Check out the latest upcoming events for Fall, 2017:

 

Ottawa Souk, with Jocelyne Jehane Khan and Lisa-Marie Seraphin, present a new event, called “Shimmy Sangha”.  Friday, October 6th, 2017, from 7 – 9:30 p.m., at Studio X Ottawa, 250 City Centre Ave., Unit #122.  “Sangha” means community in Sanskrit, and that means it’s time to dance, ladies!  Come on out for an evening of fun, without the pressure to perform, and enjoy fabulous Middle Eastern music, practice your moves, and maybe even learn some new stuff.  Studio X is a lovely, centrally located dance studio, with plenty of parking.  Wear something comfortable, and don’t forget your water bottle.  Please note, no other food or drink allowed inside the studio (thanks).  The cost to attend is $10.  Ticket info and advance sales info coming soon…stay tuned…everyone welcome!

 

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Vixens Victorious present:   The Art of Hope Event (for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation)   Thursday, October 13th, 2016, from 7 – 10 p.m., at Kivuto Solutions/The Annex, 151 George St.  An evening dedicated to local arts, music and fashion by people whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Come see artists’ work, listen to their songs and inspiring stories; while supporting the OCRF.  Please visit the website for more information at:  http://www.vixensvictorious.ca    

I’m very pleased to be performing at this local event, with student dancer Zahara, to represent our BCA Amala troupe; dancing will be headlined by Halyma and the Belly Dancing For Fun troupe.

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Belly Dancing at the Ottawa Race Weekend!!  Sunday, May 29th, 2016

We LOVE to dance outdoors, and help out with community fundraisers; so the Ottawa belly dancing community is pleased to volunteer at the Ottawa Race Weekend this year…and you’re invited!!  We’ll be set up at a cheering station along the runner’s route, in a colourful oasis tent, with our own change room.  Great music, free-style dancing, with drums, zills, and making lots of noise, in our family-friendly bright sparkly costumes, as we cheer on the participants in their journey to raise money for various causes.  So, set your alarm clock, grab a travel mug with your favourite morning beverage; bring your BFF, toss your hip scarf and lipstick in a tote bag, and come join us!  Dancing starts at 7 a.m., and we’ll be located at the corner of Sherwood and Fairmont streets, just off Carling Ave, between Dow’s Lake and the General Hospital (see map).  **NOTE:  We may relocate just up the street in Fairmont Park to ensure safety from traffic if our station gets too popular, but we’ll be easy to find!  Need more info?  Contact me at:  fatcatbellydance@gmail.com  We’d love to have the biggest, brightest, and most enthusiastic cheering station along the route!

 

 

 

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 Shimmy Into Summer Dance Showcase – Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Wow!  It’s a big new show, and I’m very excited to have my students perform.  This event will be held on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016, at Centrepointe Theatre, on 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.  Doors open at 6:30, and the show starts at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $10 each, and are available through teachers, like me.  Performances will include student  groups, and professional instructors/performers; dance styles will range from belly dance, Bollywood, Tribal, Fusion, and theatrical.  It’s an opportunity for all of us to show off our hard work in class, and provide a great evening of entertainment.  Proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Action Ottawa’s programs for survivors.  I’m very proud to be a volunteer instructor for BCA’s “Fit and Fab” program, and you can read all about the beneficial services they offer, at:   http://www.bcaott.ca   So come on out and enjoy a lovely evening of colourful costumes, wonderful music, and artistic expression put on by dazzling divas, as we shimmy and smile for a great local cause.  Hope to see you there!

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Shopping, Shimmies and Smiles!!  Come on out for a great Sunday afternoon event.  I’ll be there all day – happy to answer any questions you may have about what to choose for your first costume or accessory purchase.  Something sparkly for everyone’s budget!  To register for my 4 p.m. one-hour beginner workshop, contact fatcatbellydance@gmail.com   Hope to see you there!

