Bloggin' It

A New Show!

elizabethstrong — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:58:53 GMT

I have restrained myself and not released this very exciting news until just now. There is a very professional, and exciting new show coming out that I will be a part of. Produced by Jillina, this fabulous mythological, Middle Eastern dance piece premiers on the 30th of August at 7pm at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. I can't wait to present this new work to the world! Please come and support, if you can. Or find out more about it www.bellydanceevolution.com

My BDSS Experience

elizabethstrong — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:45:34 GMT

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.....

Support Request...again

elizabethstrong — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:06:20 GMT

Hello My Beautiful Friends! Well, the Tribal LA weekend was a success. Thanks to those of you who were sending positive vibes my way!! I felt it - that was a big weekend! I was asked to join Bellydance Superstars for their East Coast tour November 20th- December 4th. I am even going to teach a workshop in Montreal November 29th! I'm working hard to make my part as good as possible, but I could use a little help from my friends. If you get a chance to hop onto the bellydance superstars tribe and toot my horn - request a workshop from me (especially if you live in Europe or Asia) or mention how great my performance was on youtube, in your local town, or whatnot. THAT is the kind of thing that is going to grab Miles Copeland's attention, and I would appreciate it so very much!! And/or imagine me elated and fulfilled living my art by teaching and performing around the world to appreciative students and audiences. That would be wonderful! Blessings and Thanks, Elizabeth

My most important workshops this year - please come and tell your friends!

elizabethstrong — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:06:54 GMT

I will be teaching and performing at my first Bellydance Superstars produced event September 26th and 27th. I want to fill up my two workshops and have lots of loud hooting hollering after my solo performances!!! I know Glendale Los Angeles is not local for many of my friends, but anything you can do to help attract folks to my workshops would be appreciated. Turkish Roman Fusion will incorporate Fosse jazz, belly dance, and Turkish Roman together into a sultry, saucy choreography from 9-11am Saturday. Floorwork and Strengthening will involve a nice stretch and workout and use levels and graceful floor movements from 1:20-3:20 Sunday. And Saturday night's show will include the Tribal Superstars, as well as Carolena Nericcio, Heather Stants, and ME! Here are ALL the details - if anything is missing here, just visit www.tribal-la.com to find out more. Thanks! Love, Elizabeth Date & Time: 2008-09-27 12:00 PM Location: Glendale Civic Auditorium TRIBAL L.A. FESTIVAL 2008 Saturday, September 27 * 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. * 8:00 p.m. (Evening Show) Sunday, September 28 * 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. * 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Bellydance Superstars Auditions) Attractions include: * An abundance of dance workshops for all ranges and abilities, featuring Sharon Kihara, Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Moria, Samantha Hasthorpe, Carolena Nericcio, and Elizabeth Strong * Vendors * Saturday evening show * Delicious Middle Eastern food * Bellydance Superstars Auditions * Constant entertainment all day To purchase tickets online, to register as a performer (tribal or bellydance), register for workshops dates and times, as well as auditions, please visit: WWW.TRIBAL-LA.COM Contact us for any questions or info: BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS 323-512-4085 assistant@milescopeland.net __________________________________ A weekend pass grants you entry to Tribal L.A. for both days of the event. You'll need a pass if you're attending any of our workshops. Choose the days you'll be attending via the website and save money with our online discount, or if you like you can pay on the door. So that you can conveniently purchase festival tickets for yourself and anyone attending with you, there is no restriction on how many you can book using this page. Just add one to the cart, and then come back and keep adding one after the other as needed. If you put in too many, don't worry - there's an option you to remove items as well. However, note that restrictions do apply for other types of tickets (workshop attendance or the Saturday evening show, where space is limited). A weekend pass in advance is $18, or $10 just for one day. There will be an opportunity to purchase tickets at the door, $15 for one day or $25 for the weekend

