My Blog

BELLY DANCE CLASSES

sarahskinner — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:52:29 GMT

Jan 08 (Thu) INTRODUCTORY FREE BELLY DANCE CLASS with Sarah Skinner Get the New Year started right: take Sarah Skinner's free introductory class on Jan 8 2009! Every thurs night Sarah Skinner will be teaching a beginner belly dance class. We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC NY 10011 Learn to belly dance in a a friendly environment with Sarah Skinner. Shimmy, shake and undulate your way to fitness and self confidence while allowing yourself to be captivated by the graceful, sensual and celebratory aspects of exotic music and belly dancing. We will focus on muscle isolation, increasing flexibility and building core strength. While getting a great workout you will be enhancing your personal grace by learning movements and choreography combinations. Learn more: http://shakemyday.com/site/?page_id=196

Cleopatra and temple dancers

sarahskinner — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:32:59 GMT

These costumes were created for the Venus Uprising show : Tarot Nov 2008 and for the World Dance New York upcoming DVD release. I had 24 performers in the number. I created the costumes. Some parts were purchased. Read all about it!!! http://shakemyday.com/site/?p=179 http://shakemyday.com/site/?p=182

Dipped to perfection

sarahskinner — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:44:51 GMT

I have been working on my performance for the upcoming <a href="http://www.venusuprising.com/events/cult_of_myth.htm">Venus Uprising show: Cult of Myth</a> April 25-26. I love participating in big theater shows like this one. It provides a play space to create something really special. I jumped into this show with both feet in - lots of big exciting ideas. I remind myself that with all the effort and creative ideas, granted, there is no guarantee that it will be a “hit”. That is the risk any artist takes. That risk opens the door for a flop and for unequaled greatness to occur. I am happy to take that challenge. I acquired white veils. Seeing the white white next to the opalescent color of the rich creamy pearls of my Salome costume, I could not bare it. I became determined that I needed off white veils. I went on the message boards and sent emails to dye companies asking how does one dye off white. Many responded by saying I needed to do a complicated mix of different dye color chemicals that would then vary on how much I was dying to achieve an off white color. Some how, I got the idea to use tea. What better way to bring my costume back in time by using a natural old school way of dyeing. I spent the other day dyeing my veils as well as another skirt option for the costume. As I sat there for hours steeping and dipping my silk to just the right color I questioned my sanity. Who cares what color white my veil is? Is it really worth hours and hours of my time? And I suppose if I purely looked at the project as cost and effect, the hours devoted to the perfect shade of silk would not be economical. But as an artist, the perfect candle light cream veil will compliment the glory of my pearl encrusted costume. The next day I drove for miles to meet up with Pete Asland who is a sound engineer for many famous stars. He had just completed a 52 hour hellish work binder yet opened his door to me with a smile. I plopped down my little pieces of music from here and there and he chopped and hacked away with the ease of an ice skater. I wanted a knock at the door and was stressed about how to achieve that. As the words of what I wanted came out of my mouth, he pulled out a microphone and put it next to a door and said "knock". And moments later, my piece had a knock at the door added on. I also needed to add on a percussion piece of music that Kazuki created just for this piece among other things. <img src="http://www.shakemyday.com/shop/products/vide_1000.jpg" alt="Pulse CD cover" />I had always known that Kazuki was a talented drummer. I worked on her new CD cover with her. I was so excited by her music and enthusiasm for recording that I asked her if she would work on this project with me. I learned that among her many positive attributes she is also an absolute joy to work on a project with. As I work on this Salome project, fussing with perfection, I realize once again, how much time everything takes. And that big things can never get done alone. Being that things take so much- it is amazing that anything gets off the ground. But I suppose that once it goes gloriously live, that all the exhaustion of creating it will pale away and be forgotten. And the next project will be begun before the realization that once again there is a pile of things to be dipped to perfection before one can go to sleep for the night. Send luck to complete the remaining details for the show next week.

