My thoughtz..let me show u dem

RIP Hannah kitty kat

tracey1971 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:19:06 GMT

to the best companion and friend I've ever had, I will miss you. You have been with me for 17 years and I will always love you dearly. I'll keep you with me always

Extra! Extra!

tracey1971 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:28:34 GMT

Tribal Alchemy is this FRIDAY! Wow, how time flies. We will be taking class registrations online until Wednesday 12am. Friday show tickets available online until Thursday 11:59p. Saturday will be available til Friday 11:59p. It's time to PLAY!!!!

Are YOU being served??

tracey1971 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:10 GMT

Why, yes! Yes you are!!! I am one of the members of 4 Wench Productions and we produce an event called “Tribal Alchemy”. Now I know many of you think because of the word “tribal”, this event has nothing to offer to YOU. This would be incorrect. What is Alchemy? By definition, alchemy is “ A medieval chemical philosophy having as its asserted aims the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of the panacea, and the preparation of the elixir of longevity. “ How this translates to US is the mixture of different elements of dance and music to create something entirely new. We offer affordable workshops, 36.00 each (which are approximately one week’s worth of fast food for most) and these workshops are instructed by some of the most sought after teachers around. For the musicians, we have with us this year Mr. Dave Hall, who has toured with Solace Live and himself has been a drumming instructor for over 15 years. He has a vast knowledge base and much to offer. For dancers who are not primarily of the “tribal” persuasion, one of our most requested an instructor (returning for a THIRD year) is Mira Betz. Her knowledge base is SO vast; it would fill this page to list every workshop topic she works with. She has taught workshops on Moroccan folkloric dance with us and this year is offering TWO very different workshops (one on improvisation skills and the other is all about the Taxeem!) We have SOOZ, who is Fat Chance certified coming to share the ATS goodness. We have Theatrical bellydance, we have Belladonna bringing her unbelievable SWORD skills to teach. The list goes on and on! The fact is, most bellydancers (no matter what style they fall into) use the same dance vocabulary. Our event offers the chance to learn some new ways to USE those moves, perhaps give you a FRESH view of your dance, and maybe turn you on to something you might not have previously been willing to try. For 36.00 and a few short hours of your time, you can get a glimpse of something new and maybe start to figure out how some dancers “do that stuff”. Most importantly, this event is NON PROFIT and benefits Safe Haven of Tarrant County. This center is a shelter and provides assistance for women and children who are affected by domestic violence. They can use our help, ALL OF THE BELLYDANCE COMMUNITY’S HELP. Please check out their website http://www.safehaventc.org/index.html 4 Wench Productions strongly believes in two core ideals: supporting our ENTIRE dance community by having an event that is affordable and offers exciting instruction. More importantly, we believe deeply and passionately about supporting our DFW COMMUNITY as a whole. Benefiting Safe Haven is a perfect way to do so. So take a few minutes, check out our website http://www.tribalalchemy.net/ and marinate on it, consider the possibilities you might open yourself up to with just a few hours and a week’s worth of fast food money (okay okay 36.00 for those of us who take lunch to work every day). If you have ANY questions about anything related to Tribal Alchemy, my email is ALWAYS open: obsidiadarkfusion@gmail.net. Namaste and bright blessing to all, Obsidia Resident Wench #3

cleaning out tribe

tracey1971 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:45:26 GMT

since tribe is now very temperamental, I decided not to visit as often. i generally only hit tribe every 3-4 days... with that in mind, I am leaving quite a few tribes that I have. SOOOOO, if I was on your tribe and I left, PLEASE know it is nothing personal. I just do not like visiting this site as often. I'm on FaceBook almost every day and I certainly want to keep up with what everyone/their troupe/their event has going on, so if we aren't FB friends, find me and friend me!!!! Here's my link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/obsidiadarkfusion?ref=profile

I'm clearing out my closet to make room for my fiancee!!

tracey1971 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:06:20 GMT

For anyone who doesn't know, I'm getting married and my fiancee is moving here in TWO WEEKS!!! So, to make sure there is space for her in the closet, I am having a HUGE sale on some bellydance items! Closet Clearout SALE!!! Yarn Belt, handmade by Katy of BellaNaTana..Bright and beautiful..only worn twice in performance..40.00 Red fringe belt. Never worn..10.00 SOLD Multi colored skirt…great for layering or wearing everyday. I only wore this once..20.00 Red micro dot harem pants by Desert Dancer. These are super comfy and look AWESOME on stage! Only worn twice..25.00 Black lace shrug..great for fusion or more “vintage inspired” costumes I wore this maybe three times..10.00 SALE PENDING Authentic RoseHips skirts!!! I have three for sale, all are an XL and will easily stretch to hip size 45” Brown/Copper sparkle- 15.00 SOLD Red/Black/White stripey-15.00 Gorgeous Black/White design-15.00 SALE PENDING Amazing Blue shawl/hip scarf with gorgeous floral embroidery and fringe..worn perhaps twice..20.00 SALE PENDING Authentic Kathleen Crowley wrist covers in gorgeous brown/cream..worn once..10.00 Steampunk inspired armlets..in an olive green…worn once..10.00 **pics in my profile..I accept Paypal..message me here or email me at obsidiadarkfusion@gmail.com**

FRUGAL FUN workshops with me, BellaNaTana and Just Trudi!!!!!