 

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Click on link below for map of Ottawa University

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May 9th, 2015…we’re gonna shake up the Capital!  Come on out and watch as 50 divine divas perform a high-energy choreography at two locations – Festival Plaza (at City Hall), and Parliament Hill.  Raising awareness on domestic violence issues, and raising money in support of Harmony House Women’s Shelter.  Read all about us at:  http://duniyastudio.com/ShimmyMob.htm  and at:  https://www.facebook.com/ShimmyMobOttawaGatineau

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Annual Dancer’s Bazaar!!

My favourite shopping spree!!  Sunday, March 8th, 2015, from noon till 4 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 McArthur Rd., Ottawa.  Free parking and admission.  Local and out-of-town vendors will showcase a dazzling display of new and gently used costumes, accessories, hip scarves, jewelry, music and more, for all things Belly Dance, Bollywood, Tribal, and Folklore- something for every style and budget.  Need costume advice or want to sign up for a class?  Just flag down any one of the helpful volunteers on hand (including me!).  Lots of local teachers will be there to offer assistance.  To help keep vendor costs low, transactions are mostly cash-only, and there’s an ATM on site.  Check out the Tarot Tent; snacks and raffle tickets will be offered for sale, and door prizes awarded.  Got questions?  Contact Erika at eurikadance@gmail.com

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Saturday, September 27th, 2014:  Calling all dancers!  Put on your pretty coin scarf, and join Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun troupe, as we free-dance, shimmy and smile in the great outdoors, in support of participants at the Epic Walk for Cancer Care.  Our cheering station will be set up on the front west side of  the War Museum (1 Vimy Place), near the river pathway.  Dancing starts at 10:30 a.m., till 1:30 p.m., rain or shine.  Need costume accessories?  Contact me, and I’ll hook you up, girl!  This is a great opportunity for newer dance students to perform in public, without the pressure of learning a structured choreography.  We’re there to offer positive energy and support to these brave survivors, their family and friends along their journey…so don’t be shy…come on out and dance for a good cause!

This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th.  The walk starts at Brittania Park, and finishes at the MapleSoft Centre; mostly following the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, with short distances going through downtown and Old Ottawa South.  Funds raised will be invested in local cancer care, including equipment and programming at the Cancer Foundation, Queensway Carleton Hospital, and Bruyere.

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Two awesome events taking place next Saturday, June 21st, 2014…it’s gonna be a busy day!!

 

First…come out and join us, as we cheer on Canada’s finest female athletes, competing in honour of olympic runner, Emilie Mondor, at the annual  “Emilie’s Run”.  This event is held at the Canadian Aviation Museum, at Rockcliffe and Aviation Parkway.  Racing starts at 9 a.m., with a 5km run, half marathon, and kids race.  Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun, and Bollywood For Fun troupe members will be there in all our shiny, glittery, jingling attire; to entertain participants, family and friends after the races.

For the second great event of the day…please see the Breast Cancer Action Ottawa poster below:

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Come on out for a fabulous evening of entertainment, and support a good cause!

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***Note** I’ve been informed that the Aziza May 10th show date has been re-scheduled, and will take place on Saturday, June 14th, at 8:30 p.m.***

Come on out to see the beautiful Aziza perform at Topkapi…she’s amazing!

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Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!!!   

  *******************************************************************   Advance ticket price is $7, and may be purchased via your PayPal account, by sending your payment to Laura at:  fatcatbellydance@gmail.com   I will add your name(s) to the guest list, so no paper ticket is required at the door.   For those who wish to pay at the door, it’s $10.  For added convenience, you may connect with Halyma’s page and:   make your $7 advance donation / buy your tickets here! Performers please note – there is a raised stage, measuring 16.5 feet wide, and 12 feet deep, with short stair access on the side.  There are two large washrooms on-site for costume change/makeup application.  Tables and chairs will be set up to allow for a cleared space in front of the stage, for audience open-dance time, and any performers who wish to get up close and personal with the audience.  Please bring your music in iPod or CD format, and a short written intro blurb, so I can properly introduce you/your group as you take the stage.  Halyma will also be accepting music digitally, in advance of the event, for any dancers who use the sign-up sheet.  *** I will update this page as we get closer to the event, and if you have questions/concerns, please feel free to contact me – just click on the “contact Fat Cat Belly Dance” text above my photo on this page (upper left).  To sign up for your stage-time, please see below: Performers are welcome to sign up online and reserve your dance time-slot on stage.    Hope to be dancing with you at this fun event!!  Best Shimmies to all.. ***************************************************************  

