Back To Judging 2nd MODF Belly Dance Competition

Just in time for all of the “2nd Malaysian Open Dance Fest” news. The Dance Fest, organinesed by the International Dance Organization Malaysia (IDOM) was held at Olympic Council of  Malaysia Sport Complex in Kuala Lumpur on 28th August 2010. I was honored to be back to be  one of  the  adjudicator  for belly dancing again. Unexpected, the turnouts this year are “overwhelming”. The belly dance contestants  in 2010 are much higher than what I have seen so far. It was a huge success for MODF.

The Belly dance categories competition were : Individual Junior under 12, Individual Novice, Intermediate and Advance (Live music). The organiser segregated the competition into different age groups. I was happy with the ‘need’ to segregate the competition because it is all about the energy and presentation. There were Novice (Open), Crystal (age 30-44 years old), and Diamond (age 45 and above) in all categories. Additionally, I believe it’s important to give Diammond women the opportunity to dance. It is glad to see women have a platform to demonstrate their dance creativity. It is not about how good they are, but the things they’ve done to get this far. At least they are out there having fun, and I am happy to see that. So women at all age, keep dancing!

The troupe belly dance - I felt each of troupe competition Rocks! They really hone and express their creativity, master their teamwork skills and self-confidence, the competition is better and bigger than ever! Love it!!! But too bad, the IDOM only want us to select 3 teams. In the end, there were 4 teams in the finalist because 2 teams were placed with the same score. It’s cool!! 

My eyes get blurry at the end of the day. I have seen a few potential participants who can definitely win. When the results announced, I actually was shocked at those were good [being in that position]. I think, for the most part, judges try to be fair. I have nothing to base this on besides my belief that people try to do the right thing. 

My whole experience is, seeing the kids, girls and women work so hard and put all of their effort into this, really touches my heart. There were many students dancing to Jillina choreography too. Most of them were from the same studio/teacher, they were like one big party, Sorry to say, I felt it’s a shame the students just do Jillina's choreography. Some are not having a good techniques... I felt hard to select the best one actually. “A good judge is upbeat and appreciative of the efforts of every body”, no matter what the skill level. Sigh…not to blame, there is no regulation or any guidelines set up for participation. I do hope the IDOM members workout the guidelines in the future to upgrade the standard of dance. 

Group Photo of  2nd MODF Adjudicators

 2nd MODF - Belly Dance Adjudicators

I hope everyone are happy with the results! My students joined the competition. Although I was one  of  the  5 judges, but not all of my students win! We won the 1st runner up in Individual Novice (Open) and 2nd Runner Up Individual Junior Under 12. How I wish the rest could made it to the finalist because they really work hard for this competition. And compare to others, I have no doubt about their techniques and how  my choreography steps are executed. But it’s ok, winning or losing isn’t important, the act of getting on the dance floor itself makes my student a winner. I’m so happy about is that my student actually has her personality. She’s coming out [of her shell] and I think she’s becoming really proud of herself. 

And we always had a great time while practice, we have had a fun dancing/travel together, experience, good memories and our relationship get closer!

Photos uploaded on Facebook.

Good times and old memories

Last night, I went to supper with my students and had a great time.

Everyday step out at 5:00 to go teach a couple of belly dance classes. I got home at 10:00 and settled into some late night dining. I am sure, since I started teaching, most of my best friends are students, loves them! Although exhausted by my classes sometime, but I always uplifted by the smile on my students faces and started to understand the rewards of  my dance teaching. 

I saw an old video I haven't seen in a long time and it brought back so many old memories!! Been missing a lot of good times and old memories with some old friends. Arghh… cant remember when was the last time I had a night out with my friends? The good old days, I get the more I treasure a night filled with, laughter, acting like a complete fool, good food and the company of good friends,  the music, the sights, the sounds of a place that we can never journey back to.

 

Whatever it is,   I never  forget the word of advice that was given to me,  never forget  the people who open up there world, open up doors to help me get to who I am  today!

I appreciate the comments of  my dance video I posted on Facebook. Let's see what crafty words they can come up with for today's video. 

 

Click here : http://www.facebook.com/annie.arbq#!/annie.arbq

Count Down To 2nd Malaysian Open Dance Fest 2010

Then again, this week has been rather crazy (this is true for competition month).

As a teacher, from the day I choreographed the dance for my students, they practiced, I videoed, refined it, and I listened to every nuance of the music, every dum and tek, work on the technique and focus, then practiced some more….. I know their legs hurt and exhausted! So sorry to push you guys so hard, I must say I need to show my very best to raise the standard belly dancing worldwide! It will help you improve your dancing and raise your profile like nothing else.

My students and their families are excited to go to Malaysian Open Dance Fest (MODF) on 28 August!! My three little belly kids will be competing again after a break! I love their new costume designs! Wow… I called up the organiser about the registration, I was told the response is great. Thumps up for a very organized approach to preparing for a comp...

