Photo Credit

I just thought I should mention the fact that I've been posting pictures. I haven't taken any of these. Some I found via Google-Image, but the shots of The Neighbourhood Strays and events, myself dancing with the Strays, and Monique Ryan's photo were taken by the lovely Ms. Terri Lynn Coldford (with some minor editing by myself).

Thank you Terri. You're fantastic!

CIBC's Run for the Cure

The Neighbourhood Strays put their coins scarves to good use once again. Our team raised money for CIBC's Run for the Cure (for breast cancer) this past sunday (oct 5) here in St. John's. It was a beautiful day, some of the girls performed and some of the girls ran/walked, and the Stray Kittens joined in all the festivities :) I really can't say much more. But it was well worth the effort, so thanks to everyone who contributed. It was greatly appreciated

Monique Technique

Introducing Monique Ryan of Cabaret Serpentine in Halifax! Monique comes from Halifax and started bellydancing when she was younger, but put it on the back burner when she realized that it's not what she wanted to do and the style she was studying wasn't true to who she was. She checked around a bit and found Tribal Fusion; which is right up her alley. She joined forces with Laura Selenzi (spelling) of a "rivalry" troupe in town, so to speak, and formed Cabaret Serpentine. Laura now dances with Arabesque in Toronto, but still comes back to CS to dance with her longtime friend. Here's a video snapshot of Cabaret Serpentine.


So Monique came down to St. John's for a special weekend workshop. I convinced my friend Kiah to join in and get a feel for bellydancing, she's always been curious, well since I started at least. So we took the workshop together, and let me say, "ouch!" My legs were burning the next day. We did a solid 45 minute warm-up and muscle training and then followed it with fundamental technique and some seriously amazing combinations. Which I might ask if I can throw in my solo ;) One in particular is one that involved "mardi jumps" and "melting." It looks pretty. It was nice to get a different take on a different style of bellydance. I do enjoy a lot of the elements of Tribal Fusion, but I realize the Gypsy is more free flowing and it's easier to "feel" the music and become a part of it. So I'm somewhere in between... Gypsy Fusion? I guess that puts me in there with ATS as well doesn't it? *sigh* Oh to find a style.



Back on track; OhMaya hosted a show (monique ryan show case = MRSC)later that evening featuring performances by 6 or 7 local bellydancers and troupes and an interesting addition; Ted & Jenn Crawford. They do drumming! I thought a lot of their rhythms were mesmerizing. I can't wait until another show comes together like DOTE or MRSC.

Audra Simmons is coming to town soon as well :) OOOO more workshops

Cirque du Summer Dance

I performed again! Twice. The Kittens performed during the 2nd day of Summer Dance at pippy park with Aisa, Shimmy, Suerte (from back to basics) and a zills number. I didn't take the back to basics class, so I didn't join in Suerte with the other girls, but I killed with the Zills. I love them. There's videos on Facebook, under the NHS group of the performances from the summer. Check it out. The performances were absolutely beautiful! :)


I also performed as part of the Strays this summer for the Cirque Du Soleil pre-show at Empire Theatres! I managed to teach myself Suerte in the weeks between Summerdance and cirque, so I did Aisa, Shimmy and Suerte with the girls. Amanda and Lori did some improv pieces, and the kittens who came passed out fliers and cards to people who came to watch. It was fun. Enjoy the pics!

Enjoyable Beats

Hey again! Long time no post. I've been otherwise entertained, to be honest. For today I'm going to post a list of quiet enjoyable artists for the bellydance realm to enjoy. They've all got samples on their myspace sites, and their albums are available on Amazon... or wherever you chose to do your dealings.

Gypsy Caravan
Hossaam Ramzy
Beats Antique
Solace
Paul Dinlentir
Taraf de Haidouks
Beriut
Galactic Caravan
Upper Egypt Ensemble
Pentaphobe
Turbo Tabla
The Indigo (compilations from performances)
Neena & Veena

But my most favorite is Beats Antique, which is where my new solo music is coming from! :) I'm choreographing a routine to "Beauty Beats" off their newest album. It's about half done now, but I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to perform it, so ... who knows. I'm in love with it, so here's to hoping someone from NHS or Ohmaya or CBSBD or any of the other local troupes don't use it for their routines. I'll be so sad :(


Enjoy! SHIMMY!