tracey1971 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:06:30 GMT

four wench productions presents: Frugal Fun Bellydance Workshops When: August 30, 2009 Where: Crescent Moon Dance Studio 6206 S. Freeway Ste. E Ft. Worth, TX 76134 Class descriptions: 10 am – 11:30 Sassy Tribal Moves for Cabaret Dancers: You’ve seen them, you love them, and have no clue how they are done. Come and learn fun and sassy moves that can be integrated into any style of bellydance. Want to know what the “Jiggy” is or the illusive “Black Widow”? Sign up and find out! 11:30 – 1pm 3D Isolations by Obsidia: Bellydancers all know the fundamental movements: maya, taxeem, chest circles, etc. In this workshop, Obsidia gives you the tools to begin developing the foundation for EXTREME isolations that push these movements beyond the "norm" as if you are moving INTO the audience. You will learn a few short combinations that utilize this new found expansion of isolations. Drilling and discussion of the pertinent muscles used will be done. Bring a notebook. 1pm – 2:30 Bhangra Fusion, Just Trudi Style! : Come learn a Bhangra Fusion Choreography that combines elements of bhangra, hip-hop, and bellydance, and some pure Just Trudi style! Hand outs will be available during class so we can concentrate on the fun! Please check by the appropriate box: ________Sassy Tribal Moves ________3D Isolations ________Bhangra Fusion Classes are $20 each or take all three for $50. Save $10! Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________ Phone:__________________________E-mail:________________________________ Please make checks and money orders payable to “Four Wench Productions” Mail to: Frugal Fun c/o Tribal Alchemy 428 Guadalupe Dr. Saginaw, TX 76179 For more info e-mail: rachelleerocks@yahoo.com “We have Queso!”

This weekend was CATHARTIC

tracey1971 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:51:39 GMT

I have just returned from a weekend Intensive with Ariellah. It was cathartic for a multitude of reasons. As a dancer, I've hit a plateau. I have no one to study with in my area that can challenge me to move further as an artist. Sure, I can go to a class and drill, but I am not pushed to expand myself and step outside my "dancer box". This has lead me to have a mental block in my art-I can't find music or movement I am passionate about. Then I went to Kansas. Ariellah's workshops really delved into being an ARTIST. Yes, we did drills and conditioning, BUT we spent the majority of the weekend working on ourselves and what each of us seek to bring as artists to the stage. Today's (Sunday) workshop really made me look inward at myself and my life up to this very moment. And let me say, that is way more difficult than it sounds. I felt a ton of emotions swirling around within me and then felt them release as I shared what I felt and why. I had tears (which brought tears to a few others, sorry about that) but I came away feeling I had a better grasp on myself as a woman AND an artist. I really loved this Intensive and not just because I consider Ariellah to be my mentor and biggest inspiration. Her workshops were very "personally oriented" and what you got from an exercise wasn't necessarily waht the person beside you got, which allowed EVERYONE to learn and grow from one another. Jadzia and her gals were super sweet and helpful. They took care of all of us (including my fiancee, who had her own adventures wandering Wichita) and they made us feel at home. When our plane took off, I realized that I was leaving all of the BS and crap that I no longer wanted or needed behind on the ground and (as cheesy as it sounds) I was taking off towards a better me-as a woman and artist. "Creativity is an act of defiance." — Twyla Tharp

8 Toxic Personalities to avoid...

tracey1971 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:45:16 GMT

This article by Brett Blumenthal was sent to me by my honey. I know people that fit some of these and a few people that fit MULTIPLE descriptions.. Although we like to think that the people in our lives are well-adjusted, happy, healthy minded individuals, we sometimes realize that it just isn't so. Personally, I've had moments where I'll be skipping through my day, happy as can be, thinking life is grand and BAM, I'll be blindsided by someone who manages to knock the happy wind out of my sails. Sometimes it is easy to write it off and other times, not so much. Maybe you are a positive person, but when you are around a certain individual, you feel negative. Or, maybe you have an idealistic view of the world and when you are with certain people, you are made to feel silly, unrealistic or delusional. Or, maybe you pride yourself in being completely independent and in control of your life, but when you are around a certain family member, you regress into a state of childhood. Some of these situations, and yes, these people, can have a tremendously negative impact on our lives. And, although we are all human and have our 'issues,' some 'issues' are quite frankly, toxic. They are toxic to our happiness. They are toxic to our mental outlook. They are toxic to our self-esteem. And they are toxic to our lives. They can suck the life out of us and even shorten our lifespan. Here are the worst of the toxic personalities out there and how to spot them: 1. Manipulative Mary: These individuals are experts at manipulation tactics. Is a matter of fact, you may not even realize you have been manipulated until it is too late. These individuals figure out what your 'buttons' are, and push them to get what they want. Why they are toxic: These people have a way of eating away at your belief system and self-esteem. They find ways to make you do things that you don't necessarily want to do and before you know it, you lose your sense of identity, your personal priorities and your ability to see the reality of the situation. The world all of a sudden becomes centered around their needs and their priorities. 2. Narcissistic Nancy: These people have an extreme sense of self-importance and believe that the world revolves around them. They are often not as sly as the Manipulative Marys of the world, but instead, tend to be a bit overt about getting their needs met. You often want to say to them "It isn't always about you." Why they are toxic: They are solely focused on their needs, leaving your needs in the dust. You are left disappointed and unfulfilled. Further, they zap your energy by getting you to focus so much on them, that you have nothing left for yourself. 3. Debbie Downers: These people can't appreciate the positive in life. If you tell them that it is a beautiful day, they will tell you about the impending dreary forecast. If you tell them you aced a mid-term, they'll tell you about how difficult the final is going to be. Why they are toxic: They take the joy out of everything. Your rosy outlook on life continues to get squashed with negativity. Before you know it, their negativity consumes you and you start looking at things with gray colored glasses yourself. 4. Judgmental Jims: When you see things as cute and quirky, they see things as strange and unattractive. If you find people's unique perspectives refreshing, they find them 'wrong'. If you like someone's eclectic taste, they find it 'disturbing' or 'bad'. Why they are toxic: Judgmental people are much like Debbie Downers. In a world where freedom rings, judgment is sooo over. If the world was a homogeneous place, life would be pretty boring. Spending a lot of time with these types can inadvertently convert you into a judgmental person as well. 5. Dream Killing Keiths: Every time you have an idea, these people tell you why you can't do it. As you achieve, they try to pull you down. As you dream, they are the first to tell you it is impossible. Why they are toxic: These people are stuck in what is instead of what could be. Further, these individuals eat away at your self-esteem and your belief in yourself. Progress and change can only occur from doing new things and innovating, dreaming the impossible and reaching for the stars. 6. Insincere Illissas: You never quite feel that these people are being sincere. You tell a funny story, they give you a polite laugh. You feel depressed and sad and they give you a 'there, there' type response. You tell them you are excited about something and you get a very ho-hum response. Why they are toxic: People who aren't sincere or genuine build relationships on superficial criteria. This breeds shallow, meaningless relationships. When you are really in need of a friend, they won't be there. When you really need constructive criticism, they would rather tell you that you are great the way you are. When you need support, they would rather see you fail or make a fool of yourself. 7. Disrespectful Dannys: These people will say or do things at the most inappropriate times and in the most inappropriate ways. In essence, they are more subtle, grown up bullies. Maybe this person is a friend who you confided in and uses your secret against you. Maybe it is a family member who puts their busy-body nose into your affairs when it is none of their business. Or maybe, it is a colleague who says demeaning things to you. Why they are toxic: These people have no sense of boundaries and don't respect your feelings or, for that matter, your privacy. These people will cause you to feel frustrated and disrespected. 8. Never Enough Nellies: You can never give enough to these people to make them happy. They take you for granted and have unrealistic expectations of you. They find ways to continually fault you and never take responsibility for anything themselves. Why they are toxic: You will spend so much time trying to please them, that you will end up losing yourself in the process. They will require all of your time and energy, leaving you worn out and your own needs sacrificed. All of these personalities have several things in common. 1) the more these people get away with their behavior, the more they will continue. 2) Unfortunately, most of these people don't see that what they do is wrong and as a result, talking to them about it will fall on deaf ears, leaving you wondering if you are the crazy one. 3) Most of these people get worse with age, making their impact on you stronger with time. Frankly, life is too short to spend your time dealing with toxicity. If you can, avoid spending mucho time with people who are indicative of these behaviors and you'll feel a lot happier. Have you encountered these personalities? What have you done? Any personalities you would add?

