Bellydance Bug

<-my crocheted zill muffs!

Now Playing: sick
mood: Japanese street vendor food

Got sick again last week. Tried to pretend I wasn't getting sick and took lots of vitamins but it finally caught up to me Friday with a fever and all. Feeling much better now that I've slept about 3 days of my life away. Unfortunately, that means I've been up since 7pm yesterday and I'm starting to fade a bit, (this was on Monday).

In my delusional state of sickness and too much sleep, I worked both on my choreography and my yellow costume (almost done!) And now, after what has been about a year of bellydance stagnation, I feel I have the bellydance bug again, (at least that's what the fever tells me.) I was even going to go to Sunday's meetup but the fever told me I probably shouldn't.

Greek Night is in 3 weeks and I'm actually kind of excited about it. The workshop in Buffalo is only 12 weeks away now too. If only I had $$ for class. Instead, I've been surfing and link hopping from one BD site to another

• If I happen to fall into $255, plus money for gas and a hotel by August, I would totally be going to Yaa Halla Y'all 2008!
• Delilah's coin trick video, my favoritest (<-is a word) stupid human BD trick, (see also this link to her videos page).

~N

Blood of the Merchant King

Now watching: Farscape...
mood: cold medicine

Thought you might be interested in seeing a video game bellydance. Here is a video from Assassin's Creed, an XBOX 360 game, that I've been playing. I thought of trying to video it myself but found a clip on youtube.

There is a scene, ("Blood of the Merchant King,") that I was highly impressed with. Usually, dancers in video/computer games look choppy and fake, but this game did a wonderful job of producing a believable dancer who does REAL BD moves. When I got to this part of the game I just sat there and watched them for a long time telling my husband how awesome it looked...considering.

There are 4 dancers in the scene. This video shows one dancer briefly around the 0:43 sec mark. The assassin walks right past her. The dance lasts a fairly long time before it loops and is a pretty interesting combo for that matter. Unfortunately, this shows just a glimpse.

Sci Fi Bellydance

Now watching: Farscape - season 4
mood: Fried Chicken

Here are some shots from dancer, Cristina "Chocolate" Ramon, in Farscape's, "Lava's a Many Splendored Thing," episode.

This alien bellydancer is an illusion created to distract some bad guys while the good guys sneak up behind them and knock them out.

Her costume starts out a little more elaborate than seen here with a coin bra and belt, and chiffon veil. By the end of the scene she is in only this bra and matching panty/bloomers.

Sci-Fi bellydancers have been around since the original Star Trek episodes aired.

For a LONG list of bellydancers on TV go here.

Valentine's with Voltaire

Mood: "I'm in the mood for love..."

Last night's Valentine's show was super awesome. Everyone there had a great time. There was a lot of energy in the room. Voltaire put on a wonderful show for a very excited crowd.

I made my dress out of a king size bed sheet. I am quite proud of it. =)

Crochet Zill Muffs

Now watching: Farscape season 4
mood: Long John Silvers with vinegar, yum

With my renewed interest in crochet I dug around until I found this pattern for zill muffs on shira.net.

I don't yet have the skills to make these. They are a little fancy. I have however made a pair of muffs that cover the whole zill. They almost completely muff the sound and protect them from my greasy finger prints. I have to make the other pair and take pics.

I actually really really like crocheting even though it aggravates my right wrist. I suspect I have a bit of carpel tunnel from the past 7 years of having a desk job.I think my next BD project will be some Barefoot Sandals, or something similar. When I get good enough, I will have mom show me how to crochet the fringe you see on hip scarves like this.

~N

Music for Naima workshop

Now playing: Cowboy Bebop OST1
mood: peanut butter bonbons

Here is a link to the music I will be teaching choreography to in May. Maharet is going to try and have some available to purchase but here is the link for those who want t head start.

Faten Salama's Best of Egyptian Dance 2005

Also, Greek Night is March 15th not 14th. Thanks Jemina for catching my typo. My calendar is updated.

I have taken up crocheting as a new hobby. I have made a few things and I want to post my projects, including zill muffs! I have to steal the camera back from my husband first.

I also have my Valentine's dress finished for the La Sanguine IV - Voltaire show. I am excited.
Here are some things I will be attending this next week.

~N


Thursday Feb 14th - Voltaire


Friday Feb 15th & Saturday Feb 16th - [not].Con Gaming


Sunday Feb 17th - Gaming / LARP