My Blog

Invoking the Dark Goddess with Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:50:50 GMT

From Dina at The Dancing Gypsy: "FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13: INVOKING THE DARK GODDESS WITH AEPRIL SCHAILE. 7:00 - 8:30 WORKSHOP. GUIDED RITUAL AT 9PM. This November, the occurrence of Friday the 13th falls within the Dark of the Moon, a perfect occasion to connect to the Dark Feminine within us! On this auspicious night during the Season of the Witch, Aepril Schaile "An American Priestess of the Dark Goddess" will take you on a deeply profound Underworld journey using bellydance, story, and myth. Through moving meditation, improvisation, and choreography, we will express the powers of the sacred Dark Feminine archetypes. Experience Medusa, Kali, Hecate, Circe, Persephone, Lilith; the 'Witch' energy within you; and the ability to shape-shift. You will come away with a fresh sense of authenticity, power, and grace in your dance, and a connection to ancient & timeless energies. This workshop is for beginner through advanced dancers, and is not so much about technique as it is about the journey we will share. After the workshop, stay for our guided Dark Moon ritual, where participants will dance the mysteries of the Dark Goddess. Ritual is for dancers and non-dancers alike; all are welcome. Reservations are required. To do so please email dina@thedanicnggypsy.com or call 508-885-3639." The Dancing Gypsy Boutique and Studio Dina LeDuke, Proprietress 117 Main Street, Second Floor Spencer, MA 01562 http://www.thedancinggypsy.com

Descent II - Thank You!

Aepril — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:15 GMT

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=149573323499#/note.php?note_id=153400123978&ref=mf

Descent: Dances of the Dark Goddess: DESIRE - Next weekend!

Aepril — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:43:56 GMT

Exquisite Corpse Productions presents... Descent: Dances of the Dark Goddess: DESIRE A ritual theatre bellydance event celebrating and expressing the archetypes of the dark sacred feminine. With performances by some of the most innovative, acclaimed, and compelling fusion bellydance artists in the Northeast. Where do Eros, the Sacred, and the dark heart of the Underworld intersect? We answer this question with the art of bellydance… The Show: Saturday, Oct 10, 8pm The First Universalist Society Sanctuary 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA Artists include: JeniViva Sarah Jezebel Wood (of Solstice Ensemble) Alia Thabit Ela Rogers Vadalna Tribal Dance Co. Aepril Schaile and Exquisite Corpse Dance Theatre …and more! Vending by Fool’s Mansion, Laurie Cabot’s The Cat, The Crow and The Crown, Salem Knights Templar Oasis, Wings of Sin, and Sassy Sparkles, Too! The Workshops: Saturday, Oct 10, 12-5:30pm Both workshops held at the Salem YMCA 1 Sewall St, Salem, MA A portion of the workshop proceeds will be donated to the Salem YMCA’s Partnership in Youth program. 12- 2pm Sarah Jezebel Wood (East Coast Tribal technique teacher): Sultry, Sophisticated, and Dark A core member of Sera’s Solstice Ensemble of NYC, Sarah will extensively explore multi-level Tribal technique, visiting such themes as desire, lust, sophistication and drama. 2:30-5:30 pm Jeniviva Belle Raqs: Dark Glamour! JeniViva of NYC will show us how to create an appearance of dark sensuality, intensity and drama with make-up for the Gothic and Fusion Bellydancer (and for those who just want to create an intense, dramatic look). All locations area short walk from the Salem MBTA train station! For more info, tickets and to register for workshops: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/performance/descent-2009/

Fall 2009 classes with Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:40:48 GMT

For more info and to register: http://www.aeprilschaile.com Bellydance Basics (Level I) 6:00-7:00 11 weeks: Thurs. Sept 10 - Nov 19 Learn the elegant, sensual, and sacred art of Bellydance! Get in shape, develop more confidence, and increase your mystique while learning basic Bellydance vocabulary with an emphasis on dramatic expression, technical precision, and a delightfully dark feel. No prior experience necessary! Beyond The Basics (Level II): Raqs Dramatique 7:15-8:15 11 weeks: Thurs. Sept 10 - Nov 19 ***Requires pre-approval by the instructor before registering; please see website to determine if this class is right for you.*** We will go further into the dramatic and theatrical aspects of bellydance, with a darker flavor. We will further develop our movement vocabulary and technical precision while also working with story, mood, myth, and meaning.