HEY!!! YOU!!!! CHECK THIS OUT!!!

tracey1971 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:20:35 GMT

Now that I have your undivided attention..... TRIBAL ALCHEMY 2009 now is happy to offer LAYAWAY options!!! Tribal Alchemy Workshops Friday 1:00-3:00 Dave Hall Drummer & Dancer Workshop $36.00 1:00-3:00 Rose Harden Rock Solid Fusion Foundation $36.00 Building Your Practice From The Ground Up! Enhance and deepen your understanding of belly dance fundamentals with technique drills and tribal fusion combos. Rose will cover layering, shimmies, and up-tempo movements -- great for any style of bellydance! This class will accommodate all levels of experience. 3:30-5:30 Elizabeth Strong Musicality and Combinations $36.00 3:30-5:30 Natalie Brown Theatrical Bellydance $36.00 After running away and joining (and directing) a circus two years ago, Natalie has performed in everything from top hats to feather boyshorts. Learn to create cohesive theatrical productions with the right music, atmosphere, moves and costuming, and successfully walk the fine line between radiance and ridiculousness. Learn one of Natalie's signature character choreographies, drawing on tribal fusion, ballet and acting vocabularies. Saturday 10:00-12:00 Rose Harden Icing the Cake: Contemporary Tribal Fusion $36.00 We'll kick things up a bit here! Level changes, fancy footwork, and spins are the name of the game. Because we will be building on our foundation from the first class, it is recommended that you take both classes. Previous belly dance experience requested if taken without workshop 1. 10:00-12:00 SHAKRA Exploring the Anatomy of Power Join Shakra for an extensive dissection of high impact movement to discover empowerment through power moves. Using action-packed movements from specimens such as West African Dance, Bhangra, and their own Transfusion Style, Shakra will show you how to harness personal power and channel that energy to areas of the body where it is needed most. This workshop will also observe ways we lose physical and mental energy that affects endurance and performance. Be prepared to be worked from head to toe so bring Schmatorade (half water, half Gatorade) or your favorite thirst quencher. 12:30-2:30 Mira Betz In Praise of Improvization (exercises to gain proficiency at improvisation) $36.00 12:30-2:30 Dave Hall Drummer Composition Workshop $36.00 This class will be teaching you how to layer rhythms so you can make the beats you know more interesting, creating melodies for drums, and combining rhythms together to create songs for drums. You will also learn about odd beats such as 5, 7 & 9 and how to create your own rhythms too. This class is for all drums and percussion so bring what you have and is open to all skill levels. 3:00-5:00 Asharah The Cymbalist Movement: Integrating Finger Cymbals into Your Dance $36.00 Finger cymbals are an integral part of American Tribal Style bellydance, and can be a lovely accompaniment to a solo performance. However, many dancers often feel daunted by cymbal playing and have been using them less and less… Finger cymbals aren’t scary, and this workshop will help you approach cymbals as an instrument and as a way to enhance your performance. With the right exercises, anyone can play cymbals and dance! Asharah will lead you through an intense warm up, teach drills that layer movements and cymbal playing, introduce common cymbal patterns found in Middle Eastern music, and teach a short dance combination focusing on the playing of your cymbals with the music and your movements. 3:00-5:00 Elizabeth Strong Strengthening, Layering and Floorwork $36.00 Have you ever wished that you had more technique at your fingertips to express the rhythms and melody of the music? This workshop explores isolating multiple parts of the body simultaneously and applies the technique to musicality. Strength and safety for moving up, down and around during floorwork will also be covered. And learn a couple combinations that can be easily integrated into any dance choreography. Bring a sword or tray for an extra challenge. Sunday 10:00-12:00 Belladonna Sword Workshop: Description coming soon $36.00 10:00-12:00 SOOZ New Moves to Inspire You! ATS 101! $36.00 Been dancing tribal for awhile? Wanna spice up your improv? Here are some new moves recently added to the ATS vocabulary and also re-visiting the tried & true moves to drill them correctly. Bring zills! **Dancers should know the basics of taxeem, hand floreos, shimmy, arabic, Egyptian basic, pivot bumps & choo choo's. 12:30-2:30 Mira Betz Taxeem: All that Oozes $36.00 Focuses on arms and hands and moving slowly, with power and intention. 