My Blog

Thrillin' Zills and Drills - Finger Cymbal Workshop with Willow

willowmahsati — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:23:30 GMT

Thrillin' Zills and Drills - Finger Cymbal Workshop with Willow Saturday, November 22, 2009 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Shakti-at-the-MAC 743 East Chester Street Bypass Kingston, NY 12401 Never played finger cymbals before? Willow will teach finger cymbals from the beginning! Have some experience but need more technique and practice? Willow will also teach fun and challenging drills to bring your cymbal playing up to the next level! *How to fit and sew your elastic *Basic cymbal technique *Break-down of basic and intermediate patterns *Cymbal pattern drills with bellydance moves and dance steps *Special patterns that go with Middle Eastern Rhythms - Baladi, Masmoudi, Chifte Telli and more! *Tips to bring your cymbal playing to the next level! *Willow will have Turquoise International finger cymbals FOR SALE! Price - $35 in advance / $40 at the door (space permitting) REGISTER NOW!!! www.bellydancewillow.com/events.html

DURGA TOUR - Woodstock, NY - TWO WEEKS!

willowmahsati — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:31:05 GMT

The DURGA Tour - Woodstock, NY - June 14, 2009 Registration for the DURGA TOUR in Woodstock, New York is open! Theatrical bellydance workshops with Tempest and Asharah! Whether you're just starting out, or gearing up to perform, these workshops will take your dance to the next level! Workshops by Tempest and Asharah! Schedule: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - "Strange Presence" by Tempest 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - "Dancing your Demons" by Asharah Go to: http://www.bellydancewillow.com/durga.html for workshop descriptions, registration and instructor bios! Registration for the workshops is open until Sunday, June 6. If there are not enough registrations by then, the workshops are in danger of being cancelled. Don't let this opportunity to study with Tempest and Asharah pass by! Unfortunately, the show on Sunday evening has been cancelled. Workshop descriptions and registration for this event can be found at: http://www.bellydancewillow.com/durga.html Location: Mountain View Studio 20 Mountain View Avenue Woodstock, NY 12498 For more information, please contact Willow at bellydancewillow@gmail.com

NEW Mid-Flare Dance Pants now available to order on-line!!!

willowmahsati — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:43:35 GMT

Crimson Gypsy Designs' new Mid-Flare Dance Pants are now available to order on-line! www.bellydanceandyogawear.com/dancepants-midflare.htm Several new colors of cotton/lycra have been added: navy blue, teal, burgundy, and hunter green as well as the current olive green, deep red, and black. Also available in stretch velvet... I've added new photos to the galleries at http://crimsongypsy.smugmug.com/Belly%20Dance%20and%20Yoga%20Wear featuring my HAWT model, Shivati! I have shipped my stock out to California to vend at TRIBAL FEST - May 13 - 17, 2009 - and I'm in the process of making a few more pieces that SOLD OUT at Spring Caravan!!! Up sewing 'til Midnight last night, and probably tonight and tomorrow too, but it will be SO worth it when you try my pieces on and are completely AMAZED by them like the ladies at Spring Caravan!!!! See you at Tribal Fest or somewhere else!!!!! My BDYWear sold really well at Spring Caravan. I'm hoping to get a vending spot at Rakkasah East in October. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!! P.S. If you haven't already, join my CRIMSON GYPSY TRIBE at http://tribes.tribe.net/crimsongypsy Love, Willow

