The Reluctant Blogger

Dancing on imported air....

tamrahennatx — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:36:21 GMT

So this weekend I performed onstage with Souhail Kaspar and the Am'waj band from Houston. What a rush! Eight or so minutes flew by like it was 30 seconds - I could have stayed out there for an hour! AND people seemed to like what I did, though for the life of me I couldn't tell you what that was. So far this year, I've performed with live music three times, including Georges Lammam and his ensemble (with Amina Goodyear on percussion) and Souhail Kaspar, plus local Dallas musicians Wind & Fingers. Just goes to show you, if you desire something, and you put it out there to the universe, it will come to you. Dear Universe, More please. Thank you, me

FREE Belly Dance Class with Tamra Henna Wednesday!

tamrahennatx — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:26:10 GMT

Hi everyone! Al Amir Lebanese Restaurant on Greenville Avenue in Dallas is sponsoring FREE belly dance classes every Wednesday night! This week, June 11, I will be teaching basic belly dance moves from 8:30-9:30, and then at 9:30, enjoy a professional performance. This week is extra special because I will be joined in performance by members of my student performing troupe, Banat al Henna! Time: 8:30-10pm (class from 8:30-9:30) Cost: FREE - although you Al Amir has delicious food, and of course drinks and shisha! Bring your friends and make a night of it! Hope to see YOU there!

Camparet! Camparet!

tamrahennatx — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:07:04 GMT

It's time to start making your plans, ladies! Don't miss Camparet 2008 - we have the incomparable Princess Farhana! What is Camparet? It's a dance retreat for women in the beautiful Texas Hill Country including hours of classes with PF, Bahaia, and moi, campfires, s'mores, bunk decorating, games, SHOPPING, swimming, canoe-ing, hiking, relaxing, meeting new people and making friends, plus informal shows, crafts, and MORE! The eventbrite link will be ready soon so you can start your layaway plan, gather your carpool buddies, and start planning your prizewinning bunk decor (and your pranks, muahahahaha)! I say this every time, but this could be the BEST Camparet EVER! Can you tell I wish it was October already?

Like a Rolling Stone

tamrahennatx — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:38:08 GMT

The last weekend in February I traveled to the Bay Area with Bahaia to dance in the "By Dancers for Dancers" show in Berkely. What a fun time that was - I can't wait for the DVD's to come out! Bahaia taught a rockin' workshop on balady styling on Saturday, and after the show Sunday night we crossed the Bay Bridge into San Francisco and went to Pena Pacha Mama in North Beach to hear Georges Lammam and his ensemble play (including Amina Goodyear on percussion) and to see our friend Debbie Smith dance. By the end of the evening both Bahaia and I had been invited to perform a short set with the musicians. What a fantastic treat - wow, did I ever get my live music fix! It boggles my mind how you can go out on any given Sunday night in San Fran and hear such fantastic music and see such lovely dancers. Do San Francisco dancers understand how fortunate they are? Last weekend, my student performing group "Banat al Henna" gave their very first performance ever at what I call "Sabina's Casbah of Cool". I'm not sure if anything has made me prouder as a dancer than being with them as they took the stage for the first time, so excited and confident, and none of them seemed nervous at all! Jeanette of Austin taught an excellent veil workshop in the afternoon and in the evening Sabina held an informal show at her art gallery right off the main square in downtown Waxahachie. The informal atmosphere of the venue and the friendliness of the audience really put everyone at ease. This is one of my favorite events to attend all year, and I hope Sabina keeps it going for a long time to come. Banat al Henna is next scheduled to perform at Kismet on March 22nd. Now that they've got their maiden performance behind them it's time for the challenge of a bigger stage - we are all so excited! Now, onto choreographing for upcoming class sessions starting on the 17th, as well as figuring out where does Banat go next. Where do I go next? There are local musicians I've begun speaking with and would love an opportunity to collaborate with. There's a small workshop in May, my involvement in the Austin Belly Dance Convention in June, the opportunity to sponsor a small workshop with Carmine in North Texas this summer, Camparet with Princess Farhana in October... The latest buzzword in the media is "momentum," and meaning no disrespect for the presidential candidates, neither one of them has anything on me when it comes to being swept along by the forces of creativity and nature.

