My Blog

March 6 Bellydance Superstars Discount Tickets through NCBellydance.org

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:47:25 GMT

Hi everyone - NCBellydance.org is coordinating a block reservation for the March 6 Bellydance Superstars tour in Durham. I can get $5 off the regular price: $27 each. Because we already have over 50 people expressing interest, we will also get access to one of their ballrooms for a pre-show get-together. It will be like having our own mini-hafla at the show! I need to receive your payment NO LATER than Saturday, January 17 so that I can in turn send our payment to the Carolina Theater. They have already invoiced me, but indicated I can add more people as needed. If you are interested, join the Google group I created to coordinate things: http://groups.google.com/group/nc-bellydancesuperstars-armada And then visit the discussions to get more information about where to send your payment and all the other things we're discussing there. And of course, don't forget to visit http://www.ncbellydance.org to see ALL the wonderful events and workshops going on in North Carolina.

Apex/Cary NC Winter 2009 Bellydance Classes

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:16:32 GMT

Winter 2009 Class Registration Just a reminder for folks in the Apex/Cary NC area that you can sign up for my January/February class sessions online: http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html Belly Dance Basics, Mondays, 7-8pm, January 12 - February 16 - for brand new beginners - no previous dance experience required. $72 for 6 weeks. Location: Clear Horizons in Cary. Belly Dance Level 2, Tuesdays 8:15-9:15pm, January 6 - February 24 - for anyone that has taken a previous class session up to about a year of experience. This session's topic - Dancing to the Rhythm. We will learn the basic underlying rhythms for Middle Eastern dance and some simple dance steps and combinations. $96 for 8 weeks, or $17 drop-in. Location: Infinity Ballet Conservatory & Theater in Apex. Belly Dance Level 2, Thursdays, 7-8pm, January 8 - February 26 - same description and pricing as above, but the location will be Clear Horizons in Cary. Continuing Bellydance, Thursdays 8:10-9:35pm, January 8 - February 26. This class is already SOLD OUT - contact me if you would like to be placed on the wait list. I am also available for private lessons at the "Taj MaHaala" - my cozy home studio in Cary NC. There is still time to take advantage of my December special - buy 5 private lessons for only $100 - you save $25, so it's like getting one lesson for free! Details on the class page. Looking forward to dancing with you all this year! - Haala http://www.halobellydance.com

For Sale: Fuschia/Gold Bra/Belt set with matching chiffon skirt/veil set

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:04:21 GMT

For Sale: Gently Used, Greatly Loved, Fuschia/Gold Bra/Belt set with matching professional quality chiffon skirt and veil set. This is one of my favorite bra/belt sets, but after the birth of my second child, it's just not fitting me right anymore and it's time to give it a new home. Bought new from Scheherezade Imports on sale for $450, asking $350. Max 36” bra, 46” belt. Bra can fit C with padding, small D perfectly, and full D with some cleavage (as in photo above). For more detailed measurements, description and pictures, visit http://www.halobellydance.com/forsale.html. There are other items for sale on that page – and FYI I will be listing at least one more bra and belt set over the weekend. Help me finance the new costumes I bought, and preserve marital harmony (LOL)! I will be happy to take additional measurements and digital pics as needed, so just ask if you have questions. Regards, Haala

Video of NCBellydance.org Annual Show in Raleigh NC

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:47:22 GMT

This is my solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEgPgX1apv0 And my group choreography with my students, which opened the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e48ttwuRdY8 We had a wonderful evening of oriental and tribal performances, live drumming, and shopping. The event featured Zhaleh Fereshteh, who was amazing! She had inspired us earlier in the day at the workshop, and many of us tried to put in some of the new moves she taught us into our choreographies that evening. :) Photo Credit: Megan Freeman

New Classes in Apex NC!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:31:25 GMT

I’m very excited to announce that I’m expanding my bellydance practice into the town of Apex, North Carolina! Very convenient location at Infinity Ballet Conservatory & Theatre, just off of the intersection of Rte 1 and Hwy 55 (South Williams Street) at 3462 Apex Peakway. I will be teaching Bellydance Basics and Level 2 Bellydance classes there on Tuesday evenings, starting September 30. Although the rent is more expensive there, I have managed to keep the tuition reasonably priced for you. I am really looking forward to teaching you in this new location! Please pre-register soon at http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html. For brand new beginners, I will be holding a FREE mini-class and demo on Tuesday, September 23 from 7-8pm so you can come out and see if bellydance is right for you, without having to commit to a full class session. Also, gentle reminder that my regular Cary classes will start up again next week on September 15th and 18th. You can find more information here: http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html

Souhail Kaspar Workshop this Weekend in the Triangle!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:32:08 GMT

One last reminder of this weekend's drum and dance workshop in the Triangle NC area. Workshop (drum Sat/dance Sun): http://halobellydance.com/souhail.html Souhail just got back form teaching in Brazil and is looking forward to seeing his Raleigh/Durham students and friends. This will be your LAST chance to study with him this year, so you won't want to miss it!

