My Blog

uchhh

samanthahasthorpe — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:40:33 GMT

As usual on returning from a tour I am experiencing the lull, the rutt, the stuck feelin. Wasting half a day already on line when I have so much to do before I head off again. Maybe sharing the following will help me get off my backside, go for a run and do some practice.. " If we let go of play, our work becomes ponderous and stiff. If we let go of the sacred , our work loses its connection to the ground on which we live. Knowledge of the creative process cannot substitute for creativity , but it can save us from giving up on creativity when the challenges seem too intimidating and free play seems blocked. If we know that our inevitable setbacks and frustrations are phases of the natural cycle of creative processes , if we know that our obstacles can become our ornaments , we can persevere and bring our desires to fruition. " Stephen Nachmanovitch

offski

samanthahasthorpe — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:03:45 GMT

This picture is kind of like the inside of my head right now, dont ask me why as I dont really know. Taught a wikid workshop back on home turf today, great to see everyone, now sewing and packing again ready to hit the road encore for a trip round Poland teaching and traveling for the next 2 weeks. Then fly back to teach at Larma Tree Fest, where Taraf de Haidouks will be...cannot wait for that one, will be campin with some of the guys from Transglobal Undergound and Natacha Atlas's crew..wahhayyy. then its off to Taiwan to join the troupe again..and share the stage with Rachel once more as she will be coming back for that tour. uh then I head home to get meself hitched, then head off to the states fo more dancin. Life is good, I am very very very very lucky. Back to the needle and thread.. see you all somewhere on the road! "You cannot walk straight when the road bends" Romani proverb

home..

samanthahasthorpe — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:48:40 GMT

being home is weird I cannot focus on anything, I have wasted the last 2 days, in a daze. I have a tonne of work I want to get done, but every project I start I walk away from and find myself staring into space. It's hard not being on tour. Suddenly I am responsible for what I do, where I go, what I eat. I have managed going for runs and some morning yoga, but after that..the day slips away and I have not drilled or worked on choreos or sewn new costumes. It would be ok if I had time to chill but I am off again soon... bugger, I let the kettle boil dry again. Man! somebody slap me wiv a wet fish or summink coz I need to get me arse in gear!!!

Casablanca

samanthahasthorpe — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:19:21 GMT

So 2 1/2 years of life lived out of a suitcase is coming to a close as Oscar and me make the UK our homebase once more. The Italian tour was great, the food incredible (ate wayyyy too much) and the production company looked after our every need. Highlight in Italy: Rooming with Barbara. Lowpoint : NO internet in any hotel we stayed in..very frustrating for keeping in touch with Oscar and keeping on top of work schtuff. The shows have been fun, now that I feel like I know the new choreos, I got my first solo in the show, as Hannah Nour and Adore had to leave due to injury. They have been sorely missed on the tour, it aint the same without them. I have some video from the show, not great quality but I'll see about posting them up. Then we had a crazy 3 days, went like this, did a show in Torino, drove to Milan, flew on a jet, then another plane to Dubai, had jsut enough time to do make up..performed the show for a private party, had just enough time to eat a snack after all that, remove said make up, then head to the airport, fly to Amsterdam, change planes, fly to Bergamo do a show that same night. So I guess we missed 2 nights sleep, oh then me and Jillina were driven 2 hours to teach a workshop the next day, then met the troupe at the airport..then flew to Casablanca!! So today I caught up on that lost sleep, and am off to check out the antique jewlry scene here, hoping to find some new pieces/inspirations for new costuming..coz after a tour like this you wanna make all new costumes, as the ones you have have fallen apart/stink real bad/just plain bore you. But I am gonna see Kathleen soon so thats pefick timing for some sewing nights with her.yay. I am sad it's the end of the tour, it's always real quiet without the troupe around.I'm going to have to start thinking for myself again! Towards the end of the tour I have no idea where I am, what city, what day it is, I blame all the flights on that though, they took their toll. The sun is shining here in Casablanca and tomorow we are all heading to Marrakech for more souk trawling and mint teas agogo. Looking forward to the next tour, and seeing you somewhere en route.Love anf fluff to yous all. xxx

