What's New

My Shiny New Edgar Suit

Athenian Dancers — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:57:40 GMT

If like me, you loved the movie "Men in Black" you'll recall the scene where the redneck Edgar gets eaten by the bug, and the bug then uses his skin like a "shiny new Edgar suit" as J refers to him. I was looking for an inexpensive alternative to a dress form for helping me sew. I hate having to sew, undress, try on, pin, mark, get dressed, sew, blah blah blah. But I didn't want to spend one to two hundred on a dress form either! What's a girl to do? Well, make one! Mine is made out of duct tape - the instructions are on Threads magazine website: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00002.asp It's NOT perfect. No dress form is, and this one is accurate in those really hard to fit areas - the shoulders and arms. The back waist is accurate as well. Cost to make: under twenty dollars. The most expensive part was the christmas tree stand to put the thing in! Happy Sewing!!

Interesting article about women and a new gym in Egypt

Athenian Dancers — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:57:36 GMT

The all-women's exercise franchise Curves is branching out in Egypt - interesting read: http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/02/851104.aspx

For Cat Lovers: you have GOT to check out this video

Athenian Dancers — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:40:38 GMT

Wonder what they're saying to each other? (either plotting world domination or talking about last night's Dancing Wtih the Stars???) http://video.yahoo.com/util/readrev?vid=1435088

Chris Kalogerson returning to Lincoln for a one night engagement

Athenian Dancers — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:58:46 GMT

OPAH!!! I'm thrilled to announce that Chris Kalogerson will be at the Parthenon for a return engagement on December 31. If you haven't already made your New Years plans, you might want to make a reservation for dinner at The Parthenon. Chris Kalogerson is a recording artist who has done several bellydance albums - I bet you might even have one or two in your own collection. Joining Chris will be his daughter Callie - an accomplished vocalist/bouzouki player and clarinetist, and the rest of the Kalogerson Greek band for a night of Greek music - and bellydancing by Ashiya and Naajidah. For more information: http://www.TheParthenon.net

Della's weekend workshop

Athenian Dancers — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:08:00 GMT

Della had her workshop this weekend - for you local ladies who missed it - you missed a good thing! It had been a long week and I was sooooo tired, and I must confess I spent more time sitting and watching than I did dancing, but I still felt that I learned some things. Siham Ali and Masani Azura were the teachers. I spent the first half of class watching Masani's hands in fascination. She is such a graceful drummer - her hands just seemd to dance. I loved the way she could flow from one rhythm to another - from baladi to masmudi to rhumba and back again with such grace. Siham's teaching was wonderful - she has such a warm personality and it really came out during her teaching . The next half was Masani teaching and Siham drumming - and again, it was fun to just watch. Siham is a beautiful drummer as well and Masani is such a vibrant person, I think one would be hard-pressed to come away not feeling inspired. Thank you Della for a wonderful workshop!!!!

Book Review: Down the Nile: Alone in a Fishermans Skiff

Athenian Dancers — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:28:16 GMT

This has nothing to do with dancing.... but I just finished a book by Rosemary Mahoney. Down the Nile: Alone in a Fishermans Skiff Interesting. She's an American, and while visiting Egypt she wanted to row down the Nile. I won't say much so I don't give too much of the book away. Even if you have absolutely no interest whatsoever in rowing, the book is still filled with her observations on everyday people in Egypt. That is the true value of this book - Ms. Mahoney has a keen sense of observation, and while I don't think I would ever find the idea of rowing alone on the Nile appealing, I did find her window onto the Egyptian people well worth reading.

last gasp of summer

Athenian Dancers — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:40:55 GMT

Not much to say today, just wanted to post a picture from our last outdoor gig. I LOVE summer - but dang - dancing outside in the heat can really be a strain.... but - we had a great time. LaVetta made a terriffic Queen and all the ladies were great sports about the gawdawful heat! I will say - I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new serger! I never thought I'd ever use one, now I wonder how I got a long w/out it all these years. Instead of the Egyptian/Pharonic customes being a horriffic chore, I was able to get them made easily and quickly - and I think they turned out pretty nicely. Next time I'll make some changes - but I think they came pretty well considering I was working without a pattern. The most fun was the queen's headpiece - I spent the morning online looking at pictures of Pharonic headpieces, and then just kind of winged it. Stay cool everybody!!!!

