THIS is my Life?...

Tribal Carnivale Halloween Show this Sat!!!!!!

Ziah — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:48:02 GMT

Awalim/Banat Almeh, Jahara Phoenix/Sherar, Aziza, Rachael Rollings, SandTrance present a Spooktacular, creepy, crawly, chilling event! Halloween Carnivale! Featuring: Sky-acts Birds of Prey Monsters Ghosts Trances Ghouls Costumes welcome at the show, come dressed! Cost is: $12 Tickets sold only at the door, so arrive early - they sell out FAST. SERIOUSLY!!! Show starts at 9pm, doors open at 8. Location: Red Light Cafe The Red Light Cafe is on the east side of Piedmont Park, just off Monroe between 10th and Piedmont. Via 75/85 North/South: 10th Street Exit: Take 10th Street East to it's dead-end at Monroe. Left a halfish mile, at the 2nd light, go left on Amsterdam Ave. Cafe is on the left, down the hill: first shop on the left at Amsterdam Walk. Midtown station MARTA. Piedmont Park is half way to the Cafe. Walk or take bus 42 for a scenic tour of Virginia Highlands to Amsterdam Ave. www.redlightcafe.com

New YouTube Videos!!!!

Ziah — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:28:18 GMT

Majda and Ziah's Veil Duet to Raquy's Makrinitsa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dau0rttq5H8 Awalim performing with Teribus at TribOriginal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A8H3nhodWw Ava's Debut performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6At1sNAKfqA

Awalim 10h Anniversary Show this Fri!!!!!!!

Ziah — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:20:17 GMT

Friday, October 16, 2009 more on this date 8:00 PM Friday, 16 October 2009 at 8:00 Kavarna Coffee House in downtown Oakhurst 707 East Lake Dr. Decatur, GA Description Ten years ago in September 1999 Awalim danced onto the stage for the first time at the Friday night show of the Aziz workshop....and we haven't stopped since!!! We have enjoyed coming together again to rehearse and prepare for this show, bringing beloved Awalim favorites out of retirement for a single night's performance which we hope will delight you Details: Friday, Oct. 16th 8pm Kavarna Coffee House 707 East Lake Drive Decatur, GA 30030 $8.00 at the door About Awalim: Awalim was formed in 1999 under the Direction of Ziah Ali McKinney-Taylor as a group to bring World Fusion Tribal Bellydance to the stages of Atlanta and the Southest US. Awalim's particular flavor of Tribal is decidedly upbeat and earthy while being sophisticated and urban, bringing what we feel are Atlanta's strongest characteristics to the Tribal genre. To learn more/Follow Awalim: awalim.com/ www.facebook.com/pages/Dec...0081594142 www.myspace.com/awalim twitter.com/awalim awalim.tribe.net/

Busy weekend!!!

Ziah — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:24:33 GMT

Ziah's Specialty Classes, Devyani ATS Workshop, Red Light and Music Salon __________________________ ~*~Special 2 week Session!!!!!!!~*~ all @ SEVERAL DANCERS CORE www.awalim.com/directions-pop.asp ATS (American Tribal Style) BELLY DANCE 7-8pm THURSDAYS Downstairs studio ~2 wks July 9-July 16 ~$24 or $15 drop in ~Summer break July 22-Aug 9 TRIBAL BOOT CAMP: Veil! How to be as graceful as the silk you are holding! 8-9:30PM THURSDAYS Downstairs studio ~Specialty Workshop in Veil for 2 wks July 9-July 16 ~$35 or $20 drop in ~Summer break July 22-Aug 9 10% discount for any multiple classes. Registration takes places 30 min. before class begins. Cash, checks made out to Lisa McKinney or PayPal ahead of time to ziah@awalim.com. ______________________________ ~*~Devyani ATS Workshop~*~ July 11, 2009 Several Dancers Core Schedule: 1-4pm Drilling Basics and Combos, the last hour will be for Special Requests & Problem Solving. Registration: http://devyani2009.eventbrite.com Price: $35 *If paying with check or money order, please make them payable to Lisa McKinney. ______________________________________________ ~*~Southern Fried Tribal @ Red Light Cafe!!!! Sat July 11th~*~ w/ Awalim (GA), Devyani (AL), Ananda Tribal (TN), Nichole of Gypsyville (TN), Natalie of Delirium Tribal SC), Jahara Phoenix(GA) and the Mezmer Society (NC)! Doors open at 8, show starts at 9pm Tickets for the show are ONLY available at the door, price is $12 553 Amsterdam Ave Atlanta, GA 30306 404-874-7828 __________________ ~*~ Music Salon!!!~*~ The purpose of the Music Salon is to get musicians of all levels together to play and rehearse music mainly from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans. Everyone, no matter your musical level, is encouraged to attend these salons – drummers, melody players, dancers aka zill players! Rutchenitsa and Some Review Sunday, July 12, 2009 1-3 PM The Garage 1031 Reeder Circle Atlanta GA 30306 Price: $5.00 per person We will be focusing on a ruchenitsa which is a Balkan Folk dance in 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aha1W_wJl2M We will also review and rehearse our past pieces: Garoon Garoon, Ah Ya Zein, Uska Dara and Lamma Bada. Ziah @ 404 581 0199 ziah@awalim.com www.awalim.com

Devyani ATS Workshop July 11, 2009

Ziah — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:43:50 GMT

@ SEVERAL DANCERS CORE www.awalim.com/directions-pop.asp Schedule: 1-4pm Drilling Basics and Combos, the last hour will be for Special Requests & Problem Solving. Registration: devyani2009.eventbrite.com Price: $35 *If paying with check or money order, please make them payable to Lisa McKinney.