RSVP for Finger Cymbals Workshop and Raqs (ROCKS) Hafla this Saturday!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:31:23 GMT

Just a gentle reminder that I am teaching a short and sweet finger cymbals workshop this Saturday, June 7 from 5-6 in Durham. If you are planning on attending this workshop but haven't yet pre-registered, please email me or reply to this post letting me know, so I can get a general headcount. The location may change depending on how many people we get, so please contact me ASAP if you are planning on taking the class! This will be a great way to revive your zil skills if you have previous experience, and also a great introduction for those who are new to finger cymbals. You can find more information and can pre-register here: http://www.colorfulwaves.com/raqshafla.html Also, a few performing spots have opened up in the rock-themed hafla that evening, so you can sign up for that too! It should be a fun time - Colorful Waves always throw a great party.

Haala at Oliver Twist in Raleigh this Saturday!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:52:26 GMT

I will be filling in for another dancer this Saturday night at Oliver Twist in Raleigh. I will do two short sets: one at 9:30pm sharp, and the other at 10pm. Arrive early to get a good seat and enjoy delicious tapas and martinis. Afterwards, there will be a live DJ spinning music. No cover charge! Directions and more information at http://www.theolivertwistlounge.com/ And more info on me here: http://www.halobellydance.com This will be my first time filling in at this venue, so come on out and show your support! (Photo by Audra Evans: http://www.audraevans.com)

Summer Class Schedule Posted

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:36:46 GMT

Visit http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html to see the summer schedule that begins the first week in June! Classes will be held at the usual place - Clear Horizons in the Cary/West Raleigh area of NC. Topic for Beginning Level 2: Ocean Waves. Take a "beach vacation" as you learn flowing movements such as waves, ripples, and undulations. Topic of Continuing Level: Learning to Layer. Give your dance more complexity, nuance, and "wow factor" by learning to overlay one movement with another. I will cover the basics of layering, breaking down each set of movements thoroughly, and will also teach when and where to place these layered movements in the song for a more authentic Raqs Sharqi interpretation of the music. All class sessions are 6 weeks long. Take the whole session for $65 or drop in for $15 each. Continuing level students can take both Thursday night classes for a discounted rate of $120. More information at http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html Have a good idea for a class topic? Just let me know!

