On the bus, on the road after the fifth show with bellydance superstars. These two days are our craziest travel days: we drove to Ontario from Ottawa today, set up to do tech and the show, and then packed it all up again, got back on the bus to drive 150 miles towards Quebec. We will drive the rest of the distance tomorrow and then perform tomorrow night’s show – that’s American Thanksgiving for us.
I feel at home for the time being – not so much with all the travel cooped up on the bus – but with all these great, quirky ladies, all the dance and creative energy swirling around. For the first time, I am getting to keep the momentum of dance energy moving without being distracted by other things to maintain survival – it is all I have wanted for a long time.
It has been so snowy here in Canada; really beautiful, and a treat for a Bay Area girl. All the trees are white with snow.
The first few shows have felt a little rocky. Tonight I finally got to look around and enjoy myself more. Initially I was so preoccupied with making sure I was in the right place on stage and that I was syncing up with the other dancers in the choreography. The learning curve certainly is steep, and really my first dress rehearsal was the first show. But it has been fun getting to play with my hair and make-up look from night to night. Also, I am dancing in a style that has a pretty clearly defined character and look, so the parameters are fun to play around within.
In two days I teach a workshop in Montreal. I am excited and nervous. I will be teaching a new workshop subject: bellydance combinations and strengthening and floorwork. I expect it will be fun, but I really want it to be well received. I keep trying to get to the heart, not only of what I want to teach others, but what others will find valuable that I have to teach.
Next day: we just performed at a beautiful theatre in front of a fantastic audience in Quebec. It is so beautiful here. I tried my best to really send that energy out to the back corners of the theatre tonight - I do hope it read.

That's enough rambling thoughts for now.....