Donna Mejia Dance Pedagogy Workshop

Ziah — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:52:51 GMT

November 6-8, 2009 What is Pedagogy?: Learning how to teach! Donna will lead us through a weekend of learning how to teach dance. Pricing: $350 for the entire weekend! Only enough space for 30 people Friday Night: 7:00-9:00pm (discussion only, reading materials provided for weekend) - Swanton Amphitheater in the Holiday Inn (Decatur) Saturday: 10:00am-12:00pm (stretch, alignment yoga) 1:30-5:00 pm (Dance Class with Discussion for last hour and 1/2 hour break) - Several Dancers Core Saturday Night: 7:00-9:00pm (Film Night) - Swanton Amphitheater in the Holiday Inn (Decatur) Sunday: 10:00am-12:00pm (discussion & wrap-up) 1:00-3:00 (full technique class). - Several Dancers Core HOLIDAY INN CONFERENCE CENTER 130 Clairemont Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 *All discussions will be held in the Swanton Amphitheater *$99 per night if you would like to have a room at the hotel! When booking, let them know you will be attending the Donna workshop! SEVERAL DANCERS CORE www.awalim.com/directions-pop.asp Sponsored by Ziah of Awalim 404 581 0199 www.awalim.com

Muncy McKinney 1937-2009

Ziah — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:29:06 GMT

My mother, Muncy Snow Boyd McKinney, passed away at 10am this morning, May 29th, 2009 in Knoxville, TN at Hillcrest North. After 5 months on a respiratory ventilator she decided she was tired and wanted to be free of pain. The nurses and respiratory therapists were very supportive and helped keep mom as comfortable as they could until her body was done. I was with her this morning when she passed peacefully. Her last conversations were about politics and being a feminist hell raiser in the 70's. She told us a few shocking stories that I had never heard before. I told her thank you for bringing me into the world because I really am having a great time, every day is a joy. We talked about sneaking into movie theaters, water fights in the house, yummy Indian food and scary booktapes on the Natchez Trace at night. Ava gave her lots of hugs and kisses. The will not be a memorial service but I would love for any of you who have stories or pictures to share please send them to me or give me a call. She will be cremated and her ashes will be spread at her favorite fishing spot. In lieu of flowers or donations of any sort we ask that those of you who smoke or with family members who smoke take a moment out to think about the hardship that it will put on your family to have your life shortened. My mother was only 72 years old and had not been healthy for quite a long time. Her father died of colon cancer from chewing tobacco around the same age. Thank you to everyone that has supported us over the past few years while her health failed. Especially Kelly Tayes who loved mom's intelligence and humor even during the hard times. Thank you to Lisa who sat with her during her last days so that I could get some rest. Big thanks to Jaia for shuttling me around this week, it was such a big help. Thank you so much to the belly dancers and musicians that make my life beautiful and make everyday amazing, it has gotten me through these last few weeks especially!

Boot Camp moving nights!

Ziah — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:02:25 GMT

April 2-May 12 schedule @ Several Dancer's Core in Decatur http://www.awalim.com/directions-pop.asp -PLEASE print these directions, it can be complicated to find the backdoor of Sev Dancers Core www.awalim.com 404 581 0199 BASIC TECHNIQUE 7-8PM TUESDAYS 6 wks April 7-May 12 $72 This class is an introduction to basic technique for belly dance. The class will include an introduction to rhythms, 48 basic movements, transitioning between these moves, traveling, appropriate arm positions, working with music and warm ups and cool downs. These moves are solid basics for any bellydance style- Tribal, Egyptian, Turkish, etc. ATS (American Tribal Style) BELLY DANCE 7-8pm THURSDAYS 6 wks April 2-May 7 $72 Improvisational Choreography in the Fat Chance format with an Awalim flair. This is the class that will give you the base that all Tribal dancers use. Working as a group will be emphasized. At least one session of Basic Technique required. Bring zills/finger cymbals www.saroyanzils.com. TRIBAL BOOT CAMP: Drills & Zills! 8-9:30PM THURSDAYS 5 wks April 9-May 7 $60 This class is focused on drills to increase technique and stamina. This class is open to any and all whether they have completed any of my prior classes but it is not for a complete beginner. The class structure will be a high energy warm up with zills, layered traveling drills for the entire class, and a cool down with yoga and floorwork at the end. Zills required and shoes highly recommended. 10% discount for any multiple classes Registration takes places 30 min. before class begins. Cash, checks made out to Lisa McKinney or PayPal ahead of time to ziah@awalim.com.

Ziah's March class sched altered!