Thanks for supporting our first Halo Bellydance workshop and show

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:57:16 GMT

Now that my husband and I are starting to recover from the big Souhail Kaspar/Rachid Halihal workshop and show on April 19-20, we wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone for supporting us in our first attempt as workshop organizers. John's been working for months and months to put this all together (with me helping out), and it is very gratifying to get such an overwhelmingly positive response from workshop attendees, performers and audience alike. We had people coming from as far away as Ohio just to study with Souhail and Rachid. The dance workshop was amazing as usual – this is my third time studying with Souhail, and he managed to just blow my mind yet again. It's not so much about steps, combos, and theatre "tricks", but about how to really feel the song and the rhythms, and how to interpret those sounds and feelings with the body. Each workshop has been completely different, and I've learned new things each time. It was especially nice having Ziva demonstrate the movements, and she led us in a very invigorating warmup. She was truly an example of a dancer that can "conduct the orchestra" – doing beautiful flowing interpretive movements while still keeping up the underlying rhythms and percussion accents. Souhail is an amazingly generous teacher, and he found time to give each dancer individual attention. I've heard the drum and music workshops were equally inspiring! (If you attended any of these workshops, please post your experiences in a comment!) I think that the musicians and dancers in the audience were equally inspired at the Gala show. Souhail and the rest of the 6-piece band put on quite an impressive musical tour-de-force. I never want to listen to CD recordings again! He also made a witty and charming master of ceremonies for the evening, putting each performer at ease and encouraging them to dance their best. He's also quite the joker on stage, especially during the drum solos! Our performers presented a wonderful showcase of bellydance – it takes a certain skill set to be able to dance to live music, and these ladies really rose to the occasion. A big thanks goes out to Navani, Gypsy, The Devoted, Majida Anwar, Colorful Waves, and our headliner for the evening, Ziva. There were a lot of competing events going on in the area that weekend, so we want to thank all the audience members who chose to come out and support our show. We were especially thankful for a good turnout from the Middle-Eastern community – it made the entire evening an international affair! Our local star musician Naji Hilal was instrumental (pardon the pun) in helping us reach the Middle-Eastern community and we are very thankful for both his musicianship and his marketing help. We had an invigorating debke line dance during the free dance section – thanks to everyone who got up to dance to the live music. I think my favorite part of the evening (besides getting to perform of course), was when Souhail started asking for requests, saying they could do Iraqi, Lebanese, Syrian, Moroccan, Egyptian, you name it…. And someone yelled out "American". Then to everyone's surprise, Rachid in response began playing the most kick-ass bluegrass song on his "fiddle" and the whole band picked up the tune and ran with it. Margaret Clemen and Gypsy showed their versatility by spontaneously jumping up and clogging. Priceless! We really appreciate Colorful Waves vending gorgeous costumes during the day, and Amara's Emporium in the evening. Audra Evans was our professional photographer and captured the evening's events with artistry. I've already gotten to see my proofs and WOW!!!!! I am simply amazed. She took the photo of me included in this blog entry. We would also like to give hugs, kisses, and piles of pretend money to our volunteers for the weekend: Thomas Martin, who ran the music workshop, helped Shelley set up her vending booth, helped escort performers to their cars afterwards, and probably a million other nice things I don't know about. (Sherry, you picked a good man there.) And to Faun and Carmen who drove all the way out from Greensboro to help with the show, taking tickets, handing out water to the performers, helping to start the free dancing, and helping to advertise the show to their students. And of course, to everyone who just saw a job to do and pitched in to help with it. Finally, I'd like to thank my husband John – when he wasn't working at his (very demanding) full-time job during the day, he was working tirelessly for months on every aspect of the workshop. I pitched in to help as much as I could, but all praise should really go to him. I'm so very proud of him. Souhail thoroughly enjoyed his stay in North Carolina, and hopefully we will have another chance to study with him later this year. So, what were your impressions of the weekend?

All news is local: Airbus and Bellydance

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:25:26 GMT

Just thought I’d put a local spin on the national news about the recent Airline problems. With the exception of Souhail Kaspar, all our other teachers and musicians for this weekend’s workshop and show in Durham were originally booked to fly to the Triangle area on Airbus. Their flights have all been cancelled and there is no way to get a refund at this time (or maybe ever since it’s a bankruptcy). So they already paid once for their Airbus tickets, and now they have had to pay again to book new flights on other airlines to come here to teach and perform for us. What a hassle! So when you see them at the workshop or show on Saturday, please give them a warm North Carolina welcome and make them feel at home :-) http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail.html

Reminder: Cary NC Bellydance Classes Start This Week!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:23:03 GMT

Thursday, April 10, 7-8pm: Beginning Level 2 Spring Shimmies class! This class is sold out, but you can still sign up for the Monday overflow class. read below for more details - it's definitely not too late to shimmy with us this Spring! Thursday, April 10, 8:10-9:10pm: Continuing Level: Veil Choreography class (at least one year of experience required). I have performed this original choreography the last couple of years at the North Carolina Renaissance Faire, NCBellydance.org Gala Show, and NBC17 Health and Fitness Faire, and now I'd like to share it with you! We will first learn it as single veil, then as double veil so you get two choreographies for the price of one! (Double veil experience not necessary - you will learn as you go). Monday, April 14, 8:10-9:10pm: Beginning Level 2 Spring Shimmies! This is the overflow class - we will be learning the exact same lesson plan as the Thursday Spring Shimmies class and all students will still be able to attend the Class Hafla on May 22. You can join this class for $65 for the remaining 6 weeks. (For anyone that has taken at least one previous bellydance class, up to a year of experience) Visit http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html for more information and to sign up online.

