Ramblings

Lookit

faizeh — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:05:16 GMT

I'm the featured teacher this month. :) http://www.laraqs.com/

Extended Deadline

faizeh — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:09:37 GMT

OK, enough people threw themselves at my feet weeping, begging me to extend the pre-registration deadline for Hips of Fury. Because I am benevolent, I agreed. But only until tomorrow! http://www.hipsoffury.net/Workshops/workshops.htm

Because I have nothing else to stress about

faizeh — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:49:19 GMT

The venue that we are having Hips of Fury at is the same place we've had it the last two years. They have decided to gut the entire sound and light system, which will be replaced and completed in December. DECEMBER. A month after HoF. And you know what? They had no intention of telling us! We happened to find out because our MECDA chapter had an event at the same venue. Kris was over there today trying to get a break on the cost (since it is an extremely expensive venue, and we paid full price to NOT get everything), and it turns out they don't care, and hadn't had any intention of letting us know. Thank goodness another local dancer recommended a guy who has agreed to do the lighting and sound for us, but that's another several hundred bucks. And he's even cutting us a break! Keep your fingers crossed that Hips of Fury breaks even this year! It won't be back if we don't manage this time, its third year. :(

Final Day

faizeh — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:00:52 GMT

Today is your last chance to pre-register for Hips of Fury workshops. All workshops are on Sat Nov 3. Amara Ariellah Sashi Sabrina Fox Amy Sigil Leilainia Blume Heather Stants Frederique Blue Damsel Faizeh http://www.hipsoffury.net