Ziah — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:10:16 GMT

March schedule @ Several Dancer's Core in Decatur (no class 3/17 or 3/19) www.awalim.com 404 581 0199 We are not moving location during March but are altering classes, please read below! For now we are just rolling with the flow.... TUESDAYS 5 wks (no class 3/19) - $60 (began Feb 24th) ~ 7-8PM Basic Technique This class is an introduction to basic technique for belly dance. The class will include an introduction to rhythms, 48 basic movements, transitioning between these moves, traveling, appropriate arm positions, working with music and warm ups and cool downs. These moves are solid basics for any bellydance style- Tribal, Egyptian, Turkish, etc. TUESDAYS 3/3, 3/10, 3/24, 3/31 - $48 ~ 8-9:30PM Tribal Boot Camp: Drills, Zills and Partnerwork! March will be dedicated to working in duets and trios. This class will be focused on drills to increase technique and stamina. This class is open to any and all whether they have completed any of my prior classes but it is not for a complete beginner. The class structure will be a high energy warm up with zills, layered traveling drills for the entire class, and a cool down with yoga and floorwork at the end. Zills required and shoes highly recommended. THURSDAYS 3/5, 3/12, 3/26 - $36 ~ 7-8pm ATS (American Tribal Style) Belly Dance Improvisational Choreography in the Fat Chance format with an Awalim flair. This is the class that will give you the base that all Tribal dancers use. Working as a group will be emphasized. Bring zills/finger cymbals www.saroyanzils.com . 10% discount for any multiple classes Registration takes places 30 min. before class begins. Cash, checks made out to Lisa McKinney or PayPal ahead of time to ziah@awalim.com.

Online registration closing tomorrow!!!

Ziah — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:00:08 GMT

TribalCon V Feb 20-22, 2009 Decatur, GA www.tribalcon.com -We will officially be closing Online TribalCon registration on tomorrow night, Friday Feb 13, at midnight!!! At the moment there are three weekend passes left and only 40 show tickets left. That means that tickets must either be purchased in the next 26 hours online OR be purchased n site after on site registration opens Thursday at 6pm at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Downtown Decatur or during the day on Friday, there will not be any left by Saturday show time. -Saturday After Show Party Buffet - $13 **purchased online ONLY-this WILL NOT be available for purchase after Fri the 13th catered by Nicola's Restaurant! Cuisine choices are Chicken, Beef, Vegetarian and Wheat Free. ------------------------------------------- Don't miss the spectacular all-star show on Saturday, Feb 21, featuring some of the best tribal belly dance performers in the US! $20 for the show, and $13 for a buffet catered by Nicola's Lebanese restaurant! Register for the show and buffet at www.tribalcon.com!!!

TRIBALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ziah — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:18:12 GMT

TribalCon Feb 20-22, 2009 Concert, show and workshops www.tribalcon.com ------------------------------- Friday Concert and Hafla! ------------------------------- Concert with performances from all of our music teachers begins at 8pm Hafla (a live music and dance party) follows (overlaps) and goes well into the night ~Concert/hafla free with workshop or Sat show ticket purchase OR $10 at the door ------------------------------- Saturday All Star Show ------------------------------- Price goes from $15 to $20 on Feb 1st & WILL sell out so get your tickets early! Our lovely performers this year include... Awalim Dance Company (GA) Ariellah (CA) Asharah (DC) Banat Almeh (GA) Black V (FL) Blue Damsel (CA) Daniela (FL) Delirium Tribal Bellydance Company (SC) Devyani (AL) Donna Mejia (CO) Gypsyville (TN) Jahara Phoenix & Sherar (GA) Liora and Company (GA) Lumani (AL) Majida Anwar (GA) Mandara (WV) Mezmer Society (NC) Mira Betz (CA) Olivia of Zafira (PA) Romka (DC) Saturday After Show Party Buffet - $13 **purchased online ONLY catered by Nicola's Restaurant! Cuisine choices are Chicken, Beef, Vegetarian and Wheat Free. Doors open at 7 PM, and the show begins at 8. Register for the show and buffet at www.tribalcon.com!!! -------------------------------------------- Workshop passes still available! -------------------------------------------- Ariellah (CA) www.ariellah.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=D2DCIrdoxsM http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_wjoli327w Mira Betz (CA) www.miramania.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF7-cc1U4g8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diWbuuYgonA Asharah (Washington, DC) www.asharah.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=bvgzRKIPShM http://youtube.com/watch?v=zERHZz_k7wA Donna Mejia (CO) www.donnabodyvision.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=87FXlgOUiJs Megha of Devyani (AL) www.devyani.net http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26_xlvv8wXs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpB4oArrT_Y Kevin "Nevik" Hartnell (OH) www.legionofdoumbek.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=chzKvhkN2SY Onca and August of the Mezmer Society (NC) www.barakamundi.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=0mgpDLQ_9wU http://youtube.com/watch?v=a_nUHr-8n3w&feature=related Jen Speiden of Mandara (WV) http://www.mandaradance.com http://www.innerawareness.net Jas of Khafif (PA) www.khafif.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq_tLi_dReY Denys Proteau (PA, SC) www.turkumusic.com http://www.turkumusic.com/promo2.avi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3SbGPfKZWY Awalim Tribal Dance Co. (GA) www.awalim.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czSp8QT5UpY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vzXrNnIEGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R335wdIdMS8 Contact Ziah for more info 404 581 0199

Has anyone taken the Pomegranate SEEDS cert?

Ziah — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:06:23 GMT

Please share any experiences you have had with this certification program, I am trying to make a decision about doing it this year. As those of you who are parents can well imagine trying to figure out how to be gone a whole week is a mighty complicated task so I want to make sure the $1500 I will easily spend in fees, housing, airfare, food and childcare is worth it.