Now, before I continue with this post, I'd like to mention two things :

To me dancing is a physical response to the music. If you’re not responding to the music, what in the bejeesus are you doing out there? I will tell you what – exercising/shaking. And watching someone else exercise/shaking isn’t inspiring to me. I have to say, I am a little tired of people not listening at all to the music. A very important part of that substance is working with the music, not a tricks/flash. Come on! You are in a finals and you are creative souls and it is up to you to make something awesome out of that music. So, hmmm….. I want to see the belly dance art - at least dance it in Rhythm! Sorry to be so forward.

Do I get to see you on the floor soon?? Best of luck to you all!

I Appreciated ...

First of all, I'm kind of amazed and shocked at comments I did receive on my last post. I really appreciated her/his words. In fact, I gained far more than I had expected from the experience. My focus preparation of dance meant I did better than I have did before.

On Wednesday, for the 1st time, I felt softness breath and I look pale after the first dance routine, I managed to sit down before I collapse. So all classes were canceled that night. I went to clinic and did my X-ray on the next day. It was because I have been coughing so much….

I appreciate the phone call from my students who concerned about my health. I am so much better now and will be back to studio on Monday!

Our Belly Dance Competition Results

Congratulations to all of our students who competed at The 2nd Malaysia And South Thailand Dancesport Championship 2010 competition. You were just fabulous on dance floor!  I am so proud of how hard you worked the entire months to practice. WAY TO GO! 

Our competition results : 

Under 12 drum solo – 2^nd runner up

Beginner open – 4^th placing (no photo)

Advance – 4^th placing  

I think I was the busiest person during that event, walked here and there to take  the video. And am sitting here to review the video over and over, to see my students mistake from one to another and pinpoint who just nailed the performance……Again, I want to say, win or not win doesn't matter, important thing is my student learn from  the  Mistake (and me too)!!  Photos & video will be upload later! 

Thank you to all of our families, friends, volunteers and supporters who were there  with us, we had a wonderful time!!!

Bored With Music

I was full of energy and having a great time with three little kids and have a marvelous time practice yesterday. Yay! The three little kids are ready for the competition. I asked them what is your goal in this competition. One of them said this : “Teacher, my goal is to be in the top ten so that I can at least be seen by the judges. Once  I enter in a competition, I can't stop thinking about it until I win it. I am just way too competitive and I refuse to lose”.  My 8 years old student said to learn the experience in learning! Wow…. I am proud of her confidence to challenge herself !! 

As a former dance teacher and choreographer, I am addicted to choreography and the more I have choreographed, the more I learned! But now, I am bored with my old favorites belly dance music - ‘Ya Salem Al  Baledi’. This is the 4^th time I creating  the choreograph for ‘Ya Salem Al  Baledi’. Listen to the music, choreograph dances in my head,  there is also much effort was put in the background to make the dance look as good as it does.  I believe I am very generous in my teaching, trying always to give all that I know. I experiment all the time and get a great deal of satisfaction when my students are able to learn from me. This is one of the most important reasons that drives me to teach.

For some,  winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.  Then for others, winning is perhaps at best a desire but definitely not the main objective of competition. Again for this competition, I have seen the list of  all contestants. And I think other people also seen it too! It’s not surprise! My three little kids are going to challenge it. It is always an exciting experience to watch. Anyway, the bottom line is we are tuning in to see the DANCES. Not the judges, not political issues!

The Under 12 category competition was filled with almost 20 contestants!  Good luck to all category Under 12 dancing kids (I know how hard you have all been working).  Go and Rock the dance floor!!!

A Quick Round Up!!

What a busy month in August – We almost always had something on the go, and it was really exhausting. In a good way! Tomorrow is 1st day of ‘Awal Rahmadhan’, it is also a public holiday for Kedah. So no class for intermediate level students as we will have a whole day practice class. I will back to see you on Monday and shimmy on now!

The private and rehearsal class will be start at 2.30pm to 6.30pm tomorrow at Music System studio. Dress up for tomorrow please, we will take photos/videos during the class. 

Calling all my dancers, we have a bunch of new dance choreographies class, starting in September and October! Please do let me know if you want to join for the next performance class, so don't miss it! 

For now I’m going to rest up and let the batteries recharge. See you there!

Belly Dancing to Live Music Workshop

This is my first time attended the Tempo Advance workshop on 8th August – Dancing to the live music - Tabla and Flute!!!

I signed up in the afternoon workshop about a week a go! Huh…..The experience of live music is ‘hard’! The workshop only two hours long. 10 of us joined in this session and I heard some are joining in the evening workshop. In the workshop, the Iranian musician first explained a little main instruments history & the Arab rhythmic he is gonna to play! We were told everybody have to dance. We have to make up dances and get others participants  to see and comment. We will not sure what is  going to turn into something when we dance to it. Everything we  do is experimental … that’s what it should be!  