Finished filming

sarahskinner — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:43:24 GMT

We just finished filming the "Luscious: The Belly Dance Workout" with Neon Blanca and myself. It was so much fun. It was a total workout. I slept for 2 days after it was all done. I loved getting to wear my new costume that I designed- and it made the cover! Neon posted more photos from the photoshoot on our Venus Uprising blog: http://venusuprising.typepad.com/venus/2008/03/luscious---the.html

Costumes (and more) for sale

sarahskinner — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:43:15 GMT

Just got back from three weeks of spending. SO!!! Things for sale: http://www.weclick.net/gallery/3728966#226064628 Costumes, zills, coin belt, fringe, skirts, DVDs.

Comfortable and beautiful photoshoot

sarahskinner — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:37:08 GMT

Here is a video clip of Athena Najat having a photoshoot with me. http://www.shakemyday.com/photo/index.html Just in time for a photoshoot SALE! Take your new costumes from RAK and get them photographed for the new year! Get $30 off Nov and Dec 2007.

Sep 15 (Sat): WeClick Photography studio party

sarahskinner — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:04:29 GMT

08:00pm Kevin and Sarah Skinner started are celebrating our 1800sq ft studio. Please come and check out our work and listen to Live music by Kevin Fox, Scott Wakefeild and friends. We Click LLC Studio, 20 West 20th street, Suite 602, New York NY 10011

New costume, new video clip

sarahskinner — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:40:01 GMT

I just learned how to use youtube and tried my first video clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWIfMY5QIxA blog post about the performance: http://blog.shakemyday.com/?p=42 I am working on the write up about the Bella costume :)

In Tronto Aug 6-12

sarahskinner — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:53:35 GMT

I am heading up to Tronto on vacation and I am looking for bellydance stuff to do and meet fellow dancers. If anyone one has ideas for me - lemme know! I was cleaning out my computer and came across this photo I did when I did a shoot in DC. I thought I would share befor she goes off to the archives.

The ME and the WE

sarahskinner — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:48:57 GMT

I wrote a blog post about an ongoing struggle. And though the thoughts about the topic are not finished I submitted it as an article. Please read and help me explore this concept: http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=270

Mata Hari Unveiled

sarahskinner — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:41:30 GMT

My costume collection has a new write up added. It has been my secret project. I have hoarded my treasures for so long. It is so wonderful to finally be finished and shout out to the world, sharing what I think is a dream come true of a costume and a performance. Costume write up: http://www.shakemyday.com/sarah/costume_23.html Blog post about performance : http://blog.shakemyday.com/?cat=3 Gothic Belly Dance: Revelations DVD The performance will be on this upcoming DVD release. http://worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=54&catid=18

Back home and strait to party with Lady M

sarahskinner — Wed, 23 May 2007 21:05:22 GMT

I just got back from my vacation (read more about that in my website blog- www.blog.shakemyday.com) and I heard that Lady M was in town- I ran out the door to go enjoy seeing her!!! ouuu I am so glad that I didnt miss the opportunity to catch up. Here is a photo of the party crowd all around one of my motercycles. I just went to her tribe profile and found the promo video clip- and WOW she is not only a great person to hang with but - oh my was that a hot clip! http://people.tribe.net/lady_morrighan

Raj debut at Figaro

sarahskinner — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:32:51 GMT

I just finished a long babbling blog about it: http://www.venusuprising.com/blog-pages/march-07.html#sarah040907 In this photo you can see Jehan, Jacklina and christina clapping and supportively cheering me on!

Raj costume release

sarahskinner — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 18:26:14 GMT

Years ago, when I was a textile designer, I went to the exotic land of India and came home with lots of textiles. I had a Rajasthan wall hanging .... read more: http://www.shakemyday.com/sarah/costume_24.html Photo by Kevin Fox (www.weclick.com) at Cafe Figaro April 8th 2007

Happy holiday

sarahskinner — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:15:09 GMT

I hope everyone had a good holiday season. After I finished my show at Figaro last night, I went home and took a shower and when I came out my special someone had left out little easter eggs all over. I am a very lucky woman. I will get my act together and get my photos of that night finished and a full report on how my brand new costume did on its first performance.