TribalCon economic stimulus package!

Ziah — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:53:12 GMT

TribalCon Early Bird economic stimulus package!!! We are very aware that times are tight and that the holidays are upon us so I wanted to remind everyone that we will hold your unpaid Early Bird reg for 30 days after you register So if you aren't going to have the money until another pay period you should still register for the Early Bird package to get the discount and then follow the instructions on your confirmation email on how to pay via PayPal at a later date or by check that needs to be postmarked by Jan 6th for us to hold your registration. TribalCon V Feb 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2009 www.tribalcon.com Early Bird Registration ends Dec 6th - A great Holiday gift for the dance or music enthusiast in your life; $240 gets you the entire three days including both the Fri live concert/hafla and Saturday dance show, a 2009 TribalCon logo T shirt, AND priority seating at the Sat show! This is a significant discount to the regular prices. Register online at www.tribalcon.com and payment is due within 30 days of registration by PayPal or check. T shirts sales with TribalCon 2009 artwork by Safiya closes Dec 6th!!!!! No t-shirts will be available at the event. Full Weekend Passes include: - All three days of workshops (music and/or dance) - Thursday evening lecture with Donna Mejia - Friday live music concert and hafla (live music and dance party) - Saturday show ticket - Saturday After Show Party at hotel (food purchased separately) Special Early Bird Pricing Until Dec 6th Weekend Pass $240, includes free t-shirt and priority seating for Saturday show Weekend Pass before Dec 6th $240, after Dec 6th $285 All Day Passes before Dec 6th $95, after Dec 6th $115 Saturday Show before Jan 11th $15, after Jan 11th $20 INDIVIDUAL DAYS DO NOT INCLUDE SHOW TICKET

Anyone want to put music posters up around ATL??

Ziah — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:54:37 GMT

I need someone to do this job in the next day or so and I cannot do it...so all of you that have been looking for an opportunity to attend TribalCon for FREE this is your chance!!!!!! Call me!!!! 404 581 0199

UK trip part 2

Ziah — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:46:44 GMT

Thrs Nov 6- Bad bad service on the sleeper train but the views as dawn breaks over the Highlands is worth it. There is snow on the highest mountains and lots of fog in the valleys, very surreal to wake up to. Lindsey picks me up at the station and takes me back to her lovely house which is a converted outbuilding on the grounds of Culloden House, which is now a hotel. She makes me an amazing omelet and we have lots of lively conversation about people's views of ATS. She drops me back in Inverness so that she can go to school (she is almost done with midwifery school). Inverness is amazing despite me being absolutely exhausted. I walk about a bit, find the tourist info office and find a walking tour to go on after lunch. I fall asleep at the table waiting for lunch to come out, I am so tired I order poorly and can only eat a portion of it. I take my backpack back to the rail station to put in a locker and then go meet the guy for the walking tour. Very silly but interesting guy, I am the only person on the tour so it was totally worth the money. He asks lots of questions about my family line but it made me realize how little I know. Went back to the station to get my pack and charge my phone. Call Morgan and talk about their trip tomorrow night. I walk about the mall a bit, I see the little top hats mounted on headbands there, and then Lindsey retrieves me and we go back home for dinner with her family. Then we are off to my ATS workshop at a lecture hall at her school. Workshop is great, I teach Nikki's Dragonfly, Arabic 5, Funky Fish, African Egyptian and Raj Choo Choo. Head back home in very ambient Scottish drizzle. I will never never never get used to cars being on the wrong side of the road, especially in conjunction with roundabouts! Fri Nov 7- I sleep til 11am!!!! *sigh* Do a bit of laundry, eat and then Lindsey takes me to some cairns that line up with the winter solstice. There were only about 5 left but a map showed the hundreds that used to there. I could only stand there and imagine the harsh life that these people must have endured and how out of reach any info about them is. Had another lovely meal with Lindsey's family and then went to Blockbuster with the kids (bought candy bars at the counter! the US really does need to get over this stupid obsession with corn syrup), watched IronMan with her ten year old son. Sat up a long time talking with Lindsey about our birth stories and how dreadful the medicalization of birth is. Sat Nov 8- Got up at the crack of dawn to get on a train down to York to meet Ava and Morgan, Lindsey and I were up way too late talking...argh. The fam made good time getting on an early train to York and beat me by an hour. There was also a "bridge strike" which meant something had hit a bridge and damaged it so there were lots of delays on my end. Went for a "curry" and had pretty hard time ordering because of the language barrier. Sickly sweet Indian food but Ava loved it of course. Went for a walk around the Shambles that night, there is a great open air market on the weekends and have fun drinking hot cocoa with a Laplander who had a great conversation with Ava about Obama. Cheap princess dresses everywhere! Ava falls asleep as we go to a Thai place so we end up just taking it back to Blossom Hotel, jet lag and three year olds are not a good mix. Turns out that was the best choice ever, we ate yummy Thai while watching BBC, had showers (en suite!) and Ava was in a great mood at the end of the night. Sun Nov 9- Had my first English breakfast, the staff are very nice about Ava and my food allergies. Ava is very tired and does not want to walk, we cave and start asking about buying a "pushchair" (a stroller). We take a bus tour (Ava naps) and get to see the new archeological dig where they found more Viking ruins. Afterwards we grab a flyer for a production of Cinderella at the tourist office as a powerful totem to energize her. She is all the sudden having fun and loves the walk along the wall. We still stop in to a dollar store and buy a stroller that pulls to the right, the rest of the day has theme music...stroll stroll stroll, thwak (as we pivot it back left), stroll stroll stroll thwak.... We had a great time at York Minster, the museum about the excavations of the Roman fort underneath are fascinating. We ate at a gourmet burger place for dinner (I had some of our bread with us, I carried over a whole loaf from the States) and I had a coke!!!! Next post is the rest of our days in York and LONDON!!!!

