My Blog

Remember Mythical Creatures?

ElizArtist — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:09:58 GMT

Our newest Sacred Circles project is going to be Around the World in 80 days! The show will star Frederique Unmata Marjhani Sooz Se7en She'enedra Politti Tsingani Karma Edenia Medea Noche Lumina Lee Ali Mandala Tribal Tonantzin Tandava Twnn and Wild Routes This time we are doing the show as a fund raiser for Midnight Mission Family Housing Unit. This is a great charity that really helps women and children who are marginalized get on their feet again. We are very proud to help them out! Here is the website where you can learn more about the charity... www.midnightmission.org And to get updates and minute by minute news on our show join our tribe http://tribes.tribe.net/aebellydance It used to be called the Mythical Creatures tribe but now has changed to Around the World in 80 Days!

All of a sudden

ElizArtist — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:18:36 GMT

I'm sooo busy!!! And I'm dealing w/ sick people (I am not sick I refuse to be sick) too! Anyway! I'm teaching a workshop at Tribal Fusion Faire in San Luis Obispo on December 12 & 13!! Come out and join me! It will be SOOOOO very fun! p.s. I also will be teaching at Tribal Fest in May but that is still a ways off!

Tribal Fusion Faire

ElizArtist — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:32:54 GMT

Who else is going??? I'm going to be there! I'm super excited! My students are going to dance on Sunday...Tandava, we've been working really hard on a fun choreography. I'm going to be teaching a little class on Saturday, and dancing in an evening show as well, with my troupe She'enedra. There are going to be so many cool people there and it's always a great chance to do a little holiday shopping with some of the most interesting vendors around! So who else is going to meet me there? ; ) http://www.meddevi.com/tribalfusionfaire/

New ATS classes starting up at Sister Studio Mahina Dance Tribe!!

ElizArtist — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:08:21 GMT

I'm a teaching ATS now too!!! I'm really excited I took the ATS teacher training in August and now I'll be teaching some strictly ATS classes! This is so exciting to me because I really have wanted to explore the roots of tribal dancing for a long time and now I'll be doing it and maybe YOU will be joining me! at: Epica Studio in Newbury Park 840 Mitchell Road Newbury Park, CA 91320 5-6pm & 6-7pm Tuesday nights!

top healthcare lies!!

ElizArtist — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:48:19 GMT

The health care fight has turned ugly, fast. And lies about reform are spreading via anonymous email chains. Here are the real facts that you need to know: Top Five Health Care Reform Lies—and How to Fight Back Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!! The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."1 What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.2 Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!! The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.3 Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.4 If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.5 But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now. Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!! The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that. Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.6 And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation. Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!! The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.7 Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.8 Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!! The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy. Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.9 The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade10—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.11 Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.12 P.S. Want more? Check out this great new White House "Reality Check" website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ or this excellent piece from Health Care for America Now on some of the most outrageous lies: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729 Sources: 1. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," Associated Press, August 10, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747 2. "Stop Distorting the Truth about End of Life Care," Huffington Post, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51730 3. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1 4. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737 5. "Obama: 'If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor,'" Wall Street Journal, 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51736 6. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#r1 7. "Obama: No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform," CNN, July 28, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51748 8. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#s1 9. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1 10. "Premiums Run Amok," Center for American Progress, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51667 11. "Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies," CNN, June 5, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51735 12. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1 Sources for the Five Lies: #1: "A euthanasia mandate," The Washington Times, July 29, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51732 #2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743 #3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742 #4: "60 Plus Ad Is Chock Full Of Misinformation," Media Matters for America, August 8, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51734 #5: "Obama's 'Public' Health Plan Will Bankrupt the Nation," The National Review, May 13, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51744

Tribal fest & the weekend!!!