wee update

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:07:30 GMT

updatarama As of March 08 I am back on the road with BDSS, just finished in Vancouver BC. The shows were great fun, the workshops always a pleasure as those Vancouver girls work so hard on technique, it really shows whenever I come back to teach, it is so inspiring. I am now on route to Milan for a month of shows and workshops in Italy. We will be filming a new DVD in Casablanca…on my birthday!! After Italy, Dubai and Casablanca I will be heading homewards to the land or marmite and crumpets and a proper pint sized pint of scrumpy. Yup it’s time to go home to Blighty after two and a half years on the road in North America. Wow…and what a crazy couple of years it has been, I have learned so much, it’s been a real growing experience. I am so lucky to be where I am right now, doing something I love so much. In July I am over the moon to announce I will be dancing and teaching at the Larma Tree festival in the UK, the headlining band being… Wait for it… Taraf de Haidouks!!! Yayyyyyy. Also in July the BDSS Tribal Fundamentals instructional DVD is due out I think, just waiting to get the final cuts sorted. I am very excited to be coming to London for the Bloomsbury Theatre shows with BDSS in October, where my journey really does come full circle (the Bloomsbury is where I first saw the BDSS show and wished I could do that too way back in 2005..heh). I think I am going be the first Tribal style teacher to do a weeklong intensive in Poland this summer, details coming soon, I’ll put em on the calendar. I am scheduled for the Taiwan tour in August, and Raqs Britannia, Raqs LA, Raqs USA and Tribal LA, all coming up this year. Wheeeeew! Please check the website for more confirmed workshops and shows. www.snakecharmah.co.uk Oh oh oh, and I am currently working on a brand spanking new website too, should be up in the next few months, you’re going to love it, I hope, I know it is fun designing it anyways. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again man…careful what you wish for, coz when you get it, you won’t know what hit. So I hope you all are happy and dancin’ fit , maybe even wearing a fake moustache wherever you are, and I hope to make it to a town near you very soon! Stay Wikid and Safe. The Vagabond Princess.x

wheeeewww

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:30:58 GMT

so today sees me just getting in to La Paz Mexico after a mammoth 26 hour treck back from London..yes I walked..no I didnt walk..I flew, but the transfers and layovers and then buses took their toll, so now I am home, I find I need to unpack, wash clothing and re pack ready to get back on that same bus, back to that same airoprt at 6 am..yay. no really..yay, off to the mainland to check out ruins and chiapas and all things old..really really old. Tribal London was one of the best gigs I have had the pleasure of being a part of with BDSS so far. It was just me, Kami and Sharon, putting on a 45 minute show. It was so much fun. Taught 4 workshops, which all got good feedback, it was great to go home and share what I learned in the states with others, I love when at the end of the finger cymbals workshop, I turn around and everyone is beaming at themselves coz they just played a combination of patterns they would have laughed at the thought of playing at the start of the class, and now they are playing and dancing..hm, I think I may be rambling..that journey has left my brains like jam or something and the thought of doing it all again in a few hours is kind of daunting. Time fer bed.

whewww

samanthahasthorpe — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:17:11 GMT

this month brings me to La Paz, Mexico, where we decided to stop driving for a while, we are stopping here for a month, coz it's nice! Signed up for Spanish classes, and found 3 local belly dance studios already! So I'm goin to teach some classes here, as the girls are MAD for Tribal style, they are so fun, and this will help my spanish too..I need to learn key body parts and directions pronto. They are all helping me loads , I should learn fast. I flew to LA and back last week to shoot the Tribal Instructional DVD, it will be me, Sherri, Moria and Kami. It was a looonnng day, but alot of fun, I had to improvise my performance section as I didnt get the rights to the track I wanted, no idea what it will look like... the trip down south has been amazing. I touched a grey whale!!! I'll post pics here..got some video too, sooo amazing. Think I was pretty lucky as its early in the birthing season and some locals here have never actually touched one. She brought her baby to the boat to show it off, the baby was doing little belly rolls off its mama's back. Her head felt soft..and barnacaly too.yay. London in 2 weeks, was hoping to get there with a tan..make everyone reeaally jealous back home, but its been pretty cold here, so wont be doin that then. arsenips. Better go practice, see you all back in Canada, or Blighty, or Italy, I dunno..somewheres!

