My Blog

Student Showcase In Salem

Aepril — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:37:51 GMT

Students of Aepril Schaile, Memie-Ayat, and Jahayra perform. Guest artists Sabrina of Boston and Karina Khan! Some of my former students from Maine are even coming down to perform! Yay! Sunday, July 20th 2-4pm At the Salem Moose Lodge 50 Grove Street Salem, Massachusetts $5 Pot luck!

Sacred World Interdependence Day

Aepril — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:29:40 GMT

I'm excited to be a part of this event---a great way to spend July 4th (especially as opposed to dealing with flag-wavers and kids/drunks with fire-crackers. LOL!) http://www.myspace.com/sacredworldday *********************************************************************************************************************** Sacred World Interdependence Day will be held in Tyngsboro MA @ White Owl Farm, July 4rth weekend! Please join us for a truly magical event including live music, all night fire circles, belly dancing, fire spinning, classes, organic meals, healing & magic! ***** THERE ARE ONLY 200 AVAILABLE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT!***** If you are planning on attending, please buy your tickets a.s.a.p. Also. PLEASE CARPOOL! Though we have 200 spots available for the weekend. We only have around 80 parking spaces. Please call your friends, get close, save gas and snuggle your way here. We love you and we love our environment! Visit http://www.myspace.com/sacredworldday to buy your ticket now! ************************************************************************** Friday Night! Belly Dance Performances from... Naraya of Vadalna Tribal Vadalna Tribal Co. Sarah "Jezebel" Wood of Phantomime Ivy Miss Felicia Chaya Leia Kaia Aepril Schaile and more... Fire Spinning performances! Phantomime Amanda Turk Dave Sylvia Chaya Leia and more.... Please contact us if you are interested in Fire Spinning! Sacred All Night Fire Circle! Till Dawn Saturday Day! Classes available in the following.. Yoga Spoken word sacred movement community sustainability green building drumming earth healing More to come! Saturday Night! Live music from: The Pineapple Island Tribesmen! Incus!(with new ritual performance piece "All That We Are") Julie Woods! The Podraunauts! Eddy Dyer! Then.. Fire Spinning & Bellydance & Middle Eastern music Jam! Arists Their work will be exhibited in the barns! Robin Humphreys Ada Solomon Scott Cahaly "k" IMAGICAL Face & Body ARTS $15/Night $25/ For The Weekend ($5 For Sunday Brunch) We ask each person in attendance to chip in one hour to help co-create our gathering Please bring food to share and to donate to our kitchen! PLUS! Bring a can of food to donate to a food bank, and be entered in our raffle! www.fanswithcans.org Our Incredible Sponsors www.heartbeatcollective.org www.whiteowlfarm.info www.AfterMidnightMusic.com www.myspace.com/sacredworldday

Summer classes: registration up!

Aepril — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:05:10 GMT

Summer CLASSES: Salem, MA: --Bellydance Basics: Shimmying Hips with a Dark Twist: (beginner class) 5 Wednesdays, July 9-Aug 6, 6-7pm. Special summer rate: $50 $12 drop-ins --Mixed Levels Bellydance: Raqs Dramatique This class will go further into the dramatic aspects of bellydance, with a darker flavor. Students must have had at least two prior (6 week minimum) sessions of bellydance to take this class. email Aepril to find out if this class is right for you. 5 Wednesdays, July 9-Aug 6, 7:15-8:15pm. Special summer rate: $64. $15 drop-ins. *(No drop-ins after 7/16 unless prearranged with Aepril.) Both classes held at The Dance Class, 302 Essex St # B, Salem, MA. Paypal for these classes on the website: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm Checks and money orders can be sent to: Aepril Schaile, PO BOX 8876, Salem, MA 01971 --Bellydance Fitness Two introductory level workshops: July 12th and August 9th, 11:00 am -12:15 pm At the Salem YMCA One Sewall Street, Salem, MA 01970 For more info: 978.744.0351 Gloucester, MA: --Gothic Bellydance Basics 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 of an emerging dance form, Gothic Bellydance. No prior experience necessary! Metamorphosis Studios in Gloucester, MA (84 Main St, above Jalapeno's Restaurant) Intensive session: 4 Mondays, July 7-28, 7-8:30pm To register http://www.facilebelle.com/MetamorphosisStudios.html or send a check to Jennifer Amero c/o Metamorphosis, 84 Main St. Gloucester, MA 01930

so much fun...

