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! :)

Urban Tribal Dance Company workshop and show this Saturday! Beginners to professionals welcome!!!

I have had people ask whether beginners should attend the workshop on Saturday, July 11th with Heather Stants. Yes, they should! Heather is an incredible instructor who can make her material accessible to many levels of dancers. The opportunity to take from Heather Stants in your own backyard is priceless! Do not pass it up! You will learn, and as you continue taking weekly classes, the material will continue making more and more sense. See you there! :)

www.tribalbellydance.net/workshops

Urban Tribal Dance Company in Morgantown, WV this weekend!!! Please pass on this amazing opportunity to friends!

workshop registration begins July 11th at 9:30. workshop times: 10:00am-12:00pm. lunch noon to 1:30 workshop 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Doors open for Hips Around the World show at 7:30, headlined by San Diego's Urban Tribal Dance Company (www.urbantribaldance.com www.youtube.com/urbantribal ) and featuring hip dances (belly dance, polynesian dance, Flamenco, Bollywood and more!) from traditional to modern that span the globe!

show begins at 8:00pm. there are still spots left- buy your workshop and show spaces now! Get them while they last!

www.tribalbellydance.net/workshops (workshop)

www.shop.mtpocketstheatre.com (show)