The demonstration dancer for this workshop was Nanccy’s daughter - Mandana, a well known belly dancer and almost work 3 nights a week belly dancing in the restaurant. The musician played his instruments and  Mandana demonstrated a section of her dance movements/steps. Each pose or step answers accurately to the phrases of music.

I have to say it is quite different from any other workshop. Though the Tabla session - my dancing was mostly hip drops, Arabic shimmy, double step, turn, shimmy & etc and funny faces as the music would changed in for a few seconds and disappear again ;P!!  I don't feel too bad about it, when I hear the version play differ slightly, it is up to me  to listen attentively for changes. (Thankfully, this was one of a great tips from Nanccy before we started the dance)!  I know the rhythm I can dance to it, but I was  too concentrated to the handsome musician all the time, my back was facing to the audience when I danced…

Well, belly dancing to live music workshop  is not always available! I have not much information to share as I am unqualified to write about the musical  instruments. But for someone  who is good with the musical skill, the workshop  would definitely easy for them! The most important thing I learn  is listen to the music and let the music dance me! It is also important for belly dancer to know the music specific themes such as maksoum, baladi, saidi and so on if you want to dance the live music.  

Practice ‘Ugh!’

I woke up today feeling much better. I’ve had a sore throat for a few days, but it’s better now, and it doesn’t hurt anymore. I just have a bit of a dry cough. It was about 8am when I got out of bed.

What a busy day, back to class this morning. The studio were occupied with the activities! I saw the ballroom dancers effort practicing the transitions into and out of difficult turns, leaps and tricks in the sequences. Huh….everyone wants to do difficult choreography. More challenging steps for their dance competition routines. they can hardly breathe after the first two sections, pity them, but that's life!

The kids drum solo piece are going smoothly, and I'm really enjoying it. They have to keep moving for few hours. It is so full on, they will be so fit by the end of this season. So I'm glad that they enjoy at least my choreography. I've told them we will rehearse on next Tuesday because they bodies need a break.

Yay! I got a lot of positive feedback from teachers and peers. Apparently, I've become a really strong dancer and I'm really happy to hear that. It's nice to know that people have noticed that I've improved. Hmmm…after several more years, I finally found the answer!! I feel good at the moment, especially with this week. Anyway, belly dance is not something that we can do overnight to a variety of belly dance music, it is time/energy investment to learn the art! God will guide me in time. For now, I know He wants me to keep pushing and work as hard as I can. And I will do it.

I am going to the musicians on the tabla and flute workshop on Sunday, looking forward to learn how to dance interactively to live music.

Life is hard when my legs don’t work

This is a busy BLOG this week.  I am busy working on a few new projects as well as performing so it's turning out to be an extremely busy and hectic  -  which is GREAT! I love to keep busy and not one to sit around waiting for the phone to ring.   

Met one of my friend B, we talked over the phone  for more than an hour. We finally agreed to meet at a restaurant near my working place. B had spooked me some new plans.  He had relationships with the great Federal Government.  He just sat in his seat and  filtered out saying over and over, but me at one point is not going to look for a job elsewhere, and not going to involve anything to do with politics & government  issues!  

There are just so many things to do, and really not enough time. Sometimes I really hate it, but I do appreciate the fact that I always have something to do. Well, here's a quick update :

My plans back to Egypt are under way. I have many master workshop line up to host!  I've reply e-mails to all the companies that I plan to host for. Much harder than it sounds though….Oh, I  have to extremely careful with my pocket (money).

I sat for my private Yoga course. I've been working on it since June.  It's taken up a lot of my time and has caused me a lot of stress. However, all the hard work has paid off and my dance technique has improved noticeably. Now I just have to wait few more weeks  before I get my results. I'm not too bothered if I don't get a high mark, because the main thing is that I have gotten better.

The 1^st belly dance competition is on 14 August 2010 at Sekolah Menengah Keat Hwa (Private) Alor Setar, Kedah. For this competition, I've been working  on  a few different  piece  of choreographies  for the same music.  Saying that, I had actually spent much time to ‘think harder to find a character’ to suit the students. I don't drive myself crazy with the steps  or over use the steps or props to attract the  judges/audience.  Honestly, I am really  serious about dancing and art!  I am not saying that I'm perfect choreographer, but it has been such a good experience to challenge my  choreographies! Anyway, the contesters  will only get 3 minutes to show what you can do, the  important it is to 'feel' the music! Also,  it’s  time  to see what people react to it and see how the judges’ scores and comments (But sadly, in all belly dance  competition we participated, we never have a chance to read the judges  scores and comments)  

Our rehearsal class start this week, class will be full on.  Every time I finish something, something else pops up and I find myself being constantly tired. For me, life is hard when my legs don’t work, and my eyes are failing. Hehe…. God has blessed me with a talent and I am making full use of it.