Looking for 2 More Level 2 Students for Cary NC Overflow class on Monday!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:50:30 GMT

Cary NC area folks read on... After my regular Thursday Beginning Level 2 class sold out 2 weeks in advance, I opened up a 2nd overflow class on Mondays, 8:10-9:10pm. The first class will start this coming Monday, and it would be great if I could get two more people signed up for this class to really make it worthwhile. If you've been dragging your dancing feet, go ahead and sign up over the weekend and then you can be shimmying with us on Monday night! http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html There are still a few spots left in the Basics and Continuing classes as well, so click on the link above for more info on those. Regardless, wishing you lots of Spring Shimmies!

Make Your Finger Cymbals Rock! Workshop in June

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:53:54 GMT

Make Your Finger Cymbals Rock! Saturday, June 7, 5-6pm Common Ground Theatre, Durham NC Have you always wanted to learn how to play finger cymbals, or have you taken a class but are still afraid to play them in public? Haala's workshop will give you confidence with simple drills and combinations, tips and tricks to add variety and drama to your performance, and will guide you in how to perform with a live band. This workshop will be appropriate for all levels of dancers. This is part of the Bellydance Raqs (Rocks!) Hafla and workshops presented by Coloful Waves Dance Troupe. After Haala's workshop, you are invited to a nearby restaurant to dine or just socialize before doors open at 7pm for the hafla. Workshop cost: $15. Hafla cost: $5 for performers, $8 for the general public. Location and directions to Common Ground Theatre: http://cgtheatre.com/directions. For more information and to register, visit http://www.colorfulwaves.com/raqshafla.html, email me at haala@halobellydance.com, or just post your question or comment here in the comments section. Photo Credit: Woodland Willow Photography, http://www.woodlandwillow.com.

New Video - An Evening Oasis at the Clayton Center

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:10:37 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=668pdRMklKU Big hugs to HiyaSahra for videotaping my performance! Beginning Level 2 students, here is our class choreography for you to practice along with. I also have the version from Shimmy South that I will try to upload sometime this week. My computer's giving me fits with all these large file sizes :)

Spring Bellydance Classes in Cary/West Raleigh NC!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:06:39 GMT

Monday, April 7 - May 12, 2008, 7-8pm - Bellydance Basics.This class is recommended for absolute beginners - people with no previous dance experience. (If you’ve had a class before, check out the Beginning Level 2 Bellydance class below). $65 for the 6-week session, or $15 drop-in. Minimum 5 students, maximum 12. This class usually sells out in advance, so register early to guarantee your spot in class. April 10 - May 22, 2008 (Special 7-week session), 7-8pm, Beginning Level 2 Bellydance. Topic: Spring Shimmies! Shake away the blahs of winter as we shimmy our way to the summer. The last class on May 22 will be our Class Hafla from 7-9pm, which will give you a chance to try out your dance moves to a variety of live and recorded music, socialize with your fellow students, dance your student choreographies (if you feel like it), and most of all: just have fun! $77 for the 7-week session, or $15 drop-in. Minimum 5 students, maximum 10. (Only 5 slots remain as of 3/16/08 - register soon to guarantee your spot in class!) April 10 - May 22, 2008 (Special 7-week session), 8:10-9:10pm, Continuing Level Bellydance. Veil Choreography. By request, Haala will be teaching her signature veil choreography, to the music of "Hamam" from the Steam Soundtrack. It is a beautiful, emotional song. I will also teach simple modifications to turn it into a double veil choreography - so you get two choreographies for the price of one! The last class on May 22 will be our Class Hafla at the studio from 7-9pm, which will give you a chance to try out your dance moves to a variety of live and recorded music, socialize with your fellow students, dance your student choreographies (if you feel like it), and most of all: just have fun! Fee: $77 for the 7-week session, or $15 drop-in. Minimum 5 students, maximum 10. Take both Thursday classes for the discounted price of $142. For more information and to register online in advance, visit http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html Feel free to reply here if you have any questions about the classes or anything else. I look forward to dancing with you all next month! - Haala (Photo Credit: Audra Evans, http://www.audraevans.com)

Help Me Pick a Workshop Topic

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:15:29 GMT

I have the opportunity to teach for an hour or so at an upcoming workshop in June here in Durham. The question I have for you all is: What should I teach? It could be technique, props, performance, choreography, "bellydance business" stuff, you name it. So.... what would you like to learn from me? Thanks in advance for your suggestions....

