more about me

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!

Sabine — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:19:01 GMT

I'm too excited to concentrate. I signed the lease on my own dance studio and we get to take posession on Sept 1st. I was there last night with Joy and Portia, making plans. It feels like a whole different ball game since we can do whatever we want, schedule practices when we want, think up whole weekend events, change the whole look of the place if we feel like it. I'm looking forward to having longer classes, more time between groups, a souk at our fingertips, whole weekend intensives, workshops with invited instructors, student salons... Plus working with other bellydancers in Eugene, cool yoga instructors, Nia groups...a dance space for everyone! This is me, being happy. I'm pretty much a spaz.

just call me "Red"

Sabine — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:24:08 GMT

Yes! I put henna on my hair this weekend and now I have lovely auburn tresses. I love it--it's super soft and shiny, and it's something different...I think that's what I was really wanting. Hubby loves it too. He's the one who put it in for me...it was a freaking mess of mud on long hair. Time for updated promotional pix, right?

hair haters anonymous

Sabine — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:56:00 GMT

I just cut 5 inches off my hair...now it's only to my waist. Eek. I was starting to hate it, catching on door handles and stuff. Still, it feels weird right now. I'm thinking of doing henna now.

BEST. PARTY. EVER.

Sabine — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:11:33 GMT

I'm exhausted from a hellova party weekend. Dancing, rafting (twice!), swimming, fireworks, cooking (and cooking MORE) and running around on the river with my friends (Hooray that Cap'n Corrie could be there!!). Now I need a nap. And a massage. Yes the picture is of my dog but I feel like that too. Oh hey, did I mention I almost set my friend's butt on fire with a mortar? Yeah. Good party.

Tribalfest! Tribalfest!

Sabine — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:18:50 GMT

I think I may die from the anticipation. It's Monday night, and I leave for Tribalfest on Wednesday! (pant pant!!) I write this event on my calendar a year in advance, and I've gone every year so far! Each one is special and different. I love to meet lots of people, see incredible dancers, take amazing inspiring workshops (and sometimes teach people how to play nice with swords)... and buy way WAY too much stuff... I love it all. This year will be different because I'm bringing my husband along for the first time. He's eager to check out the scene. Can't wait to see everyone again! Hooray for Kajira and Chuck and all the Black Sheep and all you tribalfesters!~!

Sweet Samantha!

Sabine — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:53:53 GMT

I've talked Samantha Hasthorpe into returning to Eugene to treat us to two bellydance workshops. This is not a MEDGE-sponsored event, it's a me-sponsored event, to help Samantha pay her way as she drives from Mexico to BC. So, please come and support Samantha! Saturday, March 8th. 2 workshops: "Elementals: the art of layering" 10:30am-12:30pm The art of layering movements over one another: a skill elemental to the Tribal Fusion art form. Starting with basic fundamentals using Suhaila Salimpour inspired techniques, work your way up to layering clean controlled movements over one another. Strengthening techniques for isolations and drills for honing muscle memory are included. Bring a yoga mat or towel. "Tribal Fusion Combinations" 1:30pm-3:30pm Samantha brings you the art of improvisation through practicing short, distinctive and creative combinations with the elegance, flair and attitude stylistic of Tribal Style Belly Dance. workshops are $30 each, or take both for $50 if pre-registered. Location: Ta-Da productions dance studio, Eugene wanna come? To reserve your space, email me at sabinedance (at) gmail.com, to find out how to register.

Four things about me...

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 22:19:32 GMT

Sakari had this one on her blog and I kinda liked it. Besides I had a little time to kill before my meeting. Four things about me... Four jobs I have had in my life 1.) Lab rat at the Oregon Health Sciences University Lipid Disorders Clinic 2.) Shift Leader at Square Pan Pizza (age 15, ok?) 3.) Research Assistant at U. Washington School of Dental Health 4.) Data Analyst for a market research firm on timeshares Movies I've watched more than once: 1.) A River Runs Through It (GO WATCH IT, RIGHT NOW!) 2.) O Brother Where Art Thou? (simultaneously funny AND deep) 3.) Holiday Inn (hooray for corny ol' musicals!~) 4.) Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy--and once all in the same marathon day!) Four places I have lived: 1.) Portland OR 2.) Claremont, CA 3.) Seattle, WA 4.) Eugene, OR Four T.V. Shows that I watch: none..really no time for TV... 1) 2) 3) 4) Four Places I have been: 1.) Taipei, Taiwan (where I am freakishly tall, remember?) 2.) Mulege, BCS Mexico (where my folks are lucky enough to have a house) 3.) Yugoslavia (they make the best ice cream I've ever had) 4.) Alaska (on remote fishing lakes where you may not see another human for a week) Four people who e-mail me: 1.) My ol' friend Tarus, wishing for a real letter but getting the e-version 2.) My sister, because she's still in a different time zone 3.) My entire workgroup, setting up more meetings than I can shake a stick at... 4.) My honey TJ Four of my favorite foods: 1.) Fresh tamales, best eaten on a beach in Mexico... 2.) a really strong caesar salad, with added almonds on top 3.) Candy. It's a food group, isn't it? I'm kind of a junk-food junkie. 4.) Elk scallopine with ginger and green peppercorns (drool) Four places I would rather be right now: 1.) On a river somewhere in Alaska 2.) On a beach in Oregon--maybe Newport or Cannon Beach---at a really good B&B 3.) Skiing at Mt. Bachelor 4.) Dancing with my troupe. Oooh ooh, dancing with my troupe AT TRIBALFEST! Four things I am looking forward to in the next year: 1.) My sister moving back from Texas! 2.) Tribal Dreams in Nebraska, take 2. 3.) Backpacking with my family 4.) Hopefully, getting back to my sword video project. Four people who I think should take this survey: 1. Fran 2. J.T. 3. Zuza 4. Portia ...and anyone else who thinks it might be fun!