Aepril — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:36:31 GMT

(Zan Asha and me) I had a great time this past weekend at Rakkasah Spring Caravan... seeing some old friends, and meeting some people for the first time. I survived the long ride back to Salem MA with a big headache from too much red wine at the after-party ;))), and a hot car on its last leg (or wheel, whatevah...) All worth it, considering how much FUN it was!!! I hope we didn't bother too many people running around in the sprinklers at 2am...What?!! So much beautiful dancing! So much wonderful stuff to buy! Big thank you's to Michelle for inviting me on as a Guest Artist this year, and to all the Rakkasah staff and volunteers for another great year. Link to video from my performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6C9KeFfGOY

Night of 1000 Goddesses 2008

Aepril — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:30:40 GMT

ChoveXani is proud to present: Night of 1000 Goddesses 2008 Sept 14th, 7pm Moroccos Studios, 6 West 20th Street $30 in advance/$35 at the door This year's dancers: Aepril Schaile - MA Anasma - Paris France and NYC Ariellah - CA Ayleeza and Jaffi (yes, there may be a "god" hiding amongst these "goddesses"!) - NY Crystal - NYC Desert Sin - NYC and CA Manhattan Tribal - NYC Morocco - NYC Teuta Ilyriana - NYC ChoveXani (with special guest dancers) With your host, Mistress Laura McCutchan (flying all the way from Canada!) and drum stylings with Casey Bond And our usual array of mad surprises! For more on our dancers see: www.chovexani.com/NAudition.html ANNNNND: Ariellah has graced us with her workshop knowledge, yet again. Learn gothic bellydance in Gotham City with this beautiful and consumate dancer! Sept 13th, 1-5pm at 44o Studios in NYC! Info and workshop purchases can be made at: www.chovexani.com/ARIELLAH.htm DON'T MISS OUT on this phenomenal weekend! WE ONLY HAVE 1 SHOW this year--100 Seats--so buy your tix NOW!! For more on the show, tickets, and other mayhem: www.chovexani.com

Spring Caravan, Night of 1000 Goddesses... performance dates!!

Aepril — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:21:44 GMT

--Saturday June 7: Guest Artist: Rakkasah Spring Caravan. 5:32pm, Somerset, NJ. http://www.rakkasah.com/spring --Saturday, June 28: Lotus Moon Hafla, NH --Friday July 4: Sacred World Independence Day, "a truly magical event including live music, all night fire circles, belly dancing, fire spinning, classes, organic meals, healing & magic!" http://www.myspace.com/sacredworldday held in Tyngsboro MA @ White Owl Farm, July 4th weekend! --Sunday, Aug 17: 3rd Annual Belly Dance Benefit for Jane Doe Inc in Memory of Melissa L. Namey, "Celebration in Rhythm", hosted by Zehara Nachash, at the Middle East, Cambridge, MA 1-5 pm --Sunday, Sept 14: Night of 1000 Goddesses, Morocco's Studios, NYC. Hosted by Zan Asha of ChoveXani, with Ariellah, Desert Sin, Morocco and more! They WILL sell out of tickets quick. Get 'em now: http://www.chovexani.com

Mixed Levels Bellydance: Raqs Dramatique, in MA with Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:24:45 GMT

My Wed beginning class at Oracle Chamber still has one spot left!: More info and registration here: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm Now my Tuesday mixed levels classes are up, too: Mixed Levels Bellydance: Raqs Dramatique Both Bellydance and Theater have their origins in ancient ritual. In this class, we will explore the theatrical elements of Bellydance along with gothic and sacred elements. Students will gain the opportunity to further develop traditional Bellydance vocabulary and improvisational skills while also working with story, mood, myth, and meaning. Students will need a silk veil for this class;open to advanced beginner Bellydance students and up. (please email Aepril to find out if this class is right for you.) 6 Tuesdays, May 27-July 1, 5:30-7:00pm. At Belly Moves: http://www.bellymovesjahayra.com, (Jahayra's beautiful brand new studio!) 75 Main St, Peabody, MA (just outside of Salem.) To register and for more info: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm

Beginning Bellydance classes in Salem

Aepril — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:16:05 GMT

Beginning Bellydance at The Oracle Chamber, 142 Derby Street, Salem, MA Bellydance Basics: Shimmying Hips with a Dark Twist 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 of an emerging dance form, Gothic Bellydance. No prior experience necessary! 6 Wednesdays: May 21-June 25th 7:15-8:15 pm $72 for the series. ***The space is magickal, and small. This class will fill up fast. Register soon!!*** Register here: http://www.aeprilschaile.com/bellydanceclasses.htm For more about the space (Michael and Therese's shoppe): http://www.theoraclechamber.com/Bellydance.html Class includes some basic yoga stretches and moving meditation as part of instruction. You can bring a yoga mat if you wish. Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring something to tie around your hips if you like, in order to better feel your hip movements! *More info shortly on Aepril's mixed levels class, also in Salem, at a space TBA: Also coming up: Bellydance Fitness classes at the Salem YMCA. Details posted soon!

Gothic Beauty Review

Aepril — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:18:21 GMT

This just in... Gothic Beauty Magazine: "AEPRIL SCHAILE AND THE JUDGEMENT "The Furies' Prayer" www. aeprilschaile. com Aepril Schaile's prophetic, dangerous, mad-priestess delivery needs a listener with a strong constitution, prepared for her to call out her ghosts, slit old wounds open and demand answers. Schaile is both the executioner and the sacrifice, with a strong strident voice and piano to match, more visceral than an angry Sinead O'Connor and more psychic than Nick Cave on Judgement Day. From time to time the songs yield to softer balladry, cushioned by lighter backing vocals or bittersweet violin, but all told it's good to hear such power and depth in the piano and such bold expression often denied to women vocalists. Best taken in doses rather than all at once, and play it to raise energy, not for your dinner guests. (Carolee)" http://www.myspace.com/aeprilschaile

March...

Aepril — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:38:12 GMT

Upcoming March events! 3/16 BLACKSUN FESTIVAL: The east coast's largest Gothic event New Haven CT I'll be there Sunday March 16th at noon, teaching Raqs Gothique: The Art of Gothic Bellydance http://www.blacksun-festival.com/index.html 3/29 SHIMMIES FOR A CURE: PART DEUX Somerville City Club Somerville, MA I was honored to be invited by Samantha and Baseema to do a workshop on "Unconventional Props", which I'll teach 4:15-5:15. Lot's of other great instructors, too: http://shimmies4cure.tripod.com/hafla.html Hafla at 6 (my student troupe Shadows and Lights performs this time!) All proceeds from the Shimmies for a Cure-part deux fundraiser will go to the PanMass Challenge (PMC). The PMC raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is an annual bike-a-thon that crosses Massachusetts. 3/30 RAQS GOTHIQUE II Sanctuary @ the Dark Lady, Providence, RI http://www.myspace.com/sanctuary_ri Portion of the proceeds go to benefit for "Initiative To Educate Afghan Women." (read more about the initiative here: http://www.simmons.edu/about/news/releases/2004/380.php ) I'll be performing along with Boston musicians Copal and bellydancers The Goddess Coyle. 3/30 NORTHEAST HENNA and BELLYDANCE GATHERING hosted by: Henna by Heather also at @ the Dark Lady 12-9pm 124 Snow St, Providence, RI Henna and bellydance workshops all day. I teach a workshop: "Eerie Serpents, Ethereal Grace: Hands and Arms in Dark Fusion Dance". Neylan teaches about improv, The Goddess Coyle teaches an Intro to Bellydance, and more by local teachers. More info about both up soon at http://www.hennabyheather.com Beyond March... Dragon's Egg in CT in April, (hafla after Unmata workshops)... Tribal Fest 8 in May...( so exciting!...) Rakkasah Spring Caravan in Somerset NJ in June 5:32 Saturday I was honored to be invited as a guest dancer this year more to come as confirmed... And an update on my move back to civilization soon!!!

