guitar, singing and dance who are now emerging professionals. They perform full concerts several times each year.
I am also principal singer for Carmona Flamenco, our professional group. Information on both, and photos, can be found at www.fanw.org.

12. I love dancing because it is the most musical exercise, and therefore the most interesting to me. It has kept me fit and healthy for years. It combines mind and body in a uniquely aesthetic way..

13, I almost always dance with live music; my husband is a guitarist, and my son a percussionist. I also have access to other fine guitarists and percussionists in Seattle.

14. Flamenco costumes generally consist of long, fitted skirts with ruffles, fitted tops, large and small shawls and earrings and combs. Shoes are specially made for percussive delivery and support. Best sites: www.flamenco-world.com; www.flamencoconnection.com;www.flamencoexport.com. There are flamenco supplies now available in the larger cities at designated dance stores.

15. Most flamenco dancers really like red, purple and black; I'm partial to black with green tourquoise or white.

16. "The Question!" What is it that attracts you to flamenco, musically, aesthetically, psychologically? My husband, for instance, loves its elegance and ritual, and at the same time its rebelliousness. I love the rhythms and tonalities, and the interesting footwork patterns.

There, I think I got 'em all; hope that is helpful. You can read the whole megillah in the chapter I wrote for Rachel.

You may leave a comment answering Rubina's question for you if you like, but I am very sorry that I do not a prize to give away this week. I was hoping to have my own product to give away but I am very sad because the order that arrived today was completely and utterly wrong :(

Announcing...

2010-09-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

The next dancer I will be painting...

hehe I am such a tease!

Her name is Rubina Carmena

she is not my usual belly dancer

She is a flamenco dancer

wanna see her face, don't you?

hehehehe

guess you'll have to come back tomorrow ;)

you will be able to see Rubina's finished portrait and more, in person, at this event...

(hint: click on the banner for a more detailed invitation)

And the winner is.....

2010-08-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Karen!!!!!
AnnaElizabeth also wins a Zen and Coffee discount!!!
Just email (etsy contact) Wren at Zen and Coffee to collect your prizes!!!!
Congratulations ladies!

Portrait is Finished- what do you think?

2010-08-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

HAUNANI!

This painting has ALOT of three dimensional elements.

Her hair is full of them, her bindi, her gloves...

and if you like those gloves- you can get a pair of your own fingerless gloves from

Zen & Coffee Designs just sold her 500th pair of gloves TODAY! (Congratulations Wren!)

These gloves are flying off the shelves &

YOU have a chance to win a pair for FREE!!!

Just leave a comment answering the question:

What is your theme song?

(leave any links or explanations you think would help your chances)

TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN

winner will be announced tomorrow

(If you have any trouble leaving a comment email me & I will add your comment for you)

Portrait Progress...

2010-08-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Progress on Haunani's portrait

Check out this teaser from Culture Flux Magazine!

2010-08-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Culture Flux magazine is featuring some of my artwork in a really different way- see the link below for a sneak peek:

http://www.culturefluxmagazine.com/index.php/sights/489-coming-soon-the-beautiful-tribal-fusion-paintings-of-stephanie-bolton

kSea makes some really cool video reports on interesting bands, dancers & entertainers.

His reports are very personal and candid looks into the lives of these people who do some really unique and killer things. Check out Culture Flux Magazine regularly to read & watch & meet great musicians & performers.

Interview with Haunani

2010-08-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the answer the question I have for YOU at the end of this interview for a chance to win some terribly cute fingerless gloves by the sensational

Haunani says...

