tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64716629303242113192024-03-12T20:42:48.502-05:00Naima's Bellydance Blog"Bellydancers Anonymous"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.comBlogger722125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-65717053087485677162015-01-21T13:04:00.002-06:002015-01-21T13:04:59.469-06:00DtkT - DtkT - Dtk, Dtk, DtkT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwbulzh8WeD7CglDee9Ie-yHHka9k_mXdA53Ya_4LkfAZyuBYW-IS-fS4b568wILc5D4KLxy6S8Xi1hvBGfUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Finger cymbal sound drill.<br />
<br />
After much cursing and frowning, I still struggle a bit with my non-dominate hand, which throws off my timing a bit, but it is definitely coming along.<br />
<br />
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-48899579491188656322015-01-05T14:39:00.000-06:002015-01-05T14:40:16.005-06:00With Much Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm8YGMlbze7GawQG-oh9U4joizmKAtb_VOPEm2qdYAE6SqUist9-kPdNHhFoA4QPhmO0GkzprJfa8JuTAloSRxqcrpBsV6a55-mdTjm6dEtOJYQCTP97dsjQSSnqKBgd-pCFOXLA7PebY/s1600/10393880_10204934124807891_2320500091215762049_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm8YGMlbze7GawQG-oh9U4joizmKAtb_VOPEm2qdYAE6SqUist9-kPdNHhFoA4QPhmO0GkzprJfa8JuTAloSRxqcrpBsV6a55-mdTjm6dEtOJYQCTP97dsjQSSnqKBgd-pCFOXLA7PebY/s1600/10393880_10204934124807891_2320500091215762049_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Barb Herdman 1944 - 2014</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say Hi for me, will you?</span> </i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-74202087280438518712014-12-26T08:50:00.002-06:002014-12-26T08:50:39.489-06:00Amigurumi Naima and Husband Person<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSws7vt8CYUFr_o0movRFrAFNNsVhiWd5DRiEHkmGBNuFiOoyDLC-ICiAJ-cXYNPVX385AZ_oZo4KaSLVto-w9VrJMh9MdNBHAAAIB0SczJyLSsR55MPvSgPnFoqzw8AN90WrnbqZL62Y/s1600/WP_20141226_08_23_40_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSws7vt8CYUFr_o0movRFrAFNNsVhiWd5DRiEHkmGBNuFiOoyDLC-ICiAJ-cXYNPVX385AZ_oZo4KaSLVto-w9VrJMh9MdNBHAAAIB0SczJyLSsR55MPvSgPnFoqzw8AN90WrnbqZL62Y/s1600/WP_20141226_08_23_40_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I do not normally like to show off the gifts that I get but we received these sweet little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amigurumi">amigurumi</a> likenesses of me and the Husband Person from my sister. This is the only time you will see me taller and with better hair than the Husband Person. =)<br />
<br />
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97aOLF6TPHkVeBufpiwiqZ4jnP3piNPgxkjOTqZYU6421R2whohpDb9aiYmbf-ZwTu0NQW9brI2ZK0-3Khtx1m3utlDrplGnOtlJJuTUEHcrpa0GnpRXDiqv7ZbdcoDXs3Mv2UwF10oMl/s1600/WP_20141226_08_21_42_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97aOLF6TPHkVeBufpiwiqZ4jnP3piNPgxkjOTqZYU6421R2whohpDb9aiYmbf-ZwTu0NQW9brI2ZK0-3Khtx1m3utlDrplGnOtlJJuTUEHcrpa0GnpRXDiqv7ZbdcoDXs3Mv2UwF10oMl/s1600/WP_20141226_08_21_42_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGvg9krVHNiuDPQHVY2nVYA26cNNf-NoB7xTU8IW9fP5t-Qw9hPPGbSVzntTvsqY5M-V6ng7jL2Cus4OYo1_uf9G9OEklZWpx7Mf1HOiRub4MPNbyAMdm5oDjQdCiy5jqG-AEU-zho2Wb/s1600/WP_20141226_08_22_03_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGvg9krVHNiuDPQHVY2nVYA26cNNf-NoB7xTU8IW9fP5t-Qw9hPPGbSVzntTvsqY5M-V6ng7jL2Cus4OYo1_uf9G9OEklZWpx7Mf1HOiRub4MPNbyAMdm5oDjQdCiy5jqG-AEU-zho2Wb/s1600/WP_20141226_08_22_03_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Finger Cymbals!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~N</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-56255440686213058772014-12-16T13:05:00.002-06:002014-12-16T13:05:36.351-06:00Iraqi Style<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aYJ2sVUxwhY" width="640"></iframe>
<i>"The Ukrainian Star Yana Tsehotskaya is The Winner of the 2013 Dance Competition With Her Group Best Iraqi dance Performance."</i><br />
<br />
One of the gals in my Tuesday night class likes any excuse to throw in a hair toss to add a little personality to the dance. This idea got me on the kick of watching Iraqi <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawliya">Kawliya</a> videos. I found this fantastic "hair dance" performance. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-8629968043170403092014-10-10T16:07:00.001-05:002015-01-02T13:45:06.937-06:00It's a Steal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qjfzEIooAYLWIz00DIkUsVfny__bhDscA6PnAP2-OUltmHfm7n4TWqzWZXAg_bRDmpSNtVCiil393OKkjH00JX_Wq6DFpquUKRy596J8Jcj7k_-KKO1wUZFXc9YSxBBSOYH9IjUNq3Uc/s1600/WP_20140908_16_15_25_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qjfzEIooAYLWIz00DIkUsVfny__bhDscA6PnAP2-OUltmHfm7n4TWqzWZXAg_bRDmpSNtVCiil393OKkjH00JX_Wq6DFpquUKRy596J8Jcj7k_-KKO1wUZFXc9YSxBBSOYH9IjUNq3Uc/s1600/WP_20140908_16_15_25_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been stalking this costume online for some time now. It had a list price of $295 but had been discounted down to $195 due to the back of the belt was "upside down." I patiently waited for about a year until the price finally dropped to $75. I greedily snagged it up and within 2 hours cut the fringe off and resewed it on the correct side. It only took me that long because I spaced it out over 2 evenings. To be honest, the 3 different color blues (fabric, fringe, bead detail,) make it a little homely. But for a D cup bedlah with all of those sew on stones and fringe for $75 who cares? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzLa9icTYO5a1EaD0I89iIfo69DqxuoJ3qyOITxvcgWDa0-Jd0jpvYn4jc6RdFegXhr844Qv2YRegAs5_fZJZaDm2HyLegxeKBLE8JqmdM_haTv8eOblGM-9D0SxGqoTn5L-TeVD2QjwM/s1600/WP_20140908_16_15_34_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzLa9icTYO5a1EaD0I89iIfo69DqxuoJ3qyOITxvcgWDa0-Jd0jpvYn4jc6RdFegXhr844Qv2YRegAs5_fZJZaDm2HyLegxeKBLE8JqmdM_haTv8eOblGM-9D0SxGqoTn5L-TeVD2QjwM/s1600/WP_20140908_16_15_34_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I mean really, how do you not notice the fringe is hanging from the wrong edge? The model in the online store photo looked like she was sitting in a child's booster seat from the way the belt humped up on her back.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2vyGEt04pfZ0JLbD7PNxy7jsNjIeThSCO3gZbCaXFEdH5s6SzGZ29A2dL78KJTboL8BW7KRm1NNlb6Fo9XZCvnYId0rciJjhem0M8TJT9RlejxrllfZOcMkFgdXx6-WDnlQ9YNkIOxZE/s1600/WP_20140908_19_01_57_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2vyGEt04pfZ0JLbD7PNxy7jsNjIeThSCO3gZbCaXFEdH5s6SzGZ29A2dL78KJTboL8BW7KRm1NNlb6Fo9XZCvnYId0rciJjhem0M8TJT9RlejxrllfZOcMkFgdXx6-WDnlQ9YNkIOxZE/s1600/WP_20140908_19_01_57_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fringe removal. </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm4zRcYvJYysWOJWWk69SWX2-FBQQix-GzfqgT32h8Z13s3IivSDfbko-oHLICFHV6v_-ZskRnOZ_UviJDv4bP3KQQ6A8XnLTSjETJskm45F5ywQA9cCBKJvvbT8zJG9SEYXx6hz159PS/s1600/WP_20140908_19_12_41_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm4zRcYvJYysWOJWWk69SWX2-FBQQix-GzfqgT32h8Z13s3IivSDfbko-oHLICFHV6v_-ZskRnOZ_UviJDv4bP3KQQ6A8XnLTSjETJskm45F5ywQA9cCBKJvvbT8zJG9SEYXx6hz159PS/s1600/WP_20140908_19_12_41_Pro.jpg" height="359" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The width of each color varied so I laid it out in the most ascetically pleasing way before sewing it on.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1sBNyOuoCXo4bdt1W2aADgOIRPdAhGptfsIxDSflNuorzwBvP4H6lRknZLBuf2lI8FFvymwHpWFv0PmUoPuFZHUyag8BP6kEd1I-c7mTqhQFfdJ5NEOeoIZ6hHmJLV9lQBfqMxaSAzbm/s1600/WP_20140909_12_09_01_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1sBNyOuoCXo4bdt1W2aADgOIRPdAhGptfsIxDSflNuorzwBvP4H6lRknZLBuf2lI8FFvymwHpWFv0PmUoPuFZHUyag8BP6kEd1I-c7mTqhQFfdJ5NEOeoIZ6hHmJLV9lQBfqMxaSAzbm/s1600/WP_20140909_12_09_01_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Fringe reattached to the correct belt edge.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10VLwzjNv3ALIRnjXyJ7C2_RTElu0zl5wSsESCbNYOYw8QUyWEyebL8omatcFsaj6ViZqgAcDaZ5SipFk_lig_R8ImIfeWjU51EJhPVtdYuPqbGc_XJVdmb2i1qGKmT0rUvapJcQMYyfR/s1600/WP_20140909_17_06_10_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10VLwzjNv3ALIRnjXyJ7C2_RTElu0zl5wSsESCbNYOYw8QUyWEyebL8omatcFsaj6ViZqgAcDaZ5SipFk_lig_R8ImIfeWjU51EJhPVtdYuPqbGc_XJVdmb2i1qGKmT0rUvapJcQMYyfR/s1600/WP_20140909_17_06_10_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lining stitched back into place.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbUzEjDrNip5FuuRZTvPZat4zUrrotNnF7RSRLDbNoV1vRzBbJKNBaPN9kglo-stijJu6ldN1l1lM_yoLmbWWQ5j6dta2Ew-GJXvffuhb15ZOSBoNoX-qz8ZwPhh1X1vYUGH49cZVwFgi/s1600/WP_20140909_17_05_55_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbUzEjDrNip5FuuRZTvPZat4zUrrotNnF7RSRLDbNoV1vRzBbJKNBaPN9kglo-stijJu6ldN1l1lM_yoLmbWWQ5j6dta2Ew-GJXvffuhb15ZOSBoNoX-qz8ZwPhh1X1vYUGH49cZVwFgi/s1600/WP_20140909_17_05_55_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Perfect!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Fun Fact: When I opened up the bra lining to remove the pads I discovered that the cups are made out of a stiff green vinyl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHJAgHGtOzQh-zitSgKJgd0RYuMrWZb2QBICMYB9tcIxWXiFd24wQej6wpSG81utwrCvoI8JCdJ0bdz_mtTmGJltYeFyOS1Pjs5iRsHRg6OmyHNf9BBgOiIrKDy9br77H5LNF2Ytq26Rc/s1600/WP_20140908_16_16_05_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHJAgHGtOzQh-zitSgKJgd0RYuMrWZb2QBICMYB9tcIxWXiFd24wQej6wpSG81utwrCvoI8JCdJ0bdz_mtTmGJltYeFyOS1Pjs5iRsHRg6OmyHNf9BBgOiIrKDy9br77H5LNF2Ytq26Rc/s1600/WP_20140908_16_16_05_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdd6_mtnIb5kzhUAjkZhr5kKhAOwgEM7Xt9WYlqh1_l9Cd5OlYn6LAId_Ab9mGD8T-GKLML9jzjQWTfz56wKmXDnsdXKv4-BBYg50F-o35BBKe8Nm0rW1cr3H_22JvpscXJ9UgcyvzDTa/s1600/WP_20140914_15_57_10_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdd6_mtnIb5kzhUAjkZhr5kKhAOwgEM7Xt9WYlqh1_l9Cd5OlYn6LAId_Ab9mGD8T-GKLML9jzjQWTfz56wKmXDnsdXKv4-BBYg50F-o35BBKe8Nm0rW1cr3H_22JvpscXJ9UgcyvzDTa/s1600/WP_20140914_15_57_10_Pro.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy clearance hunting!<br />
<br />
~N<br />
<br />