Stay tuned for new and exciting events in 2014…I’ll do my best to keep you up to date as they get closer.  For now, why not sign up for one of the great classes offered around town, and use those shimmies to keep warm!  Not sure which class to take, or where to look?  Check out listings on the following sites:  www.ottawa.ca City Recreation Guide, http://www.ocdsb.ca/continuweb for the Ottawa/Carleton District School Board,  www.winterconnections.com for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and of course, http://www.tav-creations.com for all things belly dance and Bollywood in our fair city. ******************************************************************

Time to Party!!  Join us at Canterbury Community Centre, on Friday, Nov. 22nd, from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. for our end-of-session celebration hafla.  Teachers, students, family, kids,  and friends welcome.  Bring your coin scarf, a small pot-luck snack to share, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening of student performances, with special appearances by some of Ottawa’s premiere dance divas.  Want to perform?  Just RSVP, and I’ll add you to the list!  Let’s show off all our hard work, as we get ready for Halyma’s big show…and cheer each other on!   ***************************************************************

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!!!   Come to the Ottawa Dancer’s Bazaar – Sunday, October 20th, 2013, from noon till 4 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 McArthur Ave.  Free admission and parking.  Please see the google map and event poster below.   If the printing appears a bit too small, click on the map/poster, then you should be able to zoom in for a closer look..Check the website:  www.eurikadance.ca  to sign up for super mini-workshops – only $5 each.  To keep event costs down, most sales will be cash only, and don’t be shy to try stuff on and haggle!  ATM on-site.  Grab your BFF, put on some comfy shoes, and spend a fun afternoon browsing beautiful bargains…Not sure what to shop for?  Contact me here at:  fatcatbellydance@gmail.com and I’ll offer my best advice; or you can drop by my booth at the bazaar…hope to see you there!!

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FREE Demo Class!!  Still not sure if you’re ready to sign up?  Join premier performer/instructor Halyma for a FREE Demo Class, on Saturday, September 7th, from 10:15 – 11:15, at Old Ottawa South Community Centre, 260 Sunnyside.  This event is being held in conjunction with Old Ottawa South anniversary celebrations.  Halyma will introduce the basics of belly dance in a fun, friendly environment, and maybe even toss in some Bollywood moves.  For your convenience, registration will be available after class.  So dress comfy, and come on out to try some shimmies on for size!  Need more info?  Check out Halyma’s website:  www.tav-creations.com  or call:  (613) 247-4946  ***********************************************************

Shopping Shopping Shopping!!   Dancer’s Bazaar!!    All set for Sunday, October 20th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, at 260 McArthur Avenue.  Free parking and admission, ATM on-site.  Come browse this lavish display of glittering, sparkling, jingly abundance; then barter cheerfully and buy everything you need for class or performance.  There’ll be new and gently used costume pieces, jewellery, luscious silk veils, accessories, music, DVD’s, and coin scarves…even have your fortune told!  Meet local and out-of-town vendors, teachers, costume wizards, and other dance students, in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  New this year will be  a 30-minute session of mini-workshops for you to try – Bollywood, Belly Dance, and Yoga.  The Bazaar is now hosted by dance divas Eurika and Farasha, who maintain Halyma’s tradition and strive to keep costs to a minimum, and pass these savings onto you- so please note that most sales will be cash only.   Not sure what you need?  No problem, I’m here to help, and there are items for any budget….So grab your girlfriends, throw on some yoga pants and comfy shoes – come on out for some retail therapy, and indulge in something shiny!!   Before I go, a big shout-out and thanks to Ottawa’s dance queen, Halyma, for her many years of hard work in hosting this favourite event for our dance community…bravo, lady!! ************************************************************