The Furies' Prayer...

Aepril — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:44:21 GMT

...my CD, "The Furies' Prayer", is now also available on iTunes! http://cdbaby.com/cd/asatj for the link, or to listen.

Hip Circle article by Aepril Schaile

Aepril — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:48:48 GMT

Some of you read part of this as it was originally published in my "friends only" blog; many of you left profound and beautiful comments. I've since expanded it into an article to be read by a wider audience, and Blanca, editor of Hip Circle, was kind enough to publish it. I am honored to have my writing included here. The Washer at the Ford (The Morrigan II): a Bellydance of bereavement http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=297

wolf hunting

Aepril — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:02:27 GMT

Aepril and Coda From Defenders of Wildlife: When people think of Alaska, they think of its amazing wildlife and natural beauty. But Alaska has a terrible secret: Each year, the state permits private citizens to chase down and kill dozens of wolves using low-flying aircraft and high-powered rifles. Defenders of Wildlife has created a powerful video on the issue that I think you might want to check out online at: http://SaveWolves.org/alaska Warning: This video contains graphic footage of aerial wolf hunts -- wolves shot down from above, chased to exhaustion and wounded and left to die. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and anti-wolf officials in the state have worked hard to obscure the truth about the aerial gunning program, even going so far as to earmark $400,000 in state funds to "educate" Alaskans about the state's baseless aerial gunning program. Fortunately, there is something you and I can do to help. Watch Defenders of Wildlife's new video and then take action to urge Governor Palin to end aerial hunting of wolves online at: http://www.SaveWolves.org/alaska If you would prefer to take action without watching the video, please visit the website below: http://www.SaveWolves.org/alaskanovideo

"when the music community becomes one big family"... PPH article

Aepril — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:21:11 GMT

photo: Melynda and her sister Raina after the head-shaving party Portland Press Herald Article http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=131155&ac=MondayM

benefits for Melynda---we raised over 6k on Wed!!!

Aepril — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:04:38 GMT

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who came out this week for the Melynda benefits!!!! I also want to thank everyone who helped to put the word out---you know who you are, and your help is greatly appreciated. Melydna has been diagnosed with an agressive, but curable, form of breast cancer, and will be going through very expensive and difficult medical procedures over the next months to battle the disease; a series of events have been organized and co-ordinated, the first of which was Wednesday night. I am happy to report that, according to the auction organizer M Lennon, we have a have rough estimate of $6,000 raised through door fee, auction and flower barette sales from that night alone. There was also another benefit Thursday night; (I have yet to hear the amount raised from that, but Mike won the raffle!! :) Not only was there money raised, but there was an outpouring of love and concern for Melydna and her husband Michael, and for our community of artists and musicians, that was immensely moving and beautiful. Many in attendance wore pink bracelets that Melynda supplied from TheBreastCancerSite.org imprinted with the words "Hope, Faith, Love". Beautiful art peices were donated for the auction, along with services, gift baskets, concert tickets etc. The bands put on a great show, having Melynda come up to sing as well. The concerns many of us have about being uninsured artists in America were often disussed, and much shock was expressed at the reality of having one so young as Melynda--a member of our community-- become sick. Melynda and event organizers were interviewed by the Portland Press Herald, who covered the event. I am grateful and humbled by the extent to which our community came out to support our friend, fellow artist, and promoter of the Portland Maine local art and music scene---and by the support given to one another, as Melynda's cancer battle effects us all. There will be more events coming up over the next several months--we hope to see you! Please visit the http://www.BenefitforMelynda.org to donate, or to see the schedule of events, or just to find out more.

Sunday's Jane Doe Inc benefit

Aepril — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:43:59 GMT

I had a wonderful time at Zehara's 2nd annual Jane Doe Inc Benefit /Bellydance event: Sacred Woman weekend. I got to see some of my fellow dancers show some amazing work. Especially exciting for me: The Goddess Dancing's "Crone" piece, and Badriya's Zar dance. It was also great to meet Judie Namey, mother of Melissa Namey, for whom the event was meant to honor. (The photo above is all of us together) It was a priveledge to perform, too. Zehara reported that her event as a whole raised over $1200, all workshops were full, and we were featured in the Boston Herald the next day. Lelelelelelele...!!!!! Included in the program was a list from Jane Doe, Inc, of all the victims of domestic violence homicide over the last 8 months in the state of MA. 24 people. Wow.