*UPDATE 01/02/15 * BONUS PIC!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mNY2kIqGH_uBhUN3oZV4bsl77Ou0pQsmMvnL6Nf4xJdKBbGCO5XZScoHHJyq8UnuSMC6dfwBPtiLl4ZjAWbOZ9qRzAY27QeoJjSbo4qnMhIxS7IzJX-qSNIq-TrgOY5vNwCTFIImiK2g/s1600/i18459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mNY2kIqGH_uBhUN3oZV4bsl77Ou0pQsmMvnL6Nf4xJdKBbGCO5XZScoHHJyq8UnuSMC6dfwBPtiLl4ZjAWbOZ9qRzAY27QeoJjSbo4qnMhIxS7IzJX-qSNIq-TrgOY5vNwCTFIImiK2g/s1600/i18459.jpg" height="320" width="292" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Original model photo from website. If you stare at it long enough you will start to see scary faces.</i></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-15755107397039887812014-09-10T14:37:00.000-05:002014-09-10T14:37:19.796-05:00Recently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99vkyYtirqt8eupt6pet_0mdQpan-p6yBsjAIZyRU4WXipahLRGzceQl_o6qT5Ir6oA9w3IHq_6t1olvYuDgUPQsGl8Tp7NjUGPPVrW1bmc0Yj0PnMRyiQkvcPYxtnKOOFky_a9GHnezm/s1600/10580774_10204283443146822_1298275628362607599_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99vkyYtirqt8eupt6pet_0mdQpan-p6yBsjAIZyRU4WXipahLRGzceQl_o6qT5Ir6oA9w3IHq_6t1olvYuDgUPQsGl8Tp7NjUGPPVrW1bmc0Yj0PnMRyiQkvcPYxtnKOOFky_a9GHnezm/s1600/10580774_10204283443146822_1298275628362607599_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My late July trip to Indianapolis for the <a href="http://derbaq.com/">Jonatan Derbaq</a> and <a href="http://caravanworkshops.com/">Deniz</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a>workshop was went great. I met some lovely fellow dancers while there. Dancing to live music was the cherry on top. Not to mention a stop at <a href="http://www.dahlal.com/">Dahlal's</a> and 14 hours of riding in a car nerding out about dance, music, teaching styles, gossip, AND eating, hands down, the best food I've had in my entire life at <a href="https://ffgrill.com/">Firefly Grill</a> in Illinois. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz2VG3ZoyxoRUXoPyWI6yjhYFx0_vYduXKhUDES-sgw7Pq8SoD3oMRv7_x7bAgXzay0JWZShooPwNiAcRrHqeezys3A1NnBPWM4nqTz5N3rhrKnIyZd-uf2lQGZdq1FF6UdjbPqoMG_IA/s1600/10527593_10152586102304322_4201634551258972551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz2VG3ZoyxoRUXoPyWI6yjhYFx0_vYduXKhUDES-sgw7Pq8SoD3oMRv7_x7bAgXzay0JWZShooPwNiAcRrHqeezys3A1NnBPWM4nqTz5N3rhrKnIyZd-uf2lQGZdq1FF6UdjbPqoMG_IA/s1600/10527593_10152586102304322_4201634551258972551_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next up, Malaika hosted Bahia for a 2 day workshop in late August. I was super stoked about this and I found out that our dance philosophies have A LOT in common. But also, MANY differences. Thinking about our different viewpoints has actually helped me better define and articulate how I feel about my personal dance philosophy. Which is great. That means I'm still thinking for myself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzyEIz7VY1qSA68qju4azUHYAcTA4F_WvuqDal6pTw_qiObGcJOQufdWb86FDXobL18yhPMi1NlBySj6W8JL6qy5zTYDzdjSwRmupkByYqS435cIPa4ELCr7SP-cOnjAczoW29athhOHC/s1600/10580187_815555045135406_3640008543456420823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzyEIz7VY1qSA68qju4azUHYAcTA4F_WvuqDal6pTw_qiObGcJOQufdWb86FDXobL18yhPMi1NlBySj6W8JL6qy5zTYDzdjSwRmupkByYqS435cIPa4ELCr7SP-cOnjAczoW29athhOHC/s1600/10580187_815555045135406_3640008543456420823_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saturday's afternoon class thinking "Masculine thoughts," with Bahia. Which apparently translates to "show me your guns!"</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7daUrkLIKpY7PhyXUUlir1aO2kKubD8X596-3qsTDpWjb9pAA3_1q-eJ5VaUXZEFkEE5IvLaL8iIpKxtzJohHfyHOVljd-CHirhR8OA4DVX9Z1ZxP3yYu-g2fzW89_BGjzkBZF4x-lNG/s1600/1890339_728207253905730_1091703758449658736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7daUrkLIKpY7PhyXUUlir1aO2kKubD8X596-3qsTDpWjb9pAA3_1q-eJ5VaUXZEFkEE5IvLaL8iIpKxtzJohHfyHOVljd-CHirhR8OA4DVX9Z1ZxP3yYu-g2fzW89_BGjzkBZF4x-lNG/s1600/1890339_728207253905730_1091703758449658736_o.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>With the lovely Bahia. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~N<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Photos 1,2,and 3 generously borrowed from my FB friends. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-3679393605502349582014-08-13T15:21:00.000-05:002014-08-14T07:48:11.236-05:00A Tongue-in-Cheek at a Glance Guide on When to Hire a BellydancerHave you ever wondered why you can't seem to hire a bellydancer to jiggle her lady bits at your next rowdy shindig? Why does she become closed off,
defensive, or even hangs up on you without so much as an explanation when you tell her you would like her services for a private party at the end of a dark road at midnight? <br />
<br />
It is an outdated and frustrating notion that the general public still still thinks bellydancers are adult entertainers. So let's clear up the biggest misconception right now. Bellydancers, burlesque
dancers, strippers, and escorts are <u>not the same thing</u>. They are all
uniquely different and are hired for distinctly different occasions.<br />
<br />
We understand your frustration at this revelation. We do all kind of look alike with our glittery boobs and hair, dancing with focus on the belly and hips, but that doesn't mean we <i>are</i> or <i>do</i> the same thing. How do you know the difference? Use this layman's at-a-glace guide to help you choose the right entertainer for your function.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJuNm5F_xCJf1AkDQ-tvWEsr7IaTZek-kBhUwQhdnGKEjpzZMYVDBCCMe6VkThU5Xe3NXbeXvpasGd0POf79p9Lno8ZXaKjvFjajJsL72k7QFo8XSY_e7Xror1Eau-IgXRVyoNf8CgvQ/s1600/Drawing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcJuNm5F_xCJf1AkDQ-tvWEsr7IaTZek-kBhUwQhdnGKEjpzZMYVDBCCMe6VkThU5Xe3NXbeXvpasGd0POf79p9Lno8ZXaKjvFjajJsL72k7QFo8XSY_e7Xror1Eau-IgXRVyoNf8CgvQ/s1600/Drawing1.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Best of luck planning your next event!<br />
<br />
<br />
~N <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-60693042736796515262014-07-15T10:09:00.002-05:002014-07-15T10:09:55.399-05:00Naimaland State of the Union July 2014<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQYV5shQaDeLFlIsXF8m8YHQ6hGpowJsCKHwvOkAkiqb9Ruh5nfK9j0A9OrYIENChgKHkBhMtyTLRib4QLLvEfTUfOQcuqtNeKQSbNa1aoPSbkGfzn61Nb-Uwygzzc7BAbaGcn5E7FzT-/s1600/20140408_143147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQYV5shQaDeLFlIsXF8m8YHQ6hGpowJsCKHwvOkAkiqb9Ruh5nfK9j0A9OrYIENChgKHkBhMtyTLRib4QLLvEfTUfOQcuqtNeKQSbNa1aoPSbkGfzn61Nb-Uwygzzc7BAbaGcn5E7FzT-/s1600/20140408_143147.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Australia and the US bonding over dance.</i></div>
<br />
APRIL:<br />
<br />
I met my Australian dance pal <a href="http://kismetism.blogspot.com/">Kis</a>, husband, and daughter in St. Louis for some costume shopping at <a href="http://www.dahlal.com/">Dahlal International's </a>warehouse. We had a great morning walk around downtown St. Louis in search for breakfast. Then Kis and I took off to Dahlal's so we could nerd out over costumes. I custom ordered a Pharonics bedlah and Kis went home with an amazing black, orange, and yellow number. Custom ordering was pretty painless. I told Dahlal what I was looking for. She showed me a selection of bra and belt designs that could be custom ordered. I tried on one to decide on cup size. Then she took my measurements and color choices. I paid the down payment and that was that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBFEYJ8IrHqHKB1ULJcz6EJxKDoRbgMF5rvBHXTwrEBWd09kAAECyPNrKbx9W0xEFyKr_OXtSAw9_5gO-aA99DJnwRCOt4Ilad52SaQ8_DwxyQvqURKKTvqqmP-UTEqe85ijKxGOBovBH/s1600/0408141256-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBFEYJ8IrHqHKB1ULJcz6EJxKDoRbgMF5rvBHXTwrEBWd09kAAECyPNrKbx9W0xEFyKr_OXtSAw9_5gO-aA99DJnwRCOt4Ilad52SaQ8_DwxyQvqURKKTvqqmP-UTEqe85ijKxGOBovBH/s1600/0408141256-00.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One third of one room inside the harem at the Dahlal Intenational warehouse in St. Louis.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpNSP-lyT9NBRrRJ0G5EEwbQ4OizCLf9IdyRrpqlo7pTPQ5tyVCVAboUf1fLbkAzXE-dkSSqSqAXF-t1ApHYhgtdJ0iFrB-fbjMP7feHF5f-Wvhg3XOif2EzildyOtkFp6crx6JV7Qm-O/s1600/0408141257-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpNSP-lyT9NBRrRJ0G5EEwbQ4OizCLf9IdyRrpqlo7pTPQ5tyVCVAboUf1fLbkAzXE-dkSSqSqAXF-t1ApHYhgtdJ0iFrB-fbjMP7feHF5f-Wvhg3XOif2EzildyOtkFp6crx6JV7Qm-O/s1600/0408141257-00.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"T<span class="st"><i>o the window</i> (to da <i>window</i>), to da <i>wall</i>, (to da <i>wall</i>) Till the sweat drop down my..." </span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gXBJ8exdeMJSWKdot6Cm4rBf2aqy6Vhsj6VFhcU1JgZ6phud4I4l6N1G7MbJ69x0rZDRls9GDzFsj8RkVYIWMNLM2iFRi0b6s0Rdz7p1w-rwEnx6stlQq5RUDynpEjptrNID8oQVIxJP/s1600/20140409124243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gXBJ8exdeMJSWKdot6Cm4rBf2aqy6Vhsj6VFhcU1JgZ6phud4I4l6N1G7MbJ69x0rZDRls9GDzFsj8RkVYIWMNLM2iFRi0b6s0Rdz7p1w-rwEnx6stlQq5RUDynpEjptrNID8oQVIxJP/s1600/20140409124243.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Awards for most cut-outs goes to this dress. Even the sleeves and space between my knees in front had cut-outs. Sadly it did not come home with me.</i> </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V5108jN7sLKOwJlAfF54nI0pmcwixk4neHal8y2D2-o9yMTYAxqneiFKnwREBonVLHlh5xjrNAQg8BU-6NqKvQGNfxl3bcfY73Aer4qgp1r87XfLsgQb55espfFHnykrUkYKZRU_WviK/s1600/10170885_10154072793655128_5083826583469905037_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V5108jN7sLKOwJlAfF54nI0pmcwixk4neHal8y2D2-o9yMTYAxqneiFKnwREBonVLHlh5xjrNAQg8BU-6NqKvQGNfxl3bcfY73Aer4qgp1r87XfLsgQb55espfFHnykrUkYKZRU_WviK/s1600/10170885_10154072793655128_5083826583469905037_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I also went on a "glamping" trip to Huzzah Valley with my lady friends at the end of April. We lounged, we crafted, we went thrift shopping, we had a fire, and played games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5Z3wsQPjKjeN7RMiREvWRFe3aVHbzosUC76aDvhb8NASapzAwxrG8JRc7uUjmeA0-QsSqudclVYS4wpiEARsEoEjOG31KG0u36Tlo0zyppHdGD2pVveXPzXdLO6HLyntzc7wH9psO1nW/s1600/10404034_10204471282281710_4652353284536456854_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5Z3wsQPjKjeN7RMiREvWRFe3aVHbzosUC76aDvhb8NASapzAwxrG8JRc7uUjmeA0-QsSqudclVYS4wpiEARsEoEjOG31KG0u36Tlo0zyppHdGD2pVveXPzXdLO6HLyntzc7wH9psO1nW/s1600/10404034_10204471282281710_4652353284536456854_o.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Photo of me with Princess Farhana's The Belly Dance Handbook taken by the book's photographer and designer, <a href="http://www.graphicvibela.com/">Maharet Christina Hughes</a>.</i></div>
<br />
MAY:<br />
<br />
I attended friends, Dean and Janice's pirate wedding and met up with dance friend Maharet.<i> </i>She has been living and working in LA since last year and came back to Springfield to photograph for the wedding. I off-handedly mentioned how I haven't ordered <a href="http://www.princessfarhana.com/shop.htm">Princess Farhana's new book</a>, which was designed by Marharet, because you cannot order the book signed by the designer. She promptly went to her car and brought back a copy of the book. She handed it to me saying she brought a copy to give to the first person who mentioned it. The wedding got underway before she had a chance to sign it for me but she managed to snap this pic before she left. I have yet to read it cover to cover only because I've been skipping to the parts that are most pertinent to me (and looking at the pictures.) I will say, out of the other BD books in my library, this is the most comprehensive and will be my go to reference for a while yet.<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
Yoga. I started doing yoga ten minutes-ish very day from May 21st to now (July.) My knee no longer hurts. My shoulders, neck, and wrists are doing great. My back pain has greatly improved.<br />
<br />
I added 2 pallets to the existing flower bed in the back yard at the end of April. May gave me purple, yellow, and salmon colored irises and the beginnings of day lillies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g-0LfXuPnL7gQ02YkNsoZkouVpWCQ1zNCYUgYIK7sONLqq7o14vhDaCQj6dkg4H0CimSeP2dzCDfT0R_12LUeBhWO0yP_GVCWOfwEkCZxiXU40NmTGTaMSGhnqMzSxLBBe_x2jPA6QPA/s1600/GEDC4192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g-0LfXuPnL7gQ02YkNsoZkouVpWCQ1zNCYUgYIK7sONLqq7o14vhDaCQj6dkg4H0CimSeP2dzCDfT0R_12LUeBhWO0yP_GVCWOfwEkCZxiXU40NmTGTaMSGhnqMzSxLBBe_x2jPA6QPA/s1600/GEDC4192.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
JULY:<br />
<br />
I will be making my <b>first ever</b> trip to the state of Indiana for <a href="http://www.isametd.com/">ISAMETD's </a><span class="wz-bold">DANCING INSIDE THE MUSIC with <a href="http://www.jonatanderbaq.com/">Jonatan Gomes Derbaq</a> and <a href="http://caravanworkshops.com/">Deniz</a> (OH.) on Saturday July 26, 2014. Naia and I will be headed out that Friday for the 6.5 hour drive to Indianapolis. I am crossing my fingures the custom bedleh I ordered at Dahlal's back in April will be in before our trip. It takes 12-14 weeks for the order to be completed and shipped from Egypt. I should be getting an email any day now. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="wz-bold">Dance has taken a backseat to X Files and gardening. </span><span class="wz-bold"><span class="wz-bold">The Husband Person and I are also doing an X Files marathon beginning to end, all 200 plus episodes and movies</span>, which is taking us weeks to get through. The rest of the time I am outside picking bugs off of the vegetables and making <a href="http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/all-purpose-insect-pest-spray">homemade garden bug sprays</a>. </span><span class="wz-bold">Two more pallets and two more months in the garden