tour's end..for now

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:38:05 GMT

Tour’s end..for now Back on Vancouver Island after a brief stint on the road with BDSS. It's amazing how little you can see of so many places when you are running on a schedule like that. I seen plenty of highway between Ontario and Quebec. I found a hot Belgian style waffle and a coffee and watched people skate on a frozen pond in Quebec City one morning..around 8 am..(before we had to pile on the bus to head for Montreal)..moments like that make me so happy on the road. The shows were huge, the theatres were gorgeous, the snow was beautiful. I am always sad when tour ends, I miss everyone loads, it's so quiet here;;sigh;; Highlight: The whole bus singing 'moving right along' from the muppet movie..classic..and a little tear jerkin'.

homecoming..

samanthahasthorpe — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:38:40 GMT

homecoming dance show thingy yay yay yay at the weekend/ so weird to be home. i am digging through my boxes in the attick and found my old Fat Chance videos..vhs..a little warped and fuzzy from 2 years worth of damp, but still playable..this is where it all began... my journey comes full circle as i watch Carolena go through the basic steps that got me hooked on Tribal Style way back in 2003. Now I'm back..and I'm going to work through the videos again, like i used to, a little older and a little wiser..maybe.. goin to teach some classes do some dancin at festivals catch up with old friends and finally sew up all the pieces ive been carting around the world for 2 years now that i have a little time to kill...before its time to pack up and head off once again. its hard being solo, hard to focus on personal practice, anyone got any tips on gettin around that?

edith

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:24:56 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-sUzR71wpQ

oh dear..

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 23 May 2007 21:55:14 GMT

i made a mess...

back in bc...

samanthahasthorpe — Tue, 15 May 2007 22:40:35 GMT

just got back to bc after my stint in monte carlo..its ...so..quiet ...here....weird to be back. The coffees are so BIG here! British Airways managed to lose my luggage again, so ALL my sewing projects are somewhere in the ether right now..which is making me a little edgy to say the least. i have plenty to organise and keep busy with over the next 2 weeks though so i wont have time to get all sad about missing the troupe. it was a blast. Monaco is kind of like a cross between a movie set and a zoo..the casino shows were so much fun. I have a drum to start learning on, I have new costume ideas..which will be hard to realise if my luggage doesnt turn up.I have 2 shows coming up..and i am now staying in log cabin north of nelson..with no hot water, no bathroom, an outdoor shower and a bear. eek. looking forward to vancouver workshop this weekend, martina has been workin her arse off preparing all of that, s'gon be fun!! see you there.

sam's scoop

samanthahasthorpe — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:04:11 GMT

oi oi tricksters, weirdos, fellow dance devotees, fanatics and freaks. Just a heads up that my Springtime telegram is about to be divulged, so if you havent signed up to the mailing list, ensure you do so asap.Fanks. To do so please trundle along to www.snakecharmah.co.uk

best yet

samanthahasthorpe — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:38:33 GMT

Well then, shows are over, Ariellah flies home today after we spent a few days resting, training, yoga and sauna in the most beautiful place by the river.......and its time to pack my bags again. Off to San Rafael for the biggest tribal contingent in one show, its gonna be wikid.Then theres the Tribal DVD shoot in LA. Then prep to head off to europe! Cant believe Im heading back to europe after so long away, Im not scheduled for the Raqs Brit event, much to my mum's disappointment. Shes not a happy bunny. Finally feeling rested after the last few months of craziness and preparations and more craziness. Had a blast last weekend, the workshops were perfect, even though a gymnasium in a hockey centre isnt the calmest environment for shavasana, but needs must ya know. The shows were the best yet, Ariellah was blown away by the quality, as am I every time i see these shows. BC is full of dedicated hard working, hard training, focused dancers. When I got to Vancouver Island I landed thinking I would be the only Belly Dancer and be lonely and bored and frustrated...well that couldnt have been further from the truth man. The last show had 30 talented perfomers from Vancouver city and surrounding islands. I want to thank all the performers again for making the shows the best yet.

ach..