Deadline to Pre-Register for Workshop

faizeh — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:12:08 GMT

The deadline to pre-register for Hips of Fury workshops is this Sunday, Oct 21. All workshops are on Saturday, November 3 http://www.hipsoffury.net Black Sea Trading Co 311 E Ave K-8 Lancaster, CA 93534 12-1:45pm (BST) Blue Damsel "Milk and Honey" with Blue Damsel Tribal Fusion meets the Far East with more Oooey Gooey combos and dramatic slow precision assembled into two mini-choreographies performed to "Ashes to Phoenix" from Balance by Solace. 2-3:45pm (BST) Amy Sigil "HOTPOTTURBOTRIBALTRICKS" NEW! Strap-on your jet-packs. In this workshop you’ll get the skinny on what happens when you let off a lot of steam while dancing really good, really fast. You’ll learn and drill two original combos snatched directly from the Hot Pot Studio tribal vocabulary, both equipped for improv and ready for show. You will have fun. You will sweat. You will be inspired. And after class when you’re sore and on the floor, remember, “Horsepower” is defined as work done over time. We just teach you the tricks. 4-5:45 pm (BST) Ariellah Conditioning, Layering, and Choreography Prepare your body to do more than just drill and isolate, but to dance and to layer basic belly dance movements. This workshop focuses on strengthening and isolating core muscles in preparation for layering movements, incorporating these layering drills into a choreography learned in the workshop. High Desert Dance Co. 43423 North Division Lancaster, CA 93534 10-11:45am (BST) Blume Bauer Fantasy Fusion! Ethereal as an angel, earthy as a golem, mystical as magic itself--learn how you can infuse your dance with elements of the fantastical using the fundamental tools of our world. Study to see how a wise woman's choice of theme and interaction with corresponding music brings out the beast or the beauty in performance. Make three wishes and see how to fully utilize makeup to polish and define your art. You don't have to kiss nasty frogs to get the results you want, just come to this workshop and turn straw into gold! **There will be fabulous fantasy kits available for sale, but please bring all of your make-up as well... you will need it! 10-11:45am (BST) Faizeh Drop-dead Drum Solos Get your dum-tek groove on! This workshop will focus on adding pizzazz to your drum solo. Come ready shake, rattle and roll, and leave with the knowledge of how to do it! 12-1:45pm (HDDS) Leilainia Sword Savvy Workshop with Leilainia This 2-hour workshop will combine creative movements based in Belly Dance, Tai Chi and Yoga. Class will demonstrate various sword fighting techniques from Eastern Fusion and Thai Chi mixed with bellydance sword balancing. The new practice techniques & drills for strength building, balancing and stamina will guide you to exploring your own interpretation of the Art of the Sword. Workshop will cover Isolation Techniques, Performance Tips, and Sword Choreography. Bring kneepads and a sword, water and a smile! Swords may be purchased before workshop begins. (swords available for $50 -$80) 12-1:45pm (HDDS) Sabrina Fox of Atash Maya Tribal Fusion Choreography/combos. Atash Maya is known for using Techniques within Improvisation combos and choreography in a way that is much like a martial arts practice. The Choreography/combos that will be taught will contain well described and broken down techniques that when practiced, similar to how a Kung fu form is practiced will eventually aid the dancer in perfection of that or those techniques within the combos. You will learn a series of three technically packed phrases equaling a 3.5 minute show set. The phrases of movement can be swapped mixed slowed sped up, repeated and can be used within your own musical choices, not just married to one piece of music like many workshops of this type. You will be able to use what you gain from this workshop for Improvisational solos, group performances, and private home practice. This workshop also focuses on performance projection practice, muscle memory drills, and reprogramming of bad muscle memory habits in order to eventually bring the dancer clean technique, captivating stage presents, and grace. 2-3:45pm (HDDS) Heather Stants Urban Tribal Kick Ass Combos Heather teaches technique and combos from the Urban Tribal repertoire. Please bring a yoga mat and some sass. 2-3:45pm (HDDS) Sashi Gothic Tribal Fusion Bellydance In this workshop you will learn a full NEW choreography, which will showcase the marriage of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance with the elements of the Goth/Industrial subculture. We will discuss and learn the fundamentals of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance including proper posture and technique, specific moves and transitions, leading and following, group improvisation, dance expression and costuming. We will also explore and learn ways to infuse the look, personality, music and essence of the Goth/Industrial subculture into this dynamic dance style. At the end of this workshop, you will take with you the experience of an alluring transcendental journey into the world of Gothic Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. Dress prepared to dance. Bring a yoga mat and water. Knowledge of basic Gothic Belly Dance is helpful. All levels welcome. Muahahahahahahah! www.ascendtribaldance.com 4-5:45pm (HDDS) Amara Creating and Destroying the Rules Through knowledgeable explorationunderstand how, when, and why to break the laws of dance. Formulate ways of constructing new and meaningful rules in order to dance outside of your training. 4-5:45 pm (HDDS) Frederique New Urban Tribal Style Moves Want to add to your tribal vocabulary? Learn new moves with the ATS concept of lead and follow developed with non-verbal cues. Fr?rique has created new Urban Tribal moves that have been inspired by a variety of ancient and modern dances with fundamental roots in ATS and Cabaret stylized belly dance. Class will begin with elementary yoga / palates based stretches / exercises, ending with isometric upper body strengthening that will help develop excellent upper body posture for dancing as well as our daily life. Be prepared to focus on strong technique throughout the class. By the end we will all be dancing new tribal moves together, as a tribe. *Prior knowledge in ATS is recommended but not necessary. I will go over the concept in class.

Last Day

faizeh — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:19:16 GMT

Today is the last day to sign up for the competition at Hips of Fury. There are still some spots left, and several in the Tribaret category and the Ultimate Soloist! http://www.hipsoffury.net Don't miss out! Oh, and don't forget to take a moment a browse the AWESOME workshops being offered this year!!

Hips of Fury Deadline

faizeh — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:37:03 GMT

It is upon us, this weekend. Don't miss out! There is still room in almost every category...but that may mean only one spot, so hurry and save your spot right now! http://www.hipsoffury.net (and while you're at it, reserve your spot in one of the awesome workshops taught by some of the world's greatest belly dancers) Photo is courtesy Kate McGray, and is Kristina Canizares performing in last year's evening show with her troupe The Nekyia. Kristina is the first ever Ultimate Soloist champion.

Hips of Fury Workshop Extravaganza!

