New Belly Dance Classes with Narah!

~ BEGINNER'S/BASIC BELLY DANCE TECHNIQUE CLASS ~

*New Beginner classes begin the first week of February at the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy off of Greenbag Rd. Day/time/duration TBA when the studio finalizes its new schedule the second week of January.

Register with the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy

950 Parkway Dr., Morgantown; (304) 292-3119; performingartsacademyllc@hotmail.com

*Beginning March 9th, a beginner class will begin through the WVU Creative Arts Program. See http://communityarts.wvu.edu for registration info.; 7:00 - 8:00 PM Tuesdays in the beautiful E. Moore Hall dance studio, WVU's downtown campus.

Students can register by mail (Community Arts Program/ West Virginia University/ Room 401A College of Creative Arts/ Morgantown, WV 26506-6111), by fax (304-293-7491), or in person (room 401 A at the Creative Arts Center).

For registration questions for the classes beginning March 9th, email CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-4841 x 3168.

Participants in this class will learn basic posture and fundamental technique of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warm-up and continues with a fun and thorough breakdown of basic movements, which set the foundation for this beautiful and empowering art form. Narah will often guide students through a series of movements and combinations, keeping the energy up and teaching them how all the basic movements make a dance. No experience necessary!

~CONTINUING BELLY DANCE CLASSES~

The next Continuing Belly Dance class will be studying American Tribal Style vocabulary and concepts.

American Tribal Style Belly Dance is hallmarked by a system of cues and signals that dancers can use to improvise a performance together. The system is called Improvisational Choreography. The creator of this style, Carolena Niriccio, developed a specific set of movements and stylizations that worked with Improvisational Choreography. Besides being a very grounding, Zen experience, the style/system allows Belly Dancers to increase their dance vocabulary and learn one way to put movements together in a dance. Even if you never plan on performing this style or to dance with other people, you will still have valuable tools in your "dance basket". Learn more about ATS here: http://www.fcbd.com/about/

The new class is starting the first week of February (exact time/day/duration TBA when the studio finalizes its schedule the second week in January)

Qualified new students may join the class at this time. Prerequisites: Students must have completed a minimum of one complete (no missed classes) 6 week beginner's session. If a student has only completed one beginner session, she must take the beginner's session along with the continuing session.

Register with the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy-

950 Parkway Dr., Morgantown; (304) 292-3119; performingartsacademyllc@hotmail.com

Also in the works: a drum choreography workshop and a sewing workshop/class series! Stay tuned for details!!

www.TribalBellyDance.net - visit my website for articles, costuming information, online videos, DVD's, Belly Dance tees and more!

www.facebook.com/pages/Narah/155855125909?ref=ts - Join my Fan page for concise updates, discussions and more!

Come to the Hafla Dec. 5th!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192946889426&index=1

I'll have cool Belly Dance Art, tees, tanks, DVD's and more for sale there!

I'm excited by these casual events that encourage "just dancing", fun and friendship! :)

WVU Belly Dance Club December 5th Hafla

Host:	WVU Belly Dance Club
Type:	Party -
Network:	Global

Date:	Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time:	6:30pm - 10:00pm
Location:	WVU Creative Arts Center Falbo Theater

Description

We are having a very casual hafla Dec. 5th at the WVU Creative Arts Center Falbo theater.


We set up at 6:30 (we'll need volunteers to set up) and have it until 10:00pm. We'll also need volunteers to help put everything back starting about 9:30. Please also take your food, etc. home. :)


No need to wear a costume, but if you feel like it, go for it! :)


It is free! No performances, just open floor dancing, music, snacks if people bring 'em, some costumes etc. for sale/swap, friends to dance with, big fun! :)


We'll have a very short (about 15 minutes) business meeting for the club instead of having a separate December meeting. It will begin after set up around 6:50pm. Remember, the club is open to the community! :)


Take a study/shopping break and be more efficient afterwards! Hope you can join us! Please send friends this invitation!


Directions: take WVU exit off I79. From the N turn left at end of exit, from S turn Right at end of exit. Go through light with signs for Target, Barnes and Noble, etc (University town Center), go through light at Sheets, go through light at CVS, go through light at Coliseum (on right, looks like a cupcake) and get in left lane. Turn left from left turn lane. Creative Arts Center is on the left and you can park in the parking lot out front.


If for some reason it is full (it shouldn't be) you can go back to light/intersection where the Coliseum will be on the left now and turn right onto Patteson. Take the first right and that parking lot is behind the CAC.

To get to the Falbo, when facing the CAC, take the sidewalk going right all the way to the end, past the big giant head statue (with horns). Take the stairs to the left at the split and go all the way to the bottom. There will be a sign pointing towards the Falbo. It goes down around the corner and the Falbo will be on the left.

www.TribalBellyDance.net (articles, online videos, DVDs. tees, costuming, class and performance information, etc.)

www.BellyArtsMama.BlogSpot.com (follow my blog for updates, projects and musings)

www.facebook.com/narah.arrington.minardi (find me on FaceBook!)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Narah/155855125909?ref=ts (Join my fan page for quick updates, discussions and more!)