How do you define “Belly Dance”?
I see it as an ancient feminine dance associated with birthing. This dance, like most forms of ancient dance, has evolved with the times. It now has many different braches of the dance forms such as tribal fusion belly dance or cabaret.
How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?
Honestly, my first intriguing factor was at Ross’s Dress for Less when I was looking through some of their fitness DVDs and videos. I wanted to get fit and belly dance seemed like a fun and motivating way to do it.
How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?
I started cabaret style belly dance in 2003. That same year I switched it up and began studying tribal fusion belly dance. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up on the Windward side of O’ahu. I currently live in Kailua.
Where is the most interesting place that belly dance has taken you?
Hmmm…I think I’m still waiting for that.
Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?
Well, I definitely view Kalae (artistic director of Shakti Dance Movement) as a great mentor. She gives me great inspiration, however all of the gals of Shakti Dance Movement are very inspiring and the best dance partners eva! I do find much inspiration from all members of the Indigo (Rachel, Mardi, and ZOE!), Kami Liddle, Zafira, and TribalTique.
What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?
Practice! It produces a strong dancer, makes you more comfortable in the dance, and it really shows on stage. Also, facial expressions are important to work on too such as smiling, smirking and eye contact.
What is the most unusual experience you have had belly dancing?
I did read Kalae’s questionnaire, and I really don’t think that anything can top that experience. Right in the middle of our performance our host stops us from dancing because he finds out it’s Tara’s birthday and demands all his male friends give her a lap dance! Way crazy! So funny!
Do you have any other special talents/skills/occupations besides (or that compliment) your belly dancing?
I have a 3-month-old baby. She is my world. When I do have time for myself, I like to do crafts (sew and crochet).
Why do you love belly dancing?
Dancing has become a passion for me over the years. The movements are fun and so beneficial for your body and soul. The costumes are fabulous and fun too! I loved even being a pregnant belly dancer; it made belly dancing for me that much more meaningful.
What is your favorite music to dance to? Why? Any favorite bands/groups/artists?
I like the drums; it makes you wanna move. Beats Antique and Raquey and the Caveman are fun to dance to.
Favorite Colors?
I’m attracted to earthy shades of color: greens, blues, browns, plum.
Favorite Quotes (regarding dance or life):
“Everything we do, we do for love. The beauty of love is that in giving it away, you are left with more than you had before”. –David Simon
What is it like being a belly dancer in Hawaii? Do people wonder why you aren’t dancing hula (lol)? Are you able to find an audience for this kind of dance where you live or do you need to travel to find (or create) opportunities to perform? What kind of events/venues have you performed at?
I love being a belly dancer in Hawaii. I think tribal style is a unique dance form and it stands out and really makes an impression on audiences. Of course since we live in Hawaii, people do compare hula to belly dance. There are similarities like certain hip movements. The type of dance we do is always evolving and Shakti Dance Movement is always evolving too. I think we’re always trying to be innovative with the choreography and consuming. Costuming is a huge part of our dance because it adds so much interest and sometimes emphasizes certain dance moves. I do think that there is a wide range of audience for the type of dance we do…I think other dancers appreciate what we do because they can relate to us as dancers. I think that other [cabaret] belly dancers for sure relate to our dance. Other audiences are people interested in art or fashion, and the club scene…but not “pop” type of clubs more underground clubs/music. We do travel to California (SF Bay area) to perform and learn and get inspiration. The tribal style of belly dance is huge in that area. There are many dance festivals popping up across the US. The largest one being Tribal Fest held in Sebastopol, CA. I have performed with Shakti at many different venues, most of the venues were at nightclubs and community events. We have put on a few productions of our own, showcasing dancers we sponsored to the islands to teach and perform.
You did study Tahitian style dance before you discovered belly dance. What similarities or differences do you see in these two dance forms? Do you ever combine them in your choreographies?
The similarities are mainly the hip movements such as “figure eights”, “hip bumps”, and “umi”. Those types of hip movements are almost always in the choreographies we do.
How long have you been dancing with the Shakti Dance Movement tribal fusion dance company? How did you discover this company and did it take any special training to become a part of it?
Since 2004. I found Kalae’s class at the local dance studio. She used to teach on Sundays and it worked with my schedule so I started taking her class. Found that it was a great workout so I stuck with it. I saw her troupe, at the time, perform and thought it was amazing. So I asked her if I could dance with them. I guess she thought I was good enough and started teaching me choreography to a beautiful Indian (Odissi) inspired piece. I’ve been dedicated to the dance ever since. Joining Shakti Dance Movement has created some beautiful friendships in my life.
You have studied with many well-known instructors, how were you able to come by these experiences? Do you regularly travel to access training from these instructors?
Being a part of Shakti has broadened my belly dance horizons and I have been introduced to many different amazing dancers…not just belly dance. We do regularly travel to Tribal Fest ever year to take classes and gain inspirations.
When you are performing are you usually performing choreographed dances or improvised dances? Or perhaps a combination of the two (if you are combining, how so?)
Most of our performances are choreographed by either Kalae or Natalie. If I ever do improv it’s usually a small solo section incorporated in our choreographed dance.

