Wow. He is the man. This guy can take photos like no one else. From what I know, he is the most successful and in demand commercial photographer in the Bay Area. I've seen his work of Ballet dancers, most notably Lines and I've always been blown away by his work. The way he captures spirit and movement is just awe inspiring. He did my Fire Dance photo last year and I was just tickled to be able to work with him again for the Crane photo. What an honor.

To see more of his incredible work visit: www.rjmuna.com

Yay, I made it! A year older and wiser. I had the best birthday ever this year, the pic is from Jewelz s and I'm holding up the pinata I massacred at my party. It was the prettiest Pinata ever...I collected some of the candy in my skirt too, yummm.

Good afternoon Blog. I finally had time to update, but to my dismay Tribe was down again this afternoon...arg! Yipee it's up again. I'm currently looking for a new monitor to clear away all the cobwebs on my Tribe, since I don't have time these days to play in cyberspace . I'm also going to try to organize and fix up my Facebook account and slowly try to migrate my blogging over there...um shooting for at least once a month :>I

January was a handful. I was scouted by Cirque to audition (I will write about that in my next blog) and auditioned for EDF again. I don't know what it is about January but last time I auditioned I was sooo sick with the flu and this year I had pulled my hamstring 2 weeks before (Um not a good idea to dance without warming up in the middle of winter..) I couldn't walk and taught classes sitting in a chair old school ballet style. Note to self :I need a stick to poke the students with.. haha.

I was accepted to perform again for this years Festival and honored to be the only Bellydancer and performer to represent the Middle East. I just started training again last week and my hamstring feels better. I based this years piece on the Demoiselle Crane and I had so much fun researching this amazing creature. I am tightening up on the choreography and by performance time It should be better than the audition. This piece is probably one of the most physically challenging dances I have ever done. There is so much stamina and upper body strength required for this piece, that I have to practice it almost everyday or I'll exhausted after 2 minutes.

I was one of the groups chosen to receive a grant for the 30 year anniversary of EDF. The grant is to bring musicians from Egypt to accompany my dance. I was really excited by this opportunity, but right now it's not looking so great. I have some contacts in Egypt, but the biggest obstacle right now is getting the visa and time logistics. Due to the 'war on terror' bringing people here from the Middle East is, eh...complicated..

Current inspirations are...Cranes, the sun, and spring blooms...hooray for the spring blooms.

She'll rock your socks. I've had the pleasure of teaching and dancing with her since 2004. She's blossomed into a fantastic performer. The photo above is Mandanah doing her signature move. The photo does it no justice. I just think of her doing his move and it puts a smile on my face. If you see her, be sure to ask her to do it..you will not regret it. Watch her dance here: www.youtube.com/watch

I love my troupe too...oh that's me in the front ;)