and we've got radishes, cucumbers, pole beans, pumpkins, tomatoes,
okra, squash, herbs, and wild flowers growing. I also added a border bed
around the patio slab. </span><br />
<br />
I have to get back on the dance wagon ASAP. Greek Night was moved up to August 2nd. Then <a href="http://www.shimmyspringfield.com/">Bahia will be here for a workshop</a> August 22nd. I am exited about both.<br />
<span class="wz-bold"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0M-GoaOtcO8f0ElmJtCS3GGvjDNSe7UdhAcJV7TUKcwn0xoF0UDnfGaT5hZOtQEsM_bGWOcWkbbAdujqXOmxosPTd5SavBBQQgrP4Tga_nloUjfNvzH7JA5oLCft977H17ZurMnWipG5x/s1600/GEDC4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0M-GoaOtcO8f0ElmJtCS3GGvjDNSe7UdhAcJV7TUKcwn0xoF0UDnfGaT5hZOtQEsM_bGWOcWkbbAdujqXOmxosPTd5SavBBQQgrP4Tga_nloUjfNvzH7JA5oLCft977H17ZurMnWipG5x/s1600/GEDC4211.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yLiYuZgcmRGJDB99-XjesnXRFEXeyeoeWMzjEnkn759yxP55fRZaQQZAGyKS_MFdoHN3iCU5mBEQ9_32EVxFBqyJgs70NRWOQmY_uThzoykVkB57G1Z1QVY9vEl3mdmwM-NfYlTSrh0W/s1600/GEDC4212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yLiYuZgcmRGJDB99-XjesnXRFEXeyeoeWMzjEnkn759yxP55fRZaQQZAGyKS_MFdoHN3iCU5mBEQ9_32EVxFBqyJgs70NRWOQmY_uThzoykVkB57G1Z1QVY9vEl3mdmwM-NfYlTSrh0W/s1600/GEDC4212.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="wz-bold">BONUS PIC: </span>From my late February awards trip to Disney World. Guess who found the most fabulous pair of mouse ears in the whole park. Sequins AND appliques AND feathers, oh my!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq8RTsOSyJXGnFwQk7KavpBbf8iNy1dIROi7gzAxpe8z8ykLQmM10G2-A7cSgsAwo7M8m58WwP4Myly0rFSiJHHT7l7YZEhdoBoJodrgTRewiwED3q87_IW178qJbtdsGs27ayf020ef2/s1600/0228140728-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq8RTsOSyJXGnFwQk7KavpBbf8iNy1dIROi7gzAxpe8z8ykLQmM10G2-A7cSgsAwo7M8m58WwP4Myly0rFSiJHHT7l7YZEhdoBoJodrgTRewiwED3q87_IW178qJbtdsGs27ayf020ef2/s1600/0228140728-01.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="wz-bold">~N </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-18906486643164799612014-06-10T12:02:00.001-05:002014-06-10T12:02:56.287-05:00New Family Member<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmEY3rs9KOTM9Bvl_GiStljAwRF9tSzVNeD8qFgQuNNFHDrrsRxno5c5xQGkGy-P__sZ8XPD0LRoANU4caw1ce6EfSOGqPvaCLgS2Dl2pZUp8f8OidAul-ogeZDqYRjWSAcc54zQ8xBvn/s1600/GEDC4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmEY3rs9KOTM9Bvl_GiStljAwRF9tSzVNeD8qFgQuNNFHDrrsRxno5c5xQGkGy-P__sZ8XPD0LRoANU4caw1ce6EfSOGqPvaCLgS2Dl2pZUp8f8OidAul-ogeZDqYRjWSAcc54zQ8xBvn/s400/GEDC4152.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Starting with bare bones.</i></div>
<br />
After my debut of the <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/shamadan-respec.html">silver shamadan</a>, the lovely Melhessa gave me her gold shamadan. GAVE me. Like here, take this. It is plain-jane but incredibly light in comparison to the silver one. I will most likely semi-retire the silver shamadan. It is difficult to transport and oh so heavy. Pick up the chair you are currently sitting in, put it on your head and light it on fire. Yeah, it's like that. So, I got to work making the new gold family member dance ready.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiFKfTKsblcGKU74V8nG1prYE6INlNFfKZcfQIJUPf9j38aleaC2xG8zkX7S-9-ohK9dCiMqniPoXm_kPOoW5sFsiTcLG2EtD8y7UarHPHz0u-zqt1D6nj4ZT6IsCYUTkiUCguFmYIw_u/s1600/GEDC4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiFKfTKsblcGKU74V8nG1prYE6INlNFfKZcfQIJUPf9j38aleaC2xG8zkX7S-9-ohK9dCiMqniPoXm_kPOoW5sFsiTcLG2EtD8y7UarHPHz0u-zqt1D6nj4ZT6IsCYUTkiUCguFmYIw_u/s400/GEDC4153.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Blurring pic of the super un-sexy nut and bolt used to tighten the headband.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SpturJ7fYDpZic1iIOQxIu_jDhv3YuwAmqKcKvpnpaACzI119dC-_4gXLJPK8HuBuH1aNrqHL12KL2WST1g1XnJIhdYpnTOWKR9uIVo1sEXSS3rsrWXZUZmLj6j4J4Oc5FfXLMNjOuM0/s1600/GEDC4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SpturJ7fYDpZic1iIOQxIu_jDhv3YuwAmqKcKvpnpaACzI119dC-_4gXLJPK8HuBuH1aNrqHL12KL2WST1g1XnJIhdYpnTOWKR9uIVo1sEXSS3rsrWXZUZmLj6j4J4Oc5FfXLMNjOuM0/s400/GEDC4154.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Inside the headpiece's framework.</i><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeSXn7zKBes_7DHfQyFEBnGlA1u4wQu16LRirO1fO-gPNAHgTW6rwDPE0h84quPmjfWN0OLToNgrSlcDO667ykfHUnJ9mmU4eClO_LkyNYkGCqxRorFehU-oNVT0ltt1jTQSRljmlZH8Y/s1600/GEDC4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeSXn7zKBes_7DHfQyFEBnGlA1u4wQu16LRirO1fO-gPNAHgTW6rwDPE0h84quPmjfWN0OLToNgrSlcDO667ykfHUnJ9mmU4eClO_LkyNYkGCqxRorFehU-oNVT0ltt1jTQSRljmlZH8Y/s400/GEDC4155.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Using foam left over from the silver shamadan I cut strips to line the interior of the headpiece for a custom fit. I then cut strips of left over fire proofed curtain fabric to cover the foam for a nice finish. I don't plan to catch myself on fire but I find having a "fire proofed" headliner amusing.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBDpQgwS1fKnnKwYt-QgEXwbZUF_HJJdlvlBEIzjcxtsdtnwNIi62UEGKeCgy7-UMKi9Cxba6NbD9TiDYT6o3H54NUCt6bUkflPX3-6Z96LWvL02BtDj9LoH19_CjZtS9vsMOm56PK266/s1600/GEDC4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBDpQgwS1fKnnKwYt-QgEXwbZUF_HJJdlvlBEIzjcxtsdtnwNIi62UEGKeCgy7-UMKi9Cxba6NbD9TiDYT6o3H54NUCt6bUkflPX3-6Z96LWvL02BtDj9LoH19_CjZtS9vsMOm56PK266/s640/GEDC4156.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I used hot glue to wrap the fabric around the foam strips. Every time I use hot glue I think to myself, "Wow hot glue is so easy and convenient to use! Why don't I use it more often?" And then I promptly burn the piss out of myself.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKVIlWQfSwjLmyITI57DXWnKuMcO1U9teiagPmFclV_ludqp6UlvFLfO5Qn-5us2ow4dNoHUyZG0zfy0xADS60Zi92gAViiTKxs6hkZsFjYj4Oz8uv1J-tEE81K8iLQCXUAKVg9FpuNls/s1600/GEDC4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKVIlWQfSwjLmyITI57DXWnKuMcO1U9teiagPmFclV_ludqp6UlvFLfO5Qn-5us2ow4dNoHUyZG0zfy0xADS60Zi92gAViiTKxs6hkZsFjYj4Oz8uv1J-tEE81K8iLQCXUAKVg9FpuNls/s400/GEDC4157.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Applying hot glue to the interior of the headpiece where the foam strips will go.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMlfQ5y9P8FDyW2hMqmFOE6NyZST9WuUyNs2XutgC-RRFTzfu8sqs-dF7AdECqOTkZMQic-SzChQBc2ZzBmONyrZSK0tYBNBb3a6kOSvmSge1GxRoh32s-Df6hBhBYIpLJIuzJrYZ2NX/s1600/GEDC4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMlfQ5y9P8FDyW2hMqmFOE6NyZST9WuUyNs2XutgC-RRFTzfu8sqs-dF7AdECqOTkZMQic-SzChQBc2ZzBmONyrZSK0tYBNBb3a6kOSvmSge1GxRoh32s-Df6hBhBYIpLJIuzJrYZ2NX/s400/GEDC4162.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In progress.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-F-cTvq60-ZWZC5AUrbyGTF6pY-HdAzRAMZ5z5HptO9i-_rcTwylVd57FKIXPwFO5-8reSIqSpurkFFTim1T6nEqUU3wUJSKD32TLgQTq3epT3LCgFUdRjQF38kkkWc-lTYUkhkiLOHy/s1600/GEDC4203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-F-cTvq60-ZWZC5AUrbyGTF6pY-HdAzRAMZ5z5HptO9i-_rcTwylVd57FKIXPwFO5-8reSIqSpurkFFTim1T6nEqUU3wUJSKD32TLgQTq3epT3LCgFUdRjQF38kkkWc-lTYUkhkiLOHy/s640/GEDC4203.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I added gold, copper, and silver rhinestones glued around the frame with E600 adhesive for extra bling.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKANxfsbPzXMDz_Tp8w7DT_ZpoXRKNxX5jWiP40F89CkhZUi80vqU57FQjg_gIFP-pjfGbzHOWROpJ1azdsvyvIDyzzRCHcI0ocRRFTrBiC_CTh4SOaeZh8ehaqxQyhheo4Au-d0QnayK/s1600/GEDC4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKANxfsbPzXMDz_Tp8w7DT_ZpoXRKNxX5jWiP40F89CkhZUi80vqU57FQjg_gIFP-pjfGbzHOWROpJ1azdsvyvIDyzzRCHcI0ocRRFTrBiC_CTh4SOaeZh8ehaqxQyhheo4Au-d0QnayK/s640/GEDC4205.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Different sizes and colors should pick up the light without adding weight.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFNXXVyc0kRDgKYQWxtf0zSFsaGz4OpH4dTEXT5J1WLgAs37egZaDPGkTDtwgkOAOWXI753el5BdcccAoYoUKhkgYXt6zpl0Vl3eQBDj3tqp8Wx_khJ1dxf06M00o6W6IifWOIkW8m9bh/s1600/GEDC4206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFNXXVyc0kRDgKYQWxtf0zSFsaGz4OpH4dTEXT5J1WLgAs37egZaDPGkTDtwgkOAOWXI753el5BdcccAoYoUKhkgYXt6zpl0Vl3eQBDj3tqp8Wx_khJ1dxf06M00o6W6IifWOIkW8m9bh/s640/GEDC4206.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Green/gold metallic flower clipped to the headband for panache.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-I5HwOfFjwJFSEMsfkoSm8m09oirqXWDo7WiG4rumby4_9cNNNkLQw6lhUe87G3gX-6l1jYzdobCPxfUlr4o-rRlomYK-oJ7lrrGSO_qLZyGNGOYS37jyUpzU9cBJbaZA6TqNfCEcDKe/s1600/GEDC4207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-I5HwOfFjwJFSEMsfkoSm8m09oirqXWDo7WiG4rumby4_9cNNNkLQw6lhUe87G3gX-6l1jYzdobCPxfUlr4o-rRlomYK-oJ7lrrGSO_qLZyGNGOYS37jyUpzU9cBJbaZA6TqNfCEcDKe/s640/GEDC4207.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Back lit by the window but lovely nonetheless. The headpiece is still utilitarian in design. I flip-flop between adding more bling or leaving it simple. Either way, a lit candelabra on your head is always epic.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX_iqP2PeV6BGyN2Vxsl4WVdUjzZA_iVEO3qh-zrU9XD26i5eKMtLRrUI0NDajK8FzW4hVC_jjws8acQFZ5m19hcZAioZTkYCUC9Y0gGpjkBVoonYTbssIJY87XDiRck48FzdDOpVQDQ3/s1600/GEDC4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX_iqP2PeV6BGyN2Vxsl4WVdUjzZA_iVEO3qh-zrU9XD26i5eKMtLRrUI0NDajK8FzW4hVC_jjws8acQFZ5m19hcZAioZTkYCUC9Y0gGpjkBVoonYTbssIJY87XDiRck48FzdDOpVQDQ3/s640/GEDC4208.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I got this.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>~N </i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-716487676434239812014-05-12T15:03:00.000-05:002014-05-12T15:03:36.219-05:00Nadia Nikishenko - Khaleegy<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F0D_LaEPTY8" width="640"></iframe>
<br/>Found this great Khaleegy performance by Russian dancer <a href="http://www.nadia-dance.com/ru/">Nadia Nikishenko</a> floating around between my Facebook friends. Love!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-9192685766246797872014-04-22T15:33:00.000-05:002014-04-22T15:33:05.142-05:00Wooden Zills!<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HNnUvbu0ClQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br/>