12:30-3:30 Urban Gypsy Class description coming soon $50.00 THE COMPLETE PACKAGE!!!!!!! Cost-$276.00 8 Classes, Friday Night Show Ticket, Alchemy T-shirt and all the fun you can handle! It’s the complete Alchemy experience! Your choice of 8 workshop classes, a Tribal Alchemy t-shirt and a Friday night Show ticket!!! THIS YEAR THERE’S TWO SHOWS!!!!!!!! ::TICKET INFO:: Friday show “the night of Crazz-iness” PRESALE PRICE $10.00 (at the door-$15.00) Friday night VIP- $20.00 (Reserved seating, chocolate covered strawberries and a drink coupon) Saturday “Gala” show PRESALE PRICE $20.00 (at the door- $25.00) Saturday night VIP- $30.00 (Reserved seating, Yeli Belly’s Specialty Chocolates and 2 drink coupons) TRIBAL ALCHEMY T-SHIRTS!!! Cost is $15.00 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!!! Information Tribal Alchemy is a NON PROFIT event that benefits SAFE HAVEN of TARRANT COUNTY. SafeHaven of Tarrant County is a non-profit organization created to help victims of domestic violence. They provide shelters, meal, clothing, education, counseling, medical and dental care and other services that really benefit the community. Last year Tribal Alchemy was able to give a van load of donations to SafeHaven along with some money. Thank you to all that donated! This year, their services have been taxed more than ever so lets show them how much we appreciate what they do for others! We will be accepting monetary and item donations during the Tribal Alchemy weekend. Here is a list of items they so desperately need: • Girls' & Boys' Shoes • Girls' & Boys' Socks *NEW* • Toddler Clothing & Shoes • Bras and Underwear *NEW* • Women's Sleepwear & Slippers • Women's Plus Size Clothing • School Supplies & Backpacks • Standard Size Pillows *NEW* • Blankets • Bath Towels & Wash Cloths • Twin Sheets and pillowcases • Laundry detergent • Trash bags • Diapers, Wipes, Baby Lotion • Shampoo, Conditioner • Toothpaste & Toothbrushes • Brushes & Combs • Feminine Hygiene Products • Deoderant • Baby Food & Formula • Baby Bottles & Nipples • Non-perishable Foods Thank you so much for giving for an organization who does SO MUCH to give to others! For more information about SafeHaven: www.safehaventc.org/index.html WANT TO VEND? WANT TO PERFORM?? PERFORMING: We have performance slots available to our attending Alchemist in our Friday Night Show "the night of Crazz-iness". If you are interested in performing email your performance application to info@tribalalchemy.net or mail it in with your registration to: 4 Wench Productions P.O. Box 182604 Arlington, TX 76069 Here is some information about the performace space: ~Ceiling height: 16' from floor to bottom of truss ~Stage flooring: 3/4" plywood raised on 1x4 slats. Covered by 1/8" tempered hardboard. (As soon as we get the seating configuration we will let you know of the stage area. Don't worry you will not have a little stage in the middle of the room as shown in the picture ) ~Dressing rooms are availabe but please come prepared as much as possible because space is limited. ~No fire or animals are allowed in the show. There are limited spaces so please send in your application as soon as possible VENDING Have beautiful items you want to sell? We have vending space available for $100 for the whole weekend. If you are interested in vending or want more information, contact us at vending@tribalalchemy.net . READY TO REGISTER?!?!?!?! OFFFFFFFF COURSE YOU ARE!!!!!! Registration is available online www.tribalalchemy.net or snail mail. For snail mail, fill out registration form, make your check out to 4 Wench Productions and mail to: 4 Wench Productions P.O. Box 182604 Arlington, TX 76069 We are also offering layaway plan for those who purchase the Complete Package. Just post-date checks, of equal amounts, for the 15th of each month, with the last check must be dated no later than Sept. 15, 2009. Mail these checks along with your registration form OR you can go to the website here: www.tribalalchemy.net/index.php and sign up for layaway on 5 workshops, 8 workshops OR the complete package!!! A $35 fee will be charged for any returned checks. reply to this post

new video of moi (on my profile)

tracey1971 — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:36:07 GMT

taken last Saturday by my girl at Cafe Layal. It's a bit dark (as most restaurants/clubs are... but enjoy!!!

I'm getting MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tracey1971 — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:10:52 GMT

Story - we met at Silvia's DVD release party last July at Cafe Layal, went to dinner at Papasito's after, but didn't become an item until October. This pic was taken May 16 at Cafe Layal at another Silvia DVD release, we had dinner at same Papasitos, we went home, Steph got on her knees with a rose in her hand and asked me to marry her. We are planning a private ritual in October and a public ceremony after she moves up to DFW early next year. I am so blissfully happy!!!!!!!!!