To keep my love alive...burlesque!

Aepril — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:13:22 GMT

So...invited to do so by the lovely burlesque beauty Vivian Vice of whistlebait Burlesque, I'm performing a solo Friday at a local show here in Portland. I've danced burlesque before (I was the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker Burlesque, after all...:), and there's often been some burlesque-y-ness in some of the Bellydance pieces I've choreographed... but this'll be my first one that I choreograph----and perform solo--- with an old-timey style. I dance to "First Lady of Song" Ella Fitzgerald: I've been married and married, And often I've sighed, I'm never a bridesmaid, I'm always the bride. I never divorced them- I hadn't the heart. Yet remember these sweet words "Till death do us part."... Now to work on my 40's hair...

My band playing in Northampton, MA this weekend

Aepril — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:04:01 GMT

We're playing a rare show this weekend at the Eagle's Nest: "A Night of Wyrdery and Cacaphony featuring Spires That In the Sunset Rise ( http://www.myspace.com/spiresthatinthesunsetrise ) Aepril Schaile and the Judgement ( http://www.aeprilschaile.com and www.myspace.com/aeprilschaile ) Jow-Jow the Death Knell Rung ( http://www.myspace.com/sephirothmusic ) The Ancient and the Transmundane ( http;//www.myspace.com/theprimordialandthetransmundane ) Sunday, July 15th at Eagles Nest (upstairs at Eagles -- http://www.myspace.com/eaglesnestling ) 270 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 7 pm, 6 dollars, 21+ (alcohol is sold) " (BTW, we are still looking for a place to stay in Northampton...) We don't appear often these days, as I am working on bringing the music into some newer, more theatrical and dance realated directions! the image is a wonderful new banner created for me by James Neely of Ddraig Grapics, who was kind enough to offer as I didn't know what the hell I was doing... ;) http://www.ddraiggraphics.com

Review for The Furies Prayer in Morbid Outlook magazine

Aepril — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:15:44 GMT

My CD was reviewed in Mistress McCutchan's (aka Orkideh) magazine Morbid Outlook http://www.morbidoutlook.com/music/section/music_section.html reviewer: Andrew Fenner "This album could justifiably be titled “Wrath of the Witch”, dealing, as it seems, with the twisted indignation of disenfranchised, murdered, tortured, downtrodden mystics, occultists, shamen, gods and goddesses, etc. refusing to stay dead and coming back from across the centuries with a terrific tumult of dark wings and in-your-face triumph. Many of the songs involve a spare, piano dominated arrangement featuring the leading lady more in the role of a vindictive, exhorting sorceress than a singer... though she definitely sings as well. Other numbers include bass and drums with organ...even some bowed strings and trumpet. My only qualm, on the musical side, is that most of the songs have the same general format... proceeding from a slow, chantlike opening and rising to an intense, prolonged wail (though there is some variation), and even the melody lines seem very similar. However, this tends to amplify the sense of being at some kind of dark mass or demon-conjuring in the temple or forest of an ancient high priestess; thus I am not so sure it is a detraction, just as a tried-and-true gospel formula might work again and again for the congregation of an on-fire Baptist minister. No Baptist church service could be like this group live though, since Aepril Schaile is also into gothic bellydance. The effect must be stunning..." read more: http://www.morbidoutlook.com/music/inrotation/2007_05_inrotation.html