Bellydance Workshops with Willow

willowmahsati — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:05:04 GMT

Willow is now available to travel to your location to teach the following bellydance workshops: For more information, please see my website: http://www.bellydancewillow.com Muscular Bellydance: Technique, Concepts and Combinations Appropriate for beginners and above. Suggested duration: 2 - 3 hours. When bellydance moves are done muscularly, they add depth and power to your dance. This workshop will begin with an intense conditioning and strengthening warm-up to teach exercises that are important to strengthening the body for muscular bellydance and developing flexibility. Willow then breaks down several basic bellydance moves into muscular components, drills them over and over, and layers them over various footwork patterns and combinations that can be used as tools to create your own improvisation or choreographies. ********************************************************************************************** Slow and Sensual Appropriate for beginners and above. Suggested duration: 2 - 3 hours. Slow moves especially need to be done with intention, depth and breath, otherwise they can look flat and boring. Willow begins with an intense strengthening and conditioning warm-up that teaches exercises to build strength and flexibility in the body necessary to hold energy in your moves. She then teaches the muscular breakdown of slow bellydance moves and how to infuse them with intention, breath and energy. Students will be taught how to hold energy in their moves, even while standing still, and how to move slowly with energy and intention, to infuse their moves with drama and hold the audience's interest when doing slow sections of the dance, such as taxim and floorwork. Moves include standing in place as well as traveling dance steps. In longer workshops, Willow will also break down common Middle Eastern rhythms used in slower songs and show how to apply your dance moves to them. ********************************************************************************************** Hot and Heavy Hipwork Appropriate for beginners and above. Suggested duration: 2 - 3 hours. Willow is well-known for her strong, powerful and intense hipwork. Strong hipwork denotes a strong, confident dancer and creates an intense, powerful performance that captures the audience's attention. This workshop begins with an intense warm-up and conditioning exercises designed to develop strength and power in the body. Willow then breaks down hipwork moves and teaches patterns and combinations designed to help you develop powerful and interesting hipwork combinations to apply to your own improvisation, choroeographies and drum dolos. This is a physically intense workshop. You will sweat and possibly be sore the next day. ********************************************************************************************** Finger Cymbal Technique and Drills Appropriate for intermediate beginners and above. Suggested duration: 2 - 3 hours. Playing finger cymbals can add intensity and drama to your performance, as well as show off your musicality and versatility as a dancer. However, playing finger cymbals can be daunting and intimidating, so they are not often played by many dancers today. After an intense warm-up that includes strengthening and conditioning exercises designed to develop strength and flexibility in the body, Willow will lead students through drills to develop coordination, strength and speed in the hands and upper arms to help overcome fatigue while playing. This will be followed by common cymbal patterns used in Middle Eastern dance with combinations to teach the integration of finger cymbals into your dance. Size EB cymbals or larger are recommended, as smaller cymbals are more difficult to play and don't sound as nice. ********************************************************************************************** Fun and Fabulous Floorwork Appropriate for advanced beginners and above. Suggested duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. Floorwork is an exciting and dynamic component to bellydance that is not often seen anymore - having been forbidden in Egypt since 1954 due to is "suggestive" connotations. Floorwork requires intense physical strength as well as flexibility and grace to look fluid and effortless. This workshop will begin with an intense warm-up and exercises designed specifically to develop strength and flexibility in the body for executing floorwork effortlessly. Willow will then teach descents, moves on your knees, side and back layouts, and how to gracefully rise from floorwork. This is a physically intense workshop that is not recommended for students with knee or back problems. Kneepads or yoga mats are required for this workshop. Something to pad the top of the feet is also recommended. ********************************************************************************************** Please contact Willow at "bellydancewillow (at) gmail (dot) com if you are interested in bringing her to your location to teach a workshop! For more information, please see my website: http://www.bellydancewillow.com

Willow's February 2009 Bellydance Newsletter

willowmahsati — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:34:24 GMT

Read my February 2009 Bellydance Perforamances and Events Newsletter at: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/view_newsletter.php?newsletter_id=1409838099

Performance at Artists Co-op Fundraiser

willowmahsati — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:44:40 GMT

Willow will be performing at the Tivoli Artists Co-op Annual Erotica Art Show. This is an annual fundraiser for the Tivoli Artists Co-op. Performance begins at approximately 8 p.m. $10 door fee. For more information, go to http://www.tivoliartistsco-op.com/navpage.php?id=422 See you there!