non-dance topic today

Athenian Dancers — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:12:34 GMT

I'll admit it - I'm a hypocrite - I LOVE animals - if I had to be a farmer, I'd become a vegetarian, because I could never kill an animal for food, I'd end up with a herd of something - all with names, and spoiled rotten. But - I LOVE food - especially cheeseburgers, steaks, chicken.. which is what make me a hypocrite. Besides, I have cats - and cats need meat. Where is all of this going, you're wondering? Well, I love good food, but I'm also concerned about where it comes from. If I'm going to eat meat I would prefer that it not be loaded with antibiotics, growth hormone, I would prefer that the animals not be stuffed into cages or small confinement areas to live out their short little lives. And for my cats - i worry every time I open a can of catfood if it's safe for them or not... I discovered a wonderful local cooperative called North Star Neighbors. I've been a loyal customer for a couple of years now. They have wonderful quality meat, eggs, and poultry. If you're not counting calories, their bacon is just this side of heaven. As an added bonus they are now offering their own line of pet food. They don't stuff their animals into little cages, they don't feed them hormones or antibiotics, they don't feed them genetically modified feeds. and here's a real bonus: THEY DELIVER!!! Can you believe it? If you live in the Lincoln/Omaha area, they deliver once a month. If you're not at home, you can leave them a check and put your cooler out by your door and they'll leave your order for you. If you're interested in the quality of your food, at least give them a look. Their website is: http://www.nebraskafood.org/shop/producers/nstar.php I've been very happy with the qualify of the meat (their steaks are TO DIE FOR!!). A bit pricier than going to Hy Vee, but then again, I don't wonder how many chemicals I'm consuming with my hamburgers!!

Des Moines workshop with Karen Barbee

Athenian Dancers — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:15:19 GMT

The Des Moines workshop was AWESOME. First, because the Rainbows of the Desert always put on a wonderful, organized workshop, but also because Karen Barbee is a wonderful teacher, and a fantastic dancer. Every time I see her I am in awe of her isolations. Thank you Rainbow ladies - for the wonderful workshop and the opportunity to perform in your show. We enjoyed seeing all of the other dancers - I think this was you best show yet!!!

Workshop with Conchi in Sedalia Missouri

Athenian Dancers — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:21:13 GMT

All I can say is WOW. Judy Cunningham put on a very well organized workshop, and Conchi is an amazing teacher. Several of the ladies from our group were able to attend the workshop - and we had a blast. Conchi is a beautiful dancer, a very good teacher (broke down the moves and was very very helpful) and an extremely gracious person. I would definately enjoy studying with her again. Here is a pic of our ladies in their finery just after thier performance at the evening show. (clockwise starting in back left: Pat, Ashiya, Naajidah, Priya and Kira)

Recent Interview

Athenian Dancers — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:18:26 GMT

Ashiya, Naajidah and members of the Athenian Dancers and Trade Wind Dancers were interviewed by Ron Halvorson of the Metro Show - check back soon, we'll let you know when the interview will air as soon as we know! (left to right: Ashley in Tahitian, Susan in Fokloric Middle Eastern, Ashiya in Turkish Cabaret, Ron Halvorson, Naajidah in Flamenco and Priya in an Indian Sari)

cross training - day 2

Athenian Dancers — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:49:55 GMT

Day 2 – Okay, my abdominal muscles ARE a bit sore today – but LOL – not nearly as sore as those first few dance classes with Ashiya!! The strange part – I tend to slouch in my chair when I’m working. It feels easier to sit up, pull up through the core and I KNOW this sounds strange but I feel longer in the torso – probably because I’m sitting up. Today at lunch: YOGA – wonder if I’ll survive!?

