Time

A dear friend of mind was concerned for me because of the amount of time I’ve been dancing lately:

Sunday: Tribal – 2hrs
Monday: Rehearsals – 2 ½ hrs
Tuesday: Technique Classes – 2 ½ hrs
Wednesday: Tribal – 1 ½ hrs
Saturday: Occasional workshops &/or classes – 2 ½ hours

That’s five days a week and a total of 11 hours some weeks. My friend’s concern was if I was spending enough quality time at home with hubby. I asked hubby. He said he’s happy that I’ve remained committed to dancing and that I’m so passionate about it.

I know that there isn’t any malice intended in my friend’s query. She is only responding to how much time I spend dancing. It has become a huge part of my life.

Hubby was a little concerned for a different reason. He’s concerned that I’ve been pushing myself after just recovering from my knee injury a short while ago. Again, time is the question. Did I spend enough time healing before jumping in and dancing again? My knee feels fine, though I have had an occasional twinge of pain.

I have my own concerns. It’s becoming harder to balance this enthusiasm with the realities of my life as it’s currently structured. I’m not happy when I’m not dancing. I want to dance more than anything else, including work. Is that obsessive?

My lifestyle seems like an old skin that I want to shed. I want to spend my time differently now. I want to rebuild my daily routine, simplifying my life, chance my diet, and make more space for dance. My daydream is to be a gypsy and live out of my suitcase.

If I were a professional dancer or athlete, my dance schedule would seem light. If I were younger, this wouldn’t even be an issue. If I were single, no one would care how often I danced.

But I’m not a professional dancer, so I’ll need to continue to work at finding that balance. I can’t turn back the clock, so I’ll have to take extra care not to injure myself. I’m not giving up my husband, so I’m really blessed that he’s so supportive.

The only time we really have is now. So I'm going to enjoy every minute I can dancing. When I’m even older and more time has passed, I hope I will be quite eccentric, fearless, and full of life. And still spending time taking many dance lessons.

Not my style

I had an interesting conversation this evening that still has me thinking. Part of the discussion was about taking workshops in different techniques and with different teaching styles. It was a remarkable exchange of experiences and perspectives.

My personal conclusion is that I’m quite happy that I’m not beholden to one method. I can adapt without discontent. When I go to a workshop, I try not to compare that experience with my “home base” style of dance. I’m not always successful in that endeavor because there is always a natural level of comparison that goes on. However, I’m not annoyed when the count is different or the descriptions of the movements are not as clear. I don’t find it stifling to my creativity. I’m grateful for my ability to be chameleon-like and adjust to the new information during those workshops.

I’m not judging or criticizing those who find contentment in the discipline they love. There is tremendous value in training at the highest level of a specific technique. Instead, my commentary comes from a lack of understanding of the zealous devotion to one system.

I’m perplexed when others seem jaded, unimpressed, or even bored at a workshop because they hold their primary style in such high esteem that other formats can’t meet their preconceived standards. Why study outside your chosen disciple only to return unfulfilled by the experience. Is it only to confirm that you’ve made “the right choice” in formats? It appears on the surface to be arrogant and elitist; though I’m 100% certain this is far from the true nature of such devotion and not a true representation of the devotee. Still, I wonder if one misses the richness in the diversity of many paths because they are comfortable, competent, and loyal to one particular structure.

The student that learns Judo can still has an admiration for the discipline of a student learning Karate. A Russian Ballerina may seek out elements of Balanchine’s method to enhance their performance. Artist will find inspiration in other forms.

The harsh critic on the difficulty, accuracy, or authenticity of different styles and teaching methods surprises me. I'm personally hard pressed to imagine that one method is superior to another.

Possibly my flexibility comes from a personal need to let my body find its own way through challenges. I’m consciously seeking many alternative ways for my body to perform a movement. I feel freer mixing-it-up and seek opportunities to blend many styles and techniques, while continuing to defining my own. I’m not fanatical. I'm very eclectic and will borrow or steal whatever fits me. Perhaps it’s my loss that I can not comprehend and commit to such loyalty.

I’d rather learn from a seasoned grassroots teachers who lacks savvy in describing a movement technically, but dances with a passion and spirit that transcends conventional structure. One who is authentic in her love of dance and can convey that enthusiasm to her students. I need movements explained clearly, but not dissected down to the molecule. I appreciate and respect the many types of instructors out there sharing their experiences. I'd rather be encouraged to explore and enjoy the dance in all of its equally valuable beautiful forms.

Viva La Difference!

My Workshop Wish List

Let’s review. Last February, I posted a blog about workshops or lectures I’d like to see. There was:

1) Comparative Movement: A workshop where four belly dancers from different styles demonstrate and compare similar movements at the same time.

2) The Interpreter: A workshop where you bring in songs from classic and popular music and have the lyrics translated to English.