The Muse

tamrahennatx — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:17:04 GMT

My raison d'etre for dancing has always been the music. Over the last few years, I've had a wonderful opportunity to perform regularly, but something has been missing. I NEED to dance to live music - Arabic (style) musicians playing the classics, all of us playing off of, and to, each other, creating something more than just a dance performance...Through the years I've had a few experiences, but not nearly enough to satisfy the hunger. The problem is this city where I live is a large city, but is very short on musicians who are willing or able to collaborate with local dancers, nor does our Arab community support live music venues. What to do? There is a void that I must fill...

Michael Baxter in Dallas! Dec. 1-2, 2007

tamrahennatx — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:55:35 GMT

Ok, I'm bursing here: I can't keep a lid on this any longer - I'm arranging for Michael Baxter to come to Dallas on the 1-2 of December for two days of photo shoots!!!!! For those of you who don't know his work, it's clean and beautiful and he has a wonderful gift for capturing dancers. He's done almost all the photography for Michelle Joyce (www.arabicdance.net), Sandra (www.raks-sharki.com), and Zaheea (www.zaheea.com), and his work is on several CD covers! Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to obtain beautiful and professional promo photos at VERY reasonable prices right here in Dallas! Here is Michael's mission statement: ***Michael Baxter does belly dance photography as a gift of artistry for the belly dance community at zero cost. The fees charged for these photo sessions only defray the cost of studio rental and some related expense to bring Michael out from California. Michael does NOT profit from this work. More particularly, the belly dancer will receive 100% of the photos taken, in ultra-high resolution, and will benefit from extremely liberal licensing terms which share benefits with the belly dancer normally afforded only to the photographer in other use models. Michael is very different: the photos are for absolutely unrestricted use, in any media, for any number of copies, at zero additional cost, without licensing encumbrances of any kind whatsoever, in perpetuity. You are even free to sell the photos for a profit, without paying Michael. There will be time slots available for troupes, individuals, duets, and trios. Please contact me if you are interested; more details will be available soon!

HIPpie Politics

tamrahennatx — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:41:44 GMT

This guy needs to be President. Pass it on! http://www.bestcyrano.org/cyrano/?p=128

UPDATE: AZIZA at October 2007 Dance Camp! Class Topics!

tamrahennatx — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:48:23 GMT

Hi all, If you haven't yet made your plans, NOW is the time! This year, Aziza is rockin' HOT Seminars' October Dance Camp, and we now have a run-down of the topics Aziza will be teaching. Friday: Technique/Combinations Saturday: Choreography - Lamma Bada Yata Thanna (10/8!!!) Sunday: Hands, Arms, and Poses In addition, there will be a class taught by Bahaia, and a class taught by me. (details coming soon!) This is a spectacular way to enjoy an intensive dance experience in a peaceful setting - and we have LOADS of fun, too! There are still spaces available, and you CAN pay in installments, but DON'T WAIT, register TODAY! http://camparet2007.eventbrite.com/ P.S.: Give me shout out if you're joining us this year! TH

Weird, wild stuff!!!!

tamrahennatx — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:34:40 GMT

Ok, so this is a shameless plug for my hubby's Cafepress store. He's an artist and graphic designer, and he opened this store a few months ago, and since then, the design ideas have been non-stop! It's not belly dance related, but if any of you like the strange and unique (or know someone who does), check it out! http://www.cafepress.com/tedtutorshop3

HOT Dance Camp with Aziza!

tamrahennatx — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:46:53 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm getting a lot of inquiries from dancers about spaces available at dance camp. Just to let everyone know, we still have room for dancers, but spaces are going fast, so don't wait! Reserve your spot now, and you have until September 15 to pay out the balance. As you may know, Aziza is our guest instructor for HOT Dance Camp (Camparet) this year. If you can't get enough Aziza - and who can? - this is a FANTASTIC opportunity to spend three days with her and your fellow campers in the beautiful Texas Hill Country in Autumn (a PERFECT time to enjoy the beautiful Texas sunshine with a little less Texas heat). Camp is crazy fun - a great place to get away from daily life, relax, and really soak in the good vibes - in addition to classes with Aziza, Bahaia, and Tamra Henna (me), we have two informal shows, a bonfire with s'mores, henna party, arts and crafts, hiking, swimming, games, shopping(!) and more than a little mischief (hey, it's all in good fun, though!) For more information and to reserve your spot, visit http://camparet2007.eventbrite.com/ Also, feel free to ask me any questions about camp here or email me at camparet at bahaia dot com

