We (Torque) performed in Diane's holiday hafla last week, Lori did a solo & so did Xavier. They both did excellent! My friends & family that came commented on both of them! Bellysima's sword number was also heavily commented on as very enjoyable. I think overall the whole show was very good. Carmen's group Bellunjam was there too - excellent choreo! Several did their first ever performance too. Also the Belly Dance Store from Charlotte vended, which is always welcome :-)

I am - as always - happy that I was able to get up & perform in public. It is pretty stressful since my dance career is so new. I don't get light headed any more, but my mouth gets so dry I can't swallow. Gum saves my life.

I always enjoy the experience of being there with my troupe too. We watch the show together as much as we can, help each other get ready, and cheer / zagareet the other dancers on. My husband takes pictures or films for us - he is a swell guy!

Once again, however, I made at least 1 major screw up on stage in each dance we did. After the second one I freaked out & totally hosed a solo bow that I have practiced many, many times. I was able to recover, as Lori said, but it still happened.

The bad thing is that I can do the 2 dances we normally perform in my sleep. So WHY do I always screw up at least 1 time - I forget where we are & start doing the wrong move. I will be meditating on this over the holiday hiatus.

I also don't remember to hold my upper body up, so when I see the unforgiving film & video, I look like I am stooped over or squashed down or something. I try to walk around holding myself up all the time but it just hasn't taken yet. It gets frustrating sometimes. I was really glad when Diane & Carmen reminded me to hold myself up when we did our final bows! I added the picture of this, where I am not looking TOO bad :-) Both of my teachers and me on stage together! Too cool! (Carmen left, Diane middle)

I sometimes wish so much that I had a ballet or dance background, but that gets me nowhere fast ;-) I guess I'll just keep pounding along & do the best I can. Over the break, I am going to try dancing to the music instead of drilling all the time. No, REALLY!!!