WANT TO LEARN FROM MOI?????

tracey1971 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:53:36 GMT

new classes coming this FALL..... Dark Fusion Choreography 6 week series..... more info to come...stay tuned..... If you DARE

IT'S ALCHEMY TIME AGAIN!!!!!!

tracey1971 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:32:32 GMT

Tribal Alchemy Workshops Friday 1:00-3:00 Dave Hall Drummer & Dancer Workshop $36.00 1:00-3:00 Rose Harden Rock Solid Fusion Foundation $36.00 Building Your Practice From The Ground Up! Enhance and deepen your understanding of belly dance fundamentals with technique drills and tribal fusion combos. Rose will cover layering, shimmies, and up-tempo movements -- great for any style of bellydance! This class will accommodate all levels of experience. 3:30-5:30 Elizabeth Strong Musicality and Combinations $36.00 3:30-5:30 Natalie Brown Theatrical Bellydance $36.00 After running away and joining (and directing) a circus two years ago, Natalie has performed in everything from top hats to feather boyshorts. Learn to create cohesive theatrical productions with the right music, atmosphere, moves and costuming, and successfully walk the fine line between radiance and ridiculousness. Learn one of Natalie's signature character choreographies, drawing on tribal fusion, ballet and acting vocabularies. Saturday 10:00-12:00 Rose Harden Icing the Cake: Contemporary Tribal Fusion $36.00 We'll kick things up a bit here! Level changes, fancy footwork, and spins are the name of the game. Because we will be building on our foundation from the first class, it is recommended that you take both classes. Previous belly dance experience requested if taken without workshop 1. 10:00-12:00 SHAKRA Exploring the Anatomy of Power Join Shakra for an extensive dissection of high impact movement to discover empowerment through power moves. Using action-packed movements from specimens such as West African Dance, Bhangra, and their own Transfusion Style, Shakra will show you how to harness personal power and channel that energy to areas of the body where it is needed most. This workshop will also observe ways we lose physical and mental energy that affects endurance and performance. Be prepared to be worked from head to toe so bring Schmatorade (half water, half Gatorade) or your favorite thirst quencher. 12:30-2:30 Mira Betz In Praise of Improvization (exercises to gain proficiency at improvisation) $36.00 12:30-2:30 Dave Hall Drummer Composition Workshop $36.00 This class will be teaching you how to layer rhythms so you can make the beats you know more interesting, creating melodies for drums, and combining rhythms together to create songs for drums. You will also learn about odd beats such as 5, 7 & 9 and how to create your own rhythms too. This class is for all drums and percussion so bring what you have and is open to all skill levels. 3:00-5:00 Asharah The Cymbalist Movement: Integrating Finger Cymbals into Your Dance $36.00 Finger cymbals are an integral part of American Tribal Style bellydance, and can be a lovely accompaniment to a solo performance. However, many dancers often feel daunted by cymbal playing and have been using them less and less… Finger cymbals aren’t scary, and this workshop will help you approach cymbals as an instrument and as a way to enhance your performance. With the right exercises, anyone can play cymbals and dance! Asharah will lead you through an intense warm up, teach drills that layer movements and cymbal playing, introduce common cymbal patterns found in Middle Eastern music, and teach a short dance combination focusing on the playing of your cymbals with the music and your movements. 3:00-5:00 Elizabeth Strong Strengthening, Layering and Floorwork $36.00 Have you ever wished that you had more technique at your fingertips to express the rhythms and melody of the music? This workshop explores isolating multiple parts of the body simultaneously and applies the technique to musicality. Strength and safety for moving up, down and around during floorwork will also be covered. And learn a couple combinations that can be easily integrated into any dance choreography. Bring a sword or tray for an extra challenge. Sunday 10:00-12:00 Belladonna Sword Workshop: Description coming soon $36.00 10:00-12:00 SOOZ New Moves to Inspire You! ATS 101! $36.00 Been dancing tribal for awhile? Wanna spice up your improv? Here are some new moves recently added to the ATS vocabulary and also re-visiting the tried & true moves to drill them correctly. Bring zills! **Dancers should know the basics of taxeem, hand floreos, shimmy, arabic, Egyptian basic, pivot bumps & choo choo's. 12:30-2:30 Mira Betz Taxeem: All that Oozes $36.00 Focuses on arms and hands and moving slowly, with power and intention. 12:30-3:30 Urban Gypsy Class description coming soon $50.00 THE COMPLETE PACKAGE!!!!!!! Cost-$276.00 8 Classes, Friday Night Show Ticket, Alchemy T-shirt and all the fun you can handle! It’s the complete Alchemy experience! Your choice of 8 workshop classes, a Tribal Alchemy t-shirt and a Friday night Show ticket!!! THIS YEAR THERE’S TWO SHOWS!!!!!!!! ::TICKET INFO:: Friday show “the night of Crazz-iness” PRESALE PRICE $10.00 (at the door-$15.00) Friday night VIP- $20.00 (Reserved seating, chocolate covered strawberries and a drink coupon) Saturday “Gala” show PRESALE PRICE $20.00 (at the door- $25.00) Saturday night VIP- $30.00 (Reserved seating, Yeli Belly’s Specialty Chocolates and 2 drink coupons) TRIBAL ALCHEMY T-SHIRTS!!! Cost is $15.00 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!!! Information Tribal Alchemy is a NON PROFIT event that benefits SAFE HAVEN of TARRANT COUNTY. SafeHaven of Tarrant County is a non-profit organization created to help victims of domestic violence. They provide shelters, meal, clothing, education, counseling, medical and dental care and other services that really benefit the community. Last year Tribal Alchemy was able to give a van load of donations to SafeHaven along with some money. Thank you to all that donated! This year, their services have been taxed more than ever so lets show them how much we appreciate what they do for others! We will be accepting monetary and item donations during the Tribal Alchemy weekend. Here is a list of items they so desperately need: • Girls' & Boys' Shoes • Girls' & Boys' Socks *NEW* • Toddler Clothing & Shoes • Bras and Underwear *NEW* • Women's Sleepwear & Slippers • Women's Plus Size Clothing • School Supplies & Backpacks • Standard Size Pillows *NEW* • Blankets • Bath Towels & Wash Cloths • Twin Sheets and pillowcases • Laundry detergent • Trash bags • Diapers, Wipes, Baby Lotion • Shampoo, Conditioner • Toothpaste & Toothbrushes • Brushes & Combs • Feminine Hygiene Products • Deoderant • Baby Food & Formula • Baby Bottles & Nipples • Non-perishable Foods Thank you so much for giving for an organization who does SO MUCH to give to others! For more information about SafeHaven: www.safehaventc.org/index.html WANT TO VEND? WANT TO PERFORM?? PERFORMING: We have performance slots available to our attending Alchemist in our Friday Night Show "the night of Crazz-iness". If you are interested in performing email your performance application to info@tribalalchemy.net or mail it in with your registration to: 4 Wench Productions P.O. Box 182604 Arlington, TX 76069 Here is some information about the performace space: ~Ceiling height: 16' from floor to bottom of truss ~Stage flooring: 3/4" plywood raised on 1x4 slats. Covered by 1/8" tempered hardboard. (As soon as we get the seating configuration we will let you know of the stage area. Don't worry you will not have a little stage in the middle of the room as shown in the picture ) ~Dressing rooms are availabe but please come prepared as much as possible because space is limited. ~No fire or animals are allowed in the show. There are limited spaces so please send in your application as soon as possible VENDING Have beautiful items you want to sell? We have vending space available for $100 for the whole weekend. If you are interested in vending or want more information, contact us at vending@tribalalchemy.net . READY TO REGISTER?!?!?!?! OFFFFFFFF COURSE YOU ARE!!!!!! Registration is available online www.tribalalchemy.net or snail mail. For snail mail, fill out registration form, make your check out to 4 Wench Productions and mail to: 4 Wench Productions P.O. Box 182604 Arlington, TX 76069 We are also offering layaway plan for those who purchase the Complete Package. Just post-date checks, of equal amounts, for the 15th of each month, with the last check must be dated no later than Sept. 15, 2009. Mail these checks along with your registration form. A $35 fee will be charged for any returned checks.