Descent II: Dances of the Dark Goddess:DESIRE!! website up

Aepril — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:37:31 GMT

Buy Tickets and register now! http://aeprilschaile.com/performance/descent-2009/ Descent: Dances of the Dark Goddess: DESIRE It has been told since the time before remembrance… Each and every year, the Goddess makes her Descent into the Underworld. The Dark Goddess…ancient and eternal aspect of the Divine Feminine, modern archetypal force. A figure of worship, awe, horror, fascination; a force of destruction, creation, beauty, death, sex, rebirth… In the season ruled by Hades, during the darkening of the moon and the waning of the year: The Dark Queen and the Madwoman, the Temple Priestess and the Sacred Whore, The Destroyer and the Lover, the Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt, the dance of the different forces that live within every woman: romance, innocence, fear, darkness, danger, passion, DESIRE…behold some of the darkly feminine themes explored by the artists of Descent… Where do Eros, the Sacred, and the dark heart of the Underworld intersect? We answer this question with the art of bellydance… The Show: Saturday, Oct 10, 8pm The First Universalist Society Sanctuary 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA Artists include: JeniViva Sarah Jezebel Wood (of Solstice Ensemble) Ela Vadalna Tribal Dance Co. Jesi Aepril Schaile and Exquisite Corpse Dance Theatre …and more! Purchase tickets now! After party at Salem’s gothic haunt - DARQ At Bangkok Paradise Washington St. Salem, MA Come experience Witch City during its most exciting and intriguing time of year: October! All locations within very close walking distance of the T train line, and to each other! Book your hotel accommodations NOW, as these go fast! Workshops: Saturday October 10, 12-5:30pm Both workshops held at the Salem YMCA 1 Sewall St, Salem, MA 2:30-5:30 pm Jeniviva Belle Raqs: 3 hours of Dark Glamour! 12- 2pm Sarah Jezebel Wood (East Coast Tribal technique teacher): Sultry, Sophisticated, and Dark FOR MORE INFO, TO BUY TICKETS AND REGISTER http://aeprilschaile.com/performance/descent-2009/

Dark Raqs Assaya Workshop in Salem, MA

Aepril — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:33:58 GMT

Sun, Aug 16th “Dark Raqs Assaya” with Aepril Schaile 12:30-2pm Learn the art of Raqs Assaya, or Egyptian Women’s cane dance, with a decidedly darker, theatrical flare! We will explore basic technique for cane, along with combinations and a brief choreography, to create an exciting and modern mutation of this folkloric form. Register by July 31 and Aepril can order a bamboo cane for you (see website for details) Dance Class, 302 Essex St, Salem, MA (across from the Witch House and Jerry’s Dept Store) $25 pre-reg, $30 at door http://www.aeprilschaile.com http://www.aeprilschaile.com/instruction/workshops Space is quite limited, so be sure to register early! :)

The Dancing Gypsy Presents: Metaphysical Victoriana: Workshops and Showcase with Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:51:23 GMT