UK Travelogue part 1

Ziah — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:48:55 GMT

Finally home again! Our UK trip was amazing and we are still a little dazed. These are my bare bones summaries of those 19 days and hopefully Kate and TeeJei will add their adventures in Glasgow, Liverpool, York, London and Aylesbury! I want to thank Deirdre & Steffi for bringing us over there and for Cherie, Lindsey and Philippa for putting up with me during my travels around the UK. There are a few pictures up in the www.awalim.com Random observations: Sunny side up eggs, English plumbing weirdness and not rinsing dishes make the UK seem more foreign than I was expecting. Two out of the four homes I stayed at owned a rabbit (maybe three... Cherie, is there a rabbit at the farm?). Walking fast keeps you warm. You can't ever tell what is going to come out of TeeJei's mouth. Mukluk/UGGs and miniskirts are the height of fashion. I ate more pork in 17 days than I have in the past year. Everyone's houses are very tidy! I love small refridgerators. What is veggie-min and meat-min??? Jet lag sucks. Was asked whether we were Tribal Fusion (mean RB brand) or ATS many times and had a time deciding whether to say both or neither. There really isn't a concept that there are other kinds of Tribal over here in the States. Thrs Oct 30- me, Kate and TeeJei flew out of Atlanta on a direct flight to Gatwick London-British Airways baby! Didn't sleep well at all. Fri Oct 31- We got into Gatwick early in the morn and had to learn all about the rail system the hard way (we missed our connecting train at Euston to take us up to Glasgow and got up there two hours late). We had a rough learning curve on pay toilettes, queuing for the train and finding unreserved seats on the train. I had a great time on the train since I got to sit at a table with three other chatty people, everyone wants to know about Obama. One girl is heading up to the lake district to a Halloween party. When we get to the Glasgow train station there are lots of teens running around in costumes, too much fun! I stayed with Dierdre and the girls stayed down the street from the TribalVibe venue with Kate's sister who is attending university there. Neil brought us blissful Indian food and Deirdre had carrot lentil soup ready for us when we get to her house...I lived off that soup that weekend, need to get the recipe! Sat Nov 1- Up early to teach three classes at TribalVibe North (Technique, Zill Drill and Spins/Level Changes) and then perform at the show. The venue is a great old community building. We love Scottish audiences and want to stay forever. Everyone is always wowed by the candle puja. I think that Deirdre is going to put some of it on YouTube eventually. Tried to see some of the show from the back, saw a good veil fan piece, fun Bollywood, cute boy drummers (TeeJei found another husband...yum). Sun Nov 2- Up early again to teach more classes today, lots of moaning and groaning in our chilly room for the technique class that morn but everyone was laughing and enjoying it in the end (especially after Neil brought us coffee and tea). There is some sort of West African church service next door to the class and the singing is incredible. The sword duet class went smashingly, had everyone acting like pirates. Deirdre drove me around downtown Glasgow a bit and we ate at my first Wagamama...lovely!!!! Watched Stephen Fry's America (the episode with the bellydancer in it). Mon Nov 3- Took the train into Glasgow, ate at Wagamama again and spent the day walking around Glasgow, taking a bus tour and way too much time at the only Apple store in Scotland (I hate AT&T) which was around the corner from the Wagamama (there is always a Wagamama around the corner from an Apple store there). Went back to Deirdre's and spent a quiet night planning for the Shewsbury and Inverness trips. Morgan and Ava called from the vet, they were there having BoyCat put to sleep because he had blood coming out of his nose and the vet found a tumor sitting on his kidneys. Deirdre went to her first prenatal yoga class. Tues Nov 4- Got up and repacked, walked through Pollock Park to the Burrell Collection to see the suzanis. Got horribly lost in a huge wooded park full of museums with no signs once you are inside the park to direct you to them. Just barely caught the train out of Deirdre's neighborhood that got me to the Crewe train on time. Caught the train to Shewsbury at Crewe and sat with the mayor of Wem, the town I was getting off at to stay with Cherie at her husband's family farm, Whixall Hall. The farmhouse smelled just like ours in TN and I was even served country ham (gammon) and eggs for dinner just like home. This is the only part of the UK that felt familiar in a very family way, I can totally believe that this is where my grandmother comes from. Wed Nov 5- Woke up to the news that Barak Obama is president! Brilliant! Had a chatty mornng with Cherie about sponsoring workshops and bellydance and lots of other stuff and we walked around the farm a bit. Walked along a canal that was originally part of the big canal system but now it is a nature preserve. Drove into Shrewsbury and parked at Cherie's mom's and walked about. Ate at an old pub and had a COKE in a restaurant (because no corn syrup!!!). Went to a tourist info shop and got a Cadfael tour book. Dropped Cherie at her dress/gift shop and then went to the abbey. It was already closed (everything closes early because it is pitch dark at 4pm!!!) but the part that was interesting to me was the grounds where the dormitory, herb garden and workshop would be...all of Cadfael's turf! Of course all of those parts have been ripped down because any monastery portions of churches were ripped down by Henry the VIII but I was still able to orient myself to where all the things once stood, it was very amazing. Walked around for a bit more while Cherie did some merchandise shopping for her shop. We grabbed a snack at her mom's and then walked to a pub. I got a "Sprite" and drank it under a 13th century wall mural of the Last Supper. The Rajisthani workshop went great, it was the stuff that all the Shrewsbury dancers commented on at the Glasgow show so I geared the workshop to their interest. Cherie got me to the train station in time to catch the train to Crewe and then I caught a Caledonian Sleeper train to Inverness. Next installment is Inverness and getting to see Morgan and Ava again!!!