ElizArtist — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:24:08 GMT

So She'enedra will be dancing on Friday night May 15 in Sebastapol ANA SIA dragonfly outersect dj Amar The Electric Lotus Lounge- featuring Tjard She'enedra Belladonna Ken Vegas Mirabelle Deb Rubin Doors open 9pm $10 Aubergine 755 Petaluma Ave Sebastapol AND 11am at TRIBAL FEST (a little early for us don't ya know? hehehe) and we'll be dancing improv at the after party w/ DJ Amar on Saturday night too!

Fowler Outloud: Bellydance Fusion Performance

ElizArtist — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:23:13 GMT

Thursday, May 7th at 6PM FREE ADMISSION!!! At the Fowler Museum on the UCLA campus. With Performances By: Ayse Cerami Aubre Hill Sherri Wheatley ShOOp & Calamity Se7en.2 Monica DangerPants Elysium Dance Company She-enedra The Nautch project April Rose For more information, check out: http://www.aprilrosedance. com/fowler.htm

I posted more

ElizArtist — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:33:56 GMT

Mythical creatures pictures by Ayleene they are really nice! thanks Ayleene!!

Mythical Creatures Show

ElizArtist — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:11:42 GMT

OMG! It was such a great experience! All the groups/soloists were really good, the energy in the room as we were setting up was electric! There were a few little sound glitches in the first show, but it didn't hurt anything at all! I know that people are starting to post you tubes of their performances. When we are done doing the math we'll report how much we raised for charity! It was fabulous! If anyone would like to purchase one of the t shirts, I still have some available just email me at elizartist(at)verizon(dot)net They are on SALE for $15 +2 for shipping, to the public Richard has posted a bunch of the pictures on his website and we will be getting more pics trickling in...I think a lot of people have posted on Facebook about it too. http://www.renaissancefaire.net/mythical-creatures.htm

Mythical Creatures Logo & T-shirt design

ElizArtist — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:26:53 GMT

So we have gone around and around on this one! In order to have a nice t shirt that we could print the all the performer's names on the back AND have ALL sizes from small to xxlarge we had to go with a regular t shirt... here is a sample of the t shirt store.americanapparel.net/4305.html If you still want a pre order online you can order there are a few extras, but do it soon or I can't guaranty you'll get your size. p.s. yes we changed the shirt logo back to Jilly's original...

Here is our poster

ElizArtist — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:27:13 GMT

for the show...it's all I talk about these days!!! Lee Corkett did our promotional art! Isn't it beautiful? I'll post more of it in my pictures too! We are having a limited # of these posters printed on high quality paper that will be for sale at the show!

Tickets on SALE NOW- pre sale prices!!!

ElizArtist — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:17:17 GMT

http://mythicalcreatures.bigcartel.com/ Matinee tickets are $10 now, will be $15 at the door Evening show tickets are $15 now, will be $20 at the door Pre order t-shirts $15 now, $20 at the door Steven Eggers workshop $30 now, $35 at the door Tabu workshop $30 now, $35 at the door

Mythical Creatures Logo & T-shirt design

ElizArtist — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:31:07 GMT

We are going to do pre orders soon. Any votes on colors? styles? I thought they should be camisoles in black or green. I'm interested in hearing anyone else's thoughts on the issue! Copyright Jillian Souza & Sacred Circles Productions 2009

ok here is the schedule then!

ElizArtist — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:32:28 GMT

January 29-February 2 I'll be in Olympia Washington ...want a lesson? or hang out for a biscuit and tea? February 17- Club Cleopatra 8644 W. Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 February 20-Froggy's showcase in Topanga Canyon 7:00 PM Froggy's Topanga Fresh Fish Market Restaurant & Bar 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga Canyon 90290 Also with Performances by: Om Sisters Politti She'enedra 2 Hip Tribal Sherri Wheatly Subee Djinn & Karma will MC February 22- Bellydance Kaleidoscope 3673 E. Highland Ave Highland, CA 92346 doors open at 6pm www.bellydancekaleidoscope.com/ February 27- Dar Maghreb Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood www.mesmera.com/calendar.html March 7- Gothla, Mythical Creatures sneak preview 11:20 am Cal Poly Pomona www.gothla.com/faq.html March 14- Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center Annual St. Patrick's day party 27040 Malibu HIlls Rd Calabasas, CA 91301 818-880-2993 12noon performances by She'enedra Nataraja Tandava TWNN & some solos too! March 28- Mythical Creatures-LA Fantasy bellydance fundraiser for Breast Treatment Task Force 2pm & 6:30pm 5122 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood pre-sale tickets $15 www.sacredcirclsproductions.com/ see our blog for up to the minute details