Find them at <a href="http://magus-obeiro.com/index.php?lang=en&page=accueil">magus-obeiro.com</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-69123421465624648032014-04-04T09:31:00.001-06:002014-04-04T09:31:32.076-06:00Making FriendsWhile working with Naia on our <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/veils-and-needles.html">duet</a> at the end of 2012, she made an observation that I was really fighting to get the veil over my head. This has always been a problem for me from the first time I picked up a veil back in my newb days. Every time I picked up the veil I fought with it. My upper body would quickly become fatigued and sore even with the most basic of veil work. Once or twice a year I would dig out my veil, flail about, and then decide that veil practice took longer and was more painful than I wanted to invest in. Veils are pretty, sure, but could I dance without one? Yes. So for 14 years I did my best to avoid it.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, I had fun dancing with veil at Naia's direction in our duet. I spent the next year trying to analyze why I struggled so much. What was making veil my least favorite prop all of these years? Most bellydancers fall in love with veil from the moment they touch one. Why have I been the only one who kind of hated it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sm6aw45_Sv_6fwD2HSCIMwG88p7IjNpwoFLC7gkKlU0thA0tpUy13y1s2USxZ8SCrveyonrL7BLysHwjK_Didz8i2zddL2TyjqwMhNnMQf3CxxTwUHnIpm2KykjW9I_S-MDraRqwb8Ng/s1600/255154_179048705486183_105567992834255_461427_4729253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sm6aw45_Sv_6fwD2HSCIMwG88p7IjNpwoFLC7gkKlU0thA0tpUy13y1s2USxZ8SCrveyonrL7BLysHwjK_Didz8i2zddL2TyjqwMhNnMQf3CxxTwUHnIpm2KykjW9I_S-MDraRqwb8Ng/s1600/255154_179048705486183_105567992834255_461427_4729253_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Back in the pain days. I may look happy but I'm not.</i> </div>
<br />
To answer this question I have to go back to the summer before our duet. I have been sitting at a desk for a living for over a decade. My hip flexors, hamstrings, and calves are so tight that many of the common dance stretches (pigeon, kneeling hip flexor lunge, etc.) were almost impossible for me. I relied heavily on forward bends and triangle poses that, while good for flexibility, were not addressing the right areas of my body.<br />
<br />
That summer, I was introduced to the simplest of standing hip flexor lunges at a workshop with Ava Flemming. Doing this particular <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sedMnxVxKo4">stretch</a> (feet forward, heels down,) created a much different feeling than the other stretches. Just by turning my feet forward and tucking my pelvis created a painful yet blissful feeling from my low back, through the front of my pelvis, and all the way down and around to the back of my knee. Stiff muscles and joints...understatement. Initially, my lunge was quite shallow. I started doing it daily. I would fit it in here and there. Waiting on the microwave, before bed, before and after dance practice, in the checkout. I made this lunge a part of my daily being. Even if I could only hold it for just 5 seconds per side once a day.<br />
<br />
Now, my lunge is much deeper. I have also added a side stretch leaning away from the outstretched leg creating a deeper stretch. I am slowly undoing the default fetal position my body has curled into over the years of sitting at a computer. My lower back feels better. My posture is improved.<br />
<br />
So I thought what can I do to help me get the veil over my head without flinging it and grimacing? I took a cue from my hip flexor stretches and started looking for ways to open my chest and shoulders. And again, I found the simplest stretch made the most impact. I picked up my veil in earnest and started working on my flexibility. Everyday for a week I held my veil in both hands and did very slow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMGEhXbWRSk">shoulder rotations</a> stretching my chest and lubricating my shoulder joints. That's it. No music. No dancing. Over the next few weeks I added in a few basic veil turns or tosses after stretching, but just a few. If I felt pain, strain, or fatigue I stopped and put the veil aside. My practice consisted of barely 5 minute spurts of stretching and arm work.<br />
<br />
These baby steps made a huge difference. My flexibility has improved enough with proper stretching that I began learning a beginner veil choreography from a DVD. I work with the DVD at least once a week, sometimes more. Sometimes I work for 5 minutes, sometimes as much as 30 minutes, but only as much as my body can handle and no more. And despite my lack of experience performing with veil, I have picked up quite a veil
vocabulary through workshops and choreography classes over the years.
The DVD is giving me a structured practice for the technique I already know which I can follow at my own
pace instead of being at the studio going the class' pace.<br />
<br />
After 14 years of avoidance, (particularly after I had concluded veil is the devil,) the veil and I have made friends. Being a beginner at veil is pretty actually pretty awesome. I am getting much satisfaction out of the tiniest accomplishments. I learned how to get in and out of an "envelope" without getting my head caught...most of the time. With each successful "envelope" it is like opening a present and finding me inside. Surprise! That was me under the veil the whole time. <br />
<br />
<b>~N</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-71350004624599014162014-02-19T11:09:00.002-06:002014-02-19T11:11:53.370-06:00Dance Crush of the Week: Tamar Bar-Gil<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kcEJjejALTI" width="650"></iframe>
I was tipped off by <a href="http://shes-got-hips.com/learn-to-dance/daily-belly-dance-quickies/">DBQ</a> to the fantastic Israeli dancer <a href="http://tourdance.com/belly-dancers/tamar-bar-gil/">Tamar Bar-Gil</a>. I am totally digging her juicy technique and very deliberate ab work.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4LS6y3ZzoPM" width="650"></iframe>
<br />
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-78574974485584635272014-02-03T22:41:00.000-06:002014-02-03T22:46:59.657-06:00Naimaland State of the Union 02/03/14<br />
I've been away from blogging since December for mental health reasons. The day after my last post I won an award at work. They mailed an award plaque and balloons to my home as congratulations. The awards dinner will be held in Disney World. Paid round trip and everything. The same night, a family friend passed away at 36 years old. He passed away sometime between the phone call and us arriving at the hospital. The Husband Person had the misfortune and shock of seeing his body still laid out on the bed before we had been informed he had passed away. It was fairly traumatizing. I've never experienced a day of both a high and a low of such extremes.<br />
<br />
That weekend I performed as Rosie the Riveter in the Big Show, Girlz. The following weekend at the Malaika holiday hafla. I think both went well. I see myself in the pictures but I honestly don't remember much. It felt more like those times when you drive home but don't remember how you got there.<br />
<br />
The Husband Person's birthday came shortly thereafter. It was not a happy one seeing as how his mind was still at the hospital with his friend and that now they were the same age. I tried to stay positive and accommodating to his needs. Christmas came and went. It felt awkward and sad. Then New Year's. I went to bed early. <br />
<br />
On top of all of this, I was hired into a new department at the tail end of November. I was going through all of the growing pains of a transition into a new job and by January I ran out of steam. I am the proverbial introvert and had not had any time to myself for my own thoughts or needs. I wrote in my journal for the first time ever, "I am depressed." Hitting bottom one day, I hardly spoke for 24 hours. This was followed by a few days of doing mindless quiet tasks alone for hours so I could get my mind back into a feeling of normalcy. I did talk to a few friends and family about what I was dealing with but reaching out isn't what helps me. Reaching within, privately, is what helps me to process.<br />
<br />
My "alone" time helped greatly. I kept January as low-key as possible. It is now February. I have been planing what to pack for my Disney trip at the end of the month. <a href="http://www.visioncon.net/">Visioncon</a> is also a top priority. Meetings have been weekly since the beginning of January. I will actually miss the first day of con due to my Disney trip so I have to have all of my registration duties taken care of before I leave. I don't know when I'll get back to more regular blogging. I have a couple projects in the works that aren't quite ready to go online yet. "Easy does it," is my motto right now. On a lighter note, I finished the Harry Potter book series for the first time. I heart them.<br />
<br />
~N<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdZrbha4zfNAiMYR9hDfZyXDwJyVUA9_ZpfX2sCWXVe_TlR71KBgCIaz1W0UDSiRYojI3PRV2A92-dUwtXC18qZHp0NzZ0wpU09wXM7wPTzNJ8-dVNakz_Wyjnc2sl4J9xrXO4iaH3vNI/s1600/IMG_9549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdZrbha4zfNAiMYR9hDfZyXDwJyVUA9_ZpfX2sCWXVe_TlR71KBgCIaz1W0UDSiRYojI3PRV2A92-dUwtXC18qZHp0NzZ0wpU09wXM7wPTzNJ8-dVNakz_Wyjnc2sl4J9xrXO4iaH3vNI/s1600/IMG_9549.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacedphotographyanddesign">Laced Photography & Design</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFAElnizkqDUO5HkJckP6NTIwkYbo0P56DLuQWa9G0EaRUnDknSYf05tB92zmEmjbIEstRvw-sS_cYYzK3wxqc3x0xT8sXE3ConQXHVjxy6T2_Omf_GukNXy9BlHVEpjbqNqdFsi_woDB/s1600/IMG_9555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFAElnizkqDUO5HkJckP6NTIwkYbo0P56DLuQWa9G0EaRUnDknSYf05tB92zmEmjbIEstRvw-sS_cYYzK3wxqc3x0xT8sXE3ConQXHVjxy6T2_Omf_GukNXy9BlHVEpjbqNqdFsi_woDB/s1600/IMG_9555.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacedphotographyanddesign">Laced Photography & Design</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIruvo6j-b8RliBs7FhkYLgU4xUc6klAtjrOjxa5Kreu3rPneKPOMI16AyRD7r0nZeh6IW3BM90FV09lW3ScdG_Th0MBqCqQjUBr9f8ajDXsFadMJGgPIb5-BdCUQBOZDMkCNW_qaDUcDC/s1600/IMG_9562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIruvo6j-b8RliBs7FhkYLgU4xUc6klAtjrOjxa5Kreu3rPneKPOMI16AyRD7r0nZeh6IW3BM90FV09lW3ScdG_Th0MBqCqQjUBr9f8ajDXsFadMJGgPIb5-BdCUQBOZDMkCNW_qaDUcDC/s1600/IMG_9562.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacedphotographyanddesign">Laced Photography & Design</a></i> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-58156937557724682022013-12-03T08:25:00.003-06:002013-12-03T08:25:39.691-06:00Custom Hip Scarf and Headband<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bellydanceatanysize.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1384190733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://bellydanceatanysize.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1384190733.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Melissa raqs it customized.</i></div>
<br />
Check out the quick tutorial posted on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1986836815&group=149603&frame_type=g&blog=4804757&link=aHR0cDovL2JlbGx5ZGFuY2VhdGFueXNpemUuY29tL2hvdy10by1jdXN0b20tZml0LWEtaGlwLXNjYXJmLw&frame=1&click=0&user=0">How to Custom Fit a Hip Scarf </a>post at Belly Dance at Any Size.<br />
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-53446514612522291872013-11-27T13:54:00.002-06:002013-11-27T13:54:50.265-06:00Urban Gypsies Are Picture Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw5fOeNeJbf_pegHcDU9tqtJamurLWYbXsS3vaanPBCfNbhjrWT_p7Xi_Dc3y0akcElMFsfCv3ecmwCptAtmf7Zy_Std_UhyYlAodowk4L8iU3MxM32fqfBU3cEvJuEe83sEA0yCB714t/s1600/bellydancestretford08_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw5fOeNeJbf_pegHcDU9tqtJamurLWYbXsS3vaanPBCfNbhjrWT_p7Xi_Dc3y0akcElMFsfCv3ecmwCptAtmf7Zy_Std_UhyYlAodowk4L8iU3MxM32fqfBU3cEvJuEe83sEA0yCB714t/s640/bellydancestretford08_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm currently in love with this group shot of the UK's <a href="http://www.zehara.co.uk/">Urban Gypsies</a>. Often times promotional photos can be static and overly posed. This photo has lots of movement, color, and smiles. After looking at this photo who wouldn't want to dance with these ladies!<br />
<br />