Vote Early!!!!!!!

Ziah — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:33:32 GMT

Before I leave on my trip I want to send out a note to beg everyone to vote early! I voted a few weeks ago, everyone was very chatty and friendly in the lines. I brought Ava and there were plenty of other kids there and they all colored in each other's coloring books and patted babies. I know you have heard all sorts of horror stories of how long the advanced voting lines are...Do you think that the lines on Election Day aren't going to be long? If you are daunted by the advanced voting lines then you will be completely dissuaded by the news reports on Election Day too and you will decide that you just don't have time. Or maybe you will end up with the flu that day? Or your child will. Or the car won't start... Another great reason to vote this week in advanced voting is that the highest percentage of car accidents is on Election Day...specifically Presidential Election Days...because everyone is trying to cram one more thing into their already busy lives. Do you think that your vote doesn't count? Remember Florida? Individual votes do count, everyone counts. Many people have fought for your right to vote so that you did not have to influence the election by persuading your husband or father to vote the way you wanted. YOU get to vote! Women and minorities are still fighting for the right to vote in many countries around the world...being estranged from their families, being beaten or murdered because they won't back down from the fight. Go to http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/advanced_voting.htm and check out where you can vote during Advanced Voting Week! If you are in another state just google early voting in your state. Remember we hold a prize filled raffle for everyone that votes and pledges to NPR each year, just send your "I voted" sticker or pledge sheet in to Awalim Dance Co, P O Box 831, Pine Lake GA 30072 or bring them to class and put them in bag in the sign in book. We will hold the raffle after I get back from the UK. The world is run by those who show up! Ziah www.awalim.com www.tribalcon.com

TribalCon postcard and poster mailing...

Ziah — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:32:29 GMT

Please send your address if you want us to mail you TribalCon postcards. Let us know if you have a studio that you could place a poster at, we have a few extras. Email your address to tribalcon@tribalcon.com Remember that the Early Bird Special ends a week earlier this year on Dec 6th

Carnivale FAQ

Ziah — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:13:02 GMT

~ Can we wear costumes? Yes! We would love it if the audience was more colorful and interesting than us! ~ Is it kid friendly? Yes...well, as long as your kids are used to hanging around us. There may be some sexy moments, but there won't be any outright sexuality. Our announcer will warn you if anything risque is coming up...so you can make sure you are back in your seats! ~ When will the Midway games start? We are shooting for them to start around 7pm. The doors still won't be opening until 8pm, so that the last finishing touches can be put on our show. Come have your fortune told, watch a fire eater, play carnival games and feel like a kid again! The Midway is a fundraiser to help Awalim feed themselves while in the UK. We have two events where we'll be teaching and performing, but there will be 11 days in between for us to hang out and explore! Come test your skills on the amazing Carnival Midway! You are guaranteed to win a prize! Be shocked by the gruesome and bizarre wonders inside the Cabinet of Curiosities! ~* Bring your "I voted!" sticker and/or NPR pledge drive confirmation to enter our annual socially conscious raffle for sensational prizes! *~

Red Light Halloween Carnivale this Sat!!!!!!!

Ziah — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:19:49 GMT

Come one, come all... to the TRIBAL HALLOWEEN CARNIVALE! Presented by Awalim Dance Company & Jahara Phoenix And our student troupes Banate Almeh & the Delphi Dancers! A Peerless Odditorium will AMAZE You! ~ belly dancers ◊ collected curiosities ◊ anatomical wonders ◊ sharp shooters ◊ magicians and marvels ◊ marionettes ◊ side-splitting antics and theatrical clowns ◊ magical faeries ◊ indestructible strong men ◊ a marvelous tattooed lady ◊ mystical fortune tellers ◊ death-defying aerialists ◊ breath-taking sword balancers ◊ peculiar snake charmers ◊ voluptuous and exotic burlesque dancers ~ Come test your skills on the amazing Carnival Midway! You are guaranteed to win a prize! Be shocked by the gruesome and bizarre wonders inside the Cabinet of Curiosities! What Pleasures Await You? ALIVE on the INSIDE! Red Light Cafe 553 Amsterdam Ave, Atl, GA 30306 www.redlightcafe.com for directions Call Zi'ah at 404~581~0199 for more info Saturday, Oct. 18th, 2008 9:00 PM (Doors open at 8:00PM) All for a Nominal Fee of $12 at the door Carnival Midway games will be $1 each as a fundraiser for Awalim's upcoming trip to the UK!