New song uploaded from the Odyssey

Aepril — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:03:19 GMT

I've uploaded a new song : "A Gathering of Shades" its the song I wrote for Vivid Motion's production of The Odyssey, and its up on the Aepril Schaile and the Judgement myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aeprilschaile It was just AWESOME working on this project. It was so amazing to see the music become physical with the VM dancers, who brought a creepy, outraged, hungry, bloody, yet graceful and beautiful quality to the piece--- complete with fog, and deathly blue light, (except for the red light that washed over the shades as they drank blood....oh, to see it finally take form...their frenzy brough a tear to my eyes...) i hope to have some video soon. Please keep in mind as you listen that it was written and recorded for the theater production, not as a stand alone track, so there may be things about it that work best in that context. (Maybe even try to imagine Odysseus sacrificing the ewe in the beginning (the underworld screams), or the shades slowly emmerging, chanting ..... or the Ghosts of the dead each coming forward to tell their indiviual story... later to converge on the blood for which they hunger...) It was my intention with this piece not only to create something that complimented this production, but also to see what it might be like to write music for dance and theater. The result? I LOVED it! As a musician and a dancer, i often find myself trying to run paralell pursuits; my longterm aim is to combine the two, and create something from there. This is my first attempt. I'd like to be bringing more mid east sounds into my work; with this piece i briefly introduced a Saiidi rhythm into the song, and I stole some Exquisite Corpse choreography (Karina Khan's ;) and had the shades dance as one snakey organism. etc. Go here to listen if you like http://www.myspace.com/aeprilschaile

Odyssey article in Portland Phoenix

Aepril — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:29:10 GMT

The picture is of Cory Bucknam (costume designer, a choreographer AND dancer) and David VanDuyne in the studio Check it out here: http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid41375.aspx There is a pic, of Trevor Bean (Odysseus) and I, in the print version; I'm rehearsing in a lovely pair of sweat pants, so methinks it was for the best that it was omitted here. ;)

The Odyssey

Aepril — Sun, 20 May 2007 14:39:55 GMT

Vivid Motion presents: The Odyssey At St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center, Portland, ME Friday June 8 at 7:30 pm Saturday June 9 at 7:30 pm Sunday June 10 at 1:30 pm. Tickets on sale now!: http://www.vividmotion.org/tickets/ticketSalesSS06.php The Odyssey, the classic tale of one man's journey told through music, motion and magic---with Sirens, Cyclops, goddesses, sailors, and shades....Aepril composes music and choreographs a piece for "The Land of the Dead", with a recorded performance: "A Gathering of Shades", by Aepril Schaile and the Judgement. Aepril also dances in Ino's Veil. But there's so much more from all the many talented people of Vivid Motion! come see!

Fusion of the Dark Muses: Serpentine presents EAST:MEETS:WEST 6/1

Aepril — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:18:03 GMT

It is an honor to have been invited to perform at the 4th annual dark-theatrical Bellydance showcase EAST:MEETS:WEST in Portland OR! (NOT Portland Maine, Portland OREGON) This will be my first time performing on the west coast, and I am so excited to meet all the dancers involved, especially the GORGEOUS women of Serpentine, ReneeLucretia and Aradia, who are presenting, and performing at, the event!! I am also excited to be on the west coast, spending some time with my dear longtime friend, Alix, who I rarely get to see otherwise! (thank you, love you--can't wait!!!) And, having once lived in the Pacific NW, it will be nice to visit again! The show is Friday, June 1st. Get more info at http://www.myspace.com/eastmeetswestpdx Check out the EAST:MEETS:WEST 2006 YouTube teaser by Jeffe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WlJsSQgss From the website: "Serpentine presents... EAST:MEETS:WEST 2007- our 4th annual bellydance celebration. EAST:MEETS:WEST 2007 will feature ten innovative theatrical bellydance performances followed by an epic dance party. Each soloist and troupe will dance their interpretation of the 2007 theme: Fusion of the Dark Muses. Serpentine, Portland's premiere fire fusion bellydance duet, will conclude the performance portion of the evening. The dance party will feature the hottest DJ's within the tribal bellydance scene. Please join us June 1st at Outlaws, 722 SE Burnside. Performances begin at 9pm sharp. $13 cover, 21+/with ID. Outrageous dance costumes encouraged."

birthday, bellydancers, and alien invasion...