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-85950630125782611092013-11-15T09:41:00.000-06:002013-11-15T09:41:11.107-06:00How Belly Dancers are Made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEIGlGJ0s8B3g-Xj2xYFVz083UWSu0brV90Lj2O8WYcg2z3-XlGgnJvkn1Dcz76sex49HmxklBlPBgbZy3ssAZaTxP87wgj-5o_iKCfabr9v4RGSoh1N6dCTIbX5C-Nbu0uCjEaJBxik-/s1600/857940_10200222934934753_585121534_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEIGlGJ0s8B3g-Xj2xYFVz083UWSu0brV90Lj2O8WYcg2z3-XlGgnJvkn1Dcz76sex49HmxklBlPBgbZy3ssAZaTxP87wgj-5o_iKCfabr9v4RGSoh1N6dCTIbX5C-Nbu0uCjEaJBxik-/s640/857940_10200222934934753_585121534_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>click to view larger</i></div>
<br />
An illustration by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/waggoner.misty">Misty Dawn Waggoner</a> on how Bellydancers are made. I like that at the "Dance Enthusiast" stage the belly button comes out. Too true. You can look through my dance pictures from my newb days to now. The waist band just gets lower and lower. ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-64187489870078049732013-11-14T14:29:00.004-06:002013-11-14T14:39:48.941-06:00Tutorial: Getting Rid of Belt Butt-Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R-LLEjw6Enx84XgDFLeCxIhOOj8pu9tQnyKw6dvpJeXGysBW6ZvljoletoFk-pbEidkH6kdX4JgN_yzpaJ4qhZj3afPSgsu04shlYt2qD_wZqVfsKiZlDGPr6OKZOKqempQm-mD59nWH/s1600/GEDC4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R-LLEjw6Enx84XgDFLeCxIhOOj8pu9tQnyKw6dvpJeXGysBW6ZvljoletoFk-pbEidkH6kdX4JgN_yzpaJ4qhZj3afPSgsu04shlYt2qD_wZqVfsKiZlDGPr6OKZOKqempQm-mD59nWH/s640/GEDC4099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Careful you don't trip and fall in.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I first saw the technique of using elastic to smooth away gaps in belts published in <a href="http://www.dahlal.com/">Dahlal's</a> costume catalog, <i>Inside the Harem</i>. Being without imagination and a total costume newb at the time, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. I needed to get rid of a butt-gap on my red coin belt so I decided to show the detailed process here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can sew the elastic under the belt lining or right on top of it. I've done it both ways with the same results. Here I decided to put the elastic under the lining because I had the time open it up, sew in elastic, and re-close the lining. Not that it's terribly time consuming. I probably finished the whole thing in 20 minutes. But, if you are squeamish about ripping open the lining, just skip that part and go right into sewing on the elastic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep in mind adding elastic won't fix every belt gap. If you have a
multiple or very wide gaps, have a unique figure, or if the belt is just
designed funky you may need a major alteration such as cutting and
removing parts of the belt or adding darts. But for those pesky 1 inch or so gaps this seems to do the trick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You will need:</div>
<ul>
<li>Small length of elastic</li>
<li>Sturdy thread</li>
<li>Safety pin</li>
<li>Sewing needle</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Seam ripper (optional) </li>
<li>Fire (optional)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are no rules as to how much elastic you need. I used two 3 inch-ish pieces. Two because my belt has a heart shaped curve along the back and it was easier to put a piece on each side instead of trying to curve the elastic. If the belt was straight I would have used one piece of elastic centered in the middle back between 4-5 inches long. The type of elastic really does not matter here either. I used a scrap piece I had in my stash.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmc3r3BqWtDsWN0WO5kCk1GIBKbDU3nKYk8tFr79umvhG6Jnh80LISTd972OHyjtCuCKx3kmblaQomcjWljHHw8tU7VZo1LNqnD0ay-vd7YqgWe4r_UV4ZtEeMtD2D7QFftOr6emiR2nQ/s1600/GEDC4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmc3r3BqWtDsWN0WO5kCk1GIBKbDU3nKYk8tFr79umvhG6Jnh80LISTd972OHyjtCuCKx3kmblaQomcjWljHHw8tU7VZo1LNqnD0ay-vd7YqgWe4r_UV4ZtEeMtD2D7QFftOr6emiR2nQ/s640/GEDC4072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Seam rip the lining (optional,) along the area of the gap.</li>
<li>Use a lighter or candle flame to singe the ends of the elastic to minimize fraying (optional.) </li>
<li>Anchor
one end of the elastic to the inside layers (or lining) of the belt
with your choice of stitch close to the upper edge of the belt. Do not stitch all the way
through to the front of the belt. Make sure the elastic is secure by
giving it a couple of tugs before moving on.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7_2D-X78dez9cYdPrT6m4hh_m1rk_vPG-OQRPBu4bUbChQgwo4bqyWfcJoTmjkp3M1wUl89N2wEFB6l4nU3rC9_T4wY7KTbiCE2Z8a5QcdEvNSMugZmmFTgHc-T9eHycFdfWiHPtM1Ns/s1600/GEDC4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7_2D-X78dez9cYdPrT6m4hh_m1rk_vPG-OQRPBu4bUbChQgwo4bqyWfcJoTmjkp3M1wUl89N2wEFB6l4nU3rC9_T4wY7KTbiCE2Z8a5QcdEvNSMugZmmFTgHc-T9eHycFdfWiHPtM1Ns/s640/GEDC4073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Stretch the elastic and inch or so longer then when it is at rest and safety pin it to the belt. When you stretch the elastic out it should lay flat against the belt. When you let go it should make the belt pucker along the edge. I prefer using safety pins here over regular pins because they will not slip out and I cannot stab myself on them.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG20dytWhfgFpRCoNpB5Y5x1XDfKHu9J9pRIMySyRq3ig3xt-5jxEzt-3RZ3pbothRvkguT6WQYfO3yzYjBAqibZRyRB5JPfKTXPqfsB8P2ug-oI8os8sBztkInbjwQJLodYJanBJAygX/s1600/GEDC4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG20dytWhfgFpRCoNpB5Y5x1XDfKHu9J9pRIMySyRq3ig3xt-5jxEzt-3RZ3pbothRvkguT6WQYfO3yzYjBAqibZRyRB5JPfKTXPqfsB8P2ug-oI8os8sBztkInbjwQJLodYJanBJAygX/s640/GEDC4076.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
<ul>
<li>Begin zig-zagging stitches back and forth over the top of the elastic but not through it, stitching only through the inner layers of the belt and not all the way through to the front. This will create a casing for the elastic so it will not slide around but will still be able to stretch. Keep the stitches loose. Stretch the elastic out flush against the belt every few stitches to ensure the stitches are not constricting its movement. </li>
<li><b> </b>Stitch down the remaining end of elastic then remove the safety pin.<b> NOTE:</b> I wanted to do it all with one long piece of thread so I stitched one side, zig-zagged across, and then stitched the other side in one pass without starting and stopping. You can stitch down both sides of the elastic first and then add the zig-zag casing across the top if that works better for you.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1i28YQ5olJhwCBxUCH0aPfDV6vKR-VKU9WOKpuGefoAZM9G3XLLx1WM0hlHYx26JtlpHt288AHpaYcg2QOZXN_e3xm-bcGXHnhG1qT6qXsOgr5792yr0ZfoXjeDvIZCITCGV9fMjF9wy/s1600/GEDC4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1i28YQ5olJhwCBxUCH0aPfDV6vKR-VKU9WOKpuGefoAZM9G3XLLx1WM0hlHYx26JtlpHt288AHpaYcg2QOZXN_e3xm-bcGXHnhG1qT6qXsOgr5792yr0ZfoXjeDvIZCITCGV9fMjF9wy/s640/GEDC4078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> If you put the elastic on top of the lining then you are done. Good Job! To replace the lining keep reading.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgligjBAeaEl45KJT1WPHVd8Ud8kFCsX6_YDilW6ZkLyGI2J4HcC8-ZZ84hpAAbRT2NidLaLmWjk69GhYkCcGXk1sKIlFd6UiDo1ZuthKymrWanRzhA9AqcnwQ4elJyRwaPHoItjGXhjcFE/s1600/GEDC4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgligjBAeaEl45KJT1WPHVd8Ud8kFCsX6_YDilW6ZkLyGI2J4HcC8-ZZ84hpAAbRT2NidLaLmWjk69GhYkCcGXk1sKIlFd6UiDo1ZuthKymrWanRzhA9AqcnwQ4elJyRwaPHoItjGXhjcFE/s640/GEDC4082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Second piece of elastic added.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP5nA_0gjd3PSrT_8SDik5kv_2ubr7A1zrbNzQDPrqap_yXO6ZsRHQWXgg1BALH2j6CwEOnB4gLGZSpyaEx4bYgmbffpQ3738N7JsFZXto-dXCwpPHqzrxcsXXqmEZlf4-kXZ9Dm-zTlH/s1600/GEDC4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP5nA_0gjd3PSrT_8SDik5kv_2ubr7A1zrbNzQDPrqap_yXO6ZsRHQWXgg1BALH2j6CwEOnB4gLGZSpyaEx4bYgmbffpQ3738N7JsFZXto-dXCwpPHqzrxcsXXqmEZlf4-kXZ9Dm-zTlH/s640/GEDC4083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>To close the lining, begin your first stitch 3-4 stitches back from the open edge of the lining and sew right over the top of the original stitches.</li>
<li> When you get to the last original stitch continue sewing to close the hole you have made.</li>
<li>Once you have closed the hole continue sewing over 3-4 of the original
stitches on the other side.</li>
<li>Knot and cut your thread.</li>
</ul>
NOTE: Here are close ups of the <b>blanket stitch</b> I used to close the lining.
Needle comes in from the top, thread wraps underneath the needle, pull tight. I used a wide blanket
stitch to close the opening because it is the stitch used on the entire
lining. A simple baste or whip stitch would have laid much nicer. If it gets to loose I may go back and whip stitch over
it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsrADWNTfBOdiA89z_WD9DNbAp1Mtp8jomEn4uhs01_Sf_KngQoZglGGP2CwP6-0F9Kr8HGACuLp3wj1RJrA2iBT1QNJ8ZSEI2qCkCWrfY4bxuwZQDXVjtaxzabopHQWOuw6Y0tGA_krH/s1600/GEDC4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsrADWNTfBOdiA89z_WD9DNbAp1Mtp8jomEn4uhs01_Sf_KngQoZglGGP2CwP6-0F9Kr8HGACuLp3wj1RJrA2iBT1QNJ8ZSEI2qCkCWrfY4bxuwZQDXVjtaxzabopHQWOuw6Y0tGA_krH/s640/GEDC4086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKu3Zzwu14Hmpyn8gmuSvee3RxHWDP_u1aiDyR8uoA8LhRNdi1DHZUO7g9MojJo9DLcE1tYZxUPsp_0OetOLo3x87_jCuzL71A1FHj_9ktBSf38iPFhwUeqeMUZbtEXSDvc9NFQueXwWG/s1600/GEDC4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKu3Zzwu14Hmpyn8gmuSvee3RxHWDP_u1aiDyR8uoA8LhRNdi1DHZUO7g9MojJo9DLcE1tYZxUPsp_0OetOLo3x87_jCuzL71A1FHj_9ktBSf38iPFhwUeqeMUZbtEXSDvc9NFQueXwWG/s640/GEDC4087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2v433h51pH7bdljEVJu1bFKXekBauOhYxWLQyXLXAGw38OlLRBEiVVgNwrgLEtISZHbxI7pEhQtLBJl0R6i9Llylddd9BjAaXoQqhbgez17huhu4iLv7UssaVVA0ahFR4hP87jiXPxk9/s1600/GEDC4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2v433h51pH7bdljEVJu1bFKXekBauOhYxWLQyXLXAGw38OlLRBEiVVgNwrgLEtISZHbxI7pEhQtLBJl0R6i9Llylddd9BjAaXoQqhbgez17huhu4iLv7UssaVVA0ahFR4hP87jiXPxk9/s640/GEDC4088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKbM1l1Dc2zMrtxRFZwMT97C_O8ebfSZFGXbOmEWQdPT7ZufEQblTu4jBcSr9veoHOZlI4WoDG6oZOzhKyfobCP1nxl4oSK4N8TKohswRJcHuL7XlQo5OyHA6Bi57GLn8BKPYn-mAu1nr/s1600/GEDC4091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKbM1l1Dc2zMrtxRFZwMT97C_O8ebfSZFGXbOmEWQdPT7ZufEQblTu4jBcSr9veoHOZlI4WoDG6oZOzhKyfobCP1nxl4oSK4N8TKohswRJcHuL7XlQo5OyHA6Bi57GLn8BKPYn-mAu1nr/s640/GEDC4091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOjba50JpvDM2i7xUJYETcr4sLfWdhqAvwmfGvx6ybMNSZOFitO_YiJ3fOFnKj0E2lOfvy2XuDwutX-cGCKeyHFXsAQO4H5Tzq7ysznqQcgfI4h9kXcgOzyOAsAhFKBTZ4NTr51_FjVAb/s1600/GEDC4089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOjba50JpvDM2i7xUJYETcr4sLfWdhqAvwmfGvx6ybMNSZOFitO_YiJ3fOFnKj0E2lOfvy2XuDwutX-cGCKeyHFXsAQO4H5Tzq7ysznqQcgfI4h9kXcgOzyOAsAhFKBTZ4NTr51_FjVAb/s640/GEDC4089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36LwJQnG8egeCRLv74mvCXvmVP42S1Rtj0DnKBdBCKbhKhtMvZQ_i9WNU0uyV7o8dpcdU3B0rwJIBQ1JREErvreOXa3EPCKSHWs1_xLLhW1PEtaTScYHmtm8E4BYi8wvOBCXsy-g8Zx5C/s1600/GEDC4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36LwJQnG8egeCRLv74mvCXvmVP42S1Rtj0DnKBdBCKbhKhtMvZQ_i9WNU0uyV7o8dpcdU3B0rwJIBQ1JREErvreOXa3EPCKSHWs1_xLLhW1PEtaTScYHmtm8E4BYi8wvOBCXsy-g8Zx5C/s640/GEDC4094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Crack is wack.<br /> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The belt should now lay smoothly against your body instead of gaping around the curve of your back. You can add elastic to trouble spots on a spandex or velvet skirt in the same manner. This trick is also handy for taming bulkiness along the side straps of your bra underneath the armpit area.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have fun and good luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
