We are living in exciting, overwhelming, and inspiring times. One of the gifts this pandemic has given is a bright light on social structures in an undeniable way. Ok, yes some are in denial but I will discuss that phenomenon next month. We are waking up to the hierarchal structures of our worlds and how we have knowingly or unknowingly participated. Our awareness is expanding to include (hopefully) people we don’t cross paths with in a more collective understanding of our diversity of experiences. I know that’s the optimistic take, but I’m gonna stay rooted in that as the way forward.
NEW series at Dancegarden
I’m excited to be offering my Dancing through our History~ The Egyptian Chapter at the lovely Dance Garden LA starting February 3rd!!! Dance comes with history and context that has unfolded for years, decades, centuries. Join me as we explore the embodiment of these dances for a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of Egyptian Dance.
Announcing the Little BreezeZINE!!!
Years ago I had a newsletter, and with growing social media I let it go at one point. Ten months into a pandemic/quarantine plus a global crumbing of social structures has created a deeper need for more nuanced connections. And thus, the Little BreezeZINE bloomed into thought as a way to share creative ideas, educational resources, and inspiring gems. AND CONNECT WITH YOU!
Happy new year!!!
Happy new year everyone! I hope you all had a restful holiday break. Although last year was nothing we envisioned nor planned, I am grateful for the lessons the year brought, the deepening of my art, and the precious time with my family. Rejuvenated and inspired, I have all kinds of fun classes and events in the works for us! Time to dance and move!
New December Class Schedule
Learning Circle every Wednesday
I’m thrilled to see this idea come to fruition. Starting this Wednesday November 11, 2020 I am starting a Learning Circle~ a space safe with the encouragement to “fumble forward” (as the great @proudnerddonna says) with the understanding learning can be messy. And above all, we can hold each other in compassion and respect while expressing our personal experiences, understandings, and questions. This is a space that honors a diversity of perspectives without judgement. The goal is not to agree par say but to expand our understanding of the diversity of our community as it is our greatest gift and strength. Weekly topics will be announced Monday morning. Each meeting is limited to six people to allow full participation and is confidential. Sign ups are accepted once a topic has been announced. These meetings are facilitated by myself, and everyone is held as equals. If you would prefer to receive info by email, dm me direct. I look forward to diving into these rich conversations with you.
The Bellydance Bundle 2020
Super excited to not only be apart of this awesome roster of dance artists but also to be offering a special NEW lecture as apart of this bundle of truly inspiring classes, workshops, and all kinds of other products to jump start your dance practice, to deepen your understanding, to open up your creativity, to connect and be inspired. Count down is on! Check it out here and get ready to dance, learn, grow, and have some fun! ~ https://transactions.sendowl.com/stores/11840/194438
Interview about training, art, culture, and responsibility
Quarantine, creating art, and connecting to community
The last three weeks have been a roller coaster of changes as we now all sit in our homes, quarantined from each other, hopefully slowing the spread of Covid-19. Our world is changing rapidly, our economy is crashing, many people are out of work, and fear is hanging heavy in the air. But there is also a plethora of art being shared on social media, streaming concerts open to all, online classes for people to take regardless of geographical location, sweet gestures of help within local communities and more. Uncertainty brings a stew of messy emotions. Now is the time to move your body however feels good for you. Be in your breath. Be in your emotions. Dance them out. Have some frivolous fun. It will feel good. And that is something we need to survive too.
Diversity and the need for representation
Hello and welcome to news, thoughts, and ramblings by me. This may seem like a heavy topic to start this blog but here is it. It has been brought to public attention that blackface is being used as a “costume element” by a variety of dancers including the most heated recent example Anna Borisova. As if that was not offensive enough the language and comments included with these photos and videos on social media platforms are degrading, insensitive, and prime examples of racism. So, as our community internalizes this on the heels of much needed but still processing conversations of cultural appropriation~ what can we do? Well, first I’d like to say we have an incredibly diverse dance community all across the globe. AND marketing and systemic racism have made it more difficult for people of color to gain access to higher professional opportunities and thus exposure. So you may not know some of the amazing POC artists in our community. So here are just a few of the artists that I find inspiring for their unique artistic style and beautifully crafted work~ ENJOY! CUZ REPRESENTATION MATTERS!!!