My Blog

Inspirational Thought

aubre — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:44:12 GMT

Came across this and just wanted to share. xoxo "The shell must break before the bird can fly." - Alfred Tennyson

Fest fun!!!

aubre — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:45:44 GMT

Ok, I'm a little behind but I still wanted to share my thoughts on tribal fest. This was my first year to FINALLY make it. Every year I mark my calendar and then something comes up that I just can't refuse. But last august I decided to put it into the calendar in pen, and I am so glad it did. Tribal Fest is a fantastic size. Large enough to be buzzing with energy, but still small enough to maintain a strong community feeling. And being the mecca that it is, everyone pulls out their very best of this fantastic event. From the amazing vending, which I mistakenly thought would be similar enough to Tribal Caravan that I wouldn't have to spend any more money......ha! Lesson learned. =P To the wonderful and diverse workshops. I think this is one of my favorite things about TF. Kajira does an incredible job to offer a very diverse range of topics and levels throughout the week. Although my teaching schedule didn't allow me to come up until Friday, I so appreciated and enjoyed my workshops with Heather Stants (who I just love) and Lee Ali (who is new to me, but definitely on the list of musts). And all the Lumina ladies took a variety of other workshops too that proved to be inspiring in various ways. The performances were the nicest surprise. As I have gone to many festivals in my lifetime, I have gotten use to the typical festival-salad-mix of student to professional shows. Some catching your eye. Mostly only if you know someone in the group. It's always kind of bugged me that more people don't create their pieces specifically for the events they are performing in, such as a festival. I would like a little more forethought into the creation process instead of just looking at the festivals as a free way to perform. Please do not get me wrong; I love seeing a range of levels on the stage. But I would like the choreographers to be more attentive to the artistic choices they are making. That being said, I definitely felt that the performances at TF were created with this audience and event in mind. Having few options for alternative pieces probably contributes to that as well. But it was so refreshing to see pieces versus a recital of arranged steps. It seemed like every piece regardless of the experience level was created with an artistic vision in mind. And although not everything was successful, I loved the fact the we were able to really put forth something of ourselves. Test it out. Say this is me. And share. Plus it was super cool to finally get a chance to see some people perform that I had never met but had heard of or know from tribe. And lastly (I promise) I loved getting a chance to share a part of Lumina with the TF community. We danced at the crack of dawn Saturday morning at 10:40ish. I was a bit worried when we arrived to crickets in the audience, but by the time we took the stage I saw a number of smiling warm faces attentively watching. Hehe. =)) Creating Lumina and having it grow in such incredible ways has been an amazing experience for me and continues to inspire me more and more everyday. To have the honor to work with such intelligent, talented, beautiful women pushes me to explore my choreography and artistic expression deeper and more fully. And getting a chance to share "Derivations" and "Lola" with this audience was.....lovely. xoxoxo

A whole new decade!!!

aubre — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:27:01 GMT

That's right I'm officially 30!!!! I waved bye-bye to my twenties Saturday night with a super fun party with friends and family. We settled down when the neighbors came up to complain about the drumming. Don't they know what a treat it is to have Karim and Donovan playing live together!!! Thanks again guys! The night was fantastic, surrounded by almost all my favorite people, enjoying good food, and fancy Absinthe drinks made by Courtney. Hehe, I loved every minute of it!!! And I am thrilled to see what this new decade will bring. Part of my excitement stems from always having to validate my experience, my views, and my work while being a twenty-something. "Oh she's only 20-la-la-la," as if my age devaluated what I have learned, dedicated, and worked for. Being apart of the 30's, allows me to stand on my own feet more fully in the eyes of our society. And yes, I'm definitely much more comfortable in my own skin than I was ten years ago. Wow, now that's a memory. This bright eyed girl out to save the word but too afraid to look up from her books to talk to the boy next to her. Hehe. In my cords and plaid (it was the grunge era after all), studying snakes by day and dance by night. In the past ten years, I've graduated with my B.S. in zoology and chemistry, worked in an animal rehabilitation clinic, applied and was accepted to vet school, finally realized I wanted to dedicate myself to my dance, began my lifelong study of the Suhaila format, committed to my yoga & Pilates training, got Pilates certified, met my husband and got married, toured around the world with the Bellydance Superstars, worked the Arabic club scene until I was blue, started my own dance company, taught at a university, created a national bellydance tv show, instructional dvd's and online lessons, and fully came into my teaching and performing life in a way I never had before. And lots of other stuff. =) It's been a tremendous learning experience. I feel like I have finally learned how to walk, and my next decade will be figuring how where to go next.