faizeh — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 05:29:44 GMT

Hips of Fury Workshop Descriptions 007 BLACK SEA TRADING CO: 311 East Ave K-8 Lancaster, CA 93534 12-1:45pm Blue Damsel "Milk and Honey" with Blue Damsel Tribal Fusion meets the Far East with more Oooey Gooey combos and dramatic slow precision assembled into two mini-choreographies performed to "Ashes to Phoenix" from Balance by Solace. 2-3:45pm AMY SIGIL “HOTPOTTURBOTRIBALTRICKS” NEW! Strap-on your jet-packs. In this workshop you’ll get the skinny on what happens when you let off a lot of steam while dancing really good, really fast. You’ll learn and drill two original combos snatched directly from the Hot Pot Studio tribal vocabulary, both equipped for improv and ready for show. You will have fun. You will sweat. You will be inspired. And after class when you’re sore and on the floor, remember, “Horsepower” is defined as work done over time. We just teach you the tricks. 4-5:45 pm ARIELLAH -Conditioning, Layering, and Choreography Prepare your body to do more than just drill and isolate, but to dance and to layer basic belly dance movements. This workshop focuses on strengthening and isolating core muscles in preparation for layering movements, incorporating these layering drills into a choreography learned in the workshop. HIGH DESERT DANCE CO: 43423 N Division Lancaster, CA 93534 10-11:45am Blume Bauer Fantasy Fusion! Ethereal as an angel, earthy as a golem, mystical as magic itself--learn how you can infuse your dance with elements of the fantastical using the fundamental tools of our world. Study to see how a wise woman's choice of theme and interaction with corresponding music brings out the beast or the beauty in performance. Make three wishes and see how to fully utilize makeup to polish and define your art. You don't have to kiss nasty frogs to get the results you want, just come to this workshop and turn straw into gold! **There will be fabulous fantasy kits available for sale, but please bring all of your make-up as well... you will need it! 10-11:45am Faizeh Drop-dead Drum Solos Get your dum-tek groove on! This workshop will focus on adding pizzazz to your drum solo. Come ready shake, rattle and roll, and leave with the knowledge of how to do it! 12-1:45pm LEILAINIA Sword Savvy Workshop with Leilainia This 2-hour workshop will combine creative movements based in Belly Dance, Tai Chi and Yoga. Class will demonstrate various sword fighting techniques from Eastern Fusion and Thai Chi mixed with bellydance sword balancing. The new practice techniques & drills for strength building, balancing and stamina will guide you to exploring your own interpretation of the Art of the Sword. Workshop will cover Isolation Techniques, Performance Tips, and Sword Choreography. Bring kneepads and a sword, water and a smile! Swords may be purchased before workshop begins. (swords available for $50 -$80) 12-1:45pm Sabrina Fox of Atash Maya Tribal Fusion Choreography/combos. Atash Maya is known for using Techniques within Improvisation combos and choreography in a way that is much like a martial arts practice. The Choreography/combos that will be taught will contain well described and broken down techniques that when practiced, similar to how a Kung fu form is practiced will eventually aid the dancer in perfection of that or those techniques within the combos. You will learn a series of three technically packed phrases equaling a 3.5 minute show set. The phrases of movement can be swapped mixed slowed sped up, repeated and can be used within your own musical choices, not just married to one piece of music like many workshops of this type. You will be able to use what you gain from this workshop for Improvisational solos, group performances, and private home practice. This workshop also focuses on performance projection practice, muscle memory drills, and reprogramming of bad muscle memory habits in order to eventually bring the dancer clean technique, captivating stage presents, and grace 2-3:45pm HEATHER STANTS urban tribal kick ass combos heather teaches technique and combos from the urban tribal repertoire. please bring a yoga mat and some sass. 2-3:45pm SASHI Gothic Tribal Fusion Bellydance Workshop Description: In this workshop you will learn a full choreography, which will showcase the marriage of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance with the elements of the Goth/Industrial subculture. We will discuss and learn the fundamentals of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance including proper posture and technique, specific moves and transitions, leading and following, group improvisation, dance expression and costuming. We will also explore and learn ways to infuse the look, personality, music and essence of the Goth/Industrial subculture into this dynamic dance style. At the end of this workshop, you will take with you the experience of an alluring transcendental journey into the world of Gothic Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. Dress prepared to dance. Bring a yoga mat and water. Knowledge of basic Gothic Belly Dance is helpful. All levels welcome. Muahahahahahahah! www.ascendtribaldance.com 4-5:45pm AMARA Creating and Destroying the Rules Through knowledgeable explorationunderstand how, when, and why to break the laws of dance. Formulate ways of constructing new and meaningful rules in order to dance outside of your training.. 4-5:45 pm FREDERIQUE New Urban Tribal Style Moves Want to add to your tribal vocabulary? Learn new moves with the ATS concept of lead and follow developed with non-verbal cues. Fr餩rique has created new Urban Tribal moves that have been inspired by a variety of ancient and modern dances with fundamental roots in ATS and Cabaret stylized belly dance. Class will begin with elementary yoga / palates based stretches / exercises, ending with isometric upper body strengthening that will help develop excellent upper body posture for dancing as well as our daily life. Be prepared to focus on strong technique throughout the class. By the end we will all be dancing new tribal moves together, as a tribe. *Prior knowledge in ATS is recommended but not necessary. I will go over the concept in class. Several of these awesome workshops are almost sold out. Sign up today!! http://www.hipsoffury.net

