My second set of the night, dancing to my go-to song at the time: ‘Le Toi’ by Mitsoura. This was a filler, unrehearsed and spontaneous. One of my favourite dance moments of 2011.
Busy season has come around again and after the long (not so) hot summer in Ireland I’m looking forward to getting back in to…
First up is Electric Picnic 2011 I’ll be in the Body&Soul area over the weekend hosting Speak From The Hip Presents…. Tribal Tales: a delve to the movements, music and culture of American Tribal Style® Belly Dance. If its anything like last year its gonna be SO MUCH FUN!
With just enough time after EP for a shower and a cuppa I’ll be at Spirit of Folk giving a workshop on Folkloric and Tribal dance, catch me in the Shamanic area on the Friday evening….
…. and October sees me at Ireland’s festival of Magic and Spirituality, Féile Draíochta giving a talk and demo on The Goddess in Tribal Bellydance….
A different experience everytime – but all with the same underlying mantra…
This week I announced the dates for the next ATS® Intensive and the newsletter has duly gone out. This will be the 4th run of the Intensive and I am delighted with the response I have received. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve the class content and make the experience fun and enjoyable for everyone involved and this time round is no different. My students not only get a full introduction to the ATS® repertoire but they get a taste of the music, the costuming and the global culture that is Tribal Style…..
For anyone who wants to know a little bit more about the artform before they make the decision to join the Intensive I am running drop-in classes every Tuesday at Ranelagh Arts Centre. This is a relaxed, informal class where new students will not only learn a few moves they may also see an impromptu ATS® performance with yours truely and some of my lovely intermediate students. Class is from 6:30-8pm upstairs in Ranelagh Arts and its €15 on the night. Drop-in!
@ Celebrating the Body in Dance, Dublin, Aug 2011
Over the last year I have received emails inviting me to enter local, regional and world belly dance competitions.
Hmmm….
With all due respect to the organisers of these competitions, I will graciously decline.
Dance for me is not about proving yourself the best above all others. Its not about who rocks that move better, or who has the prettier costume or the best musicality.
Its about being aware that you are part of something bigger. Something subtle but potent. Something almost tangible. Close enough to the surface of consciousness that it will flow into your awareness if you seek it, and you’ll realise that it is so, so much more than moving your physical body to a beat.
That is what Dance is for me.
Those of you who want to compete, I’m not here to deride your hopes and dreams. Do whatever makes you happy, we ALL need a big dose of HAPPY in our lives! But make sure that this is the right ‘happy’ for you.
Do you want to be the best according to a panel of judges? Or are you already ‘the best’ only YOU haven’t realised it yet?
Beautiful Fusion from Irish based troupe Triptych.
Music is Toy Wings by Chequerboard.
Improvised Tribal Style (ITS) From WildCard BellyDance
Tough Love Tribal bellydance from Unmata
Everyone should watch this at least once a day…
A Tribal Goddess, a truly gifted dancer. I’ve been honoured to share the stage with her in the past and she’s a total sweetheart. Ladies and Gentlefolk, Samantha Emanuel…
Up and coming talent: Illan Riviere…
I ADORE the scarf work in this piece by the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company…
