Hey There! Thanksgiving weekend is nearly upon us, and I’ve been enjoying our lovely late-summer weather; particularly dancing outdoors for the Epic Walk, on September 27th. We had a blast, and I wish to say thanks to Halyma for rounding us up to perform as Belly Dancing For Fun, and the Cancer Foundation organizers for having us there. Here are a few photos from the event:
Ameenah
Wendy
Zeevah
Eurika
Cassandra
Siddiqah – hot flash!
I’m reminded this time of year to be thankful for many things, including dance, and occasional movie work as a background performer. These activities have opened the door to friendship, fun, community service; and promoted a sense of belonging, productivity, and purpose. Retirement from the government-grind has finally unlocked a real feeling of freedom and creativity, while introducing me to very talented and wacky members of the thriving arts and entertainment community. Ottawa has become home, and I’m blessed to have good friends, great students, moderately good health, and fun stuff to look forward to, as I transition into the deep uncharted waters of middle-age…a bit scary, but what the hell, it’s an adventure!
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September so far is super! Started teaching my awesome BCA students at our new location – Greenboro Community Centre, and it’s a lovely studio.
This past weekend, I took part in a belly dance workshop at Studio X, hosted by Jehane Khan of Dunyia Studio, and instructed by Aziza….wow! Our theme was travel, transitions, and technique. It was a lot of fun to learn new stuff, and we all worked very hard to achieve the technical and artistic goals she set for us. That evening, I got to watch Aziza dance at a local Turkish restaurant. She’s an incredible teacher and performer; with high energy, charisma, and phenomenal skills. It was a real honour to be in her class, and I’m hoping to sign up again the next time she comes to town. Even though I was initially worried about keeping up, and that perhaps I wasn’t at a high enough skill level to fit in, it turned out to be a wonderful experience; I felt welcome and able to hold my own amongst all the other participants…even those half my age! Lesson learned…it’s better to believe in yourself and take a chance on something new and scary, than to sit back and regret a missed opportunity.
So, this weekend, I’ll be dancing outdoors with Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun troupe, in support of the Ontario Cancer Foundation’s Epic Walk. You can read the details on my Events page, and if you’d like to join us, we’d love to have you there…come on out and dance with us!! Best shimmies…
Aziza Workshop
Happy Hips
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation Epic Walk
Saturday, Sept. 27th
It’s that time of year again, all you lovely aspiring divas! The kids are heading back to school, and (oh no!) summer’s nearly over. Maybe you’ve been thinking about taking a dance class, but can’t seem to find time in your busy schedule? I hear ya! But here’s a thought…try and think of it in terms of investing in your own health. An hour of “me time” with music, movement, and artistic expression can do wonders for your fitness, energy level, and femininity…meow! Dancing is an opportunity to shut out all those “to do” lists, or a bad day at work; tie on that hip scarf, and you can finally take a deep breath, relax, share a few smiles, and simply enjoy the moment with other like-minded ladies, before returning refreshed to all that multi-tasking you’re so good at. Check out my Classes page for information on where to look for available lessons and teachers here in Ottawa…we’re blessed with talent…there’s something for everyone – from basic beginner to show-pros. So invest in yourself, ’cause you’re fabulous!
image by alternatevisions
Siddiqah, using Shibori silk veil as checkered flag…custom costume by TAV-Creations
Last weekend, colourful ladies from Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun, and Bollywood For Fun, got together to offer our support for awesome female athletes, at the annual “Emilie’s Run” event, held at the Canadian Aviation Museum. We cheered and zinged our zills, as fleet-footed runners neared the finish line in a 5km race; then later, for the kids’ run. We also performed a couple of choreographies indoors, at the awards ceremony; then some of us had to scamper away for costume changes, as there were other events taking place on a busy Saturday, when a dancer’s work is never done…whew!
Halyma, Eurika, Wendy, and Laksha
Eurika and I were scheduled to teach half-hour sessions (Bollywood and Basic Belly Dance) at the Breast Cancer Action “Shake Your Booty” event, held at Greenboro Community Centre. Despite small numbers in attendance, we were happy to lend our energy, and wish BCA every success at their next fundraiser. The programs and services they offer are invaluable to women going through diagnosis, treatment, after-care and beyond. They deserve community support in their efforts to ensure no one goes through it alone. The local dance community takes pride in volunteering their time and talent for fundraising events…we love to share our love of dance, and bring smiles wherever we can…so share a smile and a shimmy with someone today…it’s free, and feels fabulous!! Best summer wishes to all…
Eurika & Siddiqah share a hug at “Shake Your Booty” for BCA
Last week, I had the pleasure of performing with classmates, at Halyma’s Ottawa Centre Class Party. We opened the show, and Wendy and I decided to challenge ourselves by playing zills for the first time on stage. She did okay, but me??…jeez…I seem to be one of those people who can’t chew gum and walk at the same time…oh well, it’s something I’ll definitely work on for future, because zill work is so much fun.
The show was awesome, with lots of different dance styles, beautiful costumes, a supportive audience, and proud teachers wiping tears of happiness at their students’ accomplishments. That’s what this dance community is all about…women of all ages, from all walks of life, coming together to share a special bond of artistic and creative cameraderie, in a warm, welcoming setting.
Only two more classes to teach for the Spring session, and my students are shakin’ up the dance studio splendidly. Nearly time for summer vacation, and I’ll update my pages as new stuff comes along…best shimmies to all!!
Triple Trouble
Photo courtesy of RSVPhotography
Hoooray!! Finally starting to see my front lawn again, and spotted a pair of ducks behind the house yesterday…can Spring really be upon us?
Had a fun afternoon last Sunday, with my co-vendor, Wendy, at the Dancer’s Bazaar. Big hugs and thanks to Erika of Eurikadance for being the hostess with the mostest. Also thanks to the volunteer vixens, who made our set-up easy, keeping us on track for the various activities, and offering yummy snackables. More thanks to Halyma, for allowing us to parade around in our custom made Tav-Creations costumes in the fashion show.
Wendy and I were happy to pass along some treasured items to new and younger dancers, who will look beautiful on stage, and keep the inspiration to dance going strong. I was very pleased to see some current and former students there, and excited for one of my Amala lovlies, who purchased her very first Shibori Borealis silk veil. It was wonderful to mingle with members of the dance community, out-of-town vendors, various instructors, students, and newcomers to this event. Money was raised with the sale of Gee Gee Robinson’s camel collection (toonies-for-tots), and a donation will be made to CHEO in her honour…yay!!
Stay tuned for upcoming events, and why not consider signing up for a dance class in your neighbourhood? Celebrate Spring with some booty-shaking, mood-enhancing movement to music…it feels great!! For teacher/instructor information, check out: www.tav-creations.com
Fat Cat Belly Dance 