Time to sizzle!!  Friday, July 19th, at the R.A. Centre ballroom.  Come on out for a fabulous evening of entertainment, to benefit local charities.  I was lucky enough to perform in last year’s show; and I can tell you it’s a great opportunity to see some of Ottawa’s premiere dancers, who work very hard to give their time and talent for community fundraisers.   So throw on your little-black-dress, enjoy a cocktail, and whoop it up on girls night out!!  ************************************************************

Emilie’s Run – Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:30 to noon, at the Aviation Museum.  Come on out and support this annual fundraising event, and cheer on elite female athletes as they run an exciting short-distance race, followed by a kid’s mini-race, in memory of Emilie Mondor – an Olympic hopeful who was tragically killed in a car accident.  I’ll be there with Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun group, along with Bollywood For Fun dancers.  We love to become colourful, jingly cheerleaders for community events!!     **********************************************************

Halyma’s Ottawa Centre Class Party!!  Monday, June 17th, 2013, at the University of Ottawa.  Area teachers, students, friends and family gather for a great evening of entertainment, to celebrate dance…best show in town!!   ***********************************************************

Canterbury Belly Dance Class Party!  Friday, June 14th, 2013, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Canterbury Community Centre, 2185 Arch St. Classes are nearly over for the Spring session, and it’s time to celebrate all our hard work, and show off with a party.  Teachers, students, friends and family are invited – pot luck snacks and great entertainment! Got questions? Contact me!   **********************************************************

   Come on out and shimmy your support for participants at the Breast Cancer Action “Stroll For Our Goal” event, on Saturday, June 1st, 2013, from 10 till noon.  It’s being held at a new venue this year –  St. Paul University, 223 Main St. (behind the Farmer’s Market).  I’ll have my oasis tent set up for diva comfort, with drink cooler and stereo.  This is a family-fun event, with kids and dogs welcome; so grab your coin scarf, put on some pink lipstick, and let’s make some noise – because no one should face it alone  www.bcaott.ca

Aaah, spring is nealy upon us, and there’ll be lots of upcoming events to tell you about.  For now, keep up to date with the latest classes, teachers, workshops, and all things belly dance and Bollywood, by signing up for Halyma’s weekly online newsletter:  www.tav-creations.com   Best shimmies, and hope to dance with you soon! ********************************************************

Happy New Year!!!  I will post upcoming events as information becomes available.  Consider signing up for Winter classes, and join the fabulous dance community here in Ottawa!!  For all the latest class info, events, and all things belly dance and Bollywood, go to:  www.tav-creations.com  and sign up for Halyma’s newsletter…  *******************************************************************

Halyma’s Ottawa Centre Class Party!!   This is the end of season event for many local belly dance classes, and will feature an evening of students and professionals offering up their love for baladi, raks sharki, fusion style and more for everyone’s enjoyment.  This elegant and ancient art form has evolved and fused with modern dance elements, catering to the taste of many dance afficionados.  Hope to see you there!  ***********************************************************

Sunday, October 14th, 2012  Noon to 4:00 p.m.  Free Admission and Parking  With classes starting for the Fall 2012 session, it’s time for some shopping!!  Grab your BFF and come check out great deals on everything a dance student could desire…lots of beautiful, shiny, silky, sparkly, jingly stuff  for every budget.  Important Note:   In order to keep vendor costs low, all sales are cash only.   Got questions?  Contact me here, and I’ll offer my best advice on what to look for.   Hope to see you there!  *************************************************************

FESTIVAL of INDIA..Come on out to see this new and exciting festival, and check out some high energy dancing divas, including my beloved Bollywood For Fun friends, and Deepali’s Live2Dance crew, August 10 – 12, at LeBreton Flats. ****************************************************************