New Narah videos on You Tube!

These are from the WVU Fall Hafla show November 14, 2009. Thanks Genevieve for recording and posting these! :)

Student Choreography with my student Chris: http://www.youtube.com/snowmeow7#p/u/13/N1AnSQ6rP8g

Solo to Hassam Ramsey's Eshta: http://www.youtube.com/snowmeow7#p/u/11/CUETC2luM8s

Solo veil (to the Merciful One by Zohar) and drum solo (to Amaturatsu by Ruben Van Rompey) (exit to Tribal Finale by Sirocco):http://www.youtube.com/snowmeow7#p/u/0/DLZyfPKeOik

New classes and Rhythms cd recommendation

the performance at Patty's and the WVU Belly Dance club Hafla were awesome!!!

unfortunately, after the workshop/hafla, cold and flu season hit hard here. Took Angelo to a friend's to play during the last Tuesday/WVU CAP class of the cycle. Eric was pretty sick. By Thursday, I was feeling pretty bad and Friday night Eric got sick again. Angelo's had a cold for a while too. Even Dana Doggie got her vaccines on Friday afternoon and was super sleepy. Fortunately, lots of herbal teas, some good sleep and Emergen- C's later, we seem to all be on the mend. Now it's clean up time.

Looks like we got the dates for the next WVU CAP class set up. We start Tuesday, March 9th and end April 20th. No class on March 30th due to WVU's Spring Break! Great news- the 6 week CAP class will be at E. Moore Hall!!! I'm so excited to be back at this beautiful studio!

We will know the schedule for the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy classes the second full week in January. But, due to advertising time and my family schedule, we'll be starting those classes the first week in February. I'll post more as soon as I know more.

I'm considering a workshop on a Saturday in January, topic, TBA.

For my Zil class- Rhythm Rides for Dumbek by David Korup and Billy Woods is the CD I recommended. You can buy it on Billy's website here: http://www.billywoods.com/recordings.html Also available there is "Seeds of Time" which is what I originally used to learn rhythms while away from Pennsic, etc. :)

Performance at Patty's and Love those Layers Workshop!

Sunday, November 8th, Narah performs for Patty's Art Spot's (University Ave. next to Crockett's lounge and across from the post office) 1 year Anniversary! Two different sets at about 2:45 and 3:15! The gallery is up at Patty's, so you can experience many genres of art at this event! Free and family friendly!

Saturday, November 14th workshop and hafla! Narah teaches "Love Those Layers!" at the WVU Rec Center room A http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136914858039&index=1

Hafla that evening (Narah and state wide dancers perform; open floor dancing aftershow!!) at WVU's Eisland Hall- 7:30-10:30pm http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141863247890&index=1

New Belly Dance Classes with Narah start soon!

Register now for new classes with Narah!

Belly Dance for Beginners:

You will learn basic posture and fundamental technique of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warm-up and continues with a fun and thorough breakdown of basic movements, which set the foundation for this beautiful and empowering art form. Narah will often guide students through a series of movements and combinations, keeping the energy up and teaching them how all the basic movements make a dance. No experience necessary!

Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm at the WVU Creative Arts Center room 426A (limit 15) http://communityarts.wvu.edu to register - must register by October 15th!

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm at the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy (registration info below; limited spots available)

Zills- Rhythms with Movement

Students with experience in the basics of belly dance will learn to combine playing rhythms on the zills, or finger cymbals, with movement.

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm

Classes are 5 weeks/$50 + $5 registration fee

Register for Wednesday’s classes with the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy- 950 Parkway Dr., Morgantown; (304) 292-3119; performingartsacademyllc@hotmail.com

More info on Belly Dance and Narah: www.TribalBellyDance.net

More info on the beginner's class at the Creative Arts Center

Belly Dancing for Beginners
Narah, Instructor
October 20-November 17
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00p.m., Rm. 426A, WVU Creative Arts Center
Cost: $50.00

Limited to 15 students

Students will learn basic posture and foundational technique of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warmup and continues with a fun and thorough break down of basic movements which set the foundation for a beautiful and empowering art form. Narah will often guide students through a series of movements and combinations, keeping the energy up and teaching them how all those basic moves make a dance.

Registration deadline for Belly Dancing: Thursday, October 15

For further information, a registration form and a copy of our downloadable brochure, visit our website at http://communityarts.wvu.edu. (A registration form is also attached for your convenience.) You may also contact the WVU Community Arts Program Office at (304)293-4841 x3168 or by email at CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu.

Registrations can be made in person, by mail or by fax (293-7491). You can pay by check (payable to WVU) or VISA/MC

Happy Autumn!

Upcoming Classes and Workshop, performances

New Beginner classes begin October 20th and 21st. The Tuesday class is through the WVU Creative Arts Program. It is limited to 15. See http://communityarts.wvu.edu/ for registration info.

The Wednesday class will be 6:30-7:30 at the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy off of Greenbag Rd.