me & Dr Love

Sabine — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:04:46 GMT

An old college friend of mine, Dr. Stan Love, was scheduled to blast into space this week on the Space Shuttle Atlantis. I wasn't able to fly out to Florida this week (my dad and brother did) so I've been watching from afar via the web and biting nails. Now the launch has just been delayed until January. Maybe I'll be able to go watch it after all. I met Stan when I was a chem major at Harvey Mudd, where we connected because (1) we're both from Oregon and love the outdoors, (2) we both loved to dance to the same crazy 80's music and (3) both of us shunned alcohol, so we spent lots of time at college parties dancing while other people were throwing up. We once went to a Nexxus dance party in Seattle and danced crazy for hours until he blew out his knee and spent the rest of the evening with a bag of frozen strawberries on it. We never dated, probably because I was already dating a friend of his. But anyway, he's a real good guy. I'm a little worried about his launch, of course, but mostly just think it's way cool to have a friend go walk in space. Go, Stan Go!

Idaho

Sabine — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:21:03 GMT

Looks like it's going to be a weekend of swords and tribal improv in Caldwell, Idaho! I'll be teaching several workshops...and I MAY have Tribalation sisters with me! Very exciting. Idaho is beautiful. Details will be on my website when I get them settled. I'm diggin on the Midwest right now. UPDATE: this Idaho workshop weekend has been postponed...bummer...may be fall 08 or spring 09.

teamwork!

Sabine — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:39:06 GMT

Yeah, I'm teaming up with my good friend Razia to do a double-workshop December 9th in Eugene. Sounded like a good idea to me, you know? The best of both dance worlds, Cabaret and Tribal. Fast and sassy, slow and snaky. Let's dance. Wanna join us? 1-4:15pm, at Ta-Da studio. PM me for details. And here's that pic of me n'Razia. I just LOOOOVES her!!

Midwest visits

Sabine — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 05:47:01 GMT

So excited...two Midwest visits coming in short order. First "Hips and Blades" with Zuza in Minneapolis Minnesota on Oct 27, where I'll do 2 workshops & a show. Then I'll be in Omaha, Nebraska for Tribal Dreams Festival on November 16-18, for 2 more workshops & a show as part of the 3-day festival. I'm really looking forward to meeting some new folks, and maybe some tribe friends that I know only from their teeny icon photo. Stick out your hand and say hi, ok?

Filled with dance!

Sabine — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:16:15 GMT

Sometimes do you just feel creativity pouring out of you? You can't stop it, it is just happening all the time, in the car, in the shower, while you're trying to sleep? That's me right now. and I LOVE IT!!!! I thank all my dance sisters for nurturing that feeling...

Drumroll please....

Sabine — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 06:23:53 GMT

...and who better to roll the drum than the amazing Raquy Danziger and her Cavemen? Raquy, Liron & the gang have come all the way from NEW YORK on their coast-to-coast tour, and will be HERE in Eugene to teach us some way cool drum stuff, and then blow us away with their performance Wednesday night. I'm so excited that Tribalation! gets to dance with them again! We'll be doing a dance set as part of their show. I hope you can come see us dance to their CRAZY drum-heavy music! Here's the scoop on that workshop: When: Wednesday Aug 8th 5:30-7pm Where: Upstart Crow studio, 855 W 1st st, in the upstairs studio What: Dumbek technique workshop with Raquy & the Cavemen! (BYOD, bring your own drum) How much: $25 for the workshop and show together then...meet us at Cozmic Pizza/The Strand on 8th & Charnelton for some yummy food and the fabulous SHOW with Raquy & the Cavemen AND dancing by Tribalation! Show starts at 9pm. Show only: $6-10 sliding scale. Tell everyone you know! Let's pack the house. Please tribe me if you want a workshop space!