Okay- wanna know how to score your very own set of Zen & Coffee fingerless gloves?

Just leave a comment answering this question:

What's YOUR theme song?

(you can provide title & musician, link if you like so we can all hear it, and if you think it will help your chances you can explain why its your theme song)

GOOD LUCK!!!

My mini French Exhibition

2010-08-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have une petite exposition virtuelle!

(a mini virtual exhibition)

At www.Baladi.fr

Baladi portail de la danse orientale is a beautifully done website all about belly dance...

particularly if you speak French!

The link below will take you directly to the article on their webzine:

http://www.webzinedanseorientale.fr/archives/100-Stepanie-Bolton,-toutes-les-couleurs-de-la-danse-orientale.html

Announcing...

2010-08-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

The next dancer I will be painting is

Haunani!

Haunani is one of the lovely ladies who will be performing at

The Nouveau Gypsy

...an art exhibit & bohemian night market!

at the Chinatown Courtyard in Downtown Honolulu

FIRST FRIDAY October 1, 2010 5:00pm - 10:00pm

featuring the artwork of Stephanie Bolton & Ian Haight

and many other fine clothing, jewelry, arts & crafts vendors

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT will include Shakti Dance Movement belly dancers

fan & fire dancers, Henna tattoo artist: Annabel Jenkins & live music

ADMISSION= FREE! Tell your friends!

I am also SUPER excited about this week's blog sponsor

Wren makes beautiful, saucy fingerless gloves & arm warmers. A great addition to your look!

(I just bought some cute ones, myself!)

You'll have a chance to win your very own pair of

Ode to Revenge Lace fingerless gloves in Black

when you come back tomorrow to read all about Haunani!

See you then!

Congratulations!

2010-08-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tash!
...who wrote

Flash forward 10 years from now…. It’s summer 2020… where do you see the art of bellydance?

********

It's the summer of 2020 and (I think) belly dance has become; Increasingly popular, not just as a dance form but as a performance art.
With many people embracing what belly dance is ; a beautiful art form, and not what some precive it to be an inappropriate stripper dance (which its never been!) but old stereotypes die hard and some will always believe this. But people are coming to see belly dancers, whither its big stage productions or tiny venues there going to the dances. It isn't a huge cultural phenomenon but its gaining more of a market., and who knows it might be soon!
Dance studios are starting to have more belly dance classes in all kinds of styles, and in larger cities whole belly dance studios are showing up. Due to a recent realization that dance is good for young bodies elementary schools are starting to offer dance as part of the curriculum and not just an add on for P.E..
Belly dancers have looked back (and forward) and are incorporating all kinds of long forgotten dances, and are inventing whole new styles, who knew that fire dance was embraced so whole whole heartedly?

Its very hard to say where any dance form will be in 10 years, each has its own life and breath that shapes itself, each dancer almost just swinging in the breeze.

Zanbaka has chosen you to be our lucky winner!

You have won a free copy of

Foundations

Volume 1 in The Versatile Dancer Series

by Zanbaka

To claim your prize, please email me your mailing address so I can send you your book!

Thank you so much to everyone who joined in the game!

If you didn't win- try for next week's prize!

I'll be interviewing Haunani of Shakti Dance Movement

Baby Present for little Mr. Roberts ;)

2010-08-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

I took an e-course on creative business know-how by Kelly Rae Roberts

(which I highly recommend- more on that below)

and I made friends with some of my e-classmates

Sonya is one of them & she thought of this great idea:

since most of us are a bunch of artists

she is collecting quilt squares of our artwork to make a baby blanket for our teacher's new baby

(did I mention Kelly Rae Roberts was pregnant ...& still is... during our course?)