~N </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-6624915438871167432013-11-05T11:39:00.003-06:002013-11-05T11:41:14.578-06:00Shoe Fall MaintenanceI have been in desperate need of some new ballet slippers for practice since last December. They were riddled with holes and smelled pretty bad. I prefer canvas to leather because my feet sweat a lot. I ordered a new pair from DiscountDanceSupply.com in late summer that are both canvas and moisture wicking. Win! Unfortunately they were on back order for over a month. I <i>finally</i> received them in early October and was able to put the old pair to rest.<br />
<br />
Only having enough money to replace my ballet slippers I went online to see if my hermes sandals were at all salvageable. My hermes are so old I don't know how they don't have holes too. Instead they have a thick layer of crud consisting of dirt, food, and germs so thick that the soles have become hard and slick. You are supposed to maintain suede sole dance shoes with a special suede brush but alas, I have not. I have never cleaned my hermes soles, ever! Turns out not only are suede brushes cheap you can also use heavy grit sandpaper as a quick fix. I watched a few how to videos but was still a little skeptical. My hermes seemed too far neglected for anything to help but I figured why not, can't make them worse.<br />
<br />
I found some 80 grit sandpaper and to my surprise it worked really really well. The soles aren't perfect but definitely salvageable. Once I get a suede brush I should be able to extend the life of my shoes for many more years. If your shoes are super gross like mine I highly recommend cleaning the shoes outside or inside of box that you can fit your arms into. The brushing/sanding kicks up a fine dust of dirt and debris that gets everywhere. I used a flat cardboard tray that a case of ramen comes in.You may even want to wear gloves or a mask. (My shoes were sooooo nasty.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0ntx1AoBtRsAzagLMPlVFaSdw6JQz9KlskS-xWSHhCzF2fJSkMYwub0ZFCdgRYL7R67ghMGZ0p0b1GgUZvx7iDbLS7_khgYiiZFBaN8ho1hDKp2KXpF7aa7jeWeaYOXxUcFLnPo8idu7/s1600/GEDC4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0ntx1AoBtRsAzagLMPlVFaSdw6JQz9KlskS-xWSHhCzF2fJSkMYwub0ZFCdgRYL7R67ghMGZ0p0b1GgUZvx7iDbLS7_khgYiiZFBaN8ho1hDKp2KXpF7aa7jeWeaYOXxUcFLnPo8idu7/s640/GEDC4021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>New vs Old. I wore the new pair of ballet slippers around the house for an hour in triumph before throwing the old pair away.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WGrSv9aPJ8gNO6-K3AdNa1PQUVwzhPKcaIm4stiI4Bk1xUDfa16n1mlyBgqqsCS0v8fGaGTBTtQJ4LGsZ39V_2Pf9l-U7XHt6sqEWa4H3m8MMOT0HxGCQ7ol9oC7zaHkDPyaws35jD0H/s1600/GEDC4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WGrSv9aPJ8gNO6-K3AdNa1PQUVwzhPKcaIm4stiI4Bk1xUDfa16n1mlyBgqqsCS0v8fGaGTBTtQJ4LGsZ39V_2Pf9l-U7XHt6sqEWa4H3m8MMOT0HxGCQ7ol9oC7zaHkDPyaws35jD0H/s640/GEDC4025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Before and after. I feel itchy just looking at this picture.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGnL7L8F-KgkZwtA7m8Ia_tUfC6J14lYkzwhZca7CO-BxHP3-wnr8K6urN7VlqmcNHH3ncNGvWrGvNLD5Yxdf9fxoxyWlc7oCPO6cVH7_KFJril8sslTviiAPRiUrpIapAde9axeNYTUI/s1600/GEDC4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGnL7L8F-KgkZwtA7m8Ia_tUfC6J14lYkzwhZca7CO-BxHP3-wnr8K6urN7VlqmcNHH3ncNGvWrGvNLD5Yxdf9fxoxyWlc7oCPO6cVH7_KFJril8sslTviiAPRiUrpIapAde9axeNYTUI/s640/GEDC4034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Once I get a suede brush they will be like new. </i><i>Thank you internet.</i><br />
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7x4K5us7iSA" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Suede sole shoe maintenance how to with brush and sandpaper. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~N<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-10163749289919657292013-10-11T12:06:00.000-05:002013-10-11T12:06:38.294-05:00Ruby Beh Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5N5KLp5eVtN20Kya25Bolp_3bSAF_hcuaQ5FRqbODUUXd-JErMfPS7KwZrxR4_oEZQqaBqb_ukhD9six9erBELhD4_B4IcaRq3nt1sQ14s6wE73CwcoybraIaa1EumNnbIXWC8oaSVwl/s1600/GEDC4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5N5KLp5eVtN20Kya25Bolp_3bSAF_hcuaQ5FRqbODUUXd-JErMfPS7KwZrxR4_oEZQqaBqb_ukhD9six9erBELhD4_B4IcaRq3nt1sQ14s6wE73CwcoybraIaa1EumNnbIXWC8oaSVwl/s640/GEDC4009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ruby getting a feel for her surroundings.</i></div>
<br />
<i>(This post is long overdue from August.)</i><br />
<br />
I think I spent <a href="http://www.bigfunbellydance.com/">Ruby Beh</a> workshop weekend with a tight lipped smile on. Take two new costumes, new fire prop, new venue, and opening your home to a person you have never met. Add the fact you will be pushing your brain and body to learn and process new concepts into your dance and you get an uncomfortable looking tight lipped smile.<br />
<br />
I spent five days teetering on the edge of trying to be flexible and accomidating without letting the stress of all of the "newness" overtake me. I think it just resulted in super Cra-Cra Face instead of the actual enjoyment I was feeling. One of the first conversations I had with Ruby in the car on the way to the meet and great was I told her I sometimes have trouble articulating (using my big-girl words,) and that I tend to over explain things. Her answer was to just be who you are.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer given. Acknowledgement received.<br />
<br />
Ruby, Naia, and I spent Friday afternoon touring the <a href="http://www.pythiancastle.com/">Pythian Castle</a> and <a href="http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&appID=94&storeID=15">Bass Pro</a> followed by non-stop workshops from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. I had all of my costuming stuff prepared well in advance since Ruby was staying in the Guest/sewing/dance room. I was able to get ready for 3 dance sets in minimal time before the workshop show began. I had my usually moment of butterflies while putting on my make-up and then my "I'm a professional" business hat went on and Ruby and I headed out the door for the show. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3dgKq6j6XxbQCKbxTigifevgXOMo9uUL9gQ9YBTYOSHiI-o4F0R6mdk1sfC3Dug7HzdVP1rCAlornSKRMv_cguKFMUihhNntkOEy8ecqZJykZVvneHsa_WyOTLjU_Lgkv_YURAtHyFtX/s1600/GEDC4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3dgKq6j6XxbQCKbxTigifevgXOMo9uUL9gQ9YBTYOSHiI-o4F0R6mdk1sfC3Dug7HzdVP1rCAlornSKRMv_cguKFMUihhNntkOEy8ecqZJykZVvneHsa_WyOTLjU_Lgkv_YURAtHyFtX/s640/GEDC4012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ruby seducing the locals.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I9Bv5HKLKW1fsVNWboJuV2gPNvPRdnXQYXUS2rax2Io92POEAB6PAeHicNew3rgr6MpS_r2AHzhYZ7EQgTNR6qP-oduwcheVHVKEEFMRbpgiESkE75IfWlhpT7OYO1OCwsEnYFM97jpJ/s1600/1231091_702456713104653_239720569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I9Bv5HKLKW1fsVNWboJuV2gPNvPRdnXQYXUS2rax2Io92POEAB6PAeHicNew3rgr6MpS_r2AHzhYZ7EQgTNR6qP-oduwcheVHVKEEFMRbpgiESkE75IfWlhpT7OYO1OCwsEnYFM97jpJ/s640/1231091_702456713104653_239720569_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nice cheekbones. Photo: S Bowers</i> </div>
<br />
<br />
Did I mention Saturday was also Greek Night? Not only was it Greek Night but the first Greek Night at Galloway Station's new venue and I had yet to even stepped foot into the building. Because of this I got to open the workshop show with a Shamadan procession provided by the lovely <a href="http://www.malaikadancers.com/">Malaika Dancers</a> so I could leave early.<br />
<br />
The end result of my <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/shamadan-respec.html">Shamadan Respec</a> was successful. No wax in the hair. No costumes on fire. I even rocked finger cymbals with some Zeffa rhythm. On one
hand I think my Shamadan still needs more bling. On the other hand I am content that I
can keep it on my head without burning down the Northview Senior Center.
The paper would read, <i>"So called 'Bellydancer' stupidly balances lit candelabra on head. Seniors outraged."</i><br />
<br />
I
wanted to see both of Ruby's sets so I ended up staying the entire show
instead of leaving for Galloway when I should. As soon as Ruby's music ended in applause I headed straight out the door but I ended up getting stuck in road
construction on my way to Galloway and was over 20 minutes late to our
first set (I've never been late in all of these years.) When I finally made it, Sa'dia met me at the door to show me
how to get to the office. We ran up 2 flights of stairs. I dropped my
bag, dropped my cover-up, grabbed my zills, and immediately ran back
down the stairs to the sound of our opening song. <br />
<br />
The first set went by in a blur of adrenalin from being so late and having to learn my new dance environment literally on the spot. My dancing felt a bit frantic but I think I covered it well. I did have some family support from my mom, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, and another family friend. Friendly faces in the crowd always help.<br />
<br />
Sa'dia and I hung out in the office between sets standing in front of the electric fan. During this time people from the workshop where arriving to catch the late show. I had hit the giddy slap-happy point of the evening. I felt like a total spaz by the time Sa'dia and I went down for our second set. New costume number 2 cooperated during the set although the skirt needs some serious attention. I don't have any pictures of it yet.<br />
<br />