Belly Dance for Beginners:

Participants in this class will learn basic posture and fundamental technique of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warm-up and continues with a fun and thorough breakdown of basic movements, which set the foundation for this beautiful and empowering art form. Narah will often guide students through a series of movements and combinations, keeping the energy up and teaching them how all the basic movements make a dance. No experience necessary! Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm

Zills- Rhythms with Movement

Students with experience in the basics of belly dance will learn to combine the zills, or finger cymbols, with movement. Narah will also teach basic rhythms to play on the zills, which are important to know for dancing to belly dance music. Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 pm

Both classes are October 21 – 18; 5 weeks/$50 + $5 registration fee (total $55 for one class; $105 for both)

Register with the Northern WV Performing Arts Academy-

950 Parkway Dr., Morgantown; (304) 292-3119; performingartsacademyllc@hotmail.com

More info on Belly Dance and Narah: www.TribalBellyDance.net

Workshop November 14th:

Love Those Layers!

Just as when you layer pieces of a costume, a painter layers different shades of paint, or an interior designer layers elements of cloth and display items, layering belly dance movements gives your dance a rich, sumptuous look and feel. Learn how to break down this complex exercise so you get clean, precise movement that is intentional and therefore beautiful. Narah will cover standard layers as well as her unique signature layers so your layering toolkit will be full. Narah will start the workshop with a yoga warmup and technique drills to ensure a strong basis for your layers. This material is advanced, so beginners are welcome, but should be ready to enjoy a challenge.

The workshop will be held in room A in the WVU student Recreation building.

Workshop times: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm; lunch 12:30 - 2:00; 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

$45 (checks payable to: Kimberly Minardi

1008 Summers School Rd.

Morgantown, WV 26508 or PayPal/credit card $47 to Narah at TribalBellyDance.net)

Please pay ahead of time. (no refunds unless the event is cancelled).

See: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136914858039

Hafla that night in Eisland hall. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141863247890

Performances: October 19th at the WVU Mountainlair - demo with WVU belly dance club for diversity week. Narah will do a history presentation as well as a performance with her student Chris and a solo set. Also see other local belly dancers and Kari Merlina will do a Cabaret belly dance performance! Free event!

November 8th at Patty's Art Spot starting at 1:30 or 2:30. (more exact time TBA) for their one year anniversary party! Two solo sets sure to show variety and fun! Free event!

November 14th - WVU Belly Dance Club Hafla (performances, open floor dancing, food, fun!) after the Love those Layers workshop. $5 Begins 7:30 pm, ends 10:30 pm http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141863247890

Performing Sunday in Shimmy 4!

Shimmy 4 - Pittsburgh's annual student & teacher Belly Dance Event!! Hosted by Sadiqa www.sadiqabellydance.com Sunday, October 4, 2009 ~ 6 to 8:00pm (doors open at 5:30) Father Ryan Arts Center http://www.fatherryanartscenter.org/directions.html TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!! $10 entrance fee $5 for children 12 and under (ticket must be purchased directly from Sadiqa) Paypal: http://www.karimerlina.com/shimmy4.html and for cash or check purchases, please contact Joanna or Kari at sadiqa@sadiqabellydance.com NO REFUNDS UNLESS THE EVENT IS CANCELLED. For more information: http://www.karimerlina.com/shimmy4.html sadiqa@sadiqabellydance.com Hope to see you there!!!

www.TribalBellyDance.net

Upcoming Super casual Haflas (Belly Dance Parties)

tonight at the wvu belly dance club meeting, we talked about a possible super low key Halloween hafla (party). Maybe some performances, definitely some party dancing, come in costume (Halloween, belly dance, or the super best- combination of the two) if you like. we'd reserve a university room so it would be free. October 23rd through October 25th are good possibilities. I suggest picking either the 23rd, a friday or the 25th, a sunday so it doesn't interfere with any other plans you may have leading up to the best holiday ever. (IMHO, of course ;-) )

Also, we need to know know what Sunday afternoon is good for people to get together for a super casual belly dance picnic at Chestnut Ridge Park (off the Cooper's Rock exit). We're hoping this will be free, and to just show up at the park with blankets, a dish to share, music (hopefully by drummer, but if not, by boom box), and ourselves in costume or pieces of costume and casual clothes, or pajamas, or any combination of these. We're thinking we'd show up around 3:30 and stay until 7 at the latest (that's when the park's day facilities are available until). It's going to be really low key; just hanging out and belly dancing as we feel like it. I have to check out more details with the park, but we can probably just plop down our blankets and do our thing. There are playgrounds throughout the park and this is intended to be family friendly. Don't worry about a baby sitter. Bring the family and have fun! It's not too many hours in the day, so if you have laundry or studying to do, there are plenty more hours to get that taken care of. Obviously, we want it to be fairly soon so we aren't cold out there. :)

post your thoughts here or at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48497370029&ref=ss!

Next WVU Belly DAnce club meeting

Just got this message from Genevieve and thought I'd pass it along:

Next meeting is Monday 9/21 at 6:30pm in room 3306 of the Life Sciences Building. Sorry for the short notice! Any requests for a topic? We will also be doing some planning and discussing Halloween stuff.