2 days after Froggy's

ElizArtist — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:46:13 GMT

I'm dancing solo in Kaliedscope at Oasis! I guess I should just post one long schedule instead of all these little blogs. BUT I have all these nice fliers to post... : )

Froggy's!!! YAY!!!

ElizArtist — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:37:06 GMT

Come out to see all the fabulous dancers! Friday, February 20, 2009 Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Froggy's Fish Market & Restaurant 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd Come out and join us at another fun Froggy's showcase on Friday February 20, 2009! featuring: Subee Djinn Sherri Politti Ashcraft 2 Hip Tribal Om Sisters AND She'enedra

Breast Cancer Treatment Fund

ElizArtist — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:54:34 GMT

So with all the hullabaloo, I can't believe I forgot to say the most important thing about the Mythical Creatures-LA show! It is a fundraiser!!!! For The Breast Treatment Task Force... I was so thrilled by the response from our performers, it really adds dimension to what we are all doing. It's not just about us wanting to be in a show and having cool lights and people watch us. This organization actually helps individual women who are unable to pay for their medical treatments, including in many cases transportation, living expenses. It is a way for us to help an actual individual who wouldn't have care if it weren't for what we are doing. It feels more personal to me because of this and I'm really thrilled that my friend Khani Jo suggested it. So when you buy tickets, a workshop, or if you can donate or pledge to our show you will be helping an amazing charity! This is from their website: Breast Treatment Task Force (BTTF) is a groundbreaking program providing free surgeries and treatments to patients without access to health insurance. BTTF reduces medical costs from $75,000* to $5,000* per patient Surgeons donate breast surgeries Pharmaceutical companies donate chemotherapy treatments Participating hospitals reduce costs (anesthesia, etc.) to $5,000* per patient BTTF Giving Circles provide the remaining $5,000* per patient * The above calculations of medical costs are approximate, and are based on projections derived from research and consultations with experts. Additional costs may be incurred, depending on patient needs. Here is the website for more information... http://www.breasttreatment.org/

Mythical Creatures Tribe-Blog-Website

ElizArtist — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:57:37 GMT

Many many things have been brewing in Mythical creatures land! And we will be selling tickets soon!!! like in the next 48 hours!!! So stay tuned because we will be selling out quickly! Here is the link to our tribe, which you can join! http://tribes.tribe.net/aebellydance We have a blog where you can follow the ongoing drama of the making of a show! http://mythicalcreaturesla.blogspot.com/ This is the website where you will be able to buy tickets and get info www.sacredcirclesproductions.com

It's a good day to be an American!!!

ElizArtist — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:19:59 GMT

I was born in the Netherlands and am a naturalized American citizen...I was raised really proud to be American, my father was very very patriotic. When he fought in WWII he was very impressed by the American soldiers and the way that America treated it's soldiers. He met many when he was held in a Japanese prison camp and worked on the Burma railroad. Eventually our family immigrated to the United States and after our 5 years of residency we wasted no time in being naturalized. For many years I was not very happy about our country and the way we've behaved, I even have toyed with the idea of reclaiming my Dutch citizenship. And I was really afraid that I would have to do it if McCain won...but we all know he did not! Today I really really have hope! I loved President Obama's speech! It was absolutely perfect... there will be many great quotes from it but I think today this is my favorite... "Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more." here is a picture from the day I was naturalized that ran in the Orange County register...I'm the little one in the front holding my papers in front of my face! My parents are in there too of course! My dad is the tall man in the middle towering over everyone!

Here is December in a nutshell...

