The good, the bad and the ugly.

Tribal Fusion Workshop with Melusina

Amanda Hugnkiss — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:44:37 GMT

TRIBAL FUSION - FUNDAMENTALS AND TECHNIQUE Tribal Fusion is a relatively new form of experimental belly dance that derives from American Tribal Style. It incorporates Tribal elements with Egyptian and contemporary Western forms of dance to create a sensuous, gritty style that is often referred to as 'industrial gypsy' or 'dark cabaret'. The movements and poise are a combination between sharp, internal locks and pops, and sinuous rolls and undulations. In this 2 hour workshop learn the basics behind the style including history, evolution and similarities/differences from Traditional Tribal; musical interpretation; muscular versus skeletal movements; and exploring some of the signature moves and combos of this unique style. The rhythm of the darabukka and plaintive notes of the ney first enticed Melusina’s hips to sway in the mid 1990’s. Since then she has maintained a passionate love for Middle Eastern dance that has motivated her to devote much of her life to the study, practice and teaching of this beautiful art form. Melusina has studied intensively under many inspirational teachers of varying styles of bellydance both here in Australia and overseas. Her fondness for both classical Egyptian dance and Contemporary Tribal Styles has extended her studies to Egypt and America. She has an impressive history of performing experience, dancing at many high profile events including working in television, festivals, concerts and at functions both around Australia and internationally. She is a popular instructor and choreographer who regularly travels to teach workshops. Melusina’s style is unique and passionate, demonstrating technical precision and musicality with a strong emotive presence. Melusina is best known for her expertise in sword dancing, her innovative tribal fusion style and her expressive classical technique. Date: Sunday August 17th Time: 2pm – 4pm Place: Fenix Fitness Manchester Road, Mooroolbark

A new family member for us.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:41:52 GMT

Yep, we have a new kitten. Her name is Sweetie, she is rag doll persian cross and just gorgeous. Most of the time. Coby is scared of her, I am covered in scratches cos she likes to play and Puss Puss (our 14 year old cat) won't play. She does give the bestest smooches and love though.

An update from your friend who isn't around much lately.

Amanda Hugnkiss — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:49:59 GMT

First let me say that I have missed being on Tribe. We have been so busy and I am/was so behind that it isn't funny. However things are getting better. Second term has been incredibly long for us, Coby has been sick constantly since having his ear infection - I haven't been well for the last four weeks, I sound like a dog barking (no offence intended Jeff). I have been performing every weekend, rehearsing lots, classes are full (which is apparantly unusual given our economic climate at the moment), organising and hosting workshops, we have another in August with Melusina. Clint has applied for a promotion, has spent a lot of time interstate with work. One good thing is I have finished painting the kitchen - the handy man is coming back to do some tiling for me and then it is ALL complete. *sigh* without a word of a lie it has taken four years to get this kitchen done. Hope you are all keeping well - we are off to the beach for a little while which I am looking forward to. Take care, love and hugs from me to you. xx

The beauty within....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:47:33 GMT

I have to skip teaching class tonight, I need to be home, I don't know why but I am feeling a bit emotional and frail, I just couldn't face class. Anyhow I did a ring around of all my bellydancing teacher friends to find someone to fill in for me, - one of the women who rang me back is just so wonderful. It has been 12months since we had caught up with each other and each time I talk to her I am surprised at how amazing and lovely she is. She is truely beautiful inside and out. So kind, loving, sharing, thoughtful, just lovely. She made me think about a situation and look deep inside and work out the whys and wheres. Such a beautiful kind lovely lady. No point to this blog really, other than to remind myself that there are lovely people in the world (and lots of them are on tribe).

80's bogan at heart....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:02:51 GMT

You know no matter how much you try to get away from your roots, sometimes you just can't. Saturday night we went to the Ferntree Gully Hotel, a haunt of mine in the 80's/90's, to see...... James Reyne & Mark Seymour. I danced, sang along at the top of my voice and had an amazing time. Then the reality of the situation hit me, here I am a 40 something year old woman, dancing to songs she used to listen to as a teenager, in a pub she used to frequent. The smell of bogan and desperation was in the air. And you know what? I am quite happy having one foot in the past and one in the present. I can deal with my bogan roots and enjoy myself whilst doing it. So right now? Listening to Aussie Crawl (very loudly of course) singing along while doing the housework.

You know you're Australian if.......