Here's to curves!!

faizeh — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:41:15 GMT

I am so proud of my friend Blume. When I asked her to be in Hiplash at its inception, it never occurred to me that she might be an inspiration to full-figured dancers everywhere. I just knew she was a beautiful dancer, extremely creative, and self-motivated. Little did I know... http://bigbeautifulbellydancers.tribe.net/thread/fd5ab4a8-6775-44a5-b156-3578356189c2

Two Days Left

faizeh — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 02:59:00 GMT

For your Early Bird Special at Hips of Fury! Remember, if you purchase two workshops by Aug 15, not only is your entrance to the Daytime portion of the event free, your Evening Show ticket is HALF OFF!! Hurry! The workshops are selling out because of this great opportunity! And why wouldn't they? When there is an offering like this: Blue Damsel Ariellah Sabrina Fox of Atash Maya Heather Stants of Urban Tribal Frederique Sashi Amy Sigil of UNMATA Leilainia, last year's Ultimate Troupe winner! Blume Bauer Amara and Faizeh!! http://www.hipsoffury.net Oh! And if you haven't signed up for the competition, do it soon! The Gothic category is already full, and the Ultimate Troupe only has two spots left. You don't want to be left out, do ya???

Belly dancin' to the beat (and it ain't a beledy)

faizeh — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:51:34 GMT

Ok. I know how it is. You love to belly dance. You love the way eastern instruments fused with western rhythms makes your body move. Or the way that driving bolero makes your arms undulate. But you just aren't a bedlah kind of gal. Hips of Fury is the competition for you. It is SoCal's ORIGINAL and ONLY ALL-ALTERNATIVE belly dance competition. With judges like Ariellah, Sashi, Blue Damsel, or Elayssa of Desert Sin, would you expect to see traditional Egyptian belly dance? Probably not. Or how about Amy Sigil of UNMATA, or Heather Stants of Urban Tribal? Wouldn't you like judges who understand Tribal, or are well-versed in ATS technique? Or how about someone like Amara, the producer of Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance? Wouldn't you like a title like Ultimate Soloist or the Ultimate Troupe given by dancers like them? I know you do. http://www.hipsoffury.net

But I am Le Tired

faizeh — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:24:43 GMT

I am SO lucky that I get to make my living doing what I love. But (you sensed it coming), I am exhausted! Between my usual solo career stuff, trying to get the local community's Fair performance ready, choreographing way, way too many acts, including, but nor limited to, Hiplash's RAD ditty that we will be unveiling at Tribal Cafe, and (and here's the kicker) trying to make sure I don't lose my choli over Hips of Fury, I want to take a Van Winklesque nap. Hips of Fury is the raddest competition out there. I hate to be immodest, but it really is. And it is the ONLY one that has a themed category each year. How cool is that?? (Sorry...had to brag about it, even though it is wearing me out!) PS Go sign up for a competition. Seriously. You won't regret it. And get tickets to the Evening Show while you're at it. The two shows at Hips of Fury...well, I can't tell you how many people have said those are BOTH in their Top Five All-time favorites. Not kidding. http://www.hipsoffury.net

Weird!!!

faizeh — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:33:39 GMT

So, every year that we've had Hips of Fury, the Ultimate Soloist category has been the first to fill up, and always has had the longest waiting list. This year, every category has entrants, and as you know, the Gothic category is now taking a waiting list. Every category except the Ultimate Soloist. It doesn't have anyone signed up yet! This is the category that jump-started Kristina Canizares' career. This is the soloist category that the winner gets to dance in the Evening Show, and possibly be on the DVD. No one yet. Weird. http://www.hipsoffury.net

The Pressure!

faizeh — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:39:40 GMT

So, I've been asked to write a column about Tribal BD for each edition of MECDA's Happenings newsletter. When I was first asked, I thought Sure, no problem! I said that, too. Now, the deadline looms before me. I have to come up with something that isn't completely pulled from my bum by Friday! I know I can do it. I can do reviews, interviews, whatever I want. It's just that this is the first one, so I'm all freaked out. Don't ask why! :)