It's time to plan for Camparet 2007 with Aziza!

tamrahennatx — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:37:30 GMT

Can you tell I'm excited to be the producer for this event? We're going to have a blast (as always!), and I look forward to seeing familiar faces, and hopefully a lot of new faces at camp this year! Now that the spring rush is over, it's time to look forward to summer and fall, and it's the perfect time to reserve your space for Camparet 2007 with Aziza! HOT Dance Camp is a dance experience like no other, and has gained a reputation for excellent teaching and organization, and the fantastic spirit of cameraderie that all participants leave with. Come find out why so many campers return! Then you, too, can tell your friends, "This one time, at dance camp..." For information and registration, visit http://camparet2007.eventbrite.com/ If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at camparet @ bahaia . com

Anyone interested in a recycled Pom?

tamrahennatx — Thu, 31 May 2007 14:47:31 GMT

For all my dance friends in the D/FW area, I know someone who rescued a young Pomeranian from a construction site a few weeks ago and is trying to find him a home. Apparently he's about four years old and in good health. She does not know if he has been neutered. Let me know if you are interested!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

tamrahennatx — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:40:40 GMT

I'm in the trailer! I'm the first dancer, don't blink! http://www.bellydance.org/movies/bdor_set.mov

HIPpie politics, because democracy doesn't just happen...

tamrahennatx — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:51:02 GMT

Now here's a good petition for you all, and a cause I believe in: making public office truly accessible to the people, not just the well-connected. Please take a moment to read and sign this petition for public financing of campaigns. If we want to see true change in government, we need to address the insidious impact corporate lobbyists and private donors have on the laws that are passed in this country. Read below: Top Democrats and Republicans just announced a groundbreaking bill to make our elections more democratic with public financing. Can you imagine if people could be elected to Congress without massive wealth and without begging for campaign cash from big donors? Congress wouldn't owe corporate lobbyists any favors. That's why those very lobbyists will work overtime to kill this exciting reform. Let's work to make Congress answer to the people. The first step is to gather 200,000 signatures for this petition: "Congress must pass public financing to make our elections fair." Can you help out by signing this petition to Congress? It's really easy—just click the link below: http://pol.moveon.org/fairelections/?referring_id=10063-3345719-NaoA1L Thanks!

Inspiration is akin to madness...

tamrahennatx — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:06:11 GMT

I just got a new CD last week, and I've never been so inspired. This beautiful piece is birthing itself in my brain (actually it's rising almost fully formed like Venus from the sea), and it's almost like I'm a helpless observer to this process. I've listened to this song a hundred times already, and each time it's like watching a movie and being in it at the same time. I MUST do this, I have no choice. This one's bigger than me, I'm going to need victims (er, volunteers) to make it happen...

Will Dance for Peace

tamrahennatx — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:22:12 GMT

I found a link to this website, which includes an online petition and ways to contact your congressmen to voice your opposition to continuing the war. If you want our newly-elected Congress to stand up and do the job they were voted in to do, rather than voting for namby-pamby non-binding resolutions add your name to the list! It's time we voters pointed out that we understand the true meaning of "Support our Troops." http://www.votersforpeace.us/

HIPpie Politics

tamrahennatx — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 22:33:29 GMT

I've started reading alternative media again, everyone LOOKOUT! Seriously, I saw this petition at moveon.org, and figured that nothing could be lost from publicizing this petition, and much could be lost by doing nothing. If you've enjoyed and benefitted from NPR and PBS in your life, please take a minute to sign, and forward to anyone you know who may be interested. Subject: Save NPR and PBS once and for all Hi, President Bush just proposed drastic cuts to NPR and PBS. We've stopped similar cuts in the past, but enough is enough: With the new Congress, we can make sure this never happens again. We need Congress to save NPR and PBS once and for all. Can you help out by signing this petition to Congress? It's really easy—just click the link below: http://civic.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/?referring_id=-7937960-Ls8YJbb_Rr4K108a7cqLFg Thanks!