Travel Not-So-Weary

elizabethstrong — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:58:07 GMT

I am rejuvenated after a week and a half of some marathon travel/work. The funny thing is, never have I felt so at once exhausted and rewarded. I describe it as sending all my energy into a jewel encrusted alcove so that it reflects back to me a million-fold and changed into a fresher, more vibrant light. I taught in Dublin jet-lagged and running on adrenaline - it was fun. And by the time I performed in the evening, I felt such genuine gratitude for all the ladies around me that I had one of my most charged performances. Same when performing during class in Zagreb and Lubljana. It was just for those ladies who had given me so much, and I was so grateful and open. And as for travelling while dancing - it is so much more fun than arriving cold somewhere without any in to a culture! I've been meeting all these great ladies with similar interests to mine, and have had such a blast getting to know people. I had a particularly great time in Slovenia. Manca, Natasa and Sanja were all so great. At once firey and fun-loving. I got to relax at Sanja's and her boyfriend Urus' apartment in a coastal town called Koper. It is right near the Italian border and, of course, the Mediterranean Sea. This was a highlight of my trip. Sanja was so relaxed and comfortable and also so sweet and fun, and a great hostess. I slept in everyday, and woke up slowly. Then we would go out somewhere. One day we went to a spa with a pool, warm tubs, sauna and steam room. The perfect thing after a week and a half of intense travel and teaching. The next day, we visited an idyllic town nearby Koper called Piran to wander around and have a coffee at sunset. Sadly I left the next day - a very short, but very sweet visit. Anyway, I'm sure there is much more to tell, but that will do for now. I'm off to have a last lunch with Bri before catching a 6 hour train to Krakow, Poland. Looking forward to seeing the city.

Getting Ready!

elizabethstrong — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:34:54 GMT

I'm in the last week and a half before taking off for Europe! Oh my god, oh my god... Trying to breath and visualize ecstatic adventure, and get all my things packed and planned and not get too scared about being away from my Sweety for that long. I'm also getting ready for the big Tribal Con event in Atlanta the weekend before I leave for London. It just feels like a lot, but it's good, but I'm blogging I guess cause I wanted to start to put down some of the pre-trip feelings, and hopefully continue to keep a log here during my trip, hopefully some pictures, too. So this is my first blog that isn't business related, exactly. I'm trying it out and seeing what I think. I remember when Rachel's career began to take off (she was my age then, too!) and she posted stuff about where she was going and what she was doing, and it was fun for me to vicariously enjoy the thrill of all that. So that's all for now. I'll probably be back with more later.

Looking for another Europe Host!!

elizabethstrong — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:48:42 GMT

Anyone out there recommend a good (belly dance) host anywhere in Europe - preferably Spain or France?? Tobias, Bri Hurley and I had our Madrid host back out. I was looking forward to getting that far west at that time, but something in Central Europe would work, too. Preferably, we need someone willing to host the three of us, even if it is for a day - but a 12 hour (two 6 hour days focused on technique and rhythms) weekend long thing is what we have arranged to do in some of these other locations (Prague, and Bratislava). Anyone? Anyone....?

January Shtuff I'm Doing!

elizabethstrong — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:57:31 GMT

NOW INTRODUCING: ~A Beginning Turkish Rom class series at Shoebox Wed nights 8-9:30pm ending Feb 20th ~Two Grand Seattle Workshops Jan 13th (pre-reg. due Sunday, Jan. 6th) ~And workshops and performance with Zoe and Mira in Arcata Jan 26&27! Check out all the details below!! BEGINNING TURKISH ROM DANCE CLASS SERIES: Wednesdays, January 9th thru February 20th Join Elizabeth at Shoebox Studio Wednesday nights after Ariellah's class in January & February! This class is for those who requested a more thorough breakdown of technique. We will build a choreography over the course of the series, so signing up for all classes is encouraged! Classes are located at: 855 Folsom St. #112, San Francisco Wedensdays 8-9:30pm Series Special Price $90 for all 7 classes classes are $15 drop-in Class Card: $130 for 10 classes. Cards are good for six months. Monthly ShoeBox Discount Card: $120/month for dancers taking 3 or more classes per week (reduces class rate to $10) pre-reg available here SEATTLE WORKSHOPS: Sunday, January 13th 10:30am-12:30pm TURKISH ROM FUSION 1pm-3pm FLOORWORK & STRENGTHENING HaLo (Hallie's Loft) 500 E. Pike St., second floor Seattle, WA 98122 $35 each/$65 both thru Jan. 6th $40 each/$70 after Jan.6 cash only at the door Please contact Helenwheels@earthlink.net for more info and registration ARCATA WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCE W/ MIRA & ZOE: Saturday, January 26th 10:00am-12:00pm The Art of the Shimmy w/ Mira Betz 1:00-3:00pm Turkish Rom Fusion w/ Elizabeth Strong 3:30-5:30pm Sultry moves with an old timey sensibility! w. Zoe Jakes location still TBD but pre-reg is encouraged!! visit www.shoshannaland.com/fusion.html for details and registration Evening performance: 10:00pm, Saturday, January 26th Six Rivers Brewery Top of the Hill, McKinleyville Admission is $12.00 (21+ only) Featuring guest artists Zoe Jakes, Elizabeth Strong, Mira Betz Special Guest Jodi Waseca from Willits Shoshanna & Ya Habibi Dance Company