The Dancing Gypsy Presents Metaphysical Victoriana: Workshops and Showcase with Aepril Schaile Saturday July 18 Workshops at 2pm and 4pm: $30 each or Two for $50. Participant Showcase: 7-9pm, $5 (free for participants) Reservations: email thedancing.gypsy at yahoo.com or call Dina at 508-885-3639 FMI: http://www.geocities.com/thedancing.gypsy/aeprilschaile.html Address: 117 Main Street, Spencer MA (Route 9 west) Description: Aepril Schaile has been called "An American Priestess of the Dark Goddess", whose style of Gothic Bellydance captures the sacredness of the Dark Feminine. She hails from Salem, MA where she teaches and performs bellydance, and also practices the mystical arts of astrology and Tarot reading. She directs a theatrical dance company called "Exquisite Corpse Productions" and also leads a musical project called "Aepril Schaile and the Judgement". She is a much-sought-after teacher and performer who has been featured at numerous events nationwide.The Dancing Gypsy is proud to host Aepril for two extraordinary workshops and a performance showcase featuring many different flavors of Theatrical, Gothic, and Experimental bellydance. Here is the chance to learn a dramatically different form of expression from New England's favorite Gothic Goddess! Workshops: Bellydance Drama and the Energy Body. 2-3:30pm, $30. This class is a metaphysical and intuitive approach to bellydance. Aepril explores both the mystical and the technical aspects of ritual and theatrical dance. Techniques include moving meditation, kinesthetic visualization, theater exercises, and choreography. This workshop delves into the ways in which we can become more conscious of the invisible energies of our bodies and minds. Bring magic, power, grace, and presence to your dance! Join us as we work extensively with story, mood, and myth to discover what the ancients knew as 'the invisible world'. Raqs Victoriana: The Romantic Art of Victorian-inspired Bellydance. 4-5:30pm, $30. In this class, Aepril fuses the antique sepia and lace 'look' of the Victorian era with the serpentine sensuality of contemporary bellydance. Learn to create movement that is compellingly dramatic and darkly ethereal. Aepril teaches a choreography that blends melancholic refinement with the bold staccato movements of modern popping-and-locking Fusion bellydance. Creative ideas for props, costuming, and music will also be covered. SPECIAL DISCOUNT PACKAGE: GET BOTH WORKSHOPS FOR JUST $50. Evening Showcase: 7-9:00pm, $5. Workshop participants perform their own genre pieces in a show featuring Aepril Schaile. Showcase is free for participants, $5 for general public. Light refreshments will be served. Get your Goth on at the Experimental/Dark Fusion studio event of the summer! Don't miss out!

The Middle East Showcase and Sacred World Interdependence Day!

Aepril — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:39:39 GMT

The Middle East and Sacred World Interdependence Day! Two events coming up VERY soon! Showcase at the Middle East My students (former and current) and I will be performing at the Middle East Restaurant in Cambridge MA, this Wed, July 1! Many of the performers are coming all the way from Maine! We start at 9pm, and we hope to see you there!! Contact Sabrina for more. bellydancersabrina(at)yahoo.com http://www.mideastclub.com/ Also this week... Sacred World Interdependence Day! I'll be teaching Shamanistic Dance Theater and performing along with many other dancers on Friday, July 3. The event, however, runs all weekend, and presents a fantastic alternative to traditional July 4th mayhem. Earthlands Preserve, Petersham, MA. More info here: Sacred World Interdependence Day Healing and Expressive Arts Festival: http://www.heartbeatcollective.org/swid

"Occult of Personality": Interview with Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:35:24 GMT

Interview with Aepril Schaile on "Occult of Personality", a site is dedicated to bringing you discussions with esoteric researchers and practitioners from all over the English-speaking world. http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/06/22/podcast-65-aepril-schaile/ Podcast 65 - Aepril Schaile June 22nd, 2009 by rochester92 "In this episode, we’re joined by Aepril Schaile. “Aepril is an astrologer, musician and composer, talented dancer and dance teacher, writer and storyteller, mythologist, animal rights advocate, and Witch.” She has been called “an American priestess of the Dark Goddess”...our conversation begins as Aepril describes her early life and interest in the esoteric. From there we begin talking about her dancing, belly dance, and the combination of mythology, Magick, Astrology, theater, performance, and the creation of Beauty"...

A benefit and Litha performance

Aepril — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:38:03 GMT

This weekend: Hope to see you there! Saturday: There's No Place Like Home A Belly Dance Fundraiser for My Family Host: Baseema Saturday, June 20, 2009 11:00am - 4:00pm (performances begin at 1:30) Location: Roslindale Community Center, 6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA email: lehcar1007@aol.com http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=92057578978#/event.php?eid=87782139689 Sunday: Laurie Cabot's Litha Sunday, June 21 7pm (don't be late!) until the Witching Hour The Moose Lodge, 50 Grove Street, Salem, MA http://www.lauriecabot.com/Sabbats.html

New website, new classes, early summer events!

