A Note on Bedlah Beading

When I was shopping for sequins to cover my silver bedlah I pulled out another bedlah to do a quick estimate on how many sequins I would need to buy. So, how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

In this case, about 1000, give or take.

Most of my costumes use about 6 sequins per square inch. For instance, if you cover a belt that is 36" wide and 4"high, that is 144 square inches. Times 6 sequins per inch = 864 sequins

36" x 4" = 144"
144" x 6 = 864 sequins

That is a straight line estimate. That doesn't count curves or bra cups or any thing else (like all the seed beads between each sequin.) So I rounded up to 1000, and then bought a few bags of 1250 at $2 each to cover my entire bra and repair the belt. So what if I don't use them all. You can bury them with me when I die if it comes to it.

On a "What where you thinking?" note, I picked out a 4:22min drum solo for Greek Night.

*kicks self*

~N

Now watching: Dead Like Me: Life After Death
mood: baklava

Arms in Dance Classes

Ananya performing at Hips Noir Oct. 2008

Ananya is teaching a 6 week arms class starting June 9th.

See her blog post for details.

~N

now listening: 30 Seconds to Mars
mood: salty

Memorial Weekend

We went to the in-laws for Memorial Weekend on Friday. We celebrated Grandma C's 92nd birthday on Saturday (which is actually today, May 26th). I finished crocheting my "Doily of Doom" jacket that you see me wearing above. All in all, it was a long, yet quite weekend.

I took a walk after dinner on Saturday even though it sprinkled on me. Here are pics from my adventures.


Where the fairies must hide.


Maple (the Labrador) leads the way back to the hay field.


A rainbow through the sprinkles.


It went all the way across the sky.


If you look real hard, there is a second rainbow above the first, right under that white speck in the sky.


My path.


We built this foot bridge almost 3 years ago for the wedding.


Odie (the Puggle), running full speed my way.


Wild daises in the hay field.


Flowers next to the house.


The allusive Ernie hiding in the attic.


Billy Bob


I caught a blurry humming bird on the porch.

This will be a busy BD weekend for me. I am doing a Naima Exchange at the Oneness center again on Friday. Followed by Greek Night on Saturday. I have to pick out music in the next few days for my solos. I also need to do a costume check. I've been neglecting some much needed repairs on my old bedlah. I also hope to get some more beading done on the Silver bedlah.

Back to work, ZOOM!

~N

now playing: Invader Zim, FTW!
mood: steamy bowl o'rice

OH! I almost forgot, the husband person let me cut his hair Friday. It has been growing out for a few years now. I almost forgot what he looks like with it, well, shorter at least. I keep staring at him. =P

Greek Night this Saturday

A friendly reminder, Greek Night at Galloway Station is this Saturday, May 30th, 2009.

Greek food, music, and dancing all evening.
Bellydancing around 9:30pm and 11:30pm.

John Coltrane - Naima

Naima is a ballad composed by John Coltrane in 1959, and named after his then-wife, Juanita Naima Grubb. It first appeared on the album Giant Steps, and is notable for its use of a variety of rich chords over a bass pedal. The song is mainly made up of a slow, restrained melody, though there is also a brief piano solo. One of Coltrane's most famous songs, Naima has since become somewhat of a jazz standard, since covered by Santana and John McLaughlin (together, on Love Devotion Surrender), Maynard Ferguson, the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, Pharaoh Sanders and Derek Trucks, among many others.-Youtube summary

For all of you Naima's out there =)

Silver with Gold Bedlah

After much study of my Neckelmann's bedlah and the discovery of a bra almost identical to the Neckelmann's, I decided to suck it up and bead my own version in silver with gold accents. I've been telling myself for a long time I need a silver set, especially with as much wear and tear as I have put on my gold set. Not to mention the convenient 50% bead sale at Hobby Lobby this past week. And really, beading isn't hard. It is just RIDICULOUSLY tedious. (The pic above is about 6+ hours of work)

I should also mention, I am not really interested in a "professional" grade beaded costume. I just need a good work horse if you know what I mean. So my lack of beading experience can be overlooked as long as my mistakes are well hidden by the sparkle of all those sequins.