After a mostly successful second set, (forgot the same section of the same drum solo again,) I changed into street clothes and headed out to the patio to hang with my friends. That is the point I completely deflated. I was <i>s o t i r e d</i> I could barely articulate. I did manage to procure a glass of bourbon that we lit on fire in lieu of a birthday candle and sang happy birthday for R.W. Lucky for me Ruby was tired too and we left before close time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopbTCGZvvkD24kjUz30977NSOxR_Aktg8eN_dXj6bQol_0fSSnN5XEM6H5blktpYcOimZAKaC8qT-FBnykoPkeSqy8q_jzgvCasIMiixM769nxgDpiY6Js2uC_XdKXqU3NEZizP2cogYc/s1600/1276972_10100833558159904_1646228586_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopbTCGZvvkD24kjUz30977NSOxR_Aktg8eN_dXj6bQol_0fSSnN5XEM6H5blktpYcOimZAKaC8qT-FBnykoPkeSqy8q_jzgvCasIMiixM769nxgDpiY6Js2uC_XdKXqU3NEZizP2cogYc/s640/1276972_10100833558159904_1646228586_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Sa'dia rocking it <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/sadias-pink-alterations-oct-2012.html">in pink</a>.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DKeXwdcbtictMallwUKup8n6O8oip_M5qbda-lcl-AHwe93Q-uDrRSODjPR2ivDV3jxguHZ31dMpY_vtbB1oDNTpe3D46eqGRtAf7YfBV2b0F1eUCkrvtggbXhhJnZlJ3hy7ItdrUee4/s1600/GEDC4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DKeXwdcbtictMallwUKup8n6O8oip_M5qbda-lcl-AHwe93Q-uDrRSODjPR2ivDV3jxguHZ31dMpY_vtbB1oDNTpe3D46eqGRtAf7YfBV2b0F1eUCkrvtggbXhhJnZlJ3hy7ItdrUee4/s640/GEDC4016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>From the tip bag. Napkins, rose petals, and money. (Nowadays, many <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6_5XFy8cbs&list=PL1D52E7B87B867FB3">Greeks throw flowers</a>, napkins, money, and the like instead of breaking plates.) I've been told that the shower of rose petals and napkins looks really awesome while we dance. It's usually always a surprise when the crowd cheers as a cloud of color floats from somewhere above you.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV9DpDRrogM8E335MQsDtu1BA5OJsT16mP6u-NslkDBXeY0b6KnR2Fieaun50leQZoObzPcNTDABQSuQFfkkjxzadbUHryCOvxLztk4nUSd9AeY5UdQKEcLYULwbxdnZfsLoQqnffRMKI/s1600/GEDC4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV9DpDRrogM8E335MQsDtu1BA5OJsT16mP6u-NslkDBXeY0b6KnR2Fieaun50leQZoObzPcNTDABQSuQFfkkjxzadbUHryCOvxLztk4nUSd9AeY5UdQKEcLYULwbxdnZfsLoQqnffRMKI/s640/GEDC4018.JPG" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The napkins that didn't make it into the tip bag. You know, cause it's totally sexy and non-distracting to see while dancing.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IP77RIMCRpt1Kty4CVkHZMJ4qRDXX-UkXAP8SxSs7A7qJ3sM2ldPyA8kX9Lodt2bKyIjtYPP69eChhg0AjqAMcFSUkq5qo-0ODxpscmJtgekWf22Hoj77tM0cAdyuFq-HOvKSrrER4ys/s1600/1271377_10100833557905414_69291544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IP77RIMCRpt1Kty4CVkHZMJ4qRDXX-UkXAP8SxSs7A7qJ3sM2ldPyA8kX9Lodt2bKyIjtYPP69eChhg0AjqAMcFSUkq5qo-0ODxpscmJtgekWf22Hoj77tM0cAdyuFq-HOvKSrrER4ys/s640/1271377_10100833557905414_69291544_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>OPA! Photo: C Mallahan </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlrsNIHGnguVK0VyxP-bv55xIBHT7zUUQXJqLS93n5XNZhFYNeI4UTTjHMRXpYil4dYpgsOvS1xGG5swOeyMZN3m0qJdMPJBZM_oA3NO95PVP7KaIsnhepuYlM9p3Jw1km2QgXepQWMVw/s1600/1274735_10100833557910404_648566352_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlrsNIHGnguVK0VyxP-bv55xIBHT7zUUQXJqLS93n5XNZhFYNeI4UTTjHMRXpYil4dYpgsOvS1xGG5swOeyMZN3m0qJdMPJBZM_oA3NO95PVP7KaIsnhepuYlM9p3Jw1km2QgXepQWMVw/s640/1274735_10100833557910404_648566352_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cra-Cra Face</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo: C Mallahan </i></div>
<br />
Sunday was a quiet day for me. Naia took Ruby to the studio to teach 7 hours of privates. I spent the whole day in boxer shorts and playing XBOX with the Husband Person. I even caught up on some National Geographics, anything that was non-bellydance related. My mental health meter slowly began to refill. Cra-Cra Face dissipating.<br />
<br />
On Monday I drove Ruby to the Branson airport. We probably had our best conversation during the ride because the stress of the weekend was over and Ruby was no longer a brand new acquaintance. I also think Ruby had taken off her business hat since the professional part of the weekend was over. I wish the whole weekend would have been as relaxed and jovial as that car ride. I saw Ruby on her way with a hug and wave.<br />
<br />
By week's end it finally dawned on me that I was completely stressed out from the excitement of having Ruby, a dancer I very much admire, in my home and trying my best to be professional without completely geeking out all over the place. Instead of letting myself geek out I just felt uncomfortable and stressed. And it probably showed. Ruby did say to be who you are. I tried way too hard to wear my Professional Hat instead of my Me Hat. Lesson learned. It also dawned on me the following week as people were posting their Ruby pics to Facebook that I never got a picture taken with her. This is how my photo with Ruby would have looked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLRDUk8U77rgU2_CnudFobJw7bTjKu1U6A2k62F7qhtnfhAAUmvnQQ-Pe1TMz4ehBHuLlXysjBaHcdBRVEYj8s1D91pOSc73qMNQy_hArQ3xLjLDGC11WrChaGn-cdtuQYkJ8No5XDcd6/s1600/RubyNaima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLRDUk8U77rgU2_CnudFobJw7bTjKu1U6A2k62F7qhtnfhAAUmvnQQ-Pe1TMz4ehBHuLlXysjBaHcdBRVEYj8s1D91pOSc73qMNQy_hArQ3xLjLDGC11WrChaGn-cdtuQYkJ8No5XDcd6/s640/RubyNaima.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Homies. </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
~N</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-90660470451589099212013-10-07T10:24:00.002-05:002014-04-23T08:39:15.040-05:00DanceTastic: Rick Owens 2014 Spring Summer Fashion show<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o5uWWdKdVJg" width="640"></iframe>
<br /><br/>
<b><i>UPDATE 4/23/14: I found <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/09/54470/rick-owens-step-team-interview">an interview</a> of one of the step dancers from the performance. She talks about her experience and tells us that the dancers were from 4 teams - Soul Steps and Momentum from New York and the Washington Divas and the Zetas who hail from the D.C. area. </i></b>
<br /><br/>
Rick Owens 2014 Spring Summer fashion show was a mash-up of fashion and dance. I can imagine these amazing glamazons in a futuristic temple bringing down the moon. All of the moons. From the whole solar system. Unfortunately, I cannot find info on the dancers. Everything I find on the show is about body image, racial and gender stereotypes, etc. No info about the women themselves. Here is a short article <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2013/sep/27/rick-owens-models-dancers-paris-fashion-week">About the show</a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1WfAmL-dIBQ" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
Here is the show from another view.<br />
<br />
~N<br />
<br />
PS Their dance sneakers are pimpin. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-20221643793948074602013-09-12T11:53:00.000-05:002013-09-12T11:53:42.379-05:00Sa'dia's Wet Set Curls<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wYLtjl-XAHE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br/>
Fellow dancer Sa'dia with <a href="http://alchemy320.com/2013/08/29/tutorial-creating-natural-looking-curl-with-a-wet-set/">Alchemy, A Salon</a>, shows us how to do a wet set updo for curling your hair. She has used this technique for years and it works really well for those workshop weekends. Updo during the day. Full head of curls for the evening show.
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-8084253879061767452013-09-11T14:16:00.001-05:002013-09-11T14:16:27.970-05:00Sa'dia's Purple Alterations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90Rou1V7cpCoyRWd3fIqtJyUtuKAKbUfkdqJYKPmlDxh4dfgkTC1qtZdvfWJXf1DFZ0B8hJ79gyw2lmZ4VGPRVUe0C9EHUOoI8ISD_ZpkglfYdpAwkfL9iSH2j6x53eLbNqbGUSGqVLaM/s1600/GEDC3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90Rou1V7cpCoyRWd3fIqtJyUtuKAKbUfkdqJYKPmlDxh4dfgkTC1qtZdvfWJXf1DFZ0B8hJ79gyw2lmZ4VGPRVUe0C9EHUOoI8ISD_ZpkglfYdpAwkfL9iSH2j6x53eLbNqbGUSGqVLaM/s640/GEDC3684.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Before alterations front</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeE37t2RuCXWizaZoRDBQRtbzUnSu9pRjYHUmc1E1OUspfeLpKzuv25h9osxwCp6-FxSzc3k5FeqIUU9RrbWcM0vO3CUcF3FWMIt-n1WS-Im1-H4Mnr3j0SKV-3Spz9BPIVSR6rciRjBd/s1600/GEDC3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeE37t2RuCXWizaZoRDBQRtbzUnSu9pRjYHUmc1E1OUspfeLpKzuv25h9osxwCp6-FxSzc3k5FeqIUU9RrbWcM0vO3CUcF3FWMIt-n1WS-Im1-H4Mnr3j0SKV-3Spz9BPIVSR6rciRjBd/s640/GEDC3687.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Before alterations back</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bra cups on this costume were super tiny and a bra extension just wasn't going to cut it. After much frowning, I was bolstered by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.315441565665.157131.84299390665&type=3">this alteration by Ozma</a> and I decided to mount the old bra directly on top of a new bra with new side straps. The belt also need some love but not so extensively. I took very few pictures of this alteration. I also forgot to take
pictures of the finished product. But here is a quick overview of the
process.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cut off all bra fringe </li>
<li>Cut center connector of bra cups.</li>
<li>Cut off side straps.</li>
<li>Attached bra to new bra and made new side straps (in black.)</li>
<li>Salvaged sequins from old straps, shook them together with some (sort of ) matching purple sequins and filled in new straps, bra cups, and center connection.</li>
<li>Mimicked bra edge design and filled in with more (sort of ) matching beads and gold sequins.</li>
<li>Replaced bra fringe in new design.</li>
<li>Removed some fringe from back of belt and replaced with gold swags to mimic front of belt.</li>
<li>Trimmed everything with gold beads.</li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzatH4vFQBXshra1IJripJmuPKlvjKFetHU9ibnuGCcd0Sxe5UmQpukg_61Iid1pab-JhqWMl3MqcHwDIsJM4q9R15BBi8FZ307xB046rg2tf0ll0Pe4hFNbsuNjQs8N8tZuLLTiHqhg0/s1600/IMG_20130210_110733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzatH4vFQBXshra1IJripJmuPKlvjKFetHU9ibnuGCcd0Sxe5UmQpukg_61Iid1pab-JhqWMl3MqcHwDIsJM4q9R15BBi8FZ307xB046rg2tf0ll0Pe4hFNbsuNjQs8N8tZuLLTiHqhg0/s640/IMG_20130210_110733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMuKk11f8hGemwF9nT8SuVamn52s4ghz8lU1gT87JXQjIelXBqQyVU_xtarNtkza3UlhyphenhyphenSqqL8eJmSVMp7Oy0F29tr-vc7iTFaCJ3SHB6UCZv9wmCMW3Yn6E_TKNOIMPELj3NA9G9Wz0P/s1600/GEDC3982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMuKk11f8hGemwF9nT8SuVamn52s4ghz8lU1gT87JXQjIelXBqQyVU_xtarNtkza3UlhyphenhyphenSqqL8eJmSVMp7Oy0F29tr-vc7iTFaCJ3SHB6UCZv9wmCMW3Yn6E_TKNOIMPELj3NA9G9Wz0P/s640/GEDC3982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxmDolGljSWe2PvHvrFVk8d2lg7Jpb7-h_mu-L3Kgp6MiyufnsVsKSuD90uGHaE6bzu6gvaphekLflaFQNwg0g4U7hVCrbCBvoG2JB0O5A3LNaCc4bZkCCW2v43MTvQqLAcdHYMZ_HC6E/s1600/GEDC3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxmDolGljSWe2PvHvrFVk8d2lg7Jpb7-h_mu-L3Kgp6MiyufnsVsKSuD90uGHaE6bzu6gvaphekLflaFQNwg0g4U7hVCrbCBvoG2JB0O5A3LNaCc4bZkCCW2v43MTvQqLAcdHYMZ_HC6E/s640/GEDC3979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfl00xB8VfHbhszBge9bufUi79QWeOKb3rODFyLL9hr7Alx6s51nS3N_pHq1wOH-MHtW4plbc8LPkUMqIBfE-uQoRhyphenhypheng0tZdrIGlTFeUgE-rZHiK3FKqS0chnN02g4hlOKXXb2grZHJti/s1600/GEDC3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfl00xB8VfHbhszBge9bufUi79QWeOKb3rODFyLL9hr7Alx6s51nS3N_pHq1wOH-MHtW4plbc8LPkUMqIBfE-uQoRhyphenhypheng0tZdrIGlTFeUgE-rZHiK3FKqS0chnN02g4hlOKXXb2grZHJti/s640/GEDC3980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmYKVYR8Jz_GCxfXlRRqJI51-LD3hL_0beYMndjE4sMS8vgd4J_1_5RvIgsYna6TLauhSk_E58w0Eyy-mBkNs2vA5NwckXaBwX9K97LEdEeaaxy-Ipnzijripnw33DrfTPpRSBRgEzoWK/s1600/GEDC3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmYKVYR8Jz_GCxfXlRRqJI51-LD3hL_0beYMndjE4sMS8vgd4J_1_5RvIgsYna6TLauhSk_E58w0Eyy-mBkNs2vA5NwckXaBwX9K97LEdEeaaxy-Ipnzijripnw33DrfTPpRSBRgEzoWK/s640/GEDC3981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-87421223448653947222013-08-29T08:43:00.002-05:002013-08-29T08:44:45.159-05:00This Week's Dance Crush: Amanda Rose<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xSKHfbW4WOE" width="640"></iframe>
<br/>
It's been a long educational weekend with <a href="http://www.bigfunbellydance.com/">Ruby Beh</a> staying in my home. I am tired and inspired. The week before Ruby arrived I was at the studio listening to <a href="http://amandarosedance.com/">Amanda Rose'</a>s <a href="http://www.cheekygirlsproductions.com/store/product.php?productid=16250&cat=329&page=1">Embellish Your Dance</a> instructional DVD and now I'm hooked. Check out this super cute Melaya Leff performance.<br />
~NAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471662930324211319.post-59042209458724238542013-08-12T15:20:00.000-05:002013-08-12T15:20:21.946-05:00Shamadan Respec<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiU3mfZdBhVUTVUMV1JuDrarVTH3Z9e8w8aXJYuOjCwXkfTB_BWeoIruodhU399HOIhQ8lDpB6jUnfdAk-X5MvOZ9QLIOKAHDJz8PqC7x77tp1O_cY5DUnLrdlveEJf07xDrfnHrBeIOZ/s1600/GEDC3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiU3mfZdBhVUTVUMV1JuDrarVTH3Z9e8w8aXJYuOjCwXkfTB_BWeoIruodhU399HOIhQ8lDpB6jUnfdAk-X5MvOZ9QLIOKAHDJz8PqC7x77tp1O_cY5DUnLrdlveEJf07xDrfnHrBeIOZ/s640/GEDC3891.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So, I bought a shamadan.</i></div>
<br />
This really wouldn't have been my first pick for a shamadan. It is incredibly heavy and the center post is crooked. It did have 2 very important things going for it. It was only $50 and it is the same shamadan used at my wedding. Double score.<br />
<br />
By the way, this shamadan is a
beast! Sixteen candle holders total making it very top heavy. No matter how much I adjusted the padding or tightened the skull cap I could not keep it balanced. So I removed the entire top row of candle holders. Not because it made it lighter, (most of the weight comes from the rod in the center,) but to change the shamadan's center of gravity. It is easier to balance now with the shamadan's widest part closer to my head instead of 3 or so feet above it. Once I was able to walk around the room without incident I got to work on giving it a little bling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwetKc2An7Y/RS5c3aknABI/AAAAAAAAAGs/sdgD2KttsAc/s1600/kc050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwetKc2An7Y/RS5c3aknABI/AAAAAAAAAGs/sdgD2KttsAc/s400/kc050.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Blowing out the shamadan candles like a big bellydance cake after Amira's zeffa at my wedding. Props to Amira for rocking a 16 candle shamadan.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqaoTCpqfJDDNwCof2YHNdfUrSDpeFIZ0vJ7oKglyATTnE5avD-6uOK-dKxmcWxitiiyaL1x7NZf0B4331vUgpSlv8Tz6ewB6NMoYs325DVgMHN62svGcuVc1DnHLXYnpwwK1oboSwqcs/s1600/GEDC3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqaoTCpqfJDDNwCof2YHNdfUrSDpeFIZ0vJ7oKglyATTnE5avD-6uOK-dKxmcWxitiiyaL1x7NZf0B4331vUgpSlv8Tz6ewB6NMoYs325DVgMHN62svGcuVc1DnHLXYnpwwK1oboSwqcs/s640/GEDC3926.JPG" width="640" /></a> <i>Metal rings and beads get salvaged from 2 different necklaces.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLv_xlVzMHO4sFfz4n3Ace5By4xmOBj3sIet30dOLbDusvNvnLj_yvJd-ExSJCtbXP7o2gH6WJNw_GOFLfm_oyRfYmSXGJw-cvS0U6LyfOrvFpSt1HFT9azjgJM3AP9l4Vi31BfKgAdXT/s1600/GEDC3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLv_xlVzMHO4sFfz4n3Ace5By4xmOBj3sIet30dOLbDusvNvnLj_yvJd-ExSJCtbXP7o2gH6WJNw_GOFLfm_oyRfYmSXGJw-cvS0U6LyfOrvFpSt1HFT9azjgJM3AP9l4Vi31BfKgAdXT/s640/GEDC3929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I attached beaded swags from the holes left by the removed arms.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1I4MZbetgLxutMOTeduZ3ZzB4hHQveBHomnTngaN63kSJJv4I80zrfVCHzJHckCt3BqC9WS7RK3J2eU1Yl4DVItucR87j1hDTotfOrUE8SzLe-KKol6XNqKGPcP2ee8HuWuCYQJWvy8K/s1600/GEDC3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1I4MZbetgLxutMOTeduZ3ZzB4hHQveBHomnTngaN63kSJJv4I80zrfVCHzJHckCt3BqC9WS7RK3J2eU1Yl4DVItucR87j1hDTotfOrUE8SzLe-KKol6XNqKGPcP2ee8HuWuCYQJWvy8K/s640/GEDC3930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bead swag bottom view. This disguises the space gap left after removing the 5 top holders really well.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsKhOvHfrlVpvrJHK7KM5wGc3Ku2ZdoflmuAxZb88lLU1qA7XsjmZPBfFzo59YCA9LAgW56OcHYaXvrLn8xLadJbKDd003HlLsNL9higFhvHGqLeyv_ZQIgs7AZdqtOReRyVQfhiKaH98/s1600/GEDC3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsKhOvHfrlVpvrJHK7KM5wGc3Ku2ZdoflmuAxZb88lLU1qA7XsjmZPBfFzo59YCA9LAgW56OcHYaXvrLn8xLadJbKDd003HlLsNL9higFhvHGqLeyv_ZQIgs7AZdqtOReRyVQfhiKaH98/s640/GEDC3931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This piece of beaded fringe is attached using the metal rings from the other salvaged necklace.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ8I8jbHh2rqJaSR4P6nwmWC99ZgGqM0SRADmM0YdUVGC7SsbbhxMsN2H47CpTZDn73vMbkybOpHp6oSTAa0L2Qk2UdnoEbfcG2RRLZ62_9Q0vAPqxm4TU7bIFcsujId7HOcKdRpqgPkR/s1600/GEDC3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ8I8jbHh2rqJaSR4P6nwmWC99ZgGqM0SRADmM0YdUVGC7SsbbhxMsN2H47CpTZDn73vMbkybOpHp6oSTAa0L2Qk2UdnoEbfcG2RRLZ62_9Q0vAPqxm4TU7bIFcsujId7HOcKdRpqgPkR/s640/GEDC3934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Multiple layers of foam added and/or removed. I'm still working to get the right amount of padding in the right places.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX6-He-QGK8PQ8QJnjbVINiB_RH6XdT3xw07wmImayjuJEDFwRDSHcU5i8svLrbwct1FYwd8VF7ZRjHfiZSufweWhDppb09xzbNETTzi7hwUyHWdaTwpOeL5pdzRAWqfpt2n78Vvtro_N/s1600/GEDC3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX6-He-QGK8PQ8QJnjbVINiB_RH6XdT3xw07wmImayjuJEDFwRDSHcU5i8svLrbwct1FYwd8VF7ZRjHfiZSufweWhDppb09xzbNETTzi7hwUyHWdaTwpOeL5pdzRAWqfpt2n78Vvtro_N/s640/GEDC3928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My next challenge was the shamadan was stored in a green Christmas tree/decoration bag stuffed with pillows and foam for protection. I liked the bag idea but I wanted something more solid but still light enough to carry. Unfortunately, the shamadan is bigger than any solid container I can find to transport it in that isn't super heavy or super expensive. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I decided to have a go at creating a case that will allow the shamadan to sit upright and stay protected using cardboard, duct tape, and my left over poly tubing from <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/search/label/hooping">hoop</a> making. If it works, Yay! If not I'm not out any money.<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0NVFTARTEsTjoLJOBjtFV8Rx28iW2e0WfvS32M4YV4qUfN7adsfi38wnuCNSuXXIzqjxxYTfP2gkhZOL35QN-B69mkKBrlUT-Sj12jvsweQQc9lcRQRr_rL1RZC4uBIvVR6dPEyBrClx/s1600/GEDC3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0NVFTARTEsTjoLJOBjtFV8Rx28iW2e0WfvS32M4YV4qUfN7adsfi38wnuCNSuXXIzqjxxYTfP2gkhZOL35QN-B69mkKBrlUT-Sj12jvsweQQc9lcRQRr_rL1RZC4uBIvVR6dPEyBrClx/s640/GEDC3936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I made a circle big enough for the shamadan to slip through. This will be the bottom support of the case.</i> <i>Boober, <a href="http://naimasbellydanceblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/veils-and-needles.html">the needle eater</a>, is on supervising duty.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZi4UYHvwf9JnQSLfxRQQJp_ZtsqDB3whLfG4ENRMi_FpKjzJeXJNeJzLX7s8Le5phVr4p1olBQLAkYELGfFlV2jX0d93dGNl6yyn8TFefBg9mT4KYC1RZ7fbyLGX85qvTubj7_Wo2DWP/s1600/GEDC3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZi4UYHvwf9JnQSLfxRQQJp_ZtsqDB3whLfG4ENRMi_FpKjzJeXJNeJzLX7s8Le5phVr4p1olBQLAkYELGfFlV2jX0d93dGNl6yyn8TFefBg9mT4KYC1RZ7fbyLGX85qvTubj7_Wo2DWP/s640/GEDC3937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I crafted a base from a cardboard box and some duct tape to fit the size of the hoop.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2K-xI7ySmanNZDG-LLRu8BcBkTx5r_fv3qSWcOngc8O4Z4RGt0DTPeFL79jLCXq6G6aFWnRLJXQ8pwmLF0x47mTV0Q8BOyUg8owOLOUgPiIcOLxSQCE00enRLs_4xQsSzdTfrGUnnGTx/s1600/GEDC3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2K-xI7ySmanNZDG-LLRu8BcBkTx5r_fv3qSWcOngc8O4Z4RGt0DTPeFL79jLCXq6G6aFWnRLJXQ8pwmLF0x47mTV0Q8BOyUg8owOLOUgPiIcOLxSQCE00enRLs_4xQsSzdTfrGUnnGTx/s640/GEDC3939.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Three tube side supports added to the base with duct tape. You can see the green bag in this photo.</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXpEOpUbhyZpA-Md7WxPKT4vulEHDWtl44ghBjqhDUkA6slja738QxIaRbMQO5X3iClNRnLV32cYDwMK5d_J1VUdH-ZOswY8hEvkdt66y-efOf_7dull3zAUZyi_w2lHqDH9Qgo-_z60A/s1600/GEDC3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXpEOpUbhyZpA-Md7WxPKT4vulEHDWtl44ghBjqhDUkA6slja738QxIaRbMQO5X3iClNRnLV32cYDwMK5d_J1VUdH-ZOswY8hEvkdt66y-efOf_7dull3zAUZyi_w2lHqDH9Qgo-_z60A/s640/GEDC3941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A matching hoop taped on top. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOlfbfqlZAqcTjGOwROdISrQXuoQEE5_7ux4fIj2y8NlzXN3PhkaT-mhNhHaXcBMCD0zI3mhGdqaCGKxeAlq9S-bhzYYLw_lzXDOsfiax6T739JGB7HhmavKNGDZZXcSRbmtr137odYsF/s1600/GEDC3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOlfbfqlZAqcTjGOwROdISrQXuoQEE5_7ux4fIj2y8NlzXN3PhkaT-mhNhHaXcBMCD0zI3mhGdqaCGKxeAlq9S-bhzYYLw_lzXDOsfiax6T739JGB7HhmavKNGDZZXcSRbmtr137odYsF/s640/GEDC3943.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Doing a quick test to see if the shamadan will fit.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-ZLu0324EnOlxZWi_sY9s60WR06YR71hTPY-5VDozQ0QqiFcIW7GwSWhXSGQ-1haKdicrxor69lWME_cxBUUKXdNEtk5HrDRGx8qd6qtLsEvPTtqMcob9CX1d4cWwJYy2rpISGUTNaiG/s1600/GEDC3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-ZLu0324EnOlxZWi_sY9s60WR06YR71hTPY-5VDozQ0QqiFcIW7GwSWhXSGQ-1haKdicrxor69lWME_cxBUUKXdNEtk5HrDRGx8qd6qtLsEvPTtqMcob9CX1d4cWwJYy2rpISGUTNaiG/s640/GEDC3944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Getting a feel for how the cardboard sides will be attached.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6L2mhP_Xe9R0Wuy2CpMzBv-7x6__0F1Vwkb5xpUC4tCL3EQFx5USrvewuYH86ashAoDYCnlhPYFA7RIxOG1Evo9v6L-wCltTY083hGdA19uhOhi-kizktatQH_zPxWah2swXvcaup-of/s1600/GEDC3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6L2mhP_Xe9R0Wuy2CpMzBv-7x6__0F1Vwkb5xpUC4tCL3EQFx5USrvewuYH86ashAoDYCnlhPYFA7RIxOG1Evo9v6L-wCltTY083hGdA19uhOhi-kizktatQH_zPxWah2swXvcaup-of/s640/GEDC3948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Supervisor Boober patiently waits in his executive office for the finished product.</i> <i>Watching. Always watching.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvdvHHkz1RZ2YNfQiL6MzXXIQMh6_gESOd6X1y7o8abFkphbMZnyGrz_Nv2gRXBfdpEoRyy1mewKbPqCt7kt5C28oZS20Y2HVBMeSN-7wkGW1BzqS0CK3dxAOb7oDd_dNSXxnOOCCyG0b/s1600/GEDC3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvdvHHkz1RZ2YNfQiL6MzXXIQMh6_gESOd6X1y7o8abFkphbMZnyGrz_Nv2gRXBfdpEoRyy1mewKbPqCt7kt5C28oZS20Y2HVBMeSN-7wkGW1BzqS0CK3dxAOb7oDd_dNSXxnOOCCyG0b/s640/GEDC3957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>More cardboard and duct tape. It's starting to come together!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKSJFf-Svje3Nkl8UQEhHgc2WNUtzedp3tP-r_t8XRHAbpEiRxkfHL7SuuKWBiqgfAZJJ7VnDj_CdMrQP2TTkhEzX40eMss71Mc74ekOjzniHLrio4Qli8ZyRMEG42MvbWhZOtRdqeogE/s1600/GEDC3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKSJFf-Svje3Nkl8UQEhHgc2WNUtzedp3tP-r_t8XRHAbpEiRxkfHL7SuuKWBiqgfAZJJ7VnDj_CdMrQP2TTkhEzX40eMss71Mc74ekOjzniHLrio4Qli8ZyRMEG42MvbWhZOtRdqeogE/s640/GEDC3959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With the new case inside of the bag it will not zip shut. I'm ok with that. The case keeps my shamadan safe and the bag provides carrying handles and additional space for transporting candles, lighter, and accessories. It won't win a beauty contest but it will get the job done. Best of all, it cost no additional money to make. I intend on adding more shiny bead swags to the shamadan when time allows.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to a great shamadan info source by UK dancer, <a href="http://rakscandi2.weebly.com/shamadan-introduction.html">Candi</a>.<br />
<br />
~N<br />
<br />
<br />
BONUS PIC: An interior view of the Supervisor's executive office.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfkSVuZYaS0DaqPnmXAyKmKYQamGRSLbfxhspcDY4i4EiG5lQO-fIzp4-B4MrEVJcdmCEqT9pg7B-FGU8lcTomPMebUTuHRzv0G_3sFdxhi90LzeRpw9LyhWF9nxh106uLkkjF3NAO98W/s1600/GEDC3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfkSVuZYaS0DaqPnmXAyKmKYQamGRSLbfxhspcDY4i4EiG5lQO-fIzp4-B4MrEVJcdmCEqT9pg7B-FGU8lcTomPMebUTuHRzv0G_3sFdxhi90LzeRpw9LyhWF9nxh106uLkkjF3NAO98W/s640/GEDC3953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01012590223075099786noreply@blogger.com3