I've realized what I am missing in dance - music. I've been so hot and heavy into the dance these last couple of months. Classes, workshops, privates, shows...every day and performing every weekend. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every second of it and I want more...so much more it hurts sometimes, but this past weekend I took a violin melody workshop and it was amazing. I was playing the music, not dancing. Music is untouched in my capitalistic mind, unlike dance which is feeling like a job, a dream job, but a job no less. I went with my good friend Aminah, and she really helped me realize the joys of being a musician. We learned two songs - al rayah and lamma bada yatathanna and we learned it by ear...which was an experience in itself. Rachid Halihal was the instructor, and he was amazing. He showed us how to play the violin like a rebaba as well...and it hurt alot less. So my goal? Be able to play all of the songs from Dorku.com for Pennsic and maybe some on the violin as a rebaba...and taqsim. The maqams are fascinating, beautiful, and I'm able to have another outlet besides dance...it's like finding dance all over again, but in becoming a musician.