Impending Surf & Turf alert, or how to be a well-fed belly dancer.....

tamrahennatx — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:42:49 GMT

Well, after a gloriously brief search, I found a job! It's sort of an entry-level position, but I can tell they want me to take on as much as I can, considering my past experience, and are already talking about growth opportunities down the road. I like the company and what they do, and I've very excited about the possibilities... I start on Monday, and my class schedule is sure to change, I'll post more as I figure it all out. Wish me luck, it's been a while since I've done this. I'm really looking forward to challenging myself and accomplishing some real life goals, including paying bills, saving money, eating regular meals, and SHOE SHOPPING! And btw, I'm still going to dance camp! Woohoo!

There's nothing glamorous about being a starving artist

tamrahennatx — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:32:05 GMT

Anyone ever wonder why I'm so thin? It's because I'm a high-paid professional belly dancer! As glamorous and exciting as starvation is, I find I'm ready for three squares a day that don't consist in some part of ramen noodles. So, in my endless networking crusade, I turn to my tribe friends... SO - if anyone knows of anyone looking for an experienced administrative assistant let me know, I have my resume freshly polished, and I'm ready to rak the corporate world!

Belly Dancer, Categorically....

tamrahennatx — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 05:40:34 GMT

It's late, and I should be in bed. Instead, I'm online taking cheezy quizzes... What kind of Belly Dancer are You? You are a Cabaret Belly Dancer! You're what people think of when they hear the words "belly dancer" -- the beaded bra and belt, the nightclub routine, the doumbek and the zills. Equally at home in a restaurant or at a hafla, your routine is a crowd-pleaser no matter who's watching! Keep shimmying! Here's a link to the quiz: http://www.quizilla.com/users/SnakeHips/quizzes/What%20Kind%20of%20Belly%20Dancer%20are%20You%3F I could overanalyze our need to quiz ourselves into neat little boxes, but like I said, it's late...

YAY!!!! Al Amir Dancers!

tamrahennatx — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:37:13 GMT

Ok, I'm taking initiative and ah, tooting my own horn as it were (at least I admit it, lol!) - today I created a new tribe - the Al Amir Dancers tribe, as a means for those of us who dance there to reach out to and communicate with the D/FW belly dance community at large. One of the drawbacks of being a having a regular gig is the inability to attend many community events because of work. I have often felt like I dance in a vacuum, invisible in our belly dance community, even though I've given multiple performances a week in venues around town for the past four years. I know a lot of the D/FW belly dance community use tribe, so I felt this would be an excellent place to network with fellow dancers about Al Amir events, as well as professional restaurant/club gigs in general. My ulterior motive here is to increase support by the belly dance community at large for Al Amir shows (and shows at other restaurants around town). We can all benefit, dancers, restaurants, students, and community alike from more attendance at these shows, and I'd love to see that happen. For those of you who have come, a hearty THANK YOU! Seeing your faces in the audience is always a special feeling for me. For those of you who haven't come to Al Amir, I'd love to see you there! AA is a venue unique in the U.S.! Even Princess Farhana of L.A. said there's nothing like it. Please join the new tribe, and help us keep in touch! http://tribes.tribe.net/alamirdallas

The Reluctant Blogger: The Saga Begins

tamrahennatx — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 00:35:25 GMT

Oh no, I've been tagged! *clutches breast; faints* So, I'm supposed to blog 8 things about myself that no one knows, and tag 6 others, so here goes: 1) I'm NOT a fan of the blog. There I said it. But I've been tagged, and because I love Naciye, I'm starting a blog for her. (Don't think you're not getting a beating next time I see you, N *grin*) 2) I LOVE the ocean. I wanna be a mermaid when I grow up, or at least win the lottery and buy an island. 3) I HATE choreography. There, I said THAT. Actually, I should qualify that by saying I hate solo choreography, but like group choreo. I'm an improv dancer at heart. 4) I am still a Seinfeld fan. I can relate almost anything that happens to some Seinfeld episode. 5) My father is a Sufi muslim living with the Grandsheikh of his order in Cyprus. Really. 6) I'd secretly love to be a Bellydance Superstar, or a burlesque dancer. *insert evil laugh here* 7) My drink is a dirty martini, Skyye or Bombay Sapphire, please. 8) I'm addicted to internet forums, most non-belly dance related. Well, there, I did it, and it wasn't so bad. Naciye, you may just have created a monster. Now for my next victims, I choose: Bahaia, Zahena, Noraia, Zahara, Sa'diyya, and Rania (sorry guys!)