Belly Dance & Turkish Rom Dance Classes Going on NOW!

elizabethstrong — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 17:44:54 GMT

I'm trying to get the word out about my class on Monday nights. Last Monday was the first one, and attendance was pretty poor. I'm hoping my friends can help out by either coming, or helping to spread the word. Here's the info: Mondays 8-9pm belly dance 9-10pm Turkish Rom At Spring Fall Studio 2547 Eighth St. (between Dwight and Parker Streets) Berkeley, 94710 One Class: $12 Two Classes: $22 Four Class Card: $40 Last class will be November 26th, all levels are welcome, but I like to challenge my students a bit, and LOVE it when intermediate and performance level dancers show up!! Many Thanks, Elizabeth

Fall Classes in Berkeley!

elizabethstrong — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:50:25 GMT

This will be an ongoing class beginning September 10th and continuing through the end of November. Mondays 8-10pm Sept.10 thru Nov.26th Spring Fall Studio 2547 Eighth St. (between Dwight and Parker), Berkeley Belly Dance: Isolations and Belly Dance movements 8-9pm Turkish Rom Dance: 9-10pm One Class Drop-In: $12 Both Classes Drop-In: $22 4 Classes: $40 Hope to see some of you there! Also, I will be teaching and performing in Valencia, CA August 25th and 26th 18843 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, CA 91351 call (661)251-2831 for more information AND Halanda Studio in San Jose Sept.14, Oct.5, and Oct. 26th please visit http://www.halanda.com/EStrong_Fall07.html for more info

Going out with a bang! And other stuff.

elizabethstrong — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 01:09:56 GMT

So, to cap off a truly fun class series, I will be hosting a live music dance class/dance party this Monday night. I can't tell you how excited I am that Rumen and Dan are going to play for this!! Spring Fall Studio: 2547 Eighth St. 8-9:30pm $14 and stay tuned for another class series in April and May - the space is already booked, other details are to be arranged - I will keep you posted. I'm hoping to fit in some more live music improv for the more advanced dancers out there. MEANWHILE, the dance goes on, same time, and place with a special class series with Miriam Peretz!! I look forward to taking advantage of her incredible knowledge, technique and style while it is being offered - I'm really glad she's here and teaching again! Here's the info: Zill Technique & Choreography Workshop with Miriam Peretz *Monday’s February 19- March 26 8:00-9:30 p.m. *Spring/Fall Dance Studio 2547 8th Street Berkeley * 6 week class series- $72 entire workshop or $14 drop in *Workshop will cover Zill (finger cymbal) technique, different zill patterns/rhythms, improvisations working with a drummer & choreography. *Please e-mail or call to pre-register Miriam-(510)526-3479 -ext.2 / miriamp@mindspring.com www.miriamdance.com Dancing and Goodness, Elizabeth p.s. to Katherine Summer: Hope you don't mind me reposting this beautiful picture you put up - I couldn't resist! -L

Sunday Sub at ODC!! Yeah!

elizabethstrong — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 06:59:21 GMT

I'm going to sub for Hannah Romanowski's Middle Eastern Stylings dance class at ODC Sunday (Jan. 28th) from 4-5:30 pm. I'll be working on Turkish Rom stuff, if students come. Otherwise, I'll just be messin' around in a nice big studio for awhile by myself. info: 351 Shotwell St San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 863-6606 single class $12

EXTRA! EXTRA! Class Series Starting Next Week!!

elizabethstrong — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 21:10:38 GMT

Hey Lovelies! I am most excited to announce an upcoming Turkish Roman workshop series beginning next Monday. The best thing about this one is that there is going to be a kick-ass party with incredible live music at the end of the series so we can all get our live music improv on (*gasp*!). I know I need the practice, for sure. Here are the details: January 15th - February 12th Mondays 8-9:30pm Spring Fall Studio 2547 8th St. (between Dwight and Parker Streets) Drop in$14 Series $60 So Come!!!! Love, Elizabeth