Sunday, April 18, 2010

Now, that was fun!!!



So, here it is! The mystery project I was working on to wear at the WVU Belly Dance Hafla last night!  I can't really convey how happy it made me to make this, but it's good stuff to feel that way! :) I would like to make more... we'll see with my current priorities on the to-do list. One is something for Blackstone Raid and the next is a wheel chair bag for my Dad (well, it's really for my Mom too, since she'll be the one putting stuff in it.)  This necklace was part of my "recycling project" for Earth Day.  I used a string from a choli that used to be a sari.  I think I already said that in the last post.  *shrug* Anyway, the base of the pendant is a scrap of raw silk and the collage is under a piece of mica.  I LOVE this quote.  I really like Martha Graham quotes.  She really seems a soulful dancer from reading them.  Bellydance is one of those things that is part of me- all of me- so stirring quotes like this one really resonate with me.

So, the performance last night was really really fun!  I was extra nervous because I was performing a choreography with my students first and my head has been in such a weird space this week that I was worried I'd mess up and throw them all off.  It was the first time they performed this choreography and one student's first bellydance performance ever! So, I was also more nervous because they were nervous.  My palms were sweaty, my belly did flip flops- even after all the Hyland's Nerve Tonic.  Good thing I took it though, because it really takes the edge off. 

Despite the nerves, I had SO MUCH FUN!!!  When I was turning, everyone seemed to be turning in the right place, and no one fell (not that I expected them to, but that's a hallmark of a good performance.  :)  Then they were there on the side while I did my solo numbers and it was extra fun interacting with them. Can't wait to see the video!  It really is a treat to be there when students have their first or 100th performance!  I am blessed and also reminded of the transient nature of things since 2 of these students are graduating and moving fairly soon (though I definitely get to "keep" one through August- yay!)  Another is moving in about a week!! It really makes me think about the impermanence of Morgantown, especially.  So many people are either going to the University or are employed through grant based employers that they come, stay a while and then go.  This time, it is a bit more sad for me, especially since Angelo's best little tot friend goes with one of my moving students.  Another set of my and Angelo's friends will be moving in the next year and a half and last year about this time, the same thing happened.  Both of these sets of friends came to Morgantown for the university.  We're about to put down even deeper roots here.  We've loved living here the last (almost) 8 years- it's really a great fit overall for us here-  but this part, especially as Angelo is getting older and more social, is hard for me. 

So, that made going out to eat with some students (3 performers and one who thankfully is sticking around as far as I know) after the Hafla extra special. Special in a "hey that's great- I didn't plan on it and got some extra time" kind of way; In a bonding, not-so-every-day-but-casual-and-spontaneous way.   It's good- made me extra happy. :)

In Angelo news- he said he wanted to "go to his new house".  Umm... we are looking at new houses, but haven't talked much to him about how we were getting a new house.  They are such little sponges, especially this observant little guy, that it is very possible that it only took me telling him once that we would be living in a new house and then all our other talk about getting the house ready to sell, etc. gave him the clues he needed to know he was getting a new house.  (We will still be in Morgantown, just in another area of town.)  This seemed to be fairly out of the blue, though and it makes me think that he picked it out of one of our heads.  He's done that a lot. A whole lot- repeats verbatim what I've ONLY said in my head the moment before.  Again, this little guy just amazes me. Whether he was using a natural gift of intelligence or mind reading powers, he blows me away all the time.  It is such a gift to be a Mother and see the world through his eyes and see him grow.  

I'm thinking of changing blogs.  There may be some more research I need to do to make this blog do what I want it to or to be more usefully laid out, but because it isn't totally obvious and I'm a Mom of a 3 year old, a professional bellydance career woman, etc., I just don't quite have the patience to figure all that out.  If it isn't obvious now, I don't know that I'm interested in seeking out any more here.  Typepad seems so nicely laid out and since most people have the same useful categories, I'm thinking that they may be more user friendly.  I'm thinking of a name change for the blog too.  Belly Arts Mama sums it up nicely, but may be a little long.  Anyone have suggestions?  





Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tuesday, Funky Tuesday

First, some Angelo cuteness to report- he waved good night to the monsters in the closet last night! :) In other Toddler wackiness- he figured out how to climb the shelves in the refrigerator to get into the freezer for leftover birthday cake!! He was still balancing the cake with one hand when he brought it to us to get him some cake!!! I am amazed and scared at the same time about this new feat.

Funky weather today- not terribly dark, but rainy and a lot of barometric pressure. It make me brain wobble! Weather, high pollen count, etc. have been contributing to general weirdness in classes the last two weeks, at least it is definitely true on my end and we had a concensus in the continuing class last week. Hopefully my new music will help shake us out of it- pun not intended, but appreciated. ;-)

going to practice my set for the WVU Hafla after class in E. Moore Hall tonight since the contractors are working inside today. Will give me a chance to really swing the cane without worrying about hitting my children!!