Cross Training

Athenian Dancers — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:49:24 GMT

Lately, I just haven’t felt like my exercise time is as effective as when I first started out on my Oriental Dance journey. My exercise consists entirely of dancing, so I’ve decided that maybe it’s time for some dance cross training. I noticed that the gym I belong to also teaches Pilates and Yoga, so starting yesterday, instead of my daily lunchtime dance practice I started a Pilates class. I thought I’d document the journey to see if cross training will improve my isolations (and my waistline!) Day 1 – Pilates: THANKFULLY, it’s been so bitter cold here that not too many people are venturing out to the gym on their lunch hour. It’s just me and one other lady today and she’s a newbie too. Her name is Julie and she’s been going to this class for a week now. Emily is our instructor – gads was I EVER that young and perky? But – she’s great at explaining the basics and before I know it, we’re on our mats and working our cores. The first thing I notice – hmmm – this is different – working out in quiet, I’ve become so used to moving to music. The workout is challenging but not excruciatingly so, and I actually got through the entire class. Hmm – we’ll see how I feel tomorrow morning when I wake up.

flylady

Athenian Dancers — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:47:11 GMT

Those of you who know me well know I'm absolutely the WORST housekeeper in Nebraska. I've always been that way - everything's messy all the time. At least it was in the past. I just wanted to share this wonderful website with all of you. If you've ever suffered from CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome) because of a messy house give Flylady a try: http://www.flylady.net hey - if she can get me to clean and organzie, help me get rid of clutter she can do it for you too! I'm, not perfect, far from it, but I no longer cringe at the thought of having friends come over. Flylady got her name because she's a flyfisherman and someone gave her the nickname. What can you expect from Flylady? Well, she is not going to come over to your house and clean it for you. But she will tell you how you too can have a clean organized home , 15 minutes at a time. yes, that's right - 15 minutes at a time. She's not going to tell you how to do crisis cleaning, she's going to help you by telling you how to best spend 15 minutes getting rid of some of that mess. 15 minutes here and there add up. You'd be amazed at what you can accomplish in that small amount of time. Go check her out - she has great tips/suggestions and encouragement for anyone who suffers from CHAOS.!!

Back from New York

Athenian Dancers — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:12:37 GMT

Ashiya & Naajidah are back from New York. It was a WONDERFUL trip - here are pictures of Ashiya & Naajidah dancing at the Lafayette Grill in Manhattan. Also including a snapshot of the Statue of Liberty - one of the highlights of the trip was seeing this beautiful American icon.

my first magazine article

Athenian Dancers — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 21:39:31 GMT

I'm still in shock! About a month ago I submitted an article to Gilded Serpent - and they accepted it! it went online today! http://www.gildedserpent.com/art38/NaajidahEthicsFusion.htm

Chris Kalogerson is coming to Lincoln!!

Athenian Dancers — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:08:22 GMT

Hey fellow dancers! Ashiya & I are VERY excited - if you have any bellydance cd's in your collection, you probably have something by Chris Kalogerson (Bellydance! Bellydancing for Everyone and Belly Dancing are three of his most well known Oriental Dance collections). Chris and his daughter Callie - a very lovely, and talented singer/musician will be bringing their Greek band to The Parthenon, here in Lincoln Nebraska! Chris and Callie (and band) will be performing December 30 and 31st at The Parthenon - if you want to come hear them, please call the restaurant and make reservations (402-423-2222.!) For info about the restaurant, please check out their website: http://www.theparthenon.net For more information about Chris and Callie Kalogerson, please visit their website: http://www.kalogersonmusic.com/ Ashiya and I will be dancing with the band both nights. Also appearing will be Yianni - a young man who performs traditional Greek folk dances - and if we're lucky, his brother George might even dance with him! Both nights are sure to be fun - don't miss out on an opportunity to meet/hear Chris and Callie! There is a special menu planned for both nights at the restaurant, and I'm sure there will be plenty of plates for you to break (and ouzo to drink! OPAH) Happy Holidays from the Athenian Dancers!

Athenian Dancers Annual workshop

Athenian Dancers — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 01:17:03 GMT

We're already working on this year's workshop. Please see our website for details. We're very excited about our teachers this year: Shira, teaching double veil; Karavan of Dreams teaching Tribal; Jaya Keeleri teaching Classical Indian and Ashiya teaching entrances, exits and zils! http://www.AthenaWorldDance.com

Check out my cousin's page

Athenian Dancers — Mon, 15 May 2006 18:40:25 GMT

Okay, I just have to brag. My cousin is a terriffic fine artist - and now she's having one of her items published in a book this spring! Check out my wonderful cousin Linda's page - she's the one in the family with the REAL talent!! (hugs to ya Linda!!) http://people.tribe.net/fde1e8ab-2337-4416-afc2-42c85f13555e