Our Little Show:   a fun and fabulous end-of-year event!  This is an awesome opportunity to enjoy various styles of dance.  Show scheduled for Saturday, July 7th, at 7:30 p.m.  Location:   All Saints Anglican Church Hall, 317 Chapel St., Ottawa.  Tickets go on sale at the Dance With Alana Studio, located at 1800 Bank St., Unit #13 (Bank at Alta Vista).  Tel:  (613) 233-3456….and on her website:  www.dancewithalana.com starting Monday, June 18th.  Prices are $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors.  You may also purchase them at the door, but don’t wait, because tickets will sell out fast.   Summer Sizzle:    An evening of sizzling entertainment, featuring belly dance, Bollywood, Salsa…etc…with proceeds from the event going to The Distress Centre, Bereaved Families, Snowsuit Fund, and the Dave Smith Foundation.  This show is being held on Saturday, July 14th, at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, at 1227 Wellington St. West, in Westboro.  Doors open at 6:30 for hors d’oeuvres, mingling, and a cash bar.  Tickets are $20, and available by contacting Catherine Crerar at (613) 276-0969, or by e-mailing her at:  dragonslivehere.glebe@gmail.com I’m performing as one of Safiya’s intermediate students in both these shows, and would love to see you there!!  Questions?  Contact me here! *************************************************************

 Manulife “Stroll For Our Goal” for Breast Cancer Action Ottawa   Calling all dancers..and that includes all you students out there!!  Come join us and shimmy your support for a good cause.  Sunday, June 10th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., at the Rideau Canoe Club, 804 Hog’s Back Road.    Dancers will be there to entertain and cheer for the sponsored walkers, families and friends at this great fundraising event.   All money raised goes directly to local programs for breast cancer survivors.   This is a family-friendly outdoor event, and a great way for new dancers to gain public performance experience in a non-stressful environment.  Meet me at the oasis tent, bring your coin scarf, and let’s daaaance!! *************************************************************

Two events in one day!!  Sunday, May 6th is turning out to be busy.  I’ll be dancing at the Hike For Hospice (see post below) in the morning, then making my way to an Open House, at the fabulous new Intelligent Fitness studio.  It’s located at 12 Castlegreen Private, near the Greenboro Community Centre, off Lorry Greenburg Drive.    Check out their website at:  www.intelligentfitness.ca  or look them up on Facebook.  This in-home studio offers small group fitness programs, workshops, personal training and massage, in a non-intimidating, non-competitive environment; great for those who are new to fitness, or feel uncomfortable in a large group or gymnasium setting.  The open house is scheduled from 2 – 5 p.m.   I’m excited to have been offered the  opportunity to teach an upcoming class for beginner belly dance at this new studio.  If there’s enough interest, it may become a regular weekly session.  Hope to see you there on Sunday!  ***********************************************************

Our first outdoor event of the 2012 season!  Dancers and drumers are welcome to join us as we shimmy and cheer to welcome back sponsored participants at the Hike For Hospice,  Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Hospice at May Court is located at 114 Cameron Avenue, in the Glebe.    This is a great opportunity for beginner dance students to try out their new moves in public..just follow along with the rest of us in a free-form style!  The Hike raises money to help provide palliative care and family support at this lovely facility, and we’re proud to offer our time and energy for the dedicated people who make this happen.  So don’t be shy, c’mon out and get acquainted with our dance community!   Got questions?  Contact me here.  A word of advice for those attending:  parking is limited on-site, so plan to find a spot nearby and walk to the facility.  Hope to see you there!    (Photo from last years’ event)    **************************************************************    

Spring is here!!  New classes are starting up, and that means we’ll all be working very hard to ensure our students get the best instruction possible.  We’ll also be practicing like madwomen for upcoming performance opportunities in the great outdoors!  The dance community is happy to share their time and talent to help out at various fundraising events held around the city..you’ll find us at  venues such as Hike for Hospice at May Court,  the Race Weekend, and this year, we’ll be pinkalicious at the Manulife Stoll For Our Goal walk for Breast Cancer Action…we’ll be out there rain or shine, as very colourful, jingly, sparkly cheerleaders, shimmying our hearts out to lift the spirits of sponsored walkers, runners, families and friends…even entertaining the tourists who gather and attend these events!   I’ll post event information as I receive it…and maybe you’ll be out there too, dancing with us for a good cause..stay tuned! *****************************************************************

Okay, hot off the presses…I’ve got details on TWO great events for all you dance-a-holics and shop-a-holics: “For The Love of Dance”    Multi-Cultural Dance Showcase and Fundraiser…Saturday, February 4th, 2012   7:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the Alumni Theatre, University of Ottawa, Jock Turcott Centre.   Tickets are $15  and proceeds donated to the Riverside Park Nursery School building fund.   To order tickets/show lineup, check out:  http://www.annabellydance.ca/events.html  or contact Safiya at:  safiyadancer@gmail.com 