Arabic Dance, Drum and Music Workshops with Grammy Nominated Souhail Kaspar and others: Durham NC, April 19-20,2008

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:54:13 GMT

Attention all dancers, drummers, and musicians! This is John Price, husband of NCBellydance.org's Haala. I'm excited to announce that Grammy-nominated Arabic percussionist and dance coach Souhail Kaspar, renowned violinist, oudist, and singer Rachid Halihal, and the wonderful belly dancer Ziva are coming to the Triangle for a dance and music workshop and gala performance the weekend of April 19-20! This is a rare chance to study with a master drummer and sought-after dance coach, as well as see dynamic performers with special music and dance guests perform in a theater setting. Read on for details or just register at: http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail.html http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail_show.html You can also contact me directly at freecellwizard@gmail.com for more information or to receive an address for mail registration. Drum or dance teachers signing up 5 of their students will be able to take the same classes for free. I cannot stress enough what an opportunity this is! If you haven't seen Souhail play the drums, check out this clip of him on YouTube and be amazed. Here's another one of him interacting with a dancer and having a blast. Souhail Kaspar is a master percussionist who has accompanied many famous Arab musicians and has performed with Sting and Kronos Quartet. He has many recording credits including the Sinbad and Prince of Egypt soundtracks and the recent Grammy-nominated album "When the Soul Is Settled: Music Of Iraq" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Rachid Halihal is a Moroccan virtuoso classically trained on the violin and oud and is a respected Arabic singer. He has played with legendary musicians and singers including Mohamed Abdo, and often teaches with the popular dance teacher Eva Cernik. Saturday, April 19th we have two separate workshop tracks - one for dancers and one for musicians! The main track at Triangle Dance Studio will cater to dancers with two 2-hour Rhythm and Movement classes taught by Souhail with the help of his protege, the lovely Ziva, followed by a two-hour beginning doumbek class. Dancers who have studied with Souhail say he has revolutionized the way they dance to Arabic music. For musicians, Rachid will be at the Music Explorium teaching two two-hour classes on maqam (scales) and Arabic songs to those with melodic instruments. They are welcome to then hop over to the main studio to take the beginning drum class. And don't forget the big show Saturday night! Read on ... Sunday, April 20th caters to the continuing drummer with a series of classes that will inspire their playing to new heights. Advanced classes with Souhail are a memorable experience that will challenge and excite you and keep you practicing long after they are over. Saturday (Triangle Dance Studio) 8:30 am - 9 am Registration and shopping 9:00 am - 11:00 am Rhythm and Movement for Dancers I - Belly dancers of all levels will gain new insights into interpreting music through dance. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Lunch and shopping 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Rhythm and Movement for Dancers II - This is a continuation of the first class. 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Beginning Doumbek - Even drummers with previous experience will be energized by this class. Souhail emphasizes technique as the foundation of rewarding drumming. You are strongly encouraged to take this class if you are planning on taking the more advanced Sunday classes. Saturday (Music Explorium) 8:30 am - 9:00 am Registration 9:00am - 11:00 am Introduction to Arabic Music - bring a violin, flute, guitar, or other melodic instrument on which you already have some proficiency. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Lunch 12:00pm - 2:00pm Continuing Arabic Music Sunday (Music Explorium) 9:00 am - 10:00 am Registration 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Intermediate Doumbek - Saturday's beginning class is strongly suggested as a warm-up for this one. 12 pm - 1pm Lunch 1 pm - 2 pm Riq (Arab tambourine) - Learn to play the percussion instrument that traditionally controls the speed and dynamic of an entire orchestra! 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Advanced Doumbek - This continuation of the morning class will challenge players to take their drumming to the next level. Souhail will also be available for private lessons on the 21st and 22nd. Workshop Prices There are lots of options so pick what suits you best. Remember you save by registering in advance and taking more than one class! Special Teacher Promotion: register 5 students for any package and get the same classes FREE! Contact me if you want to take advantage of this - I can send you fliers to distribute. Advance Package Prices Saturday Dance and Drum Package: $120 (both Saturday dance classes plus the beginning drum class) Saturday Dance Package: $90 (both dance classes) Melody Package: $70 (both music classes) Saturday Music and Drum Package: $100 (both music classes plus beginning drum class) Weekend Drummer Pass: $120 (Saturday drum class and all three Sunday classes) Sunday Percussion Package: $90 (all three Sunday classes) Versatility Package: $175 (either full Saturday track plus all of Sunday) Advance A La Carte Prices Each Dance class: $50 Each Drum class: $40 Each Music class: $40 Riq class: $25 Door Prices Each Dance class: $60 Each Drum class: $45 Each Music class: $45 Riq class: $30 Saturday night at the Durham Arts Council's beautiful PSI Theater we have a special treat! Souhail, Rachid, and Naji Hilal will perform live Arabic music as Ziva and talented local dancers interpret their incredible sound. Naji is an excellent oud player, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who has played in various Arabic and jazz bands and played with the likes of Omar Farouk Tekbilek. And we'll cap it all off with some open dancing, so bring your hip scarves! Again, you can register online: http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail.html Show: http://www.halobellydance.com/souhail_show.html Email me for an address if you'd like to register by mail instead. Thanks, John Price freecellwizard@gmail.com