For the belt, I have an old silver belt with a side closure and straight cut front that I never wear because it looks like poo on my short-waisted torso. It also has no matching bra. I've been sitting on it for about 4 years. So, why do I have a belt I never wear? Because I got it for $17 on ebay, that's why.

I was bolstered by Ozma's blog showing how she makes old crap into awesome and I have taken the plunge converting the belt from crappy-to-happy and making it into a V-front with a front medallion closure.


I seam ripped the bead work out where I want to cut the belt.


AHHH, I did it! I cut all the way through the middle of the belt.


I used masking tape on the raw edges to keep the current bead work in place while I man-handle the belt for fitting purposes.


Next, I lined up the edges of the old side closure flat and whip stitched them together.


The new side seam with some missing sequins yet to be replaced.


Then I cut a fan shape out of felt for a front closure medallion to pull the bra design down to the belt. I know you can't see it well in the picture above but the gold areas on the bra are fan shaped. BTW, those weird silver squares on the medallion are buttons I found on a shirt in my fabric box. FTW!

~N

Now watching: Hellsing
mood: fried chicken and/or grapes

That's Not My Name

Yep, that's my name...on my ass.


*UPDATE* 05/14/09
I forgot to mention, the two Red Hat ladies stopped me and said they liked the "That's Not" number. Props from the Red Hat's, go me!

Four of us ran to Walmart between the workshop and show where I bought a piece of white felt for 32 cents. We cut out and whip stitched "NAIMA" to the workout pants I wore during the workshop for my "non-traditional" drum solo. I don't have any pics of the first piece I did yet. This pic from Mouse's space. For some reason my legs look creepily short here. And that's a string of pearls dangling around my leg.

I've never heard such a loud cheer at the sight of my ass.

Now for your listening pleasure, The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name

The Ting Tings - New Music - More Music Videos

~N

Now watching: Underbelly
mood: apple juice

Princess Farhana part 3

So tell me, what's wrong with this picture? Look hard.


Princess Farhana with cane.


Princess Farhana being fabulous.


Maharet's gonna eat me!


Me and Princess


Showing the ladies my double chin


Super blurry scary smile of awesome


This pic is actually kinda cute.


Scott



BTW, the little pink sign in on the pole across the street actually says, "Goat Camp". Yep, Bellydance Workshop and Goat Camp, a winning pair!

~N

now watching: V for Vendetta
mood: cereal from the box

Face Paint Bellydancer

So weird I reposted from What Where They Thinking blog. Changes the meaning of "Shake what your momma gave you," doesn't it?

~N

Mood: Finally a visit from Mother Nature *insert level-up music here*

The Sensible Bellydancer part 3

Go To Part 1
Go To Part 2

Don’t forget about costuming and beauty maintenance.
Not all of us have long flowing hair, shapely slender bodies, or creamy skin. But there are things to keep in mind that will keep an audience’s mind on your dance and not on your body issues.

First of all, I would like to point out this is a dance of celebration of the mind, body, and spirit. There is no social status or race that is excluded. This includes body type. Everyone has personal issues with his or her own body type, (yes, even the “skinny” ones). And I want to encourage you to feel safe in your own skin when dancing whether or not you ever perform in public or not. I also would like to say to any dancer that has ever said that someone is too "fill-in-the-blank" to Bellydance is a disgrace to the dance community and should be ashamed…you know who you are.

Now, moving along. Many dancers are concerned with the amount of skin they want to show or not show. There are many innovations in tummy covers, full dresses, and body suits available. I would like to point out to women who want to cover any particular area to steer clear of sack-like or baggy dresses or any costume that hides your contours. No, you do not have to wear a skin tight costume, but keep in mind all of the hard work you have put into your dance. Don’t cover up your movements by being afraid of your body shape. Remember, YOU choose who you dance for and why. Make it count!

Paint and trim your nails before every performance. You don’t have to paint them any color. A clear coat will make you nails look clear and healthy. This INCLUDES your toe nails! Most dancers perform bare foot or in open toed sandals. Your toe nails will get noticed! This is one of the easiest ways to polish off your look regardless of dance style or costuming.