TAV Creations Presents the Dancers’ Bazaar   Sunday, February 26, 2012, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 McArthur Ave.  Free parking and admission.  This exciting event features over 40 tables of gorgeous costumes (new and used), jewellery, veils, zills, canes, music, beauty products, and much more.  Grab your best friend and come on out for a fun afternoon of browsing, and you’ll find something for every budget.  Meet instructors and check out class information, and get great advice on all your dance needs.  To keep costs down, this event is cash-only, and there is a bank-machine on site for your convenience.    Not sure what to look for?  Feel free to contact me  and I’ll be happy to offer “insider” advice on beginner bargains that won’t bust your bank account! *************************************************************

Happy New Year Everyone!  Shortly, I’ll be posting information to help kick those winter blues in the butt, with two great events –   “For The Love of Dance”  being held at the end of January, and the much anticipated “Tav-Creations Dancer’s Bazaar” in late February; so save your twoonies, and stay tuned! ************************************************************  

Wooo Hoooo!!  It’s time for  Halyma’s Ottawa Centre Class Party!!   Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, at the Ottawa University Alumni Auditorium, Jock Turcotte Building, 85 University Place.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:00.  Tickets  $10 at the door.  This premiere dance event brings together teachers and students from all over the Ottawa area, to support and celebrate one anothers’ accomplishments, in a fabulous evening of entertainment;  including aspiring amateurs and professional performances of Belly Dance, Bollywood, Bellywood, Tribal Fusion, and Steampunk.  Oh yes, I’m practicing very hard, and hope to be dancing along with classmates in Safiya’s intermediate group.  So come on out and enjoy the best show in town!!   Halyma’s OCCP, 2010 photo by Jake Morrison at www.jakewithflare.org ******************************************************************

Canterbury Class Party    It’s time once again to show off all that hard work my students have done in class, and I’m hosting a party to celebrate!    Dance students, teachers, friends, family, are welcome to attend….  Where?  Canterbury Community Centre, 2185 Arch St., Ottawa.  When?  on Friday, November 25th, 2011   From 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   Pot luck snacks and beverages will be available.  Free parking and admission.  Come join us to cheer on several student groups, including the exciting new dance fusion-style called Bellywood;  then enjoy the opportunity to be entertained by professional performance artists –  Zeevah, Vera, Farasha, and the incomperable Halyma!  It’s a fun, informal, family-friendly evening of entertainment…let’s party!!!     (photo – June 2010 class party) ******************************************************************

Yay!  The Tav-Creations sponsored Ottawa Dancer’s Bazaar will take place on Sunday, October 16th, from noon to 4:00 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 McArthur Ave., with free parking and admission.  Come browse and shop for all your dance necessities – something sparkly and silky for everyone’s budget…hope to see you there!  Need advice on what to look for?  Contact me, and I’ll be happy to share successful secrets for the shopaholic! **********************************************************************

September 1st:   Although the dance community is currently in a bit of a performance hiatus  with summer classes ending;  registration for the fall session brings new performance opportunities and upcoming events, such as the much-anticipated Dancer’s Bazaar and Halyma’s Ottawa Class Party.  I’ll keep everyone posted with updates as I receive them in late September…lots of fun to come!   *******************************************************************

Recent Events: End of Session Class Party!!  Friday, June 17th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at Canterbury Community Centre, 2185 Arch St., Ottawa.  My three fabulous student groups and some lovely guest dancers will all perform for friends and family, to show off their shimmies, and celebrate the beginning of summer.  Pot luck snacks, great music and fun..c’mon out and dance with us!! *********************************************************************

Halyma’s Class Party – Summers’ Coming  –  Tuesday, June 14th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Ottawa University Alumni Auditorium.  Teachers and students from the area come together for a great show.  For more info, check out Tracey’s website at:   www.tav-creations.com   Sure wish I could be there, but I gotta teach that night!! *********************************************************************