Tribal Caravan 2008 fun!!!

aubre — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:27:00 GMT

There are many many festivals and events that happen throughout the year, but TC is something I really look forward to each year. Maybe because it was one of Lumina's first community performances, and it has watched us change, grow, and evolve over the past few years. It feels like home now giving us a place to experiment with new material and play. Plus we just have such an awesome community here. LA can be one of the most competitive places in the world, and yet the tribal community here is soooo sweet, talented, creative, supportive, friendly....And it was so exciting to see more and more dancers and artists from outside of southern Cal come this year. We're growin' baby. Watch out! This was also a performance I was deeply excited to share with everyone. This year Yvonne, Tatiana, Ninysha, Naima and myself were out there representing the Lumina Bellydance Company with two new choreographies. Our reworked and staged "Derivations" (which we first performed in our March "Sketches of Arabia" production) and our brand new "Lola" tango fusion piece. I had tremendous fun choreographing each of these, and know I pushed the girls out of their comfort zones with my crazy ideas. "Now, grand battement side, cross, and turn on &a1&2. double time up to down figure eights down beat right &3&4." Yeah, that's the look they gave me at first too. =P But they all did it. Not only did we do the choreography, but I really felt like we represented exactly what I envision for Lumina. Hehehe. I'm gitty. I'm stoked! I can't wait to get back into the studio.

Workshops with Karim Nagi in LA!!!

aubre — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:58:17 GMT

Cymbals, Sticks & Stomps Workshops with Karim Nagi of Turbo Tabla Saturday, May 10, 2008 co-sponsored by Aubre (323.868.7111 or aubre@aubredance.com) 1-3PM SAGAT: Using the techniques of the Egyptian Sufi Zikr, Karim will present the sills as a classical instrument and not simply a dance accessory. Karim has developed a comprehensive sill method that utilizes drum techniques and an ambidexterous approach. Students will learn the Arabic rhythms by name and how to play them wile dancing! Dancers will learn to use the cymbals to communicate rhythms to a band and accent solo dancing and body movements. Dance combinations with cymbals will be taught. Dancers and percussionists of all levels are welcome. Karim promises to transform dancers into musicians with his finger cymbal teaching approach. 3:30-5:30PM ARAB FOLK DANCE INTENSIVE: This class is an intensive introduction to the traditional group dances from the Arab world. These dances are primarily unisex, and emphasize synchronicity and group cohesion. This workshop includes Dabka line dance, Basic Tahteeb/Assaya cane dance, and the group-healing ritual motions found in Zikr and Zar practices. Each dance is taught efficiently as an introduction to the style, and is an initiation into possible future study. These dances are less glamourous than the performance-oriented heroism of the solo dances found in the Arab world. These are the dances done by the people in social, celebratory, and spiritual group settings. They can be taught to dancers at any level, as both a cultural and artistic experience. The group movements and concepts can later by extrapolated into performance-calibre skills and themes. (Please bring a straight cane and sneakers or dance shoes for this class.) To register, contact Aubre at 323.868.7111 or paypal payment to aubre@aubredance.com Registration by TODAY $35 each or $65 for both AFTER TODAY $40 each or $75 for both Both workshops will be held at The CEnter of Worldance (230 West Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more info, contact Aubre (323.868.7111 or aubre@aubredance.com) Don't miss this opportunity to study with a master teacher!!! *KArim will also be performing May 10th at Forbidden City, and teaching drumming workshops at Iqaat studio on Sunday, May 11th. It's a full weekend of Karim!!!