Amanda Hugnkiss — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:32:23 GMT

You know you're Australian if..... 1. You know the meaning of the word 'girt'. 2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn. 3. You think it's normal to have a Prime Minister called Kevin. 4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse. 5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden. 6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school. 7. When you hear that an American 'roots for his team' you wonder how often and with whom. 8. You understand that the phrase 'a group of women wearing black thongs' refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds. 9. You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'. 10. You pronounce Penrith as 'Pen-riff'. 11. You believe the 'L' in the word ' Australia ' is optional. 12. You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.' 13. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep. 14. You call your best friend 'a total ba$tard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a ba$tard'. 15. You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place. 16. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife. 17. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin. 18. You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'. 19. You believe that cooked-down axlegrease makes a good breakfast spread. 20. You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis. 21. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says 'cobber'. 22. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. 23. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year. 24. You still don't get why the 'Labor' in 'Australian Labor Party' is not spelt with a 'u'. 25. You wear ugh boots outside the house. 26. You believe, as an article of faith, that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance. 27. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them. 28. Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language. 29. You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, while 'scuse me' is always polite. 30. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose. 31. You understand that 'you' has a plural and that it's 'youse'. 32. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle. 33. Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket. 34. You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'. 35. You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'. 36. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit. 37. You believe the phrase 'smart casual' refers to a pair of black tracky-daks, suitably laundered. 38. You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction. 39. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer. 40. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second. 41. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants. 42. You will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand

Hmpf

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:10:44 GMT

Bloody cat pissed on my front door again last night.

Skunk Shot

Amanda Hugnkiss — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:57:05 GMT

Well some of you may remember I had a problem with the next door neighbours cat peeing on my front door, or maybe not remember, that's ok, it isn't that important. However I have found the cure and it is lethal to humans. We don't have skunks in Australia, not sure what they smell like, apparantly bad. Anyhow, the RSPCA sell this stuff called Skunk Shot to deter animals (mainly cats and dogs) from peeing where they shouldn't. They advise you wear a mask and gloves when applying it and when applying you only use a tiny amount. You have to store the tube in a sealed container with a charcoal odour absorbing bag. But shouldn't more be better? More would keep the cat away? More would deter any cat within 5 miles from peeing on my door? Surely when they say a tiny amount they mean like, half a centimeter? Apparantly not. My front porch stinks of Skunk Shot, like something has crawled under and died. There is an odour that has penetrated the house.... not as strong as the front porch, but noticeable (can't wait till hubby gets home tonight), apparantly it fades after 30 days. So 29 days to go. Good news is the next door neighbours cat didn't pee on my door last night! I wiped loads along the fence that borders our property so hopefully he will stay home in future! I wonder if it will keep the religious nutters away on the weekend.

After more than five years.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:39:51 GMT

I have heard from my brother. I can't believe it, it is so long since I have spoken to him. Last time was August/September 2002. It seems he was offended when Coby was born and he wasn't allowed to bring my nephew into the hospital for a visit. They have a strict no children policy in neo natal intensive care wards, *sigh* he felt unwanted and not good enough. *sigh* I spent three years trying to contact him, sending birthday/christmas gifts for my nephew, and received silence in return. Eventually I gave up. So some kind loving words from me to him, have hopefully mended this bridge. It will be interesting to see how this works out. Oh and for the record, he still isn't talking to my mum, and that has been around seven years!

Today I......

Amanda Hugnkiss — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:10:48 GMT

became an Australian. True.

The most heart breaking tv show I have ever seen.

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:03:32 GMT

Mogilino. I am horrified that people can treat children that way, never mind children, how can they treat any person or living creature that way. I sat there horrified, not wanting to watch, feeling ill at the suffering of these poor babies, food (if you could call it that) being shovelled into their mouths before they had a chance to swallow the previous mouth full. Being held by an arm and a leg and carried across the room, herded to the showers in groups naked in the cold. Broken bones being ignored, thumbs being amputated because they became infected from being sucked continually. Malnourished little bodies just being left to waste away and die. I feel sick. I am not that stupid that I don't think horrific things happen all over the world every minute of everyday, what hope does the world have if we continue to treat each other so horribly? Now my next rant is towards the tv stations - why was this shown on SBS - why wasn't it the focus of one of the major networks and why are we seeing it six months after it was originally aired overseas? *sigh* sorry about the rant, this has really got to me.