Bellydancing with Willow - January 2009 Newsletter

willowmahsati — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:12:31 GMT

Greetings and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a beautiful Holiday Season (whatever Winter Holiday you celebrate) and New Year! Mine was nice and quiet with small family gatherings and groups of friends. Here are some updates about classes and upcoming events. And I'm very excited to announce the release of my NEW line of Bellydance and Yoga Wear! Continue reading for all the scoop! ************************************************************************************************************************************ Bellydance Classes with Willow Bellydance classes with Willow will resume as usual this week. For a full class schedule, please see my website at http://www.bellydancewillow.com/classes.html There will be a small change in payment policy. Classes will now be on a monthly basis. All classes will be $48 per month for one class each week with payment due the first class of each month. If you are interested in taking multiple classes per week, please contact me for special pricing. The new drop-in rate will be $17 per class for Kingston and $14 per class for Saugerties. Both Tuesday and Wednesday classes will now be 1-1/2 hours in length. Saugerties classes will remain 1 hour in length. The Friday class in Saugerties requires advance registration. Please contact me if you are planning to attend class in Saugerties. If you are already prepaid for classes into January, the new pricing policy will take effect when your current pre-paid classes run out. If you have any questions about the new pricing policy, please do not hesitate to contact me. New class cards are good for one month from date of purchase. As an added bonus, when the month has 5 weeks, the monthly rate stays the same! Classes may be cancelled due to snowy or icy weather. As always, I will do my best to let everyone know in the case of cancelled classes due to weather. If you are unsure as to whether class is cancelled due to weather, please feel free to e-mail or call me to make sure. If class is cancelled due to bad weather, we will either reschedule for another day that week or credit it on the next month's class card. ************************************************************************************************************************************ Private Lessons and Personal Training Are my regular class times and/or locations not convenient for you? I am a certified Personal Trainer as well as a Bellydance Instructor, and am available for Private Bellydance Lessons as well we Personal Training at your location* or mine. Are you tired of going to the gym and not getting the results you are looking for? Do you work really hard and not seem to make progress? Perhaps you are spending money on a gym membership and not finding the time or motivation to actually attend? Fitness is a state of mind as well as a physical and mental discipline. Having the proper coach to teach you effective exercises that work for YOUR body as well as proper form and technique is very important. Personal training with Christine offers both a personalized program to help you achieve the health and fitness results you are looking for with exercises designed for YOUR body and fitness level as well as a motivational coach to help keep you on track and sticking to your guns! You don't need all that fancy expensive confusing equipment in a gym. I can teach you exercises that are effective, personalized to your own needs and use a minimum of equipment or just your own body weight. Contact me for a free consultation and how I can help you achieve your own health and fitness goals in 2009! Special introductory offer - $150 for a block of 5 personal training sessions (must be used within a 6-week period) - and get aFREE Fitness Assessment! That's a savings of $20 off the regular $50 per session price! Like to work-out with a friend? Train with a friend for a special discounted rate of $40 per session and share the fun! Contact me NOW for your free Fitness Assessment and start to sculpt and condition your body into the body you've always dreamed of! *Your location must be within a 30 minute drive from my location or additional travel fees may apply. ************************************************************************************************************************************ Long Island Hafla with Workshop by Willow - Northport, Long Island, NY - March 14, 2009 Willow will be teaching a workshop in Northport, NY on Long Island on March 14, 2009 and performing in the evening Hafla! The workshop will be "Muscular Bellydance: Technique, Drills and Combinations". Please contact Melissa at nani_kai_hula@hotmail.com for more information regarding pricing and registration for this workshop and hafla! I will be vending my new line of BDYWear at this event (see announcement below)! ************************************************************************************************************************************ Hudson Valley Hafla with Workshops by Asharah - Kingston, NY - March 21, 2009 Registration is up and going strong for the Hudson Valley Hafla and Show with Workshops by Asharah at http://www.bellydancewillow.com/hafla2009asharah.html . This event is on March 21, 2009 in Kingston, New York and promises to be as spectacular an event as we've had every year so far! Performance slots are open to all workshop participants on a first come, first serve basis. Don't miss your opportunity to perform in the show! Thank you to everyone who has already registered for the workshops and purchased tickets. It makes it so much easier to plan an event with early registrations! I will be vending my new line of BDYWear at this event (see announcement below)! ************************************************************************************************************************************ Announcing BDYWear by Crimson Gypsy Designs! I would like to finally announce the release of my new line BDYWear - Bellydance and Yoga Wear by Crimson Gypsy Designs - and my new website - http://www.bellydanceandyogawear.com . I have been working long and hard creating new designs, developing and refining patterns, and developing the new website. There are plenty of new styles in the works that will be released in the coming months. I am very excited to be bringing my line of high-quality, hand-crafted bellydance and yoga pants, tops, skirts and jackets in luxurious stretch-velvet and comfortable cotton/lycra to you. My studio in Saugerties is available for sales and fittings - 239 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. Just give me a call and let me know you want to drop by to make sure I'll be there - (845) 594-8673. ************************************************************************************************************************************ As always, stay warm and safe. Winter is the perfect time for introspective reflection and making positive changes in our lives. Bellydance as part of your regular exercise routine can help relieve stress, beat the winter blues and give you the energy and motivation to create the positive change we all need to manifest in our own lives as well as in the whole world! Peace and Blessings, Willow/Christine P.S. Visit my website and join me on any of my social networking sites below! Visit me on-line: http://www.bellydancewillow.com http://www.myspace.com/crimsongypsydesigns http://people.tribe.net/willowmahsati http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=712387027&ref=profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/christinedempsey

Belly Dance and Yoga Wear by Crimson Gypsy Designs

willowmahsati — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:31:57 GMT

I wanted to announce the official release of my new line of Belly Dance and Yoga Wear and my new website: http://www.bellydanceandyogawear.com/ I design and make wide flare dance pants, yoga pants, skirts to wear with pants, dance and yoga tops, cover-up jackets, and have a whole lot more planned in the near future! Also, Shivati has made a NEW TRIBE for my clothing - http://tribes.tribe.net/crimsongypsy where you can go to see photos of new items, tell the world how much you LOVE Crimson Gypsy clothing and just chat about my clothing line. While it features mostly my bellydance and yoga wear line right now, it's also open to fans of my renaissance clothing and corsets as well! Run right on over and join the new tribe!