L'imprevu is teaching in March..ch-ch-check it out!

tracey1971 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:53:38 GMT

Z's Birthday Bash March 13-14-15, 2009 Ballam Dance Center 1245 Heights Blvd. Houston, Texas 14 hours of Workshops and a Huge Show Featuring Karim Nagi (MA & Egypt), Bella NaTana (TX), L'Imprevu (TX). If you have not yet studied with this incredible instructors, you definitely need to be there! There is something for everyone with both music and dance classes. Please check the Urban Gypsy website for more details - www.urbangypsy.cc/workshops.html Registration is LIVE NOW through EventBrite: urbangypsyworkshops.eventbrite.com/ Friday, March 13 6:30p-8:30p: Zills with Karim Nagi Saturday, March 14 10:00a-12:30p: Gypsy Fun with Bella Na Tana 10:30a-12:30p: Doumbek with Karim Nagi 1:30p-4:00p: Getting Low with Bella Na Tana 1:30-3:30: Riqq with Karim Nagi 8:00p: Evening Show Featuring Workshop Participants and Instructors Sunday, March 15 10:00a-12:00p: Dance Like You Mean It with L'imprevu 1:00a-4:00p: Arabic Folk Dance Intensive with Karim Nagi KARIM NAGI SAGAT ("ZILL" finger cymbals): Students will learn the Arabic rhythms by name and how to play them while dancing! Dancers will learn to use the cymbals to communicate rhythms to a band and accent solo dancing and body movements. He will also teach dance combinations, solo patterns, train the dancer in musicality, and teach when-and-when-not to play within an Arabic song. RIQQ (ARAB TAMBOURINE): The "Riqq" tambourine is the lead percussion instrument in the Arabic orchestra and classical ensemble. Students will learn technique, stamina, rhythmic repertoire and various ethnic styles. ARABIC TABLA: This course focuses on the Arabic Tabla (aka Doumbek, Darabuka). Students will learn technique, rhythmic vocabulary and the essential stylistic approach to Arabic rhythm. This course creates a strong foundation for later advanced drum performance. This course is designed for people with rudimentary knowledge of music, percussion or Middle Eastern drumming. ARAB FOLK DANCE INTENSIVE: This class is an intensive introduction to the traditional group dances from the Arab world. These dances are primarily unisex, and emphasize synchronicity and group cohesion. This workshop includes Dabka Line Dance, Basic Tahteeb/Assaya Cane Dance, and the group-healing ritual motions found in Zikr and Zar practices. These are the dances done by "The People" in social, celebratory, and spiritual group settings. They can be taught to dancers at any level, as both a cultural and artistic experience. KARIM NAGI is a native Egyptian who specializes in traditional Arabic music. He uses his traditional foundation to re-imagine the culture, discovering progressive deliveries and new concepts. Karim was a faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music for 5 years. Karim leads the SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble performing the classical Arabic instrumental and vocal repertoire. Karim developed and currently performs Turbo Tabla : a music and dance show that combines traditional Arabic and Turkish music with modern Electronica and Techno. Karim dances and teaches Dabka (Arabic Line Dance), leads the Zaitoun Dabka Troupe, and is the director of the Arab Dance Seminar, a travelling weekend of workshops for professional training in pan-Arab dance. His first teachers were Nabil Ata and Midhat al-Rashidi (Midhat had performed extensively with Abdel Halim Hafez and Firqat al-Massaya.) Karim later studied with Simon Shaheen at the Arabic Music Retreat and learned advanced Riqq from Michel Baqlouq (Fairuz ensemble.) Karim returned to Cairo to study Arabic Music in Cairo with Dr. Alfred Gamil (Cairo Conservatory of Music) and Mohammed Al-Araby (percussionist for Umm Koulthoum and The National Orchestra of Egypt.) BELLA NA TANA GYPSY FUN: Learn a 2008 BellaNaTana choreography and have some fun adding a little flair to it! GETTING LOW: This class is all about the floor work. How to get to the floor and what to do when you get there. We will also teach you some conditioning to keep you body “floor work ready”. You will need to bring a yoga mat, knee pads and footies if you have them. If you would like a pair of footies, please contact Katy at bellavara@gmail.com. Katy has been bellydancing since 1999. About two years later, she was asked to become a principle dancer in what was then Texas' first and only ATS troupe, The Desert Dancers. Brandi's dance background started early with ballet, tap, jazz and more. She began belly dancing in 1999 and joined Devdasi in 2003. Over the last year with Bella Natana, Katy and Brandi have really started to push each other in their dancing and she can’t wait to see where it will go from here! Bella is the Italian word for Beautiful and NaTana means dancing in Sanskrit. In keeping with the idea of a fusion troupe, we wanted a fusion name as well. L'IMPREVU DANCE LIKE YOU MEAN IT: What moves you the most when you watch your favorite dancer perform? How is it that every time he or she takes the stage you feel you've been invited on the dancer's personal journey? The best dancers emote, communicate, and become instruments of the music. Obsidia and Nari invite you to discover the difference between dancing and performing. Learn how to create and manipulate combinations rich in layers and contrasts to develop dancer expression. We will drill solid technique in layered moves and combinations and the energy and intent behind movement as we work towards the expansion of dance musicality and audience communication. Upbeat, high energy music will be used as well as slower, darker pieces. A solid foundation in bellydance is recommended, but all levels are welcome. Please bring a bottled water, a note pad, and a yoga mat to the workshop. L’imprevu is the unexpected in bellydance. Lusciously innovative, gorgeously creative, and wickedly entertaining, L’imprevu presents distinctly theatrical bellydance vignettes unlike any other Texas bellydance troupe. Drawing from numerous influences to create a unique and authentic voice in bellydance, L’imprevu infuses beauty and mirth into every performance. We draw from our personal inspirations and combine them with our shared passions to bring forth unforgettable performances.