Mixed Emotions

faizeh — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 05:38:08 GMT

I cried when I realized Hiplash wasn't going to make it to Wiggles of the West this year. We were SO looking forward to performing Pirate's Booty. But we'll be doing ATS at IBDC instead. So I'm excited about that. Plus, I'll be able to work the weekend we were going to be at Wiggles, and I need the cash! :) (By the way, the picture is from our photo shoot for the MoonDance Belly Dance website...this was before we moved it inside the studio. But I thought the skirts looked pretty)

What I'm worth

faizeh — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:17:01 GMT

So...today while discussing my bad negotiating skills with Sedona, she pointed out that when a potential client says, "You want how much? I only want to pay $25!" that the appropriate response is, "That's fine. I can certainly send one of my beginner students." Later, I was telling my sympathetic musician friend Sasha about the exchange and I had an epiphany. All the years I spent as a photographer (15), I had the attitude that if a customer could not tell the difference between what I was shooting at a high end studio and charging a lot more for and a Sears portrait, they *should* just go to Sears. I believed that my work was lost on them anyway, and seriously, if you cannot tell the difference, you really ought to go to the cheap place. Why pay for excellent quality if you don't even realize it's excellent quality? So, why don't I have that attitude in dance? I probably should. If someone just wants a pretty girl in a sparkly outfit, and cannot tell who is a skilled dancer with over a decade of experience or someone who is a cheerleader in sequins, then they really should be paying for the cheerleader. They are not going to recognize high quality when they see it, and my irritation at being underestimated and undervalued will be lessened. I put in a lot of blood sweat and tears into my gigs, and I hate when I come home from one where I've been ruthlessly haggled down and then leered at, or worse, not even looked at! I should charge what I bring to the entertainment field, and make no apologies. Does Nicole Kidman feel bad that she gets paid more than some bad actress in a horror flick? Of course not. Now, that bad actress might someday learn to act and get paid what Nicole gets, and it will be appropriate. I am adopting this line of thinking. Who is with me?

My students ROCK

faizeh — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 05:48:27 GMT

I just got a message from one of my little girls. She started belly dancing with me when she was eight. She is now thirteen. Her message? She got first place belly dancing in her school talent show. Proud, proud dance mama here.

Well this weekend SUCKED

faizeh — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:07:52 GMT

Well, for me at least. It was Cairo Carnivale, and I had been totally looking forward to dancing with my Alamkara ladies, since I haven't been able to for MONTHS. Well, we took over Dar Maghreb restaurant last week, so I guess that's a teeny fib. But Alamkara has been dancing like mad women everywhere, and I just had to step aside for a bit because of other obligations. But I broke myself on Friday, and could barely walk, let alone dance. I didn't even bother to go, though I regret that. It would've been nice hanging out with them. I'll tell you who else I didn't get to dance with- Hiplash performed on Sunday, and I did show up for that, since I was the bringer of music! I was still broken. But I realized this was the first time Hiplash has performed without either Blume or me. Even though I was bitter I wasn't up there dancing with them, it's sometimes nice to sit back and see what everyone else gets to see. I just love Love LOVE Cindy's henna'd baby belly. She looks more beautiful than ever, in my opinion! Lucky me! I get to dance with both troupes this Saturday night! Pirates! Woohoo! Hiplash will be debuting Pirate's Booty, a hot choreography. Look for it on youtube! :)

Dancing Queen

faizeh — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:00:36 GMT

So, this last weekend was Potrero War, and I took the opportunity to once again attempt to elevate the perception of Near and Middle Eastern Arts (and personae). If you scroll down and find the picture of me performing, there are also two short clips of my dance on Saturday night at the Family Bardic Concert. http://www.rgbar.com/sca/20070524maywar/index.html I'm trying to recreate Persian court dance of the medieval era. Yes, I'm dancing to a modern Armenian song, but that one-string instrument that is more properly medieval Persian...well, I don't think I know anyone who plays it.

shameless self promotion!

faizeh — Fri, 18 May 2007 05:30:27 GMT

Thank you for sharing the news! Anaheed's Belly Dance Show Cabaret Beledy!! Saturday May 19, 2007 Doors open 7:30pm, Showtime 8:00pm Live Music!! Dance Artists including: Anaheed, Marguerite, Faizeh, Troupe Hiplash, Nasila & More! Great Theater location! at the Gotta Dance Studio 18167 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, 91344 (south of 118 fwy. exit at Reseda or Balboa Blvd) Tickets $20 in advance *call or write to reserve* Tickets also sold at door details under events at: www.anaheed.com Questions, email anaheed@anheed.com or 818/893-9019 Thank you for supporting your local Bellydancers!!