Aepril — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:50:20 GMT

So, even I have to admit that I am enjoying the late spring warmth and sunshine…walking down the streets of Salem, parasol in hand, noticing the gardens blooming… My website has undergone an overhaul, new and improved by Liz and Forest of Malign Design. Complete with photo gallery and news page for updates…you can even leave comments (I’d love to hear form you!). Visit http://www.aeprilschaile.com New CLASSES for summer! 7 weeks, Thursdays, June 25 to August 6. Beginner and Intermediate levels. Aepril Schaile’s signature darkly themed, theatrically oriented, technically precise bellydance instruction! SHOWS! The ART of Bellydance Presented by Exquisite Corpse Productions (psst…that’s us) and The Salem Arts Association. June 14, 1pm, Arist’s Row in Salem. We”ll also be performing at the Salem Arts Festival on Sat June 6th. The Bellydance show happens at 5pm at Old Town Hall. July 1: Showcase at the Middle East! Aepril Schaile and current and former students. 8pm. Sacred World Interdependence Day, teaching and perfoming, 4th of July weekend, Earthlands Preserve, Petersham, MA. Save the Date! October 10, 2009 Descent II: Dances of the Dark Goddess: DESIRE in Salem, MA this year! Merry Litha, Happy Summer “A something in a summer’s Day As slow her flambeaux burn away Which solemnizes me… - Emily Dickinson, A Something in a Summer’s Day

Video from Rakkasah Spring Caravan 09

Aepril — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:47:09 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHzf1M8eca0

Performances for the month of April...

Aepril — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:05:57 GMT

Upcoming performances: Friday April 10: X-MORTIS: Arabian Midnights TT the Bear's, Cambridge, MA http://www.xmortis.com Sunday April 12: Boston Burlesque Expo and Vintage Fashion Fair: Sideshow Ball The Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA http://www.burlesque-expo.com Sunday Apr 19: Down the Silk Road Rollinsdale Studio, Rollinsdale, MA May (so far): -Rakkasah Spring Caravan, Somerset, NJ (with Exqusite Corpse Dance Theater) May 2 -Za-Beth's Women helping Women Fundaraiser for Rosie's Place, MA, May 9 -Hips for Hope in Salem, MA, May 19 and... save the date... June 14, Exquisite Corpse Productions and the Salem Art Association present: The Art of Bellydance, Artist's Row, Salem, MA, 1 pm Classes, too! Spring classes have begun in Melrose and Salem! http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm for all info.

Is it spring?...it is! spring classes begin today in Melrose MA, and Thurs in Salem...

Aepril — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:45:23 GMT

-Classes: -Monday: Mixed Levels Bellydance with Aepril Schaile at Sacred Source Studio, 72 Stone Place, Melrose MA. 6:15-7:15pm 7 weeks, March 23 through May 4 -Wednesday: Bellydance: Ancient Art and Contemporary Exercise At the Salem YMCA, 1 Sewall St, Salem MA. 7:15-8:15 Spring I session begins March 4. -Thursday: Bellydance Basics (Level I) 6:00-7:00 Beyond The Basics: Raqs Dramatique (Level II) 7:15-8:15 Both Thurs classes are held at Dance Class, 302 Essex St, Salem, MA 11 weeks, Mar 26 through June 4 http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm

Two workshops in New England in March

Aepril — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:36:48 GMT

http://www.aeprilschaile.com/workshops.htm Sat Mar 14: PRESENCE. pres·ence (przns), n.: 1. The state or fact of being present; current existence or occurrence. 2. Immediate proximity in time or space. 3. The area immediately surrounding a great personage. 4. A person who is present. 5. A supernatural influence felt to be nearby. 6. A person's bearing, the quality of self-assurance and effectiveness that permits a performer to achieve a rapport with the audience: stage presence What makes us authentically present, and thereby powerful and effective on the stage? In this class we challenge ourselves to embrace a state of presence in our dance, in all the ways that the definition of "presence" implies. In a safe and supportive setting, we employ theatre and movement technique along with spiritual and emotional self exploration, delving into ways to achieve a fluid oneness and communion with our audience. Dancing on the liminal ground of technical precision *with* spontaneous expression, of control *and* letting go, we allow our energies to flow from the center with joy, wholeness, receptivity, strength, and passion. 4-5:30pm at the St Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, ME space is very limited, so please register now: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/workshops.htm Sun Mar 29: Theatrical Bellydance: Raqs Dramatique at the Northeast Henna and Bellydance Gathering, Providence, RI. Register and find out more: http://www.hennabyheather.com/northeast.html

EEMED 2008 vid

Aepril — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:29:33 GMT

My performance at EEMED 2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6Dij-kqhs

East Coast Gothique Experimental

Aepril — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:43:04 GMT

I am now the moderator of this tribe! http://EastCoastGothic.tribe.net Please come visit, and upload photos of yourself from East Coast events and happenings. (Studio portraits welcome too.) I will feature someone new as the main photo regularly. Thank you also for posting about your thoughts, and your East Coast events. All are welcome to join. We'll miss you Zan! (Thank you for entrusting me with your creation!) We wish you well on your new artistic and spiritual journeys!