Make a statement!

aubre — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:24:41 GMT

It's April 23rd. Are you wearing your jeans? Denim Day in LA was created in 1999 as a response to an Italian sexual assault case that was overturned since the girl was wearing "very, very tight jeans." Immediately women across Italy pulled out their jeans and wore them in protest and defiance that anything can invite an act. If you are interested in more info, please check out the link below. This is a part of Peace over Violence, an organization that helps create and promote education and support systems for sexual assault awareness. Make a stand, make a statement. http://www.denimdayinla.org/

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

aubre — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:05:26 GMT

"Bellydance Core Fitness" DVD Pilates inspired workout by AUBRE We've all been waiting.....and now it is finally here. Available starting tomorrow!!! "Develop core strength and precise isolations by studying with one of the finest performers and teachers in the world of Bellydance. In Bellydance Core Fitness, Aubre teaches unique exercises specifically designed to strengthen the core, giving dancers the edge for increased stamina, technique, and balance while giving those with the goal of fitness, an essential supplement to any workout routine. Following a comprehensive warm-up, Aubre's workout will include abdominal exercises, sitting isolations and standing isolations. Aubre's fun and exciting program will fortify the body and revive the soul." BUY NOW for $20 plus $5 shipping. Paypal accepted. Send funds to aubre@aubredance.com Includes chapter selections for ease as well as a bonus performance by your's truly. Now have me in your own home to workout anytime!!!

Only five days left.....

aubre — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:20:17 GMT

Final count down is on as we only have five days until our debut of "Sketches of Arabia" in LA. Woohoo!!!! So excited. I'm sewing like a mad woman some last minute costume pieces and finalizing a few details, but we're pretty much set. It's a great show and I'm so excited to share this work with you all. Hope you can all make it!!!!

Sketches of Arabia in LA!!!

aubre — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:28:25 GMT

So excited to finally bring our show to Los Angeles. We're finishing up our rehearsals and getting ready. Hope you can join us! It's going to be a spectacular weekend!!!! SKETCHES OF ARABIA featuring Aubre and the Lumina Bellydance Company plus special guest Tamra-henna Saturday, March 1st at 8PM and Sunday, March 2nd at 6PM The Center of Worldance, 230 West Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 Tickets $20 in advance/ $25 at the door For tickets, contact Aubre at 323.868.7111 or paypal aubre@aubredance.com WORKSHOPS!!!!! Lyrical Taqsim with Aubre Saturday, March 1st 1-4pm Learn dynamic techniques and moves for showstopping taqsims, including Aubre's signature lyrical use of space and line. She will also include musical exercises to help develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of the taqsim. Saidi: Strength & Sweetness with Tamra-henna Sunday, March 2nd 11am-2pm The Saidi women's dance is sweet and upbeat, while the men perform to show off their strength. Tamra-henna combines both into her own signature Saidi style that is both fun and commanding! Learn combos with both cane and finger cymbals plus essential costuming tips! Workshops are $60 each, or $100 for both. Held at The Center of Worldance, 230 West Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 To register, contact Aubre at 323.868.7111 or paypal aubre@aubredance.com

Cleaning house

aubre — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:18:48 GMT

I'm attempting to streamline some things in my life as well as the stuff in my life. This includes my computer time. So I have reduced my subscribed tribes, not in any way taking away support or love from those people. But more as an incentive to myself to get off the computer and work on choreography or something more actively involved in making art. This is kind of my tribe AA statement. My name is Aubre and I'm addicted to tribe. I love hearing about what everyone is doing and getting a chance to chat, inspire, and be inspired by you all. But time is speeding up at an insane rate. Gotta pick and choose, Aubre. Gotta pick and choose.