Bellydancing with Willow - Fall 2008 Newsletter

willowmahsati — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:58:42 GMT

Greetings All, I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the beautiful Fall weather we're having here in the Hudson Valley, or wherever you happen to be. The colors are glorious and with the cooler weather comes a vast array of classes, events and happenings all over the Hudson Valley and beyond in the upcoming months. I have also added a few new classes in Kingston and Saugerties to my schedule. Please see below for my full class schedule and be sure to check my website for specific information and class descriptions. Did you know that bellydance helps you stay strong and healthy, relieves stress and contributes to a better quality of life? Dance is a weight bearing exercise that helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Bellydance develops muscular control, strength, stamina and tone throughout your whole body! Cardiovascular exercise builds strong lungs and heart and helps maintain muscle tone and endurance. Dance contributes to improved flexibility and balance, a strong mind/body connection, and improved energy levels. All of these things contribute to a feeling of general well-being and overall happiness and good health! Happy Dancing! ~Willow~ www.bellydancewillow.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Upcoming Events in the Hudson Valley and Beyond (please see my website - http://www.bellydancewillow.com/events.html for more information about these events) November 7, 2008 - 8:00 p.m. Moroccan Night at Le Rive' Gauche - the Hudson Valley's only professional bellydance night Performers Barushka, Donna and Ayleeza. 276 Fair Street, Kingston, NY Call (845) 339-2003 for reservations (highly recommended, this event fulls up monthly!) $25 pre-fixe dinner with bellydance performances - cash only. November 8, 2008 Gathering of the Goddesses Retreat with Perizad at Ancient Callings Studio and Sanctuary, Olivebridge, NY A One Day Retreat of Reclamation, Alignment and Initiation 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Two Workshops *Goddess Initiation *Bonfire *Dance and Drum *Vegetarian Lunch Workshop Fee: $95, payment to be received no later than November 3. Registration is going on NOW! Contact Perizad by email at ancientcallings@yahoo.com or call her at 845-657-7276. November 14, 2008 - 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Bellydance Lab Muddy Cup - 58 Main Street, New Paltz, NY Performances by many of our local intermediate and advanced bellydance students and professionals. November 15-16, 2008 Release the Goddess Within: Bellydance Immersion Weekend Bellydance instruction by Willow - all levels welcome! Willow teaches a very muscular based bellydance technique that sculpts and shapes the body while relieving stress and creating overall well-being. Mudita Yoga Center - 4 W. Union Street, Kingston, NY Saturday 10:00 a.m. - Noon - Slow and Sensual bellydance movements and combinations 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Rhythmic and Percussive moves and combinations 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Bellydance Jam with performance by Willow Sunday 10 a.m. - Noon - Beginner Choreography with Willow Prices: Saturday and Sunday Classes (6 hours) - $75 / Saturday Bellydance Jam - $10 (free to workshop participants) Contact (845) 750-6605 for registration - http://www.muditayogacenter.com December 5, 2008 Moroccan Night at Le Rive' Gauche - the Hudson Valley's only professional bellydance night Performers TBA. 276 Fair Street, Kingston, NY Call (845) 339-2003 for reservations (highly recommended, this event fulls up monthly!) $25 pre-fixe dinner with bellydance performances - cash only. January 2, 2009 Moroccan Night at Le Rive' Gauche - the Hudson Valley's only professional bellydance night Performers TBA. 276 Fair Street, Kingston, NY Call (845) 339-2003 for reservations (highly recommended, this event fulls up monthly!) $25 pre-fixe dinner with bellydance performances - cash only. March 14, 2009 Bellydance Hafla and workshops with Willow on Long Island, NY More information coming soon! March 21, 2009 Hudson Valley Hafla and Show with Workshops by ASHARAH from Washington DC! White Eagle's Benevolent Society - 487 Delaware Avenue, KIngston, N 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. ~Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks~ Technical Tricks to Mechanize your Movement 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. ~Danse Mecanique~ Integrating Elegant and Technical Movement for Tribal Fusion Bellydance $40 each workhsop - $75 for both. Evening Hafla and Show - $25 Contact - bellydancewillow@gmail.com - or visit http://www.bellydancewillow.com for more information and registration. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Willow's Bellydance Class Schedule for Fall 2008 I have added several new classes to my schedule that have begun recently or will begin shortly. There are classes every day of the week at various time of day for your convenience. Please be sure to check my website for full class descriptions. *New* Bellydance Fitness Fusion Class in Kingston - Beginning November 10 in Kingston Mudita Yoga Center, 4 West Union Street, Downtown Kingston, NY 12401 Contact Mudita Yoga for registration - 845.750.6605 Monday Afternoons - 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Prices - 10-class card - $100 / $12 Drop-in *New* Bellydance Fitness Fusion Classes in Saugerties - weekly on-going classes IXL Health and Fitness, 3139 Route 9W, Saugerties, NY 12477 Registration at Class - or call 246-6700 Thursday Mornings - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Friday Aftenroons - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Prices IXL Members - $60 6-class card / $12 Drop-in Non-Members - $72 6-class card / $15 Drop-in Bellydance Conditioning and Technique Classes in Kingston - weekly on-going classes Shakti Yoga and Movement, 77 Cornell Street, Studio 116, Kingston, NY 12401 Registration at class Tuesdays - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Beginner 2/Intermediate/Mixed Level $70 6-class card / $15 Drop-in Wednesdays - 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. - Beginner 1 $60 6-class card / $12 Drop-in ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Visit me on-line: www.bellydancewillow.com www.myspace.com/crimsongypsydesigns people.tribe.net/willowmahsati www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712387027&ref=profile www.crimsongypsy.com