Love is Stronger Than Death: (New Blog!)

Aepril — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:12:13 GMT

I have created a new blog to better share my thoughts and art. http://www.aeprilschaile.blogspot.com Please come visit, and often!

Performance and workshop in Providence RI: at TempleCon 09: Raqs Victoriana

Aepril — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:40:38 GMT

photo by Michael Harkavy Templecon 09: This Saturday in Providence, RI. 12:30 performance, 3:30 class. My friend Ximon has been working hard to put this con together! I'm glad to be a part of it. From the TempleCon website: Circus performers aren't the only spectacle to be seen during the Mid-Day Diversion. Intense and powerful, Aepril Schaile's dark fusion of bellydance, modern dance, and performance art captivates all who witness it, and we are privileged to have her join us at TempleCon 2009. In addition to her performance during the Mid-Day Diversion, Aepril will be teaching the TempleCon dance class "Raqs Victoriana: The darkly romantic art of Victorian-era inspired bellydance," which focuses on "Fusing the antique sepia and lace of Victoriana with the serpentine sensuality of contemporary bellydance..." more about the show, the workshop, and all the TempleCon2009 guests: http://www.templecon.org/09/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=92

Dancing Creates Jobs?

Aepril — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:38:29 GMT

Please watch this news video titled "Dancing creates Jobs?" on the imminent challenge to arts support with the Stimulus Package threatened. http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11824399&ch=\ 4226716&src=news The arts could very possibly be cut out of Obama's stimulus plan due to pressure from "conserative" politicians. The vote is expected very soon. Please call your senators right now to tell them how important the arts are to you. Contact info: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm just pick your state and call! (or email at the very least) Every contact counts! Thank you

The Season of Janus: upcoming performances and events.

Aepril — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:43:53 GMT

After a restful and warm holiday season, I am excited to announce some performance dates for the New Year! Upcoming PERFORMANCE DATES: Sat, January 17: Arisia '09, New England’s largest and most diverse Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. Cambridge, MA. 5pm. Aepril's students perform their piece "Aviary"; Aepril performs solo. http://2009.arisia.org Sat, February 7: TempleCon 2009, Providence RI. 12:30 pm. http://www.templecon.org/09/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=92 Fri and Sat March 13-14. OrGaNiZeD cHaOs and Goldie Peacock present: "REAWAKENED": Transcendent Performance St. Lawrence Performing Arts Center, Portland, ME. 8:00 pm. Sun, Mar 22: Northshore NBDA "Spring Equinox Rites of Rebirth". Fundraiser for The Northeast Animal Shelter, Old Towne Hall 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA. 2pm. http://manorthshore.blogspot.com Sat, Mar 28: Shimmies for a Cure III, Somerville, MA. http://shimmies4cure.tripod.com Sun Mar 29: Northeast Henna and Bellydance Gathering, Providence, RI. Aepril teaches: Theatrical Bellydance http://www.hennabyheather.com/northeast.html Email info@hennabyheather.com to sign up to perform at the hafla. I hope to see you soon. Thank you for your continued support and friendship. Blessings Aepril