ElizArtist — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:37:50 GMT

So much happened this month I can hardly remember it all!!! First there was Tales of Desire on December 6th! It was so fun and I was so honored that our troupe, She'enedra, was included! I was walking on a cloud after that for at least a week! Then we did a great gig and got to dance to the music of Knossos live! So awesome! Then we went to Tribal Fusion Faire where my students (Tandava) & fledgling troupe (Nataraja) both danced and I got to take a great workshop from Mira Betz! Then we had a party w/ Amar & Donavon at the Iqaat studio and both Nataraja and She'enedra danced to Amar's tunes. Then more parties, fun & family... Oh and I nearly forgot! I actually won the Oasis of Color Bellydance award put on by major belly dance fan Brandon Johnson! http://www.geocities.com/navel_y2k/OasisHonors.html And my prize is to donate to Doctor's Without Borders, which makes me very very happy... December was an amazing month and I believe it's a sign of good things to come in 2009!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! To everyone! I hope everyone I know has a healthy, prosperous, positive and joyous year in 2009!!! xoxo E p.s. I listed new stuff on etsy and am sewing/knitting/spinning/weaving like a little demon to make more check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5295254

New Website!!!

ElizArtist — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:25:41 GMT

I'm so happy! My new website is up!!! YAY!! I took to old one down just before Tribal Caravan 2008 because I was having troubles updating it. This was designed by my good friend Michaella Manning (she is in Nataraja with me)!!! take a look www.elizartist.com

Tales of Desire...this weekend!!!

ElizArtist — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:30:34 GMT

This weekend in L.A.!!! http://www. talesofdesire. com/ Be mesmerized by today's most influential tribal-fusion bellydance artists as they present Tales of Desire, a creative interpretation of desire through dance. Saturday, December 6, 2008 Doors at 7:15 P.M., show at 7:30 P.M. Beyond the Stars Theatre 417 1/2 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 www. stars-art. com photo of She'enedra by Lee Corkett

PLease Come out to Moun of Tunis in Hollywood tomorrow night and see Nataraja dance!!!

ElizArtist — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:40:44 GMT

MOUN OF TUNIS BELLY DANCE SHOWCASE HOSTED BY PRINCESS FARHANA, THIS COMING TUES. NOV 25th, 2008 with NASIRA, JENELAH, NARA, SHEERINA, ESHTA AMAR and TROUPE NATARAJA, plus special guest SAMARA from Arabesque Dance Company of Toronto, Canada plus your hostess, PRINCESS FARHANA LAST SHOWCASE OF 2008: DECEMBER 16, 2008: Holiday Toy Drive Showcase with special guests Anaheed, Heather Shoopman, Raina, Mesmera, Jamie Leigh Devilla and more surprise guests TBA!!! RESERVATIONS A MUST!- please call Moun Of Tunis ( make sure to specify showcase!) at (323) 874-3333. Dinner and dance show: $22.00 Dinner seating is 7:00pm, show time is 8:00pm Moun of Tunis 7445 1Ž2 Sunset Boulevard ( at Gardner) Hollywood, Ca 90069 For more info, please visit www.princessfarhana.com <http://www.princessfarhana.com> <http://www.princessfarhana.com/> Sign up to dance: pgehman@earthlink.net Princess Farhana appears many nights a week at Moun of Tunis- please call ahead to confirm her schedule ( 323) 874-3333 ***

The Etsy shop

ElizArtist — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:18:39 GMT

I have been cleaning up my studio and finding goodies that I've stashed there for a while and also making some new things that I've added to my etsy shop. Today I'm going to make some wool rovings for spinning in new colorways that will become yarn for the shop very soon. So if you are interested take a look! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5295254

my daughter won a contest!

ElizArtist — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:50:27 GMT

this is silly but I thought it was exciting! My daugher won 2nd place for her Halloween costume... She is a grown up daughter you see... she wore a pin up girl Cadet outfit! Anyway! Isn't she pretty? And she's smart too! She is an architect!