I've started my art project for the Somerset Studio Halloween challenge. It is going just fine and not much left to do. Feels strange. I'm sure I'll find more to add. I'm liking it a lot so far and have picked out some more vintage Halloween images to make more "stuff" with. Wouldn't it be cool if I got all manic and finished them all tonight! :) The second two would be simple also... Spring has given me a lot more creative energy and motivation, can you tell? I always have plenty of ideas, but am distracted by things like laundry and cooking and organizing belly dance events. Right now, I'm just super motivated to MAKE STUFF! :-) I seem to always want to make stuff, but it seems more of a need right now.

Time to get ready for nap time!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Feeling Wonderful :)

Yesterday, I got lots of art time. More than I normally get at one time. I even started with a trip to the book store and Michael's just to get out of the house. I spent all this art time on one project. One glorious project that I'm so excited about I want to dance. (and I did this morning, but more on that in a minute.) I haven't taken pictures of it because I'm going to be _wearing_ it this weekend at the WVU Spring Hafla. We are celebrating Earth Day by wearing costume pieces made from recycled or re-used materials. I've already deconstructed a skirt I wore in High School and made it into a panel skirt and this mystery project that I made yesterday includes a hand-rolled string/tie from a choli, which used to be a sari. :) I also used some fabric from this choli in a fabric collage last week. It's better that way and I don't have to worry about what to do with it. Beautiful fabric, just not on me. So, this mystery project is a mixed media piece. If you'd like to see it in person, come to the WVU Hafla on Saturday! Show starts at 7:30pm and you get to see bellydancing!!

I also scanned and submitted my Halloween projects to Cloth Paper Scissors last night- ok, technically very early this morning. I'm feeling brave and will be thrilled if they publish my pieces (and mildly crushed if they don't, but let's not focus on that). If Somerset Studio will accept my digital submission of a piece, I think I'll try to get something together to meet their April 15th deadline. Just saw that this morning. :( But, they are calling for something "timeless and elegant" in the vintage Halloween genre. That sounds like less time adding creepy layers to me. Maybe something small like a card...

Then, this morning, I had such a great practice with my little one running around! I didn't pressure myself to have the world's most efficient warm up and then Angelo was excited and dancing with me rather than wanting me to hold him while I danced. I think it's a great sign that he enjoyed the songs so much! :) Hope you can make it to enjoy them with me this weekend at the WVU Hafla! (I'm also teaching a props workshop during the day- veil, cane and basket. So fun!! I've extended the early discount pricing for a couple days, so you can get to the pay pal button here.

Hope you are feeling wonderful too! :)

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Art Projects -catch up post

If I list all the reasons I've not been keeping up with posting about my art projects, I probably won't be able to complete this post. :) So, in between re-filling the bubble solution, I'll post links to pics I've uploaded to FaceBook. The descriptions will be with the pictures.

Here are my mobile uploads, which contain collages, boxes and some things I made for Angelo's Easter Basket.

Here is an album I started called "stuff I've made". I've excluded a few cards because I'd like to make some prints available. I haven't taken pictures of any belly dancing costumes; I suppose because that's such an ordinary part of my life that I haven't considered sharing them as "art work". But, you'll see those in my performance pictures or maybe I'll add them later.

Please respect my rights as an artist and do not use the pictures or designs without permission. Art work is automatically copyrighted by the original artist. Thank you! :)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Morgantown Belly Dance workshops!! Narah, Jill Parker and Jane Archer!!!

*Props Workshop! April 17th ~ 11:00am-3:00pm

Narah teaches a Props workshop at the WVU Rec Center! Narah will teach you exciting movements and concepts for incorporating the mysterious veil, the celebratory basket and the joyful cane into your Belly dance repertoire! Props add interest, excitement and variety to any belly dance set!! Some extra props will be provided, but please bring any that you have. This workshop will be accessible to and enjoyable for dancers of all levels!

Workshop Price: $35.00 + $1.26 Credit Card/Paypal Processing fee (Price increases to $45.00 after April 10th) Pay Pal button up at www.TribalBellydance.net/workshops No Refunds unless the event is cancelled.

To pay by check or money order. Send $35.00 to: Kimberly Minardi Attn: Props Workshop 1008 Summers School Road Morgantown, WV 26508. Please include phone number and/or eMail address on check.

Credit Cards also accepted over the phone.Call Eric at (304) 549-62149am - 9pm eastern standard time.