3) Keep Your Day Job: A workshop for those in need of finding a balance between the dance they love and the job that pays the bills.

4) What Not To Wear: Snapshots of dancers in costumes are examined and critiqued. Embarrassing questions regarding costume etiquette are answered (Should I wear a thong? Should I go to a hafla in full costume if I'm not dancing? Is it okay to wear coin scarves to a Tribal event?)

5) The Fusion Fiasco: Dancers are challenged to use traditional movements while performing to Beethoven or Willie Nelson.

6) The Next Step: A choreography workshop designed to help you through those creativity blocks (also known as the How To Avoid Having This Choreography Look Just Like Your Last One).

So from the wacky creator of those workshop ideas, I bring you four more!

7) You Are What You Eat: You’re a dancer, even as a student. This no nonsense workshop that reviews your diet and offers easy to understand suggestions and substitutions that will help you stay fit and ready to dance.

8) The Money Tree: Learn how to manage your money as a dancer. Workshop will include tips on building a budget and savings for workshop expenses, how to avoid over spending at festivals, and learning where to find discounts on music and costumes.

9) Scouts Honor: The Boy Scout Motto is “Be Prepared”. This workshop teaches you how to be prepared as a dancer. Information will include tips on keeping a dance bag stocked, having a variety of routines and music ready to perform, and learning how to pull it together with as little as two days notice.

10) Dancing Pain Free: This workshop reviews how to keep your body safe on and off the stage. Learn why it’s important to warm up, stretch, use proper form, and add strength training to your weekly regiment. The workshop also explores how to continue to stay involved while on the mend from injury.

Workshop Whirlwind!

I'm going to need to re-examine my goals:

As I pointed out in a previous post, I work best when I set goals for myself. This year, I gave myself a modest goal of four workshops. It seemed reasonable to accomplish one a quarter.

Now suddenly an avalanche of workshops that I want to attend has appeared on the horizon. It’s tough to prioritize all these wonderful opportunities.

Here’s the short list…

Sabriye Tekbilek (Done deal, I’m in!)
Gypsy Caravan (Unexpected, but a must do!)
Aubre (Another unexpected one. Do I skip a day with Gypsy to join in?)
Aszmara (She makes me want to learn more veil)
Michelle De Vine (I’m in it for the sword work!)
Susanna De Vecchio (I just might DIE if I miss this one! She is one of my hereos!)
Autumn Ward (Absolutely!)

That’s 7 by June, not to mention a few others that I know are waiting in the wings for official announcements. Only half the year and I’ll already be over goal. I better slow down or this whirlwind will blow me over!

With so many opportunities, I really need to focus on what I want to accomplish as a dancer so I’m not overwhelmed.

Dance Quotes

"Then come the lights shining on you from above. You are a performer. You forget all you learned, the process of technique, the fear, the pain, you even forget who you are you become one with the music, the lights, indeed one with the dance."
~Shirley Maclaine

"The dance is a poem of which each movement is a word."
~Mata Hari

"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."
~Japanese Proverb

"I’m very excited about dance and love it with a deep passion. I also struggle, tire and become discouraged. But what has always revived me...has been the rebirth of energy each time the creative process is awakened and artistic activity begins to unfold even in some infinitesimal measure."
~Ann Halprin

"Dancers are the athletes of God."
~Albert Einstein

"Dance is bigger than the physical body. ...When you extend your arm, it doesn’t stop at the end of your fingers, because you’re dancing bigger than that; you’re dancing spirit."
~Judith Jamison

Tooting my horn! 2007 Review!

Last year, I vowed not to make resolutions but to make specific goals for myself. I took careful inventory of my interest and desires and came up with 7 goals to further my journey through dance.

Here's how I did:

Goal 1: 3 Performances
Actual: I actually performed 11 times last year!

Goal2: Attend Spring Caravan &/or Rakkasah East (If I’m able, dance solo or with a troupe)
Actual: I attended both and performed solos in both!

Goal 3: Attend 3 workshops (1 zills, 1 sword balancing, 1 combo)
Actual: I attended 6 workshops (1 zills, 1 tribal, 1 West African, 3 combos)

Goals 4: Advance from beginners to Intermediate classes
Actual: I'm making progress. I moved on to advance beginners 2!

Goal 5: Dance in DDLC Showcase
Actual: I was there in September!

Goal 6: Buy 2 new costumes
Actual: I brought 1 new full costume (but lots of costume pieces)

Goal 7: Buy a sword
Actual: Hubby took care of this one for me!

In 2008, I’ve set the bar a little higher with 10 goals for the year. Some are repeats of last year, but all will keep me focused on my journey. If I have any advice to give it’s this:

DON’T MAKE RESOLUTIONS! SET GOALS INSTEAD!!