See the quilt square I made- and others- HERE

...now about this e-course:

If you have any aspirations to get your artwork published

publish a book

build a blog worth reading

figure out how to make social networking work for you

create a website to show & sell your artwork online

get your art in galleries - show at crafts shows

get licensed

She will explain the ins & outs of these things and more

with VERY INFORMATIVE interviews of the editors of magazines and book companies and

award-winning blogsters who give you insider tips!!!

It is a great course!

Since baby is on the way, she doesn't know when she will be offering it again, but never fear!

She created an e-book course that you can do on your own from the class material!

Just click on the badge below to get your copy!

THE Versatile Dancer!

2010-08-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Zanbaka by Stephanie Bolton

Please remember if you leave a comment answering this:

Flash forward 10 years from now…. It’s summer 2020… where do you see the art of bellydance? Has it grown in popularity? Are the old stereotypes a thing of the past? Are there more theatre productions? Are there more bellydance studios? Are there classes offered in schools and higher educational institutions? What new innovations have bellydance artists incorporated? What elements of tradition of folkloric roots has the dance retained?

Describe how you envision bellydance to be 10 years from now!

...you may win a copy of Zanbaka's book

FOUNDATIONS
the first book in the Versatile Dancer Series!
(pictured at left- black cover)

Zanbaka Painting Sneeky-poos...

2010-08-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few glimpses of my portrait of versatile dancer, Zanbaka...

Okay... perhaps you are guessing this... but I admittedly have a "thing" for Shisha mirrors- it is true!

On a personal note (hehe- no pun intended but...) I painted onto some sheet music I used for the background because I wanted the musical notes to peep through... you see, Zanbaka's book gave me a new, clearer understanding of how music is written... how it works and what that means for the dancer.

Particularly in regards to using ziller to accompany music.

She helped me to SEE music and so I wanted music to be SEEN in her portrait.

The arches of Granada, Spain... drawing on her experiences there. Her third book is illustrated with some beautiful photographs of Spain and you can tell the beauty of this place is very much a part of her inspiration.

Here you also the see the image transfers of photographs of her that I also collaged my canvas with, so they would weave in and out of view through the paint.

(more examples of this below)

I loved this velvety metallic wallpaper I found. The scrolling design felt like it fit the ambiance I was trying to create. There is also Zanbaka's photo that I printed onto old pages of a weathered book & used for background. Below that, black lace,... more flamenco infuence.

Postal stamping adds the suggestion of travel = gypsy.

Please remember if you leave a comment answering this:

Describe how you envision bellydance to be 10 years from now!

You have a chance to win Zanbaka's book

FOUNDATIONS

The first in the Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer Series!

Interview with Zanbaka

2010-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Interview with Zanbaka

DON'T FORGET TO ANSWER ZANBAKA'S QUESTION FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF HER BOOK!

How & when did you first encounter belly dancing?

My freshman year of college in ‘95…. There was a class offered through the UW Electives catalogue for a bellydance class with (my future bellydance teacher!) Mish Mish. I would have to say what got me to class was my interest in music at the time… I was listening to a lot of Dead Can Dance and other obscure music that had a world music feel. I studied years of ballet, tap, and jazz growing up and lost interest in my teen years. This new (and scary) venture turned out to be a serendipitous opportunity that ignited my passion for dance when I reunited with it as a young adult… and it truly changed my life and I wouldn’t be the same today without it.

How long have you been dancing (professionally/teaching)?

More than a decade now…..wow, has it been that long?

Who were some of your mentors/teachers/inspirations along the way?

So many! I’m a big believer in giving credit where credit is due… if I’ve gained a huge revelation from an hour long class or if someone’s inspired me through years of study, I feel it’s important to acknowledge that. Mish Mish, Yemaya (formerly of Seattle), the original ladies of Goddess Squad, Troupe Rose, Dalia Carella, Rubina Carmona, all of the wonderful dancers I’ve has the opportunity to collaborate with in ensemble settings, Oscar Nieto, Sara de Luis, Carolena Nerricio/FCBD, Paulette Rees-Denis/Gypsy Caravan, Yasmela (Shelly Muzzy), Elizabeth Dennis, Melissa Ruby, Madam Habib, Ratna Roy, all of the instructors at Mendocino Music and Dance Camp, Tamalyn Dallal, Jill Parker, Artemis Mourat, dancers who have inspired me from afar Romani Urban Tribal Bellydance, John Compton/Hahbi Ru, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes and I’m sure there are many more!