Join the WVU BElly Dance club Facebook group and get these messages as soon as they're sent out: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48497370029&ref=ss

This group was formed to help build the belly dance community in Morgantown.

The Train Bag

It became clear that the train bag for Angelo had to take top priority. So, I made it! It was really fun and I think it turned out pretty cute. The pictures pretty much explain it, but I'll add some details.

I haven't measured the pieces, but I used a paper bag/lunch sack as the inspiration for the shape and size. I cut off a bit of the length and used half of the side for the width of the sides and bottom of the bag. Using the other side of the lunch bag, I free handed the geometric shapes for the train and used those pieces as the pattern for the engine and cars. The wheel I traced is from one of the many wheels Angelo's taken off of his wooden name train. I took a measuring tape across Angelo's shoulder to his hip to get an estimate for the strap length. It is made from wool felt I got from A Child's Dream Come True. I got the wool felt quite a bit ago and am so happy to be making use of it. And I'm really glad that Angelo is enjoying the bag so much. I had plans of doing a decorative whip stitch around the edges, but he grabbed it as soon as I brought it back from the sewing room and put his trains in right away. :)

Speaking of stitches, I appliqued the train on first (tacked the pieces on with non-toxic tacky glue). The stitches around the train on the front are whip stitches around the window and wheels and a fake blanket stitch around the rest. (I did a whip stitch one direction and a running stitch the other direction. If you want to learn how to do a real one, here are directions. I've never done a blanket stitch and thought this might be quicker than learning a new stitch and getting enough practice in for it to look nice. I was right. I tried the blanket stitch a few times, and it wasn't looking so great, so I went with plan A. I'll practice the blanket stitch for later... :) )A chain stitch makes the connections between the engine and cars and the smoke.

I'm sure there are other ways to go about this, but I machine sewed the sides to the front, then the bottom. Then I sewed the back to the other three pieces. I overlapped the two pieces for the strap and zig zagged around in a square for strength. I did the same zig zagging in a square to attach the strap to the sides.

Need to get going...

Inspired and Encouraged

My toenails are painted orange to celebrate the Halloween season! I included the picture with Angelo's toes because they're just too adorable not to share. :)

I always love this season- Falloween as the newspaper called it last year. Every year after Pennsic, I get so excited about Halloween preparations. I used to restrain myself and wait to decorate or make things, but the last couple of years I've given in. Why put off Joy? Besides, with all the creative energy I have around this time, I think it's actually bad for my health to resist the urge to make things involving witches and bats.

This has been a life-long love for me. Besides loving to dress up (apparently it was my first game; gee, who'd have thought I'd become a professional belly dancer? ;-), I've always loved things that were kind of creepy. Not necessarily gory or bloody (though I did have a few years of bloody costumes ... ), but dark and mysterious. I like ghost stories and my favorite part of the sunrise Children's museum was the upstairs section with all the antique toys, which would give everyone else the creeps.

For Angelo's first Halloween, I was so excited to have a baby to dress up that he had about 5 costumes. We sought out all the kid friendly Halloween parties we could to take advantage of it. But, I definitely bit off more than I could chew. I was still trying to sew my matching Kanga costume to his Roo costume about 10 minutes before we left for Trick-or-Treat in our friend's neighborhood. So, the next year I started finishing that costume with what I thought was plenty of time. I even vowed to take any and all shortcuts, fighting my nemesis, Perfectionism. Well, I finished mine early and figured that since I now knew what I was doing with this sort of thing, it would be easier if I finished my husband's Tigger costume. Of course, that put me hot gluing stripes right until we frantically left for Trick-or-Treat in the DeHaan's neighborhood. I'm pretty sure I dressed in the car on the way over. So, I promised Angelo and Eric both that I would not do that again. I will start on the Halloween costumes right after Pennsic so we can enjoy and celebrate my favorite day of the year instead of running around like mad people. I have my costume ready to go and have all the materials for Angelo's. I've even drawn out a plan for his costume pattern and done a body tracing (it's so hard to believe he's that tall!) Last night I took some more baby steps toward getting his costume made. I'm relieved to know that I have enough material and won't have to order more. Things are laying in the right direction, waiting for that first oh-so-scary cut. I trimmed up the body tracing to help make the pattern. When I got too scared, I started working on more Halloween cards.

Speaking of Halloween cards, I'm considering selling some. I think I mentioned that... Well, I'm still considering it. It has been fun, so I will keep you posted. I'll start by posting here and link to FaceBook, I'm sure.