Hudson Valley Hafla and Show with Workshops by ASHARAH!

willowmahsati — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:32:20 GMT

Hudson Valley Hafla and Show with Workshops by ASHARAH of Washington D.C.! Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 6:00 PM Location: White Eagle's Benevolent Society 487 Delaware Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 You are invited to an evening of art, intrigue and funky fun! Enjoy middle Eastern delicacies and a belly dance show right in the heart of the Hudson Valley New York. Willow and Shivati would love for you and your friends and family to join them in this exciting evening. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show starts at 7:00. There will be an array of vendors, delicious appetizers and treats, as well as plenty of open floor dancing!!! Preceding the evenings events, we are honored and thrilled to host Asharah from Washington D.C. in two cutting edge dance workshops. The hafla and show are $25 if pre-registered by March 1st or $30 at the door. If you would like to perform in the show, participation in at least one workshop is required. Pre-registration for performance by March 1st.Those taking both workshops receive a complimentary show ticket. Those taking one workshop and performing get a discounted rate. Asharah will be bringing two amazing workshops (registration at 10:30am): ~Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks~ 11am - 1pm Technical Tricks to Mechanize your Movement Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above. Inspired by robots, experimental electronic music, and poppin' and lockin', Asharah has integrated mechanical movements into her expressive tribal fusion performances. In this workshop, Asharah will lead students through an intense warm up and then will show students how to break down traditional bellydance movements such as vertical hip figure-8s, shoulder rolls, torso undulations, turns, and arm waves into smaller and sharper parts to give your performances a robotic and creepy edge. After drilling these movements, she'll teach a short combination that demonstrates how these movements can be used in a performance. She'll also briefly discuss concepts of electronic music, how it is created, and how to listen to the nuances of music made by machines and computers. ~ Danse Mecanique. Workshops~ 2pm- 4pm Integrating Elegant and Technical Movement for Tribal Fusion Bellydance Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above. This workshop will help you refine your technique and add elegance to your bellydance movement. While sharp pops and locks are an essential part of the tribal dancer's repertoire, grace and polish are equally, if not more, important for conveying expression and feeling from the stage to the audience. Asharah will lead students through an intense warm-up that will prepare the body for fluid arm-work, well-defined isolations, and dramatic extension. We will drill smooth bellydance movements (such as arm waves, interior hip circles, and undulations) and hard contraction movements (such as chest locks and hip work in various directions), and Asharah will teach a short combination using these moves in a choreography, emphasizing flow and musical interpretation. $40 each or both for $75 if pre-registered by Feb. 22nd. For more information or if you are interested in vending or volunteering please contact either Willow or Shivati @ bellydancewillow@gmail.com bellydance@shivati.vpweb.com http://www.asharah.com/ http://www.bellydancewillow.com/ http://www.shivati.vpweb.com/ ~ "Asharah has been performing since the age of six as a dancer, figure skater, and singer. As a bellydancer, she is best known for her dramatic fusion of tribal and cabaret styles, but also has extensive experience in Turkish, Egyptian and American bellydance. She recently earned her Level 2 certification in the Suhaila Salimpour format, and aims to blend this format with American Tribal Style bellydance. Her technique, musicality, and finger cymbal playing skills have been noted and admired across the country. She is deeply grateful to Alexia (Kim Leary), Artemis Mourat, Suhaila Salimpour, and others who have guided her along the way."~

