Underneath The Eyeliner.

Some dancers want to create a romantic aura about themselves, veiled in mystery and illusions of grandeur. Only ever to be seen in full make-up, dressed to the nines to their adoring fans. Everything is a performance, and rarely do you see what’s underneath the mask. I’ve seen people create the most amazing opinions of people without ever knowing what’s actually going on.

Me? I want you to know that I am a dork. And a geek. And a class-A klutz. I just like to think I clean up well. And I’m totally cool with people knowing that. Because that’s who I am, miss-wiring and all, why try to hide it? Of course, not everything is on the surface for all to see, and I often forget that not everyone lives in my head.

Some people think I have some sort of complex, trying to create rules for Gothic Bellydance. (Technically, they’re more like guidelines). Other people don’t think I stand up enough for what I’ve done. (I’m really a bit shy.)

Essentially, the reason for my writings comes down to this: I’m a Gemini. I’m ruled by Mercury, planet/god of communication, with my moon in Virgo (lists! details!) and Sagittarius rising (enthusiasm!). Which essentially means: I’m obsessed with learning, sharing, and exchanging knowledge and information. Bonus points if it comes with shiny bits. I don’t do it to be a know-it-all, to claim to be an authority of everything, or to make it seem I think I’m perfect. Far from it. I do it because I’ve done stupid things. A lot of them. And I’d like to think I know better now, but I’m pretty sure there are more stupid things to come. I’m actually at peace with that. It truly is inevitable. But I want to do what I can to help out my students and anyone else who wants to read/listen. To share my experiences, and help forge a better path with less pitfalls, better habits, and hopefully make things easier for other dancers, while bettering our art in the long run.

I think in discussing etiquette for Gothic Bellydancers, there’s something everyone can take away. Professionals, hobbyists, students, artists, everyone. Meaning, whether you do this with the intention of presenting yourself as a professional, or whether you’re just jamming in class or your bedroom – there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have the best experience possible. Some people will be oblivious, regardless of their intent, but I have to believe that whether someone considers themselves a pro or a hobbyist, they want to contribute to the art in the best way they can – not only for the art, but for themselves.

The secret to being a good dancer is not an illusive mystery, wrapped up and hidden. It’s about being direct, forward, and honest with yourself and others. It’s about being truthful to ourselves, mindful of our mistakes, and still willing to challenge ourselves and make changes as needed. Dance isn’t just about movement and music, it takes thought, it takes the whole body and mind to create art. Don’t be afraid to make a mess, but also don’t be afraid to lay down a tarp and have some paper towels handy before you start.

Raspberry Wine :)

Another shruggery!

If you'd like to see shruggeries modeled by my lovely students, check out the Med'Devi Ink Tribe :)

Another Shruggery!

This one is "Copperlicious" - soft and shiny gorgeous copper-tone fabric with black interwoven, and copper/multi beaded flower accents from Bali on each side for a delicate dangle.

A Shruggery!

This one is called "Mischief" ;))

Midwinter Mayhem in Providence!

Aradia and I are teaming up again to bring you the second ever Midwinter Mayhem, January 24th - and we will be do a special performance evening the night before (Friday the 23rd) at Decadence (more details on that will be posted shortly).

We have confirmed our workshop location as well - we will be returning to RISD's Student Center on Waterman Street (on the left, smack in the middle between Benefit and Meeting Sts), which is generally much easier to park than on Thayer Street. B/c the studio is small, registration will be very limited, so sign up now to get your space at these great workshops!

www.darklydramatic.com/tempest/ri.html

three words for today

inspired by something the Davenport Sisters said on one of their recent broadcasts..

"gratuitous gear shot"

and just because it's so damn funny (to me), another 3 words:

"strategically placed cookies"

Get on the VANwagon - Proposed Durga Tour Dates for 2009!

After a great deal of effort, I've managed to create the projected schedule for the Durga Tour in 2009. Please note that many of these are not confirmed dates, but are rather the combined result of ideal mapping, time placement and regulation, sponsor suggestion, past sponsor location, proposed sponsor locations, giant balls of twine, and other mathematical calculations (like the weight of unladden swallows). Some dates may change, as I have tried to set aside several days for us in the Bay Area post TF9 (private lessons are possible), then a few days in Sacramento for both workshops and visiting Keith's Mum. From there, it will pan out according to sponsors and opportunities. In most cases, locations are 3-5 hours apart.

We are very pleased that the immensely talented Tim Rayborn will be on the tour from CA onward to New England - offering both music workshops and live music accompaniment/shows. We are looking at several other surprise guests along the tour, both heading West and East for several stops at a time.

If you are interested in sponsoring one of these locations (or near them), have a recommendation for a sponsor, please contact me at tempest(at)meddevi.com ASAP!

May 1st-May 3rd - Spring Caravan, Somerset, NJ
May 4th - Richmond, VA
May 5th - Carrboro, NC
May 6th - Columbia or Greenville, SC
May 7th - Knoxville or Nashville, TN
May 8th - Little Rock, AR
May 9th - OK City or Tulsa, OK
May 10th - Amarillo, TX
May 11th - Albuquerque. NM
May 12th - Northern AZ
May 13th - Possible SoCal Stop
May 14th - May 17th - Tribal Fest 9
May 18th - May 20th - Bay Area
May 21st - May 23rd - Sacramento, CA
May 24th - Medford or Ashland, OR
May 25th - Portland, OR
May 26th - Seattle, WA
May 27th - Spokane, WA
May 28th - Idaho
May 29th - SLC, UT
May 30th/May 31st - Denver, CO
June 1st - Lincoln, NE
June 2nd - Kansas City, MO
June 3rd - Iowa (Des Moines?)
June 4th - Minneapolis, MN
June 5th - Wisconsin (Madison?)
June 6th - Chicago, IL
June 7th - Bloomington, IN
June 8th - Kentucky (Louisville or Lexington?)
June 9th - Cincinnati, OH
June 10th - Detroit, MI
June 11th - Pittsburgh, PA
June 12th - Buffalo, NY
June 13th - Tempest's B-day, maybe a trip to Lilydale, NY?
June 14th - Albany, NY
June 15th - Maybe a stop in MA
June 16th - End of the Rhode.

NY, NY

It looks like I will be heading up to NYC for my job, to assist with the jewelry/accessory show at the Javitz center. Probably coming up on Saturday, January 3rd to help set-up, then walk/attend the show Sunday/Monday morning/noon, then head back home on Monday evening. Anything interesting happening the evenings of the 3rd and 4th?