PLEASE watch this!

Ziah — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:16:57 GMT

It is time we take responsibility for our own actions. The Fast Draw Guys hit the nail on the head with this one http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/12/fastdraw/entry4344235.shtml The other statistic I heard was that if everyone stopped accelerating towards red lights, just coasted to a stop, it would increase gas efficiency by 3%....

ah....the culmination of LOTS of work!!!!!

Ziah — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:28:31 GMT

TribalCon V! Feb 19 - 22, 2009 Holiday Inn Downtown Decatur www.tribalcon.com 404.581.0199 4 Days, 2 live music haflas, 30+ hours of instruction, 3 discussions, 2 huge rooms of shopping,1 unforgettable all-star show... what are you waiting for? Registration for 2009 is open; visit www.tribalcon.com today to secure your Early Bird spot! The Early Bird Special is $240 for a full FOUR-DAY pass, a TribalCon t-shirt and priority seating at the show on Saturday night. Hurry! Early Bird Special ends on December 6th 2008. Day passes are also available for $95 per day. TRIBALCON WILL SELL OUT, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND WORKSHOP AND SHOW. VENDOR registration is also open! We have space for a few more people so contact us now!!! First come first served, but we are considerate about not overlapping types of products. Click http://www.tribalcon.com/vendor.asp to fill out a vendor application! Pricing information: Weekend Pass-- Before Dec. 6th $240, after Dec. 6th $285 All Day Passes-- Before Dec. 6th $95, after Dec. 6th $115 INDIVIDUAL DAYS DO NOT INCLUDE SHOW TICKET Show-- Before Jan. 11 $15, after Jan. 11 $20 We have the HOTTEST teachers this year... Donna Mejia (CO) www.donnabodyvision.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=87FXlgOUiJs Asharah (Washington, DC) www.asharah.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=bvgzRKIPShM http://youtube.com/watch?v=zERHZz_k7wA Ariellah (CA) www.ariellah.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=D2DCIrdoxsM http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_wjoli327w Nevik (OH) www.legionofdoumbek.com www.legionofdoumbek.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=chzKvhkN2SY Mira Betz (CA) www.miramania.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF7-cc1U4g8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diWbuuYgonA Onca and August of the Mezmer Society (NC) www.barakamundi.com http://youtube.com/watch?v=0mgpDLQ_9wU http://youtube.com/watch?v=a_nUHr-8n3w&feature=related Megha of Devyani (AL) www.devyani.net http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26_xlvv8wXs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpB4oArrT_Y Jas of Khafif (PA) www.khafif.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq_tLi_dReY Denys Proteau (PA, SC) www.turkumusic.com http://www.turkumusic.com/promo2.avi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3SbGPfKZWY Jen Speiden or Mandara (WV) www.mandaradance.com http://www.innerawareness.net Awalim Tribal Dance Co. (GA) www.awalim.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czSp8QT5UpY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vzXrNnIEGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R335wdIdMS8 Hotel Information: ~Holiday Inn hotel rooms are $109 per room, just mention TribalCon! All events easy walking distance in beautiful downtown Decatur! No rental car needed! Direct access to Marta Trains & Airport and surrounded by great inexpensive restaurants. ~ Special note: Hotel reservations need to be in by early January to receive the special TribalCon discount of $109. No restrictions on amount of people per room! Holiday Inn 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 Ph: (404) 371-0204 In addition to classes... ~A special event this year is a Thursday evening lecture/discussion with Donna Mejia, Guest Artist in Residence with the Smith College Dance Department and the Five College Dance Department. Be prepared for this lecture, as she promises it will be a lively evening! ~We have a live music concert on Friday night followed by a open dance floor hafla, and an after party late Saturday night catered by Nicola's Restaurant. ~Stay tuned for the list of performers in our mind-blowing Saturday show!!! Video and pictures from TribalCon! ~Watch Claire's (of Khafif) film to get a taste of all this at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5kBfAqzB30 ~Check out the pictures page for tons of photos from past TribalCon events, including 2008! http://www.tribalcon.com/photo.asp Keep your eye on www.tribalcon.com and visit awalim.tribe.net to ask questions, sing the praises and get amped up for the upcoming TRIBALCON!!!!! TribalCon will sell out! Don't miss this amazing event!! Take advantage of our amazing offer including the show and a T-shirt with all four days of music and dance workshops, Early Bird Special ends Dec 6th. ziah@awalim.com www.awalim.com 404 581 0199

Important news about the Zoe workshop in ATL

Ziah — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:48:10 GMT

We have to move the time of the Zoe workshop from 5:30-7pm to earlier in the day at 2-3:30pm on Friday Sept 12th. Please notify us if you have registered for the Indigo workshops but are not able to take off from work Friday afternoon in order to attend the Zoe portion of the Indigo workshops. Send an email to ziah@awalim.com asking for your $40 of the Zoe portion of the event, title it ZOE PORTION You can also just send a friend in your place or sell your Zoe portion yourself, just have them give the name your registered under in Eventbrite when they arrive for the workshop. Of course the good new is that this means there may be some Zoe workshops up for sale, I will post that info as we gather it. Workshops are still at Several Dancers Core, directions available at www.awalim.com . Sorry for any inconvenience this creates, ziah

busy fall coming up....