Hair…hum, you will have to decide about your own style but a pretty barrette or headband always help to complete your costume. More importantly, if you have long hair, do something to keep it out of your face. I have been told personally that my dance was great but my hair kept falling in front of my face during my performance. The audience can’t see your face and it will distract you and your hands while you dance.

Try something new.
Try a new or different dance style at least once. You may never pursue that specific style or technique, but you will most likely come away with new ideas to help you improve and refine your own style. For instance, I am currently taking my very first Tribal style class with a local teacher. (Author's note: This was about 4 years ago now, lol.) Even though Tribal has never been my main focus of education I have already learned a new way to approach my dance posture and group dynamics after only one class. I can now practice and incorporate this into my own style of dance making me a more well-rounded and educated dancer. Yea Me! (Don’t forget non-bellydance styles).

Be careful with your criticisms.
This is another problem we all struggle with. We have all sat through a performance and seen or heard something we don’t like, be it a costume choice, bad technique, or music that hurts our ears. Take care not to bash another dancer’s performance in public based on your own tastes. Not only is it distasteful but the situation could always be reversed. How would you feel if you were being talked about? Try to keep an open mind. This is an interpretive dance after all.

Naima’s #1 tip to instantly improve your dance…
ARMS! ARMS! ARMS! I have done it myself…uncontrolled wrist circles, chicken arms, weak arms, etc. No matter you ability to execute a movement the audience will only see the uneven lines of your lazy arms and wrists. You don’t have to have cheerleader straight arms while you dance, but being conscious of your arm and hand placement will instantly polish off your profile. When most dancers learning the basics arms are left to the wayside while muscle control and technique is being refined. In the end your arms and hands suffer unless you have an excellent teacher to help you work on this area. Keep your chest proud, shoulders relaxed with arms and wrists supported. So even if you flub the movement or forget the choreography at least you look good doing it!

The End

The Sensible Bellydancer part 2

Go To Part 1
Go To Part 3

Videos or Workshops?
Workshops are fun, but to be honest, you get more for your money with a teaching video. You can easily spend over $100 at a moderately priced workshop after the workshop fee, hotel room, gas, and food…that is if you don’t do any shopping at the vendors. If you don’t make notes at the workshop and practice within a day or two afterward you can be guaranteed you won’t retain much, if any of what you paid for.

Videos, on the other hand, are much more economical. You can find videos online for just about every style of dance. They can cost between $35-$50 depending on content and quality of teacher. The best thing about them is that you can watch them over and over and learn at your own speed. Online reviews can help you pick a video that is right for you. Can’t find a review? Post questions on one of the many Bellydance message boards or ask the vendor for his or her recommendation. You can also test drive one by borrowing from a friend.

Bellydance workout videos are not good teaching tools. They only work you out. Do not relying on these to improve your technique.

Naima Recommended Teaching Videos: Videos by the following dancers- Jillina, Zahra Zuhair, and Jasmin Jahal.
Online Video Reviews: www.shira.net
Online Bellydance Message Board: www.bhuz.com

Ok, So you are going to a Workshop – How to get the most out of you trip.
Car pool…enough said. Most all day workshops come with a lunch included in the price. But what about all the rest of the time…the car ride, breakfast, dinner, snacks, etc. Depending on your budget, packing a small cooler with fruit, lunchmeat, water, humus, etc. can be a life and wallet saver. It especially saves money if you are driving to keep you from paying for overpriced doughnuts and junk food at gas stations on the way.

You know, it really doesn’t matter what you take with you but pack a notebook, pen, dance sandals or socks, medications, and a jacket or cover-up. From my own experience, these are very important items to have along. Notebook and pen are for taking notes during the class (es). Sometimes, there are no handouts to take home and other times jotting down a movement in your own terms will help you interpret the lesson later. Dance sandals or socks…you will thank me if you ever find your self at a workshop with rough multipurpose carpeting. After 4 plus hours of pivots, spins, and travelling your bare feet will thank you, (also keeps the “foot funk” at bay). Medications are VERY important. If you have any prescriptions that are necessary for you daily functions PLEASE don’t forget them. Or, if you tend to have muscle or joint problems some ibuprofen or aspirin is handy. And don’t forget about sudden headaches. Nothing rains on your well-spent money than having to go lay down during a workshop because of head pain. Lastly, a jacket or cover-up. This not only keeps you warm in cold hotel lobbies but cover-ups are nice over your bellydance workout gear. Not only do you appear a little more lady-like during your lunch time but also makes you less susceptible to harassment from strangers if walking the hotel lobby or parking lot.