Sky So Grey

Aepril — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:40:35 GMT

My band, Aepril Schaile and the Judgement, is featured on the new CD: Sky So Grey A Boston Dark Music Compilation http://www.aeprilschaile.com/thejudgementstore.htm About Sky So Grey... Boston has long been a haven for many kinds of underground and experimental music scenes... SSG continues in the spirit of other artist-run label compilations produced by the likes of Castle Von Buhler Records, Archenemy Records and others, which served as a snapshot of the local gothic, industrial, synth-pop, ethereal, shoegaze scenes in the 90's. Given the passage of time and the ever-subdividing of culture though, none of these new acts fall neatly under those tired genre headings. Besides the obvious implication, the title Sky So Grey is well-suited to summarizing the infinite shades that manifest between the buzzwords of the day. The compilation was conceived by Mathew Fuller (x-Seven Sunless Days, x-Scissorkiss) in 2007 who later invited Kelly Godshall and John DeGregorio (of Decorative Records) to assist with production. Some of the tracks on the comp have been released previously on the respective artists' own cds. Artists: Amber Spyglass - Harmonic Tide Seven Sunless Days - Last Breath The Milling Gowns - Fist Wings Following Thylacine - Lay Down Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys - Viktagraph Dreamchild - Ave Maria Melt - Through the Doors Lucretia’s Daggers - Tragedy What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? - Hanging in a Tree Mark McGettrick - Greening Twelfth of Never - To Lure the Swans and Flies Sharon Crumrine - February Aepril Schaile & The Judgement - The Furies' Prayer Ultra Plush - Celestine Dream http://www.aeprilschaile.com/thejudgementstore

Spellcraft magazine interview and cover

Aepril — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:40:52 GMT

http://www.spellcraft.com.au Gothic Belly Dance: Raising Energy John Jacobson In the ancient world, belly dancers raised energy, worshipped fertility gods, and shimmied into states of ecstasy. Since those days, belly dance - like witchcraft - has travelled a rocky road of change. The earthy magic of ancient belly dance has all but disappeared, only to be replaced by the magic of sequins and spotlight. Enter gothic belly dance. Upon the gothic stage, witchcraft and belly dance have coalesced like long-forgotten lovers. The result is a wicked recipe of belly dance theatrics, gothic glamour, and witch's magic. The experiences of five gothic belly dancers are included in this article. Aepril Schaile "dances to make the dark feminine sacred again". She lives in the witch city of Salem, Massachusetts. Deva Matisa is from Berlin – the home of gothic. Her name means a shining one in Hindu; or in Zoroastrianism, it means one of an order of evil spirits. Melbourne gothic belly dancer, Ma'isah, teaches her troupe to harness group synergy. As does Zariel in her troupe, Khandroma, named after a Tibetan spiritual energy who dances with wild abandon far outside the reach of humankind. Brisbane-based Saahirah Rayvn is also a teacher. She explains the genesis of her name, "My name has been conceived through meditation – Saahirah meaning of the moon and stars or enchantress. Ravyn is an acknowledgment of my spirit guides, one of which is a Raven. To the Druids – the raven represents Initiation, healing and protection. The Raven is also a misunderstood creature and, like the Gothic subculture, carries a stigma of fear and evil." These names are very different from the typical Arabic and Egyptian names used by cabaret belly dancers. Among the belly dance community, gothic belly dancers distinguish themselves by the practice of witchcraft. Aepril is involved in several communities that practice regular seasonal ritual. Saahirah Rayvn's private craft includes a dance ritual. She draws a protective circle to dance through and then reverses the direction to dissipate the energy. A favourite preparation for Ma'isah's troupe is a moving meditation connecting with the earth. Deva feels that Europe lost many wise people to the witch hunts. She uses Gothic Bellydance to revive the lost magic of her ancestors. These beliefs are not usually found among mainstream belly dancers. Blending the craft with belly dance begins with consecrating space and blessing items such as swords and zills (small finger cymbals). Ma'isah blesses her scimitar and her dance space. If the latter is neglected she can feel it in her performance. Aepril sometimes opens her pieces with a call of the quarters. A picture emerges that a gothic belly dance is not simply entertainment but a mirror of witchcraft ritual. Gothic belly dancers invoke gods, goddesses, spirits and archetypes during their performance. Ma'isah has called up goddesses such as Astarte, Lilith, Isis, Hecate, and some without common names. Saahirah Rayvn raises the fae spirit and sometimes animal spirits. Aepril has been working extensively with the goddess The Morrigan as "the Trickster/Warrior/Queen of Death, Sex, and Victory". She also created a piece called "The Passion of the Marys" invoking "the goddess Mary as Maiden, Mother and Crone/Widow - fusing the split between Mary Virgin and Mary of Magdala". Zariel works with Ereshkigal, Erzulie Dantor, Melusine, Anath and Atargattis and quite often brings them into her performance either through music or specific movements. When a gothic belly dancer invites a spirit or archetype to her dance, she discovers courage and daring that may not have been there before. Zariel tells her students, "Susie in accounting might not shimmy but Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile will". The dancer may use magical elements to add more fuel to the fire of the dance. The most basic of these is using the circle with magical intent. Aepril explains, "Bellydance is full of figure 8's, circles, undulations, etc already, so it's really a matter of doing the movement with intention and conscious energy building and releasing. That makes it ritual". She also uses talismans, "In The Morrigan, I danced with a skull on a staff. This prop was my familiar, a symbolic theatrical tool for communicating the presence of the Morrigan, and a weapon for banishment". Deva uses mudras to both give and deny power to her audience. She is careful not to harm anyone in the crossfire of energy. Saahirah Rayvn uses the opportunity in her performance to intoxicate her audience with scent whilst brushing past them. The more magical elements used, the more potent the spell. The dramatic result of all of this magic is glamour - the projection of allure and charisma. Gothic belly dance is a powerful synergy of both gothic and witch glamour. Gothic glamour is a rich emotive and visual tapestry that evokes the voluptuous, the vampiric, the primeval, and the perverse. Ma'isah describes it, "Glamour in goth terms is the dark mystery of the unknown using the dramatic eyes that invite as well as provoke curiosity and a little (healthy) fear of the unknown. Drama, mystique and allure - to me - all women feel these things as naturally as they feel the moon turn. That captivation, that interaction, and connection with the audience is a deeply spiritual and fleeting moment all at once. Casting the spell of suspended reality, and one that allows freedom of the imagination for the audience, is the most important and successful part of my dance art". Zariel adds "In a magickal sense, we consider it to be using the energies of the darker side of the Universe, of the dark goddesses and projecting them with our dance, covering ourselves in that energy and radiating it to the audience. I personally feel it is more evocative of desires and mysteries than mainstream belly dance. Gothic belly dancers tend to develop personas, becoming ancient priestesses - conduits between the darker side of energies and the audience and even themselves. A Gothic glamour can expose the side of magick that is secret, less spoken of, less widely accepted." By the end of the dance, the audience is hypnotised under the double-helix spell of gothic and witch glamour. The gothic belly dance is a dangerous lullaby. It is woven from dark and sometimes opposing forces that surge up through the dancer's feet. The audience are an accomplice of darkness. They are touched by a dark muse. ------- ***note: I do not believe that all gothic bellydance has elements of witchcraft, nor do I think that only gothic bellydancers practice witchcraft or use ritual in perfromance. Just to be clear on where I stand personally!!...Many thanks to John Jacobson for a great article from a witch's perspective. --Aepril