Friday Night

faizeh — Fri, 18 May 2007 05:26:55 GMT

Dear Dancers and Friends, MAY is Merry and so are the Showcase Dancers Who Perform while you ENJOY DINNER! Please join us with your friends and family to dine amidst a room full of Bellydancers! All are welcome! FRIDAY, MAY 18th, 8:30pm at the beautiful DAR MAGHREB Restaurant MESMERA is your hostess at this Moroccan Palace and Dances for You and your Friends, PLUS: + FIVE courses of Exquisite Food, Optional Vegan + FOUR Exciting Guest Dancers: ANN QUINN TAMAIRA FAIZEH LA SHONDA $27 Dancers' Special Price when you say "MESMERA" (Tax, Tip & Drinks NOT included) 6 course dinner available at $39 Make Reservations NOW! 323.876.7651 (Full house happens! Shared table for Reservations of One person welcome!) ** Please note reservation and arrival for seating Time is 8:15 to 8:45pm. Showcase Begins at 9pm Looking forward to dancing with you at: Dar Maghreb Restaurant 7651 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood, CA 90046 N.E. corner of Stanley Between La Brea & Fairfax (Valet & some street parking available) http://www.darmaghrebrestaurant.com

Just added! (Well, to my schedule, at least)

faizeh — Fri, 04 May 2007 17:11:40 GMT

sigh

faizeh — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 05:22:02 GMT

So, a couple weeks ago, I found out someone had done a choreography of mine without asking my permission, after she'd asked someone else (who had nothing to do with it) who told her she needed to ask me. Anyway, I saw her this last week, and I simply wanted to make it clear that in the future, she needed to ask anyone whose choreography she wanted to do if she could. Well, she started getting all upset with me and copping an attitude with me! At first I thought it was just because it had taken her off guard, and she needed to process it, but then today at the festival show that **I** put together (as in, making it happen from beginning to end, after much aggravation and hours of work on my part to make it good), and she was still doing it! Here's a tip: Don't piss off the person who is responsible for 99% of the local exposure of belly dance to the GP, and the person who runs the local restaurant showcases. You might find that she would rather not include you than put up with crap. I work my butt off to give as many local belly dancers as many opportunities to dance as I possibly can. I frankly don't think that most realize just how many hours I put in to make their hobby as rich as possible, and to promote belly dance in general. But that's OK, because most of them do acknowledge that I put in a "lot" of work and appreciate it. Which makes it worthwhile. Oh, and before you think I'm an ogre for trying to control my choreographies, I used to not care, until I started seeing them done a few generations away from me, and looking hideous. Sorry, quality control is important to me, and my name is attached to them. But even more important than that, in recent years my good friend Krisha had some really bad things happening to her regarding the improper usage and non-existant credit for her choreographies. It was ugly. I'd like to avoid that by learning from what others have gone through. (Besides, I almost always give permsission once I know the details) Krisha now gives a great workshop on Belly Dancer Etiquette that includes legal ramifications when copyrighted material gets used without permission. Too bad she had to come up with that workshop in the first place!

Dragonfly

faizeh — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 05:00:04 GMT

http://www.geocities.com/o_secca@sbcglobal.net/dragonfly.html So, this is written by a friend of mine in the SCA, who had taken a challenge (originally from me, but via another mutual friend) to write a poem in the style of Rumi. This is not an easy thing to do, and if you explore his website, he explains why. This is not his first ghazal, but it is my favorite. :)

Sex

faizeh — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:51:32 GMT

OK, this is something that baffles me. I like sex. Lots. I think we're meant to actually enjoy it. But I also think it's private. I wouldn't like it if my husband went around telling his buddies (of course, he's an elementary school teacher, so most of his pals are women) how our little romp last night was. But that doesn't make it WRONG. Private should not equal wrong. PS I also don't think a woman's body is shameful!