As if I weren't doing enough already, I have been reading Amanda Blake Soule's "Creative Family". Reading about her and the other creative Mamas in Mothering magazine was what gave me the final inspirational push to start a blog of my own. I love the book! I have already been doing some of the things in the book, and that's what I connected with when I read the Mothering article. It was exciting and encouraging to read about someone else doing them. I had plans to do some of the other things (like make cloth blocks) and found simple, easy to follow directions for those ideas. Since my husband is busy building a pirate ship (see pictures above) to play on in the yard, I decided that it was absolutely necessary for me to make Angelo pirate dress up clothes. When I read Amanda's section on dress up, I was excited about my original idea and encouraged to make even more costumes; especially since I loved dress up so much as a kid ... and still do. I also really loved the section talking about making as many gifts for the holidays (and other occasions) as you can and buying handmade when you can't make them all. I've made handmade gifts over the years, but could only do so much. Committing to buy handmade will not only be fun, but more love and artistry goes into each gift, less commercialism, less materialism. I'm glad I've been buying natural toys for Angelo for this reason too. I also love her projects for making reusable cloth banners and party crowns for birthdays. How cool is that! And the ones she made are so cute! How great to put love into something that celebrates your child and also protects the Earth they'll be living on long after we are. And the "bed time bags" that hold pj's and bedtime stories? Adorable and ingenious! I'll be making one for Angelo in the future, I'm sure. Can't wait to see what else is in the book!

Also on the "make things" docket- a bag for Angelo to carry his trains in (he's in that stage where he has to have certain things, usually trains, in his hands most of the time and not being able to hold them all can be frustrating for him), business cards and a new halter, maybe a silk gauze blouse for Shimmy, New dance bra for the performance at Patty's, more Halloween decorations and costume accessories (I've done some fun stuff with antique photos lately), perhaps to sell, a tiara because I think the fairies who put the fairy ring at the entrance of our door may have run off with mine, costumes for FaerieCon ... I guess I start on those holiday gifts mid November. :-) I'll probably be setting up auxiliary work stations around the house so Angelo can be set up with crayons, pencils and paper while I create too. He's liked that a bit more lately. Or Daddy can play pirate with him while I sew, glue, paint, etc.

Beginner Bely Dance Session starting Sept. 8th is full, but sign up for the next one starting immediately after.

the upcoming Beginner Belly Dance session is full, but we've added another session that starts October 20th and runs to November 17th. So sorry if you tried signing up and couldn't get in. There are 22 people in the class right now and that's the max we can fit in that room. Be sure to sign up for the next session soon so you don't miss out.

Upcoming performances and events I'll be at:

Oct. 2nd Arts Walk, Morgantown, WV (performance)

Oct. 3rd Sadiqa hosts student and teacher Belly Dance show at the Union Project, Shimmy 4, Pittsburgh, PA (performance)

Oct. 8-11th TribOriginal Asheville, NC www.Triboriginal.org

Nov. 8th Patty's Art Spot's One Year Anniversary party (performance)

Nov. 14th WVU Belly Dance club hosts workshop with me (probably layers) and hafla with performances that evening

Last Week to Register for Beginner's Belly Dance with Narah!

It's not too late! There is one more week to register for WVU Community
Arts Program classes without a late fee. Registration will continue
through Friday, September 4 in Room 401A of the Creative Arts Center,
Monday-Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:30pm.

Classes are beginning to fill up, so please act fast!

Registrations can be made in person, by mail or by fax (293-7491). You
can pay by check (payable to WVU) or VISA/MC. Students may register for
classes after the official registration period ends, but a $15.00 late
fee will be in effect at that time.

Visit the Community Arts Program website at http://communityarts.wvu.edu. You may also contact the WVU Community Arts
Program Office at (304)293-4841 x3168 or by email at
CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu.

Narah

www.TribalBellyDance.net

www.BellyArtsMama.BlogSpot.com

Mixed Media Mania

Lately I've been working on Halloween cards. (No, it's not too early, especially with the long list of Halloween projects I have lined up. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Halloween. It's always been my favorite holiday. I decorated my birthday cake in 3rd grade with a witch.) They've been really fun and I had to stop myself from making more and more so I can move onto other projects before the big day. I hope to scan most of them and post. We'll see... :)

So, yesterday after my doctor's appointment (blood draw), I stopped by Books a Million to get the latest Cloth Paper Scissors magazine (and some Somerset magazines). OMG! The latest CPS (www.clothpaperscissors.com) may be the closest thing to a perfect magazine I've ever found! I was thinking last night that if it had included belly dance, I may just have to die of happiness. Then I just now was checking out a link that I found in the magazine .... if you all don't hear from me you know what happened. It doesn't directly have belly dance in it, but this is the email I just sent my husband:

"so, I found the perfect magazine that combined mixed media arts with Halloween and now a mixed media arts cruise that goes to Turkey and Greece?!?!!!! Are you kidding me?!f?! It's around the time of Pennsic, and Middle Eastern Dance Camp, but a girl can dream, can't she? Anyway, take a look: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/cruises.php

Love you!

KImberly "

OK, my little one needs my attention, so gotta run. Enjoy!

Veggie Recipes

A few people have asked for some suggestions for recipes, so here are a few things we do around here. They also fulfill gluten-free and anti-inflammatory requirements. We eat organic and all natural most of the time. Tastes better and you feel better. It's more money, but so is poor function/poor health. I'd rather feel good. :)

Breakfast- usually either eggs and fruit or yogurt and fruit (blueberries in yogurt is yummy and easy. no cutting involved.) Sometimes, we'll have gluten free rice cereal, but usually only if we're in a rush.