Descent photos!

Aepril — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:16:32 GMT

In this photo: JeniViva: "Strega" We have Descent photos posted! Here on Tribe: http://tribes.tribe.net/raksgothiquene here on The Exquisite Corpse Productions myspace ("pics"): http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=147482758&albumId=2797669 http://myspace.com/exquisitecorpsebellydance Photos are by Michael Harkavy Enjoy!

Registration up for Winter classes in Salem

Aepril — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:12:14 GMT

WINTER CLASSES with Aepril Schaile: At Dance Class, 302 Essex St # B, Salem, MA Both classes run 8 Thursdays, Jan 15 through Mar 5, 2009 http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm Bellydance Basics: Shimmying Hips with a Dark Twist: (beginner class)Learn the elegant, sensual, and sacred art of Bellydance! Get in shape, develop more confidence, and increase your mystique while learning basic Bellydance vocabulary with an emphasis on dramatic expression, and with a darker feel. We will also touch upon the history, drama, and costuming that makes dark fusion bellydance distinctive. No prior experience necessary! 8 Weeks, (pre-registration gives you one free class) Thurs 6-7pm. Mixed Levels Bellydance: Raqs Dramatique: ***This class requires pre-approval by Aepril before registering***. This class will go further into the dramatic and theatrical aspects of bellydance, with a darker flavor. We will further develop our movement vocabulary while also working with story, mood, myth, and meaning. A silk veil is required by the second class (veils available for purchase in class). Students must have had at least two prior (6 week minimum) sessions of bellydance with Aepril to take this class. Please email Aepril to find out if this class is right for you. 8 weeks, (pre-registration gives you one free class; no drop-ins after Jan 28 for this class unless pre-arranged with Aepril.) Thurs 7:15-8:15pm.