A new performance video...let me shows you it

tracey1971 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:35:46 GMT

it's not bad..I have some serious work to do on my arms..I watched it going "what the crap are my arms doing?!?!?!" LOL But over all, I was okay with it. And I seriously *heart* Maduro and his moosic.....YAY!!! enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbWxeLfPrhY

yup

tracey1971 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:58:17 GMT

Nuff said

welp, It's my 37th birthday today

tracey1971 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:29:09 GMT

yup.. someone at work today asked if I was 21 again. I replied "Gods I hope not!" i just want to take a moment and say how thankful I am for my friends and family, my dancer sisters/brothers and tribe-y buddies. I'm grateful to know some of the strongest, most amazing people around-and all of you continually inspire and delight me. Much love.....

What we need is some good thoughts!!!! Enjoy!

tracey1971 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:59:59 GMT

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! - Lucy, Peanuts Laughter is an instant vacation. - Milton Berle "Sure there have been injuries and deaths in boxing - but none of them serious." - Alan Minter, Boxer "How to store your baby walker: First, remove baby." - Anonymous Manufacturer "China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese." - Charles De Gaulle, former French President "It's time for the human race to enter the solar system!" - Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President on the concept of a manned mission to Mars "I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix." - Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President "I have opinions of my own --strong opinions-- but I don't always agree with them." - George Bush Sr, former U.S. President "It is white." - George W. Bush, when asked what the White house was like by a student in East London

I Concur

tracey1971 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:14:09 GMT

completely....