What valuable advice would you like to pass on to novice dancers?

No matter what level of dance you’re at or what your goals are….. Learn how to embrace constructive criticism and feedback with gratitude, grace, and an open heart. This can be a very difficult process if you’re new to dance/movement classes. (And I must mention if you feel that your instructor is being verbally abusive… by all means, RUN!) Understand that when an instructor picks you out to give you feedback, it’s usually because they see something special in you, and want you to reach your full potential. In our society, corrections or feedback are often regarded with negativity… but in dance, we must use these as tools to fuel us, evolve, progress, and push us forward.

What is your favorite or signature style of belly dance that you teach or perform? Do you have a specialty that people recognize you for?

I love all styles of bellydance…. I’ve never really put restraints on myself as far as studying a particular style. I think there’s something to be learned from studying with various teachers who specialize and are comfortable within a particular style. I a love being a bellydance chameleon, but I also think it’s important to be able to recognize ‘bodies of movement’ that are commonly accepted within each style genre and to be aware of those differences when creating your own pieces. With each project or piece I may gravitate toward a certain body of movements depending on the tools of dance composition, purpose, context, solo or group, or what the music calls for.

Do you have any special projects you are working on personally that you would like to share about?

In the bellydance world I’m working on video-documenting some of my old choreographies right now, some new pieces, and outlines for my companion videos for my books and all the other details that go along with that big project.

Why do you love belly dancing?

So many reasons! The music…. the grounded, earthy movements that compliment a woman’s body so well…… the dichotomy and contrast of slow, sinuous movements and sharp, rapid, percussive isolations….. the melding of cultures that has influenced the many branches of older and newer forms of bellydance….. the transformative experiences that that some people gain through studying bellydance, especially the aspects of self-love and body acceptance (within healthy boundaries, of course!), the opportunity and gateway to learn about other cultures, history, current events, etc., I feel that no matter what differences we have across the globe, art is what makes us civilized and art transcends language/borders/religion/politics.

What is your favorite music to dance to? Why?

My obsession with music is akin to those people you see on the ‘hoarding reality shows’ on tv. I’ve got boxes of cd’s in storage and external hard drives that seem to

fill up too fast. As much music as I’ve acquired, I’ve always been pretty picky with music that I dance to. I love to dance to Middle Eastern Music as well as Non-Middle Eastern World music. I really like to honor the origins and context of music no matter where it comes from and when making a set of music, compiling pieces so there is a flow and a purpose to it and making sure the pieces relate to one another. My current fav’s have more to do with musical elements… I’ve really been infatuated with the piano, cello, all sorts of rhythms and syncopation, female voices singing in harmony, the deep tone of frame drums, and the intricacies of flamenco singing.

Favorite costume elements?

My latest costume acquisition is a professionally made Bata de Cola, which is a Flamenco dress or skirt with tiered ruffled and a long train or “cola”. Dancing in it is a dream… and thankfully I haven’t hit the floor yet… those things are dangerous!

Lately I’ve actually been paring down my costume collection to things that are really immaculate, unique, meaningful, rare or well made. I’ve disassembling old pieces that I made in a rush (sewing until the late hours before a big performance, anyone?) and recreating them into something new. I did this with a bangle belt recently that’s adorned with my favorite tribal pendants and coins. Every time I’ve flown with it in my carry-on, it’s a given that I’ll get directed to the bag inspection queue.

Your photo is on the cover of Kajira’s twice sold out editions of the Tribal Bible ( that now sells for no less than $200 online)- since I have never seen one in person, can you tell me about what that book is about and why you are on the cover?

(Awww! I can send and loan you my copy, if you’d like!!!!) I was fortunate enough to be in touch with Kajira when she was looking for artwork/photo submissions for the 2nd edition of her book . (What I would give for an original 1st Edition!) I was so surprised to be included on the cover collage and *extremely* honored. Kajira has put together such a wonderful piece of work. I’ve heard rumors of another edition to be printed and I hope the rumors are true!