Juvie robbers strike family

sarahskinner — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 18:24:43 GMT

Group of juveniles saw the name of my step-sisters store and took as invitation. What my family has, clearly everyone wants – BADLY. Kristen had just opened "Juvie", a groovy new store in Los Angeles for older kids clothing and gifts. [about the store: http://www.mmdnewswire.com/content/view/1209/] The thieves wiped out the stores inventory during the robbery, leaving the store badly struggling. There are a few online items such as some fabulous games and accessories that are great for birthday gifts. Please share the website with others and go shopping. Shopping helps saves new businesses. Thank you. http://www.juvieshop.com

Livin high on the scooter

sarahskinner — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:50:11 GMT

thats right not "high on the hog"- "high on the scooter". I must say I love my scooter- even riding in the rain driving from Neons house to go see Zenaida perform at Figaro. I just ate a fourtune cookie that told me good opportunties are instore for me! Zenaida was lovely- as exspected. Layla Mary was there, always a treat to catch up with her. I sat with Leni, who has always been in kind of a similar place in her life, so I always enjoy checkin in with her and seeing how she is. it was a really nice night. I showed Neon than Zenaida my latest sewing projects- and they raved- which always feels nice to have other enjoy what you are enjoying working on. I spent the eariler part of the day on... ohhh... I cant wait to talk about it- I just want to wait to disclose in a big announcement. But lets just say April is starting out with a bang of new things in my life that I am very happy about. scoot scooting along!!! (photo by Dale when I performed in Ohio)

Aszmara class

sarahskinner — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:46:00 GMT

I have been trying to get to her NYC workshops- I finally believe I can actually get to it today. she is so great on so many levals. Interiew: http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=244 check my events page for more dates and times: http://www.shakemyday.com/events/

It has arrived

sarahskinner — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:43:45 GMT

YES, the almighty Lrose turkish skirt, that I tormented endlessly about what color to purchase, has finally arrived tonight- in all of its glory. I know you all want a fancy photo- it deserves it-, but I just couldnt wait. I just had to take a snappy and run to upload it. You all need to share in this glorious moment. (sarah says as she wipes the tears of joy from her eyes)

Realization that I am given gifts as a photographer

sarahskinner — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:21:12 GMT

I was photographing Xylinia of Boston yesterday and was really enjoying her company and I thought about how lucky I am. Being a dance photographer, I get to meet other dancers in such a nice setting: Happy, making them look beautiful and chatting over sparkels. I am really happy with my life. Sooo nice. I can't wait for my next photoshoot with a dancer that I have never met before and getting to know them too. The photo attached is of Xylinia- doesnt she look great!!!

Performance review

sarahskinner — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 19:24:21 GMT

I went to see the Luna Negra show- wow was it wonderful! and I saw Aszmaras number that she is teaching classes on- read the article for more info!!! http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=248

Flattering insult

sarahskinner — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:12:28 GMT

The other day someone was desperately trying to insult me by saying I got hired because I was young and beautiful... At first I got all defensive, thinking about how I have been training in belly dance for over two decades -RANT- And then, I stepped back, took a breath, and said “YES, that is exactly why I was hired!” At the age of 35 I will proudly accept that insult! Knowing who you are and being comfortable with who you are, is the best gift you can give yourself. Just go out and do your THANG.

Newsflash: Armed robbers abscond with “I Love Turkish Belly Dance” DVDs

sarahskinner — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:31:57 GMT

This just in: Tuesday, Feb 27 am, armed robbers at the London FedEx terminal speed away in a FexEx truck containing the famed “I love Turkish Belly Dance” DVDs by Sarah Skinner. The DVDs were reported to be heading to Wales for distribution. Be warned, these belly dancing thieves are reported to be armed and shaken! (not a joke)

Gothic weekend

sarahskinner — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:28:20 GMT

Tempest and Sashi were in town & Neon, Scott, Blanca, Carmine and I went out !!! Jeniviva put on a wild night- tons of exotic performances.Getting to know these west coast performers was so enjoyable!

Seido and Kazoooooos wedding gallery is up

sarahskinner — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:56:31 GMT

We loved photographing their wedding so much - and they were so interesting and stunning - we just HAD to add them to our website: http://www.weclick.com/flash/ Click on gallery 6