samanthahasthorpe — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:19:07 GMT

ever get that feeling when you have things to do all at once..and none of em get done coz you've spent the past who knows how long running backwards and forwards from sink, to sewing, to practicing, to writing class plans, to editing tunes, to unpicking sewing, to the phone, to groceries, to thinkin,to...to.. to..... ok....procrastinating on tribe???????????? nuffin gets finished.

yay

samanthahasthorpe — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:52:58 GMT

rehearse, eat, sew, practice, sleep, repeat. i love my life right now.

so i guess its goodbye...

samanthahasthorpe — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 16:08:37 GMT

to my home back in blighty...1960's cheltenham trailer, she's seen me through many a festival and cold winter...its time to let her go to a good home as i dont know when i'll be back to light the old woodstove again...sniff

careful..

samanthahasthorpe — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 18:32:30 GMT

careful what you wish for..coz one day you'll get it..and man you won know wot hit...

menagerie2

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:25:55 GMT

got a vid...more to come http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5yYlFEXeh8

show time...snow time..

samanthahasthorpe — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:53:46 GMT

it was a close call but the show went on...we slid our way to the venue after a nightmarish day waiting to decide if we could pull it off..and wondering if us performers made it through the snow..would there be an audience?!even though it had sold out days before..we knew some folk couldnt even get out of their driveways.. but the hardcore braved the roads and we had a blast! how nath and karen made it over the malahat dodging falling trees is a miracle..nath wasnt phased at all..the show had to go on! the guy is a genius..vancouver island is lucky to have him.even though we were missing lava and lara and candace (we'llsee them in the next show for sure) we managed to organise a new show a few minutes before people started to arrive!phew..nath is back!!!!this was his first comeback appearance after a year away in cambodia, I am looking forward to seeing much more of him from now on..im off to throw a snowball or two..seeing as i am going no where in my car in this snow....

Menagerie 2...

samanthahasthorpe — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:03:11 GMT

SOLD OUT!!! again!...already!!! that never happens at this venue its great.Im chuffed,so sorry to everyone who left it to the last minute..i dont have any spare tikits, even oscar will have to sit on the floor as I didnt get any tikits..

12 months on tour

samanthahasthorpe — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 23:09:06 GMT

12 months today!!!i have been away from the UK for a year..and my trip comes full circle next week when i head to toronto to dance in Audras show, its gonna be great to catch up with everyone there again... Just got back from Atlanta last night and spent the night in Victoria Airport arrivals lounge as my luggage got lost...with my car keys in my jacket..in my suitcase...yay.

menagerie 2

samanthahasthorpe — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:02:03 GMT

Samantha presents DANSE DU VENTRE MENAGERIE 2...Encore! Sunday November 26th 2006 doors open at 7pm Due to the sell out event in September, Samantha presents the encore show with very special guest Belly Dancers including the incredible Nath Keo, www.nathkeo.com This will be his first performance since his return from a year away in Cambodia, we are honoured to have Nath in the show. Also featuring special guests Taylamara, Karen Grace, Lara and more TBA. The Garage Belly Dance Menageries promise to be Wild Weird and Wonderful events to remember! Tikits will be available through www.duncangarageshowroom.ca Get your seats in advance to avoid dissapointment! For more details you can contact Samantha through her website, www.snakecharmah.co.uk

post menagerie

samanthahasthorpe — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 05:35:03 GMT

so the show was a sell out and we had to turn people away.i am so happy with how smoothly the whole thing went with thanks to friends for thier support on the night.i am left wondering how to pull off the next one ; somehow being able to financially support the artists who give up thier time to practice and travel for the event...and how i can earn more than a underage babysitters wage to put on and perform in a sold out event...anyone have any idea? i was proud to be able to organise my first event in a beautiful space..in a theatre..where it should be. personally, i hope i can keep my chosen art form in such venues and out of restaurants ....somehow..i think if we can support each other and keep hosting these events theres no reason why not.

danse du ventre menagerie....

samanthahasthorpe — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:55:03 GMT

SOLD OUT!!!!! freaking out here..been running around like a nutter getting everything sorted,posters,programmes,music...where is the time to practice with all this going on??thats what i wanna know...now i know why dancer friends who have organised this kind of thing dont dance on the night....