Lunch- We usually have some combination of the following:
1. leafy green salad with a variety of vegetables, sometimes shredded cheese, chick peas/garbanzo beans or walnuts. Angelo likes a lot of raw veggies, so I'll set them on a plate for him to munch on. He'll even eat the lettuce sometimes. Annie's Naturals makes really yummy dressings. They make a delicious Sesame and shitaki dressing that even converted my salad-fearing husband into a salad eater. They also have a yummy low-fat Ginger vinaigrette and my current favorite is the Goddess dressing (has tahini in it! mmmm... )
2. Hummas (Giant Eagle makes an all natural selection in their deli) and brown rice chips/crackers (can't think of the brand, but Kroger sells the chips and they and Giant Eagle both sell brown rice crackers. the crackers come in plain, chedder and vegetable.) We also like baby carrots, cucumbers, raw bell peppers and celary with hummas.
3. Peanut butter and celery. this one's just for me. haven't given Angelo any peanuts yet.
4. cheese and brown rice crackers or sometimes we eat "Gluteno" crackers, but not too often since the potato starch is inflammatory. But it's such a small amount, I don't worry too much.
5. Today I mixed some almond butter with a little raw honey. Delicious! Just ate it out of a bowl like dessert.
6. Quorn makes some breaded Chicken substitute nuggets (meat and soy free) that are yummy and we used to have more often (though still in moderation). But, now that I'm cutting out more and more gluten, I've not had them in a while.

Dinner is more involved since there's another person here to either cook it or watch Angelo while I cook. Keep in mind that I'm still searching for variety since we are limited by what I can eat, my husband can or will eat and what we can easily serve or modify for a toddler. You may not have all these limitations. I don't follow any written recipes, but have usually gotten my original inspiration from one. Here are some of the things we eat for dinner (amounts are for two adults and a toddler plus sometimes a little left for next day's lunch) (you can add a salad to any of these):

1. Red beans and rice-
1 can red beans, undrained (you can also substitute black beans)
rice (4-6 servings)
1/2 small - medium onion
1/2 each red and green pepper, sometimes orange too
1/2 small spoonful of minced garlic
*dried
*oregano (about 4-5 shakes)
*thymes (about 3 shakes)
*rubbed sage (2-3 shakes)
*1 bay leaf
*cayanne/red pepper (1 1/2 shakes)
*white pepper (dash)
*black pepper
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
optional- Quorn ground meat substitue
(we like spicy/well seasoned food; if you don't or can't eat it, try this with oregano, thyme and sage only.)

pour olive oil into wok or large pan, set heat to medium
after a minute or so, add garlic. Saute for 30 seconds
add chopped onions and saute until clear or nearly so
add chopped bell peppers and saute until almost tender
add meat substitute if you're going to
add beans and seasonings, stir often until meat substitute and beans are heated through

Chick Peas and Quinoa (or could sub brown rice) stir fry
1 can chick peas/garbanzo beans, undrained
1/2 small to medium onion
1 medium tomato
1 medium yellow squash
1 medium zucchini
1/2 small spoonful of minced garlic
*few shakes each of oregano, thyme and black pepper
4 servings of rice/Quinoa

If using Quinoa and it isn't pre-washed, "wash" it. I put it in a bowl, pour enough water to cover plus a little more and then swish around. Hold your hand at the edge of the bowl and gently pour water out through fingers, which catch most of the Quinoa. I don't know if this is how you're "supposed" to do this, but it's what I do and seems to work. If you don't wash it (or get the pre-washed kind) the Quinoa will be overly crunchy. yuck.

pour olive oil into wok or large pan, set heat to medium
after a minute or so, add garlic. Saute for 30 seconds
add chopped onions and saute until clear or nearly so
add sliced squash and zucchini and saute until almost tender
add chopped tomato and stir about 1 minute
add garbanzo beans/chick peas
add seasonings and stir often until all is heated through
serve over Quinoa or rice

Pasta with sauce
Use brown rice pasta (penne gets less mushy) or Ancient Harvest's Quinoa and Corn blend pasta
Choose your favorite pasta sauce (we like Natural Choice, Muier Glens, and Annie's naturals. I have lofty ideas of some day making my own sauce. Until then... )
add garlic, onions, bell peppers, oregano, thyme, rosemary as mentioned above. You can also add Quorn brand ground meat substitute (if you are a family of meat eaters, try this and see if they notice. I'm betting they won't, but I haven't had meat in a really long time.)

or, you can add onion, garlic, spinach (frozen works great and is probably fresher than what you buy in the store) oregano, thyme, rosemary and Quorn brand chick'n (chicken substitute) tenders.

Chinese stir fry
rice
Canola oil
veggies of choice - shredded carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, etc.
onions and garlic as mentioned above
*ginger
Quorn brand chick'n (chicken substitute) tenders.

Saute garlic and veggies as mentioned above, add Quorn chk'n tenders and cook for a while. add plenty of ginger (it is anti-inflammitory!) and a little extra oil if it is dry.