Reminder: Romantic Evening Oasis this Thursday!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:02:07 GMT

Spend your Valentine's Day in an elegant setting, surrounded by gourmet desserts and coffees, candlelight, flowers, and live piano music by Bill Pruett. Enjoy a special showcase of dances from around the world performed by members of Colorful Waves and selected guest dancers. The dances presented will be a fusion of several cultures and traditions, including Salsa, Hula, Raqs Sharqi "Belly Dance", Hip Hop, and Poi. Colorful Waves Dance Company is a professional Bellydance troupe under the direction of Shahzaadee, and includes members from all over the Triangle. SomoSalsa is a Latin dance group located in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area whose dances include Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Cha Cha Cha and Casina Rueda. Bill Pruett is a professor of music at Campbell University and piano teacher at Cary School of Music. He has been a regular performer at the Capital City and Cardinal Clubs in Raleigh, NC State University, and many area Barnes and Noble and Borders stores. This unique event will take place at The Gallery at The Parish Center, 830 High House Road, in Cary, and will run from 7-11pm. Tickets in advance: $20 per person (can be purchased online or from any Colorful Waves member). At the door: $25 per person (Cash only). Singles, groups, and couples are all welcome. For more information and to purchase advance tickets online, visit http://www.colorfulwaves.com, email Shahzaadee@yahoo.com, or call 919-806-1281.

Valentine's Day Romantic Evening Oasis: Buy Tickets Now!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:50:24 GMT

Reservations are now being accepted for a Romantic Evening Oasis with Colorful Waves in Cary! Spend your Valentine's Day in an elegant setting, surrounded by gourmet desserts and coffees, candlelight, flowers, and live piano music. Enjoy a special showcase of dances from around the world performed by members of Colorful Waves and selected guest dancers. Thursday, February 14, The Parish Center, High House Road in Cary, doors open at 7pm. Early Bird Special: $20 per person. Seating is limited to only 100 people, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. To purchase your tickets and for more information, visit http://www.colorfulwaves.com. (Photo Credit: Woodland Willow Photography, http://www.woodlandwillow.com)

Reminder: Winter Classes Start Next Week (January 14, 2008) in Cary/West Raleigh!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:47:22 GMT

Did you put on a few pounds over the holidays? So did I! Let's dance them off together. The Winter Session of classes begins next week – Monday, January 14 for the new beginners of Bellydance Basics, and on Thursday, January 17 for the Beginning Level 2 and Continuing level folks. The Monday Bellydance Basics class is completely SOLD OUT!!!! Email me if you would like to be put on the wait list, or plan on joining us for the next session starting in March. There are still spaces remaining in the Beginning Level 2 and Continuing classes – email me if you are interested in attending and haven't pre-registered yet, just so I can get a general headcount. Beginning Level 2 folks will be learning a veil choreography to the song "Allayl Wa Samra" ("Night and the Brown Girl"). No previous veil experience is needed. You can go ahead and download the music for only 99 cents at iTunes if you want to get familiar with the music ahead of time. Continuing Bellydance students will be working on Single to Double Veil technique. I'm assuming you have experience with single veil, but no previous experience with double veil. Feel free to make requests on particular movements or areas you'd like to focus on. For both classes, some loaner veils are available and I can give you suggestions for purchasing in the area. I also have a few chiffon veils left in various colors for $24 each. Tuition: $65 for each class, or take both Thursday classes for $120. For more info and to register online, visit http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html, or email me for the address to send your check. Location: Clear Horizons, 1200 Trinity Road, just over the Cary border in West Raleigh, just off exit 290/I-40. More information: http://www.halobellydance.com. Looking forward to dancing with you all! If you have any questions, just ask them here in the comment field, or email me.