Pure Sharqi fun

aubre — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:36:11 GMT

Saturday evening was a blast!!! First of all, Roxxanne is a fantastic host, let alone a great dancer. And she put together a wonderful evening of dance, music, and old school Arabic club fun this past Saturday. Lumina opened the show with our Raks Sharki opening, Saidii cane piece, and drum solo. It was only four of us this time as Yvonne is on tour with Rage and Ninysha was home sick (get better soon!!!). But Candice, Naima, Tatiana, and I had a blast! By the way this was Tatiana's first sequin filled performance. Woohooo!!! And she's never looked more gorgeous!!! The room was filled to the brim with dancers, enthusiasts, Wahib regulars, family and friends. It was so fun to look out and see so many of my students as well. Jumping into the whole scene and having so much fun. The band was fantastic, a real treat these days when live music has become such a rarity. Alexandria, Debbie Smith, Roxxanne and I performed short sets with the band. Again let me say, it is always such a wonderful treat to get to perform with a live band, especially one that is tight and unified. And getting to perform a drum solo with Amir was sooooo much fun. I've always been a fan of his playing; definitely a highlight for me. The grand finale of the evening was the one and only Sahra Saeeda. And what a spectacular show! I have seen many videos and heard some much about this fantastic woman, but until this weekend had never had the chance to see her perform in person. She's a grace and a powerhouse, with amazing musicality and subtly. And she has the kind of deep culture nuance we study religiously for a lifetime. A perfect night! I came home so completely happy. To get to share my vision with a great audience through Lumina, solo with a fabulous band, and watch some wonderful dancing. Top that with super yummy Lebanese food and great friends. Nothing compares!

Winter 2008 Teaching Schedule

aubre — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:58:56 GMT

Starting Jan 6th at the Center of Worldance (230 West Main St, Alhambra 91801) Sundays 12-1pm Bellydance I/II (focusing on tribal fusion stylization and of course technique) Mondays 7:30-8:30pm Bellydance I 8:30-9:30pm Bellydance II (with finger cymbals, focusing on Saidii) Tuesdays 7:30-9pm Bellydance III (with finger cymbals) Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm Bellydance I 8:30-9:30pm Pilates mat basics Starting Jan 2nd at Cal State University, Los Angeles KIN 154 Bellydance Fitness Mon & Wed 8:50-9:40am Mon & Wed 9:50-10:40am Fridays 9:50-11:30am KIN 154 Pilates Mon & Wed 12:30-1:20pm Fridays 8:00-9:40am KIN 204A Diet & Exercise for Weight Management Mon & Wed 11:40am-12:30pm

New audition for LUMINA!!!

aubre — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:57:24 GMT

Here's your chance to join one of the up and coming dance companies!!! Be apart of something revolutionary. Be apart of something inspiring!!! Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 3pm Held at The Center of Worldance 230 West Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 Looking for versatile, strong bellydancers ready to work hard and push themselves technically and artistically in new directions. Must be open to performing a wide range of styles including classical Egyptian, Lebanese, folkloric, tribal fusion, etc. Experience with Suhaila technique is strongly suggested or at least willing to put in the extra time and practice to gain the technique needed. Technique is learned in class not rehearsal. This is a no drama dance company. We laugh, sweat, and have a great time. No divas please. Requirements: attend a minimum of one of Aubre's classes per week and all rehearsals (Tuesdays 9-10pm and Sundays 1-4pm) and a small fee to cover rental costs (approximately $30 per month). I provide most of the costuming and props. Dancers will need to supply their own shoes, makeup, and jewelry. I also bring in various guest lecturers and teachers for Lumina exclusive workshops (my treat to help expand our knowledge and continue to inspire). Please bring a photo and dance resume to the audition. Include answers to the following: Why would you like to be apart of the Lumina Bellydance Company? What are your dance goals? List any specialties (dance or otherwise). What styles or props would you like to further explore? If you have any questions, please contact me anytime here on tribe or at 323.868.7111 or aubre@aubredance.com