Drum Workshop for Dancers - Drum/Dance Jam Party - May 10 - Kingston, NY

willowmahsati — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:37:40 GMT

~CALLING ALL DANCERS & DRUMMERS ~ Join us for an easy-going drum rhythm recognition workshop on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 6-7 pm Are you a dancer who doesn't know her ayub from her elbow?!! Do you want to learn how to listen for (and play!) the "no frills" way? Have you heard the wise old saying: "Every good drummer should dance a little, but every great dancer should drum a little bit more!" Well, here's you chance to have fun and pick up a few rhythms..using two basic drum hits (doum & tek) plus the occasional "ka" for the very adventourous! No pressure, no frills...no kidding! :) Bring a drum or two if you have them. There will be a few loaners. Finger Cymbals are welcome as well! Our workshop/warm-up will be followed by a mellow Drum & Dance Jam with our hostess Willow and friends... hope to see you there! ~Casey Bond Bring your dancing shoes and a drink or snack to share for the party after the workshop! Bring a folding chair or pillow to sit upon as well. There are no chairs available in the studio. Location: 77 Cornell Street - STUDIO 116 (Shakti Yoga and Movement Studio) Kingston, NY 12401 Please RSVP so we know you are coming - cdempsey@hvc.rr.com There is NO CHARGE for this event!

Crimson Gypsy Designs on Myspace

willowmahsati — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:44:11 GMT

Crimson Gypsy Designs is now on Myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/crimsongypsydesigns I've uploaded photos of my new half-bodices and hip cinchers, and my line of stretch velvet blouses. Better, professional photos coming soon. I just wanted to get those items out in the public view to generate interest. Friend me on Myspace!

Bellydancing with Willow - Winter/Spring 2008 Class Schedule

willowmahsati — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:20:27 GMT

So, it has come to pass that I'm starting a third class a week - a morning class - and possibly a fourth. But that is yet to be seen. My class schedule for Winter/Spring 2008 will be as follows: Beginning I Bellydance Wednesdays - 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. $12 per class or $60 - 6-class card Beginning II/Mixed Level Bellydance Tuesdays - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. $15 per class or $70 - 6-class card ***NEW CLASS*** Beginning I/II Bellydance - Mixed Level Friday Mornings - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. $12 per class or $60 - 6-class card For more information and class descriptions, please see my website at http://www.bellydancewillow.com/classes.htm If you might be interested in a Thursday morning class at my home studio in Saugerties, please drop me a line. I would consider a Thursday morning class at my home if there is enough interest. I can only fit 4-5 people in my home studio.

Spring Caravan Dance Slot

willowmahsati — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:32:55 GMT

I got a spot to dance at Spring Caravan at 2:34 p.m. on Saturday afternoon with none other than DJINN - www.djinnnyc.com. That's exactly the same time slot I had last year for S.C. Funny, huh. The funniest thing is that I got through the FIRST time I dialed the number. I was trying to get a slot on the taped music line for over an hour and a half. Then I tried the live music number once and got through immediately. Wonder of wonders, that's just amazing! Still have to figure out what I want to dance to. I'll be asking Carmine if he can do other songs besides what is on the Djinn CD (in case you're reading this Drum God). Anyone else get in? When are you dancing? I guess I can just go on-line and check the schedule, huh...

Drum Solo - Tribal Hafla - September 8, 2007

willowmahsati — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:40:42 GMT

Here's the drum solo I performed at the Tribal Hafla in Hudson, NY September 8, 2007. The song is "Opaque" by Solace from the album "Ahsas". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D93ADynNVA

Rakkasah Time Slot

willowmahsati — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:28:21 GMT

I got through on the Rakkasah taped music line at 12:30 p.m. this afternoon and secured the Saturday, 9:00 p.m. time slot for our dance troupe - Angelique and the Bellydance Collective - Angie's intermediate/advanced students who consist of Kristen Frappier, Lynda Rosner, Kelly Pushong, JennaRey Greer, and myself, Willow/Christine Dempsey. We have been working really hard on our performance, which will premier at a local hafla in Hudson, NY on September 8. I'm assuming we will continue our rehearsal schedule until after the Rakkasah performance. Oh, then we're probably performing the same set, sans Angie**, at the November 10 Hudson Valley Hafla as well. **the November 10 hafla is a week before Angie's due date.