Bellydance in Taiwan

Sabine — Wed, 09 May 2007 22:13:50 GMT

I had the awesome experience of being invited to teach a week-long sword dance intensive in Taipei this April; sponsored by Betty & Kerim of ShimmyTribe. What an amazing week. Bellydance is hot stuff right now in Taiwan. The dance is so popular in Taiwan that McDonald’s is currently advertising with a TV spot featuring a group of bellydancers, all dressed in white, shimmying while eating spicy chicken sandwiches! We kicked off the week with the performance on Friday night. Dance is a performance that transcends the language barrier; the audience (a sold-out house of over 200) was just as supportive and enthusiastic as any I have had in the US. Watching the video of the show afterward, I realized that I am freakishly tall for Taiwan, even among men, but especially for a woman. I think the tallest gal on the stage came up to my nose, and most of them were about shoulder level, and the shortest one came to my sternum. Oof. The video reminds me a little of Richard Dryfus in the final scene of “Close Encounters.” Saturday we started the 6-day sword intensive, with 2 groups per day having 2 hours of instruction. We covered a huge amount of material in 6 days. Most of the dancers had never held a sword before, let alone tried to balance it, so it was a challenge. But, by the end of the week, I was thrilled to see all of the women improve tremendously, and many of them were handling the sword with grace. Teaching the classes to a non-English speaking audience, with a translator for every class, was a real challenge for me. I had to use a lot more body language and gestures, and speak in short sentences and then wait for the translation. I got to know a few Chinese words and phrases, like ‘right’ and ‘left,’ ‘very good’ and ‘tight’ (muscles); useful for class, of course, but not helpful in conversation. Happily, our hosts Kerim & Betty took us all over the town, ordering our food, bargaining for us, and translating conversations with the other dancers. I met some lovely women there, and made some friends. The students were very kind, and brought me little gifts like jewelry and cookies and even bubble tea! One woman even made me a tiny sword out of needle-felted wool, with “Sabine” felted onto the side. Adorable! I felt very honored by all the kindness we were shown, by the students, by our hosts, and by all the people we met. Taiwan is a very friendly place to visit! I would love to return some day. Meanwhile, I will get to reconnect with many of my new friends when they come to the U.S. for TribalFest and Tribal Quest North West!

SEATTLE here I come!

Sabine — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 23:21:13 GMT

I am very excited to be teaching workshops & performing this weekend in Seattle! I hope some of my tribe friends will be there, and some of my non-dancer friends too! I did my graduate work in Seattle and lived there 5 years, so I invited a bunch of folks from grad school, so they can see the other half of my brain work. Heh heh. The Details: The Red Tent "One Big Shimmy For Children's Hospital" location: Mercer Island VFW hall hafla & performances 7pm-10pm, $5 2 workshops 11am-1pm "Core Isolations & Crazy Combinations" 2pm-4:30pm "Dangerous Sword Dancing" (Intense content! an extra 1/2 hour!) contact: Red Tent Belly Dance or Fran (here on Tribe) or send me a message for details. I'll be performing with Tribalation! dance troupe near the beginning of the halfa show, then doing the double sword solo later in the show. Whoopeee!

think happy thoughts

Sabine — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:52:42 GMT

I have decided that I don't need to see movies that focus on the yuckiness of the world. I saw the movie "Seven" recently (with Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwenneth Paltrow, & Kevin Spacey). It was very well acted, and had an interesting, unpredictable story line, but it focuses so much on the most disgusting aspects of human life, that it made my stomach turn and I have a hard time getting it out of my mind. I feel I don't ever need to see it again, and wish I hadn't watched it in the first place. This has happened previously with several other films, too (Like Silence of the Lambs, Pulp Fiction, etc). I think I need to stick to happier films, that have hope & promise & beauty, or at least a few good laughs. I learned this ages ago with books, why did it take me so long with movies?

the coolest books

Sabine — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 07:16:55 GMT

So there you are stranded on a desert island. What are the 10 books you would want to have with you? Here's mine: 1. "Watership Down" by Richard Adams (truly one of my all-time favorites) 2 " Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J. R.R. Tolkein (I have it in one huge volume, heh heh) 3. "The Chronicles of Chrestomanci" by Dianna Wynne Jones (English humor and dark magic together!) 4. "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis (so I can be a kid in Narnia again) 5. "The Baja Feeling" by Ben Hunter (funny and free-spirited) 6. "The Tale of the Body Theif" by Anne Rice (ok, skip the first chapter, then let her introspective discussions of God take you...) 7. "The 5 people you meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom (powerful, thought-provoking) 8. "The Curse of Chalion" by Lois McMaster Bujold (dark believable magic & mystery) 9. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens (the LANGUAGE, folks...his descriptions are wonderful!) 10. "My Uncle Oswald" by Roald Dahl (Ribald, hilarious...not the Dahl you knew as a child) Obviously I like the fantasy & magic genres...what's your list?

tagged?

Sabine — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:52:15 GMT

Oh how lame...I was tagged months ago and never noticed. Sheesh. Ok, 8 little-known things about me? 1. I was on the Rose Festival Court for my high school. Yep, in a big fluffy red dress and all that. I did it for the scholarship. 2. I know how to tie my own flies for fishing. 3. I hate chocolate pudding. And those death-by-chocolate kind of desserts. 4. I love just about anything with almonds in it. Probably this is quite well known by now, but I'll put it here for good measure. 5. When I was 17, I went to Europe and visited 11 countries in 6 weeks. 6. I know how to load and fire a shotgun, a rifle, and a handgun. 7. When I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. 8. I scored a perfect 800 on the analytic section of my SAT. I tag: Shaunia Joy Michael Baxter Jezebele Heather S (Anon) your turn!