New Works and the birth of our show

aubre — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:39:32 GMT

Wow! I've had so much to share the past few months but no time to do it. Some catch up to be had. This past fall I finally created my first full bellydance theatre show, "Sketches of Arabia." Lumina has continued to grow and evolve into an incredible group of women. We've been rehearsing like crazy every Tuesday and Sunday, plus additional days right before various shows to refine some stuff. In October we debuted some of the material at "An Evening of New Works with Lumina." We had an OVERWHELMING response. I am still so deeply touched to everyone that came out to support us and squeezed their way into Studio Iqaat for our first and very over sold out show. It was tremendously emotional for me to come out and see so many warm and loving faces. Students of mine, friends, colleagues, family, fans and supporters. Each dancer had the opportunity to explore their own piece as well as we performed "Elf Leyla," our famed "Saidii", a drum solo live with Donovan, "Teasing Ways", and a fun pop "Finale". The show flew by and was sooo much fun! It was a great night to say the least. The very next day we were back in the studio working out some changes and finalizing some of the other pieces for our even larger show in Bellingham, WA, "Sketches of Arabia." But more about that next time.....

It's all in the process

aubre — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:39:50 GMT

I saw this earlier posted by someone else, but just loved it sooooo much I wanted to share it here too. Some Rule and Hints for Students and Teachers by John Cage Rule 1: Find a place you trust and then, try trusting it for a while. Rule 2: (General Duties as a Student) Pull everything out of your teacher. Pull everything out of your fellow students. Rule 3: (General Duties as a Teacher) Pull everything out of your students. Rule 4: Consider everything an experiment. Rule 5: Be self-disciplined. This means finding someone wise or smart and choosing to follow them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be self-disciplined is to follow in a better way. Rule 6: Follow the leader. NOTHING IS A MISTAKE. There is no win and no fail. There is only make. Rule 7: The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It is the people who do all of the work all the time who eventually catch onto things. You can fool the fans--but not the players. Rule 8: Do not try to create and analyze at the same time. They are different processes. Rule 9: Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It is lighter than you think. Rule 10: We are breaking all the rules, even our own rules, and how do we do that? By leaving plenty of room for "x" qualities. Helpful Hints: Always be around. Come or go to everything. Always go to classes. Read everything you can get your hands on. Look at movies carefully and often. Save everything. It may come in handy later.

The open road

aubre — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:23:49 GMT

Paris je' taime

aubre — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:10:17 GMT

my LA

aubre — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:07:53 GMT

Blessings for our dear Alejandra

aubre — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 07:27:13 GMT

Alejandra, sweet angel of light silver wings of elegance and beauty a sultry smile a contagious laugh eyes wide to the world and arms stretched out dancer taking flight How you will be missed.Thank you for blessing our lives with your beauty, although all too short.

music, sweat, and dances-oh my!

aubre — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 01:59:11 GMT

Lumina has grown in many ways over the years, but I am more excited and inspired right now than ever. We have a great group of dancers. Everyone's working hard and yet we can still laugh and have fun. I'm creating some insane choreographies right now that I can't wait to show. I can feel the excitement of the future. Huge changes, huge leaps of faith, and beauty, art, and integrety waiting to be held. I just pushed my way through three minutes of choreography for tomorrow's rehearsal. And I feel gitty like a little kid. 'wana see what I got, wana see?' The pleasure of making art, tapping into the divine, being grounded to mother earth and yet open to the heavens. I'm on a total dancing high!!!!