Wait until intermission or immediately after the show to purchase a show video. If you have not enjoyed the show up to this point do not waste another $20-25 on a show video. These are almost always home video quality and very overpriced.

Continued in part 3

Princess Farhana part 2

Continuing my display of crappy pictures...in no particular order.


Red Moon Tribe


Red Moon Tribe


The ladies putting on their make-up


The gentlemen have arrived


Find a partner


There is a sword if you squint


Sisters of the Moon


Sisters of the Moon


Kittie Sparkle on glasses


Glass tower of craziness

The Sensible Bellydancer part 1

I found an ancient link on www.shira.net to the old Beledi site with an article I wrote a billion years ago. I sent Shira an email to update the link and saved a copy of the article before deleting the page. It touches on pretty basic ideas but I will post it here in sections for old time's sake. Enjoy!

The Sensible Bellydancer
Here are some common sense tips for improving your art as a Bellydancer by Naima.

Observe.
Try to observe as many performances as possible. Take note of what you see that you like and dislike during another dancers performance. Use this NOT to critique the other dancer, but as a guideline for shaping your own performance skills. Look for new movements such as combinations or travel steps you have not tried before. Keep track of body alignment and interaction with the audience. Did this dancer make you feel good when she danced? Why? What turned you off? Take these observations and incorporate them into or out of your own style.

The internet is your best friend.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as a Bellydancer is to research things for myself. Whether this is about music styles, costuming, terminology, authenticity, etc. Since Bellydance is handed down very much like the old oral traditions of a culture. Everyone hears a story that is a little bit different from the last. So the best thing to do is to research from many different sources and then make up your own mind about what your dance philosophy is. For example, here in the Mid-west, dancers can sometimes be far and few between. So, it can be really hard to get some educational answers to bellydance questions without someone else’s opinion thrown in. Combat this by reading articles available online by as many dancers and scholars as possible. This includes those from the Middle East as well as your own country. Not only should you know about the origins of the dance but also how it is being interpreted and represented in your own culture.

Secondly, Shop! You don’t have to purchase anything to learn how to judge the market on quality and price. Buying Bellydance goods anywhere in the world beside the Middle East = huge mark up for the vendors who import these goods. You really should have an idea about what the going rate is for a 3 tiered hip scarf or brand new Hakim CD. You can also browse online reviews of the product or vendors to make sure you are getting a good deal. Also, keep in mind shipping costs. A CD may be cheaper online than from your local Vendor, but after shipping and handling, it may end up pretty close to the same price. On the other hand, online vendors may have free or low shipping rates if you buy a minimum dollar’s worth. In that case, try to make all of your purchases from one place.

Continued in part 2

Teaching @ Judy Cunningham's 22nd Annual BD Bazaar

I will be teaching along with Ashiya (Lincoln, NE.) at Judy Cunningham's 22nd Annual Belly Dancer's Workshop, Bazaar, & Hafla, Aug. 15th in Buffalo, MO.

I get asked the most about stage presence so I am preparing a class on, "...taking basic technique to the stage with drills and exercises in stage presence," as well as a, "discussion on stage fright and your creative voice."

I have posted a few more workshop detail on my calendar. I will post the flyer once I have it scanned in.

~N

mood: stuffed on chips and rotel dip

Princess Farhana part 1

Zahaneh, D'arcy, Alima - Wichita, KS
My favorite pic from the weekend. Click on it and check out their smiles!

I, keeping with my reputation of taking the worst BD pictures ever, have an awesome display coming up. Keep in mind these are the best of the worst. I'm sure I deleted 3 times as many as I kept.


The class divided in groups


Exercises in ad-lib and interpretation


Before the show


Princess Farhana, isn't she pretty, and blurry?!


Bill - MC and vacuum genius