Shopper’s  Drug Mart Weekend To End Womens’ Cancers  Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th  Halyma’s Belly Dancing For Fun group will be cheering on all the ladies walking in this two-day event.  Find us at the Shopper’s located at Montreal Rd and Vanier Parkway on Saturday, and on Carling Ave on Sunday…..And don’t forget the Manulife Walk and Fun Run – Breast Cancer Actions’ Annual Fundraising Walk    Sunday, June 5th, Rideau Canoe Club, 804 Hogs’ Back Road.   I’ll be set up with my tent and stereo for this one.  Dancers and students are invited to perform at this great event, as we entertain spectators and participants at the finish line.  We start dancing shortly after 11:00 a.m., and finish with special solo performances until 12:30 p.m.  Please contact me for more information if you’d like to join us…hope to see you there! ********************************************************************

Ottawa Race Weekend May 29th   On the race route, you’ll find a large group of sparkly, shimmying dancers and drummers at the Rideau Canal pedestrian bridge cheering station.  We’ll be performing for spectators and runners alike, in an effort to share our energy and best wishes with participants, to lift their spirits for the challenge of completing the race.  Calling all dancers and students – come on out and join us for some “freestyle” entertainment, to share in the fun and feeling of community spirit!     ***************************************************************** Bellydance Fundraiser for Breast Cancer  Walk  by Zenna  This amazing event is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, May 14th, at 7:00 p.m., to be held in a private club at 1214 Chemin Antoine-Boucher, Gatineau, QC    Cost:  $25   There will be dazzling performances by ladies you’ve seen on my “Diva” page, great music, food, and lots of fun.  Proceeds will benefit breast cancer programs right here in Ottawa.  I’m proud to be a volunteer instructor with Breast Cancer Action Ottawa, which allows me the opportunity to teach beginner bellydance to fabulous women.   These fitness programs help survivors “get their groove back” and remind them how beautiful they are.  Come on out and support the cause!   For more info and tickets, please e-mail me by clicking on Contact fatcatbellydance (above my photo on the left side of this screen)…hope to see you there!    Directions:  Take Island Park Drive and go over the Champlain Bridge to Gatineau.  Turn left onto Chemin d’Aylmer.  Turn right onto Chemin Allen.  Turn left onto Chemin Mcconnell.  Turn right onto Chemin Vanier.  Turn left onto Chemin Antoine Boucher, and the club will be on the right.      ***************************************************************** Canterbury Class Party – Friday, March 25th,  7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the dance studio.  Special guest performances.  Pot-luck snacks/beverages.  Family, friends, staff welcome! Fundraiser – to benefit the 2011 Shoppers Drug Mart Walk for a Cure.  Saturday, April 2nd,  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 260 McArthur Ave.  An evening of eastern entertainment – bellydance and bollywood.  Performances by professional and emerging dancers.  Middle Eastern epicurean delights, raffles for prizes, and plenty of fun.  Tickets $25, and available at www.halyma.com/show, or contact me at fatcatbellydance@gmail.com   Check out the event on Facebook!  Look for Treasured Chests Walking Team Fundraising Evening.      ************************************************************ During 2010, I had the pleasure of performing at a variety of outdoor venues, rain or shine, with my dancing friends, for local charitable events.  These included the Hike For Hospice at May Court, the Ottawa Marathon, the Weekend To End Womens’ Cancers.  and the grand re-opening of the Museum of Nature.   Photos from these events are posted in my gallery.   Other events included teaching a private lesson to a lively group of  ladies celebrating a bridal shower in Orleans.  No photos from that event…what happens at a shower, stays at a shower! I was invited to perform a solo at a local fashion show for breast cancer survivors, hosted by Sherry, owner of the Wholesale Outlet.  I was also proud to be asked by Halyma to join the Belly Dancing For Fun group to participate in a show for residents at the Montfort Long Term Care Facility. So far in 2011, I’m planning a class recital at Canterbury Community Centre on Friday, March 25th, so all my students can show off their stuff to family and friends, with a few special guest performers.  All that hard work deserves a party! Looking forward to participating in various dance events this spring, and will keep you posted!