Spend New Year's Eve with me :)

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:47:29 GMT

Hi everyone, if you haven't already made New Year's Eve plans and live in the Raleigh area, join me at Taverna Agora for a special New Year's celebration! The evening will feature live bouzuki music, bellydance, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and full dinner service until 11pm. The event takes place from 10pm-2am, no cover charge, reservations accepted but not required 919-881-8333. This is only my second time dancing here, so come on out and show your support! :) Where:: Taverna Agora 6101 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC http://www.tavernaagora.com More info on me: http://www.halobellydance.com Opa! (This lovely photo was taken by Audra Evans at my debut performance at Taverna Agora on December 15. Audra rocks - check out her tribe listing here: http://people.tribe.net/audraevans)

Haala's Holiday Hafla - December 15!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:41:22 GMT

HAALA'S HOLIDAY HAFLA: Saturday, December 15, 2-5pm, Triangle Dance Studios, 2603 S. Miami Blvd., Durham. I cordially invite all of you to attend this festive celebration of the season! There will be refreshments and fun, live and recorded music so that we may all dance together, and special performances by me and other dancers. This is a student-oriented hafla that is appropriate for all ages, so students are especially encouraged to attend and to bring your friends and family! There will also be a limited number of performing slots, so please sign up ASAP if you would like to dance for your fellow students (always optional, no pressure to perform). Tickets: $6 in advance, $8 at the door, Free for Performers, Volunteers, and Kids under 5. If you would like to volunteer, let me know! There are some fun opportunities, such as Refreshment Providers, Decorators, Musicians, Pusher of The CD Play Button, Santa, Cleaner-Uppers, etc. For more information, visit http://www.halobellydance.com/haalasholidayhafla07.html

Haflaween Last Night

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:25:33 GMT

Last night, I danced at a sold-out Halloween-themed Bellydance event sponsored by Blue Moon Dance Company. I've had the pleasure of dancing at every Haflaween since it first began 4 years ago, and it is one of my favorite dance events in the area! This year, I was joined for the first time by my husband to do an improvisational drum and dance duet together. Because this was Haflaween, we wanted to come up with a special costume theme and concept. John placed battery-powered votive candles in his drum to make it glow, so he was the "flame" and I was the "moth". We really enjoyed getting to perform together. I'm sure most folks think we sit around every day practicing, but we actually rarely get any free time with a baby and toddler in the house. Having him drum in my classes the last session was just heavenly, and it helped make us feel more relaxed and confident for this performance. Thanks to Blue Moon for putting on a great show, to the drummers for providing fun music to dance to in between sets, and to everyone in the audience cheering us on. Special thanks to Megan Freeman and also to Woodland Willow Photography for taking pictures of everyone. I really appreciate it!

Next session starts October 29/November 1!

HaalaofHaloBellydance — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:36:45 GMT

(Photo credit: Audra Evans, http://www.audraevans.com) Just a reminder that the next session of my bellydance classes at Clear Horizons in Cary/West Raleigh begins in 2 weeks -- Monday, October 29 for the Bellydance Basics class, and Thursday November 1 for the Beginning and Continuing classes. Bellydance Basics is for complete beginners and teaches the basic foundation movements of our dance in a supportive and fun atmosphere. No previous dance experience needed. Beginner Bellydance is for anyone that has completed Bellydance Basics or previous introductory class, up to one year of experience. The special theme this session is “An Introduction to Veil Dancing”. Plenty of loaner veils available. Continuing Bellydance is for Intermediate/Advanced level dancers who have at least one year of experience. The special theme this session is “Drum Solo A La Carte: Choreography”. Review the basics of drum solos, learn a variety of movements and combinations that accompany specific rhythms and accents, then “choose from the menu” to put together your own unique drum solo choreography. This class will focus on empowering you to explore your creative side while also giving you the structure and support of a regular class.. Each student will receive a CD single from John Price with an original drum solo on it as part of their tuition. Classes meet at Clear Horizons, 1200 Trinity Road, on the border between Cary and West Raleigh, conveniently just off exit 290/I-40. You can find more information about these classes and register online at http://www.halobellydance.com/haalaclasses.html. If you are planning on taking any of these classes and have not registered, please contact me so that I can get an approximate headcount. Looking forward to dancing with you this Fall!