You have written the most comprehensive belly dance instructional book series I have yet to encounter (Belly dance for the Versatile Dancer vol. I, II, III). Would you like to tell me about when you decided to take on the task of making a truly useable “textbook” for teaching belly dance? What is the philosophy employed that make your books so very accessible?

Thanks for your kind words, Stephanie! The whole thing began with a pretty serious health issue. I took a step back from teaching group classes and cut a few other dance commitments out to relax and enjoy life for a while! One late night, I was going through my stacks of class handouts and notes and thought to myself… I should really compile these into an organized manual for my students! From there the manuals grew into different volumes for each level or subject and after a while I decided I was going to self-publish on the off chance that other dancers might find the information helpful, too. Once I made that decision, it really helped solidify my vocabulary for explaining *how* certain isolations are oriented or what directions a movement should take. The whole process has had a profound and transformative effect on how I explain things when I teach and I feel the process has made me a better instructor.

What made you decide to make the upcoming book in this series a compilation of work from multiple authors?

There are so many talented dancers, researchers, historians, ethnologists, etc, out there that I felt a second hand offering with the same writing style and voice wouldn’t be as rich and diverse as a collection with all the contributors and their points of view. I want my readers to experience a taste of these great contributors, even if they’ve never studied with them in person. If we can all raise money for a non-profit while we’re at it, then everyone wins!

How many books will be in the entire series once it is complete? What is coming up?

Hopefully Seven… but maybe more?

I: Foundations

II: Shapes, Patterns, & Layers

III: More Shapes, Patterns, & Layers

IV. History, Styles, & Fusion with Fortitide w/ guest writers)

V. Floorwork, Veilwork, Props & Dangerous Diversions

VI. Choreography & Free Form Improvisation

VII. Zanbaka's Repertoire for Tribal Group Improvisation [[[My experimentations in Group Improv which are influenced by work in Flamenco, Orissi, and Folkloric Bellydance, and new takes on dynamic formations]]]

And will any of those upcoming books include the work of other authors like the fourth?

I hope so! We shall see!

What would be your ultimate dream for your books?

I just hope that they’ll always be around, many years from now, for people to enjoy… and hopefully enhance their dancing. I also hope to produce some videos to accompany each volume sometime in the near future.

You are also an accomplished flamenco dancer as well. When did you begin to study this dance form (was it before or after belly dance)? And how were you exposed to it?

I always describe bellydance as my “gateway drug” to flamenco. I took a workshop with Dalia Carella at Caravan Studio in Portland, OR over a decade ago. The high level of dance that she demanded in her workshops, the attention to detail and rhythm, the respect for drawing from fusion forms that she emphasized in her workshops was truly inspiring.

As soon as I got back to Seattle, I ravenously hunted down information for Rubina Carmona’s Flamenco classes, Sawe’s West African Dance classes, and Dr. Ratna Roy’s East Indian Orissi classes. Ratna’s classes were in Olympia, an hour or so drive away from Seattle, but after much begging and arranging for a Seattle studio for her, she agreed to make the trek here on a weekly basis. The next six months were filled with rich rhythms and dance with my zealous attendance to classes. Mondays, I went to an early Flamenco class and taught my bellydance classes later on that evening. Wednesdays I went to Sawe’s lengthy West African dance class with a huge ensemble of live drumming accompaniment hammering out poly-rhythms. Thursdays I had troupe practice. Saturdays more Flamenco, and Sundays I pounded out choka excercises in Ratna’s class. As the demand increased for more group and private classes in my teaching schedule and taking on a student troupe, I had to give up my regular attendance at Orissi classes. When Rubina invited me to join La Pena Flamenca de Seattle, I had to make a choice between that and the time conflict with Sawe’s class. Flash forward many years to present day, Bellydance and Flamenco are still battling it out for alpha dog position in my schedule and priorities. I still drop into other dance classes and new classes as my schedule allows, at least for the experience of being back in the beginner’s point of view.