New Studio Opening and other news

willowmahsati — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:08:20 GMT

With this beautiful new weather brings the opening of a new dance studio in the heart of Mid-town Kingston, NY. Willow is partnering with Shakti Yoga of Woodstock to open a new dance and yoga studio for your - and our - convenience and pleasure! Bellydance classes with Willow will be held at the new studio beginning next Tuesday, May 29, 2007. The new class time will be 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. - note the class time change. Please show up early the first night to fill out the studio registration form, even if you did that at the previous location. Thanks! The new location is right next to the midtown Cornell Street post office, located between Tremper and Smith Streets. 77 Cornell Street - Studio 116 Kingston, New York 12401 A choreography class open to Willow's current students only will be on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. This class will run as needed to learn choreography and hold rehearsals. There will be an open studio all day on June 2, 2007. Shakti Yoga will be having free introductory yoga classes that day and you can come, check out the space and find out more about what we are doing! Willow will also be performing at a party that evening in the same building - the big space at the end of the hall. The time is still tbd, but come down and see the show! A map of the area can be found at: (sorry about the long link) http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=77+Cornell+Street&city=Kingston&state=ny&zipcode=12401 Directions will be put up on my website shortly at http://www.crimsongypsy.com/classes.htm ****************************************************************************************************** But wait, there's more... Don't forget about the "Wheel of Time: Danse du Ventre - The Joining" this weekend, May 26, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Please see www.ayleeza.com for more information, location and ticket purchasing information. Advance tickets for the Floorwork and Bellypopping workshops and show are $25 each. Tickets at the door are $28. If you are planning to come to the floorwork workshop, please contact either Willow (bellydancewillow@gmail.com) or Ayleeza (ayleeza@hvc.rr.com) ASAP. We do not want to have to cancel the workshop due to insufficient registrations :) **************************************************************************************************** And lastly, unfortunatly the Le Rive Gauche performance on June 1 has had to be cancelled. We apologize for this. The venue accidentally double booked the space for that evening. We are planning to re-schedule this event, so please stay tuned for more information about that. Be well and don't forget to dance every day! ~WIllow www.crimsongypsy.com/dance

Lots of great stuff happening!

willowmahsati — Fri, 18 May 2007 22:28:56 GMT

As if there wasn't already enough going on, I'm here to tell you about more! First, here's a link to the video of my performance from Spring Caravan on May 5 in Somerset, NJ. The band is Djinn from NYC and you can buy their awesome CD at http://www.djinnnyc.com . Djinn rocks and is led by my friend, Carmine Guida, who is just an amazing musician and generally all around great guy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqhA-7cxVLQ ****************************************************************************************************** Next, I will be performing at Le Rive Gauche in Kingston on Friday, June 1, 2007. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservations early! Le Rive Gauche is located at 276 Fair St in Uptown, Kingston, NY. Call 845-339-2003 for reservations. Dinner starts at 8 p.m. I will be dancing around 9 p.m., and I'm sure there's another fantastic dancer that evening, but I don't know who yet. You won't be disappointed! A flier with more information will be sent out as soon as it is available. This event is organized by Shantal and Rhythm Ladies Productions. Big thanks go out to Shantal for creating more professional performance opportunities for our wonderful Hudson Valley bellydance community! ****************************************************************************************************** Don't forget about "The Wheel of Life: The Joining" on May 26 in Poughkeepsie. More information can be found at http://www.ayleeza.com . Have you registered for the workshops yet? You know you're going! And don't forget you kneepads for the floorwork workshop. ****************************************************************************************************** Last, but certainly not least, is some very exciting news. I will be opening a dance studio in the heart of midtown Kingston. I will be moving my class there, and *possibly* offering a second class a week. The space will be shared with Shakti Yoga who will be holding classes there during the day. This is very exciting, as it will be Kingston's premeire dedicated Bellydance Studio! The studio is located at 77 Cornell Street, Studio 116, two blocks off Broadway in midtown Kingston. We are currently working on making the floors really nice and will soon be installing mirrors. My class will be Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Barushka will be teaching on Thursdays, I believe the same time slot, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. More information will go out when we have an official opening date when classes will start there, but we are shooting for the beginning of June.