14 Ways to Make a Woman Happy -stolen from Blume's blog

tracey1971 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:38:10 GMT

So I saw this in Blume's blog and thought, yup I HAVE to post that in mine!!!! This list in Glamour magazine about 14 ways to make a woman happy. Here's the list......and I'm just going to respond below each one. 1. Give her a great stock tip. Umm no...I don't want a stock tip..Matter of fact, i don't want any help with my finances and why the hell are you asking! You want to give me a tip? Tell me where I can find fabric at a great price! 2. Make friends with her vibrator. My vibrator needs no friends. You want to win me over? Make me decide I no longer NEED my vibrator. 3. Agree that $200 is a reasonable price for such a fabulous pair of shoes. Okay, even I think 200.00 is too much for shoes. Do I ohh and ahh over shoes that cost that much? Sure. But my practical side wins out every time and there IS no justification for said 200.00 shoes-EVER. 4. Tell her she looks better in her glasses. I do look better in glasses. Glasses are sexy. 5. Tell her she looks like Halle Berry. No-tell me you think I'm as passionate about my causes/beliefs in humanity as Angelina Jolie; tell me i look sexy when I'm sweaty from gardening...but don't compare my looks to someone who has an entire TEAM of people who make her look that good. 6. Plant a yellow rosebush – Graham Thomas is a good one – underneath her bedroom window. Please don't-I'm allergic to bees and wasps. How about helping me mow my lawn? I'll appreciate that gesture more. 7. Ask her to drive, because she’s better than you. don't...I have road rage issues-you drive..wake me when we're there. 8. Of your own volition, rent an obscure but highly romantic film such as Angels & Insects or Jane Eyre. Watch it, act like you are enjoying it. WRONG bucko! Either get tickets for me and one of my gals to see a sappy flick or rent an action movie or cool indie flick that you WILL actually enjoy watching with me. 9. Let her little brother teach you how to play magic. I'm an only child....and if you date me, it'll be a LONG time before you meet my son so don't worry bout it. 10. Say you’d love to have a daughter exactly like her. As Blume said in her list-this is just CREEPY! 11. Write her a poem. Failing that, read her one. Failing that, buy her a copy of The Collected Poems of WB Yeats. How about just taking me to the bookstore and buying me whatever book I'm really excited about? That will make me say "aww" 12. Cook her a divine risotto. Laugh when she expresses concern over its fat content. Well if you cook,you got me..any man who can cook wins mega points with me. 13. When she confesses she’s got a big crush on Jakob Dylan, buy her one of his Cd’s and don’t wince when she plays it while you’re making love. First of all, what are we? High schoolers? I seriously love Peter Gabriel but while I'm having sex? umm, no...BUT if I say I have a celebrity crush, don't give me crap about it and I'll do the same for you. 14. Ask her if she wouldn’t mind just holding you for awhile. Look, I have to be honest here-unless someone's died don't ask me this...I'm not really a typical woman...I won't melt at how sensitive you are.. Most likely I'll look at you like you're nuts and tell you to man up. I'm just sayin..... Okay so maybe my close work buddies have a point in saying I'm not very girlie )after reading my responses I concur)...However, I consider cynicism and sarcasm to be finely honed skills that should be appreciated. Who cares that I don't wear make-up except for special occasions or performances?! Apparently I'm supposed to want to take silly "Will He Find Me Attractive" quizzes when I'd rather take the "Will You Survive a Zombie Invasion" quiz... sheesh...come on, you guys know this list is HOKEY! Who really buys into this crap?

What would Buffy do

tracey1971 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:43:22 GMT

that's what i did for two hours tonight- immerse myself in Buffy...... yup..I proudly admit I am a Buffy geek....yup.....I started at the beginning, taking my time and enjoying (okay actually SAVORING) each episode...lol "If the Apocolypse comes, beep me" Yup, good end to a long Monday..

When enough is enough

tracey1971 — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:46:37 GMT

For those of you who may not know, my best friend and dance partner, Nari, is someone I've known for over 12 years. We've shared good times, bad times, she was there when my son was born, I'll be in her wedding, etc etc. Like many others who have friendships that are filled with love, we went through a period of time where we weren't friends...we both had our own demons to deal with, we transferred our personal issues as faults of the other and , being human, we said things to others that weren't always complete truth. This happens in famiies, marriages, heck-any relationship that is made up of more than one person...we've ALL been there. Now that "the Dark Time" is past, we've rediscovered how much we mean to one another and have once again, formed a dance partnership. However, when we decided "hey we really want to dance as a duet", she was in another troupe. But she wanted to go in a different direction from the other three dancers and so when she told them she was leaving the troupe, they said they weren't surprised by it and one of them even told Nari "Hey you need to follow your ART". Why am I blogging about this you ask? Because these former troupemates of Nari's are waging a full out cyber harrassment of her. Everywhere she posts, they have to say something..even when it isn't in response to anything THEY say, they have to post. They have created malicious blogs about her, posted some incredibly passive (and not so passive) aggressive posts aimed at her....and without actually speaking her name, they have made it blatantly obvious they are speaking ABOUT her. examples: http://people.tribe.net/afb264e1-bf41-4342-9123-a50a14ef562a/blog/cd47be20-373c-41ad-a8a6-b8e5606d7017 http://people.tribe.net/afb264e1-bf41-4342-9123-a50a14ef562a/blog/e22b5470-85c1-4196-a9ea-2d24b3baae8e http://bellydancehouston.tribe.net/thread/8219b736-814d-45f0-9216-29144e78c333 http://www.flickr.com/photos/renegadeisis/2468518221/ in the above pic, she covered up my partner's image........ To those girls, I am saying-STOP. THIS. NOW. What you are doing is ugly, underhanded and pointless. It's also against the law under the Penal Code for harrassment and cyber harrassment. To address these girls directly: *you say I have no idea what was said about me during the "Dark Time".. Actually I do know what was said, and I was guilty of saying some not so nice things myself. Also, I don't need you "fighting my fight" for me. None of you girls even KNOW me! I didn't ask for you to be the "outers" to anything that happened, what, a YEAR ago?! I'm saying you need to stop this NOW. You've been asked nicely, Nari has taken the high road and not addressed you or your "claims"....it's juvenile and it needs to end before legal measures are taken. I will only address this drama with the authorities if necessary.

If you're on bhuz

tracey1971 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:00:02 GMT

come find me!!!! I'm under Obsidia (of course)..I've had my profile for 2 years and FINALLY got around to filling it in....and I'm friendless...*dramatic sob*

For your Friday.....a list by Dave Berry

tracey1971 — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:28:36 GMT

16 THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN by Dave Barry, Nationally Syndicated Columnist 1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. 2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be "meetings." 3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." 4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them. 5. You should not confuse your career with your life. 6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. 7. Never lick a steak knife. 8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip. 9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time. 10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment. 11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven. 12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers. 13. A person who is nice to you but rude to a waiter is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.) 14. Your friends love you anyway. 15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. 16. Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

GO SEE TRANSFORMERS!!!!!!

tracey1971 — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 22:17:36 GMT

It was honestly the most fun I've had at a movie in AGES! It's definitely geared towards those of us that remember the cartoon on TV (back in the day). Amazing special effects, good story line/acting and HUMOR... Let's put it this way..at the end of the film, everyone was clapping...that tells me I just saw a kick ass film....