Do you find your belly dance influenced by flamenco? Or vice versa? Are you influenced by other dance forms or are there other forms of “cross training” that you practice?

I think both forms lend themselves well to enhancing the other, once you’ve studied both for a while. “Cutting and pasting” movements from one into the other can lead to disastrous results and can appear really gimmicky…which is probably true for any venture in fusion. With a mindful approach, the layers of foundations complement each other very well. Flamenco arm carriage was a huge asset to my early experimentations in tribal group improv, because at that time there were no tribal improv/ATS instructors in Seattle (although Seattle has quite a great history

of Jamila style/old-style/classic tribal). Present day in my belly dance pieces, Flamenco has given me so much in regard to attention to fractional and unique rhythms, body lines and composition, turns, and emotive expressions that honor the full spectrum of universal life experiences: the good, the bad, and the ugly as opposed to just the positive side of the emotive spectrum.

Do you think that “cross training” is important in learning to become an exceptional belly dancer?

I think it can definitely help! It really depends on the individual and their background/experience, but other kinds of dance, yoga, pilates, martial arts, fitness, strength training, can all be extremely helpful in enhancing dance and dance longevity. The most important thing is to never stop learning, always be open to new experiences in movement, new music, and new ways to think about movement in a cerebral sense.

For a chance to win a FREE copy of Zanbaka's first book in the Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer Series: FOundations, please leave a comment answering this question:

proudly announcing...

2010-08-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

The next belly dancer I am interviewing...

ZANBAKA

Zanbaka is recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest for her well-conceptualized performance pieces, researched fusion styles, and elaborate group and solo choreographies. In addition to teaching numerous workshops locally and nationally, she is sought after as an instructor by absolute beginners who want a thorough foundation in technique to seasoned performers who want to challenge their limits.

Zanbaka is also the authoress of a fabulous series of books designed to teach belly dance in a variety ways:
The Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer Series.
*pictured at right

These books give a very thorough exploration of key concepts in this art form.

Her approach really opens the door to endless possibilities for growth & mastery in any style of
belly dance.

I particularly appreciate how she narrows down a simple terminology for communicating what she wants you to do with your body. As an instructor who was taught by several different people, I know that I have been bombarded with several different names to call and ways to explain the same moves.

Her approach to explaining the moves leaves no room for miscommunication so I think it is a great resource for instructors, so they can learn better communication skills with regards to explaining to their students what they would like them to do.

I highly recommend these books and this week you will have a chance to win
Volume One: Foundations!!!
(regularly $45 + shipping)

Just leave a comment answering Zanbaka's question:

And the winner is...

2010-08-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hannah

who wrote:

HanRuthie said...

The first thing that comes to mind is offering food and drink when someone arrives at your home for a visit. A comfortable place to sleep and a fresh, clean place to wash up, with necessities carefully placed for the guests convenience--but all this is just action, ringing hollow if it isn't done with thoughtfulness. So, to me, hospitality is an outward showing of your inner thoughtfulness, consideration, and ultimate respect for the guest--whether your offering is an expensive tea or a glass of water.

Thanks so much for playing!

I hope you enjoy your

Chocolate Haupia Whipped Shea Cream

from Passion Moon Potions

Unveiling....

2010-08-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

AMEL TAFSOUT

There is writing on the wall in French, German, & Arabic. An Algerian design going down the left hand column. I actually had my sons go along the beach collecting cowrie shells for me to make the necklace actual shells but they were all too large and would have made her look like Wilm Flintstone so I just painted them very raised to look more dimensional.

Real shisha mirrors along the true sari fabric edge.

Please comment answering this question:

Can you Share what Hospitality means to you?

for a chance to win

Chocolate Haupia Whipped Shea Cream

from Passion Moon Potions

This painting will be viewable in person at this event:

A work in progress...

2010-08-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Real fabric Sari edge

See the finished painting tomorrow!

For a chance to win some Chocolate Haupia Whipped Shea Cream

from Passion Moon Potions

Photos I am working from...

2010-08-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

An endearing smile!

She has special eye for combining textures and pattern.

Unfortunately, sometimes the photos people send me are a little too small for me to really use but I do appreciate the fluid pose of this last one by Denise Marino.