Hummas with pasta
use pasta suggestions above
Pre-made hummas- original or roasted garlic (large tub or two regular tubs)
saute garlic, onions, various veggies (squash, zucchini, bell peppers, shredded carrots all work well)
add cumin, corriander, black pepper, a dash of red pepper, a little salt
add a little water to thin out the hummas sauce

We also occasionally use the Garden of Eatin' taco kits and use the Quorn brand ground meat substitute, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, lettuce

A Taste of India makes some yummy all natural pre-made dinners. Just make rice and pour over the heated sauce and veggies for those lazy nights.

I'm sure there's more, but I gotta run. going to a movie tonight!!!

drink ginger tea

Regstration for Narah's Fall Beginner Belly Dance classes begins Monday

I hope you have had a wonderful summer! The WVU Community Arts Program is gearing up for another great semester of fall classes. Registration will begin this coming Monday, August 17 and run through Friday, September 4 in Room 401A of the Creative Arts Center, Monday-Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:30pm.

*Belly Dance Class description and information below!

°Belly Dancing (ages 13 and up)
Narah, Instructor
Six weeks, September 8-October 13
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00p.m., Rm. 426A at the WVU Creative Arts Center (in a brand new studio with a beautiful view)
Cost: $60.00

Students will learn basic posture and foundational technique of the ancient art of belly dance. Each class begins with a yoga warmup and continues with a fun and thorough break down of basic movements which set the foundation for a beautiful and empowering art form. Narah will often guide students through a series of movements and combinations, keeping the energy up and teaching them how all those basic moves make a dance.Note: No experience necessary, but students with heart conditions or other medical concerns, injuries, joint problems or if pregnant should alert the teacher prior to the beginning of class.

For a complete list of Fall classes, please see attachment, and for further information, including class descriptions, a registration form and a copy of our downloadable brochure, visit our website at http://communityarts.wvu.edu. You may also contact the WVU Community Arts Program Office at (304) 293-4841 x3168 or by email at CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu.

Registrations can be made in person, by mail or by fax (293-7491). You can pay by check (payable to WVU) or VISA/MC. Students may register for classes after the official registration period ends, but a $15.00 late fee will be in effect at that time.

I hope to see you soon! Come explore the arts with us today!

Best wishes,

Jeanne

Jeanne Frieben, Director
WVU Community Arts Program
(304)293-4841 x3185
404A Creative Arts Center, WVU
Morgantown, WV 26506-6111

http://communityarts.wvu.edu

Back home and Recharging

(photo by John Massey/Rufio at Casa Bardicci; left to right- ?, Joanna Abel, Me, Kari Merlina, Bonnie)

Pennsic was really really fun!!!! It always takes a lot of preparation, but I tried to reduce my workload by sewing very little for myself. what I did sew, I didn't even wear, but I'll have it for upcoming performances.

The Folkloric show was fun! Low key - very Folkloric in it's presentation and very refreshing. Doing something a little less formal was great, especially since the show was the same day I arrived. I did my cane dance, which is always a fun prop to work with.

The Unique Combos and Layers class went wonderfully! Thank you, Mishka for drummimg! I'm so happy she's in the area!! Looking forward to future collaborations! (Mishka is Daveed Korup's apprentice and only 40 minutes from Morgantown! How lucky am I? and so is the Morgantown Belly Dance community!!!) Sold some DVD's, got a workshop proposal for Rochester, NY. Very cool! I only allotted an hour for the class and since the class was so big, I had a ton of material "left over", but I expected that. I prefer to have more than enough anyway.

I have to say that the Lowty Totey party at Casa Bardicci and the party at Vlad's on Tuesday night were the highlights of my Pennsic War night-out-dancing experience. At LT, Ocean, Nevik, Donavin, Sedo, Kazuki (Sado and Kazuki had their beautiful daughter there with noise cancelling head phones on- she slept right through it. so cute!) and a bunch of other musicians and drummers played some incredibly amazing music!!! The energy was unbelievable!!! I had so much fun especially interacting with Ocean and Nevik! I thought my voice would be hoarse from all the rock concert screaming I did that night. My throat was kind of sore when I woke up. So worth it! My goal at Pennsic was to _have_fun_ and blow off steam. Mission accomplished. :)

Next year, I'll get to stay longer and since Angelo will be a little older, I hope it won't be so hard chasing him next time. This time, I left Pennsic on Wednesday to do some laundry and head to my parents' on Thursday in enough time to help Mom prepare to bring Dad home on Saturday.

It was a homecoming with mixed emotions. We're all so glad to have him home again, but because the rehab hospital took him as a charity case, he's home about 4 weeks earlier than he normally would be. So, while he's made progress, he's more dependent than he would be should he have gotten that month of intensive therapy. I've shown him how to dress himself (I'm an Occupational Therapist) and set him up with some activities to do, so that will help. There's also the possibility that he'll get some free home health therapy (Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy once a week) and that will help too. It is hard on me and the kids (Angelo and Dana doggie) to be away from home so long, so after 4 days, we came back to recharge. There's no place like home.