*WVU Spring Hafla - April 17th7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The Hafla will be in the Falbo Theater in the CAC at 7:30pm - $5 admission This Hafla celebrates Earth Day! We will present an Earthy dance form and some dancers will even sport recycled costumes! All proceeds go to the Sierra Club.

*Jill Parker Workshops and show June 12th and 13th

Jill Parker!!! of the Foxglove Sweethearts here in Morgantown!!! If you are a Tribal Fusion dancer, you must take from Jill Parker. Period. Do not miss the opportunity to learn from the Mama of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance- a Belly Dance Goddess!!!

Jill Parker, Mamma of the modern tribal fusion bellydance movement is an award winning teacher/choreographer, founder of Ultra Gypsy Dance Theater, and director of the Foxglove Sweethearts. She's an original member of Fat Chance Belly Dance, and with over two decades of experience, has trained the top bellydancers in the genre. Jill's big heart and deep love for this intoxicating form shine through in her classes and performances. She's an exceptional teacher with a knack for demystifying this sensuous dance, making it accessible to new dancers while offering insight for refinement and subtlety to the most advanced dancers.Come learn this sensuous movement in a fun, positive and healthy learning environment. Reap the many benefits of bellydance; creative self expression, encouragement, discipline, focus, longevity, low impact exercise, cardiovascular training, yoga, conditioning, stress relief, self esteem, community and Joy!

Workshop #1 - June 12th Jill's Drills, Layers & Juicy Combos Workshop

In this workshop Jill offers insight into her trend setting approach to Bellydance through the use of energetic technique drills and stylish combinations designed to support your performative skills. Class will begin with yoga and conditioning designed for you to bring into your own practice, safely building muscle awareness, isolation, flexibility, grace and postural alignment, ever important elements for a stunning performance. You’re sure to find Jill's workshop environment challenging, focused, encouraging and most of all FUN! In addition, Jill will also discuss the intriguing concept of sensuality in belly dance

Price: $60.00 + $1.85 Credit Card/Paypal Processing fee (Price increases to $75.00 after May 15th) Pay Pal button up at www.TribalBellydance.net/workshops

To pay by check or money order, send $60.00 to: Kimberly Minardi Attn: Jill Parker Workshop #1 1008 Summers School Road Morgantown, WV 26508 Please include phone number and/or eMail address on check

Credit Cards also accepted over the phone. Call Eric at (304) 549-62149am - 9pm eastern standard time

No Refunds unless the event is cancelled.

Evening Show - June 12th Show

Evening show featuring Jill Parker of the Foxglove Sweethearts, Narah, and many other talented performers from the local, regional communities and along the east coast!!!

Price: $15.00 + $0.70 Credit Card/Paypal Processing fee (Price increases to $20.00 after May 15th) Pay Pal button up at www.TribalBellydance.net/workshops

To pay by check or money order. Send $15.00 to: Kimberly Minardi Attn: Jill Parker Evening Show 1008 Summers School Road Morgantown, WV 26508Please include phone number and/or eMail address on check.

Credit Cards also accepted over the phone.Call Eric at (304) 549-62149am - 9pm eastern standard time

No Refunds unless the event is cancelled.

Workshop #2 - June 13thOoey Gooey Slow & SlinkyWorkshop

In addition to Jill's unparalleled mentoring skills, she's famous for her super stylized, slinky, sensuous, muscular movements. In this workshop Jill coaches you through drills, adding technical insights, answering questions and proving you with tools for unlocking even the most difficult concepts. Bring your slow movements to deeper, more fluid, juicier, graceful, soulful level. You'll find Jill's workshop environment challenging, focused, encouraging and most of all FUN! Today’s topic of discussion will be “Creating Your Own Style”.

Price: $60.00 + $1.85 Credit Card/Paypal Processing fee (Price increases to $75.00 after May 15th) Pay Pal button up at www.TribalBellydance.net/workshops

To pay by check or money order. Send $60.00 to: Kimberly Minardi Attn: Jill Parker Workshop #2 1008 Summers School Road Morgantown, WV 26508 Please include phone number and/or eMail address on check.

Credit Cards also accepted over the phone. Call Eric at (304) 549-62149am - 9pm eastern standard time.

No Refunds unless the event is cancelled.

For More info on Jill : www.jillparkerbellydance.com

*Jane Archer Sept. 11, 2010 Belly Dancing since 1985, with extensive training in Cabaret and Tribal Styles, developed Neo-Tribal Belly Dance in 1996!! She was first runner up in the Tribal Fusion category in the Belly dancer of the Universe contest!!! She will be here in Morgantown to teach "How to put together a kick ass Choreography" and "Neo-Tribal Combinations". Join us for an amazing time with this creative, warm and open instructor!! Show that evening!!! Save the Date! For more info on Jane: www.euphoriastudio.net/founder.htm Further details TBA*