If you're happy and you know it....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:56:15 GMT

Well we are at the end of day two, three more to go. Three more till hubby comes home and I can have a hug. An adult to talk to. Coby is happy and not very spotty, I am not spotty and enjoying my time alone with him. Oh, and incase I haven't shared, I have my citizenship ceremony this weekend, then I will be a proper one. Thankyou to everyone who has helped keep me amused these past two days, I don't know what I would have done without you. Hugs.

Argh! Chicken pox

Amanda Hugnkiss — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:06:43 GMT

Coby has come out in spots! Half his class is away with chicken pox, I thought because we had him immunised he wouldn't get it, but he has. Hopefully it won't be as strong as it would normally because of the immunisation. Oh and for the record, I haven't had chicken pox, yet.

Happy Mothers Day.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:42:43 GMT

Coby couldn't wait til Sunday to give me my present. He purchased a beautiful picture with some framed dolls in it off the Mothers Day stall at school. And he made a card, it reads as follows: Dear Mum What do you love most about your mum? Everything. If you could buy your mum any present, no matter how much it cost, what would you give her? A rocket. What does your mum do the best that no other mum can? Loves me the best. Love from Coby ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy Mothers Day This picture of Coby and I having a cuddle when he was a little fella.

Dexter.............

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:06:41 GMT

OMG, this show is amazing. Love it! Dexter is HOT! end of rant. *blush*

Dear Mrs Heinze.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:24:44 GMT

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I am delighted to advise you that your application for Australian citizenship has been approved". About bloody time. I had to sit a silly test which I should have been excluded from sitting, then they sent me more forms to complete, which they lost, I chased them up for a month, eventually they decide they have lost my forms and can I send another lot in. So finally, I have been processed - you know I would hate to be not easy to process, imagine how hard it is for refugees? So now, the final step is the pledge of commitment. "The final step in becoming an Australian citizen is the making of a Pledge of commitment. You will not be an Australian citizen until you have made that pledge. Generally citizenship ceremonies are scheduled within 6 months of approval". SIX MONTHS?? Fark!! Now I sound like a whinging pom. Oi oi oi

My heart just breaks.

Amanda Hugnkiss — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:55:34 GMT

I picked Coby up from school, he ran into my arms and burst into tears. His normal teacher wasn't at school today, which is fine, the substitute is a regular at the school and he knows her well, and is comfortable with her. We had a problem with Coby not finishing his work last term, he just takes longer to do things, mainly because he can't bear to go outside the lines or make a mistake. His teacher has spoken to him about trying to be quicker with his work. Today he was slow at finishing something and got very upset because it took him so long, he ended up in tears because he was slow. This teacher had no problem with him taking his time, the pressure came because his regular teacher had asked him to try and be a bit quicker getting things done. *sigh* I feel so awful for him, it breaks my heart to see him putting pressure on himself. I have given him huge hugs, told him that it was ok to not finish things quickly as long as he is trying his best. And I will definately let the teacher know that he is feeling pressured. I hope tomorrow is better for him.

Inspiration.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:15:02 GMT

Where do you draw inspiration from? Does inspiration tend to come at you on the spur of the moment or does it bubble under the surface? I had the chance to tell someone how much I loved something they performed two years ago, I am to this day still inspired by their performance, their interpretation of the music, of their dance. Thankyou to all the people who have and do inspire me, with dance and with life. I appreciate it and am so happy to be able to share this journey with you.

The price of petrol.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:41:51 GMT

Today I did some driving. I drove to mums at Bonnie Doon, took her to Mansfield, then I drove home again, went to the mother in laws and home again. I did around 400kms. It cost me $63 in petrol. I hate how much we are paying for petrol. To visit my parents is becoming not viable. That is half my grocery bill for the week. I can feed a family of three for three days or I can go to see my parents.

OMG!!!! Something wet.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:43:38 GMT

Just fell out of the sky. It wasn't much, but compared to what we have been having it was heaven sent. Photo courtesy of the wonderful internet.