Aepril — Tue, 08 May 2007 16:02:41 GMT

First of all, I want to say that my friends all rule. And I want to say thank you to them. My birthday was last week, and I had a small soiree which ended up having more booze than I expected (That's a plus, I always say) and more friends than expected to be able to come out and sit and drink with me on my birthday on a school night. You were so much fun, and I especially enjoyed the Nunzilla fight and the CD from Melynda---I have been listening to Giant Squid non-stop for 2 weeks--when can we get them to Portland again!??? Two days later it was on to Shimmies for a Cure, which was a wonderful event put on by Samantha and Baseema intended to raise $$$ for cancer research. They thought of everything for this show, including selling Eye Kandy (sparkly eye shadow that never comes off); predictably, I bought the black, and while its super cool, I am not very good yet at applying pitch black eye kandy, and I ended up looking like a brand new gothling on her way to her first goth night (you know the look I'm talking about, that splotchy racoon thing, and I'm too old to look cute with that). None-the-less, everyone else's Eye Kandy looked fabulous, and everyone's performances were top notch. Badriya even brought out her knives, which at close range were just fun fun fun. And BTW, the show raised over $2000!!!!! Moving on to this past weekend----Rakkasah Spring Caravan in NJ. What can I say? There was so much going on at this event---so many amazing dancers, so many things to BUY. Sigh. Like swords... It was good to walk in and see some familiar New England faces right away---Samantha and Baseema were there, sparkles and all, and of course my dear friend Karina Khan, who's performance RULED the night!!! So passionate and intense!!! I met some people I've only talked with online and whose work and artistry admire; I had the priviledge of talking music and dance with Maduro and Asharah (not only are they super-smart and creative, but such sweet hearts as well!) and meeting the Rakkasah staff ws a pleasure--I assure anyone with any doubt that all types of bellydance are not only tolerated, but encouraged and welcomed at Rakkasah events---even me and my crazy feathered-skull-on-a-stick goth. I really regretted not being able to stay and see all the Rakkasah performances, but I had to leave right away to go get painted green, up in Portland, ME, for the "Halfway to Halloween Horror Ball 2: Mars Attacks!' event. I tell you, its Tuesday, and I STILL have green paint everywhere! But what a blast!!! We danced as the Orion slave girls from Star Trek: Vina's Vicious Vixens. The pictures are still just being sent out and around; I put a bunch on myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/aeprils ) , but I'll include a few more here and on my livejournal, too http://aepril.livejournal.com. Melynda did an AMAZING job on the set!!!!!! Space ship and everything. People came out with great costumes---Storm Troopers, lightsabers, the Uranus biker gang (har har), spacesuits, space creatures of every kind. Everyone seemed so well prepared---I didn't realize there was a such a latent fascination with aliens!!! So much fun! Thanks everybody again for the friendship and the fun!!!!! xoxox

Review in Dark Realms...and a local mention

Aepril — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 23:20:26 GMT

Thank you to Dark Realms magazine and reviewer Camille Ambrose! We are honored to receive this mention: "Aepril Schaile and the Judgement put forth a bold progressive effort with their CD. the Furies Prayer has a unique avant-garde Burlesque quality to it. Impassioned vocal and piano mlodies burst forth from sultry a capella whispers to acheive a dramatic effect. Tracks like "This Place to Die" and "Flight from the Murder Tree" begin as haunting and bittersweet ballads before developing into more powerful songs. Many of the tracks are solely comprised of Schaile's theatrical vocals and piano although various compsitions are accented by drums and symphonic string accompaniment. The Furies Prayer is a truly original collection of dramatic and poetic passions." Camille Ambrose Dark Realms can be found at: www.monolithgraphics.com/darkrealms.html Also, local paper The Portland Phoenix gave us a mention in this week's issue, in the music report "Sibilance": http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid38192.aspx "Goth-mistress AEPRIL SCHAILE is composing and choreographing for Portland dance company VIVID MOTION’s spring show, “The Odyssey,” which will run June 8 through 10. Schaile AND THE JUDGEMENT are likely to record and release the music part of it. You can also catch the band on a new “dark music” compilation that’s going to be released by MATHEW FULLER of Boston’s SEVEN SUNLESS DAYS, which ought to come out shortly. Finally, listen for Schaile’s vocals on a new release from doom-core types OCEAN in June, which we’ll know more about shortly." (Aepril is composing/choreographing for "the Land of the Dead" part of the Odyssey story.)