Ziah — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:47:05 GMT

Good thing Ava is starting a few days of preschool a week!!!! New class THURSDAYS @ McDonough St. Market New class THURSDAYS @ McDonough St. Market and Jake's Ice Cream (directly under Eddie's Attic, where Little Shop of Stories was, next door to Several Dancers Core). Click here for directions (recommended to print directions and bring with you). There is a small room with a mirror in the back of the shop, proceed to the back right past the restrooms. 7-8PM Tribal Style Intermediate Bellydance This is the class that will get you using all of the moves you learned in Basics! Bring zills/finger cymbals (www.saroyanzils.com), we will do our warm up with them every week to get students familiar with them. American Tribal Style (ATS) will be covered as well as World Fusion Style. At least one session of Basics must have been completed. Regular Basics and Boot Camp classes still ongoing at Several Dancers Core on Tuesdays. www.awalim.com/classschedule.asp ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Bellydance Challenge Katya and Teejei of Awalim won the Bellydance Challenge! The gauntlet was thrown down between Cabaret vs. Tribal at Efes Aug 3 to help support Shimmy-a-thon. Dancers performed to their own music and then swapped CDs with the other dancers of the different style. The audience then picked their favorite performers! Participants in the event were- in Cabaret: Aziza Nawal, Sha'ni, Inara, Ramona, Judith and in Tribal: Oracle and Jaki of Jahara Phoenix, Katya and Teejei of Awalim, Liora and Fatina. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Ziah and Aziza Nawal at Taverna Plaka Saturday August 23, 2008 Reservations recommended 2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atl GA (404) 636-2284 www.tavernaplakaatlanta.com ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ DragonCon 2008 Labor Day Weekend Awalim is taking a break from performing at DragonCon this year, we want to shed our bellydance life for a weekend and immerse ourselves in the scfi/fantasy realm! The costuming panel is at 11:30am on Sunday and we plan on participating again. Here is video of us gathering a crowd last year, each of us are dressed differently to give away all of our costuming secrets for the panel. www.youtube.com/watch ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Indigo & The Yard Dogs Road Show Ziah is sponsoring the Indigo while they are here on tour with the Yard Dogs! Sorry, the workshops are all sold out.. but you can still come to the show! YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW at the Variety Playhouse with The Indigo Belly Dance Co. featuring Rachel Brice, Mardi Love and Zoe Jakes Friday, September 12, 8:30pm www.varietyplayhouse.com www.yarddogsroadshow.com ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ TribOriginal Black Mountain, NC September 18-21, 2008 AWALIM'S FAVORITE EVENT!!! Food, classes, shows, parties, kiddies, late night snacks, shopping, cabin living, friends, yummy food, music, allergy friendly chef.....hmmmm...see a theme here? If you like the Tribal bellydance, music & culture, nature and yummy food then this is the place for you! Do the non music or dance members of your family complain that you are gone all the time to workshops or gigs? This is the place for them! TribOriginal takes place at a beautiful group campground in the mountains of NC, plenty outdoorsy and non-bellydancey things for the family to do. www.triboriginal.org Ziah will be teaching her Technique SmackDown class at TribOriginal and of course Awalim will be performing with the Mezmer Society. www.triboriginal.org ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Shimmy-A-Thon www.shimmyathon.com Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser Saturday & Sunday September 27th & 28th, 2008 Quality Inn and Cobb Conference Center 755 Cobb Place Blvd. Kennesaw, GA 30144 Please visit the website and help members of Awalim meet our donation goals!!!! www.cff.org/Great_Strides/ZiahAli www.cff.org/Great_Strides/TeeJei ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ HALLOWEEN CARNIVALE Saturday October 18, 2008 9pm @ the Red Light Café 553 Amsterdam Ave, Atl, GA 30306 $12 at the door Join Awalim Dance Company, Jahara Phoenix, and our student troupes Banat Almeh and the Delphi Dancers for a night of scares, sillies, drama and willies! The most popular Red Light show of the whole year! Call Ziah for more information at: 404-581-0199 Please visit the Red Light Cafe website for directions: www.redlightcafe.com ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ TribalVibe Festival North, Glasgow, Scotland October 31 - November 2, 2008 www.hipswithattitude.co.uk Ziah and Awalim have been invited all the way across the ocean for Halloween weekend! Can't imagine a better place to spend Halloween evening! Then after a few weeks in the UK we get to do it all over again a little further south! TribalVibe Festival South, Aylesbury, England November 14 - 16, 2008 www.barefootbellydance.co.uk/wor....htm ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ GA Southern University International Festival The 4th Annual International Festival at Mill Creek Regional Park Saturday November 15, 2008 Georgia Southern University (yes we can be in two places at once!) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ TribalCon V February 19-22, 2009 Holiday Inn - Downtown Decatur Registration will be opening SOON so keep your eyes on www.tribalcon.com and awalim.tribe.net! We will also send out a notice when registration is officially open.

will miss everyone this weekend!

Ziah — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:23:59 GMT

A bunch of my friends will be teaching at SFF this weekend and I will not get see anyone. My mom is very ill again so I am scrambling to get out of town with Ava so we can make sure she is getting the proper care at the nursing home they checked her in to for pulmonary and physical therapy. I hope the weekend goes great and I will be there in spirit!