Too hot to dance....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:00:51 GMT

Wow we did the Celebrate Mooroolbark festival today. It was way too hot to dance. The stage was semi enclosed half of it filled in with solid non air flow walls, the stage sloped backwards and it was hot, bloody hot. The sweat was dripping down my face so much I couldn't see! However on the plus side I really felt part of the community today. There were people from the kindergarten I volunteer at there, Cobys school was (the principal is going to get me to do classes for the school! More on that later). I was saying hello to people I knew left right and centre. It felt good. Apart from the heat. *blah*

Melusina Workshop, April 20th

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:55:04 GMT

We are lucky enough to be hosting the wonderful Melusina for a workshop, EARTH, AIR, WATER & FIRE Middle Eastern Dance is a very emotionally expressive art form and each belly dance style can be interpreted through elemental imagery, energy and feel. In this fun workshop four miniature dance combinations will be taught that best reflect each of the four elements. EARTH will focus on a grounded, Tribal/folkloric style sequence; WATER will incorporate sinuous, sensual floor work; AIR will express the light delicacy and elegance of the Classical Egyptian style; and FIRE sparks with the energy and joy of gypsy dance. The combinations will be accompanied with the appropriate music and expression associated with each style. Sunday April 20th Venue: Mooroolbark, Melbourne, Australia 2-4pm Cost $40 Drop me a line if you are interested in coming along.....

Computer geeks.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:27:48 GMT

Well I went into a computer store the other day! You know I had never crossed into the geekyside before. Anyhow, I had to go in, I am doing some bookwork stuff for the guy who owns the shop (he is a friend) and I had to go into the shop to do it. I haven't had so much fun in years. I laughed and laughed, I was nearly in tears at one stage. There was this sweet little boy (he was 23) and he was so young and naive - my nickname for him is the virgin, then the "comic store" guy came in (with his dad), the conversations these people had were so funny. I just sat there giggling at them. So I got to get all excited about a luminous keyboard (so you can type in the dark! - wow who ever would have guessed?), steering consoles, fluro lights for the hard drive, black, black and more black (chrome and grey is so out of fashion (apparantly) - I guess my computer is out of fashion). The virgin told me how he was going to the Dorset Gardens nightclub this weekend to the over 30s night to pick up an older woman. Apparantly he has a mummy fetish - I wonder if he was breastfed as a baby? The main topic of conversation was porn or women - hard to believe eh? and you know I think it was one of the funniest things I had ever overheard. Ah geeks, gotta love them. Can't wait till I go back next week.

Rod Stewart.....

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:22:20 GMT

Well Saturday I headed off with my bestest friend to the Rod Stewart concert. It was at Rochford's winery in the Yarra Valley. A more perfect day (sunny, clear sky, warm) or setting couldn't be found. We had a picnic and a couple of bottles of wine, well I had two glasses of wine, Jacqui had the rest..... We got to listen to Nick Barker, followed by Ian Moss (who is absolutely amazing), Jacqui went groupie hunting for an Ian Moss autograph and ended up with a kiss on the cheek. Anyhow after four hours of lazing in the sun, it was time for the main event. And let me tell you, he was amazing. I actually cried when he sang Father & Son, sang my heart out for the whole concert and twisted the night away! We had great seats, could see the stage clearly and really enjoyed ourselves. Then it came time to go home. Remind me never to get so drunk that I fall down, it certainly wasn't a pretty look and there were lots of 50 year old and over women doing it for some reason, I wonder if it is fashionable at the moment?? There were 7000 people at the concert, all trying to get out at once, so we just danced around to the music they were playing till the crowds cleared a little, then headed out to the car park. After we had parked the cars, the SES had put up all sorts of barriers changing the layout of the car park. We couldn't find our car. Eventually I found it. There were lots of people walking around trying to find their cars too, kind of sad really, but funny too. Got to the car, started car, joined the long long long cue to leave the car park. Car stalled and wouldn't restart. Jacqui goes and hunts down a fireman who comes and jump starts my car (at this point in time, I will mention it is over 20 years since I have had a breakdown, and my car is serviced on a regular basis). Rejoin cue. One and a half hours later, still in cue. Finally traffic starts to move, we move up the line and can see light at the end of the tunnel...... and my car dies! Right in the middle of moving traffic. People abused me, accused me of causing the 1 and a half hour delay that they had previously experienced, it was horrible! Lucky for us, we had stopped right in front of the fire truck, firemen to the rescue (again).... they pushed me to the side, and jump started me again (cause of problem, jumper lead connecter had cracked, causing no spark on startup). Finally I could leave (everyone else had left by this stage). The concert finished at 10.15pm, I got home at 1am (it is a 20 minute drive to the winery), so that means we were stuck in the car park for nearly 2 and a half hours!!!! So yay Rod Stewart rocks.

When will I be famous??

Amanda Hugnkiss — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:03:36 GMT

Well not that I want to be. I am home alone tonight (well Coby is home too, but Clint is away). Anyhow, I googled Clint, and he made up the first six pages of his google search, in contrast if I google my name I appear twice on the first page and nothing beyond that. So does being googlable make you famous?