Willow's Upcoming Bellydance Events

willowmahsati — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:35:37 GMT

Willow will be performing in "Dance Du Ventre - The Wheel of Life Series: The Joining" on April 22 and May 26 - a dance play produced by Ayleeza and Julian - with a full cast of local talent, both dancers and musicians. She will also be offering a Floorwork workshop on May 26 in Poughkeepsie! Willow will also be performing at Spring Caravan on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2:34 p.m. with DJINN - in Somerset, NJ! For more information, see the Spring Caravan website - http://www.rakkasah.com It's rumored that Angelique will be producing another amazing show in June. More information about that as it becomes available... Barushka has secured a date and venue for Tribal Bonfire again this year! July 22, 2007 at the Center for Symbolic Studies. See http://www.barushkadance.com for more information. Workshops during the day and a show in the evening. Not to be missed! All of the details and information for these events can be found at http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/events.htm **************************************************************************************************** Willow's bellydance classes are in full swing! Tuesdays - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Fitness Advantage - 17 North Street, Saugerties, NY $15 - drop in - $72 - 6-class card See http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/classes.htm for more information. **************************************************************************************************** "Dance Du Ventre: The Wheel of Life Series - the Joining" - produced by Ayleeza and Julian. See the website - http://www.ayleeza.com - for more information and advance reservations. April 22, 2007 - 2:30 p.m. New Rochelle Public Library Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801 - 914-632-7878 With special guest artist: Aszmara! $25 recommended donation - no reservations - general admission. May 12, 2007 - 7:30 p.m. Phillipstown Theater Garrison Landing, Garrisson, NY 10524 $18 Adults - $15 Members/Seniors/Children. Limited Seating - Call the theatre for reservations - 845-424-3900. May 26, 2007 - 8:00 p.m. Cuneen-Hackett Cultural Center - www.cunneenhackett.org 12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 $25 advance reservations - $28 at the door Workshops in Poughkeepsie - May 26, 2007 Floorwork with Willow - 1:00 p.m. Bellypopping with Elisheva - 3:00 p.m. Preregistration: $25 each workshop - both workshops - $48 - at the door $28 each Both workshops with show $70.<br> At the door: $28 each workshop and $28 show. See http://www.ayleeza.com for more information and reservation information for these shows and workshops!

Bellydance Classes with Willow

willowmahsati — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:42:11 GMT

New Bellydance Classes with Willow begin January 16, 2007. Location: Fitness Advantage 17 North Street Saugerties, NY Time: Tuesdays - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Price: $15 per class $72 / 6-class card For more information, please visit http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/classes.htm

NEW Bellydance Classes with Willow

willowmahsati — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 23:16:24 GMT

Willow will begin teaching new bellydance classes on January 16, 2007! Classes will be held on: Tuesdays - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at: Fitness Advantage 17 North Street Saugerties, NY 12477 Class rates will be: $15 - single class rate $75 - 6 class card (good for 3 months) Sign up in advance and get your first 6 classes for $60! For more information, contact Willow at "bellydancewillow@gmail.com", or see http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance Can't wait to see you in class!

Willow's Bellydance Videos On YouTube

willowmahsati — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 23:55:50 GMT

New bellydance videos of me on YouTube. Willow with Djinn at Rakkasah East 2006 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKKY53HPTc4 Carmine was awesome enough to put this video up. I wasn't able to figure out how to extract the video from the DVD, but Carmine rocks/raks! Willow at Tribal Bonfire - July 22, 2006 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAOkxC0LB9A This was taken with a cell phone video camera. We were dancing on a rug over rocks in a puddle under and overhang in the rain...

Hudson Valley Hafla - November 11, 2006

willowmahsati — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 03:59:56 GMT

Crimson Gypsy Dance Productions Presents Hudson Valley Hafla Saturday, November 11, 2006 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. - doors open at 6:30 p.m. White Eagle's Benevolent Society 487 Delaware Avenue - Kingston, NY 12401 The Evening Hafla will feature: *A LIVE DJ with plenty of OPEN DANCING for everyone. *Performances by local teachers, dancers and students. *Refreshments, Middle Eastern Appetizers and a light buffet will be served. *Vendors selling sumptuous Middle Eastern Treasures! *A cash bar will be available downstairs. *Students and Teachers, Soloists and Troupes - All Styles - are welcome to perform! *Middle Eastern Drummers and Musicians are welcome! *Guests are welcome to come enjoy the Hafla. Bring your family and friends - whoever will enjoy an evening of bellydancing and fun! Prices: General Admission - $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Children 12 and under free. Performers - $10, advance registration required. Teachers who are performing get in for FREE! Advance registration required. Hafla Information Webpage www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/hafla.htm Printable Registration Form www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/haflaregistration.htm For further information contact Willow: Phone: (845) 246-8823 E-mail: cdempsey@hvc.rr.com Website: http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance

I don't usually use this blog...

willowmahsati — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:38:27 GMT

....but I have put video ciips on my website from my recent performance at "From the Nile to the Valley: Perspectives in Bellydance" on June 17, 2006 in New Paltz, NY. http://www.crimsongypsy.com/dance/gallery.htm I'm so excited I was able to make clips of these performances! I have been wanting to do this for SO LONG! I finally had video footage I found worthy of sharing. So, I hope you enjoy!

From the Nile to the Valley

willowmahsati — Fri, 26 May 2006 15:18:26 GMT

From the Nile to the Valley - Perspectives in Bellydance June 17, 2006 - 8:00 p.m. McKenna Theater - SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY $15 admission at the door Performances by: Willow Serpentessa Shantal Barushka Kittarina Jennifer Angelique Flyer - http://www.crimsongypsy.com/NileValleyFlyerWeb.jpg Directions to SUNY New Paltz - http://www.newpaltz.edu/about/directions.html Campus Map - http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/ x-posted around...