A river of inspiration

aubre — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:29:27 GMT

This past weekend my hubby and I drove up to Mineral King, a beautiful and often forgotten part of the Sequoia National Park. We were a bit worried about getting a campsite on a holiday weekend, but we managed to get a beautiful spot right next to the Kaweah river. I haven't slept so soundly in such a long time. The river a constant reminder to stop and breath. An orchestra of wild birds. Deer, Marmots, black bear, cougars....it's a mountainer's paradise. And the hikes are incredible! This area contains many beautiful dayhikes all around 7-8 miles round trip. Of course, they are all straight up! We tackled the Eagle Lake hike our first day. It kicked our butts but was well worth the achy legs and feet. A stunning lake on top of a peak. And at 10,000 plus altitude, the color of the sky changes into a vibrant blue that invokes awe. The quiet a gentle reminder it's ok to slow down. And the ordinary things of life pulse with wonder.

Ah, spring is here!

aubre — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 23:27:35 GMT

It's our first week back at school. Spring quarter is always so much fun. The students are excited for summer and graduation. There's all this energy and exhileration. My bellydance and pilates classes are completely full. It's wonderful to see students return to take the class again and again each quarter. As well as all the new faces. What an honor to be able to share something I love so so much and within the academic setting of an university. If this is my one contribution to the bellydance community, I'll be happy. (Doesn't mean I'm not juggling a hundred other things as well. =) )

New beginnings

aubre — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 07:44:30 GMT

It's been a crazy and wonderful year already. Although I'm rather exhausted, it's been exhilerating. My classes at Cal State LA have been creating quite a stir. In a time when enrollment is down, my classes have become a model for the kinesiology department to boost student involvement (a wonderful compliment). And the dance department is now interested in creating some new classes that I can explore artistry and performance skills with the students. A dream I have had for quite some time. I'm getting ready to film two instructional dvd's with Peko/Hollywood Music Center. One is a bellydance core fitness workout and the other a Tribal Fusion Choreography. Yes, finally I'm getting my instructional dvd's done. Woohoo!!!! I'm also guest performing along with Hajjara and Yvonne in Bal Anat. We have been flying up to Berkeley one or twice a month to rehearse and take classes. It's been wonderful to study with Suhaila again and spend some time with the girls. I love getting a chance to take some classes myself. So much fun! I have been rehearsing with BDSS again to perform for some shows in Mesa, San Rafael, LA, and San Diego. It's been great to see the ladies again, like family I haven't seen in years. And it's only the first month and a half of the year......

Highlights of 2006

aubre — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:35:11 GMT

The year went by so quickly....and yet so many wonderful memories. A few of my favorites for the year: *The overwhelming success of the Bellydance classes at Cal State University LA. What a pleasure to be able to offer and share the wonder of bellydancing within an Univerisity environment. *The success of "Bellydance with Aubre: All Star Workouts." It has been wonderful to hear from women across the country that are now up and dancing. You have inspired me more than I can say. Thank you. *My IAMED debute! A solo and duet with the lovely Tamra-henna. This show was so much fun and will be released onto dvd shortly. *I spent some wonderful time with my husband. After touring for so long, it was fantastic to reconnect and deepen our relationship. Did I mention how incredible he is.......=) *Continuing to find and explore my own artistic voice within dance and choreography. *Reconnecting with a childhood friend I haven't seen in over ten years. Love you, Joanna!!!! *Meeting more and more of the bellydance community. We are such a diverse and talented group of artists. It's a pleasure. *Coel....what do I say? You've become a great friend. It's been an honor to get to know you, sister of my heart. What a fabulous year! And yet......2007 will bring so much more. New year blessings to you all.

breath of fresh air

aubre — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:29:45 GMT

I just got back from camping along the coast up to Big Sur with my husband. We both had a few days off, so we decided to head north and get some fresh air. It was wonderful to get out of LA for a few days. Relax. Watch the waves of the ocean. Water has an amazing calming effect on me. Slow down for a while and just be. Dream under a sky full of stars. Watch the elephant seals sunbathing on sandy beaches. Nothing like reconnecting to mother earth.