My husband, Eric, had the house clean by the time we got back and that was wonderful! Between the "Post-Pennsic glow" and a clean house, I'm inspired! I have been designing Halloween and Faerie Con costumes in my head today. Faerie Con is in Baltimore, MD (only 3.5 hours from here) and a week after my birthday!!! So, Happy Birthday to me- I'm going!!!!

Vote for your favorite Bodacious Belly Dance combo or layer!

I have a list of combos and layers I'm planning on teaching for my Pennsic class on 8/2 at noon: Unique Combos and Layers for Middle Eastern Dance. But I want to know what your favorites have been! If you've taken my Bodacious Belly Dance workshops, please tell me what you found to be the most fun, challenging, unique, or whatever your happiest descriptor is. :) I look forward to hearing your responses! They will help me decide _for_sure_ what I'll teach.

Thanks!!

Narah

Next Beginner's Belly Dance class

People have been asking about when the next beginner's belly dance class will start, so, here's the info:

Belly Dance is such wonderful exercise- especially since it is so fun and stress relieving that it doesn't really seem like exercise, but strengthens the whole body while adding aerobic activity and flexibility. We start each class with a yoga warm up and end with a yoga cool down too.

I'll be starting new Beginner Belly Dance classes September 8th and the 6 week session will run through October 13th. Classes will be held on Tuesday nights 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The class will be through the WVU Community Arts Program. It will be held in room 426A in the WVU Creative Arts Center, a brand new studio with a beautiful view. Cost of the class will be $60. Students register through the WVU Community Arts Program - visit the website at http://communityarts.wvu.edu for class and registration information, including a registration form, policies and teacher bios. Students can register by mail (Community Arts Program/West Virginia University/401A College of Creative Arts/Morgantown WV 26506-6111), fax (293-7491) or in person (room 401 A at the Creative Arts Center).

For registration questions, please email CommunityArts@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-4841 x3168.

I will have another fall/winter session following this one, info TBA. I will have another session through the WVU CAP starting in February (possibly another immediately following that one) and a summer session also through WVU CAP.

For more information on Narah and belly dance, free web videos and costuming patterns (pictures back up soon!), see www.TribalBellyDance.net

Pennsic Planning

I've not kept up here as much lately with the business of the Urban Tribal events and because my Dad had a stroke June 19th and is still in the hospital. Was in ICU about 10 days, then in acute for a week, then to rehab for a week and a half or so, where he made great progress. a couple blood pressure incidents sent him to acute care at St. Mary's hospital. Been back and forth a lot visiting Dad, trying to help Mom(who took the photo I've posted) however I can and then traveling back here for the work week. they are about 3.5 hour south. We're staying positive that Dad will be back in health south rehab hospital soon. Please keep us in your positive thoughts.

Wasn't sure I'd be making it to Pennsic with all that's happened. Though wonderful, the Urban Tribal events were a lot of work and with Dad's situation, I wasn't sure I'd be able to prepare or even be able to be there without worrying too much. But, I'm going for at least a little bit and hoping to see some friends, dance and burn away stress.

I haven't mentioned this here before, but I have an autoimmune thyroid condition which is exacerbated by stress. Doc upped my meds a few days ago, so I'm looking forward to them taking effect and these current symptoms resolving. Also have added Bollywood/Bhangra aerobics to up my metabolism and generally feel good. It isn't easy with these symptoms, but necessary. I'm also reducing and hope to eventually cut out gluten since food sensitivities and allergies are more common with thyroid conditions and Celiac's disease is directly linked with autoimmune disorders and specifically thyroid conditions. I'm also adding evening primrose oil, co Q 10 (an anti-inflammatory) and acidofilous. I'm reading up on more specific foods that are good for and bad for this condition; apparently there's a semi-long list of foods called goitrogens that contribute to the development of goiters-broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, and kamut name a few. so I'll be avoiding those too. Just when you think a healthy vegetarian diet is enough ... ;-P I'm willing to do whatever it takes to improve. For one, who wants to be miserable? and two- I have a two year old boy and a wonderful doggie that depend on me. If I don't function, then they suffer. PLUS, I am married- I'm sure that Husband really prefers the functional me. ;-)

Especially after the Jill Parker immersion in June, I'm especially aware of and grateful for the healing, self-growth benefits of Belly Dance. I knew about and took advantage of them before, but the immersion with Jill *Belly Dance Goddess* Parker hit on a very deep level for me. I know the other wonderful ladies who joined me in this experience would agree that it was for them too. I am grateful to all who were there and contributed to the energy boost I got from the 4 amazing days in Marta's D.C. home!

I already had some things set up at Pennsic and am looking forward to the fun!

Will perform in the Folkloric show Sat. Aug. 1st, which starts at 7:00 pm in the Middle Eastern tent (and _maybe the ME Dance Expo- starts at 1:00 pm in the performing arts pav) and teach Unique Combos and Layers for ME Dance Sun. Aug. 2nd at noon in the ME tent at Pennsic! Hope to see you there! Come say hello! :)